A distinguished apparel manufacturing enterprise, Ritz Clothing embarked on its transformative journey in 2012. Founded with a vision to ascend to the forefront of the Sri Lankan textile industry, Ritz Clothing has since evolved into an industry leader. It now operates with six factories, over 4,500 direct and indirect employees, and a monthly production capacity of more than 3.5 million pieces; the company caters to major markets such as the UK, USA, and Europe. In this interview, Nalin Amarasena, CEO of Ritz Clothing Group, shares insights into its inspiring journey from its inception to becoming a global player in the apparel industry.

In its early stages, Ritz Clothing strategically acquired factories, seamlessly integrating them into the Ritz group under the leadership of Chairman Chandrasena Kodikara.

A distinctive aspect of Ritz Clothing’s operations is the deliberate choice to establish factories in non-industrial zones, focusing on rural villages and communities. The company actively recruits from the local community, offers employment opportunities, and participates in various CSR initiatives aimed at community upliftment.

Throughout the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ritz Clothing showcased resilience and adaptability.

“At Ritz Clothing, challenges are viewed not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Our strategic vision involves continuous investment in Sri Lanka, promoting global competitiveness, and implementing innovative employee retention strategies,” said Amarasena.

As the company expands its footprint into diverse sectors such as printing, embroidery, and fabric production, it goes beyond merely crafting garments; it shapes a legacy of innovation, sustainability, and success.

In 2021, the Group invested $6.5 million in renovating and expanding the Yapahuwa plant, accommodating 800 machines. In November 2023, the Nikaweratiya plant was similarly grown and renovated, with a $4.5 million investment to house 550 machines. The management plans to construct a new state-of-the-art apparel manufacturing factory to accommodate 1,000 machines this year, emphasizing a commitment to growth within the country before venturing abroad.

Ritz Clothing adopts a lean structure to maintain a competitive edge, invests in cutting-edge technology, and emphasizes automation. The company aims to lead in diversifying business away from countries like Bangladesh, China, and India. With heavy investments in new technology and automation, Ritz fosters an environment conducive to growth and innovation.

Beyond garment production, Ritz Clothing envisions expanding into printing, embroidery, corrugated carton manufacturing, and fabric production. The company takes pride in its resilience, community-centric operations, and dedication to fostering growth. Despite adversities, Ritz Clothing remains unwavering in its mission to make meaningful contributions to the community and emerge as a global leader in the apparel industry.

Ritz Clothing is defined by its resilience, commitment to community engagement, and innovative strategies, positioning it as a remarkable success story in the global garment industry.