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 of doing business, Umberto Ceramics has achieved a leading market position. What enabled this exceptional growth?

“Umberto Ceramics was founded in 2013, with a clear goal in mind: to build the first and best tableware factory in India while creating an appealing brand that would be competitive on international markets. The ability to work on the product using cutting-edge technology, and in close collaboration with renowned designers, have been key factors on our journey.”

What are your target segments? What trends have you observed on Indian and international markets?

“In India, porcelain tableware is a relatively new industry. We can rightly say that we’ve helped create this market. In recent years, we’ve seen steady growth, complemented and supported by our investment in new technology and plant upgrades. We’ve made numerous investments: as a consequence, we now have a total of seven SACMI-SAMA presses installed, along with four isostatic presses and three pressure casting machines (the latest, a PCM 300 GREEN/D for large, deep formats, will arrive in a few days). There are also two NCC cup forming machines, two TRIPLEX glazing lines and a third TKA kiln manufactured in Italy, which will come online in 2026. We’re convinced that, in the future, the ability to combine quality and innovation will be ever-more crucial as the ceramic industry increasingly focuses on the environment and quality.”

What role has SACMI played in your journey?

“For Ariane, every step forward is the result of a shared vision. We’re talking about talent, work and technology: we identified SACMI as a crucial partner, capable of guiding us every step of the way and anticipating the needs of an increasingly competitive global market. The partnership with SACMI isn’t just about technology: it’s the result of a shared vision that focuses on quality, sustainability and responsible innovation.”