• Move aims at gaining greater access to growing Indian market; value-added apparel products plant to be ready by 2026 

MAS Holdings, South Asia’s largest apparel manufacturer, recently marked a significant milestone in its global expansion by breaking ground for its first facility in the state of Odisha, India.

This strategic initiative builds on MAS’ long-standing presence in India while strengthening its regional production capabilities

and giving it a strong foothold to access the fast-growing Indian retail

market.The ceremony was attended by MAS Holdings GCEO Suren Fernando, MAS India CEO Malik Ahamadeen, MAS Holdings COO Shakthi Ranatunga, MAS Fabric Park CEO Murad Rajudin, while the Odisha Government was represented by OAS, Special Secretary Subhendra Kumar Nayak.

MAS Holdings plans to begin apparel production at this facility in 2026. The plant will focus on creating value-added apparel products tailored for both the Indian and international markets. This move not only leverages the potential of India’s manufacturing landscape but also builds on MAS’ proven operational excellence long established in Sri Lanka. Once established, these operations are set to benefit the wider MAS group, whose majority workforce is within Sri Lanka, by offering the company access to new markets and stronger regional partnerships driving growth and new business opportunities.

MAS India CEO Malik Ahamadeen said: “MAS is excited to take this important step in creating a strong apparel ecosystem in the region. This is enabled by our extensive experience in managing holistic apparel industrial zones in Sri Lanka, bringing together key partners along the apparel supply chain.”

MAS Holdings Group CEO Suren Fernando said: “This investment marks a significant milestone in MAS’ journey, and we are excited to leverage the vast business opportunities the venture presents. India has long been an integral part of our operations, and with 25 years of experience operating in India, we recognise the immense potential of the country’s manufacturing landscape, both for the global supply chain and the rapidly growing domestic retail sector.”

Over the next 10 years, MAS Holdings plans to develop the 60-acre site working together with its partners to build a fully-fledged apparel hub in Odisha.