Sri Lankan–Dutch business partner Growrite Substrates wins Embassy Award

Tuesday, 12 August 2014 00:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation Lilianne Ploumen honoured Dutch–Sri Lankan company Growrite Substrates Ltd - the Sri Lankan joint venture of the Van der Knaap Group with the prestigious Embassy Award at a large network reception in Ede, the Netherlands. In a follow-up ceremony, and in felicitation of Growrite Substrates, the Netherlands Embassy hosted the company to a gala celebration at the Kingsbury hotel, amidst a distinguished gathering comprising of ministers and leading business figures. The event was sponsored by Rabo Bank. This coveted award is presented each year by the Dutch Ambassadors from around the world to Dutch companies in various countries. Growrite received the 2014 award after being shortlisted from among 54 applicants worldwide. Out of the final three shortlisted, the other two nominated Dutch companies were from Canada and Kenya. “Growrite has played a crucial role in strengthening and expanding our economy through increased exports, contributing to country’s GDP and foreign business collaboration, providing employment and help spread local ideas, innovation and values. We are deeply honoured to have received this prestigious Embassy award, which is a result of a fruitful journey we have shared with the Van der Knaap Group, our business partner, and I believe it has been a mutually beneficial venture,” stated Growrite Managing Director Dinesh Fernando. Growrite began exporting coco peat in bulk to Van der Knaap since 1995. Presently, the company possesses fully-equipped production facilities in Hettipola (Kuliyapitiya) and Wariyapola (Kurunegala) producing high quality coir substrates. These ready-made organic and environment-friendly re-cyclable products are sold and shipped directly to its clients. Growrite has been serving the Export coco-based industry for over 20 years, and over the span of its operation provides direct employment to 800 people and indirectly to approximately 2000 people. The success of its operation has led to the establishment of production facilities in Dominican Republic and India.