Kelani Cables eyes digitisation, energy sector

Kelani Cables PLC ( Kelani) has plans to go digital while looking to buy firms in the energy sector, company officials say. The company which will be completing 50 years next January has plans to become automated and digitalised while implementing data exchange systems with staff to embrace the next stage of the future in the company. The company is also eyeing a technology revolution. "We are looking at joint venture partners for technology and buy back arrangements for our products, "Mahinda Saranapala, Director/ CEO of Kelani Cables told the Business Times.

He said that there have been discussions with potential partners for their know- how, knowledge and technology and also to strike buyback agreement with them to purchase the products that Kelani will be manufacturing.

Mr. Saranapala added that he has had discussions with the Japanese and Chinese partners recently. The company has plans to buy firms in the energy sector, Mr. Saranapala said. "We would like to buy something in hydro or solar power. In fact we have installed solar technology in one of our factories. Its renewable energy system capacity is 142,272 kWh per year."

Mr. Saranapala added that the company is growing at 12 to 15 per cent annually. This is mainly because they have added three production lines to enhance capacities. According to Mr. Saranapala last year manufac- turing plants one, two and three utilised all the resources available efficiently and supported the sales and marketing by providing all requirements as per the budget. He said these plants maintained the required quality, standards and meeting delivery targets. “All products manufactured for exports too met the stringent international standards.”

The company wants to broadbase their products. "We are also adding new products to our trading range." Kelani’s trading items are related to electrical articles which they import. Mr. Saranapala added that they are trying to improve this sector of the company. Last year the company has been able to get the maximum from all their resources to record the highest turnover of Rs 7,994 million. “Focusing on our theme of sustainable growth and to maintain our market share we were cautious in our pricing strategy and last year saw the top line grow by 12.2 per cent,” Mr. Saranapala added.

We would like to buy something in hydro or solar power. In fact we have installed solar technology in one of our factories. Its renewable energy system capacity is 142,272 kWh per year