RKMA plans kitchenware cluster in Rajkot

Rajkot Kitchenware Manufacturers Association (RKMA) is planning to develop a kitchenware cluster in the district.

The association has met various central and state government authorities and are in the process of preparing a blue print for the project.

“As Rajkot is the main supplier of kitchenware items in India, and for the benefit for the small players, association has decided to develop a kitchenware cluster. It will help us grow more and support the stakeholders during slowdown,” said Ashok Manvar, president of RKMA.

The association officials had meeting with officials of the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises, government of India, for advice on cluster development.

Manvar said, “Right now we are drafting detail report on kitchenware cluster to be presented before state level authorities.”

Like other industries, Rajkot kitchenware industry has also been affected by slowdown, he said.

According to industry sources new business had declined by 20 percent after Diwali.

“Time is not good as overall economy is under pressure. Moreover, this year weak monsoon will affect the business more as demand from the small cities and villages is likely to go down. In comparison to last year this year we have 20 per cent less orders on hand. So we have decided to focus more on marketing in a group,” said Manvar.

Pankaj Rathod, director of Blossom Kitchenware Pvt Ltd said, “We need to take care of our marketing and services. It will support us to sustain in this condition of slow down.”

Rajkot’s kitchenware industry has an annual turnover of around Rs 500 crore. It employs a 30,000 workers. Around 450-500 small and big manufacturing units produce more than 500 items.