Sritex quantum leaps to top position in Southeast Asia

Under the dynamic leadership of 38-year-old Iwan Lukminto, 46-year-old Sri Rejeki Isman (Sritex) group arrived big at this year's worldwide textile scene.

Started by his father H.M. Lukminto in 1966, Sritex has become Indonesia's No 1 integrated vertical textile garment company. The father-and-son team has catapulted the spinning, weaving and garment company into this position.

Strategic acquisitions and fast expansion were made in spinning to reach 1 million spindles in just three years.

Going upstream, the group has launched an 80,000-tonnes-per-annum viscose fibre project to be completed in 2014. This move will bring Sritex into the select viscose fibre club in Indonesia, and help the company keep its spinning costs competitive. The company also aims to build its own forestry business in the future, emphasising its commitment to ecological protection and a sustainable economy.

Know-how and innovative textiles in technical fabrics enable Sritex to become a major supplier of army uniforms to several nations. This makes the company a nominated supplier to 28 nations, providing great value to an otherwise basic industry. Sritex is the only supplier outside Europe that is certified by the German army and Nato.

In addition, the company is a preferred partner of Zara, Guess, Jones New York, Charles Vögele and other fashion houses, which make up 70 per cent of Sritex's garments division. Sritex's fashion goods are exported to the United States, Europe and the Middle East.