The Hindu Business Line : SVIL Mines to launch marble processing unit

New Delhi, Aug. 8 SVIL Mines Ltd, the marble division of the New Delhi-based Floriana Group, will be launching its marble processing unit shortly. The company is also looking at opening over 300 retail outlets exclusively for marble slabs and tiles.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Rajan Kaicker, Director, SVIL Mines Ltd, said, “The group, in collaboration with GEO S.R.L, Italy, has acquired the exclusive licence to use the patented marble processing technology.

“At the moment we are doing trial productions at the unit in Katni, Madhya Pradesh, and expect to launch the commercial production shortly. Once commissioned, the unit would have an annual capacity of close to 5.9 sq metres per annum for producing finished-to-fit slabs and tiles.”

The group has invested Rs 650 crore so far and envisages another Rs 150 crore in the project. According to him, by using this technology the company processes marble up to 3 mm, which by far is the thinnest in the world.

Retail outlets

Speaking about the proposed retail outlets, Mr Kaicker said, “The marble market in the country is very disorganised. India is the only place where the stone is polished only after purchase, leading to change in the complexion and texture. In order to help consumers get the best available option, the company is looking to launch over 300 outlets simultaneously across the country, called Café Floriana.”

He added that the retail outlets would offer pre-polished marble slabs and tiles and also have modular rooms so that customers can get a feel of what they are buying. “We are also in the process of tying up with paint companies, so that customers can match the type of marble they wish to purchase after looking at various colour combinations. We are also looking at a finance option at the outlet itself,” Mr Kaicker said.

The company, however, has not set a date to launch the outlets. “First, we plan to introduce the product at the international exhibition to be held in Verona in October. Only after that will we decide on the India launch. Few of the outlets would be company owned and for the others, we are looking at franchise partners,” he said.

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