The company was honoured as the winner in the Export Sector and named 2nd Joint Runner-Up in the Large Category. These accolades highlight LAUGFS Rubber’s strong global presence, operational excellence, and ongoing leadership in the industrial tyre manufacturing industry.

The National Business Excellence Awards are a premier annual awards programme organised by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, aimed at recognizing organisations that demonstrate outstanding achievements across critical areas of business excellence. Participating companies are assessed through a robust framework that includes leadership, corporate governance, performance management, market reach, sustainability, and capacity building.

Commenting on the achievement, Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chinthaka Wegapitiya of LAUGFS Rubber, stated, “This recognition at the National Business Excellence Awards is a proud moment for LAUGFS Rubber. It reflects the collective effort of our team and our strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. We remain committed to delivering world-class solutions to global markets while contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic growth.”

The event, held in the heart of Delhi, brought together the best minds and technologies from the construction and mining sectors. LAUGFS Corporation presented an impressive portfolio of high-quality solid rubber tire solutions tailored for industrial applications. From durable tires to specialized rubber components, the company’s exhibits demonstrated its unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. The LAUGFS team engaged with a diverse audience, including contractors, engineers, OEM’s, and distributors, providing insights into how their solutions enhance operational efficiency and reliability.

Your enthusiasm, interest, and insightful conversations made this event a truly memorable experience. We’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase our innovations and connect with so many industry leaders. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and we look forward to continuing our journey together!

In addition to this remarkable achievement, LAUGFS Rubber secured the Gold Award in the Rubber Tyre & Accessories Sector for the fourth consecutive year. The company also achieved the Silver Award in the same category in 2020. Furthermore, LAUGFS Rubber was previously honored with the Gold Award for Most Outstanding Exporter – Overall in 2022, solidifying its position as a trailblaser in Sri Lanka’s export industry.

Speaking on this milestone, Mr. Chinthaka Wegapitiya, Chief Executive Officer of LAUGFS Rubber, stated, “Winning the Most Outstanding Exporter of the Year award again is a monumental achievement for LAUGFS Rubber. This accolade reflects the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our teams, who have consistently delivered world-class products to over 50 countries. Sustainability, quality, and customer-centricity are the pillars that drive our success. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our employees for their unwavering commitment. This recognition inspires us to push boundaries and continue pioneering excellence in the global market.”

The NCE Export Awards, widely regarded as the benchmark of excellence in Sri Lanka’s export sector, evaluates nominees through a rigorous process. Companies are assessed on financial performance over three years, export statistics, value addition, foreign exchange earnings, management practices, branding initiatives, innovation across products and processes, and their commitment to research and development. LAUGFS Corporation (Rubber) Limited has been manufacturing industrial solid tyres since 2008. With subsidiaries in the United States (LAUGFS USA LLC) and Europe (LAUGFS EUROPE B.V.), its robust infrastructure, including warehouses and distribution points, ensures efficient service to meet the growing demands of 45 countries across five continents. LAUGFS Rubber upholds international best practices with a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly manufacturing facility. Demonstrating a strong commitment to quality and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, the company has earned the ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management, ISO 50001:2011 certification for energy management, ISO 14001:2015 certification for environmental management, ISO 45001:2018 certification for occupational health and safety management, and ethical trading certifications. The company’s product portfolio includes tyres for material handling, construction applications, ground equipment, mining, and custom-made solutions tailored to specific client needs, all renowned for their exceptional durability.

The Quality Quiz, launched in 2019, has become a cornerstone of training for LAUGFS employees, focusing on the company’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and essential work instructions. This year’s Quality Month celebrations have bolstered a sense of unity and friendly competition and reinforced LAUGFS’s commitment to quality at all levels, making it a memorable and impactful experience for the entire team.

Commenting on this proud moment, LAUGFS (Corporation) Rubber Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chinthaka Wegapitiya, stated: “We are immensely proud to receive these prestigious awards at the National Business Excellence Awards 2024. These accolades reflect LAUGFS Rubber’s unwavering dedication to corporate governance, strategic excellence, and sustainable business practices. Competing in the highly competitive Large Category, we stood out for our exceptional achievements in business and finance, underscoring our leadership in the industry and commitment to excellence across all facets of our operations.”

The annual National Business Excellence Awards highlight excellence in various domains, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and sustainable growth within the business community. The NBEA’s rigorous three-stage evaluation process underscores the significance of these accolades. Applications were initially screened for conformity and then reviewed in detail by a technical panel. The shortlisted companies proceeded to the second stage, where interviews were conducted to allocate marks based on sector-specific criteria. The final stage involved a thorough review by the Panel of Judges, who selected the award recipients based on comprehensive evaluation reports and interview outcomes. Criteria included excellence in corporate governance, strategy, capacity building, performance management, local and global market reach, corporate social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.

Further commenting, Wegapitiya noted: “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team. It inspires us to continue our pursuit of excellence and innovation. We extend our gratitude to the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, our partners, and our customers for their continuous support.

LAUGFS Rubber specialises in producing industrial tyres, serving customers in over 45 countries worldwide. The company has established a robust international presence with subsidiaries in the United States (LAUGFS USA LLC) and Europe (LAUGFS Europe B.V). LAUGFS Rubber’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is a beacon of innovation and sustainability. The facility adheres to international best practices, generating 40% of its energy through solar panels and utilising high-quality rubber compounds and Total Quality Management (TQM) processes to produce REACH-compliant solid tyres. The company’s commitment to quality and environmentally sound manufacturing practices are further evidenced by its ISO 9001:2015, ISO 50001:2018, and ISO 14001:2015 certifications.

The prestigious NCQP Awards 2024, organised by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Quality and Productivity (SLAAQP), was recently held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. It brought together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators to discuss and celebrate advancements in quality and productivity. Held under the theme “A Quest for Quality, Productivity, and Innovation” this year, one of the highlights of the NCQP 2024 was the Quality Circle competition, which showcased the efforts of non-executive employees from various reputed organisations to enhance productivity. In this event, the team from LAUGFS Rubber earned their Gold Award, securing them an opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the upcoming International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC) 2024, a global event.

Commenting on the achievement, Chief Executive Officer LAUGFS Rubber, Chinthaka Wegapitiya, said, “We are incredibly honoured to receive this award, and I wish to congratulate our team. Winning the gold award at the NCQP 2024 represents the hard work and dedication of our shop floor teams. This accolade not only recognises their efforts but also sets a benchmark for quality and productivity within the industry. We are excited to represent Sri Lanka at the ICQCC 2024 and showcase our commitment to excellence on an international stage. I take this opportunity to appreciate the commitment and hard work that our teams put in every day, in our quest to achieve exceptional excellence.”

The ICQCC will be hosted in Sri Lanka in November 2024 and will provide a global platform for showcasing Sri Lanka’s advancements in quality control and productivity, with LAUGFS Rubber amongst the leaders. Representing Sri Lankan enterprises, the LAUGFS Rubber team is ready to showcase its expertise and share its success story at this much-anticipated international forum. As it emerges victorious at the NCQP 2024, LAUGFS Rubber remains dedicated to maintaining the highest standards for quality and excellence.

LAUGFS Rubber specialises in producing industrial tyres, serving customers in over 45 countries worldwide. The company has established a robust international presence with subsidiaries in the United States (LAUGFS USA LLC) and Europe (LAUGFS Europe B.V). LAUGFS Rubber’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is a beacon of innovation and sustainability. The facility adheres to international best practices, generating 40% of its energy through solar panels and utilising high-quality rubber compounds and Total Quality Management (TQM) processes to produce REACH-compliant solid tyres. The company’s commitment to quality and environmentally sound manufacturing practices is further evidenced by its ISO 9001:2015, ISO 50001:2018, and ISO 14001:2015 certifications.

At LAUGFS Corporation Rubber Limited, we are deeply committed to sustainability, which extends beyond our products and processes. As a solid industrial rubber company based in Sri Lanka, we understand the importance of instilling a profound respect for the environment in the younger generation. We initiated the “Tree of Knowledge” project at Moragahahena National School to commemorate World Environment Day. This project promotes environmental education within youth and tree planting for a better future.

Cultivating a Green Legacy at Moragahahena National School

The “Tree of Knowledge” Project involved planting valuable trees on the school premises, creating a dynamic, living classroom for students. This tree-planting initiative garnered enthusiastic participation from students of all grades, nurturing a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. By getting hands-on experience in tree planting, students enhanced the school grounds’ aesthetics and developed a real connection with nature.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders through Environmental Education

Understanding the pivotal role of education in shaping young minds, we organized a specialized seminar for Grade 5 students to empower tomorrow’s leaders. This engaging seminar focused on the “Environment” subject module, which is essential for their scholarship examination. We aimed to equip the students with in-depth knowledge about environmental conservation, sustainability practices, and protecting our natural resources. The interactive seminar provided a platform for lively discussions and engaging activities, all designed to make learning about the environment both fun and informative. By aligning our workshop with the student’s curriculum, we ensured that the information provided was relevant and directly beneficial for their academic success.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

As a sustainability organization, LAUGFS Corporation Rubber Limited is fully dedicated to creating a positive impact on the communities we serve. “Tree of Knowledge” is an initiative designed to provide valuable insights to school students about the importance of the environment for a better future. At LAUGFS, we firmly believe that by educating and involving youth in meaningful environmental activities, we can help nurture a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who will lead us toward a more sustainable world. By implementing this project at Moragahahena National School, LAUGFS Corporation Rubber Limited is proud to play a role in cultivating and nurturing the environmental leaders of tomorrow. We are excited to continue our efforts to promote sustainability and environmental awareness in the communities we serve.

Upon receiving the award, LAUGFS Rubber Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chinthaka Wegapitiya, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to NCCSL. It is more than a pleasure to be recognized as the Runner Up in the Export Sector category at the National Business Excellence Awards 2023. This achievement would not have been possible without our exceptional team’s dedication and collective effort, whose passion and expertise drive our success. As we move forward, we remain committed to upholding our position as a leading exporter, delivering superior products and solutions, fostering innovation, and striving for excellence in everything we do.”

As a trusted and reliable partner for international customers seeking high-quality tyres, LAUGFS Rubber’s export performance not only contributes to its own growth but also plays a pivotal role in promoting the rubber industry of Sri Lanka on the international stage. This achievement highlights LAUGFS Rubber’s commitment to excellence and its strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. For instance, LAUGFS Rubber recently opened a rubber collection center where rubber farmers can sell their produce directly without the involvement of a 3rd party.

LAUGFS Rubber, a subsidiary of LAUGFS Holdings, operates with a specialized focus on industrial tyres, exporting to customers in over 40 countries. Venturing further into international waters, LAUGFS Rubber also operates two subsidiaries; one in the United States (LAUGFS USA LLC) and the other in Europe (LAUGFS EUROPE B.V). Functioning at high capacity, both companies are equipped with warehouses and distribution points, effectively catering to the growing demand across the regions.

In line with international best practices, the company boasts a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly manufacturing facility, which generates 40% of its energy requirement through solar panels. This facility uses the finest rubber compounds and the globally recognized Total Quality Management (TQM) processes to produce REACH-compliant, solid tires of international standards. Given its strong commitment to quality and environmentally sound manufacturing practices, the Company has received the ISO 9001-2015 certification for policy management, ISO 50001-2011 certification for energy management and ISO 14001-2015 for environment management

“We are humbled to have been recognised as the ‘Most Outstanding Exporter’ for 2022 and receive a ‘Gold’ Award at the NCE Awards ceremony. This is a testament of the hard work and continuous dedication put forth by all our employees throughout our journey over the past 17 years. Despite the recent macroeconomic challenges, we faced many roadblocks, nevertheless we were able to strive through and achieve our goals, fueled by our passion as a customer-centric company. We will continue to innovate and adopt the best sustainability practices to improve our product offerings and cater to the growing demand of global markets,” commented LAUGFS Rubber CEO, Mr Chinthaka Wegapitiya.

The Annual Export Awards are organized annually by the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka and is specially designed to recognise and reward the outstanding performance of exporters of our country. NCE follows a stringent and comprehensive evaluation criteria process to screen the applicants. LAUGFS Rubber was thoroughly evaluated on the following categories:  Financial performance for the past 3 years, statistics related to export performance, value additions, foreign exchange earnings, effective management techniques, branding – managing and evaluating brand performance, innovativeness (product, process, service, market) and research & development.

LAUGFS Rubber, a subsidiary of LAUGFS Holdings, operates with a specialized focus on industrial tyres, exporting to customers in over 36 countries. Venturing further into international waters, LAUGFS Rubber also operates two subsidiaries; one in the United States (LAUGFS USA LLC) and the other in Europe (LAUGFS EUROPE B.V). Functioning at high capacity, both companies are equipped with warehouses and distribution points, effectively catering to the growing demand across the regions. In line with international best practices, the company boasts a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly manufacturing facility, which generates 40% of its energy requirement through solar panels. This facility uses the finest rubber compounds and the globally recognised Total Quality Management (TQM) processes to produce REACH-compliant, solid tyres of international standards. Given its strong commitment to quality and environmentally sound manufacturing practices, the Company has received the ISO 9001-2015 certification for policy management, ISO 50001-2011 certification for energy management and ISO 14001-2015 for environment management.