German entrepreneur mulls more investment in Sri Lanka

Thursday, 3 October 2013 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kramski Lanka’s new factory building now open By G. Sajeewani German entrepreneur Wiestaw Kramski is considering more investments in Sri Lanka, following the successful completion of two decades in operations as well as the company’s latest expansion. Kramski Lanka Ltd., the BOI-approved premier German business venture in the Katunayake Export Processing Zone, celebrated 20 years of operations in Sri Lanka with the commissioning of a Rs. 300 million production facility. To date Kramski has invested over $ 13 million in Sri Lanka. A subsidiary of Kramski GmbH, one of the premier names in the global tools manufacturing sector with headquarters in Piorzheim, Germany, Kramski Lanka was founded in 1993 to produce high precision components for stamping dies and moulds for the European market. Since 1999, Kramski Lanka has been building moulds and running over-moulding production for customers in Europe, North America and Asia. The company delivers components/spare parts of the highest quality to customers the world over. Among its main exports are plastic over-moulded electrical and electronic components, injection moulds, stamping tools, dies and punches, bushings, golf putters and golf related products. The company also provides quality inspection services for electrical and electronic components and hardening facilities for metal parts. The major export destinations are USA, Canada, Mexico, Hungary, Philippines, India and Germany. The company’s projected earnings from its exports for the current year is $10 million, 10% up from last year’s revenue. Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena was the Chief Guest at the anniversary celebrations and the opening of the newly built factory building and commissioning of production operations in the new extension. German Ambassador Dr. Jurgen Mohard was also present. “The founding of the company in Sri Lanka was one of the best decisions in our company history,” Kramski, said during his address at the ceremony. “We have developed excellence during the past 20 years, especially in new technologies. We are certainly a pioneer company in Sri Lanka and have followed a healthy corporate culture. We also have an excellent apprenticeship program following German standards,” the Chairman said. Kramski Lanka has received the same certifications as Kramski Germany, Kramski North America and Krumski India. Those are ISO 9001, ISO14001 and the auto industry TS16949. In his speech Minister Lakshman Yapa Abewardana commended the pioneering spirit of Kramski and his bold decision to set up operations in Sri Lanka when the country was still fighting the conflict and less favourable for foreign investors. “Kramski’s decision to invest at that difficult juncture of time needs to be singled out and commended,” the Minister said. “I am also happy to note that the company wishes to invest and grow more in Sri Lanka, maximising from the benefit of a peaceful nation, democracy and good governance,” Abeywardana opined. “This peace and democracy was achieved at a heavy cost and the people of Sri Lanka can enjoy the benefits thanks to the efforts of our heroic armed forces whose sacrifice we must never forget. Sri Lanka has today become a land of opportunity,” the Minister added. In that context he welcomed the latest expansion by Kramski boosting employment as well as export earnings. Katunayake Bishop Reverend Aponso, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr. Jurgen Morhard, President of the Chamber Skilled Crafts and Economics Joachim Wohlfeil, Secretary General of the Chamber Skilled Crafts and Economics Gerd Lutz, Chairman of the Board of Directors – Savings Bank, Sparkasse Pforzheim Stephan Scholl, Managing Partner of Kramski Lanka Ltd. Consultant Company Fritz Aisenbrey, former General Manager of Kramski Lanka Leelarathne Edirisinghe and the Vice President of Harsch GmbH Reinhard Trauts were also present at the 20th anniversary celebrations and the opening of the new facility. Pix by Lasantha Kumara