Amaron batteries to boost growth in Sri Lanka
View(s):Amaron Batteries has a significant growth potential as the Sri Lankan vehicle market continues to expand, says Rajesh Jindal, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Amara Raja Batteries Ltd India at a media briefing held at the Galadari in Colombo last week.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Jindal said, “Amara Raja Batteries Ltd (ARBL) is a world class manufacturing plant which was started in 1985 with industry batteries and in year 2000 ventured into automotive batteries. The company has been growing at a very healthy base year-on-year with over US$ 500 million turnover end of 2013.”Adding to that Mr. Jindal mentioned that there is significant growth potential for Amaron as the Sri Lankan vehicle market continues to expand while looking at leveraging the brands’ strong performance both in India and Sri Lanka and to further extend the reach to local consumers. “Expanding our dealer network through Samudhi Group of Companies and offering new products to the Sri Lankan market will take the centre stage in our country strategy,” he noted.
Samudhi Group of Companies Chairman and Managing Director Gamini Rathnayake speaking at the event said, “Amaron Batteries were introduced to Sri Lanka in 2005 by Samudhi Group of Companies with the concept of ‘maintenance free’. Initially consumers were doubtful whether it would perform well in the long run. Word of mouth brought Amaron batteries a long way today and it is considered sustainable for at least more than three years. It is the only battery in Sri Lanka that provides warranty for 60 months than any other.” Mr. Rathnayake added that his company is gearing towards a target of increased sales of up to 40 per cent by end 2015.
From being the largest importer, Amaron batteries has rapidly grown into one of the largest automotive brands in Sri Lanka offering low maintenance and long lasting battery solutions with the longest period of warranty obtainable in the market. Amaron is currently distributed through more than 250 dealers located around Sri Lanka.
US-based Johnson Controls, which has a stake in Amaron, is the world’s largest and a leader in batteries. It’s a US$ 45 billion fortune 500 company that sells over 110 million batteries worldwide. The company has market shares in North America, South America and Europe. Manufacturing plants are located in America, Europe, China, Korea, India, and Africa. Johnson Controls is also planning to expand the manufacturing plants further.
(RM)