Eskimo Fashion Knitwear celebrates an extraordinary 40 year journey and is brimming with confidence for the future
Eskimo Fashion Knitwear marked its milestone 40th anniversary recently and celebrated an ongoing journey of leadership, passion to perform, innate resilience and innovation while confidently paving the way for a stronger future.
Renowned for manufacturing export quality knitwear for international markets, the company’s journey began four decades ago when two German entrepreneurs visited Sri Lanka. They broke ground in 1982 and constructed the first factory in Kadirana North in Negombo. From humble beginnings operating a small 200 employee plant, the company has bourgeoned over the years.
Currently, Eskimo Fashion manages several plants in the Pallekele Free Trade Zone and in Punanai, and employs over 2,000 staff. The company’s first exports were made in 1983. Today, in its 40th year, it is recognised as a major exporter serving France, several Scandinavian countries, the UK and Germany, and working with famous brands including Decathlon, C&A, Petit Bateau, Sterntaler and Next.
Over the years, despite facing global and local crises, the company’s innate perseverance has sharpened its resolve and propelled it with momentum and strategic resilience. Eskimo Fashion’s success is a testament to its strength and continuous pivoting towards positive change.
Aligned to its vision of ensuring first-class manufacturing operations, the company conforms to globally recognised product certifications including the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, which is one of the world’s best-known labels for environmentally friendly and socially responsible production in the clothing and textile industry; Organic Content Standard, which confirms the presence of 100 percent organic cotton in the final product; Global Organic Textile Standard; Responsible Wool Standard; Forest Stewardship Council; Sedex NBSEI certificate of compliance; and ISO 14001.
Central to Eskimo Fashion’s achievements is its shared values and family culture where everyone is looked after in both good times and bad. Its young and dynamic team is capable of handling a growing customer base, and stands ready to accelerate change and build a trajectory for future growth.
When the economic crisis hit the country in 2022, the company supported its employees through a second salary increment and a hardships allowance. In addition, the company has been providing dry rations to all employees (including contract staff). Making a healthy profit alongside these provisions is a true testament to the company’s dedication and perseverance.
Eskimo Fashion has also undertaken several initiatives in its sustainability journey, including using 100 percent organic cotton and recycled polyester. Taking a leaf from the company’s German heritage, waste is always separated, strict control of effluent from the dye house is maintained and solar panel installation has been completed at the Negombo factory. There are plans to install solar panels in Pallekele and Punanai in the near future.
The company has always maintained a legacy of giving back to the communities in which it operates. Notable CSR programmes undertaken to date include a water supply project in Kadirana; blood donation campaigns; distribution of stationery and furniture to local schools, temples and churches; a tree planting campaign in Negombo, Pallekele and Punanai; and the production of surgical masks for the Ministry of Health and police stations.
Eskimo Fashion’s success story is the result of 40 years of determination, effort and passion displayed by generations of leaders, employees and partners. Drawing inspiration from this milestone, the organisation is confidently positioned to deliver value to all stakeholders, and looks forward to new and exciting opportunities.
– Compiled by Avanti Samarasekera
INTERVIEWEE DETAILS
Egbert Michael-Lohs
Founder
Hermann Michael-Lohs
Chairman
Sabine Ulmer
Director
COMPANY DETAILS
Telephone
0312 555555
Email
sulmer@eskimo.lk
Website
www.eskimofashion.com
