The Common Facility Centre (CFC) initiative spearheaded by the GJEPC crossed a major milestone, as the first Jewellery CFC in Rajkot, Gujarat, launched operations on 7th June, 2021.

Conceptualised and implemented by GJEPC, the CFCs provide small-scale units access to state-of-the-art technology at a fraction of the cost, thereby enabling them to upgrade their skills and improve the quality and yield of their output. CFCs are fully funded by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

The Rajkot CFC will provide services such as Jewellery Design (CAD), CAM (RTP), Laser CNC, Gold Purity Analysis (XRF), Laser Soldering, Laser Marking, Refining, and Wire & Pipe Faceting. 

Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “GJEPC is hopeful that the Rajkot CFC will lead to a transformation of the local industry and take it to greater heights. The penetration of revolutionary technology in this region through the CFC will benefit jewellery manufacturing units in nearby locations like Surendranagar, Morbi, Jasdan and Junagadh.”

In Phase 1 of the scheme, GJEPC had set up 4 CFCs for the diamond industry in Gujarat, and the latest CFC in Rajkot will be India’s first Common Facility Centre for Gold Jewellery Manufacturing under the CFC Scheme.

Spread across 2,300 sq ft, the Rajkot CFC will be run, operated and managed by the local trade association, Jewellery Cluster Federation Rajkot. It is located in Soni Bazar, the heart of Rajkot’s jewellery industry.

Rajkot is well known for plain gold and silver jewellery, which respectively engage 50,000 and 100,000 artisans. The city has more than 15,000 jewellery units that produce an average of 150 tonnes of handmade plain gold jewellery each year.