Uncovering India’s Metal Production Hubs
The Indian metal industry has witnessed significant revenue growth in recent years. India until now, has exported metal and metal products worth around US$ 10.1 billion, indicating a growing demand for Indian metal products worldwide.
India has a place known as the “Brass City”. Moradabad is an industrial city that is well-known for the production and exports of metal and wooden handicraft products. The city is home to thousands of artisans who have been practicing metalwork for generations.
For centuries, Moradabad has been at the forefront of the metal industry, specializing in the creation of brass artifacts that exude elegance and beauty. What sets Moradabad apart is not just its skilled craftsmanship, but also its ability to adapt and innovate. The city’s metal industry has embraced modern design trends and customer preferences, blending traditional motifs with contemporary aesthetics.
Fashion and silver jewelry with gem stones is an innovation born out of Jaipur’s rich tradition. The city is renowned for its exceptional quality and selection of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other precious and semi-precious stones. The gemstones are cut and polished in Jaipur itself, making the city one of the most important exporters of quality gemstones worldwide
Jaipur owes its jewelry tradition to a King, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh-II, who when establishing the city created areas dedicated to certain occupations including jewellers. He invited jewellers from the entire sub-continent and patronized their art by helping them establish this legacy in Johari Bazar at Jaipur.
Key types of materials: Brass, copper, stainless steel, wrought iron.
Regions: Moradabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur
Regional differences: Jaipur is known for engraved products. Moradabad is popular for casted metal specifically with aluminium, brass, copper, etc.
Jodhpur suppliers specialize in wrought iron.
Moradabad is the main production hub for metal home decor items in India. There are thousands of export-manufacturers in the city that make products from cast metal specifically with aluminium, brass and copper.
The city accounts for over 40 percent of total handicrafts exports from India.
Most work here is done by hand, which means there can be variation in production and QC needs to be done carefully.
Types of products: Products made from metal include cars and other vehicles, buildings and bridges, jewellery and watches, kitchen utensils and cookware, electronics and appliances, tools and machinery, coins and currency, musical instruments and sporting instruments.
Export markets
- Aluminium – European mostly
- Brass – Middle East countries , Europe , USA
- Copper – All countries
- Iron – USA
- Steel – Europe
Pitfalls and sourcing tips
Asking a supplier to do something outside of their wheelhouse. So, the product being new can lead to delays. Look at what they are already doing and ask for variations. Understand the supplier’s experience and expertise and source products they specialize in.
Metals of India
Aluminium
Aluminium is a light weight and cost-effective metal used to make handicrafts that are exported globally. Brass is being replaced by aluminium due to its rising cost.
It has low density, is non-toxic, has a high thermal conductivity, has excellent corrosion resistance and can be easily cast, machined and formed. It is also non-magnetic and non-sparking. It is the second most malleable metal and the sixth most ductile of all.
Price of aluminium ingot: US$ 2.65 excluding taxes. (Price of the ingot also varies with the quality (plane, high plane and normal).
Price of the aluminium sheet: US$ 3.6 excluding taxes.
Brass
Brass is the traditional metal of India which is widely used in making utensils, home decor items and sculptures. It is an expensive metal that is handcrafted by the Indian artisans since centuries.
Brass is still commonly used in applications where corrosion resistance and low friction are required, such as locks, hinges, gears, bearings, ammunition casings, zippers, plumbing, hose couplings, valves, and electrical plugs and sockets. It is used extensively for musical instruments such as horns and bells since it is easily malleable and machined.
Price of brass ingot: US$ 7.12 excluding taxes. (Price of the ingot also varies with the quality (plane, high plane and normal).
Price of Brass sheet: US$ 10
Copper
Copper is rich metal used by the Indian handicraft industry for export of utensils and bottles. The benefits of copper have been recorded in ancient texts from all over the world. Ancient Ayurvedic texts claim that drinking water from a copper vessel has curative properties.
It is malleable, ductile, and an extremely good conductor of both heat and electricity. It is softer than zinc and can be polished into a bright finish. Copper has low chemical reactivity.
Price of copper sheet: US$ 11.85 excluding taxes.
Iron
In India iron is widely used to manufacture strong yet affordable products like vases, planters, lanterns and furniture. Due to rusting issues in iron items, it is preferred to finish it with powder coating.
Iron is a lustrous, ductile, malleable and a silver-gray metal. It is known to exist in four distinct crystalline forms. Iron rusts in damp air, but not in dry air. It’s a good conductor of heat and electricity.
Price of iron sheet: US$ 1.35 excluding taxes.
Price of iron rods and pipes: US$ 1.25 excluding taxes.
Suppliers offering metal products in India vetted by ISN
Calif International located in Uttarakhand, India is an exporter and manufacturer of nautical items and globes made out of brass and other metals.
Their product range includes spotlight tripod lamps, nautical items, decorative armory props, antique reproduction, metal globes, survey instruments and gift items.
Brass City Overseas, since 1997, has been the leading manufacturer of contemporary home décor items, based in Uttar Pradesh, India. With their SMETA 4-pillar certification, they ensure ethical and sustainable practices in their manufacturing process.
Their comprehensive product range includes stunning vases and wall mirrors to elegant planters and lanterns in intricate designs. Their collection also extends to cutlery, figurines, and furniture, where artistry meets functionality. What sets them apart is their innovative use of metal to replicate the art of cane basket weaving.
Their export markets include the US, Spain, Israel, and South America.
At Brass City Overseas, we understand the importance of timely delivery. With a sample lead time of just 7 days, we ensure efficiency without compromising on our commitment to excellence.
Since its launch in 1998, Designer Impex has been a trusted and government-recognized export company, setting the standard for manufacturing metal and handicraft products. Their commitment to quality and ethical practices has earned them the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 and SEDEX compliance certifications.
They have established long-standing partnerships with key buyers such as TJX, Home Depot, and J C Penny, who recognize our dedication to delivering superior quality and design. Their global footprint spans across the United States, United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
Since their inception in 1996, Jafrisons Exports has been a leading name in the world of handicraft products. With expertise spanning various materials like crystal, ceramic, iron, glass, wood, brass, copper, aluminium, and stainless steel, they bring forth an extensive range of exquisite creations.
From kitchenware to home, hotel, Christmas, crystal, garden, and wedding decor, their offerings cover a wide spectrum of categories. Our collection also includes gift items, lamps and candle holders, bathroom and bar accessories, and tableware.
With a sprawling factory area spanning 80,000 sq.ft., they have built an in-house manufacturing capacity that ensures meticulous attention to detail and superior craftsmanship.
Palatial Designs stands as a distinguished manufacturer and exporter, offering a stunning collection of unique products that combine metal with natural materials like cane and marble.
From exquisite marble trays to elegant cane baskets and furniture, our range encompasses a diverse selection of items.
To ensure longevity, their iron products undergo a meticulous powder coating process, effectively preventing rust and preserving their pristine appearance. Additionally, they treat all materials before processing, enhancing their durability and resilience.
Since its establishment in 1994, Bharti Handicrafts, along with its associate companies, has been at the forefront of manufacturing and exporting innovative handicrafts. Their commitment to quality and ethical practices is reflected in their SEDEX and ISO 9001 compliance.
With a dedicated workforce comprising of 22 permanent employees and 65 contracted workers, they ensure seamless operations and exceptional craftsmanship. Their extensive range of equipment includes metal and wood manufacturing and finishing tools, allowing them to create exquisite pieces that stand out.
As members of prestigious organizations such as EPCH, EPB, The Moradabad Handicrafts Exporters Association, Brass Artware Association, and Rotary International, they actively contribute to the growth and development of the handicraft industry.
R.S International has established itself as a premier manufacturer of exquisite handicrafts, home décor, kitchenware, and garden accessories. Their creations are meticulously crafted using a variety of raw materials including brass, aluminum, iron, horn, bone, and glass.
The company manufactures an array of trays, boxes, cutting boards, metal handicrafts, serve ware, and home décor items. Each piece is a product of exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
They are proud to have earned the trust of key buyers such as Home Essentials (USA), Yazeed Home (Libya), and Indigo Sourcing (India).
R.S holds certifications and affiliations including SEDEX 4 Pillar, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts in New Delhi, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce in Bombay, and Dun & Bradstreet Global Database
Pinkcity Jewelhouse Private Limited is a manufacturer of plain and gemstone studded jewelry made of Karat gold, silver, and brass.
The company’s RJC and ISO 9001 certified factories are audited for top global retailers and by independent agencies like Sedex, Intertek, and Qima.
Pinkcity has 3 factories in with a total area of 120,000 sqft, and employs 1100 artisans and professionals, including 40+ designers and visualisers.
With 50+ customers in 11 countries, the manufacturer boasts regular on-time shipments, and exported 1.8 million products shipped in 2021.
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