Maruti Impex, a prominent diamond company with operations in Surat, Bhavnagar, and other cities, has temporarily closed its facilities for the next 3 to 4 months. This decision impacts approximately 15,000 employees across various locations such as Amreli and Junagadh, including diamond artisans and support staff. The company has advised its workforce to seek alternative employment during this period, having cleared salaries up to the Diwali break.

The closure is attributed to the declining health of the company’s founder, Suresh Lakhani, who has been in a coma following a brain stroke three months ago. Lakhani was instrumental in managing the company’s operations, from procurement to sales. In his absence, family members and staff attempted to maintain operations until Diwali; however, unfavourable market conditions have led management to halt activities entirely.

Maruti Impex is known for polishing natural diamonds and operates over 100 units, both owned and outsourced. The decision reflects broader challenges within the diamond industry in Surat, which has been facing economic difficulties and a decline in demand for diamonds globally.

Image Courtesy: TOI