Sri Ramco Lanka awarded new ISO certification

Thursday, 15 November 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Rashika Fazali

Sri Ramco Lanka Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of US$ 1000 million Indian company Ramco Group, despite a 30-40% drop in their sales from June to October, remained positive as they unveiled their new logo, a new Brand Ambassador and to top it all off, also received an ISO certification.

“We have been awarded the ISO 9001:2008 certificate, and in addition, we unveil our new identity, whilst signing on legendary musician Sunil Perera of the Gypsies,” stated Sri Ramco Lanka Director Prem G. Shanker.

Elaborating on the new changes at a media conference held at Cinnamon Lakeside yesterday, Shanker said, “We have taken a lot of steps to improve the quality at Ramco. We have a new brand now that will give superior value to our customers.”

Speaking on their new logo, Sri Ramco Lanka Marketing Vice President Tyron Rudolph said, “Sri Lanka is now back on track after the economic revival and we thought it was time we revealed our new identity.”

The ISO 9001:2008 certification was handed over to Shanker by Sri Lanka Standards Institution CEO and Director General Lalith N. Senaweera. Speaking at the conference he asserted, “Sri Ramco Lanka has gained recognition and they are working according to the national standards.” The company has also been credited with the ISO Quality Systems Certificate, ISO 1400/EN 14001 by RWTUV System GMBH, Germany.

Amongst these changes and additions, Shanker also stated that within a period of six months, many other changes also took place in 2012. He added that Sri Ramco Lanka built its second plant – a state-of-the-art plant with a capacity of 140,000 metric tons which is situated at Mathugama in the Kalutara district. “We invested Rs. 1.1 billion in setting up the Mathugama Industrial Park,” stated Shanker.

With two plants – the other located at Makandura – the annual capacity of both plants now adds up to 240,000 metric tons. Their other addition is the installation of information technology based systems and applications that have been installed to strengthen the communication bonds within the Ramco family.

Rudolph also stated the reasons behind the drastic drop in sales: “Banks now do not give much loans like they did before. The cost of building materials is going up and what’s more, the economy also affected our sales.” However, he added that last year, the company had a turnover of Rs. 3.1 billion.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara