Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic
Tharaka Balasooriya

Tharaka Balasooriya

Gampaha

Summary

With over 13 years of experience in the apparel sector, I am A results-oriented and detail-driven Production Engineer with a strong foundation in Industrial & Systems Engineering and expertise in Process and Methods Engineering. Experienced GSD Practitioner with a solid understanding of garment costing and a passion for optimizing manufacturing processes. Proficient in Lean Manufacturing principles and committed to driving efficiency, cost savings, and productivity improvements. Knowledgeable in automation technologies and skilled in leading projects to successful completion. Strong background in Project Management, with a proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver results in fast-paced environments.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Manager I&SE

Arvind Limited
11.2023 - Current
  • Designed and implemented a complete end-to-end automated innovative manufacturing facility aligned with process, layout, workplace, material, and information flow.
  • Involved in ordering and installing the machines and equipment for the entire facility.
  • Developed a training manual and trained the IE, technical, production, and quality teams in IE and lean concepts.
  • Developed and implemented screening and recruitment processes to find the right Talent.
  • Developed and Implemented a faster sewing training process at the training school for training 100% fresh team members.
  • Facilitate the implementation of the GSD system in Group.
  • Developed and implemented a digital system with the supplier for training schools to reduce the training school lead time.
  • Developed and implemented automation solutions for sewing and nonsewing operations.
  • Implemented and maintained the pedal-less sewing method.
  • Implemented and maintained the autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and hanger systems.
  • Achieved up to 40% SMV reduction and up to 80% efficiency through standardization optimization & automation.

Manager I&SE

Modernized Engineering Center MAS KREEDA
04.2022 - 09.2023
  • Maintained the value engineering function in MAS KREEDA plants to maintain over 800 automation machines and 1,500 solutions at an optimal level.
  • Led the Factory of the Future (FOF) end-to-end project to establish the best IE practices.
  • Led to Establish the main & sub-assembly layout concept & material flow process for all factories in the cluster.
  • Led the quick changeover process using the pre-production engineering concepts.

Assistant Manager I&SE

Modernized Engineering Center MAS KREEDA
04.2019 - 03.2022
  • Led to proliferate and maintain automation machines across 2 factories and encouraged continuous improvement within the process.
  • Ensued identification of standardization, optimization, and automation opportunities and ensured quick adoption.
  • Conducted the factory IE calibration audit to sustain the IE concept.
  • Involved and led in developing new automation solutions for sewing operations.

Senior Executive Head of IE Department

MAS KREEDA Mihintale
10.2016 - 03.2019
  • Led the Work Study team to provide the most efficient and effective machine and layout for a smooth product manufacturing flow while optimizing machinery utilization.
  • Led the standardizing team to minimize variations in production as well as to set the most productive standards for development and as a tool for training.
  • Led the automation team and Maintained over 150 automation machines in the factory to reduce manufacturing costs.
  • Led the Quick Changeover process for seamless execution of style at manufacturing to gain maximum efficiency.
  • Maintained the skills development process in the factory.
  • Design and implemented product-based workspace attachment.

Executive IE

MAS KREEDA Leisureline
07.2014 - 09.2016
  • Created and implemented Line layout for module.
  • Maintained the skill development plan.
  • Solved the daily bottleneck in the module.

IE Officer

Brandix Batticaloa
03.2012 - 07.2014
  • Created and implemented Line layout for module.
  • Maintained the skill development plan.
  • Solved the daily bottleneck in the module.

Education

Associate Diploma - Clothing Manufacturing

Brandix College of Clothing Technology
Ratmalana

Management Services Certificate -

Institute of Management Services (UK) Sri Lanka Branch

Certificate - Garment Production Management

Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel

LEAN YELLOW BELT -

GSD Practitioner License Course -

GCE Advanced level - Commerce stream

GCE Ordinary level -

Skills

  • Production engineering
  • Industrial & systems engineering
  • Process & Methods Engineering
  • GSD practitioner
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing
  • Garment costing
  • Knowledge of automation
  • Project Management
  • Project Planning
  • Planning and scheduling
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Knowledge of Statistics
  • Team Management
  • Decision-Making Skills
  • Communication Skills

References

  • Mr. Asela Nandasena general manager at MAS KREEDA Shadeline, +94773602349
  • Mr. Thusitha Hallala Director process excellence MAS KREEDA, +94772655015

Personal Information

  • NIC Number: 902570888V
  • Date of Birth: 09/13/90
  • Gender: Male
  • Nationality: Sri Lankan
  • Marital Status: Married
  • Religion: Buddhist

Timeline

Chief Manager I&SE

Arvind Limited
11.2023 - Current

Manager I&SE

Modernized Engineering Center MAS KREEDA
04.2022 - 09.2023

Assistant Manager I&SE

Modernized Engineering Center MAS KREEDA
04.2019 - 03.2022

Senior Executive Head of IE Department

MAS KREEDA Mihintale
10.2016 - 03.2019

Executive IE

MAS KREEDA Leisureline
07.2014 - 09.2016

IE Officer

Brandix Batticaloa
03.2012 - 07.2014

Associate Diploma - Clothing Manufacturing

Brandix College of Clothing Technology

Management Services Certificate -

Institute of Management Services (UK) Sri Lanka Branch

Certificate - Garment Production Management

Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel

LEAN YELLOW BELT -

GSD Practitioner License Course -

GCE Advanced level - Commerce stream

GCE Ordinary level -

Tharaka Balasooriya