The situation forced the sanitary ceramics industry to automate production

In the past, the level of automation in China's sanitary ceramics industry was relatively low. Most domestic manufacturers had limited automated production lines, with many processes still relying heavily on manual labor. In semi-automated systems, there were numerous steps that required human intervention, and in many cases, the majority of tasks were performed manually. This traditional approach, while cost-effective in the past, is now becoming increasingly unsustainable. Looking ahead, automation is widely recognized as the future direction for the industry. However, despite growing challenges such as labor shortages, rising wages, and shifting worker expectations, the transition to full automation in China’s sanitary ceramics sector remains slow. The 2012 China International Ceramics Technology Equipment and Building Ceramics Sanitary Ware Products Exhibition highlighted this gap—while robotic arms were showcased as a revolutionary advancement in glazing, only a few companies truly demonstrated significant progress in automated production. Among them, Hebei-based electromechanical firm stood out with its robot glazing workstations, drawing considerable attention. Yet, compared to the dominant presence of ceramic machinery booths, the sanitary ware section appeared overshadowed. Even global leaders like Italy’s Sacmi Group, known for their innovations in sanitary machinery, did not showcase any new products at the event, suggesting a temporary slowdown in the promotion of automated solutions in China. This lack of emphasis on bathroom machinery at the exhibition reflects a broader issue: the demand for automated equipment within the domestic industry remains weak. While the market has potential, it hasn’t yet been strong enough to drive widespread adoption. The urgency for automation in the sanitary industry stems from several key areas. From material mixing and selection to molding, glazing, and post-production processes, each stage presents opportunities for mechanization. High-pressure grouting, robotic glazing, and automated transport systems are already being used in fully automated lines, reducing the need for human labor. However, many companies still rely on semi-automated or fully manual methods, which are inefficient and costly in the long run. Historically, the sanitary industry has been labor-intensive, with Chinese companies benefiting from cheap, readily available labor. But this advantage is fading. Rising wages, increased operating costs, and changing attitudes among younger workers have made manual labor less attractive. Younger generations, particularly those born after the 1990s, are unwilling to take on repetitive, dirty, or physically demanding jobs. As a result, recruitment difficulties are becoming more common, especially around the Spring Festival when migrant workers traditionally return to their hometowns. According to recent reports, wages in major sanitary ware producing provinces have risen sharply over the past two years. Experts predict this trend will continue, making labor even more expensive in the coming years. At the same time, the market has become highly competitive, with companies constantly cutting prices to stay relevant. Profit margins are shrinking, and many businesses are struggling to remain profitable. A manager from a mid-sized sanitary company shared his concerns: “Glazing and grouting are dirty, tiring jobs. Young people don’t want to do them anymore.” He also mentioned that the national minimum wage has risen, further increasing labor costs. With both labor shortages and declining profits, the industry is under pressure to find a way forward. The path to automation may be challenging, but it seems inevitable if the sector is to survive and thrive in the future.

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