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[April 2009]
Somany Scores Indian Ceramic First On Patent Front
Somany Ceramics Ltd, one of the leading tile manufacturers, has become the first Indian tile company to receive a patent under the Indian Patent Act for its revolutionary ‘high abrasion resistant glaze composition’, known as VC (VeilCraft) Shield. The patent authorises Somany exclusive rights for production and commercialisation of VC tiles in India.
The patented VC glaze formulation is a complex matrix of various materials rendering hardness to a tile surface along with a silky matt finish. The impervious VC covering makes the tile abrasion resistant, stain free and protects the colour and design of the tile, which is detained between two unique glaze layers. Available in a plethora of finishes, this versatile application offers unique flexibility in terms of designing and usage in comparison to other application. Reasonably priced, VC tiles are ideal for use in high traffic areas such as shopping malls, airports, hospitals and offices, among others.
On receiving the patent, Shreekant Somany, Chairman & Managing Director, Somany Ceramics Ltd, said: “I am overwhelmed to receive this patent for the company as it recognises the endeavours of our R&D department towards offering quality products to customers and industry. Somany has always been a pioneer in upgrading tile manufacturing technology and was the first company in 1998 to be awarded ISO 9002 certification for its research and development.
“The Intellectual Property Rights for this revolutionary VC Shield technology will provide an edge to Somany over other industry players, as this technology has outperformed PEI Grade V tiles*, which itself is a worldwide benchmark for high abrasion. With this patent, we have established unmatched quality standards for the Indian ceramic tile industry.”
[* PEI stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute test for abrasion resistance. The PEI Rating of I (lowest) - V (highest) defines the wear and durability of a tile's glazed surface]
Somany Ceramics is one of the leading players in the tile and sanitaryware sectors. Incorporated as Somany Pilkington’s in 1969 by Shri H L Somany, it later came to be known as Somany Ceramics Limited. In 1971, the very first unit of Somany started production in Kassar, Haryana and the second unit was set up in 1981 in Kadi, Gujarat.
Somany achieved Government recognition for its R&D Department in 1996 (a first in the tile industry) and was the first tile company to be awarded ISO 9002 certification in 1998. It also achieved ISO 14001 in 1999 for environment friendly facilities. Somany holds the patent rights for its revolutionary ‘high abrasion resistant glaze composition’, known as VC (VeilCraft) Shield under the Indian Patent Act. The VC Shield renders a specially treated coating that protects each tile against abrasion, scratches and stains.
ENDS