ECCSL launches a productivity improvement and cost reduction programme for the SME apparel sector (Updated 26/11/2005)

SME apparel project progresses to phase III (Updated 01/02/2006)

ECCSL launches a productivity improvement and cost reduction programme for the SME apparel sector (Updated 26/11/2005)

The ECCSL organized a Briefing Meeting for prospective companies who submitted applications for the SME productivity improvement and cost reduction programme on 28 October 2005 at the Hilton Colombo Residence.

Project Manager, Mr Bo Lindberg, welcomed the participants and gave a brief outlining of the Project. This was followed by Mr Roshan Lyman , Attaché – Trade & Economic Cooperation to the Delegation of the European Commission to Sri Lanka , addressing the gathering on the role of the European Commission and the Asia-Invest Programme.

The main focus of the evening was on the detailed presentation on the project made by the lead Consultant, Mr. Derek Young.

Representatives from applicant organizations were given an opportunity to have one-to-one meetings with the resource personnel: Mr. Derek Young, Mr. Keerthi Abeywickrama and Mr. Amal Fernando . The main aim of this exercise was to gather more information on the applicants’ organizations, their production systems and to assess their objectives in participating at this programme.

SME apparel project progresses to phase III

The workshop phase of the apparel project commenced on 12 th January 2006 at the Trans Asia Hotel. Having selected the 30 participating companies as a result of the “Benchmarking Phase” invitations for the “Workshop Phase” were extended to two representatives of each company.

Mr Bo Lindberg, Project Manager, welcomed the participants. Mr Lindberg stressed the importance of attending all 6 Workshops because they would help in the drawing up of the individual action plans to be discussed at the 6 th Workshop in late March 2006. He also made reference to the “5 Champion Companies” saying that their Company profile and improvement results would be highlighted in the European Chamber Newsletter.

ECCSL invited selected “observers” – Mr. D.P. Gunawardena (Director – Clothing Industry Training Institute), Dr. Nihal Wanigatunge (Head of Dept. – Dept. of Textile & Clothing Technology – University of Moratuwa ), and Mr. Janaka Perera – CEO – Productivity Improvement Programme – JAAF, who represented Mr Mahesh Amalean. All three gentlemen gave background information about what their respective organizations offered to the Clothing Industry in Sri Lanka .