South Asia’s largest apparel and textile manufacturer, MAS Holdings, has announced plans to significantly expand its global footprint to capitalize on opportunities stemming from the pandemic while aligning further with the needs of its customers.
Indonesia is now one of MAS’ largest manufacturing destinations outside Sri Lanka. The company expects to double its current footprint and production capacity in Indonesia by 2024. Currently, the company employs over 10,000 associates in Indonesia. MAS’ lace manufacturing arm, Noyon Lanka, recently established a joint venture with PT Sinar Para Taruna (SIPATATEX) Indonesia, adding to its raw material capabilities in the country, which already include bra cups, elastics and trims.
In the Middle East, MAS recently opened its third manufacturing facility in Jordan. The company also has manufacturing capabilities in Amman, Madaba, and Dulayl and hopes to ramp up its ability to supply duty-free sports and performance apparel to customers in the US and EU.
As part of its expansion in Africa, MAS is targeting to double the capacity of MAS Intimates in Kenya within the next two years, capitalising on opportunities stemming from the suspension of Ethiopia from the AGOA trade program, losing duty-free access for its exports to the US.
Similarly, MAS’ Joint Venture company, Linea Aqua, is geared to expand operations in Vietnam in 2022. The country has duty free access to many large economies via the RCEP, including Europe, Australia and many Asian countries. Given accelerated growth and strong prospects, MAS is poised to double its production capacity in India by 2024. For the world’s second-most populated nation, the company can support brands that have adopted an ‘India-for-India strategy,’ focusing on sourcing entirely for the Indian retail market from within the country itself.
MAS’ planned expansions also cover many of its operations in Sri Lanka, with the company signing an agreement with the Sri Lankan Board of Investment to expand a number of its Sri Lanka based businesses, namely MAS Legato, Bodyline, Unichela and Trischel.
