Spotlighting on LMD - September 2023 Edition

Q: Can you detail the history and background of St. Anthony’s Industries?

A: St. Anthony’s Industries Group – founded by visionary founder and Chairman, the late Deshamanya A. Y. S. Gnanam in 1958 – is a pioneer in the PVC sector. We are committed to innovation and excellence, and our comprehensive list of in-house manufacturing techniques enables us to maintain strict quality benchmarks and consumer trust.

We are proud to have been the first local manufacturer of many products including moulded fittings, a full range of sewerage fittings, the first blow moulded double and triple layer water tanks, HDPE (high density polyethylene) optical fibre ducts and many other products.

St. Anthony’s journey is decorated with many key milestones including pioneering the production of unplasticised PVC (uPVC) pipes in Sri Lanka in 1960, becoming the first local manufacturer of uPVC injection moulded fittings in 1962, and spearheading the manufacture of a complete uPVC square gutter and fittings system in 1965.

We also introduced the polyethylene anaerobic sewer filter tank in 2003 and in 2012, the groundbreaking blow moulded double layer water storage tank.

Moreover, we were the first manufacturing company in Sri Lanka to obtain ISO 9001 certification for PVC pipes, the SLS 1210 mark for uPVC sewerage and drainage fittings, SLS 1206 for PVC trunking, ISO 9000:2002 certification, SLS 1325 for uPVC sewerage, drainage pipes, fittings and more.

Our mastery in PVC pipes and fittings has expanded to encompass an innovative product portfolio that includes uPVC roofing, uPVC doors and windows, Griffin boards and Polar insulation among others.

This legacy of pioneering combined with a commitment to innovation continues to shape the course of the PVC sector.

Q: How does St. Anthony’s Industries ensure the quality of its products?

A: We maintain a robust quality assurance process, ensuring superior products. High-grade raw materials are meticulously selected and stringent manufacturing protocols are followed. Tests are performed according to SLS, ASTM and ISO standards, guaranteeing compliance with industry benchmarks.

Regular inspections identify and rectify any deviations, with testing conducted in both in-house and third party laboratories. Valuing customer and employee feedback, we continuously improve all offerings.

Q: What are the main industries or sectors that St. Anthony’s Industries serves?

A: St. Anthony’s serves a wide spectrum of industries and sectors with a range of products. Our reach encompasses the building materials and interior design sector. We are a prominent player in the local building materials field.

Our products find applications in various construction and architectural projects. With a strong network of over 8,000 dealers across the island, products are provided to a wide range of retailers and distributors, enabling us to bring them closer to end consumers.

We also offer specialised services to the private and government sectors, supplying essential building materials.

Our commitment to quality and innovation makes us a preferred partner for construction and interior design, and we ensure that we meet regulatory standards.

Meanwhile, the innovation sales team focusses on catering to the interior design sector. With uPVC foam boards, and uPVC doors and windows, we contribute to creating innovative and aesthetic interior spaces, including building partitions, pantry cupboards and other interior design elements.

As a diversified expert in uPVC product manufacturing, we take pride in serving a diverse clientele, contributing to the construction, design and infrastructure development sectors across the country.

Q: Could you shed light on the future growth plans or expansion strategies for St. Anthony’s Industries?

A: We have a clear vision for future growth and expansion, with a strong focus on innovation, quality and customer satisfaction. Our strategies encompass both local and international markets.

With a sound understanding of the significance of innovation in the building materials and interior design sector, we continue to develop and introduce new, cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of customers to stay ahead of sector trends.

The focus is also on further strengthening relationships with key sector stakeholders including architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, masons, dealers and contractors. This collaborative approach will facilitate deeper market penetration and enhance mutual growth.

Embracing a culture of continuous improvement, we consistently refine products and processes. St. Anthony’s aims to be at the forefront of the sector by embracing new technologies and innovative practices.

We also hope to continue our legacy of being the first to locally manufacture new technologies and products. This showcases our commitment to innovation and also ensures that customers benefit from the latest advancements.

Q: How does St. Anthony’s Industries prioritise customer satisfaction and ensure excellent customer service?

A: Our success over six decades is due to our loyal customer base. We seek to exceed expectations in all product and service interactions. All employees are committed to providing exceptional services and maintaining quality from production to the end consumer.

Customer feedback is important, and through their surveys, reviews and direct communication, we make improvements. We also provide after sales support through a 24/7 call centre and dedicated customer relationship team to ensure customer satisfaction.

INTERVIEWEE DETAILS

Lahiru Jayasinghe
Chief Operating Officer