One of Sri Lanka’s largest knitted fabric and clothing manufacturers has set up a new joint venture to improve its speed to market. MAS Holdings has established the Hellmann MAS Supply Chain (HMSC) in Sri Lanka by combining its own in-house logistics activities and the logistics business of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.
In addition to the existing Hellmann contract logistics business in Sri Lanka being transferred to the new joint venture, a new fashion logistics facility will be opened at the MAS compound in Katunayake Export Promotion Zone (KEPZ). The aim of HMSC is to create a pull model supply chain using Sri Lanka as the hub for major global fashion brands, help produce market specific products by offering value-added services and facilitate an e-commerce channel from the source. HMSC will also manage the procurement and coordination of MAS’ incoming air freight.
Commenting on the JV partnership, Shirendra Lawrence, COO of MAS stated: “We are constantly progressing and looking for dynamic companies to connect with to enhance our service offering beyond our traditional value proposition. This strategic partnership with global logistics partner Hellmann is timely as it gives MAS a strong foundation to offer warehousing, value added services and 4th party logistics solutions. Hence, it gives us the opportunity to further enhance our agility and speed to market.”
HMSC will provide its services to MAS as well as Hellmann’s existing contract logistics customers. Services offered by HMSC, which include warehousing, value added services such as re-packing, labeling, ratio packing etc. and 4PL logistics services, will also be offered to other potential customers in Sri Lanka.
Madhav Kurup, CEO for Hellmann Middle East & South Asia (MESA) added: “This joint venture is a clear example of two family owned companies with similar DNA coming together to create a unique expertise in Sri Lanka that will have the ability to provide services of the highest standards in contract logistics and 4PL. Also, this venture helps us position ourselves as the market trend setter in the global fashion supply chain, as it evolves from a push model to pull model. MAS’ well established credibility with Hellmann’s global logistics expertise, systems and processes will make us invincible in the market place.”
