Q: Ansell decided to host its board meeting in Sri Lanka this year… why did you choose this country when the organisation has operations across the world?

Nigel Garrard (NG): We employ nearly 8,000 people in Sri Lanka and this operation represents a significant part of Ansell’s global business. It’s not only important commercially – hosting a board meeting in Sri Lanka allows us to recognise the talent, dedication and contributions of our Sri Lankan team.

The full board of directors hasn’t visited Sri Lanka since September 2022 and a great deal has happened since then – both in the country and within Ansell as an organisation. Therefore, we felt it was the right time to return this year.

Typically, the board makes around three international site visits annually to different Ansell locations around the world. We believe it is essential to be on the ground – to see what’s happening firsthand, meet the teams, understand their challenges and explore opportunities.

And that’s why we visited Sri Lanka – it’s about staying connected, listening and supporting our teams where it matters most.

Q: Ansell has had successful operations in Sri Lanka for over 30 years, having existed for over 100… what key strengths have contributed to the organisation’s long presence in the country?

Neil Salmon (NS): There isn’t merely one factor – we have grown due to a combination of strengths that evolved over time.

First, access to quality raw materials has been fundamental. There is the availability of a highly skilled and well-educated workforce, which is a major asset to our operations in Sri Lanka. The country also offers strong freight connectivity, which makes it easier for us to serve international markets efficiently.

From a broader perspective, the business environment has been supportive of local manufacturers, which is crucial for a company such as ours. As a multinational organisation, Sri Lanka continues to be an attractive location for us to operate in.

In today’s world with rising geopolitical tensions and a shift in global trade dynamics, this strategic positioning becomes even more important. We see Sri Lanka as a resilient and adaptable hub in our global footprint.

Q: What do you think of Ansell’s growth potential amid the prevailing geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges in the world?

NG: Ansell is navigating the same challenges that many global companies are facing right now. We are in a heightened period of geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, particularly as countries renegotiate trade and tariff arrangements with the US.

For Ansell, North America accounts for almost 50 percent of our global sales; and therefore, developments in the region are especially significant to us. From Sri Lanka specifically, approximately 35 percent of our exports are destined for the market stateside.

NS: Given that we have been actively engaging with the Sri Lankan government to support its ongoing discussions with the US, we are hopeful this will lead to a bilateral trade agreement that benefits both sides. That would allow us to continue growing our operations in Sri Lanka and expand exports.

In today’s world, uncertainty is the norm rather than the exception; and in any business, it’s essential to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. While we’re optimistic, we are also preparing for different scenarios. If the US market becomes less accessible from Sri Lanka – which we see as unlikely; yet, possible – we will have to flex our Sri Lankan production plans and look to shift our focus to other markets.

Supply chains across industries are already evolving and we are continuously adapting. Fortunately, Ansell is a strong company with a broad global footprint and resilient operations. That positions us well to manage risks and continue growing despite any challenges.

Q: How would you describe current investor confidence in Ansell?

NG: If we look back five years to the COVID-19 pandemic period, a business such as Ansell was naturally very attractive to investors due to the global surge in demand for our protective products. Post-COVID however, the market entered a phase of de-stocking and uncertainty as things settled into a new normal.

Over the past 12 months, we have made notable strides – for example, acquiring Kimberly-Clark’s personal protective equipment (PPE) business in North America. The acquisition has been well integrated into the company and already produced strong results. That said, it’s only natural that ongoing tariff discussions have created some investor hesitation.

In times such as these, we believe it’s essential to keep a clear head. Focus on your strengths, understand your competitive advantages and avoid getting too bogged down in the noise. There’s an old saying that goes: ‘It’s never as bad as you think and it’s never as good as you think.’ That perspective helps guide decision making through volatility.

Ansell has weathered many global shifts – from the pandemic to the global financial crisis, various tariff changes and even the IMF related challenges in Sri Lanka. The key is to stay grounded, reassess your position and adjust your business to suit evolving conditions.

In terms of our plans for Sri Lanka, we have been genuinely impressed by the improvements at both our sites here, compared to our last visit two and a half years ago. We’re continuing to invest in this region. That includes automating some of our processes to enhance efficiency and installing solar power systems to transition towards renewable energy.

Ansell will continue to invest in Sri Lanka, and remain a major employer and long-term partner in the country’s industrial landscape.

Q: How would you describe the role of people and workplace culture in Ansell’s success, particularly in Sri Lanka?

NG: A business is nothing without its people. It’s the people who make the real difference and a strong culture is what sets a business apart. When directors visit Sri Lanka for the first time as board members, it quickly becomes evident that the people are genuinely proud of both the brand and the company.

That sense of pride shines through everything they do. During our visit, we told the team how impressed we were by the personal ownership they have demonstrated in driving improvements and investments.

NS: There’s a real passion for the brand and business. We believe that is a true competitive advantage. Sri Lankan employees in particular are incredibly committed and passionate about the work they do for Ansell, and that’s something we deeply value.

Q: What steps do you believe Sri Lanka can take to strengthen its economic resilience during these challenging times?

NS: At the moment, there is a mix of caution and optimism in Sri Lanka. Naturally, there is still some uncertainty – especially with the ongoing tariff discussions – but the atmosphere feels far more stable when compared to a year ago.

To me, one of the most encouraging signs is that we see fewer people leaving for overseas. That was a concern last year but it’s not happening as much now, which suggests confidence in the country’s road to recovery.

We have had constructive discussions with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) and the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States, and were encouraged by the pragmatic and positive approach they’re taking.

Such updates gave me a certain level of confidence that Sri Lanka is on the right path and can negotiate a favourable outcome with the US. Not every country will manage that but we strongly believe Sri Lanka has a good chance.

From Ansell’s perspective, we’re certainly not pulling back. Compared to other regions in fact, we feel our position in Sri Lanka is strong. There’s still more to unfold especially with the tariff situation; but for now, we remain committed and confident.

– Compiled by Tamara Rebeira
COMPANY DETAILS

 Telephone: 2465428 : Website: www.ansell.com