OUR HERITAGE
A Century Shaped by Clay
Crafting better living since 1920.
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100+
YEARS OF HERITAGE
35+
COUNTRIES
150+
SHOWROOMS
7M+
PIECES ANNUALLY
OUR HERITAGE
Crafting a Legacy That Continues
For more than a century, Claytan has transformed clay into products that serve homes, hospitality, infrastructure and communities.
What began with traditional ceramic craftsmanship has evolved into a group of businesses connected by the same values: quality, reliability and responsible progress.
OUR STORY BEGINS
Gifted with the craft of ceramics and driven by a passion to continue the legacy of this ancient art, the late Mr Tan Soon Heng, a Teochew native of Guangdong, China, established a ceramic workshop in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.
It was here that he laid the foundation for what would eventually become Claytan.
As Malaya’s public health and water infrastructure developed, the need for durable underground systems continued to grow.
With creativity and innovation at its core, Claytan began a new journey towards improving everyday life through ceramic engineering.
Industrial growth brought increasing demand for natural rubber and supported livelihoods across Malaya.
To serve the expanding rubber industry, Claytan began producing latex collection cups. The business later extended into earthenware containers and tableware, bringing ceramic craftsmanship into homes and everyday family life.
A lasting industry is one that continues to evolve.
To advance its ceramic manufacturing capabilities, Claytan modernised its sanitaryware production and became a Malaysian pioneer in installing a British-designed tunnel kiln.
In post-independence Malaysia, people from different communities increasingly gathered in shared public spaces. From these everyday interactions emerged the country’s distinctive kopitiam culture.
Oriental Ceramics Sdn. Bhd. was incorporated to create tableware for these shared experiences. Its iconic coffee cups would later evoke nostalgia across generations of Malaysians.
Trust is the foundation of every lasting relationship.
Claytan earned the confidence of partners in Japan and the United Kingdom, supplying refined sanitaryware developed to meet the quality and hygiene requirements of their respective markets.
Fresh water is one of the world’s most limited and valuable natural resources.
Recognising its responsibility, Claytan became the second company in the world to adopt and promote the Australian-invented dual-flush system in 1988. The system helped reduce flushing water consumption by approximately 25 per cent.
Claytan Ceramic Australia, or CCAU, was established in 1991, marking a pivotal step in Claytan’s international expansion.
More than a new market presence, the milestone established a foundation for delivering world-class products and services across borders. It set the stage for decades of global growth, collaboration and innovation.
Claytan became a pioneer in Malaysia and the first in ASEAN to produce fine fireclay sinks and washbasins. The Group also introduced specialised toilet solutions, antibacterial ceramics and healthcare products to promote cleaner, safer and more inclusive living.
Bathrooms had evolved beyond purely functional spaces to become an expression of comfort, refinement and personal style.
To serve this changing market, Claytan acquired Silverdale Bathrooms in the United Kingdom. The acquisition brought together Claytan’s manufacturing expertise and Silverdale’s rich British ceramic design heritage.
The CCAU network expanded through strategic partnerships with established brassware and stainless-steel manufacturers.
These partnerships supported the development of innovative faucets and premium kitchen sinks, while advanced production systems brought greater precision and consistency across each processing stage.
A century after its founding, Claytan had grown into one of ASEAN’s largest and most diversified ceramic manufacturing groups, reaching customers in as many as 35 countries.
Production had expanded from approximately 50 pieces a year to more than 7 million pieces annually.
The CCAU network broadened its international capabilities by integrating a UK-based design house into its operations.
By combining sophisticated design with manufacturing knowledge, Claytan continues to elevate its bathroom and brassware offerings and strengthen its position within the premium market.
From homes to hospitality, Claytan tableware brings people together through timeless design, lasting quality, and meaningful moments
Reliable infrastructure systems designed to support resilient cities, clean water networks, and future-ready environments.
