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In Memory of John Arthur Taylor

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Arthur Taylor, aged 79, Founding Chairman of the ATG® Group of Companies. John passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19th, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of innovation, integrity, and compassion.

Founding Chairman of ATG® – Intelligent Glove Solutions

A distinguished British industrialist and visionary entrepreneur, John founded ATG® (originally John Ward Ceylon) in 1992 at the Katunayake Export Processing Zone, together with his partners, the late Howard Goth and Fazal Abdeen. Through his exceptional leadership, ATG® evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and technologically advanced industrial enterprises.

Today, the company operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Katunayake, Wathupitiwala, Koggala, and Meerigama, providing meaningful employment to more than 6,000 Sri Lankans.

With more than six decades of pioneering contribution to the glove industry, John Taylor was recognised globally as a leading influence in the field of industrial and technological glove manufacturing. His innovative spirit, engineering excellence, and commitment to quality led to numerous patents and advancements that reshaped the industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, John will be remembered as a man of great kindness and quiet generosity. A devoted friend of Sri Lanka, he dedicated himself to improving the lives of others, often supporting individuals and organisations without seeking recognition. His compassion and philanthropy have touched countless lives and strengthened the communities he cared for deeply.

John’s vision continues to guide ATG® as we uphold the principles he instilled – purpose, quality, and care for people and planet. His legacy will remain a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him and to future generations of the ATG® family.

May his memory be a lasting blessing.

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In Memory of John Arthur Taylor (1945–2025)

ATG® Achieves ISO 26000 Role Model Status

At ATG®, we’re proud to announce that we have been recognised with the highest level of performance, Level 5: “Role Model” for ISO 26000, the international Guideline for social responsibility. This prestigious rating, awarded by leading certification body SGS, reflects our unwavering commitment to ethical business practices, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

We are honoured to be the first company in South Asia, and the first in the industrial glove manufacturing sector globally, to receive this recognition. While it marks an important milestone for ATG®, we see it as part of a broader journey. It reflects the growing momentum across industries and regions toward embedding social responsibility at the heart of how we work.

This recognition reflects our deep-rooted commitment to doing business the right way, ethically, sustainably, and transparently. It builds on our growing portfolio of internationally recognised standards and accreditations, underlining that sustainability, ethics, and continuous improvement are not just priorities for us, they’re part of who we are.

What is ISO 26000?

Unlike traditional standards, ISO 26000 is not a certification, but rather a globally recognised framework for guiding organisations in operating in a socially responsibly. It provides comprehensive direction across seven key areas: organisational governance, human rights, labour practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, and community involvement and development.

Being rated a “Role Model” means that we have gone far beyond compliance. It confirms that we have embedded social responsibility into our policies, operations, and decision-making processes across the entire organisation.
From robust governance and ethical sourcing to safe working conditions and environmental care, our approach is systematic and fully integrated. We actively engage with our stakeholders, regularly track and report on our performance, and ensure that every claim we make about our ethical and sustainable practices is backed by transparent, verifiable evidence.

Social responsibility has never been just add-on for us, we have woven it into the very fabric of how we operate. Whether it's designing gloves with reduced environmental impact or driving wellbeing through ethical labour practices, we put purpose at the heart of every decision we make.

A Natural Step in a Bigger Journey

This recognition adds to our growing portfolio of certifications and accreditations, further reinforcing ATG®’s role as a leader in responsible innovation. It sits alongside our achievements in sustainable manufacturing, quality control, and product safety, forming part of a larger commitment to always doing business the right way.
From our in-house R&D and end-to-end manufacturing to our focus on reducing glove waste and improving wearer compliance, this milestone reflects our broader purpose: to protect not just hands, but the people and planet behind them.

Our Commitment Doesn’t End Here

Earning ISO 26000 “Role Model” status is a significant achievement, but it’s not the final stop on our journey. We view it as a powerful benchmark that motivates us to go even further in the coming years.
As we continue to innovate and grow, social responsibility will always remain at the very core of everything we do. We will keep listening, learning, improving and sharing, pushing ourselves and encouraging our partners to raise the bar of what responsible business can and should be.

Because at ATG®, we believe that high performance should never come at the cost of people or the planet.

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ISO26000
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ISO26000
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ISO26000

ATG® Achieves LEED Certification

At ATG®, we believe that true innovation extends beyond intelligent glove solutions - it encompasses how we manufacture, operate, and contribute to a sustainable future. That is why we are proud to announce that ATG Hand Care PVT LTD in Wathupitiwala has officially received LEED v4.1 certification under the ‘Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings’ category.

This internationally recognised certification, awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), is a testament to our commitment to responsible environmental practices, energy efficiency, and sustainability in manufacturing. It reinforces our ongoing efforts to minimise our environmental footprint, optimise resource consumption, and improve workplace efficiency. With this certification, ATG® further solidifies its position as an industry leader in sustainable manufacturing while maintaining the highest standards of quality and performance in our glove solutions.

 

 

What is LEED Certification and Why is it Important?

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the world’s most widely recognised green building certification system. Developed by the USGBC, this framework assesses the environmental impact of buildings and manufacturing facilities based on various criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, indoor environmental quality, and carbon footprint management.

A LEED-certified facility demonstrates excellence in sustainability by ensuring that every aspect of its operations aligns with responsible environmental practices. These facilities are designed to be environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and healthier for occupants while significantly reducing their impact on the planet.

By achieving LEED v4.1 certification, ATG® has demonstrated its ability to meet the most rigorous standards in sustainable building operations. This milestone underscores our commitment to energy-efficient production, responsible resource management, and eco-friendly manufacturing practices. It also reinforces our role as a leader in sustainable innovation within the glove industry.

ATG®’s Journey Towards Sustainable Manufacturing

At ATG®, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Achieving LEED v4.1 certification was not just a goal—it was a deliberate step towards a greener, more responsible future. This achievement required strategic planning, meticulous resource management, and significant investment in green technologies.

One of our key accomplishments in this journey is the reduction of electricity consumption by 5% per pair of liners produced. This reflects our continuous efforts to optimise energy use, streamline manufacturing processes, and integrate more sustainable power sources into our operations.

In parallel, we have prioritised responsible water management. Through advanced recycling systems and optimised water consumption in production, we have successfully reduced water usage by 6% per pair of liners manufactured.

Waste management is another crucial pillar of our sustainability strategy. We are proud to report that 90% of all waste generated in our manufacturing process is now recycled, significantly reducing landfill contributions and promoting a circular economy. This approach aligns with global best practices and further cements our dedication to reducing waste at every stage of production.

Moreover, ATG® has made remarkable progress in reducing its carbon footprint. Through strategic energy efficiency measures and the adoption of renewable energy sources, we have cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5.5% annually. Every aspect of our manufacturing process is carefully monitored and refined to ensure continuous environmental improvement.

Energy Management and ISO 50001:2018 Certification

In addition to LEED v4.1 certification, ATG® has also been awarded the ISO 50001:2018 certification, an internationally recognised standard for energy management systems. This certification highlights our structured approach to improving energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and minimising our environmental impact.

As part of this initiative, we have significantly increased our use of on-site solar power generation, leading to a 3% rise in renewable energy usage since 2023. This shift underscores our commitment to reducing dependence on non-renewable energy and investing in cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.

Additionally, electricity consumption across our knitting and covering factories has been reduced by 2%, demonstrating our ability to enhance operational efficiency without compromising productivity.

A key driver of our success has been the active involvement of our employees. We have implemented comprehensive training programmes to ensure that 100% of our workforce is educated on energy conservation practices. By fostering a culture of sustainability, we empower our employees to contribute to our environmental goals, embedding sustainable practices into our daily operations.

A Future Built on Sustainability

Achieving LEED v4.1 and ISO 50001:2018 certifications is a significant milestone, but for ATG®, sustainability is an ongoing journey. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact, and implementing the latest advancements in green manufacturing.

We believe that sustainability is a shared responsibility. We invite our partners, customers, and industry peers to join us in creating a more sustainable world. Together, we can make a difference—one step, one innovation, and one glove at a time.

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ATG® Achieves Prestigious LEED Certification

ATG® Certified Great Place to Work®

We are thrilled to confirm that ATG® has once again achieved Great Place to Work® certification. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating an outstanding work environment filled with employees who feel empowered, engaged, and valued. 

What Does Being a "Great Place to Work" Mean? 

Companies certified as a Great Place to Work are proactive in creating an exceptional workplace environment. Our certification, awarded by Great Place to Work®, is based on feedback received directly from our team members and assessed alongside a detailed evaluation of our workplace practices.

For ATG®, this certification reaffirms our dedication to our core values: innovation, quality, responsibility, and partnerships. Our people are the driving force behind our success in providing cutting-edge, skin friendly, sustainable solutions for the global glove industry. The renewed certification reinforces our commitment to nurturing a culture where we collectively strive to make a positive impact—both inside and outside the workplace for our own teams and our customers.

Earning the Great Place to Work certification is not a simple task, only around 60% of the business that apply every year received the status, this amounts to only approximately 10,000 business across the entire world. The two stage process encompasses we had to undertake:

  1. Employee Survey: Through an anonymous survey, our employees share their honest feedback about their experiences at ATG®, rating our company on key factors like trust in leadership, fairness, respect, and opportunities for personal and professional development. High scores in these areas indicate that we’re creating a positive and supportive environment.
  2. Culture Audit: The second part of the process is the culture audit, where our policies, programmes, practices related to employee well-being, career growth, and overall company culture are assessed. This audit ensures that we’re continuously improving the employee experience at ATG®.

Only by receiving high commendations in both of these areas have we earned the Great Place to Work certification. 

This certification is not just a badge we are proud to wear; it’s about living our values every day. We firmly believe that the success of our business is directly tied to the well-being and development of our team. Our people are the foundation of everything we do, from creating innovative glove solutions to maintaining our high standards of customer satisfaction and sustainability

Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing to nurture a workplace where our employees are thrive, where they have access to opportunities for development, and are free to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. As part of our dedication to sustainability, we’ll also continue to make a positive impact on the environment and within the communities in which we operate. 

A Heartfelt Thank You 

This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the incredible passion, dedication, and teamwork of every individual at ATG®. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our employees for making ATG® a Great Place to Work. Your hard work, collaboration, and innovative spirit are what set us apart and continues to drive our success.

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ATG® is Certified as a “Great Place to Work” ror the third year in a row.
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ATG® is Certified as a “Great Place to Work” ror the third year in a row.
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ATG entrance gate
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ATG® Expands School Nutrition Initiative

(Galle, Sri Lanka) Just in line with World Food Day 2024, the ATG Hand Care, Koggala officially launched the “Towards a Healthier & Nutritious Nation” initiative at Martin Wickramasinghe School in Habaraduwa, Sri Lanka. It aims to establish school-based health clubs, introduce family-friendly and financially conducive health practices, and drives community-wide awareness of the importance of nutrition. This initiative is part of ATG’s social sustainability pillar and is dedicated to promoting nutritional well-being among underprivileged schoolchildren in Sri Lanka.

In the past year ATG already successfully run a weekly meal distribution programme at the Martin Wickramasinghe School which was now expanded to an initiative with interactive sessions that involve students, parents, and teachers. Together with the initiative’s technical partner Scaling Up Nutrition People’s Forum (SUNPF) and the Ministries of Education and Health a programme was developed that implements a holistic and solution-oriented approach to nutrition education and healthy living amidst Sri Lanka’s current economic decline and financial difficulties.

The initiative began with an official event on the 5th of November 2024. ATG representatives as well as officials of the Ministries of Education and Health, and SUNPF met with the principal and school staff of Martin Wickramasinghe School to launch the programme. The principal – Ms M.P. Manamperi – took the opportunity to explain how ATG’s weekly meal distribution programme at the school has already led to improved daily attendance and overall well-being of her students.

Starting this November, ATG Group will be scaling the “Towards a Healthier & Nutritious Nation” programme to other districts where its factories have supported underprivileged schools for years. With the strategic support of SUNPF, ATG aspires to develop a replicable model for sustainable, community-driven nutrition improvement across Sri Lanka.

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ATG Expands School Nutrition Intervention
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ATG Expands School Nutrition Intervention
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ATG Expands School Nutrition Intervention
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ATG Expands School Nutrition Intervention
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ATG Expands School Nutrition Intervention
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ATG Expands School Nutrition Intervention
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ATG Expands School Nutrition Intervention

ATG® Supports European Safety and Health Network

The agreement will see both organisations joining together to support OSH professionals across Europe – sharing knowledge and opportunities.

Francesco Santi, President of ENSHPO, says:
“We are delighted that ATG has joined our growing band of ENSHPO supporters. Our shared belief in the importance of caring for the planet and its people will result in exciting opportunities to align and work together.
ENSHPO values our supporters as they bring valuable insights and experience to the benefit of our members. In turn, we are able to offer them reflections from EHS professionals and examples of good practice.”

Chris Busby, Head of Global Strategic Partnerships and Business Unit Manager at ATG, expressed his appreciation for the work of ENSHPO:
“We are thrilled to collaborate with ENSHPO to strengthen our connection with end-users, enhancing our understanding of their needs and demands as a leading PPE manufacturer. ATG is wholly committed to prioritising worker satisfaction through our comfort-first philosophy.
As a fully integrated manufacturer, we are dedicated to sustainability in every aspect of our operations, which also aligns with ENSHPO’s vision.”

To learn more about becoming a supporter of ENSHPO, visit https://www.enshpo.eu.

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ENSHPO

Jimmy Rönn Wins Race Across America

On 20 June 2024, Swedish long-distance cyclist Jimmy Rönn crossed the finish line as the winner of the famous transcontinental ultra-distance road cycling race – the RAAM – and fulfilled a long-cherished dream. He covered the 4,962 km between Oceanside (California) and Atlantic City on the East Coast in under 9 days, supported by his team, JR Ultracycling, and ATG® Glove Solutions.

“Some of my most treasured memories of this unbelievable journey include watching the sunrise in Monument Valley, cycling through the Rockies, and arriving in Atlantic City with its view of the Atlantic Ocean”, says Jimmy, following his victory.

For racing cyclists, the renowned RAAM is one of the greatest challenges of their career. The ultra-endurance race demands everything from the riders as they cycle through the different climates of 13 US states. In just a few days they cover almost 5,000 kilometres, climb around 52,000 metres in altitude and get by on as little sleep as possible.

During this gruelling race, Jimmy Rönn’s team worked tirelessly to ensure he could always rely on his bike despite the tough road and weather conditions. ATG supported the crew with the right gloves – the MaxiFlex® Ultimate™ with their unique AD-APT® cooling technology and 360° breathability – allowing the team’s technicians to lend a cool and dry hand whenever needed.

Before lifting the winner’s trophy in Atlantic City, Jimmy Rönn spent exactly 8 days, 18 hours and 11 minutes on his bike, reaching an average speed of 26 km/h: an amazing achievement, for which we at ATG would like to congratulate him!

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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)
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Jimmy Rönn wins the Race Across America (RAAM)

Reforestation Investment in Sri Lanka

With the OneMillionTrees campaign, ATG® is making a conscious commitment to climate protection and the preservation of ecosystems in Sri Lanka. With every tree project selected, we come closer to our goal of planting one million trees.

In 2025, ATG® planted 30,051 trees through reforestation and tree-planting initiatives, restoring 15 acres of land and investing Rs. 5 Million in biodiversity conservation. We are not only concerned with reforestation, but also with activating wasteland and sustainably securing the livelihoods of many Sri Lankans.

We are currently establishing a new mangrove area on two hectares of land in the Trincomalee district in cooperation with the Department of Forest Conservation – Sri Lanka. A total of 10,000 young mangroves have found a new home here and will grow into a habitat for numerous native animal and plant species over the next few years. 

In its salty habitat in the intertidal zone, the mangrove binds between three and five times more CO2 than inland forests. Over time, the cuttings here in Trincomalee will therefore absorb more than 100 tons of CO2 from the air and live up to their reputation as climate heroes.

ATG® promotes awareness of the ecological and sustainable value of mangroves. Our project in Trincomalee has a direct impact on the quality of life of the people in the area. Like a natural wall, the mangroves protect the coastal inhabitants from the powerful force of tsunamis and cyclones and fishermen live off the impressive biodiversity of this ecosystem.

 

 

Annex

A large-scale initiative to increase mangrove cover across Sri Lanka by more than 50 per cent was named as one of seven UN World Restoration Flagships. The award for the Sri Lanka Mangrove Regeneration initiative was announced by United Nations Environment Programme Advocate for Life Under Water and actor, Jason Momoa.

In 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by Sri Lanka to celebrate 1st of March as World Seagrass Day. Seagrasses are closely linked to mangroves and the health of the overall ocean ecosystem.

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Reforestation of mangroves in Sri Lanka - an investment in our climate
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Reforestation of mangroves in Sri Lanka - an investment in our climate

ATG® Supports the PERTAMINA ENDURO VR46 RACING TEAM

ATG® is the official glove partner of the PERTAMINA ENDURO VR46 RACING TEAM in the 2024 season.  

In MotoGP, a fraction of a second can make the difference between success and failure. The experienced team led by former world champion Valentino Rossi knows the challenge is facing it anew in the 2024 season.

Hand protection products that offer precision work and maximum comfort allow mechanics to concentrate on the essentials. Their work on the Ducati Desmosedici GP23 to achieve the best possible performance. ATG® supports the VR46 Racing Team with high-quality MaxiFlex® products that allow you to do just that.

In the heat of battle, it's important to keep a cool head. 360° breathability, ensured by the patented AIRtech® technology and active cooling through the unique AD-APT® Technology help to keep at least the hands cool and dry.

The still young season shows the potential of the riders and the material. We wish the team the greatest possible success, supported by the latest glove solutions of ATG®.

Check out our MaxiFlex® Ultimate™ with AD-APT® products.

 

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ATG® is the official glove partner of the PERTAMINA ENDURO VR46 RACING TEAM in the 2024 season.
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ATG® is the official glove partner of the PERTAMINA ENDURO VR46 RACING TEAM in the 2024 season.

Building a Great Place to Work

We are humbled and honoured to announce that ATG® has again been recognised as a great place to work.

This achievement reflects on unwavering commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, where innovation, collaboration and growth, thrive. We are grateful for our incredible people and excited for the continue journey ahead.

Read more on our Corporate Social Responsibility.

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Great Place To Work 2023