AB MANUFACTURING

Nalinda Ranasinghe is a dynamic engineering professional and accomplished business leader with over 15 years of experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, project management and operational leadership.

As Chief Executive Officer of AB Manufacturing, the manufacturing arm of the Abans Group, he is spearheading the company’s transformation into one of Sri Lanka’s leading white goods manufacturers, driven by innovation, quality, sustainability and local value creation.

Q: As the manufacturing arm of the Abans Group, what role does the organisation play in advancing its long-term vision?

A: AB Manufacturing plays a strategic role in the Abans Group’s long-term vision of creating sustainable value through innovation, industrial development and local capability building.

As part of one of Sri Lanka’s most diversified conglomerates with a legacy spanning nearly six decades, we have the unique advantage of combining the strength, trust and customer understanding of the group with world-class manufacturing capabilities.

While Abans has earned the confidence of generations of Sri Lankans across multiple industries, manufacturing enables us to extend that legacy through locally produced, high quality appliances that contribute to national industrial development while delivering greater value to consumers.

Beyond manufacturing products, we are investing in people, technical capability and innovation to strengthen Sri Lanka’s industrial future while supporting the group’s long-term growth strategy.

Q: The Bandaragama facility represents a major investment in the local industry. What strategic thinking drove this expansion?

A: The decision to invest in our Bandaragama facility was driven by a long-term vision and a strong belief in the potential of Sri Lankan manufacturing.

The facility significantly enhances our production capacity, operational efficiency and flexibility to introduce new product categories as market demands evolve. More importantly, it demonstrates our confidence in the country’s industrial future.

We see manufacturing not simply as a business opportunity but as a catalyst for economic growth, employment creation and greater industrial self-sufficiency. Investments of this nature position us to compete more effectively while creating lasting value for both the business and the nation.

Q: Local manufacturing has faced considerable challenges in recent years. What gave you the confidence to invest during such an uncertain period?

A: The past few years have undoubtedly been challenging for businesses across all sectors. However, I have always believed that periods of disruption present the greatest opportunities to transform, innovate and emerge stronger.

Global supply chain disruptions reinforced the importance of strengthening local manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependence on external markets. Rather than viewing uncertainty as a constraint, we saw it as an opportunity to invest with conviction in Sri Lanka’s long-term industrial potential.

Our confidence was built on a clear strategy, the resilience of our people and a shared belief that local manufacturing will continue to play an increasingly important role in the country’s economic future.

Q: AB Manufacturing has earned a reputation for producing appliances to international standards. What enables you to consistently maintain quality and innovation?

A: Quality and innovation go hand in hand. Our appliances are manufactured in accordance with internationally recognised quality standards while fully complying with Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) requirements, ensuring they meet both global benchmarks and local expectations.

Continuous investment in technology, process optimisation, product development and workforce capability enable us to maintain consistency across every stage of production. Our longstanding partnerships with internationally recognised brands have also strengthened our ability to adopt global best practices and rigorous quality systems.

A testament to this commitment is the fact that we currently manufacture Sri Lanka’s most energy efficient direct cool refrigerator, reflecting our focus on delivering products that combine superior performance with greater energy efficiency.

Quality is embedded throughout our manufacturing process and is a responsibility shared across the organisation. That collective commitment enables us to consistently deliver products that earn the trust of consumers and business partners alike.

Q: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in manufacturing. How is AB Manufacturing responding?

A: Sustainability is no longer an option. It is a business imperative. Our approach extends beyond environmental compliance.

We continuously seek opportunities to improve energy efficiency, minimise waste, optimise resource utilisation and strengthen responsible manufacturing practices across our operations. And we are equally focussed on designing products that help consumers reduce energy consumption in their everyday lives.

By combining innovation with environmental responsibility, we can create long-term value for customers while contributing to a more sustainable future. For us, sustainability is not a stand-alone initiative. It is a long-term commitment that continues to shape our investments, operational decisions and future growth.

Q: Looking ahead, what are the key priorities that will define success for AB Manufacturing?

A: Our priorities remain centred on innovation, operational excellence and sustainable growth. We will continue investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, expanding our product portfolio, strengthening our people and enhancing our production capabilities to meet the changing needs of the market.

At the same time, we remain committed to upholding the quality, reliability and trust that consumers associate with both AB Manufacturing and the Abans Group.

Success for us will not be measured solely by business growth. It will be defined by the strength of the manufacturing ecosystem we help build, the employment opportunities we create, the trust our products continue to earn and the contribution we make towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s industrial future.

– Compiled by Tamara Rebeira

COMPANY DETAILS

• Telephone: 2275000
• Email: info@abansgroup.com
• Website: www.abansgroup.com/services/manufacturing/