JAT Holdings PLC has completed the second phase of the expansion of its binder manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka. The facility is now fully operational and will increase production capacity by 76%, supporting the Group’s growth ambitions across its emulsions and coatings portfolio in both domestic and regional markets.
Binders are a main raw material in emulsion and industrial coatings. While the previous binder facility was largely geared towards exterior wood coating requirements, the expanded capacity strengthens JAT’s ability to support the interior wood coating segment, broadening its manufacturing capability across key product lines. Increasing local production also reduces reliance on imported intermediates and strengthens oversight of a key input within the value chain.
Global volatility in freight, energy and currency markets continues to compress manufacturing margins. By expanding in-house binder production, JAT improves cost predictability and reduces exposure to foreign exchange movements and external supply chain disruptions.
Beyond additional output, the upgraded facility incorporates process enhancements that improve efficiency and production consistency. This supports the Group’s ability to scale responsibly while maintaining product performance standards across its decorative and industrial segments.
As JAT continues its evolution into a Sri Lankan multinational industrial group, strengthening manufacturing capability across its footprint remains central to its strategy. In addition to its binder operations in Sri Lanka, the Group operates an Alkyd Resin manufacturing facility in Bangladesh, reinforcing backward integration across multiple input streams. Together, these investments reflect a consistent approach to building industrial depth within the markets in which JAT operates.
Commenting on the development, CEO Nishal Ferdinando stated, “Sustainable growth in manufacturing is built on capability and control. Expanding our binder plant strengthens oversight of a critical input within our coatings value chain and improves cost stability in a volatile global environment.
This continued investment in capacity enhancement reflects our confidence in sustained demand across our portfolio and reinforces our philosophy of disciplined capital deployment. We are building capability that strengthens our industrial base, supports margin resilience, and positions the Group to scale responsibly across markets.”
The expansion also aligns with the Group’s sustainability priorities. Increased local production reduces reliance on long-distance transport of intermediates while improving integration efficiencies within the manufacturing network.
With the binder plant now operating at expanded capacity, JAT further consolidates its vertically integrated model, building industrial capability in Sri Lanka to support sustained domestic growth and its expanding international presence.
About JAT Holdings PLC
JAT Holdings PLC is the market leader in wood coatings and brushes in Sri Lanka, with a dominant presence in the paints and luxury home and office furnishings segments. The conglomerate operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, supported by an advanced Research and Development Centre in Sri Lanka, driving innovation and reinforcing its strong regional presence. Through its Alkyd Resin Plant in Bangladesh, and its Acrylic Binder Plant in Sri Lanka, JAT benefits from backward vertical integration and enhanced cost efficiencies. Recognised for its financial stability, JAT holds a National Long-Term Rating of ‘AA(lka)’ from Fitch Ratings, while also being consistently ranked among the Most Awarded Entities, Most Loved Brands, Most Respected Entities, and Top 100 Listed Companies by LMD, reflecting its industry-leading position. Furthermore, its certification as a Great Place to Work underscores JAT’s commitment to its employees, making it an employer of choice.
