Sri Lanka’s market leader in wood coatings, brushes and rollers, JAT Holdings PLC, has launched the Harris® International Painter Training Programme 2024 under its long-standing JAT Pintharoo Abhiman CSR initiative. The objective of this programme is to elevate industry standards through comprehensive technical training for professional painters, guided by international experts from Orkla House Care UK – the market leader in brushes rollers and accessories across the UK, US, and Europe.
The Harris® Painter Programme 2024 is presented as a series of Islandwide workshops to empower local painters with advanced skills and knowledge, increasing the quality of their work. The inaugural phase of the programme took place at JAT’s Head Office from the 26th to the 28th of June 2024, with over 200 participants in total covering JAT staff, experienced painters, and key members of JAT’s dealer network in attendance, across 3 days.
The inaugural workshop was of special significance as it was conducted by international industry experts Mark Parr – International Market Manager of Orkla House Care UK, L.G Harris & Co. Ltd, and John Green – Training Consultant at John Green Décor, UK. Future sessions will be conducted by JAT staff, who have been trained by these experts, extending the programme’s reach across Sri Lanka. Orkla House UK focuses on developing products and solutions for professional painters backed by years of R&D. This has supported Harris® across the world to ensure the quality and durability of its range.
Through theoretical and practical insights, the workshops educate participants about becoming professional painters through the effective use of Harris brushes and rollers, highlighting how these tools can help painters to be more time- and cost-efficient while delivering superior quality. Each participant of these workshops will receive a valuable certificate, together with in-depth product knowledge, tips on improving efficiency and service delivery, and free premarket samples of upcoming products. At the inaugural workshop, JAT was also able to launch two new brushes, designed to significantly help painters improve the quality of their work.
Commenting on the initiative, Nishal Ferdinando, Chief Executive Officer of JAT Holdings PLC said, “The Harris® Painter Training Programme 2024 is a genuine effort by JAT towards enhancing the skills of local painters. It also helps to better educate our dealers on the advantages of Harris® products. This effort aligns with our goal to uplift industry standards and contribute to the overall development of painters and wood craftsmen in Sri Lanka under the JAT Pintharoo Abhiman program. By promoting the sharing of cutting-edge technology, techniques, knowledge, and practical skills, we are fostering an environment of excellence and innovation that will help uplift our communities and create new opportunities.”
Mark Parr – International Market Manager Orkla House Care UK, L G Harris & Co Ltd added, “It was indeed a memorable experience for us to meet and train a dedicated and professional group of painters in Sri Lanka. We were able to introduce them to some of our new, unreleased products, and impart knowledge and tips on getting the best results from their painting jobs. This includes using the right tools for the best finish, efficiency, comfort, and durability, all while considering value for money. Our aim is to help painters worldwide be more productive and enjoy their work. Sri Lanka is a promising market, and we look forward to working more closely with JAT to support and empower painters in the country.”
JAT Holdings PLC is the exclusive manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of Harris® branded paintbrushes, rollers, and accessories in Sri Lanka. L.G Harris & Co., established in 1928, is renowned as the No.1 paintbrush manufacturer in the United Kingdom, with expertise in rollers and tools since 1966. Harris® brushes and rollers, preferred by professionals in Sri Lanka for nearly a century, have become the market leader, and are designed to make painting more productive, efficient, and enjoyable.
