Founded by H. R. Khan Monno in 1985, Monno Ceramics went into production of porcelain-ware in the same year. The industry began by producing porcelain dinnerware and eventually expanded by manufacturing Bone China. "The product quality has been immaculate from the very beginning which has been directly reflected by the continuous market demand from local and international consumers," claims Moynul Islam, Deputy Managing Director, Monno Ceramics. "Monno Ceramics' state of the art technology and creative designs give it a competitive edge and establish it as a strong competitor in the porcelain manufacturing world."

Going global

Monno's success in coming up with quality products gave the company a clear edge over many of its competitors in the local market. Having thus established its strong foothold locally Monno Ceramics went for further improvement in design and looked beyond the boundaries of Bangladesh. Over the years it has exported millions of dollars' worth of ceramic products.

Facilities for employees

Monno Ceramics has provided jobs to local artisans who have a long tradition in their respective professions. "Under the facilities, these craftsmen work to their full potential and adorn each product with care and passion," says Moynul. "The congenial working atmosphere (at Monno) caters for the potential of its employees and brings the best out of them."

Besides, under the human resources development programme the company sends its staff to different industries to better their skill by getting acquainted with different manufacturing techniques in different places. "At the local level also there are staff training programmes. We are an equal-gender employer and do not employ and child labourer."

Man and the Machine

The main strength of Monno lies in its treasure of imported machinery, says Moynul. Monno bought modern machinery from Europe and Japan that enables the company to manufacture high class porcelain ware.

"We believe that only the combination of man and the machine can bring out the best. We take extreme care in packing goods and ensure that they reach our clients in aesthetically

soothing and yet handy and user friendly packages. The strength of Monno Ceramics rests with its skilled manpower; in every product there is a touch of ingenuity, creativity, technical deftness, craftsmanship."

Moynul acknowledges, "Excellence is an endless pursuit" but then he stresses

the need for pursuing it. "We pursue it

anyhow, especially, in order to maintain

our competitive edge at both local and international levels. We need to push the limits and we do it only for a simple appreciative gesture from the user of our porcelain ware."

Monno has concentrated on building a culture that focuses on team effort. The company is a perfectionist and in order to achieve perfection it has employed a determined and hardworking workforce. "Monno listens to its customers and caters for their tastes and views because as the saying goes the customer is always right."

Social Responsibility

Monno Ceramics runs a non-profit charity institute under the auspices of Monno Welfare Foundation (MWF),

providing vocational training and basic education for the destitute. There is also a "Children Home" for underprivileged children. Graduatesfrom the MWF institute and Children Home are provided with different jobs in accordance with their

skill levels.

Environmental Responsibility

"Monno Ceramics is a strong supporter of the cause of environment. Such sense of responsibility is reflected in avoiding toxic chemicals for making the body of its products or adding glaze, in its use of water based pigment for decoration and recycled paper for packaging and in careful disposal of factory wastage.