Kitchenware firms in Rajkot grow 15 per cent

The kitchenware industry in Rajkot, which boasts of over 60 percent share in the domestic market, seems to have survived the economic slowdown that gripped the country. The small scale industry has still maintained a 10-15 per cent growth during the current meltdown with only its export business being hit.

“Rajkot tends to get less costlier than places like New Delhi. In recent times, during the slowdown, only exports have been affected, which is anyways a small part of our business. Domestically kitchenware industry has been in a strong position,” said Savjibhai Parsana, president of Rajkot Kitchenware Association.

The history of kitchenware industry in Rajkot may not be too old. But, today, the city boasts of being the hub of kitchenware manufacturing units in the country, with an annual turnover of around Rs 150 crore.

Rajkot’s share is 60 per cent of the national kitchenware industry. It employs a 30,000-strong labour force. Manufacturers are of the opinion that, if they receive adequate information about the product standards followed by foreign countries, then they will be able to increase the exports.

Currently Rajkot exports about Rs 5 crore worth kitchenware items every year. Around 500 small and big manufacturing units produce more than 250 items. Most of the units are small and medium scale units which doing job work for big companies.

"Kitchenware industry of India and Rajkot is not so affected in recession because it is essential for day to day life. The region produces some of the basic kitchenware items like knives and spoons. Since most of these items are plastic based, the region is benefited by local procurement of raw materials as Gujarat has big plastic industry which provides support to us," said Madhukarbhai Patel, managing director, Crystal Cookware.

For the future trend Madhukarbhai said, "So many people diversify from their original business. It is possible that other industry person can come to the kitchenware business as it is in strong position and survived during the recession."

"Last year during September to December period was quite bad for the industry. At that time most of sector passing through bad time, kitchenware industry was not out of this,” Hasmukh Patel, Partner, Ritu kitchenware said.

“During that time demand came down by 40 percent. But now all is well we can say. Demand in domestic market is good enough," said Hasmukh added.