The story
Markapur and surrounding areas have rich slate deposits, and the town was long known for school writing slates. As writing slates declined, units shifted to decorative slate tiles and wall cladding. Small firms split, cut and finish slate for buyers in India and abroad. Exports go mainly to the Gulf and Europe.
In numbers
The Markapur slate cluster had 140 micro firms, a turnover of Rs 54 million and employment of 1,680 (2010-11 data).
Brief Industrial Profile of Prakasam District (MSME-DI Hyderabad, DC-MSME) · 2011
Ways in for a newcomer
- Decorative slate tiles and cladding for builders
- Slate craft and gift items
- Export packing and logistics
Problems the cluster faces
- Limited market share at home and abroad
- Poor waste management
- Lack of safety measures for workers
Businesses to start here
Stone Polishing Unit →Granite Tile Cutting and Polishing Unit →