Virudhachalam ceramics and refractory cluster (Tamil Nadu)
Introduction
The Virudhachalam ceramics and refractory industries cluster is 50 years old; it was started by the Tamil Nadu state government with the aim of creating a local ceramic industrial hub, considering the availability of relevant raw materials. A skill development institute, the Institute of Ceramic Technology, was also established to create a pool of trained persons in the area. There are about 300 MSME units in the cluster producing various types of ceramic and refractory products.
Products manufactured
Ceramic products like refractory bricks, tiles, insulators, other electrical items, decorative items, etc.; terracotta toys and other items
Number of MSMEs
300
Energy consumption
Low
Main fuels
Firewood; coal; petcoke; rubber process oil (RPO); electricity
Production & turnover
60,000 tonnes per annum
Total energy consumption (toe)
10,080
Leading industry association(s)
- Tamil Nadu Refractory Manufacturers Association, D-1 Industrial Estate, Virudhachalam - 606001
- Virudhachalam Industrial Estate Ceramic Manufacturers Association, C-6 Industrial Estate, Virudhachalam – 606001
Cluster Profile
https://www.sameeeksha.org/pdf/clusterprofile/Virudhachalam-Ceramics-Refractories-TamilNadu.pdf
Other Resources
- District Industries Centre, Cuddalore https://cuddalore.nic.in/district-industries-centre/
- Virudhachalam Integrated Ceramic SHG Association (a Common Facility Centre set up with the support of MSME Development Institute, Chennai; it has about 100 members) .
Data pertains to 2015-16, collected primarily under the TERI-SDC EESE project