A Small Town with a Global Impact on Ceramics
Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra, recently highlighted the inspiring story of Morbi, a small town in Gujarat, India, that has become a global leader in the ceramic industry. In a tweet, he shared a video showcasing Morbi's remarkable journey, emphasizing the success of its small-town entrepreneurs.
Morbi, spanning just 50 by 9 kilometers, has emerged as a major ceramic hub, accounting for a staggering 90% of India's ceramic production. With nearly 1,000 family-owned factories, Morbi's ceramic industry has thrived since the 1930s, successfully competing with China's low prices while matching the premium quality of Italy.
These businesses control an impressive 13% of the world's ceramic production, contributing to an industry worth thousands of crores and employing around four lakh people. Mahindra praised Morbi's entrepreneurs, calling them "agile, small-town entrepreneurs—The ‘bahubalis’ of India."
However, despite its global success, Morbi's ceramic industry faces challenges. Falling domestic and international demand has led manufacturers to urge the government to reduce taxes on gas consumption and implement other supportive measures. Additionally, anti-dumping duties imposed by various countries and trade restrictions have impacted exports.
Despite these obstacles, Morbi's resilient business community continues to drive India's reputation as a global ceramic leader, proving that world-class success can emerge from even the smallest of towns. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the country, demonstrating the potential for innovation and growth even in the face of adversity.