Sri Lanka’s Macktiles launches in Australia, ventures into high-spec global market
Daily FT: Macktiles has launched Macktiles Australia in Victoria, marking a major milestone for Sri Lankan manufacturing and a strategic entry into one of the world’s most design-aware, specification-led building markets.
Backed by Macksons Holdings Group, Macktiles is positioned as Sri Lanka’s largest turnkey tile manufacturer, with scale and integration that have made it a leading force in the domestic category.
Macktiles’ manufacturing capacity expanded significantly following major investments in technology and production, reaching 44,000 square metres per day, alongside a reported 40% share of the local market, establishing the facility as the country’s largest tile manufacturing operation.
The company has also built an islandwide footprint through a growing showroom network, including the opening of its 50th showroom in 2025.
The Australian launch extends a global presence that already includes markets such as the US, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Kenya, the Maldives, and Indonesia, reflecting a deliberate internationalisation strategy rather than a one-off export push.
Macktiles Managing Director Mizver Makeen said: “Australia is a market that rewards consistency, professionalism, and design integrity. This launch represents the next phase of our long-term global growth strategy. We are proud to take Sri Lankan manufacturing capability into a market with high expectations, and we are committed to building a trusted, enduring presence through strong local partnerships and reliable delivery.”
Macktiles General Manager – Sales Niroshan Pananwala said the Australia range has been shaped around how Australians live and build, across homes, businesses, and shared spaces.
“We took time to understand what Australians expect, both functionally and emotionally. They want spaces that work hard, feel effortless, and still look right years later. We have brought global expertise to serve that lifestyle, combining world-class inputs, European technology, and design influence from Spain and Italy, to deliver a product range built for the Australian standard,” he said.
Macktiles’ production strength is supported by international technical inputs and advanced manufacturing systems, including integrated Italian technology investments designed to expand capacity and elevate global competitiveness.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s private sector is on a steady growth path recording profits as well as local and international expansions. Among the key economic sectors that are on a steady growth path and expansion to meet the increasing demand locally and internationally are the manufacturing and export sectors. Sri Lanka’s growth as an emerging business destination in the the South Asian region supported by the country’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean, the strong trade ties enjoyed with many foreign countries and the improving business conducive environment in the country have further expanded the business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and export industries. The growth, profits as well as expansions recorded by businesses already engaged in the manufacturing and export industries and the increasing interest among foreign businesses/investors to explore opportunities in these industries are indicative of the increasing business potential in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and export industries as well as related sectors. Foreign businesses could also look at setting up manufacturing bases in Sri Lanka to export to countries in the region using the preferential treatment enjoyed by Sri Lanka with these countries. Foreign businesses could further look at partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses as distribution/retail partners in foreign markets.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260220/Z_2 |