Macktiles Lanka, Sri Lanka’s largest tile manufacturer, is making waves in the global market as it expands its footprint across key international regions. With a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf regions, Macktiles continues its commitment to delivering European-standard tiles that blend cutting-edge design with long-lasting durability.
This ambitious expansion marks another step in Macktiles’ mission to make Sri Lankan tiles an iconic export brand, on par with the country’s famed Ceylon tea and apparel industries.
A Strategy for Global Growth
At the forefront of this expansion is Mizver Makeen, Managing Director of Macksons Holdings, Macktiles’ parent company. Commenting on the company’s strategic direction, he says:
“Our strategy is to take European-standard tiles into these regions and offer solutions that go beyond design, focusing on long-term durability and functionality for daily use. Not only are our products of high standards, comparable to Italian and Spanish tiles, but we also leverage the Colombo port’s container handling capabilities to bring the best value to our customers.”
Left to Right: Mizver Makeen (Managing Director – Macksons Holdings), Hon. Sagala Ratnayake (Senior Adviser to the President), Milfer Makeen (Chairman – Macktiles Lanka)
Over the past two years, Macktiles has upgraded its technology, reaching full capacity to meet local demand. Now, the company is setting its sights on international expansion. With operations already established in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Maldives, Nigeria, Kenya, and the UAE, Macktiles is well-positioned to capitalize on growing construction markets in these regions.
Leveraging Local Resources and International Standards
One of the key differentiators of Macktiles’ products is the use of globally sought-after Sri Lankan raw materials, which make up 85% of the tile composition. The remaining materials, including high-quality frits and glazes, are imported from Italy, ensuring that Macktiles’ products meet European standards of design and durability.
This combination of local resources and imported materials has enabled Macktiles to achieve industrial standards that rank among the best in the world. The company is committed to maintaining these standards as it continues its international expansion, making Sri Lankan tiles a symbol of quality on the global stage.
Targeting High-Growth Markets
Macktiles’ expansion strategy is centered on regions with high growth projections in the construction industry. The Nigerian market, valued at $135.9 billion in 2022, is expected to grow by over 2% annually over the next three years, driven by significant investments in housing and industrial construction projects. Similarly, Kenya’s construction sector, valued at $17.3 billion, is set to grow at an annual rate of 5%, supported by public-private partnerships and private investments.
In the Maldives, the construction industry is expected to experience a 7.7% annual growth rate, thanks to government infrastructure projects and private-sector investments in residential and tourism developments. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s construction sector is projected to grow by 3% in 2023, fueled by the government’s infrastructure initiatives. The UAE and Saudi Arabian construction markets continue to play pivotal roles in the economic development of the region, further cementing Macktiles’ decision to expand into these high-demand areas.
A Rs. 16 Billion Investment to Meet Global Demand
Between 2020 and 2022, Macktiles invested Rs. 16 billion in upgrading its manufacturing facilities. This significant investment included the establishment of a state-of-the-art tile manufacturing plant in Bandaragama, which has boosted the company’s production capacity to 44,000 square meters of tiles per day, or 15 million square meters annually. This increase in capacity ensures that Macktiles can meet the demands of both domestic and international markets with ease.
Mizver Makeen emphasizes that Macktiles’ goal is not only to expand globally but also to position Sri Lankan tiles as an iconic export.
“As we venture into these growth markets, we are confident that we can make Sri Lankan tiles a global brand like our tea and apparel industries,” says Makeen.
He adds that this opportunity extends beyond Macktiles Lanka, inviting other local tile manufacturers with cutting-edge technology to join the mission of elevating Sri Lanka’s global brand image in the tile industry.
Sustainability at the Core of Operations
What sets Macktiles apart in the international market is not only its capacity and technology but also its commitment to sustainable practices. The company is dedicated to minimizing its carbon footprint and has implemented several sustainability initiatives within its manufacturing facilities and surrounding communities. These initiatives ensure that Macktiles can meet international environmental standards while delivering world-class products.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While Macktiles has made significant progress in expanding into international markets, Mizver Makeen highlights one remaining challenge: the need for clear and stable policies at the government level to support local tile manufacturers.
“We are not asking for protection from foreign competitors, but we do need assurances that foreign players will play by the rules of fairness,” he says, referring to the potential issue of unscrupulous exporters dumping tiles in Sri Lanka. Makeen calls for greater regulation and data collection to ensure a level playing field for local manufacturers who have saved over USD 150 million in foreign exchange during the import ban.
He further emphasizes the quality of Sri Lankan minerals used in Macktiles products, stating that the company has mastered the art of utilizing these resources to create high-quality tiles that rival the best in the world.
As Macktiles Lanka continues to expand its operations into high-growth international markets, the company is committed to delivering world-class tiles that blend European standards with Sri Lankan craftsmanship. With strategic investments in technology, sustainability, and global expansion, Macktiles is poised to become an iconic global brand, bringing the best of Sri Lanka to the world stage.
