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[May 2008]
Going for Gujarat – Leading Asian Show Moves Up Country
Organisers Gattaca Communications report that the third Indian Ceramics exhibition enjoyed three successful days in Mumbai in March and attracted quality visitors from all manufacturing sectors. This well established event in the South Asian calendar now features key suppliers not only from India itself, but also from the UK, all over continental Europe and also China. The presence of decision makers is paramount and is evidently why these companies are participating in greater numbers, added the company.
The demand for new technologies and extra production capacity in India continues unabated – 20% per year growth by some estimates – making the Indian Ceramics series an increasingly important meeting point. From its establishment, close ties with all the leading bodies in the industry were established and their continued involvement has helped boost the event’s reputation year by year.
Some 70% of India’s ceramic manufacture takes place in the north-western State of Gujarat and it has just been announced that Indian Ceramics 2009 will take place in Ahmedabad, the most significant industrial and commercial centre.
“Exhibitors and visitors alike expressed their keenness to see this exhibition staged in Gujarat,” said Exhibition Director Kevin Hudson. “We are delighted to have been able to respond to this so quickly and announce that the fourth Indian Ceramics will take place in Ahmedabad from 4-6 March 2009.
“National and international suppliers will undoubtedly benefit from being able to showcase all their latest innovations on the doorstep of one of Asia’s leading ceramic producing regions. I am sure that this initiative will bring in many more visitors, widen the business opportunities and guarantee greater international interest in this well respected exhibition.”
Since the first event, Indian Ceramics has adopted an approach based on close liaison with the local industry and has successfully developed a number of different features, including exchange of ideas and technology transfer. This was very much to the fore at the 2008 event, where not only were modern materials and equipment showcased by top international names, but in a relaxed environment there were specifically tailored presentations staged by groups organised from Germany, China and France – one on each day of the show.
These involved a great deal of effort and the Indian ceramic community had evidently been identified as one with a crucial role to play. “Clearly, with both members of the European Ceramic Technology Suppliers and its leadership present at this venue, the opportunity for decision makers to have real access and integrate with Europe’s pre-eminent suppliers of ceramic technology should be considered as a ‘defining moment’ for many,” commented Alan Smith, ECTS seminar.
This concept and the general approach to networking is set to be further developed for next year’s event and announcements on this will be made later in the year. There was certainly sharp interest from leading Indian ceramic manufacturers, whose numbers are bound to be swelled now that it’s all taking place in Gujarat, so close to their production facilities.
The major announcement this month is the addition of two specialist events within the Indian Ceramics 2009 presentation. “Next year, we will incorporate IBaRT (India Brick and Roof Tile) and also India-ETC (1st Engineering & Technical Ceramics Expo),” confirmed Kevin Hudson. “This is an exciting enhancement to what we already offer in this area and puts a declared emphasis on two very important sectors which don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
“Gujarat is always the first name on everyone’s lips when wall tiles, floor tiles and sanitaryware are mentioned – and rightly so – but it is also India’s key area for heavy clay products and has its own separate clusters in technical, engineering and insulation ceramics. Having IBaRT and India-ETC staged as fully integrated features at Indian Ceramics 2009 will benefit the manufacturers and the suppliers in equal measure. We are excited about these additions.”
These two events are a recognition of the extra scope provided by the move to Gujarat and of the crucial role these ceramic industry sectors play in the local economy. Ample mineral resources and specialist expertise abound here and in neighbouring Rajasthan and Maharashtra, where interest is bound to be sparked. Having said that, the organisers are equally confident that the European, Asian and North American suppliers will relish the opportunity of picking up on these vibrant markets.
All in all, say organisers Gattaca, the stage is set for all the raw materials, minerals, equipment, colours, glaze and turnkey plant specialists to reach deep into a rich seam of potential customers. Local support, both for the show and announcement of the change of venue, is already evident. "Indian Ceramics is a quality exhibition with quality visitors. As a leading processed minerals supplier, it was very important for us to exhibit at this well established event in 2008,” said Amit Gupta. “Gupta Grinding Mills will certainly be back next year with increased space. I was delighted to hear that Indian Ceramics 2009 will take place in Gujarat, close to so many of our customers – I am confident of an even better result next time round".
www.indian-ceramics.com
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