Macktiles’ Rs. 12 b expansion to make Sri Lanka self-sufficient in tiles

Horizontal dryer

• Opens third state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bandaragama capable of producing 44,000 sq. metres of tiles per day

Macktiles Lanka Ltd. recently began operations of its third manufacturing facility at its state-of-the-art plant in Bandaragama, a major step in fulfilling the country’s tile requirement while achieving self-sufficiency within the industry.

With the induction of the newest production line, it will be able to produce 44,000 sq. m of tiles per day, as the upgrade adds 30,000 sq. m on top of the existing 14,000 sq. m capacity per day. This allows Macktiles Lanka to produce 15 million sq. m of tiles annually.

To ensure that the new manufacturing line will be contemporary, and equipped with all the state-of-the-art technology and machinery, the company invested a total of Rs. 12 billion.

Thus, this investment and substantial increase in capacity and capability allows Macktiles Lanka to ensure that ample stocks are always available, eliminating any waiting time on pre-orders, and making it possible for customers to order any design with any finish, for the highest quality tile at affordable pricing.

The strategic decision made by Macktiles Lanka, along with the capacities of other local tile manufacturers, will allow Sri Lanka to be self-sufficient for the country’s tile requirement and which in turn will save millions in foreign currency to the country which was draining out for many years.

The plant machinery was purchased from SACMI Group, the international leader in the supply of advanced technologies and industrial plant engineering for ceramics production, printing and the automated packing from Systems Italy, who are the international leaders of this sector.

The state-of-the-art plant boasts the rare and impressive capability of being able to manufacture fully body homogenous tiles porcelain tiles, full body high quality tiles, ceramic tiles, mirror polished tiles and large format tiles. The plant also has inbuilt SACMI energy recovery technology, enabling the company to be sustainable in tile production, saving up to 25% of energy usage.

Macksons Holdings Chairman Milfer Makeen said: “We look forward to working with our condominiums and project developers to cater to their varied requests as Macktiles is now capable of manufacturing all types of tiles. 

“It is up to every Sri Lankan to contribute towards the local economy by collectively embarking on local production, in order to save valuable foreign exchange as well to be pillars of the country’s development, by manufacturing world-class Sri Lankan products.”

“We also source 80% of our essential raw materials locally, and believe that our efforts to expand and bring in more premium-grade products to the local market will help boost the local economy by saving valuable foreign exchange that would be otherwise spent on importing tiles. We are proud to have generated thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities to Sri Lankans, and are honoured to rise to the occasion and contribute to the recovery of our motherland’s economy,” Makeen said.

“In keeping with the highest quality standards of any global manufacturer and beyond, very soon we will be entering the export market with our highest quality porcelain and homogeneous polished tiles range,” added Managing Director Mizver Makeen.

The Macktiles product range is consistent with the Macktiles philosophy, which is to provide high quality tiles to fit the budgets of customers from all walks of life. Since there is currently a scarcity of tiles in the local market, Macktiles has been successfully directing their efforts to increase production capacity.

As such, Macktiles is now capable of marketing the quality parameters of imported tiles and is currently in discussions with tile importers to supply OEM tiles matching their standard requirement, while also motivating them to focus on saving valuable foreign exchange.

“As there are no shortcuts to any country’s development, we must all take on the responsibility of achieving self-sustenance as opposed to obtaining aid and loans from the international community,” said Managing Director Makeen.

Macksons Holdings, the building material conglomerate holding company of Macktiles, has a proud legacy of over five decades and has ventured beyond borders to bring international recognition to Sri Lanka. 

Diversifying and growing from strength to strength through the decades, the Group is now acclaimed as one of the most impressive business entities in the country. Their heritage brand Multilac has become a household name and is one of the most sought-after paint brands in the country, and internationally. The pioneering brand has also won numerous national and international awards over the years.