MKS Export Ltd., a nonprofit organization, was established to create a market for small artisan groups in India, to offer a fair price for their products and to ensure that the artisans can obtain raw materials at a reasonable price. MKS works with a variety of artisan groups that create silk, leather, stone, wood and brass products. MKS helps artisans develop skills and become self-reliant. MKS social commitments include medical aid, education, loans and financial aid. MKS was founded in 1994. MKS uses guidelines established by the International Fair Trade Association to assess their operations and artisan groups. MKS reports a significant increase in artisans’ awareness of the fair trade movement and their commitment to product development. MKS encourages environmentally friendly technology. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from MKS since 1995.