Bharat Ratnam – Mega Common Facilitation Centre: a one-stop destination for jewellery manufacturing by GJEPC

The facility, set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to strengthen production capabilities of MSMEs indulged in the gems and jewellery industry

Mumbai: In a consequential/major development within the gems and jewellery sector, Ministry of commerce and Industry under the Government of India in collaboration with the GJEPC ( Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council ) inaugurated a state-of-art multi-purpose manufacturing unit equipped with additional corresponding spaces such as an exhibition center and auditorium.

Situated in the heart of Mumbai’s bustling SEEPZ – Special Economic Zone, the facility spans across an impressive 1.15 lakh square feet bolstered with high-end machinery providing both routine and specialized jewellery production services.

Inaugurated by Prime Minister of India

Bharat Ratnam – Mega CFC was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12th January. Subsequently, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, commenced the facility on March 15th, 2024. The center is built as a ground plus five-story structure, with each level serving a unique function. In alignment with sustainability efforts, the facility is certified by the Indian Green Building Council for adhering to regulations that ensure carbon neutrality. Accessible to both the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) and SEEPZ Special Economic Zone, Bharat Ratnam – Mega CFC was constructed in just 14 months.

The facilitation center is developed with the objective of achieving influx in India’s jewellery export trade volumes. It aims to facilitate jewellery production, providing manufacturers with services on par with current international standards. GJEPC looks to increase the contribution of the industry to the national economy with this venture. The project focuses on MSMEs, and small-scale set ups to assist them in efficiency and output.

High-end Technical Services provided by Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC

• 3D Printing – Metal
• CAD & CAD Rendering
• 3D Printing – Ceramic
• 3D Printing – Resin & Wax
• Casting (Gold, Platinum & Silver)
• CNC
• Refining (Gold, Platinum & Silver)
• Mass Finishing
• LGD Testing
• LAB Testing – Trace Metal Analysis (ICP)
• Colour Laser Engraving
• Micron Plating / Rhodium Plating
• Enamelling / Coating
• LAB Testing including XRF
• Photography & Video
• Training & Skilling School

Innovative Design and Quality Finishing Services

The center has a CAD department with a team of 30 skilled designers, producing 35 to 40 designs daily. This rapid design capability allows for quick turnaround times, facilitating innovation in jewelry design and ensuring that clients can realize their creative visions. This technology enhances the surface quality of metal pieces. Clients can also avail themselves of mass finishing services, including electro-polishing, which delivers a smooth and lustrous finish, removing imperfections and blemishes. The center also specializes in achieving high-quality finishes on large quantities of items, meeting the exacting standards of discerning customers.

In addition, Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC offers essential lab testing services for both SEEPZ-SEZ and domestic manufacturers and retailers. These tests include ICP OES Testing (Trace Metal Analysis), Spectrophotometer (Colour analysis), XRF testing, PH meter (PH testing), Silver analysis, corrosion resistance, Fire assay, and more.

Rodium Plating, which is another component in jewellery making, is made accessible to manufacturers. The process involves the application of a thin layer of metal using a solution enriched with dissolved gold and silver ions which results in a finish that resists tarnishing. Gauged in microns, these plating methods guarantee a long-lasting, high-quality appearance for jewellery, providing a popular choice for achieving a bright, shiny finish that stands the test of time

Versatile Event Spaces: Exhibition and Auditorium Facilities

Apart from the manufacturing and testing services, the center is home to multiple exhibition, auditorium, and public discourse spaces. It features a grand 10,000 sq. ft exhibition center on the 5th floor that accommodates large-scale jewelry events like grand exhibitions, industry conventions, and trade fairs.

In addition, the facility boasts two auditoriums located on the 6th floor: MPH1, with a seating capacity of 350, and MPH2, which accommodates 80. These auditoriums are designed for public events, seminars, and presentations, providing versatile spaces to engage and inspire audiences.

Two additional exhibition halls are situated on the ground floor, suitable for more intimate jewelry shows, corporate meetings, and product launches. The facility also includes a Diamond Conference Room with seating for 25, ideal for high-level jewelry industry meetings and discussions, offering a professional environment for board meetings, strategy sessions, and private consultations, equipped with modern conferencing facilities for a productive experience.

Empowering the Next Generation with Training and Skilling Programs

Mega CFC’s Training & Skilling School is dedicated to unleashing potential in the jewelry industry. It offers tailored courses that equip students with essential skills and knowledge for successful careers, blending classroom instruction with hands-on training in various jewelry-making techniques. The programs cover key domains such as CAD Designing, Diamond Assortment, Wax Setting, Filing, Metal Setting, and Finishing, focusing on practical experience with brass and copper pieces. Conducting quarterly and short-term training sessions, Mega CFC enlightens around 200 students annually, enriching the Gems & Jewellery industry with skilled professionals. The initiative also aims to generate approximately 25% increased employment, including opportunities for females, and features a dedicated 40-seat space for Deaf-Mute students. This commitment to education ensures that participants acquire the technical expertise needed for a thriving career in the jewelry sector.

Written by Amaan Kasu

Retail Jeweller India Exclusive