Somany Tiles' premium range in Chandigarh

Somany Tiles Ltd, one of the leading players in the organised ceramic tiles market, has launched its ultra premium range of tiles "Signature Series" in Chandigarh. This is the maiden launch of the product.

The ceramic tiles launched are in four categories "" wood, contemporary, metallic and wall clading "" in 35 designs and are available at the price range of Rs 60-200 per sq ft.

Talking to Business Standard, the company's Joint Managing Director Abhishek Somany said the boom in housing activity and a rise in disposable incomes has increased the demand for high-end ceramic tiles.

"We have tried to recreate a discerning product that would have a reflection of an Italian and a Spanish tile that is otherwise not affordable by customers here."

The company has tied up with design firms at Spain and Italy on a turnkey basis.

"We will be able to sell at a cheaper price because of low manufacturing cost in India and saving on freight and Customs duty," said Somany. It would also save the customers from the hassles of importing from Italy and Spain, he added.

The company has its manufacturing unit in Bahadurgarh in Haryana and Ahmedabad in Gujarat. SPL Ltd clocked a turnover of Rs 250 crore in 2005-06 and expects to touch Rs 275 cr in the current financial year.

According to Abhishek Somany, the demand in metros has saturated. So now the marketing focus has shifted from tier one to tier two towns.

He commented that with the younger generation investing in residential property, the prospects of replacement market for the ceramic tiles were also bright.

SPL Ltd is one of the few companies in the country that manufactures a wide range of ceramic walls, ceramic floors, vetrified floors and porcelain floors.