Q: What are the sustainable aspects of your brand with regard to eco-friendliness and health benefits?

A: At Samson Rajarata Tiles, we use 100 percent locally sourced natural resources in our production process, which is operated with a kiln with minimum levels of toxic gas emissions.

The main product range, which comprises terracotta roofing and floor tiles, is made from natural clay that offers environmental benefits – both while manufacturing and after installation.

Clay tiles emit no harmful gases during production and are eco-friendly once laid on roofs. Furthermore, clay tiles last longer, reduce the amount of materials and energy used in comparison to those that require more frequent replacement, and can be easily recycled into new tiles or bricks.

Q: Could you provide a brief overview of your organisation’s operations?

A: Our core business unit is involved in the manufacturing and marketing of terracotta roofing and floor tiles under the Rajarata brand. It completed 20 years this year, showcasing high growth and market penetration, whilst being marketed as the No. 1 natural roofing and flooring tile in Sri Lanka.

Our factory in Gnanikkulama, Anuradhapura, leverages Japanese technology and is positioned as the largest roofing tile factory in the South Asian region. Our materials and production process are 100 percent locally sourced and manufactured, whilst creating direct and indirect business and employment opportunities amongst the local community.

Furthermore, Roof Doc is our dedicated services arm, set up to provide specialised solutions for roofing services and construction. It was created to fill a vacuum by serving as a reliable and trustworthy construction and servicing partner for customers.

Initiated a couple of years ago, Roof Doc has gained immense market acceptance within the Western Province and other urban areas islandwide, and shows high growth potential.

Last but not least, Pochchi (‘pot’ in Sinhalese) is a unique product extension with aesthetic value as our specialised arm engaged in ornamental clay products. Its portfolio includes clay flower and tabletop pots in natural clay and a variety of soothing colours, as well as grow packs, clay pebbles, smart gardening solutions (self-watering spikes), electric and manual clay steamers, tills and more.

This unit was developed to bring to life a portfolio of natural and ecological products as substitutes for plastic and other artificial products.

Q: What is the unique feature of your roofing and floor tiles?

A: One of the fundamental benefits of a 100 percent natural product produced in clay is its cooling effect compared to competitor products as it reduces heat by five degrees Celsius in homes.

Most importantly, clay tiles are eco-friendly. Rajarata Tiles’ products possess high breaking strength and a lower level of water absorption, have no significant difference between dry and wet weight, and the tile surfaces don’t undergo damage/wear and tear during cleaning or washing while an interlocking system makes installation easy.

The portfolio includes roofing tiles from the most popular and commonly used S1 tile to Roman, Spanish, flat and Calicut tiles, and so on, in a charming array of colours with fine surface finishes to enhance the vibrancy of colours and lend originality.

Our terracotta floor tile is also known as the best of its type with high girth, durability, strength and scratch proof properties for both indoor and outdoor usage, and is weatherproof.

Rajarata Tiles is perfect for both new builds and older properties since its products have the ability to create a wonderfully traditional yet luxurious look, giving homes a classic feel without ever seeming outdated.

Q: What inspired the Pochchi brand and why are its products unique?

A: The brand values of Pochchi reflect its sustainability commitment compared to artificial products. Products made from clay have always been part of the traditional lifestyle and local culture. We also customised solutions through our product range to suit the needs of customers.

The Pochchi product line is widely available at leading supermarkets, lifestyle stores, nurseries and DSI Premier showrooms.

Q: How do your products demonstrate quality?

A: In our role as the number one terracotta tile manufacturer in Sri Lanka, we follow stringent national and international quality standards, and possess SLS certification for all roofing and floor tile products. All our products are export grade quality. Our R&D and quality teams maintain quality on a par with international product standards, which has facilitated exports.

Most importantly, we possess a green certificate in manufacturing, which showcases our standard and passion towards building an eco-friendly, natural range of products. This is reflected in Rajarata Tiles winning the Gold award for ‘Green Brand of the Year’ at the latest SLIM Brand Excellence Awards.

Q: Could you describe the company’s international presence?

A: Our largest export market has been the UK for almost a decade. We have since expanded to Australia, India, the UAE, Germany, the Maldives, Thailand and Lebanon, and hope to enter more European markets.

Our major export is roofing tiles but in the recent past, Pochchi products were exported as well. Additionally, our terracotta floor tiles were exported to Lebanon recently.

As part of the DSI Samson Group – a group with a rich heritage and history – we maintain sustainability in all our business practices whilst protecting our planet and offering the best to society.

– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira

COMPANY DETAILS

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