Star expands Sri Lankan operations with
acquisition of Kolonna Manufacturing
In June 2024, Star expanded its footprint with the acquisition of Kolonna Manufacturing Limited—now its 12th facility in Sri Lanka. Located in the Ratnapura district, this new site will create over 1,000 job opportunities for the local community, reinforcing Star’s commitment to the region’s growth.
This strategic move highlights Star’s ongoing dedication to bolstering Sri Lanka’s apparel industry and supporting global manufacturers looking to diversify risks. According to Charlie Komar, President and CEO of Star’s parent company, Komar “This investment underscores our long-term commitment to Sri Lanka, a market we believe still holds untapped potential in apparel manufacturing.”
Star’s 70,000 sq. ft Innovation Centre, the first Passive House design in Southeast Asia, was recognised with the 2020 Merit Award for Sustainability at the AIA New York’s annual Design Awards. Alongside its CarbonNeutral® certification, Star proudly leads as the largest carbon-neutral company in Sri Lanka—the only apparel sector business with all facilities internationally certified as carbon-neutral.
“The acquisition of Kolonna Manufacturing reflects our firm belief in Sri Lanka’s potential, even amidst the country’s economic challenges” -A. Sukumaran, Managing Director
A. Sukumaran, Managing Director of Star Garments Group, shared, “As we explore growth opportunities beyond Sri Lanka, we remain confident in the future of the apparel industry here. The acquisition of Kolonna Manufacturing reflects our firm belief in Sri Lanka’s potential, even amidst the country’s economic challenges. We are optimistic about the future of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector.”
This acquisition plays a crucial role in Star’s strategy to solidify and strengthen its manufacturing base and offerings in Sri Lanka, enhancing its portfolio with strategic acquisitions. It also underscores Star’s process-driven approach to innovation, continually developing sustainable, forward-thinking solutions that drive growth and evolution in both the Sri Lankan and global apparel industries.
