This story is from August 15, 2020

Gujarat: Morbi ceramic industry set to be ‘Atmanirbhar’ in machine tools

The Morbi ceramic industry is all set to become ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) in terms of machine tools used in shaping, cutting and calibration of ceramic products. This has been a monopoly of the Chinese manufacturers since the beginning of the ceramic industry in the Saurashtra town.
Gujarat: Morbi ceramic industry set to be ‘Atmanirbhar’ in machine tools
RAJKOT: The Morbi ceramic industry is all set to become ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) in terms of machine tools used in shaping, cutting and calibration of ceramic products. This has been a monopoly of the Chinese manufacturers since the beginning of the ceramic industry in the Saurashtra town.
With local ceramic units showing interest in locally made tools like diamond squaring wheels, calibration roller, tempering wheel and abrasives, the monopoly of the neighbouring country is all set to break.
Industry sources estimate that yearly import of Chinese machine tools is worth Rs 1,300 crore. Whereas, the market of locally manufactured tools was around 10% of the Chinese imports.
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Mahesh Saradva, an old player in the manufacturing of ceramic machine tools is now encouraging 30 other units to start production so that Indian product can replace Chinese imports.
“We have been facing problem of under-invoicing from dealers of Chinese products. As a result, Chinese products are sold cheaper. But since the last two months the customs department has started thoroughly scrutinizing the bills of entry and product of Chinese origin which is benefiting us,” said Saradva.
“The ceramic units in Morbi were preferring Chinese products fearing that if they use local tools, their customers abroad may reject their product,” he added.

According to Saradva, 30 units have started making the tools in last six months to two years and they are expecting to get good orders.
Kevin Mendapara, another manufacturer of ceramic machine tools said, “In the initial stage when I approached the ceramic units, they did not show interest. But since the last two months, a number of units have approached us and shown interest in our products. This is a positive sign. Hope this changing mindset will prove beneficial for us.”
Nilesh Jetparia, president of Morbi Ceramic Association said, “With the quality of products manufactured in Morbi and other parts of Gujarat, we are hoping that our dependence on China will decrease and we shall become ‘Atmanirbhar’ coming year or so.”
Head: Breaking Monopoly
Diamond squaring wheels used for shaping and sizing the tiles
Abrasives are used for the polishing of tiles
Calibration roller is used to maintain uniform thickness of the tiles
Morbi imports tools from China worth Rs 1,300 crore annually
30 units in Morbi manufacturing such tools locally
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About the Author
Nimesh Khakhariya

Nimesh Khakhariya is an assistant editor with Times Of India.

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