Morbi Ceramic Tiles

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?

  1. 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.
  1. Raw Materials:
  • Easy access to clay, feldspar, and quartz (materials needed for tiles).
  • Reliable electricity supply from the state power company.
  1. Low-Cost Labor:
  • Most workers are hired on short-term contracts, reducing costs for factory owners.
  1. Adaptable Factories:
  • When the demand for roof tiles fell, factories quickly switched to making ceramic tiles.
  1. 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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