The formal opening of the new factory at Wathupitiwala Export Processing Zone included the unveiling of a plaque by Jason Abbott, President of AmSafe Bridport

Also present were members of the AmSafe Bridport Board who had travelled from the UK and senior officials of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.

Ms. Chandani Ekanayake, General Manager of AmSafe Bridport’s operations in Sri Lanka said:

“The recent expansion reflects our company’s continual growth. We started with 35,000 square feet of space dedicated to production and later added another 75,000 square feet. Currently, we have a staff strength of 550 employees. This recent addition of 55,000 square feet will set the stage for even more production and therefore employment, by AmSafe Bridport.” “Over the years, AmSafe Bridport has considerably expanded and diversified its range of Manufactured products. We began with cargo pallet net sub-assemblies but are now the world leader in this product, with most international airlines being our clients. We now dominate the manufacture and supply of cargo pallet nets and tie-down straps. We have now embarked on producing more complex products, many which have been developed in Sri Lanka.”

These include a Mantle® fire containment cover that can withstand 815oC of heat.

Jason Abbott, also spoke of AmSafe Bridport’s highly trained human resources.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for the efforts of the dedicated and committed workforce in our plant in Sri Lanka. Your work ethic is amazing. In fact 75% of everything which our company does comes out of here. I wish to add that the dedicated team is the reason why we continue to invest here. A company is only as good as its employees.”

“This new facility was due to be opened in May but due to the tragic recent events we changed the date. This is a US$ 2.3 million investment in Sri Lanka. We opened this facility as part of our commitment to continue our investment and growth in Sri Lanka. I wish to thank the BOI for its continued support. We will continue to invest in this country. Thank you for making this company what it is today.”