"Our first preference is to acquire an existing cement tile manufacturing unit in Morbi area of Gujarat which is known for tiles production since last long time. However we are open for ceramic units as well. Currently we are in search of such units which will be viable for us," said Firdaus Variava, vice chairman of Bharat Flooring and Tiles, which is also considering to set up a production facility in Delhi in near future.
According to the company, cement tiles producers are very few in the country though regions like Morbi were well known in the past for cement tiles manufacturing.
"As Morbi had large numbers of cement tiles units in past, it becomes easy for us to get skilled manpower in this area. Which is why we have decided to invest in Morbi. Moreover, it is easy to get raw material as Gujarat has large numbers of cement plants," Variava.
Currently, Bharat Flooring and Tiles has two production facilities in Mumbai with manufacturing capacity of 100,000 square feet per month, even as the company aims to produce 200,000 square feet tiles a month in Morbi.
"We want to acquire a unit in Morbi in next six months and once we are done with the acquisition, we will produce 200,000 square feet tiles a month," Variava said.
Through its unit in Gujarat, the company is also looking to tap the international market. Currently the company is only catering to the domestic market.
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"We are also planning to enter the global market. One of the reasons to choose Gujarat is that it would be easier to export our product to the western world where cement tiles demand is still there especially in Europe," said Variava.
The company is also considering to set up a production unit in near future and for that it is talking with Viridien Foundation that works for betterment of heritage items.
"As handmade cement tiles manufacturing is turning obsolete, Delhi based Viridian Foundation has offered us to set up production unit in Delhi area. We are considering about it, though our first priority is Gujarat," Variava added.