Somany’s tile variant gets first patent

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: Shreekant Somany’s tile manufacturing company Somany Ceramics Ltd has become the first Indian tile company to receive a patent under the Indian Patent Act for its ‘high abrasion resistant glaze composition’, known as VeilCraft (VC) Shield. The patent authorises Somany exclusive rights for production and commercialisation of VC tiles in India.

On receiving the patent, Shreekant Somany, chairman & managing director, Somany Ceramics said, “I am overwhelmed to receive this patent for the company as it recognises the endeavors of our research and development (R&D) department towards offering quality products to customers and industry.” Somany was the first company in 1998 to be awarded ISO 9002 certification for its research and development.

The intellectual property rights for this technology is expected to provide an edge to Somany over other industry players, as it has outperformed PEI Grade V tiles, which itself is a worldwide benchmark for high abrasion.

“With this patent, we have established unmatched quality standards for the Indian ceramic tile industry,” he added.

PEI stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute test for abrasion resistance. The PEI Rating of I (lowest) - V (highest) defines the wear and durability of a tile’s glazed surface. The patented VC glaze formulation is a complex matrix of various materials rendering hardness to a tile surface along with a silky matt finish. The impervious VC covering makes the tile abrasion resistant, stain free and protects the colour and design of the tile, which is detained between two unique glaze layers. This application offers flexibility in terms of designing and usage. VC tiles are ideal for use in high traffic areas such as shopping malls, airports, hospitals and offices among others.

Somany achieved government recognition for its R&D department in 1996 and was the first tile company to be awarded ISO 9002 certification in 1998.

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Wipro Technologies, the global IT services business of Wipro Limited, has announced the appointment of Martha Bejar as president of global sales and operations. In her new role, Bejar will focus on the global ‘Go to Market’ strategy, drive revenue growth and leverage on Wipro’s strength in innovation, technology, process insight and globalisation to enhance the company’s position as a business transformation catalyst.

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