Morbi: India’s Tile Manufacturing Giant – Simple Explanation
Morbi, a city in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, is India’s biggest hub for making ceramic tiles. With over 1,000 factories (as of 2024) in a 40 km x 7 km area,
it produces 85% of India’s ceramic tiles and is the world’s second-largest tile-making zone after China’s Guangdong. Here’s why Morbi matters:
Key Facts About Morbi’s Tile Industry
- Daily Production: Makes 5 million square meters of tiles every day, including glossy vitrified tiles, wall tiles, floor tiles, and large porcelain slabs.
- Jobs Created: Provides work for 8 lakh+ people (directly and indirectly) across India.
- Global Reach: Exports tiles to 175+ countries (as of 2023). Big international brands like Daltile (USA) and RAK Ceramics (UAE) buy tiles from here. Indian companies like Kajaria also source tiles from Morbi.
- Investment: Factories here have invested over ₹30,000 crore (as of 2024).
Why Did Morbi Become So Successful?
- Good Infrastructure:
- A gas pipeline set up in 2008 ensures cheap and steady fuel for factories.
- Ports Nearby: Mundra and Kandla ports (within 180 km) make exporting easy and cheap.
- Raw Materials:
- Easy access to clay, feldspar, and quartz (materials needed for tiles).
- Reliable electricity supply from the state power company.
- Low-Cost Labor:
- Most workers are hired on short-term contracts, reducing costs for factory owners.
- Adaptable Factories:
- When the demand for roof tiles fell, factories quickly switched to making ceramic tiles.
- Government Help:
- Subsidies and policies like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme boosted growth.
New Changes (2023–2024)
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Over 200 factories now use solar power and recycle water to reduce pollution.
- Technology Upgrade: Factories use computers and AI to check tile quality and track orders faster.
- Bigger Tiles: To compete globally, Morbi now makes extra-large tiles (up to 1600×3200 mm).
Challenges
- Competition: Cheaper tiles from China and new factories in Africa.
- Rising Gas Prices: Fluctuating fuel costs affect profits.
- Worker Training: Factories need more skilled workers, so training programs are being introduced.
What’s Next for Morbi?
Morbi aims to double exports by 2030 and become the world’s No. 1 tile producer, beating China. New projects like the Dholera Industrial City (a planned industrial zone) and better port facilities will help achieve this.
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