Q: How has ACL Cables looked to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Similar to most industries, our operations shut down entirely at the beginning of the curfew.
However, we were able to minimise the disruption by adjusting to the situation, which enabled us to return to the market in early May with our distribution staff working tirelessly to fulfil orders. In turn, this boosted customer confidence especially among dealers and distributors.
Ensuring employees’ safety was our priority, which paid dividends in the form of their commitment. To this end, we implemented all measures recommended by health authorities including checking temperature and sanitising facilities among others. Although our operations were halted during the festive season, all employees received their bonuses, advances, salaries
and annual increments.
As a result, our team formed closer bonds, leading to great benefits for the organisation, which we observed when manufacturing activities resumed as we were able to return to nearly full capacity in a short period.
Q: What are your views on the concept of working from home (WFH)?
A: WFH can offer many benefits but I believe it is better suited to more advanced societies. It’s difficult to implement in the Sri Lankan context as our work ethic is such that domestic responsibilities may be prioritised over those related to our jobs.
As for ACL Cables, it is almost impossible to implement WFH due to the nature of the company’s operations – i.e. manufacturing and distribution – with the exception of back end functions.
Q: How has the manufacturing sector been impacted by the economic downturn?
A: The prevailing low interest regime enabled the company to rebound quickly.
Additionally, the combination of low interest loans and people spending more time at home contributed to an increase in development, with consumers undertaking upgrades and repairs. Similarly, the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) activi- ties continued as planned.
On the other hand, we were impacted by construction sites being virtually locked down as this hampered other private sector activities.
Furthermore, the company faced challenges in procuring raw materials due to disruptions to global supply chains. Prices have also been volatile with much of the movements being based on speculation rather than supply and demand.
However, we were able to overcome many of these issues through strategic planning and a suitable production mix.
Q: What measures were taken to sustain the company in the past 12 months or so?
A: The demand for cables increased during this period so we took measures to keep operations running smoothly.
As much of ACL Cables’ production is integrated, our plants must run simultaneously. Given this reality, we took steps to foster a safe working environment for everyone.
The government’s policies also helped businesses such as ours. By emphasising local production, the country was able to conserve its foreign exchange reserves while protecting the manufacturing sector.
Q: And what are the major challenges faced by the cable manufacturing sector?
A: The lack of policy consistency is challenging for businesses when it comes to planning ahead. For example, it can be difficult to implement long-term investment plans as policies may change before they come to fruition.
ACL Cables has introduced many pioneering products to the sector including a PVC-based fire-retardant rated cable Fire Guard – which would benefit all customers with the protection offered.
However, many manufacturers say that their cables are also fire-retardant despite this not being true, thereby misleading consumers. The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) has yet to introduce SLS standards for this, which is an area that requires action.
Q: And what are the major challenges faced by the cable manufacturing sector?
A: The lack of policy consistency is challenging for businesses when it comes to planning ahead. For example, it can be difficult to implement long-term investment plans as policies may change before they come to fruition.
ACL Cables has introduced many pioneering products to the sector including a PVC-based fire-retardant rated cable Fire Guard – which would benefit all customers with the protection offered.
However, many manufacturers say that their cables are also fire-retardant despite this not being true, thereby misleading consumers. The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) has yet to introduce SLS standards for this, which is an area that requires action.