Fully-fledged Micro manufacturing, assembling plant in Hambantota

Thursday, 18 April 2013 00:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Micro Cars, is taking another significant step to develop the local automobile industry by signing with the Board of Investment to set up a fully-fledged vehicle manufacturing/assembling facility in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Mirijjawila, Hambantota,

This venture will cater to the increasing demand for ‘Micro’ branded vehicles locally as well as internationally. The total project is expected to be completed by 2016 and set to be the second vehicle manufacturing/assembling facility setup in Sri Lanka by Micro Cars, with the first being located in BOI Polgahawela EPZ.

“The new manufacturing facility at Hambantota will comprise of automated production/assembly lines, focusing on the production/assembly of a range of vehicles catering to most of the segments of automobile trade with an estimated total investment of US$ 20 million,” Micro Holdings Chairman/CEO Dr. Lawrence Perera said.

Operating under the umbrella of Micro Holdings, this new venture will be named Micro Cars International Consortium (Private) Limited. In addition to the manufacturing and assembly lines, the state of the art facility will feature a research and development unit, a test and racing track and a vocational training centre offering a degree program in automobile engineering affiliated to a prestigious International Educational Institution.

The facility is expected to generate over 600 direct employment opportunities for the youth in Southern Sri Lanka. Similarly many indirect employment opportunities will be generated through OEM parts/component manufactures supplying locally manufactured parts and providing services to the production/assembling processes. Moreover, the use of local components will result in a substantial saving of foreign exchange for the country whilst simultaneously earning from its exports.

The BOI said that promoting President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s vision of taking new technology and skills to the villages, Micro will continue to spearhead the training their workforce in the art of manufacturing, assembling and servicing of all types of automobiles.

Micro Cars is a pioneer in the Sri Lankan automobile industry for designing, manufacturing and assembling automobiles, whilst catering to the rapidly growing local market and significantly expanding its presence and recognition internationally during the last decade.