Vision
To be a market driven, technologically oriented diverse Group.
We will organise and operate to continually focus on exceeding the expectations of our customers, whilst excelling in profitability and we will attract, develop and retain talented people to ensure the continued growth and viability of all our business ventures.
Mission
To continually exceed the expectations of our customers.
To optimise the contribution from our employees by providing career and personal development opportunities, thereby creating an atmosphere that would motivate and internalise employee aspirations with corporate objectives.
To provide a satisfactory return to shareholders whilst retaining sufficient funds for reinvestment, thereby enhancing corporate wealth.
To ensure continuous growth by the planned expansion and diversification of business activities.
To continually strive for the upliftment of our community whilst adhering to high ethical standards in business.
Our History At A Glance
In its 88 year journey of improving the quality of life of the people in Sri Lanka, Richard Pieris and Company PLC, has attained the status of a national institution with the ‘Arpico’ brand recognised as one of the oldest and most loved brand in the country.
1932 - 2020
The Company originated as a ‘commission agents, general import and export merchants and dealers in estate supplies’, within the British colonial backdrop where all major trade and economic activities were controlled by British principals. As such, the Company was a rare representation of the emerging category of home grown Sri Lankan businesses. The newly formed Company’s first business venture was a filling station and within the first seven years of commencing business operations, revenues grew by more than 400%. In 1940 the business was converted into a limited-liability Company with the founding partners as Directors. The issued share capital of Rs. 50,000 was substantial for its day, and the new Company boasted 70 employees.
The World Wars presented another growth opportunity for this emerging conglomerate. The Company witnessed a rapid increase in demand for natural rubber, which had become a precious commodity to sustain allied military operations. Responding to the demand, Richard Pieris and Company launched a tyre rebuilding business to meet the increasing demand for tyres for military vehicles. This first manufacturing venture was an instant success that continues to remain an exceptionally successful business venture to date, with the Arpico and Arpidag brands continuing to retain leadership status in the domestic tyre sector.
Accompanying the Sri Lankan people through eight decades of change, Richard Pieris and Company, has evolved into one of the largest private institutions in the country and stands tall among the ranks of the country’s diversified business conglomerates. With its footprint extending from manufacturing to retail, to plantation management and financial services, the Group is involved in creating value across the national economy and is one of the most long standing, stable and profitable corporate entities in the country.