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 company efficiency. His tone and expression reflected a sense of satisfaction with the overall progress made during that year. As a key figure in both the ceramic and furnace industries, Ding emphasized that while 2013 was promising, 2014 would bring more challenges, requiring greater adaptability and strategic thinking.

Earlier, Huang Jianping, chairman of the Dongguan Weimei Group, had expressed concerns about the 2014 ceramics industry, noting that the real estate sector—closely linked to ceramics—was expected to face tougher conditions. Ding’s analysis echoed this sentiment, but he added that internal factors such as sales strategies, product positioning, quality improvements, and regional market dominance also played a crucial role in determining a company's success. A comprehensive evaluation of these elements, he said, is essential for ensuring sustainable growth and meeting business goals.

Foshan has long been recognized as a leader in both product innovation and technological advancement within China’s ceramic industry. To stay competitive, Ding Zhijian recently visited Foshan to learn from local experts and explore opportunities for collaboration. He plans to open an exhibition hall in Foshan to showcase new products like inkjet antique tiles, which he sees as a key trend for the future. According to him, Foshan’s early adoption of inkjet technology gives it a significant edge in terms of quality and equipment maturity, making it a model worth emulating.

As the upstream kiln industry, closely tied to ceramics, Hubei’s Huanggang region, known as the "hometown of kilns," has seen considerable growth. Ding mentioned that his company’s kiln operations performed well last year, with output reaching nearly one billion yuan, 80% of which came from ceramic kilns. These were even exported to countries like Vietnam and Uzbekistan. With over 30 kiln companies operating in the area, each focusing on niche products, competition remains relatively low, allowing for steady development across various sectors including building ceramics, daily-use ceramics, sanitary ware, art porcelain, and industrial porcelain.

As the ceramic industry evolves, so do the demands placed on the furnace industry. Ding highlighted that technical upgrades now focus on energy efficiency, such as optimizing pressure, temperature, and atmosphere control within kilns. The use of waste heat, automation, and advanced materials have significantly impacted energy consumption. Companies willing to invest in high-quality, long-lasting furnaces often see increased production capacity and higher standards in design and installation. While this leads to higher costs, it also ensures better performance and reliability. Despite the challenges facing the ceramic industry in 2014, Ding believes there will still be room for growth in the furnace sector, provided companies maintain strong systems and high-quality standards.