Tile International 2/2016 by Kairos Media Group (div. ceramics)

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Cersaie

2016

Interviews, news, projects & much more...

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A World of warmth and comfort in the respect of the nature

With a glance always oriented to the future.

CER

SAIE

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CERSAIE BOLOGNA, ITALY 26-30 SEPTEMBER 2016

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The mosT compleTe range of equipmenT for large formaT Tiles The “free-cuT” guides perform perfecT cuTs on slabs up To a maximum lengTh of 426 cm (14’). furThermore, by applying on The “free-cuT” guides The special cuTTing uniTs wiTh angle grinder (“free-flex”), even The mosT difficulT cuTs are no longer a problem. The “free-flex” allow To perform cuT (wiTh diamond discs) aT 90° or aT variable angles from 35° To 45° noT only on Thin slabs (3 To 6 mm - 1/8” - 1/4”), buT also on regular Thickness maTerials (up To 25 mm - 1”), wheTher They are in porcelain or naTural sTone.

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for handling large slabs The “Tmove” and “easy-move” sysTems offer The ideal soluTion for every need while The modular Trolley “cam” is perfecT for convenienTly applying The adhesive on The back of The slabs as well as for TransporTing Them wiTh ease. The modular bench “bm180” has been insTead designed To provide an easy To TransporT and efficienT workTop. in addiTion To This, we have developed oTher specific Tools for The insTallaTion and processing of These innovaTive ceramic maTerials such as The rubber floaT To expel The air below The slab and improve The bounding of The adhesive, The device To accosT slabs (“closer”) and a line of diamond Tools for finishing and polishing The edges and sides afTer cuT, for hole cuTTing and for bullnosing. To compleTe The range, our r.l.s. levelling sysTem, wiTh proven efficacy, is The ideal allied To eliminaTe lippage wiThin slabs.

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Contents

13 - Editorial

46 82 86 90 94 98 102

Cersaie and Tecnargilla: the world comes to Italy

by Chiara Bruzzichelli

PhotoNews 14 - Compasso d’Oro picks Florim Magnum Oversize 16 – 24 ADI Compasso d’Oro awards: Honourable Mention for Type 32 18 – Neolith and La Agencia: innovation at the table 20 – Hamad International Airtport, Doha 22 – Ceramiche Keope in Sweden th

24 – Tilenews 46 - Topics

Award for the Casalgrande Padana Old House garden-orchard

Economy & markets 50 – Italian ceramic manufacturers: 2015 revenues 58 – Confindustria Ceramica data: the Italian ceramic tile industry in 2015 62 – Construction in Europe, 81 Euroconstruct 66 – NAXB: industry and distribution join forces 70 – Parquet in Europe: facing the future with optimism 74 – Tiles and construction in the USA 78 – Brazil, between recession and new prospects th

Cover picture: Vives Azulejos y Gres (Spain) - www.vivesceramica.com - picture by Giancarlo Pradelli @Cersaie 2015

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ISSN2039-8301

Advertiser's list: page 25 Subscription order form: http://www.tiledizioni.it/ita/EcommerceRiviste.aspx Translations: Geoff Day / John Freeman

Cersaie

2016

Interviews, news, projects & much more...

128130 132 134 134 136 Silvia Spitaleri - Scuola Politecnica - Università di Palermo Laboratorio di Disegno Industriale III, C.d.S in Disegno Industriale

In the spotlight 82 – Del Conca doubles its US output 86 – RAK Ceramics invests in the future 90 – Ceramica Fondovalle focuses on large-format panels 94 – New plants on-stream at Original Parquet 98 – ABK Group begins production of large-format panels 102 – Major rebranding for Ceramiche Piemme BOLOGNA, 26 - 30 SETTEMBRE 2016

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CONFINDUSTRIA CERAMICA

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CERAMICA CONFINDUSTRIA organizzato da

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Projects 108 – The Lutheran St. Martin’s church in Kassel 112 – Hotel Seamarq, South Korea 116 – San Benedetto Abate, Gonzaga, Mantua 120 – Torre Glorieta, Mexico City

CERSAIE 2016 128 – Cersaie 2016: an international showcase 130 – Beautiful Ideas! The poster for Cersaie 2016 132 – Living, dwelling, thinking: Ugo La Pietra set to deliver a “Lesson in reverse” 134 – Event-exhibition: CER-SAIL Italian Style Concept 136 – Cersaie 2016: The Gallery

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BEIGE

Editorial by Chiara Bruzzichelli

Cersaie and Tecnargilla: the world comes to Italy The 34th edition of Cersaie is about to get under way, and for the third year running it is extending the range of products on display to coverings in marble, natural stone and wood. The definitive figures for Cersaie 2015, moreover, confirm that this was a sound decision, which has contributed to the international character of the event: of a total of 872 exhibitors last year, 37% were from abroad, representing 39 different countries. The attendance figures for international trade operators also speak volumes: out of a total of 101,809 visitors (+8% on 2014), 48,231 came from outside Italy. The Italian ceramic industry also put in a good performance in 2015, with reve-

nues of over 5.1 billion euros (+4.1%) generated by production plants in Italy, plus another 792 million euros generated by the 16 foreignregistered companies manufacturing in North America and Europe, but owned by nine Italian groups. Output rose too, with 395 million square metres of tile coming out of Italian-based factories (up 3.4% on 2014) and over 82 million square metres coming out of foreign subsidiariesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plants (up 6.6%). The driving force behind the Italian ceramic industry is still innovation aimed at creating high-value-added products. This is backed up by investment in new technology, which rose a further 22.7% in 2015, confirming the growing

climate of confidence among business people, as also highlighted by Vittorio Borelli, Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica. On the subject of investment in technology, the 25th edition of Tecnargilla, taking place in Rimini at the same time as Cersaie in Bologna, is another major attraction for ceramic industry entrepreneurs from all over the world. In fact, the Rimini-based trade fair is now getting ready to present the largest and most innovative selection of technology in the world, all under one roof. As an indication of just how international Tecnargilla is, the last edition (held in 2014 because it is a biennial event) received visitors from 101 countries, and foreign exhibi-

tors accounted for 40% of the total. Tecnargilla 2016, dedicated to technologies for the production of ceramic and refractory materials - which the Italian Ministry of Economic Development has given its support by adding it to the list of trade fairs of national importance to Italian manufacturing - will be accompanied by three additional exhibitions sections: Kromatech, encompassing pigment producers, design studios and raw materials manufacturers; Claytech, dedicated to machinery and equipment for the heavy clay industry; and T-White, a new display area specifically for plant and machinery for the production of ceramic sanitaryware and tableware. 5

On page 82 and following we are publishing the last interview with Enzo Donald Mularoni. We would never have imagined that it would be published posthumously. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Stefania and his sons Paolo, Marco and Davide.

Discover the new web magazine of Tile International 13

Tile International 2/2016

PHOTOnews

COMPASSO D’ORO PICKS FLORIM MAGNUM OVERSIZE Florim Magnum Oversize earned an honourable mention in the ADI’s 24th Compasso d’Oro Awards, thus joining the Historic Collection of the ADI Compasso d’Oro. Creativity, originality, harmony and technical distinction were the strengths focused on in this edition of the Compasso d’Oro, and Florim’s maxi-panels, with their proven track record of success, are known and recognised worldwide for their extremely advanced technical performance and aesthetic value. This latest prestigious award joins the one Magnum Oversize received in 2014 in the ADI Ceramics Design

Tile International 2/2016

Award at Cersaie. Manufactured in nine sizes (from 80x80 to 160x320 cm) and five different interpretations of materials, all with a thickness of just 6 mm, Magnum ceramic panels revisit ceramic by introducing the concept of visual continuity of space. The extreme workability of the product, combined with its slim gauge and light weight, gives designers everything they need to explore types of installation that transcend the traditional confines of floor and wall tiling. Versions of Magnum Oversize panels are sold under all the Group’s brands: Floor Gres, Rex, Casa Dolce Casa and Casamood.

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Tile International 2/2016

PHOTOnews

24TH ADI COMPASSO D’ORO AWARDS: HONOURABLE MENTION FOR TYPE 32 Type 32 Slimtech, the collection designed by Diego Grandi for Lea Ceramiche, has received an Honourable Mention in the ADI’s 2016 Compasso d’Oro awards, the most authoritative international design accolade, which was built on the foundations of an idea by Gio Ponti and is now in its 24th edition. The award entitles Type 32 to take its place in the Historic Collection of the ADI Compasso d’Oro. “I would like to thank the ADI for the honourable mentioned awarded to Type 32, which crowns my exploration of coverings. I would also like to thank Lea Ceramiche, which is a discerning partner with a firm belief in the expressive capacity

Tile International 2/2016

of design.” Diego Grandi, DGO Studio. The honourable mention in the ADI’s 2016 Compasso d’Oro awards now endorses the prestigious Good Design™ Award assigned to the Type 32 collection by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum in 2014. Based on Slimtech wood-effect laminated porcelain ceramic panels by Lea Ceramiche (in size 20x200cm with a thickness of 5.5mm), Type 32 transcends its own substance with a play of patterns in four colour variants, which give rise to countless combinations and a distinctively original interpretation of decorative flooring.

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Tile International 2/2016

PHOTOnews

NEOLITH® AND LA AGENCIA: INNOVATION AT THE TABLE Based in Montevideo, La Agencia is the first Uruguayan company to have won a platinum A'Design Award, which it received for its Banco kitchen table. To create Banco – a kitchen system that combines a table with work surfaces, including electric hob and sink – the designers, Sebastian Rial and Federico Senociaín, opted for Neolith® by TheSize, because it offers appealing design combined with impermeability and high

Tile International 2/2016

resistance to scratching, staining and high temperatures. Neolith® Calacatta was therefore also singled out for a bronze A'Design Award in the “Building materials, construction components, structures and systems” category. TheSize is headquartered in Castellón, Spain. Founded in 2009, it launched Neolith® in 2011, which is produced using the company's patented sintering technology.

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Tile International 2/2016

PHOTOnews

HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, DOHA Hamad Airport in Doha has been substantially enhanced by the addition of a series of prestigious new reception areas, with a total surface area of 50,000 square metres, designed by Studio Antonio Citterio - Patricia Viel Interiors. The project involved the design of lounges, check-in areas and free access areas dedicated to various activities (from restaurants to

children’s play spaces), all in accordance with the principles of “design for all”. Cotto d’Este contributed to the realisation of this project by supplying floor and wall coverings. The architects selected a custom-made, edgeground product in size 60x120 cm with a natural surface finish and thickness of 14 mm, which meets the most stringent requirements for high-traffic public use.

Photo: Leo Torri

Tile International 2/2016

PHOTOnews

Tile International 2/2016

PHOTOnews

CERAMICHE KEOPE IN SWEDEN The Moov collection by Ceramiche Keope is the chosen covering material for an exclusive, new, urban-style residence in Stockholm. Moov reinterprets the poetics of concrete surfaces, with their naturally occurring irregularities, to produce a series of top-quality, high-strength, porcelain floor and wall tiles, for an interior style that’s the ultimate expression of elegance and modernity. The architects opted for Moov grey in size 60x60 cm for this Stockholm apartment, and the colour brings out the best in the total white of the furnishings and brightness of the rooms, giving the living-space a relaxing atmosphere and a sense of chromatic continuity. To offer the highest levels of tailorability and creative freedom,

Tile International 2/2016

the Moov collection is available in 10 sizes and two surface finishes, in a colour palette that includes light tones, such as Ivory and Beige, and intense ones, like Anthracite and Moka, as well as Grey. To complete the collection, there’s a range of strips and accents in all the colours of the field tiles, including Up Accent in 6.4x60 and 9.7x60; Mosaic in 30x30 and Strips in 33x60. The Moov series carries the GreenThinking logo, testifying to Ceramiche Keope’s practical commitment to environmental integrity, and the Made In Italy mark, which is an endorsement of the product’s style, design, innovation and quality, and the company’s respect for people and the environment.

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Tile International 2/2016

Tilenews

Companies, News & Markets FAREWELL TO IBRAHIM BODUR

ENZO DONALD MULARONI HAS DIED

Dr. Ibrahim Bodur, founder and honorary chairman of Kale Group, and one of the most prominent figures in the international ceramic industry, in which he played a leading role for over 50 years, died on Monday 23 May, at the age of 88. A pioneer in the Turkish ceramic industry - Kale was founded in 1957 - Bodur was one of Turkey's most influential and representative industrialists, who headed a group that grew, over the years, into an industrial colossus of worldwide reach, with 17 companies across Turkey, Russia and Italy, and over 5,000 employees. Its diverse interests range from ceramic manufacturing and the production of chemical products for the building industry - in which it leads the field in Turkey - to energy, defence and tourism. Ibrahim Bodur held numerous institutional positions between 1952 and 2008 in the senior management of the Istanbul Industrial Association, which he helped found in 1952, and the Turkish Union of Chambers. He also made a major contribution to the development of international economic relations as a member of the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Council.

Those who have left us are not absent, they are merely invisible: their eyes filled with glory are fixed on ours filled with tears. (Saint Augustine) Rest in Peace, Chairman (from www.delconca.com)

Tile International 2/2016

This was the short, dignified yet heartfelt tribute made by the employees of Ceramiche del Conca Group on hearing of the unexpected death of Enzo Donald Mularoni in San Marino on 26 August after a short illness. Born in 1952 in Detroit, USA to a family from San Marino that had emigrated to the USA and returned to Italy in 1960, Mularoni founded Ceramica del Conca in 1979. Until the time of his death he served as Chairman of the Del Conca Group, a multinational with 500 employees, a turnover of 150 million euros and operations in San Marino, Italy’s Romagna region and Tennessee. The facility he started up in 2014 in Loudon county, Tennessee – “opened in the space of just a few months”, as he always liked to point out – is set to double its output from 3 to 6 million sq.m/year in January 2017. Mularoni became a member of the

Governing Board of Assopiastrelle in 1991, then in 1994 was appointed director of ANIS, the San Marino-based industrial association for which he also served as chairman from 1997 to 2000. His industrial colleagues remember him as a “serious, capable and determined businessman, but above all a cordial, affable and kind human being who always believed in the value of business, trade associations and country”. On page 82 and following we are publishing the last interview he gave in early July. We would never have imagined that it would be published posthumously. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Stefania and his sons Paolo, Marco and Davide.

CARLO OLMI IS LITOKOL'S NEW EXPORT MANAGER Carlo Olmi recently joined the staff of Litokol S.p.A.. Formed in 1968, Litokol has a long tradition of research and innovation and promotes innovative tiling solutions and services for construction and architecture professionals at a worldwide level. Having previously worked for Raimondi SpA, Carlo Olmi now takes on the role of Export Area Manager for Litokol, with a view to boosting the company's expansion in America, Australia and certain European markets. Born in Modena in 1971, Olmi has a degree in economics and considerable experience of working for various companies in Italy's ceramic valley, including Florim Group,

Tilenews

Advertiser's list Abk 35-77 Andal System

Batimat Russia

155

Bruno Parquet

124

Buzon 53 Cerambath 61 Cevisama 175 Cotto

Inside Back Cover

Dural 135 where he held the post of Plant Manager in Tennessee (USA) and, previously, Ceramiche Ricchetti Group, where he held a variety of roles. “I am delighted to join Litokol," commented Carlo Olmi, "whose worldwide product quality I was already familiar with, and I am committed to helping the company boost its business in those markets that appreciate innovation and Italian manufacturing prowess. Trade professionals will remain my target, because they understand the added value that Litokol brings to their everyday work and to the quality of their finished projects.”

ny and was acquired thanks to the expertise and innovation that make Piscine Castiglione and the Myrtha® Pools brand unique in the world. Myrtha®’s exclusive and patented technology represents a real revolution in the world of swimming pools. The modular system is based on the use of stainless steel panels and offers a series of advantages, including millimetric precision at the installation stage, total reliability, rapid assembly and an extended lifetime. The innovative water circulation and filtration systems selected for Rio’s Olympic pools guarantee water clarity and purity and do not interfere in any way with swimmers’ performance, which can easily be affected by water movements at this level of competition. Piscine Castiglione has also been chosen as a partner by sport swimming federations all over the world, including FINA and CBDA in Brazil. Rio is the company’s fourth Olympic Games, after Atlanta (1996), Beijing (2008) and London (2012).

Eco Design

147

Ege 29 Exé Hotel

176

Emilceramica 139 Francesco De Maio

151

Impertek 125 Intono 174 Italgraniti 6 Kajaria 81 Kale Italia - Edilcuoghi

131

Keramika 159 Lasselsberger Rako Laticrete

27 Back Cover

Made Expo

173

Marocchi 43 Materialicasa.Com 176 Maticad 119 Megabuild 161 Mlts Europe

Montolit 133 Ng Kuthaya

2-3

Niro 123 Original Parquet

106-107

Piemme 31 Polis 129 Progress Profiles

Inside Front Cover-126

Projecta Engineering

PISCINE CASTIGLIONE AND THE RIO DE JANEIRO OLYMPICS Piscine Castiglione supplied a total of 17 swimming pools for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, and for the first time in the history of Olympic swimming, these were specially designed to be removed and transferred to other locations at the end of the games. The contract, worth over 10 million euros, was of great importance to the compa-

48-49

Raimondi 7 Revestir 163 Rondine Group

Saudi Ceramics

Schluter-Systems 1 The Big 5 Indonesia

The Big 5 Africa

The Big 5 Dubai

165

Top Cer

Turkish Ceramics

Unicera 69

Tilenews

GERFLOR CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF OLYMPIC INVOLVMENT IN RIO

IMPERTEK PRESENTS NEW WEBSITE ON WAY TO CERSAIE

Anyone who is a fan of sport and design will be interested to know that Gerflor (www.gerflor.it), a world-leading manufacturer of PVC flooring, this year celebrated 40 years of involvement with the Olympic Games. From the Montreal Games in 1976 to the Brazilian Games this year, Gerflor has used its Taraflex sports flooring to support athletes all over the world, thus becoming the benchmark in the industry. For the Games held from 5 to 21 August 2016, the Group took part in the production, delivery, installation, technical support and removal of the flooring of seven volleyball courts and six handball courts, for a total area of over 15,000 square metres.

Impertek has always been committed to offering practical support to design professionals, so it is no surprise that the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new website, http://www.impertek.it/, is completely new not only in its graphics but in content and services too. The new site is designed primarily for existing customers who have already used Impertek products in the field, but it also serves the needs of builders and architects in search of new solutions for the design and installation of floating floors, coverings and waterproofing products. Navigation through the new site is more intuitive, content is more useful, and catalogues have been updated to include the latest products. Last but not least, the site now offers an on-line expert consulting service capable of offering realtime responses to problems associated with the design, execution and installation of state-of-the-art works. A user-friendly and constantly available interface lets users find answers to specific questions or simply satisfy their curiosity and find new ways to put their ideas into practice. Impertek is back at Cersaie this year again to showcase effective solutions

Tile International 2/2016

for floating floors in solid and composite wood, ceramic, marble and granite. Impertek support structures are specially designed to construct outdoor floors of exceptional efficiency in terms of strength and durability, and are ideal for use on terraces, around swimming pools, and on paths, roofs and hanging gardens.

MAPEI BENELUX S.A. EXPANDS ITS PREMISES Mapei Benelux s.a. inaugurated a new extension to its premises in GrĂ˘ce-Hollogne on 12 May this year. Mapei Benelux s.a., a subsidiary of the Italian Mapei S.p.A. group, has been active in Belgium and Luxembourg since 1995. Market leader in chemical products for the construction industry, the company needed more space at its

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Grâce-Hollogne headquarters in response to growing demand from operators in the construction industry. Mapei Benelux has now inaugurated a new warehouse offering three times the previous stock capacity as well as a special concrete preparation unit. Even the offices have been restyled to provide a more comfortable working environment. The real news, however, comes in the form of a new training centre large enough to welcome over 50 people and a new showroom capable of displaying all the company’s product systems. Over 500 people attended the inauguration ceremony, including the entire team of Mapei Benelux s.a.. Guests were welcomed by Jean-Michel Grégoire (general manager of Mapei Benelux s.a.), Giorgio Squinzi (sole director of Mapei S.p.A. and the new chairman of Gruppo 24 Ore), Marco Squinzi (R&D Director) and Veronica Squinzi (Global Development Director). Also present at the inauguration was Jean-Claude Marcourt, Deputy Prime Minister of the Walloon Government and Minister for the Economy, SMEs, Foreign Trade and New Technologies, who emphasised the importance of the investment: “Mapei’s growth is driven by continuous development and diversification of its infrastructures, services and products. I am delighted to support such a dynamic and forward-looking company, a driving force for the entire region.” The new expansion project plays an integral role in the development plans of the Mapei Group, which enjoyed growth of 13% in 2015 with an aggregate YTD turnover in excess of 2.67 billion euros.

DAIKIN TAKES OVER ZANOTTI SPA Daikin Industries Ltd. , a Japanese multinational and world-leading manufacturer of heating and air conditioning systems, recently announced its acquisition of Zanotti S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of fixed, mobile and industrial refrigeration solutions, based in Mantua. Daikin paid 98 million euros for the company, giving it full ownership of all the shares held by the Zanotti management group. Daikin made the acquisition with a view to expanding its revenues in Europe's refrigeration industry, and it is no coincidence that Zanotti has production plants in Spain and the United Kingdom as well as Italy. The worldwide commercial refrigeration market has an approximate value of 32 billion euros, of which Europe accounts for 6.4 billion, making it second only to North America in terms of value. www.cersaie.it

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SCHLÜTER-SYSTEMS CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY In early May this year, a bright sun more typical of warm summer days came out to welcome over 1,300 guests to Iserlohn for the Schlüter-Systems Group’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Interviewing Mr. Werner Schlüter, television personality Alexandra von Lingen, the event’s star presenter, asked what the secrets of this success were. The expert tile installer and founder of the multinational company responded without hesitation that “Schlüter-Systems is not just a financially sound company but an extended family.” Coincidentally, the event at Iserlohn not only celebrated the 50th anniversary of the company, but also the 50th anniversary of Werner Schlüter’s qualification as “Master Tile Installer” back in 1966. Needless to say, his emotion was evident when he was presented with the “Golden Master Tile Installer” award for professionals with over 50 years of work behind them (photo). The deputy mayor of Iserlohn, Thorsten

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Schick, was also present at the event and emphasised the importance of the group to the local economy. The evening came to a close with a special guest, the FIFA football referee Markus Merk, who has been voted “Germany’s best referee” a total of seven times. The company’s current CEO, Werner’s son Marc Schlüter spoke of the future: “Half a century of success in business is a major achievement and the result of consistency, passion, quality and determination in everything we do. But 50 years are really only the start of a story that is destined to continue for a very long time to come.” The week of celebrations ended with a Family Day, dedicated to employees and their families. Mobile kitchens and food stalls worthy of the best street food festivals provided participants with delicious dishes from the seven countries that host the group’s subsidiaries around the world: Germany, Italy, France, the UK, Spain, Turkey and America. The 50th anniversary celebrations also provided the ideal opportunity for the official inauguration of Schlüter-WorkBox, the group’s new international professional training centre. The centre boasts a contemporary design based on energy-efficient materials and systems and has been awarded the highest energy efficiency rating by the German GNB organisation, equivalent to international LEED standards.

DEVON&DEVON MAKES U.S. DEBUT IN CHICAGO Devon&Devon, the Italian bathroom design brand, has inaugurated its first U.S. flagship store in the prestigious Merchandise Mart in Chicago. For many years, this exclusive location was owned by the Kennedy family. The first floor of the complex is currently dedicated to design, and LuxeHome offers an exclusive selection of major names in European and American furnishings, including Ann Sacks, Antonio Lupi, Artistic Tile, Graff, Lefroy Brooks and Cooper & Graham.  LuxeHome has a display area of over 11,000 square metres, divided between 35 boutiques. With an area of 170 square metres, Devon&Devon’s elegant space, designed by Art Director Paola Tanini, gives visitors a chance to browse through a refined display of some of the brand’s most captivating collections. “We are proud that Devon&Devon’s first U.S. store is in Chicago, because it is a benchmark for the North American market and for contemporary architecture. This new store represents the first step in our journey towards stronger and more structured coverage of this crucial market,” continued Tanini, “because it is accompanied by the incorporation of a subsidiary, Devon&Devon USA, which will take care of the brand’s sales and distribution throughout North America.”  LuxeHome offers the world’s largest selection of luxury boutiques for home furnishing and remodelling and is situated on the first floor of the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.

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FASSA BORTOLO PRESENTS “BLUCOLORS” Representing an ideal combination of technical and aesthetic value in a single product, Blucolors, by Fassa Bortolo, is a two-component, anti-acid, epoxy sealant specifically formulated for environments requiring a high degree of hygiene, mechanical strength and resistance to aggressive chemicals. Blucolors can be applied as a grout on floor and wall tiles in all types of singlefired and double-fired ceramic, porcelain stoneware, klinker, granite and vitreous mosaic, both indoors and outdoors. Its high technical performance makes it especially suitable for swimming pools, cellars, bathrooms, kitchen worktops, wellness centres, cheese factories, industrial kitchens and butchers’ shops. Suitable for joints of 2 to 20 mm (and for joints of 0 to 2 mm in the Blucolors Zero version), Blucolors is LEED-certified and available in 17 shades that can generate strikingly brilliant colour effects when combined with Glitter Luxor. Available in gold, silver and pearlescent, Glitter Luxor helps the layers to achieve high-impact colour schemes that give a feel of contemporary elegance to to any environment. Glitter Luxor and Blucolors are the perfect products for add-

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ing brightness and appeal to floors and walls, and in conjunction with a wide range of other solutions, they form part of the Fassa Bortolo Tile Setting System.

LAMINAM SPONSORS VENICE BIENNALE AND PRESENTS “WORLD ATLAS BOOK” Laminam, a specialist manufacturer of large-format, slim-gauge ceramic tiles, has underlined its strong bond with the world of architecture by sponsoring the 15th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice. The company also presented “World Atlas Book” at the exhibition’s inauguration on 26 May and at a round table entitled “Il Pianeta in Superficie” held at the Biblioteca della Biennale. The book is a limited edition containing the most evocative images shot by the photographer Andrea Garuti of some of the most

iconic examples of architecture built around the world using Laminam ceramic panels. The subjects are both public and private buildings, and include the centre of Tokyo, the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico, a School in Moscow, the Fluxmans Building in South Africa, Panmure Station in New Zealand and Bloor East in Toronto. This photographic reportage blends images of architecture with a narrative of travel. Using the power of colour, it delicately immortalises scenes from real life and tip-toes through the streets with full respect for the peoples and cultures it illustrates, in keeping with the spirit of discovery that is the hallmark of Laminam architectural innovation and evolutionary journey. Chaired by the author and film director Raffaello Fusaro, the round table saw the participation of authoritative voices from the world of architecture, including Gianluca Peluffo 5+1AA from Italy, Anupama Kundoo from India, Zhang Ke from China, Humberto Campana from Brazil, and Professor Giuliana Bruno of the Department of Visual and Environmental Studies at Harvard University.

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TWO HONOURABLE MENTIONS FOR ZUCCHETTI. KOS IN 2016 COMPASSO D’ORO AWARDS It was one win after another for Zucchetti.Kos Group, when the company’s Closer shower head by Diego Grandi and Wazebo water wellness gazebo by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba both earned honourable mentions in the Design for Living category of the 2016 Compasso d’Oro awards. Established in 1954, the Compasso d’Oro Award is the world’s oldest and most authoritative international industrial design award. It selects products that stand out for originality and functional innovation, materials and manufacturing processes, and synthesis of form. The architect Elena Zucchetti, CEO of Zucchetti.Kos, announced: “We are proud to have won this Honourable Mention in the 2016 Compasso d’Oro Awards for Closer and Wazebo. This latest endorsement of our ability to create innovative pieces follows in the foot-

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steps of our Compasso d’Oro award in 2011 for LAB03 and our Honourable Mentions in 2001 for Spin, 2011 for Faraway and 2014 for Morphing. This type of recognition gives us an extra incentive to keep working to the highest standards, according to our traditional principles of innovation, design and quality (…). Special thanks are due to Diego Grandi and Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, who have managed to understand and interpret our world to amazing effect, and to everyone who helps make our company an undisputed leader in Italian bathroom furnishing.” - Wazebo, which had already received a Design Plus Award and a Good Design Award in 2015, stands out for its understated elegance. - Closer, which has won a string of authoritative international awards, including the recent Ideat China Future Award 2016 and the all-new NYC X Design Award, is an eclectic, iconic shower head that re-invents the actions associated with taking a shower.

WINNERS OF THE 5TH “LA CERAMICA E IL PROGETTO” COMPETITION The organisers of “La ceramica e il progetto”, an international competition for newbuild, remodelling and architectural restoration projects carried out both in and outside Italy, using ceramic products by member companies of Ceramics of Italy (the collective brand that guarantees Italian excellence and quality), recently announced the winners of the 5th edition of the event. The jury, made up of the architects Sebastiano Brandolini, Michele Capuani and Cino Zucchi, assessed the 65 entries on the basis of their creativity, functionality and aesthetic taste, taking account of the overall design, the use of ceramic tiles, the quality of tile installation and the environmental benefits deriving from the eco-sustainability of the material • The winner of the residential category was “Private villa in Antiparos, Greece” by Peia Associati, which was

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built using Marazzi tiles. - A special mention also went to “Teatro1”, by Studio Archest, which used Mirage tiles. • The winner of the Commercial/Hospitality category was “Marseilles docks in France”, by Studio 5+1 AA, which involved the use of Casalgrande Padana tiles. - An honourable mention went to “Silvian Heach flagship store in Milan”, by Fabio Caselli Design, which used Ornamenta tiles. • The institutional/urban furnishing category was won by the “new cemetery complex in Copparo” by Mauro Crepaldi, who used Edilcuoghi Kale tiles. - The first special mention in this category went to the “Restoration of the Glass Church in Baranzate” by SBG Architetti, involving the use of Casalgrande Padana products. - The second special mention went to the the cafeteria at the “Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo”, by studio Cliostraat, built using Marazzi tiles. - The third special mention went to the “Remodelling of the Faes Ponzio schools in Milan”, by Studio DRME, using Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola materials. The awards ceremony for the 5th edition of the competition – at which each winner received 5,000 euros – was held in late June at a conference on ceramic and architecture held at Villa De Grecis in Bari.

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15TH INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION The 15th International Architecture Exhibition opened in Venice on 28 May and will run until 27 November. Entitled “Reporting From The Front”, the event is directed by 2016 Pritzker Prize winner Alejandro Aravena and organised by the Venice Biennale under the Chairmanship of Paolo Baratta. Sixty-four countries are taking part in the event, which is distributed between the historic halls in the Giardini, the Arsenale and Venice old town. Five countries – the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, the Seychelles and Yemen – are taking part for the first time. The exhibition “Reporting From The Front” follows a route that runs from the Central Hall (Giardini) to the Arsenale, and includes 88 participants from 37 countries. Of these, 50 are attending for the first time and 33 are architects under the age of 40. “With this Biennale,” explained the Chairman, Paolo Baratta, “we specifically want to investigate if and where positive counter-currents of renewal are emerging; we are looking for signs of encouragement.” “We are convinced,” added Alejandro

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Aravena, “that progress in architecture is not an end in itself, but a means of improving people’s quality of life. Since life swings back and forth between the most basic physical needs and the most ethereal dimensions of the human condition, it is clear that our commitment to improving the quality of the built environment must act on several fronts: from guaranteeing entirely practical and tangible living standards, to interpreting and satisfying human desires; from respect for the individual to care of common assets; from catering efficiently for the pursuit of everyday activities to pushing back the boundaries of civilisation.” “Reporting From The Front” is therefore intended to introduce a broad public to the work of those people who scan the horizon in search of new spheres of action. In so doing, they take practical account of phenomena such as inequality, the suburbs, natural disasters, housing shortages and migration, and offer examples of syntheses of the various emotions, where pragmatism interweaves with the existential, relevance with boldness, and creativity with common sense.” The 15th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice will also encom-

pass three special projects: - “Reporting from Marghera and Other Waterfronts”, curated by the architect Stefano Recalcati and held in the Forte Marghera exhibition centre in Mestre, will study industrial port regeneration projects, and contribute to the productivity-driven conversion of Marghera. - “A World of Fragile Parts”, curated by Brendan Cormier, is the result of a partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and is located in the Sale d’Armi hall of the Arsenale. - Lastly, the Sale d’Armi is also hosting “Report from Cities: Conflicts of an Urban Age”, curated by Ricky Burdett, which shines a spotlight on the relationship between public and private spaces in the run-up to the United Nations World Conference – Habitat III – to be held in Quito in Ecuador in October 2016, and against the backdrop of the Urban Age programme jointly organised by the London School of Economics and the Alfred Herrhausen Society. Click here to browse the gallery of photos taken by MaterialiCasa.com, which were published live on the publication’s social networks during the press preview held on 27 May.

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GRUPPO SERENISSIMA CIR BECOMES “GRUPPO ROMANI” The well-known Italian group Serenissima Cir Industrie Ceramiche became Gruppo Romani SpA in June this year. The name change came mainly at the behest of the group's founder Lamberto Romani, as a way of marking the transfer of chairmanship of the group and control over the brands Serenissima, Cir, Cerasarda, Cercom and Isla to his sons Giorgio and Paolo. The change is seen as a major step in the development of a company that has achieved international success and acclaim since its formation back in 1968. The strategic repositioning of the various brands, each of which has its own unmistakable identity, is now one of the group’s top priorities. In addition to Giorgio Romani, the first brother to assume the chairmanship, Paolo Romani (CEO) and Lamberto Romani, the group’s board of directors also includes Alessandro Mattioli, confirmed in his role of managing director, and Mauro Cappelli as director. Gruppo Romani has factories in Casalgrande, Rubiera, Roteglia and Olbia,

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and employs a workforce of over 400. The group produces some 8 million square metres of tile a year. Around 80% of its 110 million euro turnover comes from exports to 90 different countries around the world.

ABK MOVES INTO LARGEFORMAT PANELS Hot on the heels of a 20-million-euro investment plan implemented at its two plants in Finale Emilia and Solignano in 2014-2015, ABK Group now has a new 10-million-euro project under way. According to Sales&Marketing Director Alessandro Fabbri: “This initiative will project the group straight into the elite of manufacturers of large-format ceramic panels.” By the end of the summer, the new Continua+ plant and an Eko kiln measuring 185 metres in length with a 2.95 metre mouth – the largest in Italy to date – will come on-stream in Solignano.

This investment will increase ABK’s production to over 20,000 square metres per day and will enable the company to manufacture a wide range of sizes, from 80x80 to 160x320cm, with thicknesses of between 6 and 20mm. ABK Group closed 2015 with revenues of 122,6 million euros (+5.8% on 2014), representing a rise of about 18% in two years.

FLORIM PUBLISHES ITS 8TH SUSTAINABILITY REPORT Florim’s Sustainability Report is now in its eighth edition. The annual report provides a summary of the company’s financial, social and environmental activities and results. The document is available in two languages on the Florim website and provides stakeholders with a clear summary of the Group’s values, actions and results while also announcing planning targets for the near future. 2015 saw the group recording encouraging financial results for the seventh year running, with growth and improvement in all key performance indicators. Florim’s success can once again be at-

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tributed to major investments in plant and image, top quality products, professionalism and dedication at all levels and, of course, passion and commitment to excellence. In a letter presenting the report, the group’s chairman, Claudio Lucchese, states that “2015 was another highly successful year, typified by major technical investments in America and Italy for the production of large tiles, the open-

ing of important flagship stores and other key operations. I continue to believe wholeheartedly in the need to dedicate significant human and financial resources to modernising our production plant and promoting our image in order to achieve a level of excellence that our customers can appreciate, and that can guarantee us a competitive edge in future. None of our recent achievements, however, would have been possi-

ble without the tireless contribution of everybody in our group, here in Italy and abroad. I therefore extend my sincere thanks to all of you and urge you to continue supporting and promoting the values of Florim.”

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THE 2016 TTA AWARDS: ASTOR WINS "FLOOR TILE OF THE YEAR" At this year’s TTA Awards, the prestigious annual accolades for porcelain floor and wall tiles, the coveted award for “Floor Tile of The Year” went to Astor Ceramiche’s Context collection. The collection was presented at the event by Craven Dunnill & Co Ltd. of Bridgnorth, Shropshire, one of the UK’s largest ceramic tile distributors, with a history dating back to 1872. At the official ceremony, organised by TTA (The Tile Association) in the St John’s Hotel & Conference Centre in Solihull, 18 leading producers received awards for different ceramic tile categories. Astor’s Context collection comes in four colours ranging from the lighter White and Amber to the darker Brown and Shadow, and is a contemporary take on traditional terracotta. The collection is available in a wide range of sizes, including 60x120, 10x20, 80x80, 45.3x75.8, 60x60, 30x60.5, 30x30 and 6x30 cm and includes a generous selection of mosaic and trim pieces too. Context tiles also offer excellent performance in terms of water absorption and resistance to abrasion, thermal shock and chemical agents.

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ALPI FOR ZAHA HADID ALPI, the leading manufacturer of decorative surfaces in composite wood and the first company in the world to industrialise the necessary production process, has assumed the role of technical partner to ARTE+PARTNERS in the first posthumous exhibition dedicated to the architect Zaha Hadid. The exhibition remains open until 27 November, coinciding with the Architecture section of the Venice Biennale. Hosted by the Berengo Foundation in Palazzo Franchetti, the exhibition pays homage to the great architect by celebrating her career and illustrating the ingenuity and dynamism of her architectural designs. ALPI supplied the wood surfaces for the exhibition’s model of the Sleuk Rith Institute, a project still in the construction phase in Phnom Penh, Cambodia that includes a museum, a research centre, a specialist school, archives and a research library. The Sleuk Rith Institute consists of five wood structures, separate at ground level but joined at their higher levels to create a complex spatial composition of inter-connecting volumes. In the complex structures of this model,

ALPI products have once again demonstrated their versatility; there could be no better choice of material for Zaha Hadid’s fragmented, dynamic forms.

LAUNCH OF THE THIRD EDITION OF "MY NEOLITH PROJECT" The third edition of the “My Neolith Project” is underway. This annual competition, promoted by TheSize, rewards architects, interior designers and constructors who began and completed a residential refurbishing project between 2012 and 2016 outside Spain, using Neolith® materials. The global competition is divided into regions (Europe, America and the rest of the world) and is open to both professionals and students. This year’s theme focuses on large residential projects that use Neolith® in two separate, innovative and different applications, from floor and wall coverings to structural elements, kitchens and bathrooms. "Neolith New Talents" is reserved for students and focuses on original designs for smaller residential spaces.

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The winners of the various categories, selected by a jury of experts, will be announced on the 20th December 2016 and will receive a trip worth 5,000 euros including free entrance to the KBIS 2017 exhibition (the kitchen and bathroom show) in Cologne, Germany or in Orlando, USA. “TheSize is always looking for new ways of using Neolith® in residential applications to show how it is rapidly becoming

part of everyday life. It is fascinating to see the wide variety of uses that architects and designers have found for this material and to learn why they chose it for different contexts,” explains Mar Esteve Cortes, marketing manager for the company. Entries will be accepted until 2 December. For more information and further details, visit the dedicated pages on www.thesizes.es website, in the "Highlights" section.

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NEW FINCIBEC WEBSITES Monocibec, Century and Naxos, the three brands of the Fincibec Group, have all renewed their websites recently. The new sites feature responsive technology for perfect navigation even on mobile devices and a streamlined, rational architecture for easy consultation of areas packed with new material. The latest content includes a company profile video in the Group section, and additional sections specially created to respond to technical queries and to provide adequate information about the Fincibec Group’s engineering solutions for complex structures like ventilated walls and swimming pools.

perb artistic traditions that have always characterised the Imola-based cooperative, and illustrates collaborations with artists of the calibre of Carlo Zauli, Gio Ponti, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Germano Sartelli, Nedo Merendi and Mauro Andrea, J. Morton and Hisiao Chin. Aldo Colonetti, co-curator along with designer Mario Tombaccini of ArchDesign, explains that the exhibition tells a story of tradition and innovation: “tradition provides the foundation for all innovative processes, from research to design and from new technologies to the advanced production systems needed to transform ceramics into a versatile material capable of satisfying all kinds of design and construction requirements.”

COOP IMOLA: 140 YEARS OF HISTORY

REFIN STUDIO: A NEW LOCATION IN MILAN

At this year’s 21st Triennale International Exhibition in Milan, Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola is presenting its history in an exhibition that runs from 2 April to 12 September, entitled “Ceramics After Ceramics: Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola 1874/2016” . The event is designed to introduce the general public to the su-

“Refin Studio”, the Milan showroom of Ceramiche Refin, opened in Foro Buonaparte in 2009 and went on to become a point of reference and a favourite meeting place for architects and interior designers. The showroom has now moved to 2 Via Melone, still in the Brera quarter, a strate-

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gic location at the heart of Milan’s design district. The new showroom is designed by Simone Testi, an architect with whom Refin has worked in the past. The new site is more spacious and functional than the previous, and is better suited to demonstrating the versatility of the Refin brand in terms of collections and interior design. “The new showroom enjoys a unique location,” explains Simone Testi. “It is housed in a space designed by Ettore Sottsass in the nineties, an intense, highimpact and colourful space that creates a surprising and unexpected ambience.” New features dialogue with existing ones in an arrangement that adds value to both, with Ceramiche Refin’s collections presented against a backdrop of high design content that offers trade professionals a chance to discover the full potential of Refin’s products in first person. The new showroom is intended not only as an exhibition space but as a meeting point too, where information and training can be provided for interior designers and for the real estate sector in general.

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CERAMIC ARCHITECTURE BY COTTO D’ESTE Ceramic Architecture by Cotto d’Este proves that contemporary architecture is firmly based on beauty and technical excellence. With this in mind, Cotto d’Este is enthusiastically contributing to the design of human habitation for the third millennium, a commitment that translates into ceramic surfaces that are both technically advanced and aesthetically refined. Of all the brands of the Panariagroup holding, Cotto d’Este is the one that has always looked most to the future, with large formats, Kerlite thin porcelain tiles and 3D digital decoration. Cotto d’Este has also become one of the leading players in contemporary architecture through regular collaboration with some of Italy’s top design studios, including ABDR Architetti Associati, Stefano Boeri, Antonio Citterio, Mario Cucinella and Studio Openproject.

CERAMIC ARCHITE CTURE / UNICERA NEW PLACE, NEW PARTNER Organized by CNR Holding, leading

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trade fairs organization company in Turkey,UNICERA- International Ceramic, Bathroom and Kitchen Fair will be held on March 08-12, 2017 at Turkey’s most exclusive fair centre, CNR-EXPO- Yesilkoy. The new location of UNICERA which has played, during 28 years, a key role in Turkish ceramics, bathroom and kitchen industry, is determined as CNR-EXPO, Istanbul- the biggest trade fair complex in Eurasia Region. Since 1985, CNR Holding has been at the forefront of the exhibition industry in Turkey. CNR EXPO facilities provide a unique opportunity for both domestic and international exhibitors and visitors to meet and to do business in a trade atmosphere provided by the wide and international network of CNR Holding. Located just across the International Airport of Atatürk, accessible by multiple transportation options, surrounded by 5* Hotels and exclusive restaurants, CNR Holding-the leading fair organiser in Turkey, offers the best trade platform in Eurasia Region which plays an active role in creating various opportunities for all industries. Moreover, CNR-EXPO continues to step up each day with its London based office and promotion agencies all around the world which assure the accurate visitor & exhibitor target and the awareness of all trade events organised by CNR Holding. Given the experience of CNR Holding in not only organising global scale events, but also its location-specific advantages, Turkish Ceramics Federation has come to agreement with CNR Holding to organise 29th UNICERA- International Ceramics, Bathroom & Kitchen Fair in CNR-EXPO on 08-12 March 2017.

DURAL AT CERSAIE 2016 Profile specialist Dural is on its way to Bologna for the Cersaie 2016 tile exhibition, with innovative products that are both stylish and practical, presenting also an exclusive new range for the luxury segment. This year in Italy, the company will showcase its extremely lightweight shower board solutions, new colourful inspirations for its profile series, the “Construct Square” skirting board range, and for the very first time, its elegant “Premium Line” products. With lightweight shower boards for exceptionally easy installation, Dural will present an interesting new development for the renovation sector at Cersaie. This prefabricated solution is only 2.8 cm high and is available in three colours and two sizes (90x90 cm and 90 x 120 cm). Dural is also offering eight new colours and finishes for the aluminium versions of its “Squareline” and “Durondell” profile series, and “ConstructSquare” is another new product for the skirting board range. Last but not least, “Premium-Line” will make its debut in Bologna. This new and top quality profile range offers truly exclusive products for very special requirements. Dural will be at Cersaie in Area 44, Stand 45.

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G.E.T. CASA AND CERAMICA SANT'AGOSTINO Between July 2016 and April 2017, twenty-one G.E.T. Casa showrooms in various locations around China will be hosting the “G.E.T. Casa for Ceramica Sant'Agostino Design Awards - GSDA”, an event targeting representatives of the world of Chinese architecture and interior design. Organised as a collaboration between Ceramica Sant'Agostino and the Chinese G.E.T. Casa chain, the competition will assign over 1,000 architects and designers the task of creating effective works of art using the DIGITALART collection, winner of the ADI Ceramics Design Award and Architizer A+Jury Award. Participants will be required to decorate a DIGITALART White tile in a specially created 20x20 cm format in their own personal style. The resulting works will be entered for three awards: the “Most Popular Asia Award”, the “Best Product Design Award” and the “Most Creative Design Asia Award”. Finalists will be selected by a jury of three experts: Luisa Bocchietto, architect, chairman of ICSID (the International Council of Societies of Industrial De-

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sign) and ex-president of ADI (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale the Industrial Design Association); Simona Finessi, publisher, and founder and CEO of the ARCHMARATHON Awards, one of the most important international awards in the world of architecture; and Roberta Mutti, architect and blogger. Winners will be offered a chance to participate in the 2017 edition of the Salone del Mobile international furniture exhibition in Milan. The award ceremony will be held in a parallel event at H2Otto, Ceramica Sant'Agostino’s Milan showroom.

WIENERBERGER BRICK AWARD 2016 GOES TO AUSTRIA AND SPAIN The seventh Wienerberger Brick Award, the competition organised by the wellknown multinational and dedicated to the most innovative projects carried out using clay products, went to Austria and Spain (tied). The winning projects were Building 2226 by Austrian architect Dietmar Eberle and Casa 1014 by the Catalan practice Harquitectes (pictured). The two winners, selected from around 600 participants from 55 countries, were presented with the award by Wienerberger CEO Heimo Schuech at the ceremony held on 19 May in the Radiokulturhaus in Vienna. Building 2226 in Lustenau, Austria was constructed using a highly innovative approach that avoids the need for ventilation, heating or air conditioning systems. The only source of energy is waste heat emitted by humans, computers and lighting fixtures. This is achieved thanks to a 76 cm brick wall, for which the project was also

chosen as the winner of the “Innovative applications” category. Casa 1014, built in the old town centre of the city of Granollers near Barcelona, is an excellent example of how leftover space can be used in urban areas. The structure consists of a very long, narrow building with a width of just 6.5 metres, divided into a private home and a guesthouse, along with terraces and atria. The building stands out in particular for its use of facing brick to create a traditional yet modern atmosphere. The project also won the “Urban redevelopment” category. The “Residential” category was won by the practice Tropical Space for the Termitary House in Vietnam, while the winner of the “Public works” category was the auditorium in the AZ Groeninge health centre in Belgium by architect Bert Dehullu. The winner of the “Re-Use” category was the Marília project carried out in São Paulo, Brazil by the practice SuperLimão. Finally, a Special Award was presented to the Swiss architect duo Duplex for their Cluster House project in Zürich.

Topics

Award for the Casalgrande Padana Old House garden-orchard

Tile International 2/2016

Topics

The garden-orchard at Casalgrande Padana Old House, designed by Kengo Kuma, was among the winners at the Brand&Landscape Awards 2016 for its effective integration of architecture and landscape on an industrial site, and its capacity to promote a new vision of entrepreneurship and work, production and research environments. To mark its 50th anniversary in 2010, Casalgrande Padana launched an initiative aimed at upgrading the landscape of its production sites and bringing the community a work of high architectural and landscaping quality. The result is CCCloud, a spectacular landmark designed by Kengo Kuma (his first work on

Italian soil) and built on the roundabout in front of the Casalgrande Padana production facility. The partnership with the Japanese architect then continued with the renovation of the Old House, a typical Italian farmhouse which has survived the radical changes brought to the area by industrialisation, and has now been turned into a historical archive, documentation centre and venue for exhibitions, cultural meetings and events. The area surrounding the building was re-designed too, to create a visual connection between Kuma's CCCloud, the production site, the Old House and the orchard planted around the house to a design by the Japanese architect. And this is the garden-orchard that won a prize in the Brand&Landscape

Awards 2016 - a competition held by the National Council of Architects and the magazine Paysage TopScape - to draw attention to the social function of architecture and the synthesis between industry and landscape, production and territory. With its imposing volume, the Old House communicates effectively with the exterior space, which is now furnished with an orchard of over 170 apple trees planted in spoke-like rows around the central hub of the CCCloud. The parallel walkways, made out of white ceramic with a textured surface for high levels of non-slip performance, give the impression that the ceramic is floating on the gravel, suggesting allusions to Japanese gardens and intensifying that feeling of lightness that is the hallmark of Kuma's style. 5

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets

Italian ceramic manufacturers: 2015 revenues The Italian tile industry has recorded a positive 2015, with revenues of 5.1 billion euros, representing a rise of 4.1% on the previous year. This is again largely due to exports, which have risen by 5.1% to a value of 4.3 billion euros, equating to 84.4% of total turnover. The domestic market, meanwhile, remained stable, with sales of 799 million euros (-0.6%). The data reported by Confindustria Ceramica, which we cover in greater depth on later pages, also point to a rise in national tile production, which reached 395 million sq.m (+3.4%). In keeping with its annual tradition, TILE INTERNATIONAL has collected the 2015 revenues of Italy’s biggest ceramic manufacturers, to compile a league table of excellence for its early summer issue. Again this year we have decided to open with the results of Marazzi and Dal Tile, owned by Mohawk Industries Inc., but to keep them separate from the league table. Following its acquisition of Marazzi Group in April 2013, however, Mohawk Industries has become the world’s largest tile manufacturer and produces a substantial part of its output at some of Italy’s largest manufacturing facilities. Let’s take a look at the 2015

league table of revenues of Italy’s biggest manufacturers.

Revenues of over 200 million euros There’s no change in the rankings of Italy’s top six tile manufacturing groups with revenues of over 200 million euros. Top spot is held by Concorde Group, which remains firmly at the head of the table, although it has not yet released a preview of its figures for the last financial year. As early as 2014, however, it had already recorded revenues of 683.8 million euros (+11.8% on 2013). What’s more, it achieved this result with its Italian brands only, so excluding the contribution of Novoceram, France; Italon, Russia; Meta, a producer of ceramic body, and Svimisa, a producer of raw materials. Iris Ceramica Group remains in second place, with turnover of 480 million euros in 2015 (+6.7% on the previous year). In third place is Finfloor Group, which owes a significant part of its growth to direct sales on the US market, and has increased its consolidated revenues to 374.1 million euros. The marked improvement in the fortunes of Panariagroup, in fourth place, is due largely to the US market, which accounted for 38% of its total 2015 turnover of 342.9 million

euros (+17.9% on 2014). Casalgrande Padana takes fifth place, with revenues of 273.7 million euros (+1.8%) generated entirely by Italianbased production. In sixth place lies Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola. With revenues of 241.0 million euros, this was the only company in the over-200-million category that closed the year with negative growth.

100 to 200 million euros The middle order, made up of companies with revenues of between 200 and 100 million euros, was joined by the Gresmalt Group in 2015 and is topped by Emilceramica, which has regained the ground it had lost to Ceramiche Ricchetti. Emilceramica Group increased its turnover to 185.6 million euros in 2016, to take back its place in the league table, while Ricchetti Group reported revenues of 180.9 million euros, representing a fall of 2.4% on the previous year. It is also worth noting that Emilceramica Group’s fall in consolidated turnover since 2013 is due to the devaluation of the Ukrainian hryvnia, while the Emilceramica brand has continued its upward trend. Faetano-Del Conca has

achieved excellent results, in the shape of a 15.4% rise in turnover compared with the previous year, equating to 146.4 million euros. This is due to its production of porcelain tile in the Loudon facility in the USA, which is forecast to double its production capacity in the course of 2016. ABK Group is still on the up, and reported a 5.8% rise in turnover in 2015 compared with the previous year, amounting to 122.6 million euros. Romani Group has remained stable, and having sold its plant in Alfonsine in the province of Ravenna in 2015, is now reorganising its marketing and communication activities. Gresmalt Group has also maintained the consistent growth it has been achieving since 2010, bringing its revenues up to 100.4 million euros, a rise of 13.7% on the previous year.

Economy & markets

2015 TURNOVERS: MARAZZI - DAL TILE MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, Inc USD 3,013 million (2015: consolidated, ceramic division only) 2012: USD 1,616 million - 2013: USD 2,677 million - 2014: USD 3,015 million These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • MARAZZI (All markets) • RAGNO (All markets) • DAL-TILE (North America) • KERAMA MARAZZI (Russia) • AMERICAN OLEAN (North America) Production Internationalisation Employees

205/225 million sq.m (production capacity: Tile International estimate) North/South America-Europe-Russia-Asia Over 34,000

CONCORDE GROUP Less than 100 million euros The under-100-million category is the largest, and has seen plenty of positive performances in 2015, although it is also the category showing the clearest signs of difficulty. As always, TILE INTERNATIONAL set a cutoff point of around 30 million euros of annual turnover, but one of the best results above this threshold was achieved by Laminam (+26.9%), which testifies to the importance of prod-

uct innovation towards extra-large formats incorporating ever higher added value. La Fabbrica also scored very creditable growth of 16.7%, while a further three companies reported growth of over 11%, namely Rondine Group, CCV Castelvetro and Savoia Italia. The picture is also bright for Novabell (+5.7%), Piemme (+4.7%) and Coem, which is now approaching its pre-crisis levels again, with 2015 revenues of 62.8 million euros (+8.3%). 5

€ 683.8 million* * The published data relate to 2014, originate from public sources and include only the group’s Italian brands

2003: € 378.2 million - 2004: € 425.9 million - 2005: € 525.0 million - 2006: € 581.0 million 2007: € 651.0 million - 2008: € 669.0 million - 2009: € 544.0 million - 2010: € 551.3 million 2011: € 567.8 million - 2012: € 573.8 million - 2013: € 611.8 million These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • CERAMICHE ATLAS - CONCORDE (Atlas Concorde - Keope - Supergres): • MIRAGE GRANITO CERAMICO: • CERAMICA CAESAR (Caesar - Fap - Minerva): • CERAMICA MARCA CORONA: • CERAMICA REFIN: Internationalisation 2 facilities in Europe (1 in France, 1 in Russia)

€ 269.6 million € 128.4 million € 133.7 million € 75.2 million € 76.9 million

*The consolidated figure does not include the revenues of: Novoceram (France), Italon (Russia), Meta (ceramic body), Svimisa (raw materials).

IRIS CERAMICA GROUP

€ 480.0 million (consolidated)

2012: € 420.0 million - 2013: € 440.0 million - 2014: € 450.0 million These revenues were generated by the following brands: • FIANDRE Architectural Surfaces • FMG, Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti • STONEPEAK CERAMICS (USA)

• IRIS CERAMICA • PORCELAINGRES (Germany) • ARIOSTEA

»»

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets • EIFFELGRES • MATIMEX • LA CERAMICA • GRANITECH • SAPIENSTONE

• SAVOIA CANADA • ARCAREL • TECNOMIX • TECHNORIUNITE

Production 21.5 million sq.m (floor tile 95.1% - wall tile 4.9%) Internationalisation 2 facilities: Stonepeak Ceramics (USA) and Porcelaingres (Germany); 3 commercial companies: Arcarel (France), Savoia Canada (Canada), Fiandre Iris Ceramica Russia (Russia), Matimex (Spain) Exports 80% Employees 1,600 In 2015 an innovative automated logistic plant for large-format panels was completed at the Ariostea facility and the company SapienStone was set up. The FAB Architectural Bureau space in Berlin was opened in 2016 following a major conversion project. A new collection created for Diesel Living under the Iris Ceramica trademark is also being launched in 2016.

FINFLOOR GROUP

€ 374.1 million (consolidated)* * The published data are originate from public sources

2003: € 286.3 million - 2004: € 308.1 million - 2005: € 343.7 million 2006: € 355.2 million - 2007: € 343.4 million - 2008: € 330.6 million 2009: € 259.7 million - 2010: € 273.8 million - 2011: € 304.6 million 2012: € 315.3 million - 2013: € 325.8 million - 2014: € 329.5 million These revenues were generated by the following brands: • FLORIM CERAMICHE spa (Floor Gres-Rex-Cerim-Casa Dolce Casa-Casamood) • FLORIM USA Inc. and subsidiary • MAKER SRL Production 25 million sq.m Internationalisation 1 factory in Tennessee (USA); 2 logistic centres, 1 in Georgia (USA) and 1 in Paraná (Brazil); companies in Russia and Singapore Exports 71.3% - data calculated based on the business carried out directly by the group, excluding the revenue generated by third party production and considering the turnover of Florim USA as exports Employees 1,341 Out of the total investments of €34 million made by the Group in 2015, € 13.7 million was spent on Mordano-based company Maker to remodel the raw materials preparation department and install two new rectification and treatment lines for conventional porcelain tiles and large-format panels. A further €6 million was spent on modernisation work at the Fiorano Modenese site including installation of a new sorting line. Investments of €12.5 million were made at the American factory of Florim USA, while €2.3 million was invested by Florim Solutions Inc. to renovate its Flagship Store in Madison Avenue, New York.

PANARIAGROUP

€ 342.9 million (consolidated)* * The published data are originate from public sources

2003: € 212.4 million - 2004: € 235.5 million - 2005: € 247.2 million »»

Tile International 2/2016

2006: € 351.5 million - 2007: € 354.4 million - 2008: € 328.0 million 2009: € 289.9 million - 2010: € 285.2 million - 2011: € 294.1 million 2012: € 280.8 million - 2013: € 273.0 million - 2014: € 290.7 million These revenues were generated by the following brands: • CERAMICHE PANARIA • CERAMICHE LEA • FLORIDA TILE (USA) • COTTO D’ESTE • LOVE CERAMIC TILES

• FIORDO INDUSTRIE CERAMICHE • LEA NORTH AMERICA (USA) • MARGRES (Portugal) • BLUSTYLE • GRES PANARIA PORTUGAL

Production 13 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 88% - wall tiles 12%) Exports 76% (by value) Employees 1,741 Panariagroup, a ceramic group listed on the Italian stock exchange, closed 2015 with an EBITDA of € 30.8 million and net sales of € 342.9 million. In 2015 the US market accounted for 38% of total turnover. In 2015 the brands Panaria and Fiordo were combined as part a single sales organisation, as was done with Cotto d’Este and Blustyle in 2014. The marketing activities were centralised within a single group entity. A major investment programme involving all the group’s Business Units was undertaken in 2015 and is due to be completed in 2016. The main investments in the Italian Business Unit involved upgrading the Laminated Porcelain Stoneware factory in Fiorano Modenese with the installation of a third production line and an innovative polishing line for Laminated Porcelain Stoneware. Investments have also been made in the other Italian business units, including the installation of 6 digital decoration machines, a new sorting line and a new large-format tile rectification line.

CASALGRANDE PADANA € 273.7 million (consolidated) 2003: € 134.0 million - 2004: € 146.0 million - 2005: € 162.0 million 2006: € 178.3 million - 2007: € 294.0 million - 2008: € 295.9 million 2009: € 275.6 million - 2010: € 283.0 million - 2011: € 292.3 million 2012: € 275.0 million - 2013: € 272.7 million - 2014: € 268.8 million The Group's turnover was generated by the following brands: • CASALGRANDE PADANA Spa • NUOVA RIWAL CERAMICHE (Alfa Lux, Saime)

€ 187.6 mil. € 86.1 mil.

Production 21.7 mil. sq.m (floor tile 100% - produced in Italy) Exports 75% Employees 1,020 - of which: Casalgrande Padana spa: 605 Nuova Riwal: 415 In 2015 a total of € 22.9 million was invested in production plant in Italy, of which € 19.5 million by Casalgrande Padana and € 3.4 million by Nuova Riwal.

COOP. CERAMICA IMOLA GROUP € 241.0 million (consolidated) 2003: € 358.3 million - 2004: € 369.1 million - 2005: € 386.4 million 2006: € 385.6 million - 2007: € 384.5 million - 2008: € 370.6 million 2009: € 278.7 million - 2010: € 274.9 million - 2011: € 266.4 million 2012: € 256.6 million - 2013: € 257.6 million - 2014: € 252.0 million »»

Manufacturer of screwjack pedestals specially designed for ceramic tiles Used for the construction of raised floors, external terraces, decked areas and water features.

PB-01 28>42 mm

PB-00 15 mm

PB-1 42>60 mm

PB-2 60>90 mm

PB-3 90>145 mm

PB-4 145>245 mm

Coupler for heights up to 965 mm

NEW Terrace finishing

Slope corrector up to 5%

VISIT US

Area 44 - Stand 39

Quick and easy installation

Distributore per lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Italia

METRO KUADRO P A V I M E N T I

www.buzon.eu

F L O T T A N T I

1609 - A4 - EN - Cer magazine 21x29cm.indd 1

31/08/16 08:24

Economy & markets 2006: € 155.3 million - 2007: € 155.3 million - 2008: € 145.3 million 2009: € 128.0 million - 2010: € 124.0 million - 2011: € 122.1 million 2012: € 121.2 million - 2013: € 121.3 million - 2014: € 126.9 million

The following companies and/or brands belong to the Group: • IMOLA CERAMICA • LA FAENZA CERAMICA • LEONARDO CERAMICA

These revenues (net of infra-group transactions) were generated by the following companies and/or brands:

Production 19.0 million sq.m (floor tile 83% - wall tile 17%) Exports 71% Employees 1,389

• CERAMICA DEL CONCA SpA • DEL CONCA USA Inc. • CERAMICA FAETANO SpA (Rep. San Marino) • PASTORELLI SpA • PRODUCO Srl

EMILCERAMICA GROUP € 185.6 million (consolidated)

Production Internationalisation Exports Employees

2003: € 169.5 million - 2004: € 173.5 million - 2005: € 190.0 million 2006: € 206.0 million - 2007: € 210.5 million - 2008: € 190.0 million 2009: € 131.4 million - 2010: € 155.9 million - 2011: € 162.2 million 2012: € 170.0 million - 2013: € 190.0 million - 2014: € 180.7 million

Del Conca USA Inc. is in the process of increasing its production capacity from 3 to 6 million sq.m in 2016 following the expansion of its facility in Loudon, Tennessee.

These revenues were generated by the following brands: • EMILCERAMICA • PROVENZA • EMILAMERICA (USA) • CAOLINO PANCIERA (bodies)

• ERGON • VIVA • ZEUS CERAMICA (Ukraine)

ABK GROUP

Production

9.3 million sq.m, of which 7.5 million produced in Italy (floor tile 98% - wall tile 2%) Internationalisation The group has four logistic centres in the United States. It operates in Ukraine through Zeus Ceramica. Exports 76% (89% Emilceramica spa) Employees 773 (of which: 526 in Italy)

These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • ABK • FLAVIKER • CASA TUA

2003: € 306.4 million - 2004: € 291.6 million - 2005: € 281.3 million 2006: € 282.3 million - 2007: € 271.0 million - 2008: € 241.0 million 2009: € 194.5 million - 2010: € 196.7 million - 2011: € 190.5 million 2012: € 188.6 million - 2013: € 184.0 million - 2014: € 185.2 million Ceramiche Ricchetti Group includes the following companies:

GOLD ART CERAMICA GROUP

€ 108.0 million

2003: € 63.1 million - 2004: € 64.4 million - 2005: € 72.3 million 2006: € 75.2 million - 2007: € 79.6 million - 2008: € 90.5 million 2009: € 77.7 million - 2010: € 88.2 million - 2011: € 100.0 million 2012: € 96.7 million - 2013: € 106.6 million - 2014: € 108.0 million

• CERAMICHE RICCHETTI GROUP (Ricchetti - Cisa - Cerdisa) • KLINGENBERG DEKORAMIK GMBH (Germany) • CC HÖGÄNÄS BYGGKERAMIK AB (Sweden) • CINCA SA (Portugal) • OY PUKKILA AB (Finland)

These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands:

Production 11.1 million sq.m (floor tile 79% - wall tile 21%) Internationalisation facilities in Portugal, Finland and Germany Exports 90% Employees 1,267

• ENERGIEKER - GOLD ART CERAMICA • MANIFATTURA COTTO TUSCANIA • CERAMICA MANDRIO CORREGGIO CMC • IL CAVALLINO CERAMICA ARTISTICA • GOLD ART POLSKA

€ 146.4 million

Production 14.0 million sq.m (floor tile 90% - wall tile 10%) Exports 55%

(net of infra-Group transactions)

2003: € 113.5 million - 2004: € 121.3 million - 2005: € 130.7 million »»

Tile International 2/2016

• ARIANA • ABK SIR • HARD KOLL

Production 5.3 million sq.m (floor tile 92% - wall tile 8%) Exports 65% Employees 355

€ 180.9 million (consolidated)

FAETANO-DEL CONCA GROUP

€ 122.6 million

2003: € 78.9 million - 2004: € 80.6 million - 2005: € 87.9 million 2006: € 92.5 million - 2007: € 102.2 million - 2008: € 105.1 million 2009: € 90.1 million - 2010: € 89.9 million - 2011: € 104.8 million 2012: € 96.9 million - 2013: € 104.0 million - 2014: € 115.9 million

The decline in consolidated turnover in 2013 was due to the fall in the Hryvna against the Euro, which reduced the value in euros of the Ukrainian subsidiary Zeus. The subsidiary Emilceramica has shown a positive turnover performance since 2013.

RICCHETTI GROUP

11.8 million sq.m (floor tile 92% - wall tile 8%) San Marino (Ceramica Faetano Spa) Loudon, Tennessee - USA (Del Conca USA) 80% 550

Economy & markets

GRUPPO ROMANI IND. CERAMICHE € 102.6 million (consolidated)

RONDINE GROUP

€ 86.5 million (consolidated)

2003: € 58.8 million - 2004: € 58.0 million - 2005: € 60.0 million 2006: € 75.0 million - 2007: € 71.0 million - 2008: € 67.0 million 2009: € 46.8 million - 2010: € 56.3 million - 2011: € 63.3 million 2012: € 62.8 million - 2013: € 71.3 million - 2014: € 77.7 million

2003: € 75.1 million - 2004: € 85.0 million - 2005: € 94.1 million 2006: € 100.4 million - 2007: € 105.0 million - 2008: € 104.0 million 2009: € 92.8 million - 2010: € 100.3 million - 2011: € 117.0 million 2012: € 109.2 million - 2013: € 102.5 million - 2014: € 101.3 million These revenues were generated by the following brands:

These revenues were generated by the following brands: • RONDINE spa • CERAMICA SADON • SPRAY DRY (ceramic bodies)

• SERENISSIMA • CIR • CERCOM • CERASARDA • MOMO DESIGN CERAMICS • EXE • ISLA TILES Production 6.9 million sq.m (floor tile 95% - wall tile 5%) Exports 68% Employees 430

Production 7.2 mil. sq.m (floor tile 90% - wall tile 10%) Exports 66% Employees 293 As part of its growth programme focusing on prestigious, high-end ceramic products, in 2015 Ceramica Rondine confirmed its collaborations with a number of top interior designers, including Andrea Castrignano.

The sale of the factory in Alfonsine (RA) to Omega Ceramics, an Egyptian group operating with six facilities in its home country, was concluded in May 2015. In May 2016 the Serenissima Cir Industrie Ceramiche Group changed its name to Gruppo Romani SpA.

ITALGRANITI GROUP

€ 71.8 million

2011: € 81.1 million - 2012: € 77.4 million - 2013: € 68.7 million 2014: € 73.3 million

GRESMALT GROUP

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

€ 100.4 million (consolidated)

• ITALGRANITI

2003: € 46.4 million - 2004: € 47.9 million - 2005: € 54.7 million 2006: € 59.3 million - 2007: € 68.3 million - 2008: € 65.0 million 2009: € 63.4 million - 2010: € 67.0 million - 2011: € 74.1 million 2012: € 80.2 million - 2013: € 83.8 million - 2014: € 88.3

Production Exports Employees

• IMPRONTA 3.6 million sq.m (floor tile 100%) 80% 221

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

A new EKO 120 kiln was installed in early 2015.

• CERAMICHE GRESMALT • SINTESI CERAMICA ITALIANA

FINCIBEC GROUP

Production Exports Employees

• ABITARE LA CERAMICA • FRASSINORO CERAMICHE

13.65 million sq.m (floor tile 100%) 57% 316

€ 71.5 million (consolidated)

2003: € 93.8 million - 2004: € 98.8 million - 2005: € 96.8 million 2006: € 100.2 million - 2007: € 99.8 million - 2008: € 85.2 million 2009: not received - 2010: € 70.8 million - 2011: € 70.6 million 2012: € 67.3 million - 2013: € 69.0 million - 2014: € 71.5 million The Group's turnover was generated by the following brands:

INDUSTRIE CERAMICHE PIEMME

• MONOCIBEC • CENTURY

€ 96.3 million

• NAXOS

Production 5.2 mil. sq.m (floor tile 75% - wall tile 25%) Exports 66% Employees 394

2008: € 89.5 million - 2009: € 71.6 million - 2010: € 80.3 million 2011: € 80.4 million - 2012: € 79.9 million - 2013: € 85.1 million 2014: € 92.0 million These revenues were generated by the following brands:

The company continued its investment programme, spending almost €10 million in 2015 alone.

• INDUSTRIE CERAMICHE PIEMME Spa • PIEMMEGRES • CLUB

GAMBINI GROUP IND. CERAMICHE € 70.0 million (consolidated)

Production Exports Employees

• VALENTINO • SICED

7.3 million sq.m (floor tile 97.5% - wall tile 2.5%) 85% 335

2003: € 70.4 million - 2004: not received - 2005: € 72.3 million 2006: € 66.0 million - 2007: € 77.0 million - 2008: € 65.7 million 2009: € 64.2 million - 2010: € 67.7 million - 2011: € 70.2 million

»»

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets 2012: € 67.7 million - 2013: € 67.0 million - 2014: € 67.0 million These revenues were generated by the following brands: • EPOCA • MANIFATTURA EMILIANA • MEG (France) Production Internationalisation Exports Employees

Production 10.3 mil. sq.m (floor tile 83% - wall tiles 17%) Exports 87% Employees 243

• ELLE-GI CERAMICHE • CERAMICHE TEMPRA • PAREFEULLE (France)

CERAMICHE CCV CASTELVETRO

9.8 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 90% - wall tiles 10%) Meg and Parefeuille (France) 86% 315

ASCOT GROUP

€ 56.7 million

2003: € 54.8 million - 2004: € 56.1 million - 2005: € 47.4 million 2006: € 52.0 million - 2007: € 55.7 million - 2008: € 47.9 million 2009: € 39.1 million - 2010: € 42.8 million - 2011: € 41.6 million 2012: € 40.0 million - 2013: € 40.3 million - 2014: € 51.0 million Production 3.3 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 100%) Exports 88% Employees 168

€ 63.3 million

2003: € 51.5 million - 2004: € 55.0 million - 2005: € 56.0 million 2006: € 61.5 million - 2007: € 66.0 million - 2008: € 63.0 million 2009: € 52.0 million - 2010: € 59.0 million - 2011: € 62.6 million 2012: € 58.7 million - 2013: € 59.7 million - 2014: € 62.4 million

In 2015 the company invested a total of € 6.5 million in plant and machinery.

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

CERAMICHE SANT’AGOSTINO

• ASCOT • DOM

2003: € 61.7 million - 2004: € 71.3 million - 2005: € 73.0 million 2006: € 80.0 million - 2007: € 80.7 million - 2008: € 68.3 million 2009: € 66.0 million - 2010: € 65.4 million - 2011: € 63.5 million 2012: € 51.4 million - 2013: € 55.8 million - 2014: € 55.8 million

Production 5.9 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 70% - wall tiles 30%) Exports 65% Employees 258

Production 2.6 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 80% - wall tiles 20%) Exports 60% Employees 299

In 2015 the Group also produced 2.9 million sq.m of Bitech white body of various sizes, 20% of which was sold.

COEM

NOVABELL CERAMICHE ITALIANE

€ 62.8 million

€ 51.9 million

2003: € 41.1 million - 2004: € 44.3 million - 2005: € 45.6 million 2006: € 47.0 million - 2007: € 48.0 million - 2008: € 46.0 million 2009: € 39.0 million - 2010: € 41.5 million - 2011: € 41.5 million 2012: € 44.5 million - 2013: € 50.0 million - 2014: € 49.1 million

2003: € 48.0 million - 2004: € 53.0 million - 2005: € 54.8 million 2006: € 61.8 million - 2007: € 62.2 million - 2008: € 52.4 million 2009: € 43.0 million - 2010: € 50.5 million - 2011: € 54.7 million 2012: € 55.7 million - 2013: € 55.9 million - 2014: € 58.0 million

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

• NOVABELL • ABITA

• CERAMICHE COEM • CERAMICA FIORANESE

Production 3.9 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 88% - wall tiles 12%) Exports 88% Employees 172

Production 6.7 million sq.m Exports 71% Employees 265

LAMINAM

The group is continuing its investments in Research & Development relating to new graphic designs produced by means of digital printing. It is also proceeding with a major investment programme relating to the renewal of production plants and the manufacturing of large-format products. Production also includes 2.5 million sq.m of body to be glazed.

OPERA GROUP

€ 56.0 million

€ 50.0 million

2010: € 18.5 million - 2011: € 25.0 million - 2012: € 24.1 million 2013: € 29.8 million - 2014: € 39.4 million Employees

220

€ 59.7 million

2010: € 61.3 million - 2011: € 55.9 million - 2012: € 53.2 million 2013: € 52.1 million - 2014: € 58.5 million

POLIS MANIFATTURE CERAMICHE € 43.2 million* *The published data refer to 2014 and are originate from public sources

These revenues were generated by the following brands: • OPERA • BELL'ITALIA

2003: € 46.2 million - 2004: € 47.7 million - 2005: € 46.0 million 2006: € 59.0 million - 2007: € 54.6 million - 2008: € 42.6 million 2009: € 37.8 million - 2010: € 40.0 million - 2011: € 41.5 million

Tile International 2/2016

»»

Economy & markets 2012: € 37.4 million - 2013: 39.3 million

ALTAECO

Production Exports Employees

2003: € 50.2 million - 2004: € 51.2 million - 2005: € 51.2 million 2006: € 53.6 million - 2007: € 55.0 million - 2008: € 48.3 million 2009: € 39.7 million - 2010: € 42.5 million - 2011: € 42.5 million 2012: € 36.6 million - 2013: € 33.4 million - 2014: € 30.2 million

CERINDUSTRIES

3.8 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 70% - wall tiles 30%) 40% 217

€ 42.6 million (consolidated)* *The published data are originate from public sources

2003: € 61.0 million - 2004: € 68.7 million - 2005: € 65.5 million 2006: € 67.0 million - 2007: € 75.0 million - 2008: € 58.0 million 2009: € 50.3 million - 2010: € 52.0 million - 2011: € 47.0 million 2012: € 50.3 million - 2013: € 48.0 million - 2014: € 44.8 million These revenues were generated by the following brands: • CERDOMUS • L’ASTORRE • PORCELLANA DI ROCCA

GRANITOFORTE

€ 39.5 million* *The published data refer to 2014 and are originate from public sources

2010: € 35.4 million - 2011: € 34.0 million - 2012: € 34.6 million 2013: € 36.5 million

Employees 131

€ 28.6 million

These revenues were generated by the following brands: • CERAMICA VOGUE • CERAMICA BARDELLI

• APPIANI • GABBIANELLI

Production 1.5 million sq.m Exports 44% Employees 347

SICHENIA CERAMICHE GROUP

€ 28.5 million

2003: € 70.2 million - 2004: € 72.6 million - 2005: € 73.3 million 2006: € 75.1 million - 2007: € 70.2 million - 2008: € 67.1 million 2009: € 54.0 million - 2010: € 53.0 million - 2011: € 51.7 million 2012: € 40.6 million - 2013: € 32.2 million - 2014: € 26.9 million These revenues were generated by the following brands: • SICHENIA • PHORMA

LA FABBRICA - DAFIN GROUP

€ 33.6 million* *The published data are originate from public sources Entire contents Copyright Tile Edizioni srl

2010: € 20.1 million - 2011: € 24.9 million - 2012: € 27.7 million 2013: € 29.5 million - 2014: € 28.8 million

These revenues were generated by the following brands: • LA FABBRICA • AVA Employees 74

SAVOIA ITALIA

€ 31.3 million

2008: € 35.6 million - 2009: € 33.6 million - 2010: € 35.0 million 2011: € 31.1 million - 2012: € 31.1 million - 2013: € 28.2 million 2014: € 28.0 million These revenues were generated by the following brands: • SAVOIA

• ALCO

Production 2.3 million sq.m (floor tiles 100%) Exports 46% Employees 124 A major production plant remodelling process was completed between mid-November 2015 and February 2016. This involved replacing the handling and storage plant with a new coordinated system based on laser-guided vehicles, replacing 4 glazing lines, 1 sorting line with carton packaging machine and 1 dryer, and rebuilding a glazing line.

Economy & markets

Confindustria Ceramica data: the italian ceramic tile industry in 2015 At its 2016 annual general meeting, Confindustria Ceramica presented a series of statistical studies relating to the various segments that make up the Italian ceramic industry. A total of 228 Italian manufacturers of ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, tableware and refractory materials were in business in 2015, employing a total of 25,152 staff and invoicing 5,839 billion euros, thanks to export sales amounting to 78.9% of their total turnover. Here we’re going to focus on the data published by Confindustria Ceramica about the ceramic tiles segment. A total of 150 tile manufacturers were in business in 2015, producing over 5.1 billion euros worth of tiles (+4.1%) in Italy, achieving record exports valued at 4.3 billion euros, and serving a stable domes-

tic market worth 799 million euros. Internationalised production accounted for another 792 million euros, generated by 16 operations in North America and Europe. But let’s take a closer look at the details.

ported by social safety nets (about 2500 at present).

Revenues: +4.1% on 2014

Investment: +22.7%

Ceramic tiles made in Italy generated revenues of 5.1 billion euros in 2015 (+4.1% on 2014), comprising: 4.3 billion euros of exports, up 5.1% on 2014 and now accounting for 84.4% of total turnover; and 799 million euros of domestic sales, down 0.6% on the previous year.

Total domestic and foreign investment reached an all-time record in 2015 - with the sole exception of 1995, when the Tremonti law was passed - rising to 6.9% of annual revenues, with a monetary value of 351.3 million euros, an increase of 22.7% on 2014. And that is despite the fact that investment in 2014 had already increased by 27% compared with 2013. Moreover, the ongoing commitment of individual companies to product innovation gives rise to collections with ever higher levels of added value, thus consolidating the worldwide leadership of Italian products and ensuring high selling prices.

Production: +3.4% The output of the 150 companies operating on Italian soil in 2015 reached 394.8 million square metres (+3.4% on 2014), while sales reached 396.9 million square metres, a rise of 0.6% on the previous year. But these positive figures failed to translate into corresponding increases in the number of people employed by the industry, which fell by 1.5% in 2015 to 19,143, while there was also a drop in the number of employees sup-

TAB. 1 - The Italian ceramic tile industry 2014

2015

Markets The domestic market suffered a further slight dip in 2015, with sales of 80.3 million sq.m as against 80.8 million in 2014 (-0.6%). The upturn continued on export markets, however, where sales rose to 316.6 million square metres from 313.7 million the previous year (+0.9%). The figures for the various

TAB. 2 - Internationalisation of production

Var. %

2014

2015

Var. %

Companies (number)

150

0.00

Companies (number)

0.00

Employees (number)

19,430

19,143

-1.48%

Employees (number)

3,186

3,091

-2.98%

Production (mill. sq.m)

381.7

394.8

3.44%

Production (mill. sq.m)

77.2

82.3

6.62%

Total sales (mill. sq.m)

394.6

396.9

0.59%

Total sales (mill. sq.m)

80.6

82.4

2.27%

80.8

80.3

-0.63%

- domestic market

65.2

63.5

-2.57%

313.7

316.6

0.90%

- exports + intercompany

15.4

18.9

22.70%

- Domestic market (mill. sq.m) - Exports (mill. sq.m) Investments (mill. €) Total Revenues (mill. €) - Domestic market (mill. €) - Exports (mill. €)

286.2

351.3

22.74%

Total Revenues (mill. €)

721.5

792.2

9.80%

4,914.0

5,117.0

4.14%

- Domestic market (mill. €)

585.7

623.8

6.51%

804.0

799.0

-0.58%

- Exports + intercompany (mill. €)

135.8

168.4

23.98%

4,109.0

4,318.0

5.07%

Confindustria Ceramica Research Centre

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets

world markets point to continued strong export performance in Western Europe, which is the main market for Italian tiles: here, following two years of contraction, sales were already growing by 5.3% in 2014. Sales have also risen in the Far East (+14.3%), the NAFTA area (+5.9%), the Gulf states and the Balkans (both areas reported growth of 5.0%). Falling sales have been recorded in other geographical areas too, including Central and Eastern Europe (-17.3%), North Africa and the Middle East (-8.6) and Latin America (-4.8%), although

these areas account for relatively low volumes.

Internationalisation of production The results achieved by Italian-based ceramic manufacturers are, of course, boosted by those achieved by the 16 foreign subsidiaries of nine Italian groups. Foreign production plants, located chiefly in the United States and Europe, produced 82.3 million sq.m of tile in 2015 (+6.6%), to generate total revenues of 792.2 million euros (+9.8%), 58.4% of which came from Europe and the remainder from

Vittorio Borelli - Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica The view of Vittorio Borelli

North America. 78.7% of total revenues generated by foreign subsidiaries derive from sales within the subsidiary’s home market.

According to forecasts by Prometeia, 2016 could see fur-

TAB. 3 - ITALIAN CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY: forecasts for 2015-2017 2015 (mill. sq.m) Sales in Italy

% variation 2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

-7.2

-6.6

-0.6

2.7

2.2

TOTAL EXPORTS:

317

4.8

3.6

0.9

3.6

3.7

- Western Europe

159

-0.8

5.3

1.9

2.8

2.7

- Central-Eastern Europe

4.3

-2.2

-17.3

1.9

2.8

- Balkans

0.4

4.9

5.0

4.2

4.1

- NAFTA

11.7

2.5

5.9

6.4

5.9

19.8

-5.4

-4.8

2.9

5.1

- Gulf States

14.1

-1.5

5.0

4.2

5.6

- North Africa-Middle East

34.1

-4.2

-8.6

2.8

4.2

- Far East

17.3

8.5

14.3

5.1

5.0

- Rest of the world

9.2

13.2

8.2

5.1

5.5

Total sales

397

1.8

1.4

0.6

3.4

Production

- Latin America

395

-1.0

5.0

3.4

3.8

National consumption

-6.8

-3.3

1.6

2.7

2.1

Imports

-4.1

18.2

13.0

2.7

1.7

Source: Prometeia, “Osservatorio previsionale per l’industria delle piastrelle in ceramica”

Del Conca "Fast"

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets

ther consolidation of growth, with sales on the domestic market finally hitting a positive trend (+2.7%), and further growth in exports (+3.6%) largely on the back of demand from the NAFTA countries, the Far East, the Gulf states and the Balkans, and an estimated increase in national production of +3.8%. The economic climate remains susceptible to international tensions, however, which could adversely affect the forecasts, and Vittorio Borelli - Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica - had the following to say: “The international scenario is now tending towards a slight downturn in the key variables, due to a weaker dollar, higher oil prices and slowing world GDP growth. The main item now on our international agenda is to combat the dumping of China’s production surplus on European markets, so we were gratified by the European Parliament’s recent vote against granting China market economy status (MES). But we can’t afford to lower our guard until the European

Tile International 2/2016

Union makes its final decision, which is expected at the end of the year.” Another key point made by Borelli relates to energy costs: “On the subject of systemic electricity costs, we are still stuck where we were 12 months ago: Italy has not managed to release the allowances already envisaged for energy-intensive businesses, while Germany has made specific choices regarding allocation. Our position, in line with statements recently made by Carlo Calenda, the Economic Development Minister, is that the reconfiguration of allowances must take account of the amount of international trade engaged in by the businesses concerned. We also trust that the Minister will take action on cogeneration, which is a vital technology for our industry and offers clear environmental and competitive benefits. Sadly, it is burdened by a confusion of regulatory measures, which are causing serious difficulty for existing plants and are discouraging future investment.” Borelli had nothing but praise

for the effort made by the entire industry in its drive for technological updating: “The large-scale investments made by the industry,” explained the Chairman, “bear witness to its commitment to consolidating its position as the highest exponent of quality manufacturing in the world. And thanks to those investments we are field-leaders in large formats, which we now produce in suitable thicknesses to be the perfect solution for large public areas, such as shopping malls and underground railways stations; and we’re field-leaders in digital design too. Combined with our ability to fire colours at 1300°C, this enables us to produce decorative effects of unrivalled quality at a worldwide level.” And the international markets appreciate this, including the German market (which is still the largest market for Italian ceramics) and the dollar-denominated market, which has felt the effects of the strong appreciation of the dollar. But there are signs of an upturn in France too, not to mention

Russia, where, Borelli explained: “We are still investing and where we will invest more and more as oil prices allow.” But these strong figures failed to translate into corresponding increases in the number of people employed by the industry. Staff numbers fell by 1.5% in 2015 to 19,143, while there was also a drop in the number of employees benefiting from social safety nets (about 2500 at present). It is also clear that we can only create new jobs if we generate more substantial growth, especially on the domestic market, and if we can find more elasticity in the labour market, to enable us to compete more effectively against Spain on international markets: “While a single employee in Spain produces a sales value of about 28,000 euros, his counterpart in Italy does not exceed 21,000, partly because expectations of the professional quality of the workforce in Spain are lower than they are in Italy, and partly because of the lower salaries and more flexible labour market that exists there.” 5

Economy & markets

Construction in Europe, 81th Euroconstruct It is estimated that GDP will grow by 1.9% per annum for the 19 Euroconstruct countries in the three years 20162018, which is virtually unchanged from the December (Budapest) forecasts. The year 2016 will see the GDP of the 19 member countries grow by 1.8%, a forecast which is slightly below the 2% projected in December 2015, while growth of 1.9% is foreseen for 2017. Notably, the year 2015 was the first time in eight years that all Euroconstruct countries recorded an increase in GDP, a development which is expected to continue over the next three years. Growth in total construction output for both 2014 and 2015 have been revised downwards from the Buda-

pest projections last December, as 2014 saw output increase by 1.1% (as opposed to 1.3%), while 2015 saw growth of 1.4% (as opposed to 1.6%). Overall construction output in 2016 is expected to improve by 2.6%, although this is below the forecast outlined last December. An unchanged growth forecast of 2.7% is estimated for 2017, followed by growth of 2.4% in 2018, which is an improvement on the forecast of 2% growth outlined at the Budapest conference. The Central and Eastern European countries are expected to achieve the greatest gains from 2015 onwards. Factors ranging from improving real household disposable income, low interest rates, and the European

Commission’s Investment Plan for Europe are expected to contribute to the modest overall average growth in construction investment of 2.6% per annum over the coming year in the Euroconstruct Area. Public finance constraints and public and private debt levels will continue to act as a constraint on public and private investment. The overall value of the construction industry itself it estimated to be €1.406 billion in 2016. This equates to 9.4% of GDP and is significantly lower than the peak of 2007, where the industry accounted for 13% of GDP. Although the Euroconstruct market did stabilise in 2015, a diverse range of growth rates were recorded across the 19

GDP and Total Construction Output Year on year to change in %

Tile International 2/2016

member countries during the year. Strong output growth rates were noted in the Slovak Republic (+18.5%), the Netherlands (+7.8%) and the Czech Republic (+7.1%), while countries such as Austria, France and Switzerland, contracted marginally in 2015.

Performance of the main segments Residential: Overall, the value of the residential market in the Euroconstruct area was €646 billion in 2015, with renovations accounting for 60% of the market. The most significant factor affecting the Euroconstruct residential market is the inflow of refugees which has been increasing the pressure to provide housing

Economy & markets

Total construction output (% change on real terms) Forecast 2012

2013

Austria

2014

2015

2016

Outlook 2017

2018

2.5

-2.1

-1.0

-0.2

0.8

1.3

1.9

Belgium

1.0

-0.8

2.4

1.5

1.0

2.0

2.2

Denmark

-0.6

-0.2

2.1

1.9

1.8

2.7

3.2

Finland

-2.0

-3.2

-1.3

0.0

5.3

1.1

0.6

France

-3.1

-1.2

-6.0

-1.7

2.5

3.9

3.1

Germany

-0.6

2.5

0.2

2.2

1.0

0.1

Ireland

-14.1

2.5

9.2

4.8

14.4

16.0

7.4

Italy

-6.3

-3.5

-2.2

0.5

1.8

2.1

2.0

Netherlands

-9.6

-3.7

0.9

7.8

3.6

4.0

4.1

Norwey

5.4

1.1

1.6

1.9

4.1

2.2

3.9

Portugal

-15.5

-14.5

-1.0

3.5

2.5

3.0

4.5

Spain

-31.4

-18.7

-1.7

2.9

3.7

4.0

3.5

-2.5

1.1

6.2

5.2

4.5

1.8

0.2

Switzerland

2.8

3.0

-1.3

1.2

0.5

1.7

-7.5

1.9

7.5

3.2

2.1

2.9

2.6

Western Europe (EC-15)

-6.4

-2.2

0.9

1.2

2.5

2.1

Czech. Rep.

-7.7

-7.0

4.1

7.1

1.9

2.4

3.3

Hungary

-2.9

5.3

8.3

2.9

1.1

7.0

6.9

Poland

-1.7

-5.8

5.1

4.2

5.8

7.2

8.7

-13.9

-5.2

-3.9

18.5

2.0

1.3

-1.5

Eastern Europe (EC-4)

-4.1

-4.8

4.6

5.5

4.1

5.7

6.7

Euroconstruct Countries (EC-19)

-6.3

-2.4

1.1

1.4

2.6

2.7

2.4

Sweden

Slovak Rep.

Source: 81 Euroconstruct Conference, Dublin 10 June 2016 st

across the Euroconstruct area, especially in Germany and Norway. By end of 2016, the level of housebuilding will have increased by 9.2% to 1.54 million dwellings since the lowest point in the cycle (2013), with major contributions coming from Germany, the UK and Sweden. Non-Residential: The volume of non-residential construc-

tion activity in Ireland is forecast to record exceptional growth in 2016 and 2017 after a dearth of commercial building for several years. In terms of prospects in the period 2016-2018, Hungary (+14% cumulative growth) and Spain (13.3% cumulative growth) ranked a distant second and third place. EU funds in the period 2014-2020 will

strongly influence developments in Hungary while in Spain the sheer lack of capacity and the requirement to address emerging supply gaps are expected to spur construction activity. Belgium, the Netherlands and Finland are each expected to record around 10% cumulative growth in the volume of output from non-residential pro-

jects. With 14 of the 19 countries each expected to record a cumulative growth of 5% or higher in the 2016-2018 period, the overall outlook for the total non-residential market is dragged down by Germany (18% of the total market), where the volume of non-residential output is forecast to increase by just 1.5% in total Del Conca "Fast" over the same period.

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets

Civil Engineering: The civil engineering sector would have suffered in a number of countries due to austerity measures during the financial crisis. However after many years of contraction, civil engineering output bottomed out in 2014 (+0.8%) and recorded a solid expansion in 2015 (+2.9%) to reach €308 billion. The estimated outturn for 2016 is for a slowdown in the growth in output again (+1.5%), before rebounding in 2017 and 2018 to 3% and 3.8% respectively. A number of factors are influencing the trajectory of civil engineering, including continued constraints on public in-

vestment levels and strict budget deficit rules set by Brussels, pre-election surges in investment levels (Spain), more pressing expenditure requirements arising from the refugee crisis (Germany), a lack of funding at the level of local government and the municipality and slow and often delayed starts to existing public funded programmes.

Individual countries The 2.6% increase in construction output for 2016 is equivalent to an increase of €36.5 billion. For 2016, the six largest construction markets1

are expected to contribute almost three-quarters of this growth in the Euroconstruct market, highlighting their importance to the market. The smallest contributions for growth in 2016 can be credited to the Slovak Republic, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic, which between them only contribute 2.2% of the total increase of €36.5 billion for 2016. From a domestic point of view, Ireland’s construction industry is predicted to experience exceptional cumulative growth of 42.5% in the next three years, albeit from an exceptionally low base. 5

Biggest contributors to growth in 2016 (Year in year change) Contribution (% point) and % change in construction output

Tile International 2/2016

EUROCONSTRUCT is a group of 19 specialised research organisations in Europe, which has been active since 1975. Over its period of operation, it has gained international recognition, both thanks to its unique nature and also especially thanks to the high quality of information offered. Euroconstruct regularly provides analyses of the construction market including expert forecasts of further development. The following are member countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. 82nd Conference will be held in Barcelona on 24 and 25 November 2016.

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Economy & markets by Paolo Bozzacchi

NAXB: industry and distribution join forces

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Tile International 2/2016

new industrial players of international renown. Thanks to the top-level technological know-how of Tecnografica, a work group has been formed with the capability of creating a series of outstandingly innovative new products. We’re talking about a collection of 8 sizes, 8 colours and 4 surface finishes ready to hit international showrooms next month. The team has worked hard, because the challenge within the challenge was to bring to market products with exceptionally high levels of technological content. This goal was made attainable by painstak-

ing studies and careful selection of raw materials (including clays, glazes and pigments), combined with expert use of graphic technology involving the full use of its potential. The key performance indicators for the new NAXB collection will include time-to-market, warehouse turnover, a rapid return on investment and gross profit for NAXB associates. “Using the most advanced technology and a graphic approach that pays the utmost attention to detail, we have harnessed the power of an extremely complex work process to develop a series of products

that are unique in their simplicity.” So says Paolo Lamberti, Chairman of Tecnografica. “Thanks to the input of NAXB, we have further improved our ability to interpret the final market.” “We have been pleasantly surprised to find that NAXB speaks exactly the same language as us manufacturers”, explains Massimo Barbari, CEO of Piemme Ceramiche Group. “And with NAXB, we have seen confirmation of our belief that the right partnership of distribution and industry makes a huge contribution to competitiveness on the market.” “For our project with Tecnografica and NAXB, we will be

Economy & markets

Coming

together is beginning , keeping together is progress , working together is success . (Henry Ford)

more than

show

rooms

in north europe

“Thanks to the input of NAXB, we have further improved our ability to interpret the final market ”

Paolo Lamberti, Chairman of Tecnografica

“With NAXB,

we have seen

confirmation of our belief that the right partnership of distribution and industry makes a huge contribution to competitiveness on the market ”

“For our project with Tecnografica and NAXB,

we will

be focusing on the innovative excellence of

ADVERTORIAL

Massimo Barbari, CEO of Piemme Ceramiche Group

‘Continuous+

technology ’ to rise to the challenge of large - format tiles in

Northern Europe" Marco Santandrea, CEO of Kerama Marazzi.

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets

ADVERTORIAL

www . naxb . it focusing on the innovative excellence of ‘Continua+ technology’ to rise to the challenge of large-format tiles in Northern Europe, a historically distinctive market for this type of product”, comments Marco Santandrea, CEO of Kerama Marazzi. From the outset, NAXB has always believed in developing the highest possible levels of strategic synergy between distribution and industry. And this synergy has to be efficient and effective on the commercial front as well as on the technical and manufacturing front. If distribution and industry work and communicate effectively, they can plan and implement winning strategies. And this yields major benefits for both. With the backing of fluid distribution channels, industry makes substantial cost savings and can position itself more effectively on the market. Distribution, meanwhile, gains a clear competitive edge over its rivals. Thanks to their partnership with NAXB, a string of manufacturers have radically changed their approach to the market, and swapped standardised policies for solutions that are better adapted to specific market contexts.

Tile International 2/2016

And this enhanced operational flexibility delivered the success they were looking for. The secret of the success of strategic partnerships between distribution and industry lies entirely in the improved capacity of a joint approach to keep up with the rapidly changing context of the market. The new challenge has already begun. But there’s still a long way to go and the group is always on the look-out for new participants. NAXB is ready to welcome new European distribution partners as well as major international industrial players. And it wants to expand in order to continue its journey with the greatest success, and meet the quantitative thresholds imposed by production requirements, so as to make highly successful products. Being a member of NAXB is an everyday commitment, not just so that each member makes its contribution to the group’s growth, but also so that each plays its own part in relation to production batches. A good travelling companion lies at the heart of every successful journey. And there's no better companion than NAXB!

Economy & markets FEP - European Federation of the Parquet Industry

Parquet in Europe: facing the future with optimism The european parquet industries in 2015 Confirming the January forecast of the FEP (European Federation of the Parquet Industry) issued at the start of the DOMOTEX fair in Hannover, the consolidated data provided by member companies and affiliated national associations indicates that the global European market experienced a slight growth of 0.5% in 2015. Though the results show some variation from country to country. Compared to 2014, the overall consumption figures in 2015 point to an increase by 0.48%. As far as production is concerned, the trend already witnessed in the previous years, namely the strategic choices made by several producing companies to relocate their production in European countries outside the FEP territory, was once again confirmed and reinforced. The production in FEP territory upturned by 2.61% to almost 64 millions square meters, while the European production outside FEP countries is at an estimated 14,6 millions square meters. The total production in FEP territory rose by 2.61% to a volume of 63,982,220 m². Taking into account the total production in Europe (FEP countries + EU outside FEP) implies that production in 2015 rose by 3,59% and exceeded 78.5 million m². Consumption in the FEP area improved by 0.48%, to a level of 75,768,490 m². It is important to note that maritime pine and softwood are no more considered in French esti-

Tile International 2/2016

TAB. 1 - Production and consumption of parquet in Europe (1990-2015) Production FEP Countries (***)

000 sq.m

EU Countries outside FEP (**)

y-o-y Var. (%)

Consumption TOTAL

000 sq.m

FEP Countries

y-o-y Var. (%)

000 sq.m

1990

35,634

3.09%

35,634

44,910

1991

35,294

-0.95%

35,294

47,070

1992

37,977

7.60%

37,977

52,180

1993

40,396

6.37%

40,396

52,720

1994

44,972

11.33%

44,972

57,938

1995

49,798

10.73%

49,798

62,580

1996

50,578

1.57%

50,578

64,676

1997

53,836

6.44%

53,836

63,728

1998

58,308

8.31%

58,308

68,167

1999(*)

64,774

11.09%

64,774

74,888

2000

69,812

7.78%

69,812

84,303

2001

75,621

8.32%

75,621

82,972

2002

76,741

1.48%

76,741

84,758

2003

81,039

5.60%

81,039

89,711

2004

91,453

12.85%

91,453

96,713

2005

93,977

2.76%

93,977

99,279

2006

95,911

2.06%

95,911

104,992

2007

98,334

2.53%

98,334

110,225

2008

82,724

-15.87%

82,724

99,547

2009

65,522

-20.79%

65,522

85,019

2010

68,500

4.54%

68,500

89,780

2011

69,630

1.65%

69,630

90,100

2012

66,266

-4.83%

7,000

73,266

82,888

2013

65,027

-1.87%

10,000

75,027

2.40%

80,681

2014

62,357

-4.11%

13,500

75,857

1.11%

75,404

2015

63,982

2.61%

14,600

78,582

3.59%

75,768

(*) As of 1999, figures shown represent total market in FEP area.No distinction is made between “traditional” and “new” member countries. (**) Best estimates according to information received from FEP affiliates (***) Please note that maritime pine and softwood are no more considered in estimations of French parquet consumption and production, time series have been revised accordingly 70

Economy & markets

mations of parquet consumption and production, time series have been revised accordingly. The 2015 total parquet production per type (graph. 2) remains similar to the picture already presented from 2010

onwards, whereby multilayer comes in first with 79% (compared to 76% in 2014), being followed by solid (including lamparquet) with 19% (compared to 22%) and mosaic at 2% of the total cake. In absolute production figures by country, Poland

maintains its top position at 20.32% despite a slight decrease in production. Sweden consolidates its second place on the podium with 16.63%. It is followed by Austria at 14.23%, which took the last position on the podium from Germany.

Consumption in the FEP area rose by 0.48% to reach 75,768,490 mÂ˛ compared to 75,404,400 mÂ˛ the year before. In terms of consumption per country, Germany maintains its first position with 23.46%

GRAPH. 1 - Production and consumption of parquet in Europe (1990-2015)

Del Conca "Fast" 71

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets

TAB. 2 - Production and consumption of parquet in FEP Countries (Var. % 2015/2014) Production

Consumption

1,26%

0,00%

16,67%

3,00%

-3,07%

1,89%

-7,24%

0,00%

-7,25%

-1,55%

10,44%

0,96%

0,10%

5,85%

-2,10%

7,00%

4,19%

-1,96%

15,53%

3,65%

-1,29%

-2,03%

0,18%

0,00%

14,05%

0,58%

DK/FIN/NO

11,90%

-11,26%

14,53%

14,29%

FEP

2,61%

0,48%

GRAPH. 2 - Production of parquet per type

and is still followed by France at 10.38%. Sweden completes the podium with 9.71% and is followed by the Nordic Cluster at 8.72%. Italy with 8.25% was not able to keep its fifth position taken by Switzerland (8.37%). The per capita parquet consumption remains the highest in Switzerland (0.76 m²), followed by Sweden at 0.75 m² and Austria (0.72). In the total FEP area, the consumption per inhabitant re-

Tile International 2/2016

mains stable at 0.19 m² in 2015. The usage of wood species in 2015 as shown on the above graph indicates that oak is advancing further and reaches 77.7%. Tropical wood species use stabilised at 4.5%. Ash and beech remain the two other most common chosen species with 5.6% and 3.8% respectively.

Outlook for 2016 & 2017 After several years of hardship

Economy & markets

GRAPH. 3 - Consumption of parquet in FEP Countries (% tot)

GRAPH. 4 - Production of parquet in FEP Countries (% tot)

for the European Parquet Producers and the overall negative developments in both consumption and production, the sky has somewhat cleared up in 2015 positively impacting the global result. The EU economic indicators point towards a continuation of a slightly positive trend and the generally encouraging reports received from a majority of FEP member countries after the first quarter of the current year fuel the hope for better times ahead. Two additional factors seem to be of crucial importance in the given context: - the raw material supply situation (especially for oak); - the degree of success in "lifting" parquet to the level of being an indispensable product in interior decoration and thereby moving it to the earlier stages in the consumers' decision process. From previous detailed Marketing surveys that FEP has conducted we know that parquet has a very high desirability coefficient. It is sustainable, made from a renewable raw material and should be valued as a longterm investment. Focused consumer education seems to be a sine-qua-none on the road to success. 5

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets

Tiles and construction in the USA The latest figures show that the US construction industry is still in good health, with the number of new homes started in 2015 rising for the sixth year running, to the highest level since 2007. Building work got under way on 1,110,000 new homes in 2015, representing a rise of almost 11% on the previous year, while sales of new single-family homes rose 14.5% on an annualised basis, to 501,000 units. This positive trend also continued into the early months of 2016. On a seasonally-adjusted annualised basis, 1,164,000 new homes were started in May, showing a 9.5% rise on the same month the previous year (graph 1), although down slightly (-0.3%) on April, while sales of new single-family homes rose

by 8.7% to 551.000 units on a seasonally-adjusted basis (graph 2), although this too was down 6% on April. One of the factors that has impacted positively on the US construction market is the reduction in unemployment, which fell to 4.7% in May, as against 5.5% in the same month in 2015. Another factor is the easier access to credit brought about by the more favourable interest rates applicable to 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, which fell to 3.6% in May this year, from 3.84% in May 2015. Investment in the construction industry rose by 2.8% compared with May 2015, to a seasonally-adjusted annualised rate of 1,143.3 billion dollars, which nonetheless represented a slight fall on

the figure of 1,152.4 billion reported in April. In absolute terms, spending on construction amounted to 438.5 billion dollars in the first five months of the year, equating to a rise of 8.2% on the same period in 2015, when spending reached 405.4 billion. On a seasonally-adjusted annualised basis, investment in private-sector construction reached 859.3 billion dollars in May (a rise of 4.7% on May 2015), of which 451.9 billion was attributable to residential building (+5.4) and 407.4 billion to non-residential building (+3.9%). Investment in public-sector construction, meanwhile, saw a slight fall in May, to 284 billion dollars, down 2.6% on May 2015. The largest slice of this went to school building (66.8 billion dollars, down 0.8% on May

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Graph. 1 New housing starts (thousands of units)

Tile International 2/2016

2015) and infrastructure (89 billion dollars, down 1.1% on May 2015).

The tile market Driven by the strong performance of the construction industry, the US tile market also put in a strong performance in this first part of the year. According to data recently released by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), tile consumption in the first quarter of 2016 reached 63.5 sq.m, representing a rise of 9.3% year on year (table 1). Imports rose to 43.2 million sq.m (+9.8%), accounting for 68% of national tile consumption (as against 68.7% in the same period of 2015). In the top five countries of origin of US imports by volume (table 2), China retains the

Economy & markets

top spot with 13 million sq.m, despite reporting a slight fall on the same period in 2015 (-0.8%), closely followed by Mexico with 11.3 sq.m, which reported a fall of 2% on the previous year. Import volumes from Italy, meanwhile, rose to 7.5 million sq.m (+23%), and rises were also recorded by Spain and Turkey, which complete the top five with 3.6 and 2 million sq.m respectively (+55% and +28.5% compared with the first quarter of 2015). Imports by value show a similar pattern (table 3), with Italy keeping a firm hold on the top spot, with imports valued at 157.6 million dollars, up 13% on the first quarter of 2015. China and Mexico took second and third place, with 129.8 and 70.6 million dollars respectively, both of which

represented falls on 2015, of 3.7% and 2.5% respectively). Lastly, there was a rise in the value of imports from Spain (+40.2% to almost 53 million dollars) and Turkey (+35.6 to almost 24 million dollars). Italian tiles again recorded the highest selling price, at 21.1 dollars per square metre, while tiles from Mexico (of the top five countries of origin of US imports) recorded the lowest, at 6.2 dollars per square metre (table 4). There was also a rise in domestic sales of tiles, which rose 8.4% by volume in the first quarter of 2016 (equating to 20.3 million sq.m) and 9.3% by value, while production accounted for 32% of the national market by volume and 39.9% by value. There was a fall in exports, however, to 0.8 million sq.m,

down 14.6% on the first quarter of 2015. The main markets for US tile exports are still Canada (74.7%) and Mexico (9.6%).

Record first quarter for Mohawk Mohawk Industries, the largest manufacturer of coverings in the United States and worldwide, announced record results for the first quarter of the year, with net earnings of 172 million dollars and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of 2.3 dollars. Net of restructuring, acquisitions and other charges, net earnings amounted to 177 million dollars and diluted earnings per share reached 2.38 dollars, representing a rise of 40% on the value for the same period the previous year (net earn-

ings of 125 million dollars and EPS of 1.7 dollars). Net revenues in the first quarter reached 2.2 billion dollars, up 15.5% on the previous year (1.9 billion dollars). According to Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, President and CEO of Mohawk Industries, the company kicked off 2016 with higher-than-forecast results and earnings growth across all segments. “We delivered our eighth consecutive quarter with record year-over-year adjusted EPS," continued Lorberbaum, "as well as the highest net sales for any quarter in the company's history. And our adjusted operating income margin rose to a first quarter record of 11.6%, an increase of 200 basis points over the prior year […]”. “Our major capital projects initiated last year are pro-

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Graph. 2 New single family home sales (thousands of units)

Del Conca "Fast" 75

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets TAB. 1 - U.S. Ceramic tile shipments, sales and consumption (values in million sq.m) US Shipments (incl. Exports)

Year

Imports

Exports

U.S. Consumption*

% change in consumption y-o-y

1Q 2016

21.1

43.2

0.8

63.5

9.3%**

2015

83.4

174.8

3.8

254.4

9.9%

2014

75.8

159.0

3.4

231.4

0.5%

2013

73.8

160.1

3.7

230.2

12.9%

2012

69.5

138.6

4.2

203.9

5.4%

* Consumption = shipments + import - export ** Change from 1Q 2015 - Source: TCNA - Tile Council of North America gressing as expected, with the first production line in our Tennessee ceramic plant now operational, our U.S. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) production accelerating and the second phase of our European ceramic upgrade now complete. In 2016, we have identified more opportunities to grow our business and have already approved additional LVT production lines in the U.S. and Europe, the doubling of

our central Mexico ceramic plant, the final phase of our European ceramic equipment upgrades and the expansion of our U.S. and European premium laminate production with new technology. We anticipate investing more than 600 million dollars in capital projects this year, and we are assessing further internal opportunities.â&#x20AC;? As for the Group's results in the ceramic segment, Mo-

TAB. 2 - Top 5 of U.S. Ceramic Tile imports by country of origin, in volume (million sq.m) Country

1Q 2016

1Q 2015

China

12.99

13.10

Mexico

2016/2015 % Change

2015/2014 % Change

-0.8%

12.4%

11.31

11.54

-2.0%

2.5%

Italy

7.48

6.08

22.9%

2.7%

Spain

3.58

2.31

55.1%

16.9%

Turkey

1.92

1.49

28.5%

-8.0%

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce

hawk's CEO announced that sales were up approximately 8% in the first quarter, while adjusted operating income for the segment rose 18% on a constant currency basis over the previous year to an operating margin of 13%. On the North American market, which accounts for the Group's largest share of the segment, Mohawk's tile sales outlets grew faster than any of its other channels, thanks to increased investment in sales personnel, marketing and new product introductions. To support the Group's growth, the first production line at Dal Tile's new plant in Dickson, Tennessee, came on-stream successfully at the beginning of the year, and the plant's remaining two lines will be operational by the end of the summer. The Group is performing well in Mexico too, where business is outpacing the market

TAB. 3 - Top 5 of U.S. Ceramic Tile imports by country of origin, in value (USD) Country

thanks to investments in distribution and sales outlets aimed at reaching consumers in ever larger numbers. The Group's European ceramic sales also grew, thanks again to investments in sales personnel, retail training and brand advertising.The Group's acquisition of KAI is also progressing, with the integration of its organisation system into the Group structure, the extension of its product range and the expansion of sales to Western Europe and the United States. Performance on the Russian market remains negative, however, due to a shrinking economy and declining real estate investments. The Group's other business segments showed strong performance, however, with Flooring North America reporting a 7% rise in sales, and Flooring Rest of the World growing by 56%. 5

TAB. 4 - Average values of tile from the top 5 five countries

2016/2015 2015/2014 % Change % Change

1Q 2016

1Q 2015

Italy

157,571,105

139,438,316

13.0%

7.4%

China

sq.m 1Q 2016

$ 1Q 2016

China

12,993,412

129,805,504

Mexico

Country

Val. $/ sq.m Q1 2016 10.0

Val. $/ sq.m Q1 2015 10.3

129,805,504

134,843,326

-3.7%

19.8%

11,312,691

70,603,216

6.2

6.3

Mexico

70,603,216

72,400,875

-2.5%

1.8%

Italy

7,476,573

157,571,105

21.1

22.9

Spain

52,964,224

37,767,530

40.2%

17.0%

Spain

3,577,393

52,964,224

14.8

16.4

23,966,062

17,667,848

35.6%

-3.3%

Turkey

1,920,321

23,966,062

12.5

11.8

485,269,362

444,270,706

9.2%

10.8%

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce

Turkey All Countries

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce Tile International 2/2016

flavikerpisa.it Brand of ABK GROUP, Italy

CUSTOMIZE YOUR SPACE VISIT US AT

, 26/30 SEPTEMBER 2016 PAV. 18 STAND A20-B19

Economy & markets

Brazil, between recession and new prospects of Anfacer, the Brazilian ceramic tile and sanitaryware manufacturers’ association. The owner of Cerâmica Almeida, he takes over from Edson Gaidizinski Jr. (Eliane) who has served two terms at the helm of the Association, the first from 2008 to Heitor Ribeiro de Almeida Neto 2011 and the second from 2014 to the start of 2016. On 2 March this year, during Almeida’s election took place the international exhibition during a difficult economic Revestir held in São Paulo, Bra- period in Brazil’s history, as the zil, Heitor Ribeiro de Almeida country grapples with recesNeto was elected chairman sion, inflation, a fall in industri-

al output and abysmal consumer confidence. We discussed the situation with the new chairman, analysing the issues and prospects with a special focus on the ceramic industry. Tile International: Mr Almeida, what’s your view of the general situation in Brazil? Heitor Ribeiro de Almeida Neto: In spite of the current crisis, the Brazilian economy remains very strong. However, it’s important to understand the country’s current situation marked by a severe political crisis that precipitated following the last elections in 2014. The political problems result-

ed in deadlock in the previous government and led to the impeachment of President Dilma Roussef. The economy was hit badly during that period, with allegations of corruption affecting large Brazilian companies. The new government formed in May this year, launched a new economic and development programme for the country, although the situation remains uncertain and it will be some time before we return to growth. Tile International: So you agree with the economist Eduardo Giannetti da Fonseca who said at the Forum Reve-

The Brazilian ceramic tile industry and market 2013

2015 (est.)

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2014

Production capacity % var. on previous year

672.4

712.3

782.0

817.0

875.2

986.6

1,004.0 1,023.4 1,084.1

3.3

5.9

9.8

4.5

7.1

12.7

1.8

1.9

5.9

-1.4

Production % var. on previous year

594.2

637.1

713.4

714.9

753.5

844.3

865.9

871.1

903.3

899.4

4.5

7.2

12.0

0.2

5.4

12.1

2.6

0.6

3.7

-0.4

Domestic sales = National Consumption * % var. on previous year

483.6

534.7

605.4

644.5

699.6

774.7

803.3

837.5

853.2

816.3

9.4

10.6

13.2

6.5

8.6

10.7

3.7

4.3

1.9

-4.3

Exports % var. on previous year

114.4

102.1

81.4

60.7

57.2

60.1

58.8

63.3

69.2

76.8

0.5

-10.7

-20.3

-25.5

-5.7

4.9

-2.0

7.2

9.2

11.0

Total sales * % var. on previous year

598.0

636.8

686.8

705.1

756.8

834.7

862.1

900.8

922.4

893.1

7.5

6.5

7.9

2.7

7.3

10.3

3.3

4.5

2.4

-3.2

Exports in value (million US$) % var. on previous year

430.2

393.9

364.9

249.6

265.4

280.2

270.7

279.8

293.9

14.3

-8.5

-7.4

-31.6

6.3

5.6

-3.4

3.4

4.1

Values in million sq.m. Source: Anfacer (*) The values for “Domestic sales” and “Total sales” include products manufactured abroad and imported by Brazilian producer companies, equivalent to 50.5 million sq.m in 2013 and 2014 Tile International 2/2016

1,069.0

Economy & markets

REVESTIR 2016, ANOTHER SUCCESS

The main Brazilian exports markets for ceramic tiles Exports 2015 (million sq.m) 1.

Paraguay

13.1

Dominican Rep.

8.8

USA

7.7

Panama

5.7

Honduras

4.5

Uruguay

4.1

Jamaica

3.1

Chile

3.1

Peru

2.9

Trinidad 10. Tobago

2.5

11. Argentina

2.3

12. Colombia

2.2

13. Haiti

2.1

14. Bolivia

1.8

15. Costa Rica

1.4

16.

Puerto Rico

1.3

17.

South Africa

1.2

18. Guyana

1.1

19. Germany

0.9

20. Suriname

0.6

Others

6.0

Total exports

76.8

Values in million sq.m. Source: Anfacer

Expo Revestir, the most important exhibition of architecture and finishing solutions in South America, offered a comprehensive overview of the main market trends and saw a new record number of visitors: 63,309 compared to the 61,000 of 2015. It hosted more than 200 exhibitors in the 40,000 square metre exhibition space of the Transamerica Expo Center. The Brazilian ceramic tile manufacturers were naturally all present, along with large numbers of foreign companies from UAE, Japan, the United States, the Czech Republic, Spain, Argentina, Portugal, Germany and Israel. Besides ceramic tiles, exhibitors displayed parquet, stone and other floor covering materials, and bathroom furnishings. There was also a special section devoted to ceramic technology which saw a massive presence of Italian companies hosted in the Acimac pavilion. Numerous events were held during the Brazilian Architecture and Construction Fashion Week organised by Anfacer. Once again this year the International Forum of Architecture and Construction offered a packed programme of events. More than 800 people attended the opening conference devoted to Interior Designers, which was concluded with the presentation ceremony for the ABD New Talent Award open to schools and universities. The Forum continued over the next few days with a focus on the themes of Retail and Construction, while the last day was devoted to architects. Next year’s Revestir will be held in São Paulo from 7 to 10 March 2017.

stir 2016 that he expected the country to emerge from the crisis in 2018? H. R. de Almeida: I totally agree with his point of view. We expect to see the Brazilian economy stabilise in 2017 and then gradually pick up again in 2018. However, I must stress that the biggest problem facing our country is political. I am sure that once the political obstacles have been overcome, large-scale investments will resume and the economy will fully recover. Tile International: The Brazilian ceramic tile industry’s 2015 figures show a general slowdown in production (-0.4%) and domestic sales (-4.3%) along with an upturn in exports. Compared with the overall results of the Brazilian economy, is it

fair to say that the ceramic sector has responded well to the recession? H. R. de Almeida: The Brazilian ceramic industry has seen dramatic changes and achieved significant progress over the years, becoming one of the leading global players in its segment. However, the country’s recent situation has taught us an important lesson regarding the need to break with old practices and explore new and previously neglected opportunities, such as innovation and the export market. Tile International: What impact has the crisis had on the building industry and what are the forecasts for the current year? H. R. de Almeida: The current crisis has had a very severe impact on the Brazilian con-

struction industry and the projections for 2016 are not encouraging. The latest estimates point to a fall of around 10% in construction and 8% in the construction materials industry. Tile International: Was the fall in domestic sales the only factor behind the first slowdown in growth in capacity and output in the Brazilian ceramic industry’s history? H. R. de Almeida: The fall in sales was certainly one of the reasons, although there is another factor that is just as important: it is simply not possible for production to grow indefinitely, so rather than increasing volumes it is essential to invest in innovation, design and services. Tile International: In 2015 Brazilian tile exports regisDel Conca "Fast" tered the third yearly increase

Tile International 2/2016

Economy & markets

THE NEW BOARD OF ANFACER Chairman: Heitor Ribeiro de Almeida Neto Vice Chairmen: Cesar Gomes Junior (Portobello), Michael Rumpf Gail (Gail), Sadi Paulo Castiel Gitz (Escurial).

in a row (+11% in volume and +4% in value) to 76.8 million sq.m. Some 92% of these exports were sold in the top 20 foreign markets, mainly South America and the United States. How do you view these values? H. R. de Almeida: The domestic market remains the most important outlet for the Brazilian tile industry, accounting for 90% of its production (816 million sq.m out of a total production of 899 million sq.m). Despite its high output, Brazil still has a very limited presence in the international marketplace, so we are likely to see an increase in exports

Tile International 2/2016

over the next few years in keeping with principles of fair competition. Target markets need to be diversified but without affecting Brazil’s existing markets. Tile International: What are your export forecasts for 2016? H. R. de Almeida: We expect to see a 7% growth in volume and an approximately 5% increase in the average price of exported products. But I must stress that we are starting out from an excessively low export base for the size and potential of the Brazilian industry. Tile International: Is the pos-

sibility of attracting foreign investment in the industry one of the issues on the agenda? H. R. de Almeida: The Brazilian tile industry is mainly made up of domestic capital, although we have nothing against foreign investment. Indeed, Anfacer takes a positive view of the participation of international capital, technology and expertise in our industry. Tile International: What are the main items on your agenda as the new Chairman of Anfacer for the next few years? H. R. de Almeida: My mission is to continue to promote a

Members of the Board: Benjamin Ferreira Neto (Alfagrês), Celso Luiz Cavalli (Incepa), Edson Gaidzinski Júnior (Eliane), Gilmar Menegon (Ceusa), Jose Luiz Pano (Cecrisa), José Nilson Crispim Junior (Elizabeth), Luiz Antonio Ortigosa (Delta), Maria Esther Paraluppi (Embramaco), Raul Penteado de Oliveira Neto (Deca), Renato Antonio Casagrande (Casagrande), Sérgio Magalhães (Vidro Real). strategic vision focused on internationalisation and the values of international competition. Factors that will contribute to achieving this include: a unified energy supply network based on natural gas; design as an added-value factor for the end product; promotion and strengthening of the mark of origin for Brazilian ceramic products, with strong support from Apex-Brasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency; and technical compliance of ceramic products. Another important initiative pursued by Anfacer is the new Quality Seal for porcelain tile, which aims to boost sector companies’ commitment to quality and observance of shared rules. Companies must continue to work positively towards the sustainability of their products and processes. 5

In the spotlight by Paola Giacomini

Del Conca doubles its US output

Enzo Mularoni We are publishing the last interview Enzo Donald Mularoni gave in early July. We would never have imagined that it would be published posthumously. Del Conca has announced that it is repeating the challenge it took up in March 2014, when the group led by Enzo Mularoni opened a manufacturing facility in Loudon county, Tennessee. Following that initial investment of 50 million dollars, the company – now in the form of Del Conca USA, led by Paolo Mularoni – is set to inject a further 30 million dollars in a bid to double its production capacity from 3 to 6 million sq.m/ year. The investment comprises 10 million dollars to expand the covered surface area from 30,000 to 40,000 sq.m and 20 million dollars to purchase equipment for two new

Tile International 2/2016

lines which will produce large format tiles and high thickness materials in the due2 range, which has proved extremely popular in the American market. The investment will also create new jobs in Loudon county as Del Conca USA’s workforce will increase from 85 to 125 employees. The starting date for assembly of the new lines was in July, while production is scheduled to begin in January 2017. We focused on one of the most advanced markets where Italian quality and design are recognised as an added value, and these two years have proved us right,” Enzo Mularoni told us. This expan-

In the spotlight

sion was already envisaged as part of the initial project and was planned to take place during the period 20162018. Our sales performance and the strong market growth forecasts encouraged us to go ahead with it at the earliest opportunity. We discussed the topic with chairman Enzo Mularoni at the Ceramica del Conca headquarters in San Clemente (Rimini), one of the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three Italian facilities together with Ceramica Faetano (San Marino) and Pastorelli (Savignano sul Panaro, Modena). Tile International: - A focus on manufacturing internationalisation has proved to be a winning strategy for your group. Enzo Mularoni: Yes, I would definitely say so. What we are seeing is a scenario in which penetration of the most dynamic markets is increasingly being achieved through local production units. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on your point of view. And this is equally true for the Italian ceramic industry, which at the same time remains the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top tile exporter in terms of value. Our sector is clearly able to maintain a strong presence in the domestic European Union market while being based in Italy, and the best companies are also able to achieve good results in Russia. However, our industry has a marginal presence in emerging markets such as South America,

Tile International 2/2016

In the spotlight

India and the Far East, where economic instability, currency fluctuations and import tariffs prevent exports from reaching consistent – and above all stable – volumes. Here too, the only way to overcome these obstacles is to establish a direct manufacturing presence or create partnerships with local players. The United States is a partial exception to this rule. Italian tile exports continued to grow during 2015 (+9.3% in value and +12.8% in volume in 2015), responding well to the higher market demand. Nonetheless, local production is a way for companies to further improve their results, especially in terms of increased market share. We should not forget that ceram-

Tile International 2/2016

ic tile accounts for less than 20% of the US flooring market, whereas carpet dominates with 50%, a figure that gives an idea of the growth margin that still exists for our products. Tile International: - How much is the US market worth to Del Conca Group? E. Mularoni: In 2015, 30% of our consolidated turnover of 150 million euros was generated by sales in the United States. This included both direct sales made by Del Conca USA and the containers of exports that we have continued to ship from Italy. We intend to maintain our export volumes even after doubling our capacity in Loudon. Our sales target for the US market is 10% of the high-end segment, which

in the US amounts to close to 100 million sq.m per year. In terms of value, we are aiming to increase the percentage of Group turnover generated in the USA from 30% in 2015 to 35% in 2016 and 37% in 2017. One of the many advantages of having a direct manufacturing presence in the United States is that it enables us to offer local retailers products that are Made in USA, designed in Italy” – a model that works very well here – while also catering for 100% Made in Italy” high-end niche products, which we would otherwise find hard to place in American stores. In our case, I am convinced that if we had not had Del Conca USA to act as a driver, we would have

been unable to maintain the high volumes that we continue to export from Italy. Tile International: What are the main advantages? E. Mularoni: The competitive advantage of having a manufacturing facility in the USA is not a question of production costs. The factors that actually make a difference are time to market, more flexible and faster deliveries, smaller investments in warehouse stock to meet customers’ needs, lower transport costs and the elimination of 9% import duties. Recruitment is beginning to be a problem because the economic recovery has almost halved unemployment both in this state and in the country in general compared to two

In the spotlight

years ago. Tile International: Returning to this side of the Atlantic, what other geographical markets are you focusing on? E. Mularoni: Above all Europe. Last year, 50% of our groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total revenues were generated from sales in European markets, where we consolidated our presence in particular in France and Germany. Italy now makes up almost 20% of our sales. The rest is split between the Far and Middle East, Australia and Africa. Tile International: How is European distribution changing? E. Mularoni: It is increasingly dominated by the large players. Purchasing groups and large retailers are the only channels that allow ceramic

companies to grow, unlike traditional customers which are generally poorly capitalised and often lack liquidity. The large size of these partners has enabled us to raise our standard of professionalism, particularly in terms of services for highly demanding customers who need to build stable partnerships with their suppliers. Tile International: What about Italy? E. Mularoni: Unfortunately, the Italian market is now 40% of the size it was in 2009, and in such a negative situation the highly fragmented distribution system has failed to develop new strategies apart from expanding and diversifying the range of products available

in showrooms. We have seen a few cases of concentration into groups, although this strategy has often been aimed solely at reducing prices. Tile International: What kinds of products are you concentrating on? E. Mularoni: We are seeing excellent results with high-thickness products in the due2 range, a full-body porcelain tile with a thickness of 20 mm for outdoor applications in place of stone and concrete. With this product we are currently one of the market leaders in terms of sales volumes and width of the range. It is also proving very popular in the United States, so we have also been producing it for some time in Loudon.

Tile International: Will your big financial commitment in the United States over the next few months leave room for any other investments? E. Mularoni: Although our group has invested a total of almost 100 million euros in the last three years, we are evaluating a new investment programme in Italy to expand our range to larger sizes and large strips. We believe in the importance of Italy, and the international investments we are making are aimed at strengthening our group as a whole and our Italian facilities. We also have a strong belief in our future, driven by what I see as an above-average level of dynamism and ability to do business. 5

Tile International 2/2016

In the spotlight by Paola Giacomini

RAK Ceramics invests in the future

Abdallah Massaad 2015 represented a solid operational growth year for RAK Ceramics in terms of both output volumes and turnover. One of the largest ceramic manufacturers in the world, RAK Ceramics has 14 plants in the United Arab Emirates (10 for tiles, 2 for sanitaryware, 1 for tableware and 1 for faucets) and a further 3 factories in India, Iran and Bangladesh. With a global annual production capacity of 110 million sq.m of tiles, 5 million pieces of sanitaryware, 24 million pieces of tableware and 600,000 pieces of faucet, RAK Ceramics has just celebrated 25 years of ceramics expertise. Although overall revenues decreased slightly last year, RAK Ceramics reported an upturn in profitability, with net prof-

Tile International 2/2016

its increasing by 10.2% over 2014 to approximately 76 million euros (AED 310.3 million), overall gross margin increasing to 28.2%, and EBITDA increasing by 1.7% to 146 million euros, 19.3% of total revenues. This trend has continued during the first few months of the current year. We spoke to Group CEO Abdallah Massaad to discuss the latest initiatives and the new projects aimed at further strengthening RAKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position amongst the major global players in the sector. Tile International: Firstly, could you describe RAKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main results in 2015? Abdallah Massaad: Overall revenues in 2015 decreased by 1.5% to 755 million euros (AED 3.1 billion), mainly due

In the spotlight

to adverse exchange rate effects. Core revenues (tiles, sanitaryware, tableware and faucets) generated a turnover of around 634 million euros (-2.9%, but +2.9% when applying currency exchange rates across both years), while non-core revenues increased by 6.9% to 121 million euros. Profitability improved sharply, mainly driven by the continued implementation of our Value Creation Plan and major enhancements in core businesses. Gross margin from core businesses rose to 29.3% driven by an increase in tile margins due to a wider range of offered products. This was coupled with a greater contribution from the highmargin sanitaryware core business and tableware. Tile International: How have you performed in the first few months of 2016? A. Massaad: The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main efforts in 2015 were aimed at preparing the ground for further growth in 2016, and in the first quarter of the current year RAK Ceramics registered a further 10.8% increase in net profit. Growth was led by an increase in sales of tiles, tableware and sanitaryware (+2.9%), supported by restructuring efforts in core markets. Non-core revenue dropped by 22.6%, partly due to the sale of RAK Logistics. Consolidated EBITDA rose by 6.7% and EBITDA margin increased to 18.8% as a result

of higher gross margins and reduced general, selling and administrative expenses. Tile International: What kind of trend did you see in your various geographical markets? A. Massaad: Around 80% of the products manufactured at Ras al-Khaimah are exported to over 150 countries around the world. The GCC remains one of the largest markets for RAK Ceramics as well as being its homeland, representing 46% of our total revenues. Despite the decline in oil prices and other challenges facing the region, in 2015 sales increased in both the UAE (driven by new residential and non-residential developments in anticipation of Expo 2020 in Dubai) and Saudi Arabia. Our other focus markets are Europe, MENA, and North Western Africa, as well as Iran, India and Bangladesh where we have production facilities. Revenue in our most strategic markets remained strong with a 5.9% increase in sales in the UAE driven by market demand for tiles. In Bangladesh, sales increased by 6.8% on the back of investments to expand capacity in sanitaryware by 25% in 2015 and the launch of a range of new tile sizes. There were notable project sales to government sector housing projects. Despite a slower-growing economy across Europe, RAK Ceram-

icsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sales to European countries rose by 7.5% year on year, confirming the positive trend reported in 2015. In 2015 we appointed a Vice President Sales and Marketing for Europe to work alongside the leadership team and accelerate strategic growth initiatives for our European business. We also opened a second distribution hub in Birmingham. In India, restructuring efforts and depreciation of INR by 8.4% year on year placed downward pressure on Q1 2016 performance, although we expect to see a strong recovery driven by the facility upgrading work in progress. Tile International: What kind of presence do you have in the US market? A. Massaad: Although we are already selling in the US, we do not yet have a strong presence. At the beginning of 2016 we opened an office in New York to expand sales of our tableware, and in tiles we are looking for growth opportunities outside our core markets, including the US. Tile International: 2015 and 2016 saw a strong focus on investments for the Group. Could you describe the most important of these? A. Massaad: We invested 75 million euros in 2015, primar-

Tile International 2/2016

In the spotlight

ily on expanding core businesses such as sanitaryware capacity in Bangladesh by 25%, enhancing technology and modernising equipment. This was the largest capital expenditure ever made in the core business, up by 85% from 2014. Investments made in the business were largely funded through cash flows from operations and incoming cash proceeds from disposal of assets in 2015. In the next few years RAK Ceramics is expecting major improvements and innovations in its corporate and production strategies and will also focus on improving profitability and increasing capacity in

Tile International 2/2016

its high margin sanitaryware business, with production capacity set to increase in India by 52%, Bangladesh by 25% and the UAE by 22% by the end of 2016. In addition to production investments, in late 2015 and the first quarter of 2016 we acquired 100% of our subsidiaries in Iran, India, the UK and Germany to enable the Group to retain the greatest amount of control over its global operations. Tile International: What types of products are your R&D activities focusing on in the tile sector and what new products are you presenting at Cersaie?

A. Massaad: Our R&D department is currently focusing mainly on two types of projects. The first consists of large-format slabs and panels produced using Continua+ technology which can be used to replace kitchen and bathroom surfaces as an alternative to granite or marble. Market demand in this segment is growing, not just because large-format panels meet the needs of the world of architecture but also because they are produced using more sustainable processes that reduce waste and emissions. The other even more innovative project con-

sists of a range of thermal ceramic solutions which we are launching at Cersaie. These include warmth-generating ceramic floor tiles for indoor use, energy saving ceramic faรงades and cooling ceramic products for exterior use which help to keep outdoor spaces comfortable. At the Bologna show we are launching our latest autumn collections with a strong focus on creativity and customisation. The possibility of mixing colours, textures, designs, sizes and materials allows for a mix-and-match fusion of contemporary and classic design and traditional and modern materials in keeping with the

In the spotlight

latest trends in the world of architecture: small sizes with super-sized slabs and shades of colour that merge to create an exciting new style of surface design. We are obviously helped in this by the fact that RAK produces tiles of any size from 10x10 cm up to 135x305 cm with a wide range of designs. We are also very excited to be launching our new global brand identity at Cersaie. We have been engaging with influencers, architects and key decision makers as part of our repositioning, and this has further strengthened our brand image as a ceramics expert.

Tile International: RAK Ceramics is strongly involved in major architecture projects. What are the most significant projects you have carried out in recent months? A. Massaad: In 2015 our tiles were used in many projects worldwide in Europe, South America, the GCC, India and Africa. RAK tiles and slabs were used in H&M stores in Sweden, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece and Taiwan; Park Royal Mall in Canada; the Indian High Commission Building, Tanzania; Radisson Hotel, Belgium; and Hilton Hotels in Chad and Sri Lanka amongst others. Our sanitaryware products were used

in many residential projects across the UAE, such as an Emirati Housing Development in Al Ain, Gulf Oasis Tower in Sharjah, Marina Residence in Dubai, Bayti Villas in Ras Al Khaimaha and Eni Shams Tower in Abu Dhabi, to mention just a few. Tile International: What are your expectations for 2016? A. Massaad: We know that 2016 will not be without its challenges and we should not underestimate the impact of the drop in oil prices on some of the most vital sectors of the economy, especially infrastructure and real estate. However, we are well prepared for the risks that

may arise from events such as the postponement of new projects, slow growth in the construction sector and general uncertainty regarding the impact of lower oil prices in the GCC. However, opportunities arise even during difficult periods, especially for companies like us that have a strong and well established position in many markets. We are always looking to find acquisitions to strengthen our network, sales and distribution channels and other opportunities to invest in attractively valued assets and in regions that have long-term favourable demographic trends. 5

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In the spotlight

Ceramica Fondovalle focuses on large-format panels large format segment. Rather than increasing output, we focused on improving product quality by introducing high-value materials with a much higher average selling price. Tile International: In which markets have you achieved the best

Maurizio Baraldi Two years after starting up the Sacmi Continua+ line for large-format ceramic panel and slab production, Ceramica Fondovalle is continuing to reap the benefits of an investment that has transformed the company in terms of both image and product range, enabling it to establish itself in new market segments with high-end products. Encouraged by the excellent results, chairman Maurizio Baraldi has launched a new series of investments that will culminate in early 2017 with the doubling of large-format panel and slab production and the creation of a processing centre. Meanwhile, work was recently concluded on the renovation of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters in Torre Maina (Maranello), where Maurizio Baraldi

Tile International 2/2016

welcomed us shortly before Cersaie to describe the forthcoming projects. Tile International: Firstly, how did Fondovalle perform in 2015 and in the first half of the current year? Maurizio Baraldi: 2015 was a very good year. We met our targets and the prospects for the current year are equally encouraging. We are looking to maintain the doubledigit growth rates we recorded in both 2014 and 2015, and based on the first-half results we are on course to meet these expectations. Merit for this must certainly go to a company strategy that has focused on human resources as well as the technological investments we made in 2013 and 2014, which enabled us to enter the extra-

results? M. Baraldi: We have seen fairly uniform growth in sales across all markets with the exception of Russia and other countries that have been hit by the current economic and political instability. In gener-

In the spotlight

al, launching innovative largeformat panels has enabled us to expand our customer base, a clear sign that we are headed in the right direction. Our biggest market remains Europe, and in particular Ger-

man-speaking countries. We have seen a strong improvement in our position in Frenchspeaking areas, as well as very good results in Australia and the Far East. But although we have a presence in North

America we have not yet built up a clientele that is receptive to our new products. Tile International: What about Italy? M. Baraldi: Although our business activities have so far con-

centrated on foreign markets, since the beginning of the year we have also made a big effort to refocus on the strategic Italian market. As a highly developed market that is receptive to high and very high-end products, it naturally offers excellent growth potential. This is confirmed by our results in the first half of the current year, when sales doubled with respect to 2015. Tile International: Which materials are currently proving most successful? M. Baraldi: Amongst the collections we presented at Cersaie last year, the metal and marble-inspired products and wood-effect planks in 24x240 cm and 40x240 cm sizes are doing particularly well. Tile International: So has the time come to increase production? M. Baraldi: Definitely, although this is only one of the projects being carried out as part of the all-round process and product innovation programme that began with the investments made in 20132014. A second kiln from Sacmiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high energy-efficiency EKO range will come into operation in early 2017 and will double the production capacity of large-format panels to 1.2 million sq.m/year. The new kiln will also enable us to expand our range of sizes, from our current largest size of 1200x2400 mm to 1600x3200 mm. We will be focusing in

Tile International 2/2016

In the spotlight

particular on 2 cm thick slabs aimed at various market segments, including bathroom and kitchen furnishing, interior design, and urban design with exterior pavers. For this purpose, we are investing strongly in aesthetic research aimed at creating highly textured surfaces and developing materials that are increasingly similar to marble and other natural stones, with special effects and finishes produced using coloured bodies and the double-filling technique. Specifically, we plan to renovate the entire section of the plant devoted to powder feeding by installing a line built by LB for direct colouring of spray-dried powder and technology for just-intime management of colours and tones based on the polychromatic concept. Our goal continues to be that of improving product quality and innovation, which I personally see as the only way forward for Italian-made products. Tile International: What about your other projects? M. Baraldi: In August this year we began building the new processing centre in Ubersetto, which will be used for all stages of panel finishing (cutting, rectification and honing) as well as packaging and finished product storage. This will ensure greater efficiency in terms of production and logistics. At the same time we are renovating the offices, showroom and factory in Marano,

Tile International 2/2016

In the spotlight

which will allow for more efficient production and product management. We are also investing in the creation of a corporate image that is more consistent with our new positioning. We have almost completed the remodelling of our headquarters in Torre Maina, which includes not just the offices and exteriors but above all the new showroom with a highly innovative display concept. These investments will not only create a very comfortable working environment for all our

employees but will also allow us to carry through the marketing strategies for the coming years by organising events and seminars promoting products and customer loyalty, which remains our most important asset. We will also pursue a training and education policy that will enable us to keep pace with the changes in the market. Last but not least, the restyled Fondovalle logo will be officially presented at Cersaie and will reflect the continuation of the company’s more than

50 years of history while being more in line with our current communication strategies and product positioning. The brand’s communication strategy will also be supported by an advertising campaign in key world markets. Tile International: What new products will you be presenting at Cersaie 2016? M. Baraldi: The new products reflect the most contemporary trends in architecture and complement a range that covers all product segments including marble, stone, con-

crete, wood and fabrics, but with the added value in terms of design that Fondovalle has always been able to bring to its collections. We hope that our creativity will add value to our customers’ showrooms and to designers’ creations. Tile International: What goals have you set yourselves for when the new investments are completed? M. Baraldi: Our goal is to reach a turnover of 60 million euros by 2019, which means practically doubling our current levels. 5

Tile International 2/2016

In the spotlight

New plants on-stream at Original Parquet obtaining specific certifications? R. Ballardini: Yes: the process of training and reorganisation necessary for obtaining ISO 9001 certification is now under way. And having already obtained FSC certification, we are now in the pro-

Roberto Ballardini Based in Alfonsine di Ravenna, Original Parquet SpA is one of the best-known Italian manufacturers of wood flooring on the world market. Over the years, the company has earned a reputation for offering a wide range of different treatments and finishes for its wood flooring, and in 2014 it decided to return almost all of its production processes to Italy. To do this it invested about one million euros in latestgeneration, all-Italian processing machinery and technologies, as Roberto Ballardini, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEO, was proud to tell us in our interview with him. Tile International: Have you now completed the process of installing new machinery at your Alfonsine plant for the production of your latest collec-

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tions of pre-finished wood flooring? Roberto Ballardini: Yes, we have finally finished assembling all our new plants, which are latestgeneration, Italian-made machines. This has enabled us to return the majority of our production to our own plant, so that we have direct control over it and minimise our recourse to outsourcing. Original Parquet embarked on this process in 2014, to make it an allItalian brand once again, because I am convinced that keeping close, constant control of the entire production cycle is the only way we can give full expression to our creativity, and play our trump cards - globally recognised design and quality - to best effect. Tile International: Has this process also involved

cess of obtaining PEFC certification too. Our aim is to develop top-end products that are instantly recognisable as belonging to the cream of Italian manufacturing. Tile International: How did you approach the task?

In the spotlight

R. Ballardini: We planned investments in processing machinery and technology - exclusively from Italian manufacturers - worth approximately one million euros. We have installed one new

latest-generation press for the fully automated construction of sandwich products (pre-finished flooring). This is capable of operating with 2-layer and 3-layer technology and produces flooring that can

also be laid on heated subfloors. We have also installed a profiling machine, for mak-

ing the tongue and groove on our engineered flooring, making it ideal for both floating and bonded installation. And we have purchased an in-line electronic cut-off saw/profiling machine for the production of made-to-drawing flooring and individual geometric shapes. We have also upgraded our extractor system in line with current regulations of course, and set up stabilisation chambers for the 2- and 3-layer sandwich products needed for the production of our prefinished flooring. On the personnel front, we have employed an engineer tasked with managing the Quality Assurance Laboratory and testing all products at the various processing stages and on completion. Furthermore, we have installed a Taber testing machine for testing the abrasion-resistance of our various surface finishes, and reorganised our warehouse, under the management of a newly appointed inventory and goods handling manager. Tile International: Which new product ranges are you presenting at Cersaie? R. Ballardini: At Cersaie, we are presenting the result of an in-depth design study conducted by Original Parquet and its technicians, aimed at

Tile International 2/2016

In the spotlight

re-introducing geometric design in wood flooring. We have made the product available both in individual pieces and pre-mounted compositions on 120x120 cm panels. In essence, we have extended the benefits of large formats to the world of wood flooring. In keeping with Original Parquet’s long-standing tradition, we offer a very wide range of surface finishes, including a

R. Ballardini: Yes, with the aid of Quadrastudio, which has been supporting Original Parquet’s communication for many years now, we have come up with a stand specifically designed to present our new collections of large-format, geometrically patterned panels, which are pre-finished with tongue and groove fittings. The pieces are diamondcut not laser-cut… and any-

completely new one: at Cersaie we are presenting an extremely high-strength finish (with sheen of 3 gloss units and hence a decidedly matt appearance) that is maintenance-free despite being a water-based product with natural waxes and UV-protective oil.” Tile International: Have you given your stand a makeover too?

Original Parquet's stand at Cersaie 2016

Tile International 2/2016

one who knows a bit about parquet is well aware of the difference between laser-cutting and diamond-cutting! Tile International: How has the company performed in the first half of 2016? R. Ballardini: Having the courage to re-establish our all-Italian brand identity has yielded results beyond our expectations: after closing 2015 with a 15% rise in turnover, we saw

In the spotlight

a further 12% increase at the end of July 2016 compared with the same period the previous year. Tile International: Do exports account for the lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share of your revenues? R. Ballardini: Yes, the domestic market accounts for just 5% of Original Parquetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turnover, and this rise in export orders confirms the high esteem in which Italian design and

manufacturing is held worldwide. We have achieved our best results in Europe, starting with Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and Ireland, but we are also reaping the rewards of the work done in previous years in Eastern Europe, in the form of particularly impressive results from Kazakhstan. We have also increased our turnover in Lebanon and in the Middle East in general. China has seen strong performance too, and we are expecting major developments in the coming months. 5

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In the spotlight

ABK Group begins production of large-format panels

Alessandro Fabbri After investing 20 million euros in the two facilities located in Finale Emilia and Solignano (Modena) in 2014-2015, the ABK Group has recently concluded a new 10 million euro project which, in the words of Alessandro Fabbri, CEO Sales & Marketing, “will enable the group to join the elite of large-format ceramic panel manufacturers”. A new complete plant began production at the Solignano facility at the end of August, while the finishing department is due for completion in late September with the installation of the third line for the production of large sizes. Shortly before Cersaie we met Alessandro Fabbri to discuss this latest strategic operation. With this new investment ABK Group is looking to main-

Tile International 2/2016

tain its process of continuous growth following a 5.8% increase in turnover in 2015 to 122.6 million euros (up 18% in two years) and an output of around 5.3 million sq.m/ year produced under the ABK, Ariana and Flaviker brand names. Tile International: Let’s begin with the results. Is it fair to say that your success is due to your ongoing efforts in product research and development? Alessandro Fabbri: It certainly owes much to our constant investments in research and development aimed above all at creating aesthetically and technically innovative materials. One example is Auto-Leveling, a new technology launched in 2014 that serves to automatical-

ly level panels during installation and thereby ensure perfect flatness. Last year we launched Wall&Porcelain, a new kind of porous stoneware that is ideal for use as an interior wall covering and combines the advantages of porcelain with those of double fired and monoporosa tiles while eliminating the problems typically associated with these products. But that’s not all. ABK Group has always aimed to develop high-quality cutting-edge products that are capable of meeting the needs of the market. I believe our success owes much to our longstanding awareness and attention to the world of interior design and decoration, based on exclusive solutions that set us apart from our global competitors in the world of ceramic tile production together with the added value of the Made in Italy label. Tile International: In your case, these product innovations have anticipated the needs of the market. A. Fabbri: That’s right. Today’s consumers are increasingly interested in materials inspired by the natural world such as high-quality stone and wood. Our response involved a stylistic exploration of wood effects coupled with the use of Auto-Leveling technology, a combination that enabled us to develop original collections such as Dolphin and Soleras and has made us a market leader for these kinds of products. Tile International: The expansion of your range to include large-format panels is an inevitable part of this process. Could you tell us about this latest investment? A. Fabbri: It’s a new plant built by Sacmi in which the core technology is the Continua+ line. It has a production

In the spotlight

ABK: "Lastre" cm 160x320 ABK: "Lastre" cm 160x320

capacity of 11,000 sq.m/day, raising the Solignano plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily output to more than 20,000 sq.m. Thanks to its high degree of flexibility, we will be able to produce a wide range of sizes in thicknesses from 6 to 20 mm. More specifically, starting out from the largest size of 160x320 cm, we have already developed a wide range of sub-multiples (160x160 cm, 120x240 cm, 120x120 cm, 80x240 cm, 80x160 cm and 80x80 cm) to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding and diversified international clientele. The line is also capable of applying a wide range of aesthetic effects, resulting in enormous potential for creativity and customisation. Tile International: Which market segments and geographical areas are your products aimed at? A. Fabbri: Our target market has always been the residential segment, although with these latest technological investments in large-format panels our Group is diversifying its range to reach out to architects and the world of large-scale contracts. Given that we already have a presence in more than 80 countries, our offerings will continue to be based on this geographical distribution, naturally giving priority to markets that already have a high level of organisation. Tile International: With a turnover of more than 122 million

Tile International 2/2016

In the spotlight

ABK: "Sensi" Pietra Grey Lux e Sable euros and 18% growth in two years, where are your biggest export markets and what are your most popular products outside Italy? A. Fabbri: We recently achieved excellent results in both European and overseas markets, where we have successfully established brands

Tile International 2/2016

thanks to our range of highquality, high-tech products. Europe remains our key market, although we have also achieved good results in North America and the Far East. Our most popular products continue to be porcelain floor tiles, a segment in which our group is building up a rep-

utation both for its product range and for technological solutions designed to simplify installation. In particular, our laboratories have developed ceramic bodies that give our products unique and highperformance technical characteristics, even in the case of large formats.

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Tile International: What's the situation in the domestic market? Have you prepared any specific marketing strategies to support your brands during this period of crisis? A. Fabbri: The Italian property market has deteriorated steadily over the last 10 years, prompting several of our com-

In the spotlight

ARIANA: "Concrea" petitors to disinvest and migrate towards more dynamic markets. However, our Group has always had a strong Italian identity and in spite of the difficult economic climate we have sought to maintain a presence in the country for all our brands. Rather than hiding behind the crisis, we have

tried to make it a growth opportunity by improving our level of communication. As well as continuing to create products and ranges that meet the demands of the most discerning consumers, our marketing department has developed various ways of interacting with the market aimed at

making a proactive contribution to sales. This includes video tutorials for our sales staff and area managers, prepackaged design proposals for sales outlets, communication support for designers, and participation in a variety of social networks. I don’t believe there’s a single recipe for overcoming a crisis. As far as we are concerned, I’m convinced that investing in both technology and human resources enables us to respond to challenges with the right degree of optimism. Tile International: In an increasingly globalised and digitalised market, do you consider it necessary to adopt new distribution and marketing strategies? A. Fabbri: The crisis teaches us to look for new inspirations and different ways of doing business. As I said, our group has tried to keep in step with the times by creating its own way of communicating with the market, exploiting in particular the opportunities offered by the web. But I must stress the importance of the human factor, which remains crucial for the promotion and sale of a product with emotional appeal like ceramics. This is why we are increasingly focusing on employee training. Technology helps us and makes life easier, so we must exploit its potential without making it our only tool. Tile International: How did

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you perform in terms of sales in the first half of 2016? A. Fabbri: In general we have maintained the positive results of the first quarter, both in the domestic market (approx. +5%) and in exports (approx. +10%). The Italian market is recovering and following an upward trend, while exports continue to grow. Our latest investments will enable us to gain new shares of the domestic and international markets. Tile International: What are your short and medium-term forecasts? A. Fabbri: It’s difficult to make medium or even short-term forecasts at the moment due to a number of external factors that may adversely impact investments. The UK’s exit from Europe is an unprecedented event that will certainly have repercussions, although it will be several months before we will really be able to assess the consequences of the decision. The US elections will have a major impact on US foreign policy in the event of a Republican victory, so that's another factor that may alter the global scenario. These are just a few examples of events that may affect forecasts. As for us, we are determined to expand our Group and brands and for this purpose we are adopting all the tools needed to deal with tomorrow’s market. 5

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In the spotlight

Major rebranding for Ceramiche Piemme

Massimo Barbari On the strength of 15 years of experience at Panaria Group, Massimo Barbari was appointed Managing Director of Ceramiche Piemme in April 2015, whereupon he immediately announced his commitment to "Repositioning the brands according to a more up-to-date strategic vision that will prompt the company to adopt a real brand culture, as a necessary means of boosting its profit margins." One year on from that interview, we have come to see Barbari again, to ask him how the implementation of his strategy is going and what the next steps are. Ceramiche Piemme closed 2015 with turnover of 96.3 million euros, a rise of 4.7% on the previous year. Tile

International:

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Are

you happy with your recent results? Massimo Barbari: Ceramiche Piemmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 economic results are gratifying because our exports grew and now account for 85% of our turnover, while we are also seeing a slight increase in sales on the Italian market. 2016 is also heralding a major shift in the balance of turnover, away from production on behalf of third-parties and towards sales under our own brands, which are increasing our profit margins and establishing our brand more firmly on the market. Production on behalf of partner companies is still a strategic part of Piemmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business model, but we are moving higher up the market with it, with a view to increasing our

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In the spotlight

Bits collection by Gordon Guillaumier margins. Tile International: Would it be fair to say that Piemme’s recently completed industrial modernisation plan has made it one of the most efficient manufacturers in Italy’s ceramic industry? M. Barbari: The industrial plan that Piemme finished implementing in 2015 is one of the biggest investments made in the Sassuolo ceramic cluster in recent years, and the company is now firmly founded on efficiency and product innovation. The Solignano plant produces 7.3 million square metres per year and now includes: one jet turbine for generating electricity, three spray-dryers with production capacity of 9,000 tonnes per week, nine latest-generation hydraulic presses, seven glazing lines backed up by seven Durst digital decoration stations, four high-efficiency single-channel roller kilns, three complete cutting/edge-

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grinding/polishing lines with production capacity of four million square metres per year and a fully automated internal handling system. All our production processes now take place in a single plant, with the aid of a fully upgraded information system that is capable of supervising all company activities in real time, from the arrival of deliveries of unprocessed clay to the issue of invoices for finished products. So yes, Piemme is definitely one of the most efficient manufacturers in the ceramic cluster, and my task now, in redefining our commercial and marketing strategies, is to implement a major rebranding drive. Tile International: Am I right in saying that you’re working on the cultural repositioning of the company? M. Barbari: Yes, and I feel that our company’s high production capacity, high-quality products and constantly in-

Tile International 2/2016

In the spotlight

creasing turnover make this cultural repositioning totally warranted. Tile International: What are the main planks of your rebranding strategy? M. Barbari: We are taking two key initiatives at this year’s Cersaie. In the meantime, we have grouped all our production under two clearly defined brands, whose new logos we are presenting: the first is Ceramiche Piemme – which absorbs Piemmegres, Studio and Club – and is a smart, con-

temporary brand dedicated to the production of floor and wall tiles in line with the latest trends in design, aimed at the mid-to-high segment of both the residential and commercial market. The second new logo is for the Valentino line, a top-end product with more sober, refined, western styling, reflecting the status of this international designer name, which will range from wall tiles to large-format floor tiles. Tile International: What about the second initiative?

Elegance collection

Claymood collection Tile International 2/2016

M. Barbari: As part of the same strategy, we have decided to completely overhaul our stand-space at Cersaie. There is no better place than Cersaie to present our new approach to branding, based on the clear division of our product range between the two new brands Ceramiche Piemme and Valentino, so we took the opportunity to re-design our display space completely, in order to represent

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the company’s smarter, more contemporary spirit. So we commissioned some architects we work with to design our stand in such a way as to communicate the concepts of sober modernity that now underpin the company’s offering, while remaining fresh and intuitive, to meet the needs of our best dealers and the designers who will be our guests during the event. Tile International: Do you

In the spotlight

feel the need to forge closer bonds with designers? M. Barbari: Because the restoration and remodelling of buildings accounts for an increasingly significant share of construction work, the role of architects and interior designers is now more important than ever. So we have stepped up our communication with them this year, with the aid of Gordon Guillaumier, a well known designer with

whom we have developed a line of products that we previewed at the Fuori Salone in Milan in April and that we are now presenting in definitive detail at Cersaie. To capture the attention of this important target audience, we believe we need to offer a strong brand identity – that we have established with Ceramiche Piemme – associated with a comprehensive range of latest-generation

porcelain tile featuring the innovative three-dimensional texturing that is our hallmark, and the distinctive polished effects that we are displaying at the trade fair, along with new finishes, to constitute fully fledged “architecture programmes” encompassing coordinated floor and wall tiles. Thanks to the major efforts we have recently made on the technological front, we are also presenting our first series in sizes 120x120 and 60x120 at Cersaie this year, because the trend for large formats is still growing. Having said that, small formats are coming back into fashion among interior designers, so we are adjusting our product range to cater for this as well. Tile International: So your action revolves primarily around repositioning the brand and building a mentality geared towards branded sales. Have you made any changes to your logistics and delivery management systems? M. Barbari: Yes, definitely. Our new business management system is now fully up and running and is enabling us to optimise distribution on our target markets. To achieve this, we have taken a series of steps aimed

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at internal reorganisation, including more efficient inventory management. The system has become a business intelligence tool on the one hand, and a customer relationship management tool on the other”. Tile International: In view of your good performance in the first half of this year, do you think that your 2016 results will be in line with the strong growth trend that you have established in recent years? M. Barbari: The first half of 2016 brought a 13% increase in general branded sales, while on the Italian market, the growth trend that began to emerge at the end of 2015 has been confirmed, although we are still a long way from a return to “normality”. Our target markets are still central Europe, which we tend to think of as our home market and where growth has continued in 2016; followed by the USA, which has posted significant growth; the Middle East, which is still doing well, and the Far East, where we are constantly increasing our turnover. So I am very confident that our strategy for decisive repositioning of the company on the market will yield excellent results again this year. 5

Tile International 2/2016

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Project

The Lutheran St. Martin's church in Kassel Floor renovation projects in churches can be demanding. Frequently, the floor covering's age and potential historic preservation status limit the options for restructuring. If the floor is also to be heated in spaces with low ceiling height, the available choices are few and far between. The solution found for St. Martin's church in the German town of Kassel consisted of an electrical surface heating system with minimal height, which also functions as an uncoupling and waterproofing assembly. The Lutheran St. Martin's church in Kassel can accommodate 1,400 visitors, making it the largest church in the Northern Hessian town. The sacral structure contains the gravesites of numerous dukes and canons from the state as well as those of eminent town citizens. In addition to worship services, the church also hosts many other events. For example, the venue was used for contemporary art exhibits to accompany the documenta art event.

The history St. Martin's church The construction of the church known as St. Martin's began in the mid-14th century. After years of slow construction progress, the official consecration of the church took place in 1462, although part of the vaulted ceiling had collapsed. It took until the end of the 19th century for the church to be fully finished with the completion of two neo-Gothic towers. Large parts of St. Martin's church were destroyed during WWII. During the

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subsequent renovation, the church nave was reconstructed, but the two towers were rebuilt in a modern design. The church was newly consecrated in 1958 after extensive repairs. Among the objectives of the current complete overhaul was the renovation of the heavily used, 800 m2-floor covering in the main space, since the previous covering of sandstone was damaged in several places. "We wanted the floor design to closely follow the original concept of architect Heinrich Otto Vogel from the post-war reconstruction era in the 1950s," explains Dr. Hans Helmut Horn, the chairman of

the church council for the Lutheran parish in mid-town Kassel. "We therefore had to replace the damaged sandstone with dark prefabricated concrete slabs. Since we had wanted to install a floor heating system, the new stone covering gave us an opportunity to combine both objectives."

Durable, dependable and elegant Because the old church pews were being replaced with new seating, the new floor covering had to be of consistent height over the entire area. Church leaders also

wanted durable material and few floor joints. It was ultimately agreed to use prefabricated concrete slabs in the dimensions 60x60 cm with a thickness of 4 cm to meet the expectations for durability, thermal conductivity, and design. The removal of the old floor coverings - including damaged parquet underneath the pews that was 2 cm higher than the surrounding sandstone - revealed a highly heterogeneous substrate. It consisted of concrete and screed areas in various heights and slopes, which in part were covered with bitumen sheets. "The floor level

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was defined by the door openings, including connections to adjacent rooms. We therefore had to plan on a very low screed height. The entire assembly height, including the covering, was just 10 cm," recounts Jürgen Schimmelpfeng of the architectural firm Müntinga und Puy in Bad Arolsen, who oversees the project. The bonded uncoupling membrane Schlüter®-DITRA 25 was used to guarantee a permanently safe and damage-free covering to meet these requirements. Since the floor in the publicly used space was to be heated as well, Schlüter product advisor

Tile International 2/2016

Project

Marcus Srnec, who supported the project on site, recommended the electrical floor heating system Schlüter®DITRA-HEAT-E. "This system from a single source was the ideal solution because of its extremely low assembly height," comments master tile installer, Zdzislaw Kotwa. As the executive manager of the tile installation company Otto GmbH in Marsberg-Westheim, which is certified to install Schlüter products, Kotwa worked with his team to install the system in St. Martin's church. He has cooperated with the architects of Müntinga und Puy on many occasions. The electrical contractor involved in the renovation work made the connection to the existing heating system. With its low assembly height of just 5.5 mm including heating cables, DITRA-HEAT-E is an ideal solution renovation projects. In addition to distributing pleasant heat throughout the floor covering, the system also functions as a reliable bonded uncoupling assembly and keeps the artificial stone permanently damagefree, even with heavy traffic loads and in the presence of problematic substrates such as the mixed floor in this case. As the architect, Mr. Schimmelpfeng, emphasizes, this is an important consideration in St. Martin's church: "The covering is used heavily. In addition to worship services, this venue regularly hosts major

Tile International 2/2016

events such as exhibits or concerts that involve moving large loads, in part even with cherry pickers and similar equipment." Since the perimeter of the public use area was secured with the uncoupling assembly Schlüter®-DITRA 25 to permanently protect the artificial stone against damage from traffic loads, the entire system for the 800 m2 area came from a single source. DITRA HEAT-E is based on the proven DITRA technology. In addition to ensuring efficient uncoupling, DITRA-HEAT transfers traffic loads on the covering directly to the substrate, using the stud structure filled with thin-set screed. Furthermore, the polypropylene membrane serves as a reliable bonded waterproofing assembly that is officially approved under the German building code and also features CE marking.

No more cold floors After the installation of the uncoupling membrane on the substrate, the heating cables were snapped into the stud patterns of the DITRA-HEAT-E membrane. In contrast to conventional heating mats, this approach allows for the individual selection of the area to be heated. The tile installer team of Zdzislaw Kotwa was able to install the artificial stone immediately afterwards, using an installation machine

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Project

ISSUU

owned by the company. This enabled the easy and precise placement of the heavy slabs. Together with the forced-air system that warms the floor in the building through air ducts, DITRA-HEAT-E will heat some 200 square meters of the 800 m2 space to make sure visitors to the church's public space with a capacity for 300 stay pleasantly warm. The thermal conductivity of the artificial stone and its interaction with the heating system was reviewed in a test slab in advance. The test revealed that the usual installation of the cables around every third stud of the

uncoupling membrane was sufficient to bring the floor covering to the required temperature in the desired time. That was precisely the goal, says Schimmelpfeng: "We frequently work with floor heating systems - their quick responsiveness is critical to minimize heat-up time. This was our first installation of the electrical floor heating DITRAHEAT-E, and we were highly satisfied with the results." Both M端ntinga und Puy and Otto GmbH regularly employ solutions by Schl端ter-Systems. Both companies have cooperated in other church restoration projects in the past, using the floor heating system

multimedia

Schl端ter速-BEKOTEC-THERM. In the present case, even the lowest possible assembly variety of the ceramic thermal comfort floor - 25 mm including uncoupling-would have exceeded the available space. The use of the electrical floor heating system was therefore a unique solution. The remaining restoration work at St. Martin's is currently being completed at high speed. After the floor renovation, the entire interior space was freshly painted, using large-scale scaffolds. The weight of the equipment was a first load test for the new floor covering, which it passed with flying colors. Dr.

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Hans Helmut Horn is pleased with the final result: "It is obvious that a structure of these dimensions, in which for fifty years only the most pressing repairs were made, had a few structural and technical deficits. The renovation of the interior space has addressed virtually all of these. The interior space will offer a welcoming atmosphere for future church functions and other events such as our regular concerts at St. Martin's and external exhibits, as well as for the parish worship services." The gentle radiated heat of the electrical floor heating system will keep visitors warm and comfortable on those occasions. Together with DITRA 25, the system will also keep the new floor covering attractive and free of damage for the long term. 5

Tile International 2/2016

Project

Hotel Seamarq, South Korea The old Hyundai Hotel Gyeongpodae, now known as the Seamarq Hotel, has been completely redesigned by architect Richard Meier for the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics, to be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The hotel, which is composed of two buildings connected by a bridge, is located on a hill facing the sea to the East, Lake Gyeongpo to the South and the Taebaek Mountains (elevation 1567 m) to the West. The hotel’s Tower is anchored to the summit of the hill, while the Banquet Hall stands on the lower plateau. These two buildings are joined by a bridge, which thus integrates and adapts the structures to the landscape. The trapezoidal form of the Tower stands 11 storeys over a base structure of four storeys, and houses 150 guest rooms. The top of the Tower houses the Presidential Suite with its large terrace and indoor garden, with views in all directions. A large platform on the roof of the Banquet Hall, the four-storey building on which the Tower is built, supports an overflow swimming pool overlooking the sea, and a wide space with large windows for hosting events. The terrace leading to the swimming pool is floored with Listone Giordano’s Outdoor Ipé Decking* collection.

Tile International 2/2016

The bar is at ground level, facing the sea, and features an external platform extending from the lobby in a curve. The restaurant is beneath the lob-

by, immersed in its natural setting, with a splendid panoramic view of the sea and its beaches. The wellness centre is located

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on the next level down, with views onto the encircling hill and its natural vegetation. All these public areas – the bar, gym and the various

Project

Richard Meier graduated from Cornell University in 1957, and met Le Corbusier during his first trip to Europe. After his return to the United States, he maintained his relationship with Le Corbusier and, together with architects Peter Eisenman, John Hejduk, Michael Graves and Charles Gwathmey, founded the New York Five group. From 1958 to 1963, Meier collaborated with renowned architecture studios such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Marcel Breuer’s studio. In 1963, he designed his first building, a home for his parents in Essex Fells in New Jersey, followed immediately by the Smith House in Darien, Connecticut – the project that made his name internationally. In 1967 he worked on the conversion of the Bell Labs in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. In 1984, at just 49 years of age, he became the youngest architect to win the Pritzker Prize. Over the following years he designed numerous prestigious buildings, including the Getty Center in Los Angeles and the High Museum of Art, Atlanta. Meier’s first project in Italy was the 1996 restoration of the Ara Pacis Museum in Rome, which was followed in 2006 by his design for the Italcementi Research Centre in Bergamo. Following the competition launched by the Vicariate for the Jubilee in 2000, Meier was commissioned to build the Dives in Misericordia Church in Rome.

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Project

rooms – have been floored with prestigious parquet from Listone Giordano’s Indoor Classica** and Atelier Collection*** lines. The silhouette of the building changes according to the point of view, while the floating balconies, articulated floors, varying heights and cantilever roof of the Presidential Suite on the Tower’s top floor are crucial components of a design that leverages the positioning of structures in space and relative to natural light. 5

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multimedia

*Listone Giordano Outdoor offers a range of highly technological outdoor wooden flooring solutions for a wide range of design requirements. The woods are chosen for their resistance to the weather, and feature an innovative, patented construction system. ** The evolution of the groundbreaking multilayer patent, Indoor Classica stands out for its large panel sizes, vast range of colours of

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certified oak, natural finishes and customisable laying solutions. ***Atelier Listone Giordano is a future-oriented solution based nonetheless on the values of Italian craftsmanship and the culture of antique wood. To the continuously varying natural grain patterns of oak, the company adds its manual treatment processes, which make the surface of each panel a unique and unrepeatable work of art.

Tile International 2/2016

Project

San Benedetto Abate, Gonzaga, Mantua The parish church of San Benedetto Abate is located in Gonzaga in the Italian province of Mantua. The church was damaged by an earthquake in 2012 and although there was no major collapse, building work had to be carried out to consolidate the structure and renew the floor. According to some sources, the church of San Benedetto Abate was one of the first to be built by Matilde di Canossa, between about 1080 and 1090, on the foundations of an earlier chapel, and was later given to Benedictine monks. Whether its original plans included a monastery, however, is not documented. Major renovations were then done over the centuries, and the restoration work carried out between 1980 and 1983 provided fresh insights into the history of the various construction phases, including details of the first Romanesque church built in the region and its 15th Century successor. The original chapel dedicated to Saint Benedict was demolished in 1089 and replaced with a large church (44 metres long), with three naves, a transept and three semicircular apses. The building then underwent a long series of modifications over the centuries: the reconstruction of the naves dates back to 1534, while the interior wall decorations date back to 1868, when the entire roof was also rebuilt. Lastly, in 1925, the faรงade was rebuilt in mock Romanesque style, which involved demolishing the original main entrance hall.

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The new flooring In May 2012, an earthquake caused severe structural damage to the church. The opportunity was therefore taken to install an underfloor heating system, which could not be laid on top of the existing flooring as this would raise its level beyond acceptable limits. To overcome the problem, the old flooring was removed, and the builders dug out approximately 30 cm of soil beneath it. They laid a layer of fine sand on top of this and then applied a vapour barrier, consisting of a polythene sheet 200 microns thick. Next they laid a panel on this sheet, and installed the pipes for the heating system on top it, before recovering and relaying the original flooring, to meet the requirements governing the preservation of artistic heritage. The pipes for the underfloor heating system were then incorporated into the floor screed, which is 5 cm thick, together with the necessary expansion joints. After leaving the screed to cure for 28 days and applying thermal shock in accordance with EN 1264, Prodeso, a waterproof polythene separating membrane, was then glued directly to the screed. Suitable for use on any type of indoor or outdoor substrate, this membrane has circular cavities in it and is coated on

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both sides with a thermowelded polypropylene non-woven fabric, which ensures good adhesion to the substrate and anchoring to the floor. Prodeso uniformly distributes the weight and heat of the heating system, and because it acts as a separating layer, it also increases the elasticity of the floor system, thus absorbing the settling of the screed and considerably reducing the risk of breakage and

Tile International 2/2016

cracking of the floor. The floor was finished with handmade terracotta tiles in size 30x30 cm, with a thickness of 3 cm. Thanks to the Prodeso membrane, it was possible to lay these tiles without any joints between them and without expansion joints either. Thirty days after the terracotta tiles were laid, the floor was washed and treated with appropriate products. 5

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Torre Glorieta, Mexico City Soaring above the vibrant heart of Mexico City, close to the intersection between Avenida Insurgentes and Avenida Chapultepec, stands a recently-constructed tower building that is intended to serve as a driver of economic growth. The building is strategically located at a nerve centre and major transport hub of Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital and stands out in particular for its iconic configuration and topography. Designed by Mexican architects Sholem and Yoram Cimet, Torre Glorieta 20 epitomises the process of urban regeneration that has transformed Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital after years of decay, finally enabling the area to fulfil its potential through targeted interventions and huge private and government investments. The tower rises 26 storeys to a height of 118 metres and extends over a floor area of 60,000 square metres. It consists mainly of offices and has an eco-friendly architectural structure that attains excellent standards of energy saving, in particular the exacting requirements of LEED Platinum certification. The structure has a distinctive inwardly-arching shape that appears to visually embrace the surrounding area and its complex, irregular urban fabric. The triple-height lobby with its striking nocturnal lighting is directly accessible from the nearby public transport stop by means of a walkway surrounded by vegetation. Further value is added by the presence of a double-height multifunctional auditorium intended for multiple uses.

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Maximum comfort in all interior spaces is guaranteed by the 360 degree panoramic view and the natural light filtering in through the low-emissivity glass facades.

The roof garden Alongside the structure stands an 8-storey car park with a 900 square metre roof garden. The primary requirement when creating the raised outdoor area was to choose highly durable products capable of withstanding the wear that inevitably occurs in external spaces. In particular, the waterproofing solutions from Hydrotech-USA guarantee a lifetime of around 50 years, while the raised floor was built using systems supplied by Belgian firm Buzon Pedestal International, including around 7,000 PB* series screwjack pedestals with heights of between 15 and 485 mm. These pedestals are particularly suitable for use on

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terraces thanks to the exclusive BC-PH5 slope corrector, which is capable of compensating for slopes of between 0 and 5%.

The polypropylene pedestals guarantee high dimensional stability, a long lifetime and maximum resistance to weathering and UV radiation.

*BUZON PB SERIES PEDESTALS The PB Series pedestals are specially designed for accessible terraces and have screw supports for precise height adjustment from 28 to 965 mm. They are ideal for raised floors on roofs (directly above the waterproofing), terraces, balconies, roof gardens, flat roofs consisting of ceramic panels or slabs of minimum thickness 20 mm or natural or composite wood planks. The system is also suitable for swimming pool surrounds, podiums and raised access floors in general. The following special pieces can be applied to the PB Series pedestals: â&#x20AC;˘ BC-PH5 patented slope corrector, which can be positioned under the base of the pedestal to compensate for slopes from 0 to 5%

Tile International 2/2016

In the Torre Glorieta project, they were used to support 2 cm thick exterior porcelain pavers extending along all the roof garden walkways

and paved areas, creating an aesthetic result that is consistent with the location and the high visual quality of the entire area. 5

â&#x20AC;˘ 1 and 2 mm pure EPDM rubber leveller to be placed between the foot and the slab with a non-slip and anti-noise function. First invented by Claude Buzon in 1987 (the company will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year), Buzon pedestals have evolved constantly over the years to meet the needs of architects and to offer the maximum design freedom. Sold in more than 40 countries, Buzon pedestals come in 3 different series. In addition to the PB series, the range also includes the BC series and the DPH series, the only one with slope corrector integrated into the head. The services offered to professionals include technical support, CAD design and on-site training during start-up.

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FOCUS ON Cersaie 2016

Cersaie 2016

Cersaie 2016: an international showcase saie’s status as a leading event for global business development for ceramic and bathroom furnishing manufacturers, and a powerful driver of international trade: visitors to last year’s edition came from 170 countries, and the exhibitors’ stands received countless visits from international delegations, organised within the framework of the Cersaie Business programme, in conjunction with the Italian foreign trade institute (ICE) and the Emilia Romagna Regional Council.

The 2016 edition of Cersaie will undoubtedly see a major influx of foreign visitors, who last year accounted for 47.4% of total attendance. So the event will again be the international showcase that it was in 2015, which saw total

attendance of 101,809 people (+0.8%), 48,231 of whom were from outside Italy, representing a rise of 1,632 on the previous edition. The 156,000 square metres of exhibition space at the Bolo-

EXHIBITORS AT CERSAIE 2015

gna trade fair complex are now being prepared once again to showcase the products of about 900 companies from all over the world: in 2015, 37% of the 872 exhibitors were from outside Italy and represented 39 different countries. These figures confirm Cer-

Vittorio Borrelli, Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica, said: “The fact that all the standspace was fully booked three months before the event’s opening proves that Cersaie is the world’s leading trade fair for ceramic and other flooring and bathroom furnishing materials, and that the industry sees Cersaie - and its ability to forge relations with the international distribution system as the key fixture in its calendar”. 5

Exhibitors 2015 INDUSTRY EXHIBITORS

872*

of which: Ceramic tiles

491

Bathroom furnishing

226

Raw materials and semi-finished products

Equipment and materials for the display and installation of ceramic products

Publishing and services

VISITORS TO CERSAIE 2015 2014 TOTAL VISITORS Foreign trade operators: from

* of which: 553 Italian and 319 foreign (from 39 countries) Tile International 2/2016

Italian trade operators

128

2015

100,985

101,809

+0.8

46,599

48,231

153 countries

170 countries

+3.5

54,386

53,578

-1.5

DESIGN HAS ITS HABITAT. The place where one should live.

floor COLLECTION STILE URBANO - FERRO 60x120 wall COLLECTION LOFT DESIGN - WHITE LOFT 6x25

CERSAIE 2016 HALL 54 STAND 26 B

www.polis.it

Cersaie 2016

Beautiful Ideas!

The poster for Cersaie 2016 Four factors - trade fair, meeting place, interaction between people and knowledge of the material - lie at the root of the poster for Cersaie 2016. “The new image revolves around the concept of the trade fair as a meeting point between different levels and spaces held together by the common thread of ceramic in its many creative and technological forms, but also as a forum for interaction between people who are interested in learning about this exceptional material and innovating and designing with it.” The concept uses a compilation of photographic images to represent tiles in cross section and emphasise their character as a product and a building component. The image

derives from the creativity and graphic design of Silvia Spilateri, a third-year student of Industrial Design at the University of Palermo, and was selected as the institutional image for the 34th edition of Cersaie, the international exhibition of architectural ceramic and bathroom furnishing, which again this year - through an invitation-only competition - gave students at Italian universities the opportunity to create the new image for 2016.

(Product and Event Design) and Università di Palermo (Industrial Design). The jury that picked the winner was made up of professionals from the world of design, such as Anna Steiner, a lecturer at the Politecnico di Milano, and Gianluigi Colin, Art Director of Corriere della Sera, and representatives of Confindustria Ceramica.

Three universities took part in the 2016 edition of the Beautiful Ideas competition: Università “La Sapienza” di Roma (Design, Visual and Multimedia Communication); Università Politecnica di Genova

- Università di Palermo Silvia Spitaleri - Scuola Politecnica III, C.d.S in Disegno Industriale Laboratorio di Disegno Industriale

MBRE 2016

BOLOGNA, 26 - 30 SETTE

promosso da CONFINDUSTRIA CERAMICA

in collaborazione con da RIA CERAMICA CONFINDUST organizzato

segreteria operativa

Promos srl

www.cersaie.it

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Cersaie 2016 ISSUU

multimedia, links

in text!

Living, dwelling, thinking: Ugo La Pietra set to deliver a “Lesson in reverse” He has put on over 900 personal and collective exhibitions at the Venice Biennial, the Milan Triennial, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Pompidou Centre in Paris... Cersaie is a trade event that has long been enhanced with special initiatives encompassing architecture, interior design, installation and end-users. The programme of cultural events known as “Building, dwelling, thinking” was launched in 2009, in the wake of the financial crisis, as the world became more aware of the need to reflect on the past and present to imagine the future and invent new ways forward. This prompted Cersaie to look beyond its traditional boundaries and open up a platform for discussion between architects, and examine the issues of sustainability and environmental recovery that the building industry has no choice but to face. To tackle such important topics, past editions of “Building, dwelling, thinking” have involved speakers of the highest standing, such as Renzo Piano, Mario Botta, Enzo Mari, Cino Zucchi, Alessandro Mendini and Kazuyo Sejima from the world of architecture and design, and Luigi Zoja and Giuseppe Culicchia from the humanities. Cersaie 2016 also has a top-level programme in the pipeline for “Building, dwelling, thinking”. On Friday 30 September at 10.00 am in the Europauditorium in Palazzo dei Congressi, for example, Ugo La Pietra will be delivering his “Lesson in reverse”, but for the events not yet finalised at the time of writing, we advise you to stay connected to: www.cersaie.it Ugo La Pietra was born in Bussi sul Tirino (Pescara) in 1938 and lives and works in Milan. Since the 1960s, his work has appeared in the most advanced artistic research (conceptual art) and in environmental experiments involving radical design and architecture. In 1979 he won a Compasso d’Oro award for a study of furnishings for Case Gescal, and in 2009 he was given a life-long achievement award at Palermo Design Week and produced a design for Piazza di Giffoni in Salerno. He has put on over 900 personal and collective exhibitions

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at the Venice Biennial, the Milan Triennial, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the Museum of Contemporary Craft in New York, the Galleria Palazzo Galvani in Bologna, the Neue Galerie in Graz, the Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara, the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, the Fondazione Ragghianti in Lucca, the MIC in Faenza and many more. He has taught at almost all the faculties of architecture in Italy, from Milan to Palermo and Turin to Venice, as well as at the ISIA in Faenza, the Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan, the Politecnico di Milano, the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and the NABA in Milan.

as easy as ... child’s play

Manual cutting system for porcelain tiles and slabs from 0 to 340 cm (134”) (1 cm thickness max)

Motorized dry cutting system for slabs and porcelain tiles, granite, marble from 0 to 340 cm (134”) (2 cm thickness max)

Looking forward to meeting you from 26 th to 30 th September 2016

Hall 44 - Stand 11

Brevetti Montolit SpA • Largo Cav. Montoli • 21050 Cantello (VA) Italy • www.montolit.com

Cersaie 2016 ISSUU

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CER-SAIL Italian Style Concept Event-exhibition A “port” will be the star of the 3rd collective exhibition held at Cersaie 2016, curated by Angelo Dall’Aglio and Davide Vercelli.

Angelo Dall’Aglio

Davide Vercelli

The event draws inspiration from the Italian Council of Ministers’ approval of a strategic national ports and logistics plan aimed at improving the competitiveness of Italy’s port system and boosting growth in through-flows of goods and people by means of a rationalisation process. With 8,000 km of coastline, after all, Italy is perfectly placed to become a major, organised, natural hub in the Mediterranean, and the upgrading of the country’s port areas is an integral part of the plan. In this respect, the design of the collective exhibition Cer-Sail Italian Style Concept draws inspiration from classical Greek and Roman ports, as places of commercial and cultural exchange, in order to present new concepts intended to re-purpose and upgrade Italy’s commercial and leisure ports. The exhibition will present the idea of a port as a living and liveable space all the year round, not just as a place that people transit through, but as somewhere to go for dinner or an aperitif, and somewhere to create appropriately designed venues for meetings, events and happy hours. In the wake of the success of the two previous editions, Cer-Sea in 2014 and Cer-Stile in 2015 – which attracted a total of 23,500 visitors and 146 exhibitor companies – Cer-Sail Italian Style Concept aims to provide economic stimulus by bringing a selection of top-end companies into contact with international buyers and an audience of professionals

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constantly on the look-out for new creative cues. Using surreal, ironic scenarios combined with realistic settings, equipped with products and solutions by leading companies in a wide range of sectors, Cer-Sail Italian Style Concept will occupy an extensive area measuring 1,500 square metres in Pavilion 30 of the Bologna trade fair complex. All the information you need about the exhibition is available on www.cersaie.it/it/k_cer-sail.php

Cer-Sail Italian Style Concept Themes: HOSPITALITY Hotels, bars, restaurants and sports areas: a starting point for redesigning our habitat to make it fit the needs of people FASHION Showrooms and boutiques: fashion and elegance in pure Italian style EVENTS - An area designed for meetings, conferences and happy hours. MATERIALS - The best of Italian manufacturing. The real valueadded of this cross-sectoral exhibition is the cross-pollination between the different materials and products. BUSINESS - Not just suggestions but tangible business opportunities DESIGN - A recovery project that heads in the direction of cultural change.The best Italian products on display in an unconventional context

Cersaie 2016

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Cersaie 2016

ABK Sensi

Sensi is a ceramic project that offers an extremely contemporary reinterpretation of marble. SENSI conveys the various sensations associated with the natural source material by processing it in two different ways, namely manual sanding and polishing, which ABK offers in the form of its Sablé and LUX+ finishes. -Sensi Sablé is characterised by a slightly pointillist pattern, which creates the optical illusion of three-dimensionality on a mildly textured but extremely soft surface. And outstanding example of technical

evolution in ceramic manufacturing, Sablé pieces stand out for the quartz-effect materials applied in perfect harmony with the natural grain patterns of marble. - Sensi Lux+ is a smooth, highly polished finish achieved by means of a specific formulation of the surface layer, which makes it possible to make striking use of the full potential of the latest-generation lapping systems. The level of sheen of the finished panels is 100 gloss units and the pores are completely saturated, thus offer-

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ing improved stain resistance in a modest thickness of 9mm. Three light tones – Statuario White, Calacatta Select and Sahara Cream – are complemented by two more intense shades – Arabesque Silver (photo 2) and Pietra Grey – thus offering the possibility of combined solutions for indoor floor and wall tiling. - Feel (photo 1) is a textured field tile with a sculptural appearance, produced in size 30x120 for the creation of visually evocative 3D-effect walls.

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Cersaie 2016

S M E T S Y S L A D N A S.A.P. 4

Founded in the heart of Calabria in 2012, AndalSystem has rapidly become a key player in the sale of levelling spacers, which are now an essential part of the tile setterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armoury, especially for the installation of large formats and extra-slim edge-ground formats. So in the space of just a few

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years, AndalSystem has developed its fourth system, known as S.A.P.4, which is a huge leap forward compared with traditional, wedge-type self-levelling systems. The S.A.P. 4 spacer is an innovative, screw-type self-levelling system that represents the absolute top product on the market today.

S.A.P. 4 consists of two elements (screw clip and cap) that ensure perfect levelling of floor and wall tiling by means of an extremely simple automatic screw-clamping method. And the product is eco-sustainable too, because it is made entirely recycled material.

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Evo-Q. The stone becomes project

Collection Evo-Q. Brick MedLey

Brand of Emilceramica SpA - ceramicheprovenza.com

Cersaie 2016

Pætchwork/ Boiserie, a strikingly unique tile from the Pætchwork/ Collection, is the result of a professional partnership between Cotto, a trendsetting manufacturer of tiles and san-

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itaryware, and Piero Lissoni, a world-leading designer. Representing a perfect combination of oriental artistry and rigorous western design, Pætchwork/ Boiserie offers something

completely different, in the form of tiles that appear to be encased in wood frames. Simple and sophisticated in equal measure, this unique approach draws inspiration from

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Asian woodworking traditions and offers a warm but stylish look. The colour palette includes eggshell and graphite, and the tiles are available in two sizes, 30x30

Cersaie 2016

O T T O C PĂŚtchwork Boiserie

cm and 30x60 cm, for maximum versatility of installation. Experience the full collection at CERSAIE 2016, Hall 15, Stand B7-C8. And enjoy a preview on www.cotto.com.

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Cersaie 2016

A C I M A R E EMILC EVO-Q EVO-Q puts the finishing touch to the Provenza collection. Evo-Q Light Grey 80x120cm in the hall: a neutral tone, soft modern col-

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ours and more minimalist styles hint at a desire for natural, refined atmospheres.â&#x20AC;¨Such is the thinking behind the Evo-Q collection, a quartzite that inter-

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prets the latest trends, and embodies a sober taste expressed through the natural colours of stone, such as white, sand, light grey and dark grey.â&#x20AC;¨Evo-Q is a var-

Cersaie 2016

ied project in terms of sizes, finishes and textures, designed to give architects the freedom to create a wide range of environments of different sizes styles and atmos-

pheres, whether large or small, public or private, giving each a specific personality of its own. Use combinations of smooth or three-dimensional textures, with natu-

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ral and lapped finishes, to create effective contrasts without compromising the elegance and harmony of the environment.

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Cersaie 2016

O C S E C N A FR O I A M DE Antique Antique, hand-decorated majolica still evokes the magnificent style of Vietri and reinterprets the great classics of traditional decoration. The blue, azure, copper green and other colours in the Grandi Classici collection by Ceramica Francesco De Maio

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incorporate precious fragments of the great artistic heritage of Vietriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ceramic production. Made using ancient techniques passed down through the generations, these hand-painted tiles are decorated with Roman, Arabic, Renaissance and Baroque motifs.

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http://www. .com

THE WEB MAGAZINE by

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Cersaie 2016

K E T R IMPEMega-Pro

As of now, as well as offering products, Impertek also gives you the tools you need to develop your projects. A leading manufacturer of building products for over 30 years, Impertek has never stopped innovating. It has always provided its customers with the support they need, and has now extended this concept by creating MegaPro, a web application for designing coverings laid using Jack Supports and MegaMart supports for exterior floating floors. Accessible directly online, MegaPro has all the strengths of a website, including ease of use and constant updating. By logging into your own unique reserved area, you can access a workspace where you can design covering projects on the basis of your own fully customisable technical drawing. 90 - Tile Italia 4/2014

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The virtual tools on hand replicate the real ones you need for technical drawing, such as a drawing board, ruler, zoom, editing function, etc., plus the possibility of showing the height of each section. The supports are chosen from the full range of Jack and MegaMart Supports, and you can quickly set the characteristics of the flooring on which you are working. Another unique and vital feature of MegaPro is that it enables you to save your projects and generate specifications for each one, with details of the supports used. Impertek has always paid close attention to technological innovation, and is now providing its customers with customised, easyto-use support, thus revolutionising the concept of online estimates.

Cersaie 2016

I T I N A R G L ITA Spatula

Spatula is a resin-effect porcelain tile that combines the aesthetics of hand-crafted surfaces with the highest technological performance. Spatula reproduces the striking effects of a covering applied with a spreader, and the porcelain

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tile modules feature uniquely dynamic cracked surface effects. Spatula is available in seven colours, for unlimited scope for creativity, and two finishes designed with modern interiors in mind.

Cersaie 2016

Tratto is a 60x120 cm module, belonging to the Spatula collection, designed to enhance the appeal of all vertical surfaces. Available in three colours, this charmingly irregular, three-dimensional material is a

feast for the eyes. Photo captions: wall covering SPATULA Tratto Pearl 60x120 and Black Hewn Mosaic 30x30; floor covering MY PLANK Classic 20x120 Texture.

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Cersaie 2016

E T E R LATIC Permacolor Select Anycolor

“Permacolor Select Anycolor™ is a perfect product to announce as we celebrate 60 years of building chemistry,” said Sean Boyle, Senior Director of Marketing and Product Management US. “We took our most unique product and made it better by offering our customers access to an extremely wide range of colours. I think it is safe to say Laticrete now owns grout colour!”

Tile International 2/2016

Permacolor Select Anycolor comes in two parts: a Colour Kit and the highly engineered Permacolor Select Base powder. The process of preparing the grout begins with the Colour Kit’s dispersible pigment packets. When added to water, these packets dissolve like laundry or dishwasher packets. When the neutrally coloured PERMACOLOR Select Base is added to the pigment-wa-

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ter mix, a colour-consistent grout is formed that requires no sealing due to the built-in StoneTech Sealer. The innovation behind the grout means that distributors only need to stock a base white powder while choosing the number of colour packs they wish to stock. This cuts down enormously on inventory and means that 40 colours can easily be stocked within a display rack.

Collection Antichi Decori An artistic heritage of almost 500 years, placed in a timeless production, still realized with the ancient technique of the handmade decoration.

Cersaie 2016

Bologna 26 - 30 / September

Hall 22 - Stand A116

Via Nazionale, 5 - 84015 Nocera Superiore (SA) ITALY Phone Number +39 081 931011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fax Number +39 081 5142366 - E mail: info@francescodemaio.it www.francescodemaio.it

Cersaie 2016

A Y H A T U K NG Onix and Verso

NG Kütahya Seramik has become the first ever ceramic manufacturer to win a “Red Dot Design Best of the Best” award. NG Kütahya Seramik delivers its designs, which are inspired by life and nature, to many different countries around the world. Offering freedom in your living areas with remarkable design and size options, NG Kütahya Seramik has just launched two new series: The Onix series draws inspiration from Onyx marble, which

Tile International 2/2016

has been used for decoration since time immemorial. The natural texture and elegance of the polished surface gives a special feel to any environment. Generating an authentic atmosphere, the Onix series really makes a difference with its size and design. Designed by NG Kütahya Seramik, Onix (left) is the ideal product for creating a sense of space because it is the first and only ceramic panel in the world available in size 120x240cm with a

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thickness of 9 mm. The Verso (right) series, meanwhile, is the ideal choice for people who love natural elegance, because of its glossy natural stone look and finish. Verso brings the beauty of nature into every interior and adds elegance to your habitat. Available in two unique sizes, 60x160cm and 60x120cm, Verso, by NG Kütahya Seramik, provides designers with a wealth of new opportunities.

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Cersaie 2016

T I L O T MON Moto Fl Following the presentation of Flash Line, the innovative system for processing ceramic panels and tiles of all sizes, which has revolutionised the concept of cutting with its extreme precision and ease of use, Montolit is now proud to announce the launch of Moto FL, a motorised evolution of Flash Line, designed for all types of ceramic and stone of any size, up to a maximum thickness of two centimetres. Covered by an international patent, this new product is designed according to the same principles as its manual predecessor, making it an extremely intuitive and versatile machine. So Moto FL is outstandingly easy to operate: simply place the bar on the panel you want to cut and slide the motor mounting head along the guide. The high power of the motor (1600W) and the specific, ultra-slim, diamond-tipped turbo-disc measuring 150 mm in diameter (TCS150) enable you to cut porcelain tile and all types of ceramic and stone with exceptional performance in terms of speed and finish. The high-precision bar/track made of lightweight profiled aluminium can be disassembled into three 120 cm pieces which are quick to reconnect. In order to work in ideal conditions, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a special fitting that enables you to connect a dust extractor directly to the disc guard. Moto Flash is available in full configuration (motor unit + guide) or with the motor unit only, for existing users of Flash Line. This interfaces perfectly with the guide bar. Moto Flash already looks like a strong contender for product of the year for large formats.

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Cersaie 2016

Zirconioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RUST series draws inspiration from metal sheets that oxidise with the passage of time, intensifying their orange and ochre shades. Metal is a fundamental construc-

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Cersaie 2016

NIRO Rust tion material, which takes on a deteriorated appearance as time goes by, but offers splendid characteristics once restored. Our RUST series features a contrast of matt and

lapped finishes, which combine with its multiple tones to give an original and authentic look. It is available in sizes 60x60 cm and 60x120 cm.

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Porcelain tile: Size: 60x60 cm and 60x120 cm Surface: Matt and Lapped Colours: Oxide, Steel, Nickel

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Cersaie 2016

S M E SYST

R E T Ü L H C S Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E

This year, which marks the market leader’s 50th anniversary, the focus of the exhibit will be on the electric heating system Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E. The company will present new complete sets for installing the heating system in wall and floor coverings with Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-TB. Thanks to an integrated thermal barrier, the system offers a particularly quick heat-up response in coverings. The sets are available for different spatial dimensions and include all necessary components for quick system installation. Other products to be presented will include new modules for intelligent electrical temperature control, including a thermostat with a 3.5” touchscreen display for convenient and precisely timed operation. Visitors to the Schlüter-Systems stand can also look forward to interesting developments in the area of floor-level showers as well as the ceramic thermal comfort floor Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM. Captions: Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-TB features a particularly fast heat-up response - new complete sets with the uncoupling mat will be on display at Cersaie. The spacious exhibition stand of Schlüter-Systems in the outdoor area will present numerous innovations to the professional audience.

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ASEANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only dedicated ceramic event that brings the region ceramic manufacturers and international suppliers of raw materials, equipment and machineries, to the top ceramic producing country in ASEAN and one of the largest ceramic consumer in the world - Indonesia.

ASEANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DEDICATED CERAMIC EVENT

Jakarta Convention Center WHY EXHIBIT AT KERAMIKA 2017

Meet the entire ceramic industry professionals across asean countries See the latest technology, products and materials in keramika Expand and strengthen your network across asean Learn the latest opportunities, challenges and regulations in asean countries

TOP 6 ceramic production countries in the world

Annual production of more than 4.5 million sqm tiles in 2014

Largest consumption of ceramic in ASEAN

The 1st choice of Indonesia ceramic industry

BOOK YOUR BOOTH & GET YOUR BEST LOCATION NOW! Mr. Steven Chwee

Mr. Marzuki Herry

Ms. Kartina

Project Director steven.chwee@reedpanorama.com

Project Manager marzuki.herry@reedpanorama.com

Marketing enquiries, publicity & media requests & partnership kartina.lydiawati@reedpanorama.com | +62 21 2556 5016

Co-organized by :

Co-located with :

Cersaie 2016

R E C TOP Victorian Design

TopCer is pleased to announce that to its extensive line of Victorian Designs in more than 100 patterns modular back sheet mounted, it is being added 7 new patterns, two of them “Orleans”and “Dundee” as per at-

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tached photos. Besides the traditional compositions possible of our Hexagon 10x10, we are adding to our range 3 new pieces: a lozenge, a half hexagon and an equilateral triangle. With these new piec-

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es we created 7 design inserts, one of them “Panjim” as per enclosed photo. All these new patterns will be included in the new edition now under preparation of the TopCer catalogue “Victorian Designs and Borders”.

16 - 19 MARCH 2017

JAKARTA CONVENTION CENTER

The 16th Indonesian dedicated architecture, interior design, building exhibition & conference

Incorporating

Project Team :

For further information, please contact :

Mr Steven Chwee

+62 21 2556 5000 / +62 822 1181 0008 steven.chwee@reedpanorama.com

Mr Marzuki Herry

Ms Silviana

Mr Ricky Chandra

Mr Nicky Marsab

+62 2556 5004 / +62 815 1322 9998 marzuki.herry@reedpanorama.com

+62 21 2556 5026 / +62 878 8522 2880 silviana.muliawan@reedpanorama.com

Reed Panorama Exhibitions Panorama Building 5th Floor Jl. Tomang Raya No. 63 Jakarta 11440 Indonesia P. +62 21 2556 5000 / F. +62 21 2556 5040 www.reedpanorama.com

Organiser :

Sales Team : Mr Eric Anthony

+62 21 2556 5003 / +62 878 7700 2211 eric.antonius@reedpanorama.com

+62 21 2556 5028 / +62 818 418 483 ricky.chandra@reedpanorama.com

Supported by :

+62 21 2556 5027 / +62 857 1019 7676 tjhua.nicky@reedpanorama.com

Official Transport Partner :

SAVE THE DATE !

3 - 6 NOVEMBER 2016

Grand City Convention & Exhibition Surabaya - East Java

The 2nd Edition East Indonesia Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition

Cersaie 2016

I D N O M I A R Easy-Move adv & Cam adv

Raimondi is proud to announce its brand new EASY-MOVE ADV frames for handling large-format tile. All models have variable extension and can therefore handle panels from 180 up

Tile International 2/2016

to 320 cm. They are available with various kinds of suction cups, including the vacuum type (ideal for textured surfaces) equipped with a vacuum gauge that indicates precisely when

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the negative pressure needs to be restored. Along with the new CAM ADV cart they represent the ideal kit for handling large-format tiles.

Promoted by

Supported by

Co-located Events

Brazilian Exhibition of Coverings, Sanitary Ware, Faucets and Finishing Materials exporevestir.com.br

Organization

design ps.2

YEARS

07 – 10 March 2017 São Paulo, Brazil

Cersaie 2016

A P O R U E S MLT MLT SystemTM

Large formats and slim gauges are just some of the challenges faced by today’s tile setters, so it is vital to have a versatile, modular installation system capable of tackling a comprehensive range of tile setting problems, while offering a good return on investment. MLTS Europa has therefore developed a system that combines affordability, durability and usability. Thanks to its system of straps and bases, MLT System™ is suitable for any type of tiling. Between them, the two main ranges of straps (T1 Slim and T2 Ready) cover every application requirement: • The Slim series offers three different plates to fit to the strap (P1 optimises

Tile International 2/2016

the passage of adhesive and is ideal for ultra-slim materials; P2 is for standard ceramics; P3 for calibrating uncalibrated materials up to 2 cm thick). Made of nylon and steel, the reusable straps enable you to create minimum joints of 0.5 mm, making them perfect for kitchen worktops and all situations requiring high precision. • The Ready series, with nylon straps that require no pre-assembly, is even faster and more economical. It enables you to create minimum joints of 1.8-2.0 mm. This is ideal for large commercial areas and where speed of installation is a priority. The MLT System™ bases are standard and can be re-used hundreds of times.

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For the installation of delicate materials (ultraslim products and polished marble), rubber feet are available for fitting to the underside of the bases. Deals have recently been struck for the distribution of MLT System™ products in various European countries, the United States, Brazil, Australia and North Africa. And several projects are in the pipeline with major Italian tile manufacturers who recommend the use of MLT System™. As additional proof of its quality, MLT System™ was recently tested by CCB - Centro Ceramico Brasilero and TCNA - Tile Council of North America, and earned special recognition is an ideal product for the installation of 5-6 mm tiles.

TAKING YOUR CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS TO NEW HEIGHTS SOURCE NEW MATERIALS, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS AND THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES

NEW FLOOR PLAN LAYOUT WITH DEDICATED PRODUCT SECTORS

Smart Building & Design Technologies

Construction Tools & Building Materials

Building Envelope & Special Construction

Building Interiors & Finishes

MEP Services

GET YOUR FREE TICKET TODAY. REGISTER AND SAVE AED 150.

www.thebig5.ae Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Electrical Partner

Marble Partner

Organised by

Member of

Cersaie 2016

S C I M A R E C

RAKO Porto, fresh, charme, easy, soft Following the modern trend that involves pastel colors as protagonists for interiors, tile producer Rako, part of Lasselsberger Ceramics Group, focuses on the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;ice cream coloursâ&#x20AC;? that can have an influence on the spatial effect. Light colors create also a positive mood and therefore literally bright-

Tile International 2/2016

en up the room as well as the soul. The new colored tiles launched from the brand into the Fresh (1), Porto (2), Charme, Easy and Soft collections, provide rooms of the house with fresh colour schemes and romantic patterns, suitable for floor and wall coverings in a powerful

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and trendy way. Apricot, mint and maize yellow add to bathrooms and kitchens some refreshing rays of light; light grey, greige and vanilla embellish the floor. The high white component gives the representatives of this colour family their friendly, cautious expression.

Cersaie 2016

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A I N E H C I S Y B A M R O Canvas PH Canvas is a new collection of porcelain floor and wall tiles with a natural, edge-ground finish and thickness of 10 mm. Drawing inspiration from fabrics, the se-

Tile International 2/2016

ries represents a creative evolution of ceramic coverings, in the form of floor and wall tiles embodying refined patterns and decorative motifs inspired by the most sought-after drapery.

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Canvas is available in sizes 60x60, 30x60, 10x60 and 10x30 cm in the colours Cord, Tobacco, Avio, Silver and Pearl. A wide range of trim pieces is also available.

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Cersaie 2016

K I M A R E S EGEDexwood, Metropolitan, More

Ege Seramik proudly presents its new Lines for Cersaie 2016; all manufactured with today’s most cutting-edge High Definition Inkjet techniques. 1. Dexwood Colors: Brown – Grey (2 colors with a V2 shade variation)

Sizes: 45x90 cm Full Polished Rectifiede and 15x90 cm Matt Finish Type: Digital Glazed Porcelain Wood-Look line with multiple phases. 2. Metropolitan Colors: Grey – Beige – Brown - Antracite (4 colors with a V2 shade variation)

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Sizes: 30x60 – 45x45 – 45x90 – 60x60 cm Type: Matt Finish Digital Glazed Porcelain Béton – Cement Effect with multiple phases. Decors: Story Patchwork deco unit 3. More Colors: Beige – Ivory – Dark Brown - White

Cersaie 2016

(4 colors with a V2 shade variation) Sizes: 33x99 cm Type: Matt Finish Monoporosa Wall Tile; Digital Printing BĂŠton â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cement Effect with multiple phases. Decors: Jaluzi and Angel deco units

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Cersaie 2016

FILA KitCeramica Fila KitCeramica is the first kit specially dedicated to keeping ceramic and porcelain tiles clean and beautiful. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a highly effective solution, as witness the sales figures, which have exceeded all expectations in the first six months since the productâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s launch. Supplied in a handy container, Fila KitCeramica includes everything you need for the cleaning and routine maintenance of ceramic and porcelain coverings, starting from post-installation cleaning: the products are ready and easy to use, and the package includes a professional-quality sponge for post-installation washing and a guide to correct product application. Three simple steps guarantee the beauty of your ceramic flooring: 1. Deterdek: specifically formulated for washing tiles after installation,

Tile International 2/2016

this is the ideal product for removing residues of cement-based grout and grout with admixtures. Dilute Deterdek in water and apply with a professional sponge or brush (included in the kit) before rinsing with plenty of water. 2. Fugaproof: this stain-resistant, environmentally friendly product prevents the absorption of aqueous and oily stains and speeds up the tilecare process. Apply Fugaproof directly to dry, clean grout with a brush or sponge to protect the surface against any kind of stain after just one hour. 3. FilaCleaner: this neutral detergent is the ideal product for everyday cleaning of all types of floor covering, including the most delicate: no rinsing necessary if applied at high levels of dilution because it leaves no residues.

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Media planning and advertising.

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Media relations.

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Direct e-mail Marketing.

Restrained Measured

G e n t l e FORCEFUL a c c o m o d a t i n g

E m p h a t i c

Emphatic

Familiar

Sophisticated

Humorous

Determined

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Content for websites, blogs and social media.

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Database creation.

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Dignified

Solemn

R e s p e c t f u l

Economic and technical articles, case histories, interviews and product data sheets.

Accomodating

Determined

HUMOROUS

Respectful Determined

Forceful

EMPHATIC Restrained F i r m L i v e l y Determined CONSIDERATE

Sincere

Emphatic

Direct Passionate

gentle

Earnest RESTRAINED

National and international press office.

Forceful

Passionate Discreet

Sophisticated

Diplomatic

Lively

lemn Formal dS o e t e r m i n e d Sophisticated Familiar

F o r c e f u l

relaxed

INFORMAL f i r m

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Firm

RESTRAINED

Sincere Resolute

gentle

Considerate

Emphatic

Resolute

T a c t f u l Forceful Emphatic

Determined

INFORMAL LOFTYS o l e m n

SERIOUS

Passionate

informal

Ta c t f u l

Discreet

Choose the TONE of your communication.

Organisation of events, technical conferences, open houses, workshops and educational initiatives.

INtono Comunicazione offers the services of Villa Marchetti, an eighteenth-century villa in Baggiovara (Modena) that has rooms equipped for any kind of event. www.villamarchetti.it

INtono Comunicazione S.r.l. - Via Martinella, 71 - 41043 Maranello (MO) - c/o Omniadvert S.p.A.

ufficiostampa@intonocomunicazione.it www.intonocomunicazione.it

International Fair for Ceramic Tiles and Bathroom Equipment Coinciding with FERIA HĂ BITAT VALENCIA

The first hotel of the ceramic district since 1985 in Fiorano Modenese Via Boschetti Fiorano Modenese Tel. +39 0536 832010 info@hotel-executive.eu

Via Boschetti Fiorano Modenese Tel. +39 0536 030013 Mob. +39 327 3034870 info@exe1985.it