Imerys to tap Morbi cluster for its blended ceramic clay

Imerys Ceramic India, a division of Imerys India is looking to tap the Morbi tiles cluster by setting up a blended ceramic clay plant in the region. Apart from its plans to ramp up blended ceramic clay manufacturing capacity at its Nadiad plant, Imerys India is eyeing another plant in Morbi region.

"The domestic clay that Indian ceramic tiles players use is not much export oriented. Hence, Imerys imports export quality clay and blends it with domestic clay at its Nadiad plant and supplies the same to tiles players across the country which has helped them to meet export standards. We see enough potential in the Morbi cluster for setting up separate clay blending plant there," said Chandresh Agarwal, MD, Imerys Ceramics India.

Spread across 100000 sq ft, the company's Nadiad plant will see clay blending capacity to be ramped up from current 45,000 metric tonnes per annum to over 100,000 metric tonnes per annum within a year. For this, Imerys is investing a capex of Rs 10 crore.

"Our Nadiad is equipped with a world class R&D facility apart from a clay blending platform. The goal to provide best clay for ceramic industries, especially those based in Gujarat, at very reasonable cost. It gives opportunity to Indian Ceramic manufacturer to produce world class product at very attractive cost so that they will be able to compete at world level," said Agarwal.

The company's blended clay is supplied to manufacturers of tiles, sanitaryware, electro-porcelain as well as tableware, among others.

Imerys India is part of the 3.7 billion euros (Rs 26,000 crore roughly) group based out of Europe. In India, Imerys currently records a turnover of Rs 800 crore, primarily derived from four business verticals, namely Imerys Ceramics India, Calderys India Refractories, Carbonates India and Performance Filtration & Minerals.

The group ceramic clay division expects to increase its current turnover of Rs 100 crore to Rs 150 crore post capacity expansion.