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. Domestic companies typically had only a few fully automated production lines, while most of the processes were still reliant on manual labor. In semi-automated systems, many tasks required human intervention, and in many production lines, the majority of work was done by hand. This traditional approach has gradually become unsustainable due to rising labor costs and changing workforce expectations. Looking ahead, mechanical automation is seen as the inevitable trend in the industry. However, despite growing awareness and increasing labor challenges, the transition to full automation is still in its early stages. At recent exhibitions, such as the 2012 China International Ceramics Technology Equipment and Building Ceramics Sanitary Ware Products Exhibition, the presence of sanitary ware machinery was limited. Only a few companies showcased robotic glazing systems, with Hebei’s electromechanical firm standing out as a notable exception. Compared to the dominant ceramic machinery booths, the sanitary ware section appeared overshadowed, indicating a lack of strong market demand for automation. Even global leaders like Italy’s Sacmi Group, known for their innovations in sanitary machinery, were absent from the exhibition this year. This absence suggests that the push for automated solutions in China may be slowing down. The lack of interest at the event reflects a broader issue: while the need for automation exists, the demand remains weak, and the market is not yet ready to embrace it fully. The urgency for automation in the sanitary industry is clear. Key areas such as material mixing, molding, glazing, and post-production processes are increasingly being replaced by machines. High-pressure grouting, robotic glazing, and automated transport systems are now common in fully automated lines, reducing the need for manual labor. However, many companies still rely on semi-automated or even fully manual methods, which are inefficient and costly in the long run. Traditionally, the sanitary industry has been labor-intensive, relying on cheap and abundant labor. However, this model is no longer viable. With inflation, rising wages, and a shift in worker attitudes—especially among younger generations—companies are facing new challenges. Younger workers are less willing to perform repetitive, dirty, or physically demanding tasks, and they expect better working conditions and fair pay. According to reports, wage increases in major sanitary ware production regions have been significant, and experts predict continued growth in labor costs over the next five years. The annual "agricultural workers' tide" is giving way to a "migrant worker shortage," leading to recruitment difficulties and increased labor tensions. These issues directly impact the survival and development of sanitary enterprises. A manager from a mid-sized bathroom company shared his concerns: “Glazing and grouting are dirty and tiring jobs. No young people want to do them anymore. Many of the younger workers today have different ideas—they don’t want to do mechanical, repetitive work.” He also noted that the rising minimum wage has made hiring more expensive. At the same time, the market environment has become increasingly competitive, with companies cutting prices to stay afloat. Some have reached the point where profits are nearly non-existent. As one executive put it, “We’re caught between losing workers and shrinking profits. There’s no escape route.” In conclusion, while automation is the future, the path to achieving it in China’s sanitary ceramics industry is still challenging. Companies must adapt to changing labor dynamics, invest in technology, and find sustainable ways to remain competitive in an evolving market.

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