We're tapping India's rich inherent strength in exquisite granite, marbles

Traditionally, marbles were considered as the finest material by architects to build religious structures, historical monuments and hotels. However, marbles are now being used for architectural decoration because of their charm and aesthetics, increasing the consumer demand for interior decoration of residential structures. Accomplishing perfection in marble and stones by amalgamating technologies, innovation, and sustainable techniques, A-Class Marble is today, one of the largest importers of elusive marble in India, offering one of the largest arrays of rare stones handpicked from all across the globe. Ramesh Bhandari, Director, A–Class Marble, in an exclusive interview with BIZZ BUZZ describes his 15-year journey with the company and delves as to how the company and the industry has evolved

There is a rising trend of utilising natural materials and products in different parts of the world. Customers are willing to pay more for the natural stone and long-lasting looks that natural stone and marble have. There is also surging demand for costly natural stones such as statuario marble, especially from premium customers as these stones are prominently used for decorative purposes in luxury spaces and renovation activities

Thanks to the advancement in technology, the waste of marble is significantly being reduced. Marble scrap is reused and resold, the water used in the process is recycled, and the marble dust can be used for other products such as porcelain tiles. Several chemicals have also been developed to extend the life of marble. In addition, unlike other materials that only endure five to ten years, marble is permanent once installed

How has the journey in the marble industry been so far?

Class Marble has five decades of marble legacy. To keep the legacy going, we have strived to gather over 450 varieties of stones from some of the most beautiful quarries in the world. These elusive marbles, stones, granites, and quartz are personally handpicked from over 40 countries for their limitless colours, textures, characters, and perfect pattern consistency. We are equipped with cutting edge marble processing technologies and automated robots to ensure the production of fine and exemplary slabs. Additionally, our commitment to promoting a low carbon footprint during the manufacturing process satisfies us as we contribute to recycling marble scraps.

What are some of your major milestones in your journey?

Accomplishing perfection in marble and stones by amalgamating technologies, innovation, and sustainable techniques, A-Class marble is today, one of the largest importers of elusive marble in India, offering one of the largest arrays of rare stones handpicked from all across the globe.

We are now running in the 50th year of our venture. The year 2005 witnessed the inception of A-Class Marble India Pvt Ltd, with the vision to bring the world's most magnificent collection of marble to India, now completing 15 magnificent years.

We have Asia's Biggest Marble Market at RIICO Industrial Area in Kishangarh, Rajasthan spread over 10 Lakh sft. The newest addition to the A-class trail of dynamic and luxurious spaces is their Moti Nagar showroom that spreads across an area of 1,20,000 sft. The showroom spans three floors and comprises retail display spaces, an experience area, conference rooms and varied facilities. The A-Class Atelier in Ahmedabad is a unique smart showroom.

How would you describe the growth of the industry during your time in the industry?

Traditionally, marbles were considered the finest material by architects to build religious structures, historical monuments and hotels. However, marbles are now being used for architectural decoration because of their charm and aesthetics, increasing the consumer demand for interior decoration of residential structures. Kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, vanity tops, and other applications that require beautiful and durable surfaces such as floor and wall coverings are expected to drive market growth. As the use of marble increases in the building and construction industry, the building construction sector dominates the market. In addition, marbles with artistic looks are being quarried in several European countries, including Italy and Spain, boosting its demand.

How has your company contributed to this growth and how has it grown over the years?

For all these 15 years in the marble industry, our sole goal was to bring excellent quality marble to our customers and the architecture community across the globe. With the times changing, we have gone green by upgrading the marble collection with the addition of sustainable techniques.

As a brand that is widely trusted for its quality and variety, we aim to bring more exquisite marble every time to serve the design community.

Entering the 15th year of the brand, we are upgrading our game by adding futuristic and natural surfaces to our collection along with introducing our very own Indian marble made with the best technology. With the current situation of Covid -19, we plan to expand our service both digitally and virtually by adding the feature of virtual shopping and viewing experience for the design community. After winning the hearts of the people by delivering the best products to them in India, we plan to expand its business internationally in the coming years.

What are the technological changes you have seen in the industry?

Technology has played a significant role in this industry, right from stone mining, to obtaining a finished product. Emerging methods such as technologically advanced cutters and automated robotic machines are being installed in the factories, which result in less wastage throughout the manufacturing process.

Which are the new type of products in the industry and how would you describe the demand for these products?

The bright colour and vein patterns are very popular in the market and there is a strong demand for such products. The demand is likely to stay strong for a good period due to its high popularity and demand.

What is the range of products that your company offers?

A-Class Marble is itself a brand. A-Class Marble proudly offers one of the largest arrays of rare stones. The collection comprises more than 450 varieties of marble, stone, granite and other architectural surfaces imported under the sole agreement with many quarries and brands from Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, France, Turkey, Vietnam, and other geographies across the world.

How has Covid impacted the industry and your company?

Currently, the situation is bleak with the pandemic already having a devastating impact on organizations of all niches and industries. With the active steps undertaken by the government of India to control the situation, we have shifted our business's communication mode to digital or through virtual modes, rather than in person. We have also enabled a virtual tour option on our website for the ease of clients.

What is the way forward for your company?

I think with this crisis the outlook of how our businesses will function has dramatically transformed, with a greater focus on shifting to a virtual or digital platform rather than operating physically or in person, e - commerce or online retail will witness the positive impacts of the crisis. Virtual experience tours, digital presence and online consultation is a way forward currently.

How is your export programme faring?

Since many new materials are emerging in India, it has great potential due to abundant sources of raw materials. India always has a variety of materials available for development, and so we are trying to tap into that horizon.