India makers keep outlay low, expand product choices to stay competitive.
India ceramic sink suppliers are leveraging the low cost of labor and materials, and the abundance of the last domestically to sustain orders amid strong price competition with other hubs.
Gujarat, bordered in the north by Rajasthan, is the primary production center for ceramic sinks in India. Its proximity to the latter state, the key source of raw materials adopted in the line, ensures easy procurement, consequently lowering manufacturing costs.
Feldspar, quartz powder, and China and ball clay, pyrophyllite, calcite, talc and plaster of Paris are among the raw inputs used to make ceramic sinks in India. Soda feldspar, super China clay and barium carbonate are employed for the glaze.
Adding to Gujarat’s advantage over other hubs is Kandla port. Opened as a natural deep-water harbor, the port offers comparatively lower freight charges, furthering efforts to rein in outlay.
India suppliers are strengthening their price advantage in light of positive business projections for the months ahead. Exports in the fiscal year ending March 2012 are expected to grow 10 to 20 percent. Orders will be driven by the continuous boom of the construction sector in developing countries, and the replacement market.
During the previous corresponding period, overseas revenue for sanitaryware, including ceramic sinks, was estimated at $371.4 million. India ships out between 20 and 25 percent of ceramic sinks yield.
“Exports in the coming year will rise steadily,” said Vinod Gupta, spokesman of Brevi Exports. “In fact, shipments have started to shift back to an uptick in past months following a prolonged slowdown. Strong demand from emerging countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, is spurring growth.”
Selections-wise, companies are moving up the value chain, releasing stylish designs that reflect trends in western homes to attract orders.
Designer basins, for instance, are rising in number. Such models are handcrafted, or feature rustic themes or decorative stickers. Metro City Ceramic (India) offers a series of pedestal basins with printed designs.
White ceramic sinks continue to be available, but are now accented with colored edges, printing or a luster effect. The latest releases are engraved, carved or contoured. Corner, countertop, half-pedestal and undercounter basins will be among the best-sellers in the months ahead.
Outside aesthetics, product enhancements focus on quality and durability. Surface finishing options include glossy and scratch-resistant coatings. Companies are also boosting models’ ability to withstand chemicals and abrasion, breaking strength and water absorption.
Still part of differentiation efforts, suppliers are improving production processes to build up overall manufacturing capability.
Some companies adopt MIS to run operations efficiently and maximize capacity utilization.
Ceramic sinks fall under India’s sanitaryware industry. The latter consists of more than 1,500 suppliers, including about 300 exporters. The organized sector accounts for approximately 50 percent of output valuewise.
The Middle East, Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal are the primary export destinations. Other than Morbi and Thangadh in Gujarat, Jodhpur in Rajasthan is a key manufacturing hub.
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