Looking at the 2014 Ceramic Industry “River” from the upstream

Ding Zhijian, chairman of Hubei China Ceramics Wanda Ceramics Co., Ltd. and Huangyao Huayao Porcelain Kiln Furnace Co., Ltd., shared his insights on the ceramic industry's performance in 2013, calling it an ideal year in terms of market sales and economic efficiency. His tone and demeanor suggested a sense of satisfaction with the overall industry conditions. As a key figure who spans both the ceramic and furnace industries, Ding believes that 2014 will bring more challenges compared to 2013, as the industry faces increased pressure.

Earlier, Huang Jianping, chairman of Dongguan Weimei Group, had expressed similar concerns about the ceramics sector in 2014, noting that the situation might not be as favorable as the previous year. He emphasized that the close relationship between the ceramics and real estate industries would lead to even tougher conditions this year. Ding Zhijian echoed these sentiments but added that internal factors—such as the health of sales channels, product positioning, quality upgrades, and consumer trends—are equally important. He stressed the need for companies to evaluate both internal and external factors to ensure sustainable growth and meet their business goals.

Foshan has long been recognized as a leader in ceramic technology and product innovation. Ding Zhijian recently visited Foshan to learn from local industry practices and explore opportunities for expansion. He plans to open an exhibition hall in Foshan to showcase his company’s new inkjet antique tiles, which he sees as a key strategy for improving the company’s regional reputation. According to him, inkjet technology is becoming a major trend in the industry, with Foshan having a head start in both product quality and equipment technology.

As the upstream kiln industry closely linked to ceramics, Hubei’s Huanggang, known as the "hometown of kilns," has seen strong performance from Ding Zhijian’s company. Last year, the company achieved nearly one billion yuan in output value, with 80% coming from ceramic kilns. This year, they have also started exporting to countries like Vietnam and Uzbekistan. In Huanggang, there are over 30 kiln companies, each with its own specialized products and a solid reputation across various sectors, including building ceramics, daily use ceramics, sanitary ceramics, art porcelain, and industrial porcelain. The relatively low level of internal competition allows for stable development within the industry.

With the evolution of the ceramic industry, the furnace industry is also facing higher demands. Ding Zhijian highlighted that technical upgrades are increasingly focused on energy efficiency, such as optimizing kiln pressure, temperature, and atmosphere, as well as utilizing waste heat and improving automation. The application of advanced technologies and materials significantly affects energy savings across different kilns. These improvements are driven by the willingness of ceramic companies to invest in quality and long-term performance. For example, longer kilns offer greater production capacity and higher demand, requiring more sophisticated design, manufacturing, and installation. While this increases costs, it also opens up new opportunities for growth. Despite the challenges ahead, Ding remains optimistic about the future of the furnace industry, believing that success depends on a company’s quality and operational health rather than its size.