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Photo focus: In Galle the Morris Minor lives on
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Text and pix by Gamini Mahadura - Pinnaduwa
Production of the iconic “Morris Minor” may have ceased in 1971, but an estimated 60,000 such vehicles are still being driven on roads around the world and the demands for its spare parts are high.
Sri Lankan mechanics have proved themselves capable of turning out a number of spare parts for this vehicle. In addition they have also been able to turn out the chassis itself which is being exported to Denmark, from where they are distributed to the US and rest of Europe.
Around 15 technicians work at a factory which turns out around 650 different types of spare parts which meet international standards.
The manufacturing establishment situated in Galle has been in operation since 1995 and workers repair and even upgrade Morris Minor cars.
The quality of the manufactured products has resulted in recognition of the skills of the Sri Lankan mechanics, which in turn has led over the years to an increased demand for their products.
A Morris Minor ‘luxury’ vehicle upgraded at the local factory
Workers turn out spare parts using fairly basic machinery
Production of the Morris Minor car ceased in 1971. But this factory in Galle exports locally manufactured spare parts to users the world over
Skilled workers at the establishment even upgrade the vehicles
The factory even turns out chassis for this iconic vehicle which are exported
Section of the lathe machines used to turn out parts at the local ‘Minor’ factory
A locally converted 'Morris Minor'