Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Morbi Tiles
Your Go-To Guide for Everything About Morbi’s Tile Industry
General Questions
1. Where is Morbi located?
Morbi is a city in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, India. It’s famous as the “Tile Capital of India,” with over 1,000 tile factories spread across a 40 km x 7 km area.
2. Why is Morbi famous for tiles?
- Produces 85% of India’s ceramic tiles.
- World’s 2nd largest tile cluster after China’s Guangdong.
- Competitive pricing due to cheap labor, proximity to ports, and easy access to raw materials (clay, feldspar).
Buying Tiles from Morbi
3. What types of tiles are made in Morbi?
- Vitrified Tiles – Polished, glossy finish.
- Wall Tiles – Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Floor Tiles – Anti-skid, durable options.
- Porcelain Slabs – Large-format tiles for modern interiors.
4. How do I buy tiles directly from Morbi factories?
- Contact factories via B2B platforms like TradeIndia or IndiaMART.
- Visit industrial zones like Halvad Road or Jetpar Road for factory deals.
- Pro Tip: Hire a local agent to negotiate prices and check quality.
5. Are Morbi tiles cheaper than branded tiles?
Yes! Morbi tiles cost 30–50% less than branded tiles (e.g., Kajaria, Somany). Many brands outsource from Morbi and sell under their own label.
Industry & Export
6. Which countries buy tiles from Morbi?
In 2023, Morbi exported to 175+ countries, including:
- Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia.
- Europe: UK, Germany.
- Africa: Kenya, Nigeria.
- Americas: USA, Mexico.
- Asia-Pacific: Australia.
7. How does Morbi keep tile prices low?
- Low labor costs (70% workers are on contract).
- Cheap gas via the GSPC pipeline.
- Factories are near Mundra and Kandla ports (reduces shipping costs).
Quality & Sustainability
8. Are Morbi tiles good quality?
Most factories meet ISO 13006 standards. For best quality:
- Check for PEI ratings (scratch resistance).
- Ask for water absorption test results.
9. Are Morbi factories eco-friendly?
Since 2023, 200+ factories use:
- Solar-powered kilns.
- Recycled water systems.
- Low-emission gas (PNG) instead of coal.
Logistics & Challenges
10. How long does shipping take?
- Within India: 7–10 days by truck.
- International: 15–30 days by sea (via Mundra Port).
11. What are the challenges for Morbi’s tile industry?
- Competition from Chinese and African tiles.
- Rising gas prices.
- Need for more skilled workers.
12. How can I arrange transportation for my order at Morbi?
You don’t need to! All factories have staff handling logistics. If you purchased tiles on an ex-factory basis, ask the factory to arrange transportation. They will confirm costs and book a truck on a TO PAY basis.
13. Is it possible to load my order from multiple factories?
Yes, but it requires multi-point loading (extra charge). Ensure your transporter agrees beforehand. Alternative: Call Us we will handle multi-factory pickups.
Additional FAQs
14. Which is the best place for lunch during a busy day?
If you’re short on time, eat at the factory! Most factories have in-house kitchens serving delicious local food, saving you time.
15. From where can I buy the latest “Ceramic Directory” of Morbi?
Get a copy at:
Gurukrupa Pan Parlour
@ Gurukrupa Hotel
Near Trajpar Crossroad, Next to Hotel Shiv Ajanta
Morbi – 363 642
16. What is the working time for factories?
Factories run 24×7, except during maintenance. Office staff are available 9 AM to 8 PM. Most companies also operate on Sundays.
17. What does “vitrified” mean?
Derived from “vitrification,” the process where clay is heated to 1200°C to create low-porosity, water-resistant tiles. Types of vitrified tiles:
- Soluble Salt Tiles
- Double Charge Tiles
- Full Body Tiles
- Digital GVT
- Color-Body Digital GVT
18. Why are pallets used to pack tiles? Pros & Cons?
- Pros: Prevents breakage, easier stacking, better transport safety.
- Cons: Increases weight and packaging cost.
Future of Morbi Tiles
19. What’s next for Morbi?
- Goal to become world’s No.1 tile hub by 2030.
- New projects like Dholera Industrial City to boost production.
- Investment in AI technology and larger-format tiles.
Need More Help?
- Visit Our Knowledge Base: Guides on tile selection, pricing, and industry trends.
- Contact Us: Email [email protected] or call +91-82380 44415.