Morbi Tiles
Morbi, Gujarat is one of the largest ceramics manufacturing units in India. The city is situated in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. During the last decade, it has emerged as a leading tile manufacturing hub. Its products are exported to 163 countries. Traditionally, Morbi was a roofing tile manufacturing town, but has evolved into a modern ceramics hub with technologically advanced factories. This is largely thanks to the high quality and affordability of the tiles produced by the manufacturers.
Known for its sanitaryware, ceramic kitchenware, and floor morbi tiles has a number of factories in its district, and has been a major contributor to the Indian ceramic industry. In the 1990s, the economic liberalization of the country opened up new opportunities for the industry, which began to flourish. During this period, Morbi entrepreneurs purchased machinery from Italy, bringing the industry to the next level. Today, the city’s CERAMIC INDUSTRY is a thriving and export-oriented sector, with loyal customers in Thailand, Australia, and Poland.
Morbi tile manufacturers have started producing their products for the Middle East market. They also manufacture and export tile products to Africa. These industries are capable of producing any type of pattern, size, or brand that the customer requests. Their factories are able to meet all international standards. They also offer custom branding.
Morbi Tiles and the Global Market Outlook
However, the domestic and overseas markets have been impacted by global headwinds. While there are many factors affecting these markets, the most prominent is the cost of raw resources. Natural gas costs have been rising and have been a major factor in the shortfalls experienced by Morbi tile makers. As a result, some plants are shutting down. Other factories have taken precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of these shortfalls.
The Morbi ceramics industry has received investment of around Rs 5000 crore in the last two fiscal years. Many investors have begun making partnerships with the factories. But, it will be difficult for the industry to continue growing, as piped gas prices have tanked in the world market.
One of the reasons for the shortage of natural gas is the Russia-Ukraine war, which has reduced the supply of gas to the world market. Another is the deficient monsoon, which has weakened the domestic market. Consequently, construction work has been significantly reduced. Although the shutdowns and other measures are not a sign of despair, the industry is hoping to return to profitability soon.
Morbi has transformed from a traditional roofing tile producing town to a modern ceramics production hub, with over 900 tile manufacturing units operating in the city. In addition, the city is home to a large population of skilled laborers. Moreover, the location of the Morbi district makes it easy to access the infrastructure needed for large-scale ceramics manufacturing.
Despite the challenges the Morbi tiles market faces, the city’s tile industry has made its mark on the world stage. It has been certified as a TEE (City of Export Excellence) by the Indian Ministry of Commerce. The city has a diverse range of customers, and is a key supplier of tiles to countries such as Germany, Poland, and Vietnam.