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specialreportsrilanka The Power of <strong>Global</strong> Thinking Although only 25 years old, the <strong>Sri</strong> <strong>Lanka</strong>n garment industry has spawned an impressive accessory industry. First among these is global player Mainetti, one of the largest garment-hanger suppliers in the world, with operations in 25 countries. The growth of Mainettech, the company’s local production facility, exemplifies how the presence of accessories suppliers is crucial for apparel manufacturers. But it is the backing of a global company that has allowed this demand to be converted into the largest range of products and services that the industry could possibly expect. Established 10 years ago, when the garment sector was still in its infancy, Mainettech is today the island’s leading supplier of hangers and, in turn, <strong>Sri</strong> <strong>Lanka</strong> is now the company’s strategic hub for the Indian subcontinent. Mainetti’s success in developing a hub is a lesson that many in the local industry are looking to replicate. Jeyam Perumal, the company’s regional director, explains the philosophy of the group: “A Mainetti hanger produced in <strong>Sri</strong> <strong>Lanka</strong> is absolutely identical to another Mainetti hanger produced elsewhere in the world.” With garment manufacturers expected to supply their garments quickly, flexibly and at a constant quality, so the hanger manufacturer is expected to work under similar criteria. “Our systems and facilities have evolved to ensure that we become an essential part of the supply chain. Most importantly, our success relies on the fact that we think globally, but act locally.” “Our success relies on the fact that we think globally, but act locally.” Apparel manufacturers expect a lot from a hanger supplier, which has to be flexible, to insure a constant quality of products and delivery. Perumal explains the company’s approach to fulfilling these requirements: “We have evolved systems and facilities to ensure that we become an essential part in the supply chain. It is a partnership approach that defines us.” With a catalogue of over 350 hanger models, it is important for the company to be able to provide the type of hanger the buyer requires. Perumal goes on: “To achieve this we depend on technically advanced equipment, produced within the group by Mainetti Tecnologie. We design, develop and manufacture leading-edge robotic systems and automated equipment for the production of high-quality garment hangers at the lowest possible cost. Perumal explains his recipe for success in this business: “It is very important to think globally and act locally, to be able to have the quickest response for this just-in-time industry. Our mission is to support our costumers in their sourcing operations.” As people such as Perumal work increasingly closely with the local market, their ethos and mindset will surely influence others, especially the more dynamic, middle-ranking players who do not have the luxury of studying international methods on extended international trips. The strong support that Mainetti has shown its local company has helped Mainettech become the first local hanger producer to obtain the ISO 9002 certification, in 1998. By bringing international standards and internationally trained and experienced managers to the local market, manufacturers such as Mainetti are helping evolve the local market. In its continuing quest to respond to clients’ ever-changing needs, Mainetti lives by the slogan: “More than just a hanger.” Maybe local garment producers will learn from the example and adopt a similar slogan: “More than just a garment manufacturer…” FBI 32 fashionbusinessinternational
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