Snapshot
Why Morbi is iconic:
Morbi, often called “The Ceramic Capital of India”, accounts for ~80% of India’s tile production and is among the world’s largest tile manufacturing zones. Located in Gujarat’s industrial belt, this cluster has evolved into a global supply base for ceramic tiles, vitrified slabs, sanitaryware, and bath fittings.
Industrial edge: A dense ecosystem of 900+ manufacturing units, supported by gas pipeline networks, digital printing technology, and proximity to ports (Mundra, Kandla), making Morbi ideal for high-volume exports.
Scale: Over 2.5 billion square meters annual tile production capacity, with companies serving 150+ export destinations (Middle East, USA, Europe, Africa, Latin America).
Product Range
| Category | Key Products |
| Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles | Wall tiles, floor tiles, subway tiles, decorative ceramics |
| Vitrified Tiles & Slabs | Glazed vitrified tiles (GVT/PGVT), double charge, large-format slabs (up to 1200×2400 mm) |
| Sanitaryware | Wash basins, water closets, urinals, bidets, bathroom accessories |
| Bath & Kitchen Solutions | Faucets, fittings, vanities, shower panels (OEM-sourced) |
| Decor & Specialty Ceramics | Digital printed tiles, mosaics, outdoor pavers |
| Eco-friendly Tiles | Low-VOC, recycled ceramic content, and energy-efficient firing solutions |
Cluster Strengths
| Feature | Details |
| Largest Ceramic Hub in Asia | 900+ plants, integrated supply chain, specialized MSMEs |
| Gas Pipeline Network | Cost-efficient natural gas supply for kilns |
| Design & Printing Technology | Advanced inkjet and 3D digital printing |
| Proximity to Raw Materials | Feldspar, quartz, clay mines within Gujarat |
| Global Connectivity | Mundra & Kandla ports <100 km for quick container shipping |
| Skilled Workforce | 500,000+ workers in tile design, glazing, and firing |
Materials & Sustainability
Materials Used: Feldspar, ball clay, quartz, kaolin, pigments, frits, glazes.
Sustainability Edge:
- Gas-based firing and energy recovery systems
- Recycling of kiln waste and wastewater
- Solar-powered plants emerging in large-format tile factories
- Eco-labeled products for European and US markets
Cluster Infrastructure
- Industrial Zones: Morbi Industrial Estate, Ceramic Zone at Jetpar, Ceramic Parks for slabs
- Institutions: Indian Council of Ceramic Research, Gujarat Technological University (GTU), Ceramic Association of Morbi
- Connectivity:
- Road: NH8A to Ahmedabad & Rajkot
- Ports: Mundra & Kandla (exports); Pipavav optional for bulk cargo
- Air: Rajkot International Airport (70 km)
- Road: NH8A to Ahmedabad & Rajkot
Compliance & Certifications
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, CE certification
- BIS-certified manufacturing (IS 15622 for tiles, IS 2556 for sanitaryware)
- Water absorption, chemical resistance, and slip-resistance testing
- Certifications for export: SASO (Saudi), SABS (South Africa), ANSI/ASTM (USA), EN standards (EU)
Production Timelines & MOQs
| Product Type | Sampling Lead Time | Bulk Lead Time | MOQ Guidance |
| Ceramic Tiles | 1–2 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 5,000+ sqm per SKU |
| Large Vitrified Slabs | 2–3 weeks | 6–8 weeks | 2,000+ sqm per SKU |
| Sanitaryware | 3 weeks | 8–10 weeks | 500+ units per design |
| Custom Designs | 2–3 weeks | 8–10 weeks | Project basis |
Branding & Packaging
- Branding: Private-label tiles and sanitaryware with QR-coded traceability, logo embossing
- Packaging:
- Wooden pallets, moisture-proof shrink wrapping
- Corrugated carton sets for retail
- Export-grade packing with corner protectors and silica gel for slabs
- Wooden pallets, moisture-proof shrink wrapping
Quality Control (IndiaUnbox Protocol)
- Tiles QC: Size tolerance, flatness, water absorption tests, ISO-certified glaze inspections
- Sanitaryware QC: High-pressure casting checks, surface glaze porosity test
- Export QC: Drop and vibration testing, moisture barrier integrity checks
- Batch Traceability: Heat and lot numbers printed on packaging for global audits
Price Drivers
- Raw material costs (feldspar, quartz, pigments)
- Natural gas pricing and freight surcharges
- Printing technology and design customization
- Packaging and palletization for long-haul exports
Buyer Confidence Signals
- Supplies world’s largest tile exporters like Kajaria, Somany, Asian Granito, and Simpolo
- Export network spanning 150+ countries, strong demand in Middle East & USA
- Gujarat’s industrial policy favors MSMEs with subsidies and simplified exports
- Closeness to ports ensures faster FOB lead times and competitive landed costs