Hingurana Sugar will produce Sugar on 2011

Brown & Company PLC expects to commence the commercial production of the Hingurana Sugar factory within two year's time.

Speaking to media  Director of Brown & Company Ajith Devasurendra said at the moment they are in the process of growing sugarcane and expect to commence commercial production of the factory within one year's time.

"We will be investing US $ 12 million for the project. The machinery available at the factory is old and we are planning to instal latest machinery for the plant. This machinery will be imported from India or China," he said.

The Hingurana sugar factory will provide over 5,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for the people in the area, he said. The company is also now focusing on venturing into the dairy industry as well.

"We have noticed that there is a huge market potential for fresh milk in the local dairy industry. The local dairy industry is heavily depending on imported milk powder.

There are immense resources available in Sri Lanka for embarking on this type of project. We are planning to venture into this industry within three to four months time," he said.

Meanwhile Brown & Company entered into an agreement with the Havells India to market their products in Sri Lanka last week.

Havells India is a billion dollar company which manufactures electrical products ranging from cables to switchgear, lighting systems and fans laying emphasis on the environment and energy efficiency.

Devasurendra said Browns has a good reputation in the local market and they market world renowned brands in Sri Lanka. We are confident that this joint venture will be a huge success.

Both parties also looking at the possibilities of setting up manufacturing plants in Sri Lanka in the near future.

Head of International Marketing Havells India Vijay Malik said the company has eleven manufacturing units and they are focusing on setting up a manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka too.

"We believe that we have selected the correct local partners for our operations in Sri Lanka," he said.