"In addition to our continuing personal contact and also using expertise on the ground in Gujarat, our participation in this event helps us develop our relationship with manufacturers in this area,” commented Global Sales Manager Adrian Wake. “Gujarat is the largest Indian region for the production of sanitaryware and wall and floor tiles and Mantec has a number of different products that enable better quality ware to be produced and superior thermal efficiencies to be achieved.”

These are crucial considerations for the Indian ceramic industry. The improvements to finished quality means companies can compete in the export market, while a more efficient use of energy has been a goal long desired in these factories and right now is a top priority.

Heading the list in terms of sales this past year have been the Ultralite kiln car loose fill material, and Bullers Rings and Bullers Process Control Discs, the world renowned pyrometric devices.

Eros Sanitaryware, a Morbi based manufacturer committed to continuous improvement in design and quality of its products through innovative technology, has been ordering both Ultralite and Bullers products from Mantec. It uses Ultralite to improve thermal efficiencies on both shuttle and tunnel kilns. Bullers pyrometric devices help the company make all the right choices when it comes to kiln set-up and regulation, all of which has to be demonstrable as Eros is accredited to ISO 9001.

Anchor Sanitaryware, with its factory in Thangadh, was the first Indian sanitaryware manufacturer to use Ultralite and also regularly uses Bullers Rings as does Simpolo Ceramics in Morbi, a company that also has wall/floor tile and roofing tile divisions.

Something these companies have in common is fully developed R&D facilities, close monitoring and control of the process and success in the export market. Eros now exports all over the Middle East as well as to Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South America and Eastern Europe. Anchor, also an ISO 2001 accredited producer, is recognised as a major force and exports its extensive range to over 30 countries on several continents.

"We look forward to once again meeting up with leading Indian ceramic industry figures at the Indian Ceramics exhibition,” said Adrian Wake. "More and more of the companies in the vanguard here, including those in the newer technical ceramics hub, are choosing Mantec and they recognise not only the consistent quality of our ranges and the competitive pricing but also the dedicated support we offer to all sectors, particularly in Gujarat.”