DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION CENTERS
These innovation and development centers were buzzing with new and exciting innovations! The R&D teams are exploring ways to streamline manufacturing, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Lean Manufacturing model. In addition to lean practices, I had the opportunity to learn about soft matter, wearable tech, and femology. I also attended the Browzwear roadshow, where I gained insights into how digitalization is being implemented. The development center is a large sampling facility and plays a key role in innovating products with new technologies to present to brands.
Nirmana, MAS HoldingsSri LankaTwinery, MAS HoldingsSri LankaAPPAREL FACTORIES
Matrix, MAS HoldingsSri LankaSynergy, MAS HoldingsSri Lanka
Linea Aqua, MAS HoldingsSri LankaLinea Intimo, MAS HoldingsSri Lanka
Noyon Lanka, MAS HoldingsSri LankaLinea Clothing, MAS HoldingsSri Lanka
During my time in Sri Lanka, I had the opportunity to tour nine different apparel factories, each with unique capabilities, including jacquard knit, circular knit, flat knit, and cut-and-sew. All of these facilities operated with impressive lean manufacturing practices. One standout factory was Synergy, often referred to as “the factory of the future” due to its advanced automations. MAS refers to these as “autonomations”—machines that are automated to ensure 100% quality-assured outputs while still requiring an operator for oversight.
Throughout these tours, I gained a thorough understanding of each manufacturing process. I am inspired by the potential for innovation within these processes, whether in construction techniques, sustainability practices, or efficiency improvements. This hands-on experience allowed me to explore how innovation can transform not only products but also the sustainability within industry as a whole.
Sustainability is a core value of mine, and witnessing the waste generated during manufacturing left an impression on me. It has fueled my determination to drive meaningful change in the industry, creating intentional, sustainable solutions as I move forward in my career.
Unichela, MAS HoldingsSri LankaSilueta, MAS HoldingsSri LankaFOOTWEAR FACTORIES
Ching LuhVietnamLai YihVietnamThese two grade A footwear factories provided an invaluable learning experience and insight into the entire footwear manufacturing process. From the delivery of raw materials to the shipment of finished products, I was able to witness every step in between. I observed injection molding, tooling fabrication, the construction of uppers, strobeling, vulcanization, embroidery, and every stage in between. One aspect that particularly stood out to me was the significant amount of waste produced, especially during the tooling process, which raised many questions for me about sustainability practices in footwear manufacturing. It was a stark reminder of the challenges the industry faces in minimizing waste and improving efficiency.