From one kiln in Ollur to 10,000+ projects across South India. The story of how Cornation Clay has made the same tiles since 1965 — and why that matters.
It Started With One Kiln
Cornation Clay was founded in 1965 in Ollur, Thrissur — a town in central Kerala that sits at the intersection of the state's two great rivers and has been a centre of clay craftsmanship for centuries.
The founding product was simple: the DG roof tile. One size, one profile, one purpose — keeping Kerala homes dry during the monsoon.
The Formula That Never Changed
In six decades, we've changed a great deal: the number of products, the size of the operation, the markets we serve. But we've never changed the core of how we make tiles.
Natural alluvial clay from Kerala and Tamil Nadu riverbeds. Mixed with water. Pressed or moulded. Sun-dried for 3–5 days. Kiln-fired at 900–1000°C for 24–48 hours. Checked for sound (a clear ring means full vitrification) and dimension. Packed for despatch.
That is the same process from 1965 to today.
10,000 Projects
We reached 10,000 completed projects in 2010 — 45 years into operation. The projects range from small 800 sqft Kerala homes to 10,000+ sqft commercial buildings and government restoration projects.
The oldest Cornation Clay roof tiles we know of still in use today are from 1972 — a farmhouse near Irinjalakuda whose owner called us two years ago to ask if we still supplied the same tile. We do. We shipped him 200 pieces for a minor repair.
Three Generations
The company has now passed through three generations of the founding family. Each generation brought change in how we operate — better equipment, new product designs, digital outreach — but all three have maintained the single rule that was established in 1965: the clay quality is not negotiable.
The day we find a cheaper clay source that performs identically is the day we switch. We have not found that source.
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