APULUM, A EUROPEAN PIONEER OF SUSTAINABLE TABLEWARE, WITH SACMI

UMBERTO CERAMICS

DESIGN AND PRACTICALITY WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART SACMI TECHNOLOGY AND AUTOMATION

The vision and values of india’s leading player in the industry which,
with the Ariane fine porcelain brand, is setting a new standard for high-end tableware on global markets.

Headquartered in the state of Gujarat (India), Ariane Fine Porcelain is the global brand of Umberto Ceramics International Pvt. Ltd. It was established in 2013 with the aim of bringing European design and quality to the premium segment by combining aesthetics and practicality. Supported by SACMI’s network of tableware companies (SAMA, SACMI Imola, Gaiotto, Riedhammer), recent years have seen the company grow to become an international standard-setter in the industry. Today, output exceeds 48,000 Vitreous China pieces per day, in a wide range of shapes, co-created with leading international designers.

Born with a vision

The first Ariane Fine Porcelain plant took shape in 2014, being built in the city of Prantij, in Sabarkantha district. Initial output was 20 tons per day, or 15 million pieces per year.
Over the years, operations expanded and new machines were installed in every department, resulting in today’s output capacity; plans to double it are already in the pipeline, with the installation of a new glaze kiln expected in 2026.
Today, Ariane Fine Porcelain has 1,100 employees and exports to over 50 countries worldwide, confirming its vision of a brand that steadily evolves in step with growing global demand.

Technology and automation as growth drivers

Right from the very beginning, Umberto Ceramics identified SACMI as the perfect technological partner with which to get established and subsequently grow. Cutting-edge solutions were introduced along the entire production chain: these covered everything, from body preparation to spray drying, from isostatic pressing, pressure casting and shaping to glazing, drying, biscuit-glaze-decoration firing and all the automation and storage systems.
This result was not just India’s most important tableware plant: the company was also keenly motivated to become an industry benchmark in terms of automation, environment-friendliness and quality of work.

‘Phase 2’ of development

In 2016, following the first successful years, a sort of ‘phase two’ in Umberto Ceramics' development got under way. Additional SACMI-SAMA PHO isostatic presses were installed (a total of four presses are currently in operation), opening up new production opportunities - even for the most complex items - thanks to fast cycles, versatility and consistent quality.
What’s more, the company actually pioneered a ‘new’ sector for India, which has traditionally used metal dining plates: on one hand, this has helped create a new local market and, on the other, extended the company’s reach worldwide through participation in all the industry’s major international trade fairs. In 2022, a symbolic milestone was reached when Umberto Ceramics took delivery of the 1,500th isostatic pressing mold: tangible evidence of a successful partnership.

Further acceleration came in 2024 with the arrival of a second cup forming machine and the installation of a fourth PCO isostatic press and a second TRIPLEX glazing station. Also, a third PCM pressure casting machine and a second glaze kiln are expected to come online in the coming months to better respond to market demand.

Innovating responsibly

Ingenious Technology, International Distribution, Design & Functionality and Competence: these are the four core values of Ariane Fine Porcelain. Every new innovation project is driven by an ambition to boost both productivity and volumes and, in parallel, to optimize processes, reduce consumption and improve outcomes. For example, the latest generation of SAMA presses cut consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional solutions, while high-performance kilns are optimized with cutting-edge controls and heat recovery.
Thanks to the adoption of sophisticated technology, Ariane can now count on scalable, efficient, environment-friendly production, setting the stage for further growth as one of the industry’s global leaders.

Sunil Malesha

Managing Director, Ariane Fine Porcelain

INTERVIEW WITH SUNIL MALESHA, MANAGING Director of Ariane Fine Porcelain

In just over 12 years, Umberto Ceramics has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers of porcelain tableware. What has driven this remarkable growth?

“Umberto Ceramics was established in 2013 with a clear vision—to build India's finest porcelain tableware manufacturing facility and develop a world-class brand capable of competing successfully in global markets. From the very beginning, we focused on investing in advanced manufacturing technology, adopting international best practices, and collaborating with renowned designers to create products that combine superior quality with contemporary design. Equally important has been our commitment to continuous innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. By consistently investing in people, technology, and product development, we have earned the trust of customers across India and international markets. These principles have been the foundation of our rapid and sustainable growth.”

What are your target market segments? What trends are you observing in the Indian and international tableware markets?

“Porcelain tableware is still a relatively young industry in India, and we are proud to have played a significant role in developing and expanding this market. Today, we serve both the hospitality (HORECA) sector and premium retail customers, while continuing to strengthen our presence across more than 50 countries. We continue to witness healthy demand both domestically and internationally. Customers increasingly expect products that offer outstanding quality, innovative designs, durability, and sustainability. These expectations have encouraged us to continuously modernize our manufacturing facilities. Our investment strategy reflects this commitment. We currently operate seven SACMI-SAMA presses which includes four isostatic presses and three Double head pressure casting machines—including the latest PCM 300 GREEN/D for large and deep formats—two NCC cup-forming machines, two TRIPLEX glazing lines, and our third Italian-made TKA kiln, which will become operational in 2026. Looking ahead, we believe the future of the ceramic industry will be shaped by manufacturers who successfully combine advanced technology, consistent product quality, environmental responsibility, and continuous innovation.”

What role has SACMI played in Ariane's growth journey?

“SACMI has been one of our most valued strategic partners since the inception of our company. Every major step in Ariane's growth has been supported by world-class technology, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence. Our relationship with SACMI extends well beyond supplying machinery. We have always found SACMI Imola to be a trustworthy, dependable, and highly supportive partner that stands behind its customers. Their technical knowledge, prompt assistance, and willingness to work collaboratively have helped us implement advanced manufacturing solutions with confidence. What we value most is that SACMI shares our long-term vision of quality, sustainability, operational efficiency, and responsible innovation. Their continuous support has enabled us to remain technologically ahead of the market and strengthen Ariane's position as one of the leading porcelain tableware manufacturers in India.”