Q: How would you describe your company’s journey over the last three decades? And what have been its most significant milestones?

Lalith Bandara (LB): Marked by continuous growth and innovation, Brandix has transformed from a textile trading company in 1969 into a leading apparel solutions provider in Asia today.

Significant milestones include our first vertical integration partnership with Textured Jersey Lanka to offer end-to-end solutions; the first offshore apparel park in India to gain access to a growing market as well as preferential trade agreements with key destinations; expansion to Bangladesh to diversify our sourcing base and product portfolio; a joint venture with Accenture to provide business process outsourcing (BPO) to apparel and other industries; an innovation centre InQube, which fosters creativity and collaboration among employees and customers; and a joint venture with Best Pacific in Sri Lanka for a synthetic fabric manufacturing facility for high-performance sportswear and athleisure.

Our active pursuit of sustainability spans carbon footprint reduction, eco-friendly manufacturing, ethical labour standards and community development.

Notable achievements include having the world’s first LEED Platinum certified apparel plant in 2008 and the world’s first net zero carbon facility in 2018, showcasing agility, sustainability and innovation as part of our DNA.

Q: What is the role of technology in your organisation and its operations?

LB: Today, with the manufacturing sector disrupted by industrial IoT, automation and smart solutions, we have set a goal of being digital first through our concept of a ‘Smarter Brandix’ by working closely with the best global tech companies.

Brandix was the only Sri Lankan organisation selected by Microsoft for the early access programme for the Microsoft Copilot AI tool last year. Additionally, we had the first ever hackathon by Google in Sri Lanka on AI development.

With the manufacturing sector disrupted by industrial IoT, automation and smart solutions, we have set a goal of being digital first through our concept of a ‘Smarter Brandix’

Q: And what are your organisation’s plans for the future?

LB: Our plans are aligned with our vision of becoming the inspired solution for branded clothing. Seven strategic pillars will guide our actions and decisions over the next decade, by creating customer and operational excellence, and providing category leadership. We have plans to strengthen our presence in Europe and Asia.

Q: In your opinion, what is the role of corporates such as yours in reviving Sri Lanka’s economic and social landscape?

Sahad Mukthar (SM): The role of Brandix relies heavily on being a catalyst for economic growth, social development and driving the environmental sustainability agenda in Sri Lanka. Our global presence and partnerships with international brands compel us to bring innovation and expertise into the country.

Through our drive for ‘sustainable innovation,’ we develop and promote sustainable products that meet global environmental standards, attracting eco-conscious consumers and investors. We collaborate with policy makers to develop trade policies that enhance competitiveness and protect workers’ rights.

Since the apparel industry employs a substantial number of women, gender equality initiatives, and women’s health and safety, have a profound social impact.

By continuously expanding, we create job opportunities while skills development enhances capabilities, employability and growth for employees.

Finally, by increasing export revenue, we generate valuable foreign exchange towards stabilising our national economy.

Q: How does your organisation view the talent in the country in the wake of the brain drain?

SM: Brandix adopts a multifaceted approach to talent management, retaining and attracting skilled professionals, engaging diverse generations, adapting to new work norms and building a resilient talent pipeline, while offering competitive salaries, benefits and career advancement.

Our global recruitment pipeline building attracts expatriate Sri Lankans back home. We realise that Gen Zs value purpose driven work, diversity and inclusivity, and we leverage technology to create a dynamic workplace while investing in digital tools and platforms that appeal to the tech savvy generation.

Our broader people agenda is committed to an inclusive work culture.

Q: Can you share your organisation’s philosophy regarding environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG)?

SM: Our ESG philosophy is to strive for excellence, working together to build a brighter and more sustainable future for all. We are dedicated to preserving air quality, reducing our carbon footprint, ensuring access to drinking water, minimising water wastage and maintaining zero discharge of hazardous chemicals.

We value circularity, empowering future generations by enabling sustainable education solutions through learning programmes, scholarships and donations.

And we proactively manage risk, ensuring compliance and safeguarding our operations by maintaining one language and one voice to govern our business operations.

– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira

Telephone: 4727222 | Email: info@brandix.com | Website: www.brandix.com