CRAFTING EXPORT EXCELLENCE

Sri Lanka’s pioneering clay tile exporter Samson Rajarata Tiles – with its meticulously handcrafted terracotta roof, floor and wall tiles – has carved out a distinctive niche for itself in international markets.

Exporting to nine countries, including the US, the UK, Germany, Lebanon, the UAE, China, India, the Maldives and Australia, the company has gained widespread recognition for meeting stringent international standards through artisanal production methods and its innovative designs.

The company’s major export market for the last financial year was the United Kingdom while the major region was Europe. Furthermore, the organisation primarily competes with European manufacturers and yet surpasses them by specialising in tailor-made tiles.

Key strategies that have contributed to the company’s export expansion include R&D, new product development and the provision of customised products.

Embarking on a journey of excellence, the company proudly clinched the silver award for Export Brand of the Year at the esteemed SLIM Brand Excellence Awards. This accolade stands as a testimony to the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality and innovation in the ceramic, porcelain and other clay products sector.

Adding another gleaming feather to its cap, Samson Rajarata Tiles also seized the prestigious gold award at the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka’s (NCE) Annual Export Awards for 2022/23.

“At the heart of Samson Rajarata Tiles’ identity and success lies its reliance on traditional Sri Lankan craftsmanship to create tiles. Skilled artisans sculpt each tile individually with precision and care, infusing their generational expertise into every piece. The dedication to detail, involving labour-intensive processes focussed on quality rather than scale, has become the company’s signature,” explains Chandula Rajapaksa, Managing Director of Samson Rajarata Tiles.

He points out that this results in tiles that stand apart for their rustic aesthetics, durability and artisanal elegance, making them ideal for decoration and long-lasting roofing and flooring solutions.

The company offers a range of handmade and handcrafted products distinguished by their unique colours and commitment to sustainability. It places particular emphasis on handmade tiles for export including handmade blend plain tiles, brown plain tiles, dark tiles and the Holkham left-hand version.

Furthermore, Samson Rajarata Tiles’ global success lies in the wide diversity of its product catalogue. Catering to varied architectural needs and aesthetic visions, the diverse range of products not only captures diverse client requirements but also reinforces the Sri Lankan clay tile making tradition as an evolving, innovative craft.

Moreover, the unique selling points of the tiles are that they are 100 percent Sri Lankan, natural and ecological.

Renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, Samson Rajarata Tiles holds ISO 9001, Eco Label and Green Label certifications, underscoring its adherence to the highest standards of production quality and environmental responsibility. This dedication has been a pivotal factor in its global expansion efforts.

At the core of its export strategy lies fostering strategic partnerships with clients. By nurturing relationships founded on trust and mutual respect, Samson Rajarata Tiles ensures seamless accessibility for its international clientele. These partnerships serve not only to enrich its product offering but also enable the company to tailor its offering to meet the unique demands of each market it serves.

Samson Rajarata Tiles presents a curated selection of semi-machine-made and handcrafted products, each characterised by distinctive colours and an unwavering dedication to sustainability.

Backed by advanced technology, Samson Rajarata Tiles takes immense pride in its remarkable track record. Having successfully completed numerous international and local projects, the company has produced and exported over 100 million tiles, gaining accolades worldwide. It also benchmarks Sri Lankan craftsmanship’s footprint across structures globally.

Samson Rajarata Tiles is a wholly owned subsidiary, backed by the strength and legacy of the DSI Samson Group – commonly known as DSI – which is one of Sri Lanka’s largest business conglomerates operating in 16 sectors with 22 strategic business units.

Dilshan Rajapaksa, Executive Director of Samson Rajarata Tiles, says: “As Samson Rajarata Tiles continues to accrue international success, our focus remains on representing ‘Brand Sri Lanka’ while empowering local communities. Through initiatives such as using clay from smallholder de-silting projects and zero waste approaches, we aim to benchmark environmental and social stewardship alongside product quality. Initially conceived to address local needs, these noble endeavours have seamlessly transitioned into a cornerstone of our export success story.”

While basking in the glory of international recognition, Samson Rajarata Tiles remains firmly rooted in its commitment to local communities. As the company continues to expand its global footprint, it remains steadfast in its commitment to setting industry benchmarks.

Its journey is not only about exporting tiles; it is about exporting a legacy of excellence, sustainability and social responsibility. Furthermore, its journey exemplifies the convergence of business acumen with social responsibility, proving that success in exports is not merely measured in numbers but in the positive impact it creates in people’s lives.

As Samson Rajarata Tiles continues to tread the path of excellence, its story serves as an inspiration for businesses worldwide, reminding us that true success is elegance with class.

– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira
COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone: 2131800 | Email: info@dsi.lk | Website: www.dsi.lk