Kishore Surtani
Managing Director

Q: Provide an outline of the history of your organisation and brand…

A: The Flora Tissues brand was incorporated in 1983 under the leadership of Kishore Surtani, Managing Director, whose aim was to supply high quality soft disposable tissue products such as paper serviettes, facial tissues, paper towels and toilet tissues to the Sri Lankan consumer.

Today, it has its own production and warehouse facility in an industrial zone in Homagama, spanning over 70,000 square feet, with a workforce of over 300 and an established islandwide distribution dealership network of more than 22 distributors.

Q: What have been the most significant milestones in this journey?

A: Pee Bee celebrated 40 years of Flora Tissues in September 2023 in the presence of employees and business associates.

Some of the milestones over the last 40 years include earning SLS certification for Flora Tissue products (2006-08), obtaining Superbrand (Sri Lanka) certification in 2011 and being recognised at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards in Malaysia in 2014.

In 2017, some key awards and recognitions included a BIZZ award from the World Confederation of Businesses (US); a top SME in Asia award at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards; and being among Asia’s Greatest Brands and Leaders in AsiaOne magazine by URS Media Consulting and UWG Media Consulting.

Q: And what are some examples of best practices regarding quality assurance and adherence to quality standards in the organisation?

A: The constant focus on quality objectives has resulted in Pee Bee being the only company in Sri Lanka to be recognised by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) through its product certification scheme in its product category.

The group strives for excellence in all aspects of operations and prides itself on maintaining quality standards through the Quality Assurance department.

Q: Could you outline your organisational philosophy when it comes to employees? How do you nurture people?

A: Our leadership team encourages employees, motivating them to be true brand champions. A supportive and engaging work environment is created to foster professional and personal growth through training workshops.

Q: How has technology transformed your organisation through the decades?

A: The brand has always remained in step with technology across its operations. Moreover, employee productivity improved with advanced communication tools while digital marketing and social media platforms are leveraged to connect with younger consumers.

Q: What are your organisation’s plans going forward?

A: Flora Tissues plans to continue expanding its product portfolio in the soft tissues and disposable product category in the near future. Pee Bee is determined to expand in the international market, particularly in the SAARC region.

– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira

Telephone: 0777 301124 | Email: kishoresurtani@peebeegroup.com | Website: www.floratissues.com