From its roots as a cement tile manufacturer in 1992, Mega Tiles has grown into a globally respected brand, with exports to over 25 countries and a specialized network of seven factories. In this conversation, Dhrumil Patel and Vihan Gunasekara reflect on the company’s evolution, strategic growth, and plans for the future, both in Sri Lanka and around the world.
From 1992 to now, what key moments have shaped Mega Tiles’ journey from local manufacturer to global exporter?
Dhrumil Patel: We started in 1992 with very basic cement tiles. It was entirely a local operation. The big turning point came in 2002 when an Italian company introduced advanced tile manufacturing machines. These machines could handle large-scale production with better designs and higher quality. We were among the first five in India to invest in this technology. This changed everything. It pushed us from basic to glazed wall tiles and set the stage for what came next. In 2008, we launched our brand name “Mega.” Until then, we were manufacturing but not under a unified identity. The response to the Mega brand was fantastic. It gave us a strong market presence.
Then, in 2013–14, we began exporting. Back then, only one or two companies in India were exporting tiles. It was a new space. My uncle started it, and I joined him full-time in 2020. After that, we travelled to a new country every single month, learning how each market works, what packaging they need, and what designs they prefer. Today, we export regularly to over 25 countries. In total, we’ve shipped to more than 45. These are not one-off orders. They are continuous exports.
How does your joint venture with Mega Tile Collection transform the tile experience for Sri Lankan homebuilders and architects?
Vihan: This partnership is a game-changer for Sri Lanka. By combining Mega’s international manufacturing capabilities with our local market knowledge, we’re introducing a new standard of design and service. We can now offer a wider range of globally competitive tiles. They are beautiful, durable, and priced accessibly.
Whether you’re building a home or designing a commercial space, we have the styles, finishes, and service to match your vision. This joint venture allows us to elevate the industry, improve access to premium tiles, and ultimately contribute to better-built, more inspiring spaces across the country.
What strategic moves helped Mega Tiles expand exports to over 22 countries?
Vihan: A few things. First, we invested heavily in innovation and quality. Every country has different design preferences and architectural styles. So we built a diverse product portfolio to serve different needs: from texture and colour to size and finish.
Second, our pricing has always been competitive. We never compromise on quality, but we make sure our tiles are affordable in both mature and emerging markets.
Third, we’re very focused on sustainability. Many buyers now look for responsible suppliers, and we’ve made eco-conscious manufacturing a core part of our brand. Lastly, we’ve worked hard to build strong relationships. Being responsive, transparent, and consistent goes a long way in export markets.
How has scaling from one to seven factories improved both global competitiveness and design consistency?
Dhrumil Patel: Initially, one factory was enough. But as demand grew, we couldn’t meet it. We added another line, but even that wasn’t enough, especially when it came to offering different sizes and finishes. That’s when we made the decision not to expand a single factory endlessly, but to build entirely new factories, each with a specific purpose. Now, each of our seven factories is specialized. One might do only large tiles, another might focus on matte finishes, another on decorative surfaces. This setup ensures design consistency, flexibility in production, and faster service. For clients, it’s like visiting a one-stop solution zone. We have seven highly focused facilities that work as one ecosystem.
What are your future plans, both locally and globally, as Mega enters its next phase of growth?
Vihan: In Sri Lanka, we’re focused on bringing more design-forward collections to the market, which are tiles that reflect current trends but also last over time. We’re investing in showroom experiences and local customer support. We also want to support talent development within the industry here.
Dhrumil Patel: Globally, our plan is to strengthen our presence in existing markets while entering new ones through strategic partnerships. We’re also doubling down on sustainability by finding ways to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and create greener processes. At the end of the day, our vision is simple: we want Mega Tiles to stand for quality, trust, and innovation, whether you’re in Sri Lanka, Africa, Europe, or anywhere else. We’re building a brand that lasts, just like the tiles we make.