Tile International 2/2015

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Cersaie 2015

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DÊco d’Antan: a true and real ceramic system dedicated to furnish with renewed elegance the residential living spaces and ideal for contract projects. The colour, the decors and the contrasts are the three distinctive elements of the collection that combined together can offer a great visual lightness and compositional freedom.

The geometrical patterns and the engraved floreal decors exalt the surface as to become true and real furnishing additions, smooth to the touch and precious on view thanks to the skikful mix of the glazes and the grit powder. www.tagina.it

Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E Elektrische Flächentemperierung an Wand und Boden Electrical heating within walls and floors 15 ologna 20

B CERSAIE / 15 – 02 / 10 28 / 09 / 15 10 .

Stand-No , 5 4 a re A

Vom Boden an die Wand Keramik und Naturstein sind wegen Ihrer Fähigkeit, Wärme zu speichern und gleichmäßig abzugeben, nicht nur für die Bodentemperierung ideal geeignet, sondern auch für den Einsatz an der Wand. Daher haben wir konsequent die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten des innovativen Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E Systems weiterentwickelt und bieten es nun auch für die Temperierung von Wandbelägen an.

From floor to wall Thanks to their ability to retain and evenly dissipate heat, ceramic tiles and natural stone are not only ideally suited for floor heating, but also for use in walls. We therefore have consistently expanded the application options for the innovative Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E system, which is now also available to create heated wall coverings.

Funktionen auf einen Blick: Functions at a glance:

Argumente, die überzeugen: System benefits include: wohlige Wärme  schafft Creates instant cozy warmth

Entkoppeln neutralisiert Uncoupling neutralizes Formveränderung deflection forces

temperierte Zonen können individuell  ausgelegt werden Rissüberbrückung Crack-bridging

Heating zones can be configured individually für Renovierungen dank  ideal niedriger Aufbauhöhe Ideally suited for renovation projects thanks to low assembly height mit bewährter DITRA-Technologie  entkoppelt Uncoupling with proven DITRA technology

Lastabtragung

direkt in den Untergrund

Load transfer

directly into the substrate

Einfache Verlegung der Heizkabel Simple installation of heating cables

geprüft als Abdichtung zugelassen  AbP AbP certified – approved as waterproofing

Schlüter-Systems KG · Schmölestraße 7 · D-58640 Iserlohn · Tel.: +49 2371 971-0 · Fax: +49 2371 971-111 · www.schlueter-systems.com

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CERSAIE • BOLOGNA • ITALY 28 SEPTEMBER - 2 OCTOBER 2015

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N. 2/2015

Publisher: Tile Edizioni S.r.l.

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Contents

11 - Editorial

Upturn for Italy's tile industry

by Chiara Bruzzichelli

72 76 82 86 90 92 102 PhotoNews 14 – Torre Arcobaleno 16 – Biblioteca delle Oblate 18 – Starring role for Cotto d’Este in skyway Monte Bianco 20 – Tilefax

Economy & markets 42 – Construction in Europe, 79t Euroconstruct 46 – The European wood flooring industry in 2014 : FEP data 50 – Brazil slow but continues to shine 56 – Italian tiles achieve record exports 60 – Italian ceramic manufacturers: 2014 revenues 68 – Naxb: alliance is strength in the distribution sector h

Topics 72 – Werner Schluer: a revolutionary idea

Cover picture by Giancarlo Pradelli @ Cersaie 2014: ORNAMENTA - www.ornamenta.com Advertisers list: page 39 Subscription order form: www.tiledizioni.it/subscription Translations: Geoff Day / John Freeman

di Luca Baraldi

108110 112 118 120 123

In the spotlight 76 – Tradition and innovation the keys to success for Villeroy&Boch 82 – Boris Tellegen for Ascot 86 – 30 years of success for Progress Profiles

di Sabino Menduni

Projects 90 – Buzon for ColruytGroup Academy in Jambes 92 – FILA joins the Library of Birmingham 98 – Building on the Isle of Skye 102 – The Museum der Kulteren at Basel

CERSAIE 2015 108 - The international showcase of surface coverings 110 - Hall 30:Cer-Stile / Hall 29: Day/Off 112 - Building, Dwelling, Thinking: Calendar 2015 118 - Bologna Design Week 120 - Tiling Town 123 - Cersaie 2015: The Gallery 174 – Exhibition calendar

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Editorial

by Chiara Bruzzichelli

Upturn for Italy's tile industry The 33rd edition of Cersaie, which last year opened its doors to manufacturers of non-ceramic coverings for the first time, thereby enhancing its appeal to interior designers and specifiers, will soon be getting under way in Bologna. So the scope of the trade fair now extends to coverings in marble, natural stone and wood.

The definitive figures for Cersaie 2014, moreover, confirm that this was the right choice: with 945 exhibitors (+45 compared with 2013), of which

339 were non-Italian companies (+37) from 38 different countries, the 32nd edition attracted a total of 100,985 visitors (+0.2%), including 46,599 from outside Italy (representing a share of 46.14%).

The number of international trade attendees also rose by 4.1% to a total of 23,363.

What's more, Italy's ceramic industry is on a marked upswing, having posted a full set of positive figures for 2014, with a 5% increase in produc-

tion (to 382 million sq.m), a 1.3% increase in sales volumes (to 394.6 million sq.m) and a 3.6% increase in exports (to 314 million sq.m).

In value terms, the picture is even brighter, with a 4% rise in total revenues to 4.9 billion euros, of which 4.1 billion (almost 84% – an all-time record for the industry) are from exports, which rose by 6.2%.

Export revenues are returning to pre-crash levels, at just a whisker short of the 4,183 million euros they reached in 2007, thanks to the continu-

ous increase in average selling price, which now stands at 13.1 euros/sq.m (+2.5%), putting Italy firmly at the top of the world rankings.

These results are being driven by product innovations offering higher added value, backed up by investments in technology, which leapt by 27% last year, giving a clear sign of growing confidence among manufacturers, as also reported by Vittorio Borelli, Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica.

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Tile International 2/2015

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TORRE ARCOBALENO The Torre Arcobaleno in Milan was re-inaugurated on 30 June, following a restoration programme carried out for Expo 2015 with the patronage of the Municipality of Milan in conjunction with FS Italiane, the Italian state railway group.

Built in 1964 as a water tower serving the Porta Garibaldi railway station, the structure was transformed into a colourful totem of Milan's movers and shakers when it was first renovated for the Football World Cup held in Italy in 1990.

That first restoration project, which accentuated the concave shape of the tower, involved the use of over 100,000 coloured tiles.

Tile International 2/2015

The latest restoration, which has just reached completion, involved general cleaning of the surfaces, removal of all loose tiles and flaking areas of substrate, restoration of the substrate, replacement of the tiles and grouting of the entire surface.

This latest work was undertaken by the same companies as before, including Marazzi, which replaced the damaged or missing tiles from the same Sistem C collection used in 1990 and now available in 25 colours in sizes 10x10, 10x30 and 20x20 cm, and Mapei, which supplied adhesives and other tile-setting products, including Mapefer 1K cement-based

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anti-corrosion mortar, Elastocolor Primer and Ultralite S1 Quick singlecomponent cement-based adhesive.

Fila Solutions also took part in the project by supplying Fila PH Zero, Fila NOPaint Star and FilaSTOP Dirt, to protect the surfaces and facilitate the removal of dirt and graffiti.

The recent restoration work was overseen by the Architecture Division of Original Designers 6R5, and forms part of the Wonderline project, based on the theme of colour, which has covered several initiatives in the world of art and architecture in recent years.

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BIBLIOTECA DELLE OBLATE The Oblate complex, a stone's throw from the Duomo in Florence, is laid out around two main open spaces, the 14th Century cloister, with its two- tier loggia, and the inner garden, which dates back to the mid1400s.

The building currently houses an important cultural and multimedia centre, and the area accommodating the “Firenze Com’Era” museum was recently extended with a new “Children and Youth” section. A second building programme then focused on remodelling the two large vaulted areas that serve as the entrance and reception area of the library, and show users how the complex is laid out.

For the renovation of certain areas of flooring, the architects opted for the Verse series of porcelain tile manufactured by Ceramiche Caesar, because of its undisputed aesthetic and functional qualities.

Verse blends textural elements with contemporary interpretations, and in the Cloud colour and 30x120, 25x75 and 37.5x75 cm formats used in the project, perfectly represents the style and atmosphere of the Biblioteca delle Oblate, whose ancient origins converge with its new multimedia vocation to create a centre of considerable historical and cultural interest.

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STARRING ROLE FOR COTTO D’ESTE IN SKYWAY MONTE BIANCO Cotto d’Este has taken part in the construction of the “Skyway Monte Bianco”, which has been dubbed the eighth wonder of the world and is a high-profile endorsement of Italian engineering prowess, by supplying the floor coverings for the cable car stations.

Skyway takes visitors from Courmayeur to Punta Helbronner, at an altitude of 3,500 metres, in 19 minutes.

The cable car pods are equipped with a continuous rotation system to give passengers a 360° view of the breathtaking panorama as they enjoy their ascent.

Cotto d’Este supplied over 4,500 square metres of porcelain tile, with a thickness of 14 mm, from the Buxy Flammé Cendre series.

The supply included various sizes of tile for the public transit and service areas of the Pontal d’Entreves (1,300 m), Pavillon du Mont Fréty (2,173 m) and Punta Helbronner (3,466 m) stations.

The facility was designed by the architect Carlo Cillara Rossi, who opted for the Buxy series because of the special nonslip properties, strength and frost-resistance of this 14 mm porcelain tile.

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Companies, News & Markets CERAMIC MANUFACTURING MACHINERY: +7% IN 2014 According to the National Statistical Survey conducted by ACIMAC's research centre, Italian constructors of ceramic manufacturing machinery generated revenues of 1.836 billion euros in 2014, representing a rise of 7% on the previous year.

The real surprise lies in the double-figure growth of the Italian market: after years of shrinking volumes, machinery sales to Italian customers rose by 28.2% in 2014, to 441.866 million euros. And the trend continued into the early months of 2015.

Internationalisation also reaped rewards in 2014, as the 53 companies formed and registered outside Italy but majority-owned by Italian investors boosted their turnover by 8% to a total of 500.5 million euros.

The export market, which accounts for 76% of total turnover, reported revenues of 1.395 billion euros in 2014, which represents a rise of 1.6% year on year and is the highest figure in the industry's history.

DEBORA LATERZA APPOINTED MARKETING DIRECTOR OF EMILCERAMICA Back in March, Emilceramica SpA appointed Debora Laterza, a graduate in business economics from the University of Bari with a specialist qualification in strategic marketing from Clark University, Worcester, Massachussets, as the company's new Marketing Director.

After returning from the USA in 1998, Laterza worked in marketing and communication for the automotive and financial sectors of Ford Motor Company in

Tile International 2/2015

Rome. In 2001 she was appointed Head of Marketing and Communication at Divani&Divani, the world-leading leather sofa manufacturer belonging to the Natuzzi Group. This marked the start of a high-profile career and led to her appointment, in 2002, as Brand Manager for the newly established Natuzzi Re-vive brand, a business unit set up to launch an innovative product in the reclining armchair segment.

In March 2015, Debora Laterza was appointed Marketing Director of Emilceramica SpA, where she is responsible for the marketing and communication strategies of the group's four brands: Emilceramica, Ergon, Provenza and Viva.

ROCA EXPANDS IN BRAZIL ROCA, which was already a leading player on the Brazilian market, has opened a new production plant in Vit贸ria de Santo Ant茫o in north-eastern Brazil, for the production of taps and fittings. Occupying 50,000 square metres, the new facility is a 14 million euro investment for ROCA, which gives the company production capacity of 1.5 million pieces per year. This latest opening forms part of the strategy that has prompted ROCA to invest almost 70 million euros in Brazil over the past 5 years, in a line-up of plants that employ 3,800 people. The aim of the strategy is to reap

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the benefits of growing demand generated by an expanding middle class, which is improving its living standards and aspiring to ever higher levels of overall product quality.

BERTOLOTTO PORTE REACHES MIAMI FOR A PROJECT BY NORMAN FOSTER Bertolotto Porte, one of Italy's leading door manufacturers, has landed in Miami, Florida, thanks to a contract for the supply of doors for Saxony Palace, an exclusive residential building designed by star architect Norman Foster, with unrivalled ocean views.

For the Piedmont-based company, which recently opened a new showroom in the heart of Milan, winning this important contract marks a significant milestone in its growth, and bears witness to the fact that Bertolotto's knowhow, professionalism and quality is increasingly appreciated worldwide.

"We are proud to have been selected to supply goods for this project by Norman Foster," explained Claudio Bertolotto, the company's Managing Director, "and the endorsement confirms that the commercial strategy we adopted a few years ago is exactly right."

KOTTO Floor and Wall Tile Collection KOTTO XS: 30x30 cm, 30x60 cm KOTTO XL: 80x80 cm, 60x60 cm KOTTO BRICK: 12,5x25 cm, 6x25 cm Designed and Manufactured in Italy

www.emilceramica.it

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BIOS SELF-CLEANING® WINS ARCHITIZER A+AWARDS Now in its third edition, the A+Awards is an international awards scheme run by the Architizer platform. With over one million visitors per month and over 150,000 registered users, the site was described by the New York Times as "The Facebook of architecture".

Two separate juries were convened to short-list submissions from over 100 countries worldwide for the award's 90 categories: an internal jury (Jury Choice), composed of over 300 experts in the various sectors, and a global external jury (Popular Choice) made up of over 2 million followers, who cast a total of 40,000 online votes.

No other architecture prize in the world offers such a vast jury or such an open short-listing and awards system.

That's why the first place awarded by the Popular Choice jury in the Building

Products - Façades category to Bios self-cleaning® ceramic sheet by Casalgrande Padana, is so significant, and bears further witness to the quality of the product and the excellence of the research undertaken by the Italian company in the field of bio-active ceramic and advanced shell systems for architecture. The awards ceremony was held on 14 May at the Highline Stages in New York, and was followed by an after-party at the Jane Hotel, all within the framework of the events and exhibitions connected with the ever popular NYCxDesign week. All the winning works will be published in a volume specifically produced for the A+Awards, thanks to a partnership between Architizer and the prestigious Phaidon publishing house.

NEOLITH CALACATTA WINS RED DOT AWARD: PRODUCT DESIGN 2015 Neolith Calacatta by TheSize, a designer and manufacturer of compact sintered coverings, has won the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design 2015. The international jury of experts appreciated the innovative nature and first-class design quality of Neolith Calacatta, which replicates the unique appearance of white Carrara marble and combines it with the high level of technical specification typically associated with compact sintered coverings. “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award,” explained Mar Esteve, Head of Marketing at TheSize.“When TheSize was formed in 2009, our aim was to create a new class of material and provide architects and designers with a high-end, compact covering with revolutionary physi-

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cal and technical characteristics. This Red Dot Award is a resounding endorsement of our Research & Development work, and will help us establish our product's reputation in the international architecture and design community.”

The Red Dot Award: Product Design is one of the world's most illustrious competitions, whose winners have included brands such as Mazda, Logitech, Philips and Audi. This year 4,928 innovative products were submitted to the scrutiny of 38 expert jury members, including Malaysia's new design star Datuk Prof. Jimmy Choo, the German materials expert Sascha Perters, Martin Darbyshire of the United Kingdom, and the icon of German product design, Werner Aisslinger.

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SIMAS FOR NIRA MONTANA Nira Montana, a member of DesignHotels®, is the first 5-star hotel in La Thuile opened under the aegis of the Nira brand. Located in Italy's Val d'Aosta region, the hotel is the latest addition to the premium brand's worldwide portfolio, which includes the Nira Alpina (Italy), Silvaplana-Engadina (Switzerland), Shanti Maurice (Mauritius) and Nira Caledonia, Edinburgh (United Kingdom). The Nira Montana consists of 55 rooms and a large wellness area, and was designed by Simone Del Portico, with a particular emphasis on eco-sustainability and the atmosphere and traditions typically associated with mountain residences. The bathrooms are fitted out with square-cut washbasins from the Frozen series, designed by Simas's technical department, and with LFTS-

pazio sanitaryware designed by Terri Pecora for Simas.The clean, understated lines of this set of sanitaryware are the perfect match for the architectural space of the Nira Montana.

SERENISSIMA CIR SELLS FILO D’ALFONSINE PLANT Serenissima Cir Industrie Ceramiche's sale of its Filo di Alfonsine plant to Omega Ceramic, an established Egyptian group with six production plants on its home territory, was finalised at the end of April.

This is a significant transaction for Serenissima Cir, which enables the company to keep the Cercom brand and concentrate its production at its two plants in Rubiera and Roteglia. Over the past two years, the company has invested more than 20 million euros in the two plants in the Italian province of Reggio Emilia, to secure sufficient production capacity to meet the Group's needs.

The investment programme started yielding positive results with effect from early 2015, especially on export markets, ahead of the schedule established in the company's business plan.

The sale of the Alfonsine plant to the Egyptian group Omega Ceramic minimises the impact on employment levels and ensures that almost all the plant's

staff keep their jobs.

Serenissima Cir Industrie Ceramiche would like to thank the union representatives, who helped bring the negotiations to a positive conclusion by actively

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mediating between the company's management and employees.

PANARIAGROUP POSTS POSITIVE RESULTS FOR 1ST HALF OF 2015 At the end of June, the Board of Panariagroup Industrie Ceramiche S.p.A. approved the company's first-half consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

The first half of 2015 saw double-figure growth in Group revenues (+19.9% compared to 30 June 2014), and a significant improvement in profitability, with an increase in gross operating profit of 74% compared to the first half of 2014.

The Group reported strong growth in all the macro-areas in which it operates.

Performance was especially strong in the United States, while the most distant markets reported ongoing growth, and the Group clawed back market share in Italy and the rest of Europe.

The main Balance Sheet ratios in the first half of the year also showed positive trends: the improved ratio of net financial position/gross operating profit, which amounted to 3 compared with 3.8 as at December 2014, is particularly significant.

The Group has been involved in many high-profile projects recently, including the “Bosco Verticale” (“Vertical Forest”) in Milan, a prestigious architectural development that used Panariagroup laminated porcelain tile for both the façades and the interior flooring. The project was recognised as the “most beautiful high-rise in the world” (International High-Rise Award 2014).

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“The revenue and margin forecasts we made at the end of 2014,” explained Emilio Mussini, Chairman of Panariagroup, “have been confirmed in the first half of this year.

We have achieved excellent results in terms of sales, which exceeded our expectations, and in terms of improvements in the ratios of net working cap-

ital to revenues and net financial position to gross operating profit.”

“The Group is highly international,” continued Mussini, “and this structure diversifies risk and significantly increases the possibility of taking prompt advantage of development opportunities in the most dynamic areas, with a view to continuing our expansion on foreign

markets.” In the Italian market, which has seen a big drop in sales in recent years, the Group has posted significant growth, to the tune of 11%, partly through the diversification of channels.

This figure is even more important in light of the fact that overall turnover in this sector decreased again on the domestic market.

The Italian market accounts for 21% of total Group revenues.

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CONFINDUSTRIA CERAMICA APPOINTS VITTORIO BORELLI AS CHAIRMAN The annual general meeting of Confindustria Ceramica, held at the association's headquarters in Sassuolo on 9 June, voted unanimously to re-elect Vittorio Borelli as its Chairman for a second term running. At its meeting on 12 May, the Board of Directors of Italy's ceramic manufacturers' association had already unanimously approved Borelli's nomination for the 2015-2016 term.

Vittorio Borelli, aged 44, has worked for the association for many years, and was appointed a member of its Promotional Initiatives and Trade Fairs Committee in 1999, before becoming Chairman of the same committee in 2007. He held office as a member of the Board of Directors of Confindustria Ceramica from June 2005 to May 2011.

“First of all I would like to thank my colleagues for putting their faith in me and re-electing me as Chairman of the Association,” announced Vittorio Borelli. “Two years ago we embarked on a programme of initiatives which has already yielded tangible benefits on several fronts, and I intend to drive this programme forward over the next two years.

I am convinced that opting for the route

Tile International 2/2015

of shared decision-making, within a cohesive, representative association, was and remains the best way of tackling a situation which, although complex, is beginning to show distinct signs of improvement.”

MOHAWK: ACQUISITION OF KAI GROUP GETS GO-AHEAD Two years after its acquisition of Marazzi, the American colossus Mohawk Industries (Calhoun, Georgia) is stepping up its expansion in the ceramic tile industry by turning its attention to the markets of south-eastern Europe.

On 8 April, the Bulgarian competition authority gave the go-ahead for the acquisition of KAI Group by Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions (a division of Mohawk Industries), which will take over ownership of the company from Advent International, an investment fund.

According to Spas Shopov, KAI Group's CEO, the transaction, which is worth 195 million euros, will be brought to a swift conclusion once it has received the allclear from the other competition authorities.

With consolidated revenues of approximately 80 million euros in 2014, two production plants - Khan Asparuh (in Isperih) and Khan Omurtag (in Shumen) - and production capacity of 20 million square metres per year, KAI Group is the largest manufacturer of ceramic floor and wall tiles not only in Bulgaria but in the Balkan peninsula as a whole. The Group, which also controls businesses in Romania (KAI Ceramics) and Greece, exports over half of its output to 25 different countries, led by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Scandi-

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navia and the Balkans.

Mohawk Industries is a world leader in the production of a vast range of floor and wall coverings (carpet, ceramic, laminate, parquet, stone and vinyl) manufactured by prestigious brands such as American Olean, Bigelow, Daltile, Durkan, Karastan, Lees, Marazzi, Kerama Marazzi, Mohawk, Pergo, Unilin and Quick-Step. As well as in the United States, the group operates production facilities in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, Russia, India, China, Malaysia and Australia.

Mohawk Industries reported net revenues of 7.8 billion dollars in 2014 (+6% on 2013 or +7% at constant exchange rates) and net profits of 532 million dollars (representing a significant rise on the 349 million dollars reported on 31/12/2013).

The American multinational kicked off 2015 with a series of important initiatives, including the announcement, in January, of its acquisition of IVC Group, Belgium's leading manufacturer of vinyl and laminate flooring, with manufacturing operations in Europe and the United States, and revenues of approximately 700 million dollars. Valued at approximately 1.2 billion dollars, the transaction will enable Mohawk to expand in the Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) segment, which reported an 18% rise in worldwide sales in 2014, accounts for 5% of total sales of floor coverings in the United States and is forecast to grow at a rate of 15% per year for the next 10 years.

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SACMI: 2014 REVENUES EXCEED 1.2 BILLION EUROS The leading constructor of ceramic manufacturing plant and equipment, with net assets of over 660 million euros and a global workforce of almost 4,000 people spread across 70 subsidiaries, is reaping the rewards of its substantial investments in research and technological innovation (worth over 20 million euros in 2014 alone) and closed 2014 with revenues of over 1.2 billion euros.

The driving force behind Sacmi's success is the excellent performance of the Ceramics division, which reported further growth in volumes (+5%) and profit margins in 2014, on the back of several technological innovations, including the Continua+ line for the production of large-format ceramic panels, the flexible Eko Sort and Eko Wrap systems for stacking and wrapping, and the AVI highpressure casting systems for sanitaryware.

The Tableware division has also performed well, as a result of the Group's efforts to locate its operations as close as possible to its target markets (hence the decision to open new sites in Morocco, Kenya and South Africa).

The Group's non-ceramic business lines, such as the Closures, Beverage (+30%) and Special Pressings (for refractory materials and metals) divisions also put in a good performance, and now generate revenues - in the wake of the acquisition of Bologna-based Matrix - of over 15 million euros. The Plastics division has also achieved solid growth, by focusing exclusively on its Bi-Power line of high-ca-

Tile International 2/2015

pacity hydraulic presses. Lastly, the Automation & Service division has performed well with its total quality control solutions.

These are sold worldwide and constitute the added value of a comprehensive offering of plant engineering solutions, which range from raw materials processing to end-of-line operations.

In view of current business volumes, the opening months of 2015 look equally promising: according to General Manager Pietro Cassani: “The company already has a large number of orders in the pipeline across all its divisions, and current levels of demand are paving the way for further growth in revenues.�

tween smooth and textured surfaces in shades of black and grey, which express the brand identity of Giugiaro Architettura. The two different patterns in which the collection is made can be combined and mixed with single-colour field tiles. The collection is available in four sizes, from 60x120 to 15x60, in three colour variants. The floor and wall tiles have thus been designed for both commercial applications and domestic environments, from kitchens to living rooms.

In light of this new project, the partnership between the two companies will culminate at the forthcoming Cersaie 2015, where Giugiaro Architettura will play a starring role at the Del Conca stand.

INTRODUCING GA BY GIUGIARO ARCHITETTURA AND CERAMICHE DEL CONCA A partnership between Giugiaro Architettura, which specialises in architectural design for industrial, commercial and residential applications, and Ceramiche Del Conca, a well known ceramics group, has given rise to GA by Giugiaro Architettura, a line designed to transpose current design trends into traditional ceramic floor and wall tiles.

Recently previewed at the Museo dell'Automobile di Torino, the line is made of through-body porcelain ceramic, specifically formulated for high resistance to wear, solvents and temperature extremes.

GA draws its main inspiration from the texture of carbon fibre, and the geometry of the air intakes of Parcour, the flagship of Italdesign-Giugiaro's concept car fleet.

The result is a judicious balance be-

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TEUCO: GUZZINI FAMILY SELLS MAJORITY STAKE TO CERTINA HOLDING At the end of May, Fimag, the Guzzini family's holding company, sold an 80% stake in Teuco, which was established in 1972 and operates in the bathroom furnishing sector, to Certina Holding AG.

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Manufacturer of adjustable pedestals for all types of terraces Screwjack pedestals used for the The Guzzini family has retained a significant shareholding in Teuco, however, testifying to its interest in the company and the future thereof. Teuco reported revenues of 40 million euros in 2014. Certina Holding AG is a German industrial holding company based in Munich.

Andrea Sasso, Managing Director of Fimag, announced: “We are satisfied with the transaction and convinced that, despite current difficulties in the market, the new shareholding structure will enable Teuco to go on developing products for the most discerning customers and contributing to the dissemination of Italian design worldwide.”

Giovanni Santamaria, a managing partner of Certina Holding, explained: “The acquisition of Teuco represents an exciting challenge for our company, partly because of Teuco's importance and renown, and partly because it covers the Italian market, which investors are shying away from at the moment. Despite the difficulties and unknowns involved in the restructuring, we are convinced that the combination of the internal knowhow of the current organisation, combined with the managerial prowess of our company, will enable us to reap full benefit from the growth opportunities that this prestigious brand deserves.”

Fimag was assisted in the negotiations

by Mediobanca as financial advisor and by Studio Boscarato as legal advisor. Teuco was assisted by Marcap as financial advisor. Certina was assisted by Innext, Studio Carnelutti and Epyon, as financial, legal and accounting advisors respectively.

NEW LOOK FOR HATRIA SITE Following the restyling of its logo and corporate image, Hatria has now unveiled a new website designed to strengthen the brand’s image and highlight its distinctive features, namely innovation, elegance and Italian quality. With a more modern look and feel, Hatria’s new site is more intuitive, more dynamic and more user-friendly. It offers more content too, and provides visitors with comprehensive, easy-to-navigate, mobile-responsive information about its products. You’ll find everything you want at the click of a mouse, thanks to the site’s lean, simple architecture. The site is divided into four sections – Visit, See, Discover and Design – which take you into the heart of the Hatria world of sanitaryware, and offer the best solutions for your bathroom.

external terraces, decked areas and water features Visit us at

HALL 44 STAND 39

Quick and easy installation

29

www.buzon-world.com

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URBAN_AVENUE BY FIORANESE WINS “ARCHITIZER A+ AWARDS 2015” The Urban_Avenue collection manufactured under the Fioranese brand won the Hard Flooring category in the “Architizer A+ Awards”.

As one of the “finalist products” from all over the world, the Urban_Avenue series gained automatic admission to the subsequent and more sought-after “Architizer A+ Jury Award” and “Architizer A+ Popular Choice Award”, and won the latter.

The award was received by Corrado Basso of Coem-Fioranese during the “A+AWARDS GALA” held in New York on 14 May. URBAN_AVENUE is a brick-effect porcelain tile that pays homage to industrial design, lofts and the classic buildings of the West's most industrialised cities.

Before this latest accolade, Urban_Avenue had already won the first

Tile International 2/2015

edition of the ADI Ceramics Design Award at Cersaie 2014, which was established with a view to showcasing the most innovative products from Italy's ceramic industry.

Architizer is a web platform based in New York and dedicated entirely to architects and designers. Set up in 2009 with a view to making architecture and interior design universally accessible, it is now the world's largest online design and architecture platform, hosting a vast collection of projects uploaded by the designers themselves.

NEW DISPLAY SYSTEMS FOR CERAMICA INCONTRO Ceramica Incontro, which was established in Corato (in the Italian province of Bari) in 1976, specialises in the manufacture and sale of porcelain skirting board under the Ceramica Incontro, ReDi and Vittoria brands. Having completely renewed its production plants and product range, the Company is now presenting a new set of display systems for showrooms.

Featuring simple graphics and neutral background colours, the display panels are made of rigid corrugated board so as to minimise their weight and thus maximise the ease with which they can be juxtaposed and compared with any type of flooring product in the showroom.

Filippo Ardito, the owner of the Pugliabased company, highlights the fact that: “Ceramica Incontro is currently in

30

possession of the most advanced manufacturing technology in Italy and probably worldwide too. The new plant enables us to manufacture pressed skirting board in lengths ranging from 30 to 60 cm. We can therefore offer skirting board to match the majority of large-format tile collections. What's more,” adds Ardito, “we have a latest-generation glazing plant for high-definition digital decoration of skirting board, which is capable of producing an infinite variety of surface decorations, to meet a full range of requirements, while ensuring the highest standards of quality.”

Ceramica Incontro's new website - www. ceramicaincontro.it - is also online and enables visitors to search for products by type (wood, marble, terracotta, etc.) and then view all possible combinations of Ceramica Incontro skirting board with the best-selling floor tiles on the market.

CERSAIE

2015

Pad. 20 Stand C 32- D 31

More is a modern design surface; it is a balanced blend of stones developed by Piemme research and available in numerous shapes and finishes; all this is enhanced by three-dimensional surfaces and decorations which make More a real architectural material.

Industrie Ceramiche Piemme S.p.A. Via Del Crociale 42/44 - 41042 Fiorano - Modena - Italy - tel+39 0536 849111 - fax+39 0536 849402 - www.ceramichepiemme.it - info@ceramichepiemme.it

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CONTINUED GROWTH FOR HANSGROHE 2014 was a good year for Hansgrohe, which reported revenues of 874 million euros, representing a year-on-year rise of 3.9%. Despite the adverse economic climate, Hansgrohe Italia also performed well, with revenues remaining stable at 23.5 million euros.

In the words of Thorsten Klapproth, Group CEO: “2014 was a record year: our investment in technological innovation and quality has yielded substantial results, and enables us to set ourselves ambitious goals for the future.”

MLT SYSTEM™ SIGNS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH WIGASTONE MLT System™ recently signed an agreement with WIGAStone Natursteinsysteme for the exclusive distribution of its products in Germany.

The main purpose of the deal is to step up the presence of MLT System™’s products in Germany’s business sector, by incentivising their internationalization through a shared work plan that puts MLT System™’s experts in direct touch with WIGAStone. This is a reciprocal partnership, aimed at providing support and guidance for customers and companies interested in operating in the floor tiling market. It represents a new form of cooperation, designed to meet the challenges posed by the global market.

“We are delighted to have struck a deal for the distribution of our products with

Tile International 2/2015

WIGAStone Natursteinsysteme, which has been a significant player on the German market for many years, with its high-quality natural stone products. Its profound knowledge of the market, established sales network and commitment to ongoing customer care make WIGA the perfect partner for us, and the agreement will give our products extensive coverage all over Germany,” explained Enrico Bondielli, Executive Director of MLT System™.

ers the entire surface area, to create an effect of seamless continuity between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Drawing inspiration from Le Corbusier and the “cabanon de vacances” he built on France’s Côte d’Azur, Day Off takes its cues from a lifestyle based on beauty and simplicity. It is a small building made of two volumes which, although separate, intersect each other and enjoy continuous interaction with their natural surroundings.

LEA CERAMICHE FOR DAY OFF DESIGNED

BY DIEGO GRANDI An installation entitled Day Off, designed by the architect Diego Grandi, will be on display in Hall 29 at Cersaie this year. The installation takes the form of a simple home, in an ordered natural setting, with which it interrelates in an ongoing exchange. It is the result of a multi-brand project involving Lea Ceramiche, which supplied the floor and wall coverings of one of the two volumes that make up the structure. Used as a wall covering, low-thickness Slimtech panels showcase a new range of cutting options, which play upon the modularity of different formats, but Slimtech is also used as a finishing material for benches and tables, to which it contributes clean lines and detailed finishes, while at the same time emphasising the extreme flexibility of laminated porcelain stoneware. The ceramic flooring, meanwhile, has a thickness of 20mm and cov-

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EDIMAX WINS TTA AWARDS 2015 The Flow series by Edimax won the 2015 Floor Tile of the Year Award in a competition organised by the UK-based TTA (The Tile Association).

Flow, which was entered in the competition by Craven Dunnill & Co Ltd – a major distributor established in 1872 in Bridgnorth, Shropshire – draws inspiration from a North American natural stone that incorporates elements of wood and sandstone. The Flow series is a porcelain tile made using state-of-theart digital technologies, produced in three colours and a wide range of modular sizes, including 75x45, 75x22, 60x30, 60x15, 15x7.5, 10x10 and 30x30 mosaic tiles featuring 5x5 and 2.5 x2.5 mosaic pieces.

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NOVOCERAM’S CAROSCOPE Novoceram, a French ceramic manufacturer founded in 1863, has recently opened a new multi-functional centre dedicated entirely to ceramic and design, at its production facility in Saint Vallier-sur-Rhône in the Drôme region.

The Caroscope is a multi-functional centre for customers and visitors, which incorporates Novoceram’s new showroom, as well as various training and conference rooms.

The Caroscope’s showpiece atmosphere blends with its industrial feel and heritage: “For a company whose commitment to manufacturing on French soil is an ethical value,” explains Francesco Catalano, the interior designer who designed the Caroscope – exhibiting the product in the setting in which it is made is much more than a stylistic preference: it’s nothing less than an expression of identity.”

The experience starts in a large, glazed gallery, entirely decorated with a threedimensional fresco that guides visitors through the 150 years of the history of Novoceram and the world as a whole, illustrated by the Spanish artist Maria Corte. The Caroscope then opens into the showroom, which signals its proximi-

Tile International 2/2015

ty to the production plant with its metallic ceilings and exposed technical systems. The multi-functional centre is completed with a materials library, where designers and customers can get a first-hand feel for the nuances of colour and texture offered by the Novoceram range.

Optical illusions, eco-hunting trophies, cascades of crystal luminaires and Toilede-Jouy-inspired images add a final touch of magic to this journey through design and ceramic.

KARTELL BY LAUFEN OPENS FIRST SINGLE-BRAND STORE IN MILAN Kartell by Laufen’s opening of a singlebrand store in Via Pontaccio, with 200 square metres of display space and four windows dressed to a design by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba, has given the brand the ideal opportunity to highlight some of the other major milestones in its commercial expansion.

Since the brand’s début at the ISH trade show in Frankfurt in 2013, it has opened over 550 retail outlets in more than 40 countries worldwide. The latest, most significant openings of Kartell by Laufen

34

corners are in Miami, Prague, Brasilia, Montreal, Bali, Shanghai and Singapore.

This is a clear statement of the brand’s highly international intent. Thanks in part to the solidity of the two companies behind Kartell by Laufen, and their respective industrial capabilities, the brand is aiming to establish itself as an international leader in contract furnishing and luxury hotel design.

GEBERIT ACQUIRES SANITEC Swiss multinational Geberit recently acquired Sanitec, an Italian manufacturer of designer products for bathrooms, whose brand portfolio includes the historic Pozzi Ginori name.

The new set-up will be commercially operational with effect from 1 October, and production will be fully ramped up in January 2016.

"We have invested a total of 1.1 billion euros in the acquisition,” said Giorgio Castiglioni, the new General Manager of Geberit Italia and Pozzi Ginori, “which we expect to pay off in five years with the resulting cash flow. By merging the two companies,” explained Castiglioni, “we have created a group with annual revenues of 2.5 billion euros (Geberit 1.8 billion, Sanitec 700 million).

"In June we started upgrading the sales structure of Geberit Italia, which now has two sales management teams, one for the technical systems range, which will report to me, and the other for ceramic, under the management of Mauro Lot.”

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SAFAK FILA APPOINTED NEW SALES DIRECTOR OF IDEAL STANDARD Safak Fila was recently appointed Sales Director of Ideal Standard. Born in Bologna in 1982, he took a degree in Economics and Business Management at the Università Cattolica di Milano, before studying Key Account Management at SDA Bocconi. Safak Fila also has professional experience in the fields of consumer electronics (Pioneer), clothing (Fila) and food (Masterfoods). After filling other important roles at LG Electronics and Candy-Hoover Group, he joined Ideal Standard in 2012 as Key Account Manager, before becoming North West Area Manager

ramica Althea, a specialist manufacturer of bathroom furnishings.

Launched on the market this year by the Lazio-based company, Plus is an innovative product made with the technologically advanced material known as Plus+Ton®.

Obtained by means of a single fusion at a temperature of 1250°C, which gives it an entirely abrasion-resistant, non-slip, stain-resistant and anti-bacterial surface, the finished product is made with the highest-quality natural raw material, with the sole addition of water and fire.

Fully recyclable, this material also derives from a production cycle that emits no pollutants into the atmosphere.

The well known awards, which accompany the three trade shows Batimat, Interclima+Elec and Ideobain, to be held in Paris in November, were established for the purpose of identifying the most significant new developments in the industry, rewarding the companies that produce them, and stimulating their commitment to innovation. The jury will pick the winners at the event to be held at the Théâtre de Paris on 28 September.

“PLUS” BY CERAMICA ALTHEA NOMINATED FOR INNOVATION AWARDS The countdown to the Innovation Awards has now started, and the nominees in the Bathroom products category include the Plus shower tray by Ce-

Tile International 2/2015

36

LAMINAM INAUGURATES FOURTH PRODUCTION LINE Laminam, a member of the System Group based in Fiorano, and a major manufacturer of large-format, slimgauge ceramic panels for architecture and interior design, inaugurated its fourth production line.

On the strength of 30% growth in turnover, which reached 40 million euros in 2014, and in line with the forecast of 50 million euros for this year, Laminam is expanding its production range, with a view to consolidating its presence in various market segments, including kitchen work tops. The three existing lines, which produce ceramic panels in size 1000x3000 mm in thicknesses of 3 and 5 mm, have now been complemented with a fourth. Operating at a rate of 50 cycles per hour, this latest plant will add production capacity of 4000 square metres per day of extra large panels in sizes up to 1600x3200 mm and thicknesses of 6 to 20 mm.

This will bring Laminam’s total production capacity to one million panels per year. The new series of 1600x3200 panels with thickness of 12 mm is due to be unveiled at Marmomacc, the leading trade fair for the stone sector, to be held in Verona from 30 September to 3 October. Laminam has 160 employees and was formed in 2001 by Franco Stefani, an engineer and the founder of System.

It is the first company in the world to have industrialised the revolutionary large ceramic panel manufacturing process designed and patented by Stefani. The technology is continuing to spread worldwide, and now produces a global total of 30 million square metres per year of large-format panels.

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SRS GROUP LAUNCHES NEW BASE 14 CERAMIC DESIGN DIVISION Base 14 is the name of the new division created by SRS Group (Fiorano) for the exclusive study of ceramic design. The aim of the company founded by Corrado Fontanini in 1977 is to offer the ceramic industry the wide range of expertise and professionalism it has gained over the years in the field of ceramic design. Thanks to new investments and a young, specialised team, Base 14 is able to provide ceramic tile producers with an all-round service from concept study through to new product development and prototyping. The staff consists of architects, photographers and designers who work as a team to innovate design and creative processes in the ceramic industry. Research into trends, lifestyles and materials is interpreted and transformed into new prototypes based on recognised aesthetic trends that can be reproduced using cutting-edge technology.

The creation of Base 14 confirms SRS Group’s intention to evolve in step with a fast-growing market and to focus strongly on Italian design. At the same time the group intends to maintain its longstanding activities, including roller engraving, the study of textured surfaces to create master moulds with L Power technology, the production of printers for digital decoration (through the Assodigit division), and the sale of consumables and machinery for screen printing and digital

Tile International 2/2015

decoration (Assoprint division).

The growth of Base 14 may also be aided by the group’s international presence, including branches in Brazil, China, Mexico, Iran, Egypt and Turkey.

One of the forthcoming initiatives in which SRS and Base 14 will be taking part is Aquae Venezia, an exhibition of Italian furnishings and building accessories due to be held from 15 September to 20 October and sponsored by Expo Milano 2015. SRS has chosen the prestigious Venetian show to offer Italian and international professionals a preview of several brand new ceramic design projects carried through in cooperation with GTiles, a trading company based in Casalgrande (Reggio Emilia) and specialising in the design and export of ceramic tiles.

MATICAD UNVEILS NEW PRODUCTS AT CERSAIE Maticad, a software house specialising in multimedia, interior design and web applications is at Cersaie 2015 with its latest version of DomuS3D®. As well as being optimised for Windows 10, DomuS3D® offers a field-leading range of new features that you can see for yourself at the Maticad stand (Hall 15/A, stand H16) at Cersaie.

You'll also be able to see our innovative augmented reality app at work at the stand. This product is unique at worldwide level, and enables you to see exactly what alternative floor and wall covering designs and materials would look like in your own home, in real time on a

38

tablet. The new version unveiled at the trade fair can apply virtual materials to your floors and walls, so that within a matter of seconds, you can see your own bathroom completely re-tiled and from any angle you like.

The RealityRemod app gives retailers the chance to win the loyalty of their customers with a dedicated, made-tomeasure service, by going to their homes to suggest various alternative solutions in no time at all and with the utmost effectiveness, thanks to the totally faithful nature of the end result.

RealityRemod has also been designed to arouse the interest of customers in their own homes, and then prompt them to make the trip to a showroom to see for themselves the products they're interested in, thus meeting one of the most important requirements of retailers. Customers can download the app free of charge from the Apple Store, whereas manufacturers can pay to be listed in the catalogue, and reap the benefits of the fact that the app is one of the best, simplest and most widely used vehicles for promoting their materials.

PROFILITEC PRESENTS ACADEMY Profilitec has been running its Academy programme with outstanding success since April 2015, and has so far held over 200 sessions throughout Italy, with the active participation of showroom managers, salespeople, installers and designers.

Profilitec's Academy has 11 different

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training packages, which present the most innovative solutions provided by the Italian-based company: General; Protection systems for terraces; Systems for laying and levelling floor coverings; Construction of raised floors; Certified staircases; Structural over-tile joints; Dry and flush wall skirting-board systems; Decorative elements for the Appendo and Glitter bathroom; Shower systems without barriers; Modular and tileable outdoor drainage systems.

Profilitec successfully organised this major training initiative with the aid of a lively and capable 5-strong team of archi-

tects and engineers.

A busy schedule is already in the pipeline for the autumn, and a special area for customers interested in booking a training session at their headquarters has been set up at Profilitec's stand at Cersaie.

As Alfonso Panzani's five-year term as Chairman and Managing Director of Ceramiche Ricchetti Group comes to a close, Andrea Zannoni and Andrea Lodetti take the helm as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director respectively. The new Board of Directors approved the appointments on 8 May at a meeting held after the annual general meeting. Lodetti, who holds a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Polytechnic of Milan, has worked for various companies in the aviation indus-

try as well as at Bain & Company, and was previously General Manager of a major Italian interior furnishings company. At the same meeting, the Board of Directors appointed a new Control and Risk Committee, made up of previous committee members Annalisa Catelani and Franco Vantaggi, who will serve as independent directors alongside Davide De Marchi and Anna Zannoni. Ceramiche Ricchetti Group, which has been listed on the Italian stock market since 1996, closed 2014 with consolidated revenues of 185.2 million euros (as against 184.1 million euros as at 31/12/2013), negative EBITDA of 4.1 million euros (as against negative EBITDA of 9.1 million euros in 2013) and negative EBIT of 11.4 million euros (as against negative EBIT of 18.2 million euros in 2013). The net result is a loss of 17.2 million euros, which represents an improvement on 2013, when losses amounted to 19.7 million euros.

Iris Inside Back Cover Kajaria 27 Kale 40-41 Lasselsberger Rako 9 Laticrete Back Cover Living Interiors 23 Marocchi 122 Maticad 4 MLT 5 Montolit 81 Ng Kutahya 2-3 Niro 119 Nuovo Corso 49 Piemme 31 Progress Profiles 106-155

Projecta Engineering 51-53-55 Qutone 121 Raimondi 6 Rak 117 Rondine Group 12 Saudi Ceramics 33 Schluter-Systems 1 Sigma 25 Srs 143 Tagina Inside Front Cover Tecnargilla 174-176 The Size 135 Top Cer 71 Turkish Ceramic Federation 8 Unicera 175

CHANGE AT THE TOP FOR CERAMICHE RICCHETTI GROUP

Advertiser's list Abk 63 Achillea 35 Ascot 37 Bien 45 Buzon 29 Ceramic & Bathroom 97 Cevisama 173 Cotto 7 Del Conca 59 Dural 127 Ege Seramik 101 Emilceramica 21 Exporama 139 Fondovalle 147 Impertek 105

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Tile International 2/2015

Economy & markets

Construction in Europe, 79th Euronstruct



The 79th Euroconstruct conference organized by the PAB-PCR&F Institute was held in Warsaw on 12 June 2015.

The conference consisted of two sessions: • The morning session focused on reviewing the situation in the European construction markets in 2015-2017.

Euroconstruct economists reviewed the consequences of recent changes in the global macroeconomic and financial situation and updated their analyses and projections accordingly. They presented possible scenarios for the future development of the European construction sectors: residential, municipal, business and infrastructure.

• During the afternoon session, special topics were presented.

Following the adoption of

Construction development by market segments in Euroconstruct Countries 2015-2017 y-o-y % Euroconstruct Countries (EC-19)

2014

Total Residential Construction

2015E 1.4

1.7

2017F 2.0

2.4

Total Non-Residential Construction

0.6

1.9

2.7

2.0

Total Civil Engineering

1.7

2.4

3.0

3.8

Total

1.2

1.9

2.4

2.6

Source: 79 Euroconstruct th

new directives concerning procurement by the Council of the European Union on 11 February 2014, national public procurement rules, including those for construction works, will be standardized and significantly altered in the next two years.

These changes will affect terms and conditions and influence the way public funds are spent on construction projects within the context of the New Financial Framework 2014-2020.

Construction investment in the next few years is expected to increase following implementation of the Juncker plan.

Improvement in the economy will result in an improvement in construction 2014 brought an end to the recession trends in the European economy.

The main factors behind the economic recovery were the decline in oil prices and the

GDP and Total Construction Output from 2011 to 2017 Year to change in %

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2016F

42

considerably weaker Euro, as well as continuing low interest rates for financing. Compared to the decline in GDP in 9 and 6 Euroconstruct countries in 2012 and 2013, a downturn was noted in just one EC country in 2014 - namely Italy.

In line with the latest projection, no negative changes in GDP growth are expected in any Euroconstruct country in 2015-2017.

According to the Euroconstruct summer forecast for the year 2015, a 1.8% increase is expected in the area of 19 Eu-

Economy & markets

roconstruct countries, i.e. 0.3 per cent points higher than the forecast made 6 months earlier. For 2016 and 2017, Euroconstruct forecasts growth of 2% and 1.7%, respectively.

In view of the clear signals of improvement in the European economy, the construction industry in the Euroconstruct area is expected to return to positive territory after 7 years of crisis and stagnation. The slowdown in construction activity in Europe lasted longer than in other economic sectors. Construction output peaked in the first half of 2008, after which substantial falls in activity were recorded, reaching the lowest level in February 2010, two years after the initial downturn.

The production index for construction fell by almost 20% between the first half of 2008 and the first half of 2010, deteriorating to a level not seen since the first half of 1999.

From this lowest point at the beginning of 2010, construction output remained relatively stable until September 2011. Despite a period of relatively unchanged levels of activity during most of 2010 and 2011, the production index for construction fell during most of 2012. In the remainder of 2013 and 2014, construction activity fluctuated but generally followed an upward path.

Residential construction in the 19 EC countries amounted to 590 billion euros, around 46% of total construction output (new construction 18%, renovation and maintenance

Construction development by market segments in Euroconstruct Countries Annual average change in 2015-2017 period, % Total

Residential

Non-Residential

Civil Engineering

Ireland

10.8

14.1

12.0

3.8

Poland

8.6

4.0

4.4

16.3

Czech Republic

4.6

6.4

3.2

5.7

United Kingdom

4.2

3.1

4.3

6.5

Portugal

4.0

3.5

3.4

5.0

Spain

4.0

5.8

5.1

4.1

Netherlands

3.1

4.9

2.6

1.7

Denmark

2.4

1.8

4.6

1.7

Norway

2.3

2.2

1.4

3.7

Sweden

2.2

3.7

1.4

1.2

Italy

1.9

0.2

2.3

5.3

Finland

1.7

2.3

2.4

-0.8

Slovak Republic

1.6

1.3

-0.8

5.4

France

1.4

2.4

1.3

-0.7

Hungary

1.1

5.2

2.0

-1.2

Belgium

1.1

1.9

1.1

-1.1

Austria

1.0

1.2

0.4

0.6

Germany

0.6

0.6

0.4

0.5

Switzerland

-0,5

-0,8

-0,5

1,3

Source: 79th Euroconstruct 27.5%). In 2006, prior to the financial crisis, this share amounted to over 48%.

Non-residential construction totalled 29%, or 425 billion euros, in 2014. Civil engineering, including both investments and maintenance, make up the remaining 25%.

R&M activity represents half of the total construction output, with the highest level in Italy (73% in 2014) followed by Germany and Denmark (about 64% in 2014) and France (51%). By contrast, new construction dominates total construction output in

43

Central and Eastern European countries, with the highest level in the Slovak Republic (71% in 2014), followed by Poland (69% in 2014).

According to the Euroconstruct summer estimates, the level of construction activity will amount to 1,366 bn euros in 2015. The growth rate in total output is expect to reach 1.9% and is set to stabilize at 2.5% over the following two years. The level of construction output will reach 1,436 bn euros in 2017, still well below the pre-crisis level (-14% with respect to 2007 total out-

put). This means that after a long period of declining or low activity, the European construction industry will return to a path of moderate growth. Good prospects for the European economy will be driven by investments, and the construction growth rate in 2015-2017 will outstrip GDP growth.

Euroconstruct is expecting 10.1% growth in new construction in real terms in 20152017, as compared to 9.2% in the previous forecast, i.e. 0.9 Del Conca "Fast" percentage points higher.

Tile International 2/2015

Economy & markets

Renovation, on the other hand, will grow by just 4.2%, i.e. 0.2 percentage points lower. Progress is expected in all three main segments of the construction market in 20152017, although with different outlooks. The highest growth rate, 3.1%, is expected in civil engineering, including double-digit growth in Central and Eastern European countries due to new infrastructural projects in the transport and energy sectors, particularly in Poland. The growth rate in the remaining two main segments will be significantly lower and equal to about 2% annually for residential construction and about 2.2% for non-residential construction.

Euroconstruct forecasts that the average growth rate in residential construction in Central and Eastern European countries will be equal to 4.3%, more than double that

of Western European countries. The average growth rate in non-residential construction in Central and Eastern European countries will be equal to 3.6% and will also be much higher than in Western European countries, where it is expected to amount to 2.1%.

Countries with the best outlook until 2017 The biggest rises between this year and 2017 are expected in Ireland and Poland. For Ireland the average annual growth in 2015–2017 is expected to reach 10.8% and construction output should therefore increase by 35.7%.

However, this follows a huge previous drop of almost 70% between the years 2007– 2013.

This double-digit growth will be driven by the expected rapid growth in construction

output in both the residential and non-residential segments. In Poland, average annual growth in 2015–2017 is expected to reach 8.6%, so construction output should increase by 28%. This growth will mainly be the result of the fastest growth in civil engineering construction in the whole Euroconstruct area, while the growth rate in building construction will not exceed 5%. The two countries that are expected to see the next highest levels of growth to 2017 are the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.

Significant growth is also expected in Portugal and Spain, which will return to positive territory following the severe downturn over the previous seven years. In the period 2015-2017 most Euroconstruct countries will maintain positive average annual growth. The expected low growth rate in construction

Construction output and growth rate in Euroconstruct 19 countries

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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, thanks to its unique nature and especially 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. output in 5 countries – France, Hungary, Belgium, Austria and most significantly Germany – indicates persistent stagnation tendencies in these countries in 2015-2017.

An average fall of more than half a percentage point is an5 ticipated in Switzerland.

Economy & markets

The European wood flooring industry in 2014: FEP data

ď ‘

According to figures released at the 59th General Meeting of the FEP (European Federation of the Parquet Industry) in Bordeaux on 5 June, production and consumption of wood flooring in Europe fell in 2014 (graph. 1).

The overall picture is far from uniform, however, and there were big differences from country to country.

Consumption of wood flooring Overall consumption in 2014 fell by 6.44% to 77,358 sq.m, as

against 82,681 sq.m in 2013 (Table 1). The result derives from falling demand across the FEP area as a whole, with the sole exceptions of Hungary (+1.1%), which is nonetheless the smallest consumer among the FEP member states, the Netherlands, which almost doubled its consumption (+91.1%) from 990,000 sq.m in 2013 to 1,892,000 sq.m in 2014, and Sweden, which reported a 2.2% rise on the previous year, on the back of an upturn in private-sector construction.

The biggest falls were reported

by France and Italy, which saw sales shrink by 19.1% and 17.8%

respectively, although in terms of absolute quantities, the drop in demand in Italy is decidedly less severe than in France.

The consumption figures by individual country (graph. 2) show that Germany is still firmly in the lead, with market share of 21.55%, followed by France with 11.2%. Italy takes third place, with market share of 7.61%, which is nonetheless down on its previous year's share of 9.39%.

As for consumption per head of population, however, Switzerland scored highest (0.76 sq.m), followed by Austria

TAB. 1 - Parquet consumption in FEP Countries 2013-2014

(0.73 sq.m) and Sweden (0.66 sq.m). Total per capita consumption across the whole FEP area fell by 2 points compared with 2013, to 0.19 sq.m.

Production As far as production is concerned, manufacturers are now showing an even more marked tendency to shift their production facilities, for strategic reasons, to European countries outside the FEP area.

This is undoubtedly one of the factors that contributed to the significant fall in production in 2014 (-6.62%), which now

TAB. 2 - Parquet production in FEP Countries 2013-2014

2013 (sq.m)

2014 (sq.m)

2014-2013 (sq.m)

AT

6,500,000

6,175,000

-325,000

BE

2,162,000

2,097,000

CH

6,417,000

CZ DE

2013 ((sq.m))

2014-2013 (%)

2014 ((sq.m))

2014-2013 (sq.m)

2014-2013 (%)

AT

8,275,000

7,448,000

-827,000

-9.99%

-5.00%

BE

390,000

390,000

0

0.00%

-65,000

-3.01%

CH

1,747,100

1,753,600

6,500

0.37%

6,227,100

-189,900

-2.96%

CZ

1,350,000

1,230,000

-120,000

-8.89%

1,020,000

965,000

-55,000

-5.39%

DE

10,377,350

8,254,783

-2,122,567

-20.45%

19,765,000

18,055,000

-1,710,000

-8.65%

ES

4,588,000

4,293,000

-295,000

-6.43%

ES

5,600,000

5,329,000

-271,000

-4.84%

FR

FR

6,900,000

6,900,000

0

0.00%

11,600,000

9,384,000

-2,216,000

-19.10%

HU

452,000

457,000

5,000

1.11%

HU

1,695,000

1,749,000

54,000

3.19%

7,760,000

6,375,000

-1,385,000

-17.85%

IT

2,950,000

2,150,000

-800,000

-27.12%

NL

990,000

1,892,000

902,000

91.11%

NL

1,445,000

1,597,000

152,000

10.52%

PL

4,090,000

3,950,000

-140,000

-3.42%

PL

13,280,000

13,170,000

-110,000

-0.83%

RO

2,563,000

2,563,000

0

0.00%

RO

2,250,000

2,250,000

0

0.00%

SK

13,762,000

13,889,300

127,300

0.93%

SK

11,780,000

11,390,000

-390,000

-3.31%

FIN/NO/DK

7,462,000

7,449,300

-12,700

-0.17%

FIN/NO/DK

3,000,000

2,100,000

-900,000

-30.00%

SE

6,300,000

6,440,000

140,000

2.22%

SE

8,780,000

9,290,000

510,000

5.81%

FEP

82,681,000

77,358,400

-5,322,600

-6.44%

FEP

67,027,450

62,575,383

-4,452,067

-6.64%

IT

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Economy & markets

stands at 62.6 million sq.m as against 67 million sq.m in 2013 (Table 2). According to FEP figures, 13.5 million sq.m were produced in non-FEP countries. It is therefore estimated that total production in Europe (FEP member states + non-FEP

countries) stood at just over 76 million sq.m, representing a drop of 1.22% on 2013.

As for production by type of flooring, solid wood flooring (including lamparquet) regained 2 percentage points compared with the previous

year, to account for 22% of total production. Pre-finished wood flooring, however, with 76% of total production, still accounts for the largest slice of the pie, as has been the case for over 10 years now.

The share of production held

by mosaic remains unchanged at 2%.

In terms of production by country (graph. 3) Poland continues to lead the field, with 18.32%, followed by Sweden and, a long way behind, France.

GRAPH. 1 - Production and consumption of parquet in Europe, 2002/2014 (000 (sq.m)

Del Conca "Fast" 47

Tile International 2/2015

Economy & markets

Types of wood used According to the 2014 figures

on the most widely used types of wood, oak is still firmly in the lead with a market share of

73.9%. Tropical woods, on the other hand, have seen a further reduction in use, and now

account for barely 4.5% of the market.

Prospects for 2015

GRAPH. 2 - Total FEP Consumption percentages for 2014

GRAPH. 3 - Total FEP Production percentages for 2014

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48

After seven years of uninterrupted economic and financial crisis, the general outlook seems to be slowly improving and forecasts for 2015 are a bit brighter (a very slight drop appears to be the order of the day). The industry is still aiming to make the pie bigger by winning market share from other types of floor covering.

The upturn also seems to be consolidating in certain southern European countries, which are traditionally important markets for the wood flooring industry. Once the Greek situation has stabilised, there are grounds for optimism that the upturn will continue in the coming months.

Restoring access to credit for SMEs and a more flexible mortgage policy for young people are necessary measures for injecting new vitality into the property market.

A number of European market research studies suggest that wood flooring is placed very high on consumer wish-lists, and that it is often imitated but never equalled.

That's why FEP Chairman Lars Gunnar Andersen explains that: “The market appears to have stabilised. Now we need to work on consumers. We need to tell a new story, appeal to people's imaginations and send out the clear message that buying wood flooring is not just a purchase but a real investment.�

5

Economy & markets

by Luca Baraldi

Brazil slows but continues to shine country today are political given that structural problems that have remained unresolved for years are now coming to a head.” Antonio Carlos Kieling, secretary general of the Brazilian ceramic tile manufacturers’ association Anfacer, doesn’t mince his Antonio C. Kieling: words in describing the economic, political and social con“Although the Brazilian text in which the world’s sececonomy is struggling, the ond largest ceramic industry biggest difficulties facing the operates. But in spite of every-

thing the tile industry succeeded in closing 2014 with growth, albeit considerably slower than in previous years.

Tile International: What factors have contributed to the sudden slowdown of the Brazilian economy?

Antonio C. Kieling: The stagnation of 2014 and this year’s fully-blown recession are attributable to both external and internal factors. External factors include the slowdown in Europe and in the Chinese economy (our major trading partner) as well as the crisis in Argentina (the leading market

for Brazilian manufacturing goods). But the biggest difficulties are internal factors caused by the country’s severe structural imbalances.

The model of economic development adopted in recent years has focused on public spending, resulting in a budget deficit that now requires drastic fiscal reforms and equally drastic spending cuts.

Meanwhile inflation has risen to 7.5% (compared to 6.5% at the end of 2014), squeezing wages and preventing a recovery in domestic consumption, which in the past was the real driver of GDP. The industry



TAB. 1 - The Brazilian ceramic tile industry and market 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015 (est.)

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

1,105.8

3.3

5.9

9.8

4.5

7.1

12.7

1.8

1.9

5.9

2.0

Production % var. on previous year

594.2

637.1

713.4

714.9

753.5

844.3

865.9

871.1

903.3

916.8

4.5

7.2

12.0

0.2

5.4

12.1

2.6

0.6

3.7

1.5

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

861.7

9.4

10.6

13.2

6.5

8.6

10.7

3.7

4.3

1.9

1.0

Exports % var. on previous year

114.4

102.1

81.4

60.7

57.2

60.1

58.8

63.3

69.2

75.4

0.5

-10.7

-20.3

-25.5

-5.7

4.9

-2.0

7.2

9.2

9.0

Total sales * % var. on previous year

598.0

636.8

686.8

705.1

756.8

834.7

862.1

900.8

922.4

937.1

7.5

6.5

7.9

2.7

7.3

10.3

3.3

4.5

2.4

1.6

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

279.8

307.0

14.3

-8.5

-7.4

-31.6

6.3

5.6

-3.4

3.4

-

9.7

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

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Economy & markets

also has to cope with the world’s highest energy costs (up 40% in the 5 months from November to April), continuous interest rate hikes which are blocking investments, and as I said a fall in domestic demand, which last year caused industrial output to fall by 3.2%, the worst result of the last 5 years.

Although the 15-20% rise of the dollar against the Brazilian real has boosted exports and reduced imports, it is insufficient to solve the trade deficit.

So while 2014 closed with practically zero GDP growth (+0.2%), the forecasts for 2015

are even gloomier, with estimates at between -0.6% and -1.5%. An economic recovery is expected for the second half of 2016.

Tile International: But this hasn’t prevented the ceramic tile industry from growing. What are the sector’s main indicators?

A. Kieling: The tile industry’s current growth is minimal compared to the double-figure increases of the past. In 2014, production reached 903.3 million sq.m (+3.7%) and domestic sales – effectively equivalent to domestic consumption – rose to 853.2 million sq.m (+1.9%). Total sales, including

exports of just 7.5%, rose by 2.4% to 922.4 million sq.m. In 2015 these three items are not expected to grow by more than 1-1.6%.

Tile International: But the recovery in foreign markets is continuing.

A. Kieling: That’s true, last year tile exports grew by 9.2% compared to 2013 to 69.2 million sq.m and this year we are expecting further 9% growth to 75.4 million sq.m. With the exception of the share sold in the United States (6.2 million sq.m in 2014, down from the 8 million sq.m of 2013), almost all of our exports are shipped to the

TAB. 2 - Brazilian ceramic tile production by production process 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Dry grinding

395.4

437.1

494.5

495.4

525.2

609.7

632.4

638.3

663.8

Wet grinding

198.8

200.0

219.0

219.5

228.3

234.6

233.5

232.8

239.4

TOTAL

594.2

637.1

713.4

714.9

753.5

844.3

865.9

871.1

903.3

Values in million sq.m. Source: Anfacer

TAB. 3 - Brazilian ceramic tile production by type of product and destination 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Floor tiles

411.0 432.4 483.9 497.8 519.8 586.6 584.2 588.4 588.7

Wall tiles

141.2 154.5 168.9 151.0 151.2 162.3 171.5 165.8 186.3 9.3

11.5

14.8

17.9

22.5

23.6

24.0

23.9

Porcelain tiles

32.7

38.7

45.9

48.2

60.1

71.9

86.3

92.9 102.5

- glazed

21.2

24.8

31.3

33.9

45.7

58.6

72.9

78.0

86.6

- technical unglazed

11.5

13.8

14.6

14.4

14.4

13.3

13.4

15.0

16.4

Facades

TOTAL

594.2 637.1 713.4 714.9 753.5 844.3 865.9 871.1 903.3

Values in million sq.m. Source: Anfacer

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52

Central and South American markets of Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Panama, Honduras, Uruguay, Colombia, Peru, Trinidad, Jamaica and Argentina.

Tile International: How do you explain the fall in exports to the United States in spite of the more favourable exchange rate?

A. Kieling: Exchange rate is not the only factor that determines the ability to export to a certain market. The 2008 crisis led to a drastic reduction in American imports while the Brazilian domestic market was booming. This combination of factors forced the Brazilian industry to reposition and maintain a greater focus on the domestic market. In recent years, the increase in ceramic tile production in both Mexico and US territory has intensified competition in that market with the entry of many new players.

Tile International: What are the key trends in the Brazilian ceramic industry?

A. Kieling: One fairly general trend is that many ceramic companies based in Southern Brazil are opening new facilities in the northeast of the country, a region that is growing rapidly and has better logistic infrastructures for exports. If I were to list the three major problems facing the sector today, alongside the unsustainable energy costs and excessive bureaucracy I would certainly include the high cost of logistics.

Tile International: So is the sector’s total production capacity

Economy & markets

tion by product type is continuing to evolve. In 2014 Exports Exports % var. % share on total single-fired floor Country 2013 2014 2014/2013 2014 exports tile production reParaguay 12.13 12.40 2.2 17.9 mained stable at 588.7 million sq.m, Dominican Rep. 6.31 7.46 18.2 10.8 65% of Brazil’s total USA 7.93 6.22 -21.6 9.0 output, while the three other prodPanama 2.09 4.44 112.4 6.4 uct types all saw Honduras 1.85 4.18 125.9 6.0 increases. Out of the 32 million sq.m Uruguay 4.15 3.91 -5.8 5.7 extra output proColombia 2.67 2.71 1.5 3.9 duced last year, 20.5 million sq.m Peru 3.45 2.55 -26.1 3.7 consisted of floor Trinidad and Tobago 2.27 2.34 3.1 3.4 tiles, up from 165.8 to 186.3 million Jamaica 1.73 2.21 27.7 3.2 sq.m (+12.3%), Argentina 2.23 2.13 -4.5 3.1 while about 10 million sq.m consisted Other countries / Altri 16.50 18.65 13.0 27.0 of porcelain (up Total Exports 63.31 69.20 9.2 100.0 from 92.9 to 102.5 million sq.m, Values in million sq.m. Source: Anfacer +10.3%), mostly glazed (86.6 million continuing to grow? same time the growing de- sq.m, +11%).

A. Kieling: In 2014 it grew by mand for large-format pol- Tile International: How is the 5.9% to 1,084 million sq.m/year. ished unglazed and glazed ceramic tile distribution system This year is expected to bring porcelain is increasing the organised in Brazil today? slower growth, around 2% to need for advanced product A. Kieling: About 65% of the about 1,105 million sq.m/year. finishing technologies. domestic market is covered by In spite of the greater difficul- Tile International: Has there retailers, distributors and home ties facing companies wishing been an increase in output us- centres. In total there are to make investments, the Bra- ing the wet grinding process?

140,000 points of sale, a good zilian ceramic industry is strong- A. Kieling: The increase in pro- 40% of which sell ceramic tiles. ly focused on technological in- duction in 2014 was split be- The remaining 35% consists of novation in terms of both tween the dry and wet grind- sales to construction firms. And products and the production ing processes, but dry grinding of course some ceramic comprocess. This is the area where (663.8 million sq.m) saw the panies have their own brand the industry is concentrating biggest increase (+4%) and store chains. most investments. Many com- continues to make up 73.5% of Tile International: This is a very panies are adapting their fa- total production. Production large market in numerical cilities to optimise energy effi- with the wet grinding process terms. In spite of the slowdown ciency and productivity by rose from 232.8 to 239.4 million in building in the last two years, introducing greater automa- sq.m (+2.8%), accounting for the exhibition halls at Revestir tion and adopting new digital 26.5% of total production. in March were packed out. decoration systems. At the The breakdown of tile produc- How did the exhibition go this

TAB. 4 - The main Brazilian exports markets for ceramic tiles

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54

year?

A. Kieling: Very well, in fact it broke all previous records.

There were 62,000 visitors (compared to 51,000 in 2013), of which 65% consisted of architects and designers, an increasingly important segment for the ceramic industry.

Revestir has long been the largest Latin American exhibition devoted to floor and wall coverings, architecture and construction, but each year we try to reinvent the format of the show and create new high-quality content, events, seminars and conferences to attract new exhibitors and visitors. At some points during this year’s show we were actually worried that attendance might prove excessive, so we’re considering the possibility in the future of dedicating some days of the event to specific targets.

Tile International: How do you view the increase in numbers of Italian and Spanish exhibitors in the tile sector again this year?

A. Kieling: We’re naturally very pleased that Revestir is establishing a position as a major international exhibition for the leading European brands in the sector. In Brazil there’s room for high-end imported products. Moreover, the procedure for imposing antidumping duties on China was finally completed at the end of 2014 and this has enabled duty on imports from other countries to be cut from 35% to 12%, thus facilitating imports from many European compa5 nies.

Economy & markets

Italian tiles achieve record exports



The Confindustria Ceramica Members’ Meeting held on 9 June this year saw Vittorio Borelli reelected chairman for the twoyear term 2015-2016 with 100% of the votes and also provided an opportunity to unveil the 2014 year-end figures for the various segments of the Italian ceramic industry.

In the year to 31 December 2014 there were 223 manufacturers of ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, tableware and refractory materials operating in Italy with 25,598 employees and a total turnover of 5.687 billion euros, 75% of which was generated by exports.

The tile sector continued to account for the majority of turnover at 4.91 billion euros, while the other three segments generated a combined turnover of 773 million euros.

The ceramic tile industry In 2014 the Italian tile industry consisted of 150 companies (6 fewer than in 2013) with 19,430 employees (1,107 fewer than in 2013) and a total output of 381.7 million sq.m (5% up on 2013).

Like the previous year, the sector’s sales exceeded production, allowing it to take a further step towards the gradual rebalancing of warehouse stock. Total sales amounted to 394.6 million sq.m (+1.3%).

While the domestic market experienced a further downturn to 80.8 million sq.m (6.6% down on 2013), the export markets continued to recover reaching 313.7 million sq.m (+3.6%).

Growth in value terms was even higher. As Vittorio Borelli pointed out, this was due to the industry’s ability to further

TAB. 1 - The Italian ceramic tile industry 2013

2014

Var. %

Companies

156

150

Employees

-3.8%

20,537

19,430

-5.4%

Production (mill. m2)

363.4

381.7

+5.0%

Total sales (mill. m2)

389.3

394.6

+1.4%

86.5

80.8

-6.6%

- Exports (mill. m2)

302.7

313.7

+3.6%

Investments (mill. €)

224.6

286.2

+27.4%

4,726.0

4,914.0

+4.0%

- Domestic sales (mill. m2)

Total Turnover (mill. €) - Domestic sales (mill. €) - Exports (mill. €) Average mortgage rate (RUB-denominated) Source: Confindustria Ceramica

Tile International 2/2015

856.0

804.0

-6.1%

3,870.0

4,109.0

+6.2%

13.1%

11.9%

12.3%

raise its average selling price, which now stands at 12.45 €/ sq.m (2.6% up on 2013). Export turnover rose by 6.2% to 4.11 billion euros, with an average price of 13.1 €/sq.m (2.5% up on 2013). This result more than compensated for the further fall in turnover in the domestic market (804 million euros, -6.1%), allowing the sector to close the year with a total turnover of 4.91 billion euros (+4%).

The sector’s export share reached a record figure of 83.6% in value and 79.5% in volume.

As Borelli noted, the increase in average selling price is a direct result of companies’ efforts in the field of product innovation, which enables them to offer products with ever greater added value (today this means primarily large and very large sizes). It is no coincidence that 2014 set another record in terms of technological investments, which at 286.2 million euros absorbed almost 6% of the sector’s total turnover. This was a 27% increase on 2013 and the highest value since 2008. The trend is continuing this year with investments estimated at 250 million euros.

The foreign markets for Italian tiles The analysis of the trends in the various world markets reveals a strong recovery in exports to Western Europe, the main export market for Italian tiles where sales rose by 5.3% in 2014 to 156 million sq.m following two years of contraction.

Sales also increased in the

56

NAFTA region (up 2.5% to a total of 42 million sq.m), in the Balkans (15 million sq.m, +4.9%) and in the Far East (16 million sq.m, +8.5%).

The contractions were virtually negligible in other geographical areas where export volumes are still very low. Sales dropped from 38 to 37 million sq.m in Central and Eastern Europe (-2.2%), remained at around 6 million sq.m in Latin America (-5.4%), and remained at around 12 million sq.m in the Gulf states (-1.3%) and in the North Africa and Middle East region (-4.2%).

Internationalisation of production The results achieved by ceramic factories located in Italy are complemented by those of the 16 companies operating abroad but controlled by 9 Italian groups. In 2014, the nonItalian production facilities, located mainly in the United States and Europe, produced 76.7 million sq.m and generated a total turnover of 715.5 million euros, including 62% from operations in Europe and 38% from sales in North America.

Italian-owned companies located abroad generated 80% of their turnover from sales in the same market as the factory and 20% from exports within the same continent.

2015 forecasts for the ceramic tile industry According to the Confindustria Ceramica – Prometeia Forecasting Report updated

Economy & markets

to May, the industry will see a steady recovery in 2015 followed by a rapid acceleration in 2016. Italian tile production is expected to increase during these two years by 1.1% and 3.4% respectively, as are total sales (+1% and +3.2%). Sales continue to be buoyed by the strong performance in international markets, with exports projected to increase by 1.7% this year and by 4% in 2016.

The downturn in domestic demand is also expected to flatten out, with a fall of just 1.6% this year set to be followed by a return to positive territory next year (+0.3%).

Italian exports are predicted to grow in 2015 in all geo-

graphical areas apart from Central and Eastern Europe (-3.5%), which continues to be affected by the Russian crisis and where a recovery in sales is not expected until 2016 (+2.6%). The outlook is particularly positive in the Gulf region (+10.5% in 2015 and +9.1% in 2016), where demand consists mainly of products with very high added value for large building projects. The forecasts are equally positive in the NAFTA region (+4.6% in 2015 and +6.8% in 2016) and in North Africa and the Middle East (+4.1% and +5.5% respectively).

“Businesses are becoming more confident,” noted Borelli,

who listed the external factors that are currently helping companies. These include the fall in energy costs as a result of lower oil prices, a more favourable Euro/Dollar exchange rate which is boosting exports, and lower interest rates following the introduction of Quantitative Easing by the ECB. However, Borelli believes that these positive economic factors must not detract attention from the many unsolved problems facing Italy, particularly the lack of a serious national energy policy, stifling levels of bureaucracy and the excessive taxes and parafiscal charges imposed on companies, such as the

controversial 5% tax on the use of clean energy self-produced by cogeneration.

Production of sanitaryware, refractories and tableware The Confindustria Ceramica Annual Meeting also provided an opportunity to take stock of the health of the Italian sanitaryware, tableware and refractories industries.

In 2014, the Italian ceramic sanitaryware industry produced a total of 3.8 million pieces (1.6% down on 2013).

This output was produced by

TAB. 2 - Results and forecasts for the Italian ceramic tile industry 2014 levels (mill. m2) Sales in Italy

% variation 2012

2013

81

-18.9

TOTAL EXPORTS:

314

- Western Europe

156

- Central-Eastern Europe

2014

2015

2016

-7.2

-6.6

-1.6

0.3

-3.1

4.8

3.6

1.7

4.0

-6.3

-0.8

5.3

0.8

2.7

37

-4.6

4.3

-2.2

-3.5

2.6

- Balkans

15

-10.7

0.4

4.9

0.9

3.1

- NAFTA

42

6.5

11.7

2.5

4.6

6.8

- Latin America

6

1.6

19.8

-5.4

3.3

4.7

- Gulf countries

12

1.3

14.5

-1.3

10.5

9.1

- North Africa-Middle East

12

5.3

34.1

-4.2

4.1

5.5

- Far East

16

1.0

17.3

8.5

2.5

5.0

- Rest of the world

17

9.0

8.9

13.1

6.6

6.4

Total sales

395

-7.5

1.8

1.4

1.0

3.2

Production

382

-8.1

-1.0

5.0

1.1

3.4

National consumption

96

-19.7

-6.8

-3.7

-1.3

0.5

Imports

15

-24.9

-4.1

15.3

0.3

1.5

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

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Tile International 2/2015

Economy & markets

TAB. 3 - The Italian sanitaryware, tableware and refractory industry in 2014 Sanitaryware

Tableware

Refractories

Companies

29

9

35

Employees

3,377

662

2,129

Production

3.78 (mill. pieces)

13.0 (ton x 000)

423.5 (ton x 000)

Total sales

3.70 (mill. pieces)

13.0 (ton x 000)

434.0 (ton x 000)

Domestic sales

2.0*

10.4

283.7

Exports

1.7*

2.6

150.3

317.2

45.0

410.8

Domestic sales

174.5*

31.5

266.8

Exports

142.7*

13.5

144.0

Total Turnover (mill.â‚Ź)

Source: Confindustria Ceramica (*Estimates)

29 companies (7 fewer than the previous year), 26 of which are located in the Civita Castellana district (province of Viterbo).

The workforce contracted by 9.3% to a total of 3,377 employees. Sales totalled 3.7 million pieces, generating a turnover of 317.2 million euros (+2.9%), of which 174.5 million euros derived from domestic sales and 142.7 million euros from exports.

The investments made in the sector totalled an impressive 16.5 million euros, a sharp increase with respect to 2013 and equivalent to more than 5% of annual turnover.

The structure of the refractories sector remains unchanged with 35 companies and 2,129 employees. Production totalled 423,455 tons (+0.5%) while sales dropped to 433,970 tons (-2%), including 65% on the domestic market (283,697 tons, +1.4%).

The total turnover of 410.8 million euros (+4.6%) consisted of 266.8 million euros from

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58

domestic Italian sales (+12%), 80.1 million euros from exports within the EU (-12.7%) and 63.9 million euros from exports outside the EU (+1.8%).

Only 9 companies manufacture tableware at an industrial level. In 2014 production and sales topped 13,000 tons, generating a turnover of around 45 million euros.

The sales markets remain unchanged, with the domestic market continuing to account for 80% of sales by volume and 70% of turnover.

One particularly important development was the introduction in May 2013 of antidumping measures on imports of Chinese tableware to Europe, resulting in duties of between 13.1% and 36.1% being applied to Chinese imports over the following 5 years. At a European level, this measure has already resulted in an initial fall of 40% in Chinese exports in 2013, followed by a further 28.8% contraction in 2014.

5

Porcelain Collection

www.delconca.com

CERSAIE 2014 BOLOGNA | HALL 36 • BOOTH A/16 - A/14

Economy & markets

Italian ceramic manufacturers: 2014 revenues



The 2014 revenues of the largest Italian ceramic manufacturing companies and groups (first published in TILE ITALIA 3/15) are set out below.

For the sake of completeness, we have included the results reported by Marazzi and Dal Tile, but kept them separate from the league table because both brands are now owned by Mohawk Industries Inc.. 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 in Italian manufacturing facilities.

Revenues of over 200 million euros The standings of the top six Italian tile manufacturing groups have remained unchanged.

In keeping with its normal practice, Concorde Group has not yet released its data for 2014, but nonetheless undoubtedly leads the table because it generated revenues of 611.77 million euros in 2013 (+6% on 2012) through its Italian brands only (therefore excluding the revenues of Novoceram, France; Italon, Russia; Meta, a producer of ceramic body, and Svimisa, a producer of raw materials).

In second place, with revenues of 450 million euros in 2014, is Fiandre – Iris Group, which was formed on 1 May 2011, when GranitiFiandre entered into a rental agreement for the lease of the industrial and commercial division of Iris Ceramica.

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 329.5 million euros.

The improved fortunes of Panariagroup, in fourth place, are due largely to the US market, which accounted for 33% of its total sales of 99 million euros. The group closed 2014 with revenues of 290.7 million euros (+6.4%).

Casalgrande Padana takes fifth place with revenues of 268.8 million euros, and Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola closes the over-200-million segment, with revenues of 252.0 million euros.

100 to 200 million euros The middle order consists of companies with revenues between 100 and 200 million euros. Made up of six companies, this segment has seen a certain amount of jostling for position: Ricchetti Group (185.2 million euros) snatches seventh place from Emil-

ceramica Group (180.7 million euros in 2014), while ABK Group (115.9 million euros) overtakes Gold Art Group (108.0 million euros).

Of the six companies in this segment, ABK Group chalked up the best yearon-year growth (+11.4%), followed by Industrie Ceramiche Piemme (+8.1).

Less than 100 million euros Companies with revenues of below 100 million euros have performed less vigorously than their larger counterparts, and while some have increased their turnover since 2013, others have reported a downturn.

Gresmalt has put in a good performance (+5.3%) to achieve revenues of 88.3 million euros, thus continuing along the path of growth that it has successfully stuck to since 2010.

Rondine Group also did well, to generate revenues of 77.7 million euros, representing an 8.9% rise on its already enviable results of 2013.

The picture is also bright for Ascot, which increased its revenues by 4.5% compared with 2013, and for Coem, which is now approaching its precrisis levels again, with 2014 revenues of 58 million euros (+3.7%).

5

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60

Economy & markets Links

in text

2014 TURNOVERS: MARAZZI - DAL TILE MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, Inc*

USD 3,015 million

(2014: consolidated, ceramic division only) 2012: USD 1,616 million - 2013: USD 2,677 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 32,000

The ceramic division of Mohawk Industries Inc., which acquired Marazzi Group in 2013, increased its revenues by 338.2 million USD in 2014 (+13% year on year) and accounts for 40% of the company’s total turnover (with Carpet generating a further 40% and Laminate & Wood generating the remaining 20%).

Production capacity in the USA rose by 50 million sq.ft., and work started on the construction of a new production facility in Tennessee. In Italy’s ceramic valley, Marazzi is doubling the capacity of its plants in Fiorano Modenese and Finale Emilia. *Data sourced from: Mohawk Industries, Inc. “2014 Annual Report”.

CONCORDE GROUP

€ 611.8 million*

* The published data relate to 2013, 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 These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • CERAMICHE ATLAS - CONCORDE (Atlas Concorde - Keope - Supergres): € 243.61 million • MIRAGE GRANITO CERAMICO: € 105.508 million • CERAMICA CAESAR (Caesar - Fap - Minerva): € 126.372 million • CERAMICA MARCA CORONA: € 67.132 million • CERAMICA REFIN: € 69.497 million

Internationalisation 2 facilities in Europe (1 in France, 1 in Russia) *The consolidated figure does not include the revenues of: Novoceram (France), Italon (Russia), Meta (ceramic body), Svimisa (raw materials).

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Tile International 2/2015

Economy & markets FIANDRE-IRIS GROUP PANARIAGROUP

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

• IRIS CERAMICA • PORCELAINGRES (Germany) • ARIOSTEA • SAVOIA CANADA • ARCAREL • TECNOMIX

Production 20.1 million sq.m (floor tile 95% - wall tile 5%) Internationalisation 2 facilities: Stonepeak in the United States and Porcelaingres in Germany Exports 80% Employees 1,600 2014 saw the inauguration of an innovative new automated logistics centre for large-format panels at Ariostea. In 2015, the installation of a new production line for large-format panels is reaching completion at StonePeak Ceramics (USA); a new architecture gallery is opening in Moscow for the Fiandre, Iris and FMG brands; new FAB Architectural Bureau galleries are opening in Milan (Fiandre and Porcelaingres) and Berlin (Fiandre, Ariostea and Porcelaingres).

FINFLOOR GROUP

€ 329.5 million (consolidated)

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 These revenues were generated by the following brands: • FLORIM CERAMICHE spa (Floor Gres-Rex-Cerim-Casa Dolce Casa-Casamood-slim/4+) • FLORIM USA Inc. and subsidiaries • MAKER SRL 24 million sq.m Production Internationalisation 1 factory in Tennessee (USA); 2 logistic centres, 1 in Georgia (USA) and 1 in Paraná (Brazil); companies in Russia and Singapore 85% - data calculated based on the business Exports carried out directly by the group, excluding the revenue generated by third party production and considering the turnover of Florim USA as exports Employees 1,259 The group invested € 41.6 million in 2014, of which the lion’s share (€ 25.1 million) was assigned to the restructuring of Maker s.r.l. Other major initiatives focused on the American plant of Florim USA and the new Florim Logistics Centre at the Fiorano Modenese site.

€ 290.7 million (consolidated)

2003: € 212.4 million - 2004: € 235.5 million - 2005: € 247.2 million 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 These revenues were generated by the following brands: • CERAMICHE PANARIA • CERAMICHE LEA • FIORDO INDUSTRIE CERAMICHE • COTTO D’ESTE • BLUSTYLE

• LEA NORTH AMERICA (USA) • FLORIDA TILE (USA) • MARGRES (Portugal) • LOVE CERAMIC TILES • GRES PANARIA PORTUGAL

Production 13 mil. sq.m

(floor tiles 88% - wall tiles 12%) Exports 76% (by value) Employees 1,741 Panariagroup, a stock-market-listed ceramic manufacturer, closed 2014 with EBITDA of € 21 million and net income from sales of € 290.7 million.

The US market, with sales of € 99.0 million, accounted for 33% of total revenues in 2014.

CASALGRANDE PADANA

€ 268.8 million

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 The Group's turnover was generated by the following brands: • CASALGRANDE PADANA Spa • NUOVA RIWAL CERAMICHE (Alfa Lux, Saime)

€ 182.9 € 85.9

Production 22.0 mil. sq.m (floor tile 100%) Exports 73% Employees 1,040 - of which:

Casalgrande Padana spa: 602

Nuova Riwal: 438

COOP. CERAMICA IMOLA GROUP

€ 252.0 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 The following companies and/or brands belong to the Group: • IMOLA CERAMICA • LA FAENZA CERAMICA • LEONARDO CERAMICA Production 19.0 million sq.m (floor tile 84% - wall tile 16%) Exports 78% Employees 1,422

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CERAMIC WALL TILES CHANGE NAME Following the success of AUTO-LEVELING porcelain planks, ABK Group has now begun another revolution in the ceramic sector. Wall&Porcelain is an innovative product that entirely transforms the world of interior ceramic wall tiles. A cutting-edge technology and a new material that challenges conventional tile classifications, it combines the advantages of porcelain with the key characteristics of double fired or monoporosa tiles while avoiding their respective limitations.

Wall&Porcelain can be used to produce large-format rectified ceramic panels (60x120/30x120 cm) that are light, easy to handle, thin (7 mm) and perfectly flat – a feat that is not technically possible with the double firing or monoporosa process. This means the tiles are easier to work with, cut and install compared to conventional porcelain, they are just as practical as classic wall tiles, and at the same time they are extremely durable and free from defects after installation.

RELIABILITY It is immune to the problem of surface micro-cracks that may occur after installation (post-installation crazing).

ELASTICITY Wall&Porcelain ensures stronger bonding to surfaces while maintaining perfect flatness.

STRENGTH The surfaces have the same strength and toughness as porcelain stoneware.

COMFORT It offers greater thermal and acoustic insulation compared to porcelain stoneware.

INTELLIGENCE It is produced with special ECO-BODY mix containing 40% raw material recovered from other industrial processes.

LIGHT WEIGHT The lighter weight compared to traditional porcelain stoneware makes this product easy to handle.

PRACTICALITY Wall&Porcelain is extremely easy to cut and work with.

ECO-SUSTAINABILITY A dry straight-edge cutting system is used with reduced energy consumption and total recovery of processing waste.

ABK GROUP WALL&PORCELAIN ™ For further information on Wall&Porcelain™ technology, download the official video from our websites www.abk.it www.ariana.it www.flavikerpisa.it

Economy & markets RICCHETTI GROUP

€ 185.2 million (consolidated)

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

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

Ceramiche Ricchetti Group includes the following companies:

Production Internationalisation

Exports Employees

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

In March 2014, porcelain tile production came on-stream at the Loudon plant in Tennessee (USA).

ABK GROUP

€ 115.9 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

Production 11.3 million sq.m (floor tile 67% - wall tile 33%)) Internationalisation facilities in Portugal, Finland and Germany Exports 89.1% Employees 1,415 (of whom 966 outside Italy)

EMILCERAMICA GROUP

€ 180.7 million (consolidated) 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

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

• ARIANA • ABK SIR • HARD KOLL

Production 5.3 million sq.m (floor tile 92% - wall tile 8%) Exports 60% Employees 345

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

The new brand Casa Tua has been operational since 2014.

• EMILCERAMICA • ERGON • PROVENZA • VIVA • EMILAMERICA (USA) • ZEUS CERAMICA (Ukraine) • CAOLINO PANCIERA (bodies)

GOLD ART CERAMICA GROUP

€ 108.0 million (consolidated) 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

Production

9.1 million sq.m, of which 7.3 million produced in Italy (floor tile 98% - wall tile 2% Internationalisation The group has three logistics centres in the United States. It operates in Ukraine through Zeus Ceramica, whose production reached 2 million sq.m in 2014, despite the ongoing conflict.

76% (88% Emilceramica spa) Exports Employees 765 (of which: 529 in Italy)

These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • GOLD ART CERAMICA / ENERGIEKER • MANIFATTURA COTTO TUSCANIA • CERAMICA MANDRIO CORREGGIO • IL CAVALLINO CERAMICA ARTISTICA • GOLD ART POLSKA

The downturn in consolidated revenues reported in 2014 is due to the depreciation of the hryvnia against the euro, which reduced the euro value of sales by the subsidiary Zeus in Ukraine. The subsidiary Emilceramica, meanwhile, reported an increase in revenues compared with 2013.

€ 63.5 million € 27.0 million € 12.0 million € 3.5 million € 2.0 million

Production 14.0 million sq.m (floor tile 90% - wall tile 10%) Exports 60% Employees 410

FAETANO-DEL CONCA GROUP € 126.9 million (net of infra-Group transactions)

The group has been wholly owned by the Benedetti-Monti family since March 2015. The new Sacmi plant for the production of porcelain tiles came on-stream at the end of April 2015.

2003: € 113.5 million - 2004: € 121.3 million - 2005: € 130.7 million 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 These revenues (net of infra-group transactions) were generated by the following companies and/or brands: »»

Tile International 2/2015

11.2 million sq.m (floor tile 92% - wall tile 8%) San Marino (Ceramica Faetano Spa) Loudon, Tennessee - USA (Del Conca USA) 76% 550

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Economy & markets SERENISSIMA CIR IND. CERAMICHE GROUP RONDINE GROUP

€ 101.3 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

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

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

These revenues were generated by the following brands: • RONDINE spa • SPRAY DRY (ceramic bodies) Production 7.4 mil. sq.m Exports 66% Employees 292

• SERENISSIMA • CIR • CAPRI • CERCOM • CERASARDA • MOMO DESIGN CERAMICS • EXE • ISLA TILES

Production 7.1 million sq.m (floor tile 92% - wall tile 8%) Exports 62% Employees 521

2015 is a year of major investment programmes for Ceramica Rondine, with the extension of its production units, new lines for the handling and transfer of large formats, automated sorting machines and latestgeneration packaging lines that create packages directly in the machine.

Investments are also being made in logistics, with an all-new WMS designed to optimise picking management.

The sale of the Alfonsine facility in the Italian province of Ravenna to Omega Ceramics, an Egyptian group with 6 production facilities on its home soil, was finalised in April 2015.

INDUSTRIE CERAMICHE PIEMME

ITALGRANITI GROUP

€ 92.0 million (consolidated)

• ITALGRANITI Exports Employees

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

Production Exports Employees

€ 71.5 million (consolidated)

The Group's turnover was generated by the following brands: • MONOCIBEC • NAXOS

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

• CENTURY

Production 5.0 mil. sq.m (floor tile 76% - wall tile 24%) Exports 75% Employees 400

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

Production Exports Employees

85% 210

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

€ 88.3 million (consolidated)

• ABITARE LA CERAMICA • FRASSINORO CERAMICHE

• IMPRONTA

FINCIBEC GROUP

• VALENTINO • SICED

7.2 million sq.m (floor tile 97% - wall tile 3%) 82% 335

GRESMALT

€ 73.3 million

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

2008: € 89.5 million - 2009: € 71.6 million - 2010: € 80.3 million 2011: € 80.4 million - 2012: € 79.9 million - 2013: € 85.1 million

• INDUSTRIE CERAMICHE PIEMME Spa • PIEMMEGRES • CLUB

€ 77.7 million (consolidated)

The corporate investment plan, worth € 5 million in 2014 alone, is continuing across all three of the Group’s production facilities.

• SINTESI CERAMICA ITALIANA • CERAMICHE GRESMALT

12.3 million sq.m (floor tile 100%) 57% 311

The group’s second edge-grinding and polishing line came on-stream at the Iano facility in the Italian province of Reggio Emilia in October 2014.

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Economy & markets GAMBINI GROUP IND. CERAMICHE OPERA GROUP

€ 67.0 million (consolidated)

€ 57.7 million*

* The published data relate to 2013

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: € 70.24 million 2012: € 67.7 million - 2013: € 67.0 million

Employees

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

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

• EPOCA • MANIFATTURA EMILIANA • MEG (France) Production Exports Employees

CERAMICHE SANT’AGOSTINO

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

€ 55.8 million

2.3 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 75% - wall tiles 25%) Production Exports 56% Employees 327

8.3 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 90% - wall tiles 10%) 86% 310

ASCOT GROUP

214

GARDENIA-ORCHIDEA GROUP

€ 62.4 million

€ 54.0 million*

*Does not include Gardenia Brasil

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

2003: € 102.2 million - 2004: € 98.0 million - 2005: € 98.0 million 2006: € 100.3 million - 2007: € 79.4 million - 2008: € 83.23 million 2009: € 70.2 million - 2010: € 70.8 million - 2011: € 69.8 million 2012: € 64.2 million - 2013: € 54.0 million

These revenues were generated by the following brands:

These revenues were generated by the following brands: • GARDENIA ORCHIDEA • VERSACE CERAMICS

• ASCOT • DOM

Production

Production 3.7 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 60% - wall tiles 40%) Exports 70% Employees 300

5.6 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 69% - wall tiles 31%)

The group also produced 2.0 mill. sq.m of Bitech white body in various sizes.

CERAMICHE CCV CASTELVETRO COEM

€ 58.0 million

€ 51.0 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: € 40.7 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

4.0 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 100%) - 2011 data Production Exports 70% Employees 200

These revenues were generated by the following brands: • CERAMICHE COEM • CERAMICA FIORANESE

The company produces glazed porcelain tile, body to be glazed and spray-dried body.

6.7 mil. sq.m Production Exports 69% Employees 256

NOVABELL CERAMICHE ITALIANE

€ 49.1 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

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 2.6 million sq.m of body to be glazed.

These revenues were generated by the following brands: • NOVABELL • ABITA

Tile International 2/2015

3.7 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 85% - wall tiles 15%) Production Exports 90% Employees 173

»»

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Economy & markets CERINDUSTRIES

€ 48.0 million (consolidated)*

*The published data refer to 2013

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 These revenues were generated by the following brands: • CERDOMUS • L’ASTORRE • PORCELLANA DI ROCCA

POLIS MANIFATTURE CERAMICHE

€ 44.8 million

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 2012: € 37.4 million - 2013: 39.3 million Production Exports Employees

3.8 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 70% - wall tiles 30%) 40% 194

LAMINAM Employees:

€ 42.2 million 112

GRANITOFORTE

€ 36.4 million*

*The published data refer to 2013

Employees 131

C.B.S. (BARBOLINI) GROUP

€ 33.5 million

SICHENIA CERAMICHE GROUP € 32.2 million (consolidated)*

*The published data refer to 2013

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 These revenues were generated by the following brands: • SICHENIA € 29.495 mil.

• PHORMA € 2.721 mil.

LA FABBRICA - DAFIN GROUP

€ 31.1 million

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

ALTAECO

€ 30.2 million

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

• APPIANI • GABBIANELLI

Production 1.5 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 30% - wall tiles 70%) Exports 45% Employees 347

5

2003: € 62.0 million - 2004: € 63.5 million - 2005: € 63.5 million 2006: € 73.5 million - 2007: € 79.0 million - 2008: € 74.0 million 2009: € 62.0 million - 2010: € 64.0 million - 2011: € 55.8 million 2012: € 44.6 million - 2013: € 33.5 million These revenues were generated by the following brands: • CERAMICA LA GUGLIA • OTHER SATELLITE BRANDS

• KIS CERAMICHE

Production 3.9 mil. sq.m (floor tiles 56% - wall tiles 34%) Exports 38% Employees 160 The Spilamberto plant in the Italian province of Modena has extended its production of new bodies for porcelain tile for subsequent glazing

Entire contents Copyright Tile Edizioni srl All rights reserved

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Tile International 2/2015

Economy & markets

Naxb: alliance is strength in the distribution sector

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A business grows best as part of a team. This is the philosophy that for more than seven years has inspired the Naxb group, a collective of Northern European entrepreneurs with 78 stores in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark who decided to join forces to optimise their purchasing and marketing policies and share their business experience. It is a unique way of doing business that allows errors to be minimised. But at the same

time it marks a new approach in the building materials industry that seeks to offer the best solutions to the needs of a rapidly evolving and fiercely competitive market.

total commitment is the only price that members are asked to pay.

Rather than adopting a global vision, Naxb is focused on Northern Europe, an area of reliable growth which for decades has been the powerhouse of the continent. Naxb is the first purchasing group in the region based on free and voluntary membership, where

Naxb’s strength lies in the fact that each member maintains its complete managerial and operational independence.

Naxb Group’s competitive assets

By offering producers an extensive and constantly evolving distribution network, Naxb is able to assure its members

the best price on the market as well as the products of the leading international players in the sector.

The group develops a range of Naxb brand products with typically Northern European characteristics of size and design.

At the same time, Naxb members benefit from a wide range of merchandising tools, from display units to catalogues and folders, all with personalised branding. This is a very important detail that increases competitive value, especially in local markets.

ADVERTORIAL

+

ASSOCIATED DISTRIBUTORS

Each member is free to propose business solutions or suggest new producers, which will be appraised by the Product Team.

At the same time the group is open to any producer capable of investing and supporting the continued growth of the individual Naxb members.

The group’s main growth driv-

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Economy & markets

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show

rooms Sweden Norway Finland Iceland Denmark

The partnership with major manufacturers In the space of just seven years the Naxb group has succeeded in forging partnerships with

the world’s leading tile manufacturers.

This is an achievement that would have been unthinkable in 2008 and was made possible only by the unflagging efforts of the founding members, who from the start maintained a firm belief in the innovative power of their business model.

The success formula rejected

the stereotypes of an outmoded business culture rendered obsolete by globalisation, which instead requires companies to assume the characteristics of big players in order to be truly competitive in the industry.

Suppliers who choose to join the Naxb group have the

unique opportunity to work in synergy with both the Product Team and the Shop Managers of the 78 stores. The stores have very different needs that suppliers meet by offering a competent, timely and effective support activity through their own sales networks. Moreover, Naxb suppliers must also work in close partnership with

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.

It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results

(Andrew Carnegie)

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Tile International 2/2015

ADVERTORIAL

ers are the acquisition of new members and new partnerships with international purchasing groups.

Economy & markets

www . naxb . it

store managers, organising regular direct visits to ensure the best possible support in terms of product presentation and consequently the best level of sales.

In Northern Europe, Naxb acts as a single customer towards

its suppliers, giving them guaranteed competitive advantages.

Only Naxb suppliers are invited to submit tenders for products that are traditionally sold in large volumes.

The strategic value of the Product Team Directed by a Product Manager with extensive experience in both production and new product development, the

Product Team operates with the full authority of group members.

It is a dedicated team made up of Product Specialists with extensive local experience who monitor market trends constantly and keep the team informed, thus enabling the simplest and most technically feasible solutions to be developed within a short timeframe.

The key to Naxb’s growth is its utmost respect for the specific needs and characteristics of the various national markets.

Although Northern Europe is perceived as a fairly homogenous market, there are in fact major differences between individual countries.

The main objective of the Naxb Product Team is to study individual market needs and identify the best solutions within the technical and production constraints.

ADVERTORIAL

This approach represents a new way of providing tools and products that are easy for Naxb members to use in their day-today business and focuses on practical solutions that are both feasible and effective. So rather than being based on a decision made by the founding members, the Naxb philosophy reflects the natural market need for large volumes and simple and technically feasible solutions.

Growth through teamwork: this 5 is Naxb!

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www.topcer.com

The Penny Hill Lounge, Dublin - Eire

St. Patrick’s Church, Lisburn - N. Ireland

SPA Hotel Aulanko - Finland

Private House in Oldtown, Dublin - Eire

EXPORT OFFICE: Largo da Estação, 8-2° Fte 2750-340 Cascais Portugal Tel. +351 214 844 788/9 - Fax +351 214 841 091 E-mail: lx@topcer.com FACTORY: Zona Industrial de Oiã 3770-908 Oiã Portugal Tel. +351 234 722 395 - Fax +351 234 722 397 E-mail: av@topcer.com

Singer Building, St. Petersburg - Russia

Topics

Werner Schlüter: a revolutionary idea



When Werner Schlüter developed SchlüterSCHIENE–a profile for clean finishing edges of tile coverings–40 years ago, no one could foresee that his idea would eventually turn into a global company with over 1,000 employees.

"An idea is no substitute for work," the well-known sociologist Max Weber once said.

While that is undisputed, a good idea can make work more convenient, easier and more efficient. Precisely such an idea occurred to Werner Schlüter in 1975 during his daily work as a master tile installer.

At the time, Schlüter was facing the challenge of creating a clean finishing edge at the transition from the tiles to the adjoining floor coverings in a bathroom with five doors. He also had to securely protect the edges of a Florentine mosaic installed in the thin-set screed. "I needed a solution," Werner Schlüter recalls, "but such a product simply was not on the market at the time.”

This prompted the master tile installer to address the development on his own.

As he was thinking about the way his solution would meet these requirements, he came up with the idea of an L-shaped, metal profile with a flat, wide, and perforated anchoring leg that could be

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1. The "original" is turning 40. The picture shows the first model of Schlüter-SCHIENE. 2. Schlüter-SCHIENE-ES, the classic stainless steel profile, is now also available with the patented joint spacer 3. The company headquarters of Schlüter-Systems in Iserlohn 4. Werner Schlüter in product development, mid 1980s embedded in the tile adhesive and a shorter, thicker leg that matched the height of the tile. Using a drawing and the help of a toolmaker friend, Schlüter subsequently created the first prototype of the new product for an initial sample assembly and successful practical test.

Patent with potential Werner Schlüter of course recognised the value of his invention. After all, he was probably not the only tile installer to have encountered similar

problems in his working reality.

That insight prompted him to file a utility model of a "floor profile" with the German Patent Office in Munich on June 24, 1975, which would become the basis of further patent filings in Germany and abroad. The patent was officially granted on October 23 of the same year to safeguard the intellectual property rights to the invention.

Nevertheless, Schlüter had no inkling that it was the starting point of a success story that has lasted for over 40 years and that several 100 million

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linear meters of Schlüter profiles would eventually be installed worldwide. "I would have never imagined such a development back then. After all, we only had five product types made of brass when we started," says Schlüter in retrospect.

Although profile sales were originally intended as a "side line" to supplement the tile installation business, they were managed professionally from the start. The first profile series made of brass was defined in five lengths for serial production. "We then turned to an ad-

vertising specialist to develop our first brochure and the product name "SchlüterSCHIENE" was born," recounts Werner Schlüter. To this day, tile installers make reference to M60, M80, M100, M125 and M150–the product designations of the first SCHIENE series, which can still be found in the company's product portfolio.

Additional heights–18.5 and 20 mm–were added in 1976, along with the first aluminium and anodised aluminium profiles.

Although the master tile installer had no formal sales ex-

Tile International 2/2015

Topics

perience, he has always had a keen sense of industry demand. “In Germany, SchlüterSCHIENE became quickly known in the industry from advertisements in technical publications and brochure mailings so that even our first-year sales were considerable. Right from the start, I tried to integrate tile wholesalers into the distribution system," Schlüter explains. His concept was simple: "I wanted to make Schlüter-SCHIENE available to tile installers wherever they purchased tiles and adhesive." The combination of promotion and sales strategy quickly led to so much success that the booming business soon outgrew the warehouse space adjacent to the tile installation business.

Schiene as a trailblazer In 1979, the company moved to a new operations building with a floor space of approx.

700 m2 on Schmölestraße in Iserlohn, where its headquarters remains to this day, although the premises have grown to over 100,000 m2. In the meantime, the Schlüter profile assortment had been significantly expanded. In addition to brass and aluminium versions, SCHIENE also became available with colour coatings or in varieties made of coloured plastic. These would later be sold under the brand name Schlüter-JOLLY. Following the company motto, “Practical solutions from an expert source,” Werner Schlüter developed and optimised Schlüter-SCHIENE further. In 1981, it was modified with a newly patented, specially shaped finishing leg with a broadened profile head. In this context, the previous oval perforations of the anchoring leg were replaced with the well-known trapezoid perforations. The three trapezoids are now an internationally regis-

tered trademark as one of the company logos.

The first Schlüter-SCHIENE profiles made of stainless steel were manufactured and sold in the early 1990s. "Our decision to include this material in our assortment was based on an early recognition of the trend toward this material," recalls Werner Schlüter.

Other milestone innovations for Schlüter-SCHIENE included the introduction of the patented joint spacer in 2001. A joint spacer, which is available from profile heights of 6 mm, precisely defines a joint chamber with the tile, creating a consistently neat joint appearance with simple and reliable installation.

With the market launch of Schlüter-SCHIENE-ES, the stainless steel version of the profile, the high-quality classic is now available with the patented joint spacer just in time for the 40th product anniversary. Tile installers can now choose

whether to use the proven stainless steel profile with or without joint spacer. SCHIENEES is available in three lengths and four heights, in a stainless steel and brushed stainless steel version.

The profile of innovation "The profile of innovation" has been another company motto not only promoted, but also actively turned into reality by Werner Schlüter, for example by integrating finishing legs with other shapes and functions into the trapezoid perforated anchoring leg.These additions made Schlüter-SCHIENE the trailblazer for movement joint profiles, another new introduction in the world of tiles, in 1985.

Schlüter stair nosing profiles, which came on the market in 1987, represented another intelligent problem solution offered by the company. These

1983 Schlüter®- troba

1975 Schlüter®- schiene PATENTED

Werner Schlüter

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1985 Schlüter®- dilex

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profiles not only protect the edges of tiled stair steps from heavy mechanical stresses, but also reduce the risk of accidents in their slip-resistant version.

Since the ceramic tile industry increasingly adopted the socalled fast-fire process after 1980, glazed edges for wall corners were no longer offered. This opened up new innovation areas for profiles, and the "Technology and Design with Profiles" assortment grew steadily as new innovative solutions were added.

The various Schlüter-profile types such as RONDEC, QUADEC, DECO and JOLLY in a variety of materials and finishes document the ongoing innovation process. Schlüter-Systems presented a new dimension of "Technology and Design with Profiles" at BAU 2013 with the introduction of its Illuminated Profile Technology Schlüter-LIPROTEC. The intelligent system allows for unique

1987 Schlüter - ditra Schlüter®- kerdi ®

design options for tile coverings with a high-quality LED illumination technology.

Becoming a system provider for tile covering assemblies Based on the development of the Schlüter-TROBA drainage membrane and the previously introduced balcony finishing profiles, Schlüter presented its first system assembly for balconies and terraces in 1983.

This area has been consistently expanded and now includes all relevant construction variants with the corresponding specially designed products.

With Schlüter-DITRA and -KERDI, Schlüter-Systems introduced two special synthetic membranes for bonded uncoupling as well as bonded waterproofing for tile coverings in 1987. These products offer a reliable, practical solution for tile installers, particular-

ly for installations on problematic substrates. At the same time, they created the basis for the subsequent development of the floor drain systems KERDI-DRAIN and KERDI-LINE, which form a complete system along with specially developed shower trays and waterproofing components, which can be used to build, for example, barrier-free showers.

Schlüter-BEKOTEC, a crack-free screed construction for floating and heated screeds, was developed on the basis of a special studded screed panel, which is covered with a thin layer of approx. 10 mm screed for installation. This product program was expanded to a complete system in 2003, when the necessary heating components were added to create the company’s thermal ceramic comfort floor. Several million square meters of this floor installation have proven permanently free of damage

and particularly energy-efficient.

The idea to used tiled spaces as efficient heating areas also guided the development of the electrical heating system Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E. Thus, the original idea of Schlüter-SCHIENE became the starting point for today's product portfolio of over 10,000 products. With more than 1,000 employees working at eight locations and in numerous service offices, SchlüterSystems continues to provide reliable service to its domestic and international customers for everything associated with the installation of tiles and natural stone. By the way, this also continues to include the tile installation company where it all began: Fliesen-Schlüter continues to operate to this day and stays in direct contact with tile installation practitioners–to ensure all customers can have "More fun with tiles."

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Schlüter®- bekotec

Schlüter®- bekotec - therm

Schlüter®- liprotec

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patented joint spacer

Schlüter®- ditra - heat - e

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In the spotlight

by Sabino Menduni

Tradition and innovation the keys to success for Villeroy & Boch

Andreas Pfeiffer



2014 was another good year for Villeroy & Boch, a historic luxury brand in the Bathroom & Wellness and Tableware segments. Founded in 1748 and publicly traded since 1990, the Germany-based multinational reported revenue growth for the fifth year in succession to reach 766.3 million euros (up 2.8% in nominal terms, or 4% on a constant currency basis, from the 745.3 million euros of 2013). EBIT also rose by 6.1% to 38.4 million euros (or 43.2 million euros including the non-recurring income from the sale of the plant property in Sweden) and consolidated net income improved slightly from 23.9 to 24.3 million euros. These positive results reflected strong performances by both divisions, Bathroom and Tableware, which respectively account for 61.2% and 38.8% of revenue.

From the group’s imposing headquarters in Mettlach –

Tile International 2/2015

the former abbey where it has been based since 1809 – Villeroy & Boch oversees a commercial presence in 125 countries worldwide, a network of 168 “The House of Villeroy & Boch” stores and a total of 14 factories. Along with its facilities in eight European countries, the group also acquired sanitaryware manufacturing units in Mexico in 2006 with the aim of expanding its presence in the American continent and started up a facility in Thailand in 2008 to support the brand’s rapid growth in Asia.

We discussed the group's performance and forecasts with Andreas Pfeiffer, board member and head of the Bathroom & Wellness division.

Tile International: How have sales performed in the various markets you operate in?

Andreas Pfeiffer: As in the previous years, development in our home market of Germany was robust in 2014, with rev-

enue rising by 2.8% year-onyear to 218.8 million euros.

Elsewhere Europe, we recorded substantial revenue growth in the Netherlands (+13.4%), Belgium (+10.4%) and Austria (+8.3%) but suffered an approximately 7% drop in revenue in France and Italy. Results in Eastern Europe were satisfactory, with revenue reaching 69 million euros (+3.8%). Despite the weak rouble, revenue in Russia, one of our key growth markets, rose by 7.4% in nominal terms and by as much as 22.7% in local currency. By contrast, revenue in Ukraine fell by 49.2%. Outside Europe, business in the Asia/ Pacific/Africa growth region developed positively (+12.7 %), largely due to the encouraging revenue performance in China (+28.1 %).

Tile International: How did the Bathroom & Wellness division perform?

A. Pfeiffer: Turnover reached 469.3 million euros (up 2.9% in nominal terms, up 4.6% on a

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constant currency basis). The performance in the various markets reflects the overall results I have just described. Revenue in Germany rose by 3.2%, largely thanks to the continued strong performance of the bathroom furniture business. Results were also extremely encouraging in the Baltic States (+28.6%), the United Kingdom (+16.2%), the Netherlands (+12.6%) and in Russia (+11.4% in nominal terms, +30.9% in local currency). There was less satisfactory development in Ukraine (-50.2%), Italy (-15.6%) and France (-10%), where the housing construction volume that is important for the sanitaryware sector declined in 2014 for the third year in succession.

Tile International: What were the main results in North America?

A. Pfeiffer: We recorded solid revenue growth of +2.6% in the Americas region to reach 44.6 million euros, 6% of our total

In the spotlight

consolidated revenue worldwide. The downturn in Mexico (-9.1%) was offset by revenue growth in the USA (+3%). The main driver was our business in the USA (+3.0%) and, in particular, e-commerce sales.

In 2014 the USA was the key driver of the global economy alongside China. We can see a clearly positive trend and are anticipating a robust upturn. We have consequently expanded our distribution network in the Bathroom and Wellness division. The number of showrooms operated with our partner TOTO increased from 165 in 2013 to 320 in 2014, giving us visibility among existing and potential customers and creating the conditions for continuous revenue growth.

Tile International: 2014 was a year of big investments for Villeroy & Boch. Which were the most important of these?

A. Pfeiffer: At 44.6 million euros, investments in the 2014 financial year were well above

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the prior-year level of 26.4 million euros. More than 84% of these related to the Bathroom and Wellness Division. The largest investment projects were the construction of a new logistics and assembly facility in Gustavsberg (Sweden) and the installation of a combined heat and power plant at the Mettlach site, which was officially inaugurated in June last year. The aim is to reduce energy costs by around 25% and to cut CO2 emissions by over 4,000 tons per year.

Tile International: What strategies have helped to improve the Group’s profit margins?

A. Pfeiffer: The group’s profit margin was increased by an improved productivity and quality in our production network and optimised procurement activities. In general we benefit from a better product, price and country mix. In 2012, we launched the yield improvement programme with the aim of leveraging the full potential offered by our plants.

Tile International 2/2015

In the spotlight

The core of the programme is a bundle of optimisation measures with which we are aiming to systematically increase the first pass yield at our sanitaryware factories.

This programme has already led to impressive productivity improvements, which is reflected in a significant improvement in the gross margin (2014: +1.1 percentage points).

Additionally we invested in local logistics platforms to improve the supply chain in our markets.

Tile International: How are your sales activities organised in the two segments?

A. Pfeiffer: In the Tableware division we operate both through specialist retailers and through the 168 The House of Villeroy & Boch stores located around the world. Additionally we have around 560 points of sale operated

Tile International 2/2015

by our own staff at high-profile department stores. Online shops are becoming increasingly important in this retail system as well. We sell our Tableware products via our online shops in more than 20 countries. For our Bathroom and Wellness section we focus on our strong partnerships with local resellers. Our products are displayed in more than 7,500 showrooms in 125 countries worldwide.

Tile International: Globalisation has led to the emergence of new competitors along with new groups of consumers in emerging countries. What further developments do you expect to see?

A. Pfeiffer: We see Villeroy & Boch in a strong position to face new challenges in the market. With a broad range from affordable to high class premium products we can meet the most diverse needs

of the global markets. Expanding in new product segments, developing innovative materials and having a great design will help us to meet these challenges. At this year’s KBC in Shanghai for example we introduced a special series of our ViClean shower toilets specially designed for the Asian market. Diverse customers can also be an opportunity for a brand like Villeroy & Boch.

Reaching a primarily young target group online was a key task over the last years. As a company with such a long tradition we learned several times to reinvent ourselves.

One of the key developments we see is that a successful brand has to offer more than just the product. Villeroy & Boch offers various innovative digital services such as the Bathroom Inspirator and Bathroom Planner for anyone looking for inspiration for planning

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and equipping their bathroom. Customers can also create realistic 3D depictions thanks to the Augmented Reality app.

An important aspect of product competence is the ability to quickly pinpoint the spirit of the times and predict future trends. Today’s top-seller can be tomorrow’s shelf-warmer.

Many of Villeroy & Boch’s innovations have gone on to enjoy market success and receive awards, such as the CeramicPlus finish or the innovative material Quaryl. This serves as a reminder of the equal importance of tradition and innovation – without tradition, experience and knowledge there can be no innovation and without innovation the tradition cannot be continued!

Tile International: What are your most recent innovations?

A. Pfeiffer: One is certainly Ti-

In the spotlight

Octagon

tanCeram, an innovative material based on a special combination of clay, quartz, feldspar and titanium oxide.

Thanks to special manufacturing processes, it allows for the production of sanitary products with exceptionally precise forms, extremely thin walls and sharply drawn edges, backed by high-quality premi-

um designs. We first used TitanCeram for our exclusive Octagon bathroom sink and the new Artis series of counter top washbasins, which we presented at ISH 2015.

One of our key innovations and a top-seller in recent years is DirectFlush technology, consisting of WCs with an intelligent water flow system to

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In the spotlight

enable the WC bowl to be easily and hygienically cleaned. In the field of hygiene we have also developed the AntiBac antibacterial glaze based on silver ions, which has been certified by the Federal Institute for Materials Testing in Berlin and by the Japanese BOKEN Quality Evaluation Institute. With solutions like these we successfully developed a strong partnership with planners, architects, property developers and investors.

For this target group, we developed a comprehensive product and service concept called Projects which provides professionals with real added value and support for the entire duration of a project.

Tile International: What are your forecasts for 2015?

A. Pfeiffer: The first 6 months of the year have benefited of the rise in private consumer spending in most euro zone countries with the exception of France and Italy. However, the continued expansion of

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our orders on hand, the positive customer feedback enjoyed by our new products at the ISH and Ambiente trade fairs and our expectation of moderate growth in the global economy give us grounds for optimism with regard to the rest of the year. Accordingly, the outlook for the 2015 financial year remains unchanged, including an increase in consolidated revenue of between 3% and 5% and an improvement in the operating result of more than 5%. As we start to deliver most of our ISH novelties into the showrooms, we soon expect to see the results of our efforts.

In the meantime we will continue to work on coming innovations and on expanding the professional Projects segment. Being present in top locations like hotels, apartments, hospitals and airport launches will not just bring us remunerative orders but will also help us improve the visibility of the brand.

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In the spotlight

Boris Tellegen for Ascot

Ades Frederic

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For the next stage in its Game of Fifteen project, Ascot Group will be at Cersaie this year with a new series of wall tiles dedicated to the art of Boris Tellegen.

A preview of this new collection has been on display since 9 May (and will remain on display until 22 November) at “The Bridges of Graffiti”, an event on the fringe of the Venice Biennial, which has brought together ten international artists and set them to work as a team for the first time to create a kind of Hall of Fame on the walls of Arterminal.

Ascot inaugurated its Game of Fifteen project last year, with a collection dedicated to Keith Haring, an icon of the pop art scene.

We asked Ades Frederic, Sales Director of the Ascot brand, to tell us more about what prompted the company to become the driving force behind such a significant initia-

Tile International 2/2015

tive involving a string of major figures from the world of modern art.

Tile International: How did the “Game of Fifteen” project come into being?

Ades Frederic: “The idea emerged from our work with Sartoria, a Modena-based communications agency, with which we developed an elegant plan for the repositioning of the Ascot brand. As part of this approach, we came up with the idea for the Game of Fifteen project, whose aim is to turn wall tiles into a vehicle for art, by using them as a medium for the reproduction of works of art and thus transforming them into works of art in their own right.

The name “Game of Fifteen” derives from the classic 15-puzzle, and refers to the total number of artists involved in the project. Each collection in the series, made with white body and Bitech® technology, represents a full immersion in

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In the spotlight

the style and poetics of the individual artist involved.

After last year's tribute to Keith Haring, which also met with considerable acclaim at “iSaloni 2015”, where it went on display in the prestigious venue of Corso Como 11, we are now following up with a collection dedicated to Boris Tellegen.”

Tile International: What form does this new collection take?

A. Frederic: “The Tellegen collection is still made of Bitech® porcelain ceramic, in sizes 20x20 and 20x60 cm, and has a double surface finish: the first of these is smooth and painted, while the second is textured. In view of the sculptural nature of Tellegen's art, it was imperative to give the tile depth. The whole collection is produced in three background colours: white, grey and black.”

Tile International: How did your partnership with Boris Tellegen originate?

A. Frederic: “It all started with a meeting, which I would describe as more “fortunate” than “fortuitous”, between the famous artist and the Sartoria communications agency, which persuaded him, as a starting point, to come and visit Ascot's production facilities. Sartoria were confident that Tellegen, who is committed to environmental integrity, would be impressed by such an environmentally sound product and production system, and they were right, be-

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cause a real chemistry quickly developed between Boris, ceramic and our way of making it.

Tellegen then came back several times to participate in the process of industrialisation of the collection dedicated to him, and forged a strong bond with the company, to the extent that he is now also taking direct part in the design of our stand for Cersaie.”

Tile International: So we'll have a real artist's stand at Cersaie this year…

A. Frederic: “Yes, and I would strongly urge everyone to come and see it: it'll be full of

Tile International 2/2015

colour, very off-beat and I think everyone is going to love it. At Ascot, we are honoured and delighted to have got a string of major international figures from the art world involved in the Game of Fifteen project.

We are also convinced that our products will win the hearts of visitors to Cersaie, and appeal to our increasingly sophisticated and international clientele.”

Tile International: On the subject of your clientele, what type of customers do you think will appreciate such an unusual and luxurious product?

A. Frederic: “A luxury prod-

uct… you're right, the Haring collection and this Tellegen collection are indeed luxury products, but there's more to it than that: the type of customers, all round the world, who appreciate these collections, are people with an eye for beauty and a feel for art, who choose products on the basis of specific cultural criteria.

To put it another way, people who choose this type of product don't do so because they're looking for a status symbol to enhance their social standing, they choose these products because they see them as the right detail to

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complement their habitat.”

Tile International: Is there any particular area of the world in which this type of customer is especially prevalent?

A. Frederic: “There are no marked differences between geographical areas, and I guess that's because the love of beauty transcends borders and cultures. Nor do these products find more favour with architects than private customers, for example, because sales are spread evenly across both categories. Our experience at Corso Como 11, for “iSaloni 2015”, showed that an appreciation of detail and of

In the spotlight

ISSUU M ultimedia

art in general finds as many followers in Japan and the rest of Asia as it does in France, England, Italy or New York.

Basically, we were banking on a resurgence in demand for absolutely topend wall tiles, and all our assumptions were proved right….”

Tile International: What are the main factors behind this renewed demand for wall tiles?

A. Frederic: “The resurgence in demand is driven exclusively by quality, both in terms of the product itself and the ideas that it expresses. It has nothing to do with the old idea of wall tiles in your kitchen and bathroom up to a height of two metres. Having said that, colour has regained its importance and so has ceramic's ability to offer a third dimension: working with three dimensions enables you to express emotions in a way that goes well beyond the confines of wall coverings and moves deep into the territory of artistic expression. Under the logic of the Game of Fifteen project, there may come a time when we might produce a totally bespoke wall tile collection at the express request of a customer… So the fifteenth artist to take part in the Game of Fifteen project will probably be a private customer.”

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BORIS TELLEGEN During the 1980s, Dutch artist Delta (his pseudonym in the streets) spent much of his time deconstructing and reforming the letters of his tag, working with the rigour forged during his time as an engineering student.

His fractured lettering pointed towards a future governed by the dual notions of phony chaos within controlled order. Boris Tellegen soon abandoned the streets, the setting for his first works, in favour of the enclosed universe of the exhibition space. Words became his surface and letters faded from view in favour of direction and material in works where light plays across the dimensions to offer new readings of his intricate reliefs.

Boris Tellegen’s installations and his wood and paper collages suggest a constructed universe where the intersection between the real and the conceptual is anchored in a geometrical style based on reversed perspectives.

THE BRIDGES OF GRAFFITI at the 56th Venice Biennial - 9 May/22 November 2015 Ten artists – Boris Tellegen, Doze Green, Eron, Futura, Mode2, SKKI©, Jayone, Todd James, Teach and Zero-T – have worked together for the first time to create a single, cohesive Hall of Fame on the walls of Arterminal c/o Terminal S. Basilio, Fondamenta Zattere Ponte di Legno, Venice.

tangible one, which chronicles the influence of artists and artworks that have crossed the ocean. The exhibition is about those exponents of graffitism who already had or later developed a figurative style, and managed to evolve and reinvent themselves throughout their lives.

The name Arterminal (Terminal of Art) reflects some of the major benefits that the city of Venice has gained from its port, including receptiveness to the outside world, and the meeting and blending of different cultures and art forms. In the same way that trade and cultural exchange between the Venetian Republic and the East once brought Byzantine art to Venice, the city's cultural openness now makes it a showcase for different forms of expression.

It’s a conceptual bridge but also a

In this experimental first exhibition, Arterminal is therefore a perfect metaphor for an unconventional art form juxtaposed with the illustrious tradition of the Venice Biennial.

These dialogues are expressed by means of a dual approach in which San Basilio provides a blank canvas for figurative expression, and Henry Chalfant and Martha Cooper's photographs document the multiple facets of graffitism by comparing and contrasting them with the works of those artists who have since been embraced by major

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international museums as originators of mainstream culture.

The space also hosts a cafeteria and a BookShelves area displaying a selection of books and fanzines documenting the history of graffiti.

These spaces were designed by Boris Tellegen, an artist who has always experimented with 3D and architectural shapes, thanks in part to his study of Industrial Design Engineering.

Project curated by Fondazione de Mitri and Mode2 with the advisory assistance of DeeMo, Luca Barcellona and Andrea Caputo.

Produced by Carlo Pagliani, Claudia Mahler and Sartoria Comunicazione. Organised by Associazione Inossidabile with the sponsorship of the Venice Port Authority.

Architectural installation by Venice Passenger Terminal.

Tile International 2/2015

In the spotlight

30 years of success for Progress Profiles

Dennis Bordin



Progress Profiles, a major manufacturer and seller of technical and decorative profiles and membranes for construction and interior design applications, celebrated the 30th anniversary of its foundation on 27 June, by officially inaugurating its new headquarters in Asolo in the Italian province of Treviso. Built at a cost of 11 million euros, the plant has a covered area of 13,000 square metres and is a monument to the company's entrepreneurial spirit, which looks to the future, while retaining complete respect for environmental considerations.

Dennis Bordin has been in charge of the company since 1999, and is the key player in this bold and dynamic business history, which was crowned with double-figure growth in 2014. The Italian market reported growth last year, as too did Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the United States, re-

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sulting in the consolidation of the three facilities in Dubai, Moscow and Randolf, New Jersey.

Tile International: What is the secret of Progress Profiles' success?

Dennis Bordin: “Our success is the result of a two-pronged strategy based firstly on rational geographical coverage of the various world markets, and secondly on a really extensive product range capable of meeting the needs of various market segments. Not to mention the innovation and quality that are always the hallmark of our products.”

Tile International: What was your turnover in 2014?

D. Bordin: “In 2014, our turnover passed the 25 million euro mark for the first time, on the back of year-on-year growth of 18%. Exports, which now reach over 50 countries worldwide, account for 35% of our total turnover and have made Progress Profiles the world's

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In the spotlight

third largest manufacturer in the industry. The Italian market also ended 2014 on a positive note, with continuing growth in turnover, this time to the tune of 18%.

The interesting point is that the first half of 2015 has also seen uniformly strong growth both at home and abroad. I would like to thank our 100 employees, our external partners and our sales network of more than 110 agents for their hard work, which led to these results. Nearly all of them attended the celebrations on 27 June.�

Tile International: Would it be fair to say that these results provided an ideal backdrop for Progress Profiles' 30th anniversary celebrations?

D. Bordin:“Yes, I have to admit that we are fully aware and duly proud of our achievements over the past 30 years, and of the success achieved by a company that now enjoys brand recognition not only at European but

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also at worldwide level. The company's objectives have certainly changed since 1985, becoming broader and more ambitious, and our manufacturing technology has changed too, because we update it all the time. But our approach is the same as it always has been: we continue with the task or reinventing ourselves every day so that we can grow and meet the needs of the most discerning customers, by harnessing the power of top-quality Italian manufacturing. We are still firm believers in innovation, creativity and the quality of the materials we use. Innovation lies at the heart of Progress Profiles' manufacturing strategy, and that's why we consistently invest 3% of our turnover in Research & Development and training.�

Tile International: As an Italian, I'm really pleased to hear someone born in Canada talking so passionately about the value of the "Made in Italy"

Tile International 2/2015

In the spotlight

label….

D. Bordin: “For our whole family, the success of Progress Profiles' Italian-made products is our greatest satisfaction, because in 1982, my father, Lino Bordin, after gaining considerable experience in the extrusion of plastic and metals in Canada, decided to come back here to Asolo to set up his own company. That's how Progress Plast came into being in 1985, firmly established itself as a successful player on the market, and then changed its name to Progress Profiles in 2010.

Investing and employing peo-

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ple in Italy has certainly been no easy task in recent years, so all too often Italian companies prefer to open plants abroad, especially in Poland, China and Turkey. Progress Profiles, however, is still convinced of Italy's potential and has invested 11 million euros in the design and construction of our new headquarters, rather than falling for the lure of offshoring.The value of the Made in Italy label abroad remains consistently high regardless of localised recessions, because it is synonymous with beauty, luxury, passion, creativity and, above all, quality.”

Tile International: What can you tell us about Progress Profiles' new headquarters?

D. Bordin:“The building is made up of two bodies that intersect each other to form a single architectural solution consisting of 11,500 square metres of indoor space built on a site measuring 21,000 square metres in total. The materials used for the construction of the new plant were selected in accordance with the requirements of REACH*, so the site as a whole is in line with the latest developments in architecture and construction, and combines eco-sus-

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tainability and reduced environmental impact with comfort and usability.

Thanks to the use of advanced construction techniques, interior pollution levels have been reduced to a minimum, and quality of life on site has been maximised in terms of the general comfort and well-being of the workforce. A comprehensive range of measures has been taken to provide a safe, healthy, sustainable environment for our staff, and we have built a large terrace and hanging garden on the roof, where people can relax during their lunch

In the spotlight

*A European Union regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, designed to improve knowledge of chemical-related risks and hazards.

breaks.”

Tile International: What technological solutions have you adopted for the purposes of energy saving?

D. Bordin:“The new site is equipped with an 800 kW photovoltaic system, designed to cover our peak energy requirement of 500 kW and to power the air conditioning in the offices - which is Class A (high efficiency) - and we have installed an innovative radiant strip heating system in the production area to reduce gas consumption. All this, plus optimum zenithal lighting, passive solar design and a

high-insulation façade make the site a beacon of excellence in contemporary green building.”

Tile Italia: What are you going to be showcasing at Cersaie?

D. Bordin:“One of the most successful products we presented at Bau 2015 was Prodeso Heat System, a revolutionary system which we have patented and which offers high levels of well-being and energy saving. This will certainly be one of the highlights of our stand at Cersaie. But we'll also be presenting our other patented systems, including Proleveling, Proshower, Prosup-

port and Prodeso System, not to mention an immense range of profile and skirting board solutions.

Our products are now distributed in over 50 countries worldwide, and are used in the most prestigious architectural projects. One example that comes to mind is the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, where the architect Frank Gehry used Proflex Acc joints for the terraces and outdoor

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paving. A wide range of Progress Profiles products are also used in the construction of major projects in the Arab world, such as the Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi and the Madinah Airport in Saudi Arabia. And coming right up to date, our products have been used in the finishings for the Italian Pavilion and the base of the Tree of Life at Expo Milano 2015.”

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Project

ď ‘

The Colruyt distribution group is currently constructing an all-new shopping mall in Jambes, a Belgian town on the banks of the River Meuse, in the vicinity of Namur. The end of the year will see the opening of a supermarket, numerous shops and, on the top floor of the development, a new home for the Colruyt Group Academy. This is the training centre belonging to the same distribution chain, which has already run over 1,000 courses since its foundation in 2012, attended by about 17,400 trainees, including many Colruyt Group staff members.

The most interesting features of this new Colruyt site, currently reaching completion, include five panoramic terraces (totalling 46 square metres) built on a roof with slightly overhanging pitches, next to the upper floor of the building, which hosts the Academy. These terraces are soon to be transformed into a hanging garden.

Tile International 2/2015

Buzon for Colruyt Group Academy in Jambes The design concept is an exciting one, and will give guests of the Colruyt Group Academy a magnificent view over the Meuse valley and the nearby Pont des Grands Malades.

The terraces The Colruyt Group assigned the realisation of the entire project to Cobelba (a subsidiary of the BESIX Group), which decided to equip the entire top floor, including the terraces of the hanging gardens, with raised technical flooring made of padouk wood. The purpose of this is to allow easy access to the plumbing, electrical and ICT system components, while at the same time ensuring that the flooring of the entire top storey is at the same level, both indoors and on the outdoor wooden terraces made on the overhanging roof.

How was it done? The problem was solved by using Buzon support pedestals.

Execution of the work To adapt the terraces to the sloping roofs,

Cobelba decided to build a base structure supported on height-adjustable pedestals from the Buzon PB range. This range provides a larger assembly area than comparable products and an outstanding load capacity of approximately 1,000 kg per pedestal, with the result that fewer pedestals were needed than would have been the case with other systems.

In fact the Buzon PB pedestals were installed at intervals of 40 to 45cm, depending on the slope of the roof and the position of the terrace. In order to do the work to the highest standards,

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it was necessary to use the entire range, from PB-4 (adjustable to a height of between 145 and 245mm) to PB-9 (adjustable to a height of between 537 and 725mm), according to the different heights of the roof.

The builders therefore anchored the support beams (made of keruing wood) using the anchoring system mounted on the top of the Buzon pedestals, and on top of these beams, they then installed the padouk flooring (padouk is a very strong, stable wood of African origin) with the utmost ease, thanks to the renowned BFix invisible mounting system.

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In 1987, Buzon Pedestal International became the first European company to manufacture flooring pedestals with screwtype jacks made of recycled and 100%-recyclable polypropylene copolymer (PPC).

The pedestals are available in various sizes. Most of the models can be height-adjusted at any time with millimetric precision.

Buzon pedestals have a load capacity of 650 to 1000 kg per pedestal. They are therefore suitable for supporting both ceramic and wood floors.

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Project

FILA joins the Library of Birmingham

ď ‘

Fila Surface Care Solutions recently took part in a prestigious project in the multiple-award-winning Library of Birmingham, inaugurated on 3 September 2013, and in the adjacent Repertory Theatre.

Valued at 230 million euros, the library is the largest public building of its type in Europe.

Designed by the Mecanoo team of architects based in Delft (Netherlands), the Library of Birmingham is a high-tech piece of architecture that extends over more than 10 floors and dominates the Centenary Square on the western side of the British city. The library has a collection of one million books (including the first published edition of the works of Shakespeare), and received over one and a half million visitors within the first six months of its opening.

From the outside, the library looks like a series of rectangular glass structures, clad with metal filigree. Stacked on top of a similarly glazed ground floor, these structures are surmounted by a circular body that accommodates the historic Shakespeare Memorial Room. Inside, the circular voids afford a view that extends all the way to the top of the building.

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Project

FILA CLEANER

Universal detergent for terracotta, porcelain tile, glazed ceramic, clinker, concrete, wood, natural stone, granite, agglomerate, antique-effect marble and pebbles.

• Gently cleans all types of flooring • Leaves delicate and treated surfaces unharmed • Essential for post-installation washing of natural stone floors with gloss finish and high sensitivity to strong detergents.

FILAW68

Stain protector for terracotta, natural stone, concrete • Impregnates and protects absorbent materials such as untreated natural stone, terracotta and concrete against oily stains.

• Drastically reduces the material's absorbency without affecting its appearance.

• Recommended for use on both indoor and outdoor flooring.

• For use on indoor flooring as a protective basecoat before the application of wax

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Project

The ground floor of the library is next door to the Repertory Theatre.

The Library of Birmingham is a major new cultural attraction, and rewrites the history of public libraries of the 21st Century.

The new structures, which include a gallery with latestgeneration technologies, enable the public to access the collections for the first time.

The library is also the home of a British Film Institute mediatheque, which puts the resources of the National Film Archive at the disposal of visitors free of charge. Other structures include the new multipurpose auditorium, an openair amphitheatre and various other show venues, plus a recording studio and a selection of rooms dedicated to children and young people.

Thanks to the new technologies installed, anyone from Birmingham to Beijing, Bangalore and beyond can access the assets of worldwide importance made available by the Library of Birmingham.

Francine Houben, the library's primary architect and Creative Director of Mecanoo, sees the Library of Birmingham as a “people's palace�, because it is accessible to everyone, suitable for families, and provides top-level services thanks to its partnerships with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and various partners and community organisations. It offers a dynamic mix of events and

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Project

activities, outstanding resources and exhibitions, and a staff of experts on hand to help users learn, track down information and discover a wealth of culture. As a centre of excel-

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lence for literacy, research, study, skills development, entrepreneurship, creative expression, health information and more, the Library of Birmingham is changing people's lives.

Tile International 2/2015

Project

Floor covering treatment W B Simpson & Sons (MIDLAND) Ltd selected and laid four different different sizes of Brazilian slate tiles, according to the traditional Romaans Verband style, in all of the areas subject to pedestrian traffic on the ground floor, for a total of 1,800 square metres of Brazilian slate.

After installation, the contractors took care of the initial clean-up with FILA Cleaner, a neutral detergent that's ideal for all delicate floor coverings, because it cleans surfaces without affecting their appearance.

The tiling was then treated with FILAW68, a water-based stain protector, which is ideal for porous indoor and outdoor coverings and protects surfaces without leaving the kind of film that adversely affects appearance.

Both products belong to the Fila Green Line, a range of products with low environmental impact, offering water-based solutions, high bio-degradability, high concentration and compliance with VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions regulations.

FILAW68 is also certified as LEEDcompliant, because its use earns credits towards LEED certification, the internationally recognised Green Building Rating System.

The product meets the criteria for classification in the “low emission materials - paints and coverings� category (credit EQ 4.2), aimed at reducing contaminants in the indoor atmosphere of buildings.

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Project

Building on the Isle of Skye

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The untamed beauty of the Scottish island of Skye has been famed since the early 1800s, when the first hikers described its wild valleys and impregnable mountains.

Now connected to terra firma by a long bridge, this magnificent island is also known as one of the places in which Gaelic language and culture are most jealously guarded.

The largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, the Isle of Skye falls within Scotland's Highland region for administrative purposes, and has just over 9000 inhabitants. Population density is therefore sparse, and nature is left to prosper undisturbed throughout the island. The most numerous animal species are seals, eagles and otters.

The main centres of human habitation are Portree (with its characteristic port area dotted with colourful houses), Sconser and Broadford.

On an island like this, nature could only ever be the real star of a recent residential project involving indoor flooring

by Ceramiche Keope.

The building in question is a detached, cliff-top house, designed by Mary Arnold-Forster, with an incredible view over the Bay of Dunvegan.

Blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment, the design draws inspiration from the area's typical agricultural

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Project

buildings, and features an exterior cladding made entirely of wood. Next to the main living area, a shed accommodates the house's technical installations and stock of fire-wood.

Large windows and skylights maximise the amount of natural light that illuminates the minimalist interiors.

The shapes are pure and simple, and the starring role definitely goes to the elegant flooring, made with the Life collection by Ceramiche Keope, in the refined 60x60cm Lava finish*.

"Life" is designed for people who want a relaxed, informal habitat. It is a top-quality material offering high resistance

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Project

to impact, abrasion, chemical attack and stains, as well as high flexural strength. Like all Keope products, it is also non-absorbent, frostresistant, simple to lay and easy to maintain.

Created with the aid of the most advanced technology, the refined character of the Life collection is accentuated by lumi-

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nescent colours which, mixed with reflective particles, imbue the product with a special charm and an attractive three-dimensional look.

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*Two finishes are available: “natural” matt and “textured” for exteriors and wall coverings. The wide range of colours, from the warm Sugar and Caramel to the cold Lava, Arky and Hydra, means

Project

there's always the right match for your interior design. Made in eight sizes: 90x90 - 60x120 30x120 - 60x60 - 30x60 45x45 - 22x45 - 10.9x45 - 14.7x60.

The range also includes a broad selection of accents.

This latest project on the Isle of Skye re-confirms Ceramiche Ke-

ope's position as an attentive, punctual partner on the international scene, and a supplier of materials for top projects worldwide. The company has al-

ways been founded on professionalism and reliability, and its products are the result of high levels of Research & Development.

ADVERTISING

Project



The MUSEUM DER KULTUREN in Basel is regarded as the biggest one of its type in Switzerland and is also well-known outside the national boundaries. As of January 2009, the institution was extended by a new hall according to the plans of the internationally renowned architect’s office Herzog & de Meuron, and the entrance zone was redesigned. The culmination of the measures, in the true sense of the word, was a new attic floor which was built on top of the building facing the courtyard of the architects Vischer&Söhne from 1917.

The Museum der Kulturen in Basel 1

Striking new symbol This attic floor, which is unusual in several respects, soon became a striking symbol. For the cladding, three-dimensional ceramic elements were created, which were supplied by the German architectural ceramics specialist AGROB BUCHTAL. These elements are an abstracted contemporary interpretation of the plain tiles of the historical “roof landscapes” of Basel. This approach is also picked up by the colours: glazed in an alternating green-black shade, they lend the roof a distinctive and noble look. Thanks to the special shaping of the concave, convex and flat tiles, attractive effects arise - depending on the incidence of light, the time of day and the view-

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The structural changes were planned by the internationally renowned architect’s office Herzog & de Meuron.

The Museum Der Kulturen now underlines its impressive “inner worth” through its outward appearance.

Visible in the background: the red tower of the town hall as futher proof of the prominent and exposed position of the museum.

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point - which have one thing in common: they attract the glances of the observer almost as if by magic, no matter whether looked at from below from the pedestrian perspective or from the top of the Münsterhügel.

Each of the ceramic elements is individually fixed on a metal substructure mounted on supports and can also be individually removed later if, for example, the access to the water-containing layer underneath should be required. For

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this, a proven fastening system of AGROB BUCHTAL was project-specifically modified and further developed. The installation work was carried out by the experienced specialist company Wittenauer from D-77880 Sasbach, which - like

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Whether from the pedestrian perspective (picture 1) or from the Münsterhügel (picture 2): the new attic floor with threedimensional concave, convex and flat ceramic tiles (picture 3) attracts the gaze.

Tile International 2/2015

Project

The three-dimensional ceramic elements, which were supplied by the German architectural ceramics specialist AGROB BUCHTAL, are an abstracted contemporary interpretation of the plain tiles of the historical “roof landscapes” of Basel.

AGROB BUCHTAL - has specialized in “challenging cases“ and also boasts a high level of expertise in this sophisticated sector.

Investment in the future With the building measures carried out, the MUSEUM DER KULTUREN underlines its impressive “inner worth“ throughits outward appearance and demonstrates its leading role. The institution

Tile International 2/2015

rich in tradition was founded in 1849 as a universal museum in place of the Augustinian monastery on the Basel Münsterhügel. Later, in 1904, a section for folklore was established, which became an independent museum in 1917.

In 1944, the renaming to MUSEUM FÜR VÖLKERKUNDE and SCHWEIZERISCHES MUSEUM FÜR VOLKSKUNDE took place.

Since 1996, the name of the institution has been MUSEUM DER KULTUREN. The intention

behind this naming was also to express the shift in focus from purely conveying an impression of foreign cultures to the cross-cultural interchange.

The supporting public authority of the institution is the Canton Basel-Stadt under the committed and competent direction of Dr. Anna Schmid.

In the course of time, the collection has grown and become one of the most important in Europe with more than 300,000 objects - of which

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only a fraction can be publicly shown due to lack of space.

The museum is impressive not only because of this rich collection of objects, but also because of sensational special exhibitions. Typical examples in recent years inclede: - “Feasts in the light: the religious variety of a town“ - “Urbane Islam: between mobile phone and Koran“ - “Red: when colour becomes the offender“.

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the right support

The essential is invisible to the eyes IMPERTEK trade mark is always appreciated for the high quality of products as well as for the efficiency and precision of services.

In autumn with IMPERTEK you will discover the pleasure of the outdoor life thanks to its large supports’ range for raised floorings, specially designed for decking and wood.

The right solution for all situations and seasons.

Discover it visiting us at

28.09-02.10.2015

26114 Visual Comunicazione – VE

Hall 44 | Stand 37

Hall 5A | Stand E130

Italian

QUALITY TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION

www.impertek.com

www.progressprofiles.com

Warmth and Comfort in Every Room

With a glance always oriented to the future.

studioverde

gna Bolo er 5 1 0 2 tob SAIE -2 Oc 22 CER ptember tand 28 Se all 45 - S H / Area

PRODESO hEat SyStEm Electrical floor heating system The Made in Italy alternative PRODESO HEAT SySTEM by Progress Profiles combines the benefit of an underlayment membrane with the comfort and convenience of electrical radiant floor heating. The Prodeso Heat Membrane can be installed directly over the entire subfloor as an uncoupling, crack isolating and waterproofing membrane, making it possible to install underfloor electric heating even on problematic substrates such as wood and cracked screeds. The Prodeso Heat Cable is installed in the areas where heat is desired and tiling can begin immediately after the hearing cable is in place. No additional steps are required.

PRODESO HEAT SySTEM is a revolutionary and cost effective way to add warmth and comfort to your cold surfaces.

Progress Profiles SpA

Certificated company UNI EN ISO 9001:2008

ANNIVERSARY • 1985-2015

UNCOUPLING / CRACK ISOLATION

VAPOR AND MOISTURE MANAGEMENT

WATERPROOfING

LOAD DISTRIBUTION

Water

Colour

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Elena Del Prete e Guglielmo Gennari Università degli Studi della Repubblica di San Marino Università IUAV di Venezia / Industrial and Communication Design

28 SEPTEMBER / 2 OCTOBER /2015

2015

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CERSAIE www.cersaie.it promoted by

in collaboration with organized by

show management Promos srl

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Cersaie 2015

Cersaie 2015: the international showcase of surface coverings



Representativeness and international reach remain the hallmarks of Cersaie, which for the first time last year opened its doors to exhibitors of non-ceramic surface coverings and thereby increased its appeal to interior designers and architects.

The product categories covered by the exhibition were expanded to include marble and other natural stone, par-

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quet and even wallpaper.

The final figures for Cersaie 2014 confirmed the wisdom of this decision.

The 32nd edition of the show hosted 945 exhibitors (45 more than in 2013), including 339 non-Italian companies (+37) from 38 countries.

It also attracted total attendance of 100,985 visitors (+0.2%), including 46,599 international visitors (46.14% of the total). The figure for “first

admissions” (a measure of “unique visitors”) also rose to 66,096, 3.6% more than last year, while numbers of international visitors increased even more sharply (+4.1%) to 23,363.

Again this year the 33rd Cersaie is preparing to offer visitors a wide range of surface covering and bathroom furnishing products along with the usual packed cultural

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Cersaie 2015

The image for Cersaie 2015 Elena Del Prete, Guglielmo Gennari Elena Del Prete was born on 25 January 1992 in Cattolica (RN) and currently lives in Riccione (RN).

After attending the Brocca T. Mamiani high school in Pesaro, she is now about to graduate from the threeyear course in industrial design at the San Marino campus of the IUAV University of Venice.

As part of her university course, in 2013 she did a three-month internship at the Pesaro-based firm MAD Design led by Monica Zaffini and Massimiliano Patrignani. In 2014 she and her colleague Guglielmo Gennari won the Beautiful Ideas competition launched by Cersaie for their project entitled Le Forme dell’Arte.

Guglielmo Gennari was born in Pesaro on 29 October 1990, but moved at an early age with his parents and two older brothers to Miramare di Rimini, where he still lives.

Here he attended the “Agostino di Duccio” middle school, followed by the “Giulio Cesare - Manara Valgimigli” high school in Rimini. Design and Communication was not his first choice of university degree as he initially attended classes in Construction Engineering at the Marche Polytechnic University in Ancona. This experience prompted Guglielmo to enrol in Industrial Design at the San Marino campus of the IUAV University of Venice.

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On Tuesday 29 September, Australian architect Glenn Murcutt will become the seventh Pritzker Prize winner to give a Keynote Lecture at Cersaie. On Friday 2 October, the versatile and multitalented Massimo Giacon will give the customary and keenly anticipated Lesson in Reverse in the Europauditorium.

The extremely varied pro-

28 SEPTEMBER / 2 OCTOBER /2015

www.cersaie.it promoted by in collaboration with organized by show management Promos srl

gramme of Building, Dwelling, Thinking (see details on the following pages) will be accompanied by two exhibitions.

Hall 30 will be hosting Cer-Stile _ Italian Style Concept, designed by Angelo Dall’Aglio and Davide Vercelli, an exhibit focusing on a journey from the north to the south of Italy, from mountain huts to the sea by way of an underground

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Elena Del Prete e Guglielmo Gennari Università degli Studi della Repubblica di San Marino Università IUAV di Venezia / Industrial and Communication Design

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programme.

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station, to explore the country’s qualities of excellence through regeneration projects.

Hall 29 on the other hand will feature an exhibition entitled Day Off curated by architect Diego Grandi and consisting of an essential home in an ordered natural setting which strives to establish a continuous link with nature.

See below for further details on both exhibitions.

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What's new at the trade fair: new spaces for new initiatives

Hall 30: Cer-Stile / Italian Style Concept "Travel does not merely broaden the mind, it makes the mind " (Bruce Chatwin)

This is the spirit that inspires the exhibition Cer-Stile, a journey from the north to the south of Italy, from mountain huts to the sea by way of an underground station, to explore the country’s qualities of excellence through regeneration projects.

A journey through a series of habitats in which Italian style is the common thread uniting projects carried out using exclusively Italian products.

Angelo Dall’Aglio and Davide Vercelli explore the Italian landscape through an itinerary extending over a 1,500 square metre space consisting of a space-time tunnel divided into sections and arranged in a horseshoe layout.

The tunnel, a metaphor for a journey that takes the form of a life-size high-speed train with Orient Express style interiors, is the venue devoted to events and meetings for visitors and industry professionals.

The two spaces inspired by the sea and mountains reinvent the functions and characteristics of these places with irony and a sense of fun.

For example, the mountain scenario not only features a tearoom, bookstore, restaurant and spa, but also a tailor where one can pick up a tuxedo ready for a New Year party!

The exhibition consists of imaginary, surreal and humorous scenes created using products and solutions provided by the participating companies from a wide range of sectors: from fashion to ceramics, from furniture to sports equipment and from bathroom furnishings to food and textiles.

The sponsors include: Alce Nero, Vitra, Molteni, Cordivari, Technogym, Duravit Italia, Valli Arredobagno, Wall&Deco, Glass 1989, Emilceramica, Eterno Ivica, Hom, Idea, Julia Marmi, Messori, Minacciolo, Mirage, Oikos–Oli and Made a Mano.

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Cer-Stile is promoted by Edi.Cer. spa, BolognaFiere and Promos s.r.l. and organised by Promos s.r.l.

Davide Vercelli Born in 1966 in Varallo (Vercelli), engineer Davide Vercelli carried out a research project at Turin Polytechnic before embarking on a career as a designer.

He has a passion for design culture and has worked with companies in various sectors, including lighting, home accessories, radiators, surface coverings and bathrooms.

From 1999 to 2007 he developed the corporate concept for Ritmonio.

In 2010 he founded the furniture brand Liberostile.

In 2013 he curated the Aggregàti format devoted to the contract and wellness sectors, one of the key collective events at Cersaie 2013 which was repeated on a smaller scale at Goodesign - Fuorisalone 2014.

He has been involved in numerous training programmes in collaboration with institutes and universities (including the Polytechnic University of Milan and IED).

He has won various international awards, including 5 selections for the ADI Design Index, 2 for the Compasso d’oro, 2 Young & Design and Design Plus awards, a first prize at IDA (International Design Awards) and a Good Design Award. He is the coordinator of the Abitare thematic committee for the ADI Design Index and a member of the Atelier dell’Innovazione.

In May 2015 he became the creative director for new product

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development and communication at Fima Carlo Frattini, a leading tap manufacturer.

Angelo Dall’Aglio Born in Bologna in 1969, Angelo Dall’Aglio graduated from the

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Polytechnic University of Milan in Architecture with a specialisation in Industrial Design and Furnishing.

He collaborates with several well-known companies in the furniture sector as a designer and consultant and at the same time works on interior architecture for private homes, shops, offices and exhibits.

Since 2013 he has been part of the management team of Promos srl, the Cersaie Show Office.

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Hall 29: Day / Off

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A green retreat for outdoor living

graphic design normat.it

A place to spend days in contact with nature, a weekend retreat exemplifying the more personal side of architecture in the style of Le Corbusier’s Cabanon or the Summer Bauhaus houses on Cape Cod. This is Day Off, a project for an essential home in an ordered natural setting which strives to establish a continuous link with nature. The small building, consisting of two separate but intersecting volumes, one of which is completely transparent, goes beyond the conventional division between interior and exterior and emphasises this perfect union through the element of greenery, architectural choices and details of materials such as cantilever roofs, continuous flooring and colour references.

The thin and permeable glazed diaphragm of the greenhouse gives explicit expression to this design intention: the search for a new space for personal escape in equilibrium between nature and artifice.

The exhibition, organised during Cersaie 2015 and an integral part of the show’s calendar, is curated by architect Diego Grandi.

A GREEN RETREAT FOR OUTDOOR LIVING progetto di Diego Grandi

in collaborazione con

si ringrazia

28 settembre — 02 ottobre Bologna, Quartiere fieristico Padiglione 29, stand D56 / C53 9.00 — 19.00

www.cersaie.it

mostra promossa da

Diego Grandi lives and works in Milan, where in 2002 he founded DGO_Diego Grandi Office, a product, interior and design consultancy.

His interest in the surface and visual aspects of design led him to conduct research into the external value of materials and into possible interpretations and influences between different types.

Research into new codes of living centred on the observation of behaviour and daily habits guides his attitude towards surfaces and the profound value of two-dimensional projects. Companies he has worked with include Abet Laminati, Casamania, DuPont, Ferrino, Guzzini, Lea Ceramiche and Skitsch.

His projects have been selected for international events, awards and exhibitions such as the third interpretation of the Design Museum entitled “Quali cose siamo” held at the Triennale in Milan, the Good Design Award of the Chicago Athenaeum and the ADI Design Index.

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Building, Dwelling, Thinking.

Cersaie events / CALENDAR 2015  MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER, 2 p.m.

OPENING OF CER-STILE EXHIBITION

hall 30

 MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER, 6 p.m.

INTERNATIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE Ducal Palace, Sassuolo

 MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER, 8 p.m.

CERSAIE EVENING (INVITATION ONLY) Palazzo della Cavallerizza, Sassuolo

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 THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER, 11 a.m.

GLENN MURCUTT - KEYNOTE LECTURE Speakers: Glenn Murcutt, Francesco Dal Co Europauditorium, Palazzo dei Congressi

Australian architect Glenn Murcutt, born in London in 1936, received the Pritzker Prize for architecture in 2002.

He has won many other awards for his work, including the Alvar Aalto Medal in 1992, the Green Pin of Denmark for architecture and ecology in 1999 and the Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects in 2009.

Glenn Murcutt He is also an honorary member of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland and of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Glenn Murcutt studied architecture at the Sydney Technical College of the University of New South Wales.

In 1969 he set up his own practice. Since then, while undertaking all the design-related tasks himself, he has created an impressive oeuvre of environmentally conscious buildings of exceptional quality and vision.

Glenn Murcutt has shared his vision with countless students around the world. He holds a professorship at the University of New South Wales and has been a visiting professor at universities such as Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Helsinki University of Technology, Aarhus University and many others.

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 THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER, 11 a.m.

OPENING OF DAY OFF EXHIBITION Curator: Diego Grandi Hall 29, stand D56/C53

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 THURSDAY 30 SEPTEMBER, 10 a.m.

CERAMIC FUTURES FROM POETRY TO SCIENCE FICTION Architecture Gallery – Hall 21/22

 THURSDAY 30 SEPTEMBER, 11 a.m.

DBI INTERNATIONAL, TO BE FOLLOWED

BY ADI AWARD PRESENTATION Exhibition space in Hall 33

 TUESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER, 4 p.m.

 THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER, 2 p.m.

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 TUESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER, 2 p.m.

НОВЫЕ ТЕНДЕНЦИИ В СФЕРЕ HORECA – HOTEL RESTAURANT CAFÉ ARCHITECTURE & MARKETING Speaker:

Anna Kolomiyets

Architecture Gallery,

Hall 21/22

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RESTAURANTS, BARS & LOUNGES – ARCHITECTURE AND MARKETING. DESIGNING A BAR OR RESTAURANT USING INTERIOR DESIGN AS A MARKETING TOOL Speaker: Andrea Langhi Architecture Gallery – Hall 21/22

THE ARCHITECTURE OF SOLANO BENITEZ Speakers: Solano Benitez, Francesco Dal Co Architecture Gallery, Hall 21/22

Solano Benítez was born in Asunción, Paraguay in 1963.

After graduating in Architecture from the National University of Asunción (FAUNA) in 1986, the following year he founded the practice Gabinete de Arquitectura which he runs together with Alberto Marinoni and Gloria Cabral.

Benítez has won numerous awards, including an Outstanding Youth award from the Junior Chamber of Paraguay; the BSI Swiss Architectural Award, assigned to architects under the age of 50 who have done significant work in the field of contemporary culture (2008); and an honourable mention from the National Congress of Paraguay (2014). In 2011 he was elected Arquitecto del Bicentenario by the Paraguayan Architects’ Association and in 2012 became an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects.

In turn the Gabinete de Arquitectura has won various awards, including the Work of the Decade Award for the period 1989-1999 from the Paraguay College of Architects in 1999. The same year it was a finalist in the Mies van der Rohe award for Latin America. In 1994 it represented Paraguay in the Venice Biennale, in the São Paulo biennial and in Lisbon during its stint as the Ibero-American Capital of Culture.

Main works: The Ytú tourist village in Paraguay, 1997-1998 (finalist in the Mies van der Rohe Award for Latin American architecture); Unilever site in Villa Elisa (Paraguay), 20002001; Casa Esmeraldina, Asunción (Paraguay), 2002; Casa

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Building, Dwelling, Thinking.

Cersaie events / CALENDAR 2015 Fanego, Asunción (Paraguay), 2003 (with Sergio Fanego); Casa Abu & Font, Asunción (Paraguay), 2005-2006; Casa Las Anitas, San Pedro (Paraguay) 2007-2008.

Francesco Dal Co graduated in architecture in 1970 from the University Institute of Architecture of Venice (IUAV). In 1980 he was appointed Professor of History of Architecture at IUAV. Professor, History of Architecture, School of Architecture, Yale University (1982-1991); Professor, History of Architecture, Accademia di Architettura, Università della Svizzera Italiana (1996-); Head of History of Architecture Department, IUAV (1995-2003); Director, Architecture Section, Venice Biennale (1988-1991); Editor of magazine Casabella (1996-); Senior Fellow, Center for Advanced Studies, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC; Scholar, Center for Advanced Study, Getty Center, Los Angeles; Member of the Accademia di San Luca.

Dal Co founded the Andrea Palladio architecture award.

He has been on the juries of numerous national and international architecture competitions.

Since 1981 he has directed the architecture section of the Electa publishing house in Milan.

stakeholders, as well as build- Markus Bader ing social connections with the residents of the cities in the belief that no one knows the problems of urban areas better than those who live there.

Some examples of this practice include Der Berg (2005), a spatial installation in the old Berlin Bundestag; Eichbaumoper (2009), an urban workshop for recovering a neglected urban transit point; Moderato Cantabile (2008), Graz exhibition centre; Open House (2010), a vertical village built as a generator for open society in South Korea; and The Knot (2010), a workshop for artistic activities, dialogue and public presentation.

Their urban projects include Kolorado Neustadt (2003-2006), scenarios for a new urban diversity in the city of Halle-Neustadt, a city with a strongly declining population; Rahmenplanung (Framework Planning) in Dachauer Str. in Munich (2009); Aktivierende Stadtentwicklung Flughafen Tempelhof (Activating City Development Tempelhof Airport) in Berlin (2007-2008); and collaboration on the IBA Berlin 2020 concept (2011).

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 THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER, 3 p.m.

 THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER, 10 a.m.

REINVENTING THE CITY Speakers: Markus Bader/raumlaborberlin, Fulvio Irace Architecture Gallery, Hall 21/22

Once upon a time there was a society that believed the future would bring better living conditions for everyone.

Now that that period is over, the work of the Raumlabor Berlin network has begun. It is a group of 8 qualified architects working in the fields of architecture, city planning and art with the aim of redeveloping urban spaces.

Raumlabor Berlin meets the challenges of urban rehabilitation by collaborating and interfacing with the various

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FRANCISCO MANGADO AND MATTHIAS SAUERBRUCH Speakers:

Francisco Mangado,

Matthias Sauerbruch and Fulvio Irace

Architecture Gallery, Hall 21/22 Born in 1957, Francisco Mangado graduated in Architecture from the University of Navarra in 1982 and since then has always taught architecture.

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He has held positions as Visiting Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Visiting Professor at the Eero Saarinen college at the Yale School of Architecture, and Guest Lecturer at the École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne. He currently has a full professorship at the University of Pamplona and a Visiting professorship at Cornell University, College of Architecture, Art and Planning.

He has won numerous awards, including the Thienne Architecture Award, the Architéchti Prize, the FAD for architecture and Costrumat. In February 2013 he received an AIA honorary Fellowship from the American Institute of Architects.

In June 2013, his project for the Auditorium in Teulada received the RIBA EU award from the Royal Institute of British Architects for EU buildings located outside the UK. Some of Mangado’s best known works include the Pamplona Congress Centre and Auditorium, Place Pey Berland in Bordeaux, the Ávila Congress Centre, the Vitoria Archaeology Museum, Palencia stadium, the Spanish pavilion at Expo Zaragoza 2008 and the Teulada Auditorium.

His latest projects include the Congress Centre in Palma de Mallorca and the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias in Oviedo.

In June 2008 he set up the Fundación Arquitectura y Sociedad.

Matthias Sauerbruch is an architect and founding partner of Sauerbruch & Hutton.

From 1985 to 1990 he taught at the AA, from 1995 to 2001 at the Technical University of Berlin and from 2001 to 2007 at the Academy of Figurative Arts in Stuttgart. He was a guest professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design from 2008 to 2011 and guest professor at the Berlin University of Arts from 2012 to 2014.

He is a founding partner of the German Council for Sustainable Building, Commissioner of the Zurich Building Council, a trustee of the Bauhaus Foundation, Dessau, a member of the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts and an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects. Sauerbruch Hutton has gained recognition for its long-term commitment to sustainability.

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Sauerbruch Hutton is an award-winning international agency working in the fields of architecture, urban planning and design founded by Louisa Hutton and Matthias Sauerbruch in 1989.

Projects carried out by Sauerbruch Hutton include the GSW Headquarters in Berlin, the Brandhorst Museum in Munich and the Federal Environmental Agency in Dessau, all of which are benchmark buildings in the field of sustainable design.

Louisa Hutton and Matthias Sauerbruch received the Erich Schelling award in 1998, the Fritz Schumacher award for architecture in 2003, the International Honour Award for sustainable architecture in 2010 and the Gottfried-SemperAward in 2013. Sauerbruch Hutton won the German Architecture Award for the Immanuel Church in Cologne in 2015.

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 FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER, 10 a.m.

MASSIMO GIACON, LESSON IN REVERSE Speakers: Massimo Giacon, Fulvio Irace Europauditorium, Palazzo dei Congressi

Massimo Giacon was born in Padua in 1961.

Since 1980 he has been working in Milan as a cartoonist, illustrator, designer, artist and musician.

In the early 1980s he was involved in the renaissance of Italian comics led by magazines such as Frigidaire, Alter, Dolce Vita, Cyborg and Nova Express, then in 1985 he began working with the architecture practice Sottsass Associati.

He continued his design work through collaborations with Matteo Thun, Studio Mendini and Sieger design and projects for Olivetti, Memphis, Artemide, Alessi, Swatch, Philips, Ritzenhoff and Telecom.

In 1990 he embarked on an artistic career that led to numerous personal and collective exhibitions in Italy, Switzerland, America, Greece, Portugal and Germany. »»

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Building, Dwelling, Thinking.

Cersaie events / CALENDAR 2015 Fulvio Irace is Full Professor of History of Architecture at Milan Polytechnic, Visiting Professor at the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio, and a member of the Academic Board for the PhD course in History of Architecture and City Planning at Turin Polytechnic.

He is a member of the Scientific Committee of the Vico Magistretti Foundation and is on the board of trustees of the Piano Foundation. In 2008-2009 he was a member of the jury for the Mies van der Rohe European Prize. From 2005 to 2009 he was a member of the Scientific Committee of the Trienniale in Milan and curator of the Architecture and Territory section.

He is one of the founders of the national association AAI (Italian Architectural Archives) and amongst the promoters of the Architecture and Design section of CASVA (Centre for Higher Studies and Promotion of the Arts) of the Municipality of Milan. In the field of criticism and historical methodology, he has written: “Dimenticare Vitruvio”, 2001 and 2008; “Le città visibili: Renzo Piano” 2006; “Divina Proporzione”, 2007; “Gio Ponti”, 2009.

He has curated numerous architecture exhibitions.

In 1994 he began working in the field of graphic design for computer networks, websites and CD-ROMs. After a decade of musical activity with a number of different groups, in 1996 he released his debut solo album entitled Horror Vacui, followed in 2003 by his sophomore outing, Nella città Ideale.

He has also designed tapestries, rugs, ceramics and kitchen items, produced advertising illustrations, collaborated with fashion designers and magazines (Romeo Gigli, Elle, Glamour), and created installations for international exhibitions and TV animations.

Giacon teaches at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan.

Since 2008 he has been working on a limited edition of sculptures entitled “The Pop Will Eat Himself” for SuperEgo. In 2011 he published “La quarta necessità” to a text by Daniele Luttazzi (Rizzoli Lizard Ed.), then in 2014 “Il Mondo così Com’è“, based on a script by Tiziano Scarpa (Rizzoli Lizard Ed.).

In September 2015 he is due to publish Ettore, a comic book about Ettore Sottsass (Il Sole 24 Ore Cultura).

He is currently working on several items for Alessi, drawing comic strips and graphic novels (for Rizzoli-Lizard and Il Sole 24 Ore Cultura) and continuing his artistic and performance work.

Come to visit us @

TILE EDIZIONI • Centro Servizi, press area

23-27 September 2013

• Pav. 19, press area

Luigi Capraro for Cersaie 2013

ExhiBition SECtorS 14 - 15 - 15/A - 16 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 22 - 25 - 26 - 36

Ceramic tiles: Double firing - Clinker - Terracotta - Porcelain stoneware - Red stoneware - White single firing - Red single firing - Mosaic - Skirting boards, inserts, strips, other trims - Ceramic sun breakers and grilles - Special trims for swimming pools - Roofing tiles - Curtain walls - Floating floors

ALDO MORO entrance

Tiling town: Demonstration Area of new techniques in tile fixing.

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21 - 29 - 30 - 31 - 32 - 33

Sanitary installations: Sanitary fittings - Shower stalls - Bathtubs and whirlpool baths - Sanitary taps and fittings - Wall radiators - Saunas Bathroom furnishings: Bathroom fittings and decor - Bathroom furniture Mirrors and dressing-tables - Curtains, carpets and matching bathroom sets - Sinks - Marble tops, composite and natural stones - Furnishing elements for the disabled Fireplaces, ceramic stoves, tiled kitchens: Fireplaces for interior - Ceramic stoves - Tiled kitchens

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Gall. 21/22 Galleria dell’Architettura

34 Gall. 25/26

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32 31

25 36

COSTITUZIONE entrance

26 45

raw materials, equipment for ceramics: Biscuit - Colorings, glazes and flux - Silk-screen printing products and decalcomania

49

Services Centre

30

29

44

21 22

Palazzo dei Congressi

19

44 - 45 - Gall. 25/26

Materials and tools for installation, showroom displays for ceramic products: Machines and equipment - Adhesives, waterproofing materials and sealing products - Finishing and surface treatment products - Displays, sample collection displayers, showroom furnishings

MICHELINO entrance

20 16

48 - 49 Forwarders - shipping agents

Services Centre technical press

NORD entrance

18

CALZONI entrance 15/A

14 15

B I G

S L A B S

F O R

B I G

HOW WILL YOU USE YOURS?

We have created a world where big is beautiful, with visually expanded spaces, fewer design interruptions and endless possibilities. A gigantic 3.05m x 1.35m slab, Maximus is available in a range of finishes.

www.rakceramics.com

I D E A S

Cersaie 2015

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Bologna Design Week 2015 DE From Wednesday 30 September to Saturday 3 October

BOLOGNA DESIGN WEEK aims to become an annual international cultural event, a territorial marketing operation devoted to promotion of the city and design culture.

BDW was set up with the aim of enriching the cultural programme, promoting collaboration between the various players and increasing the appeal of the city’s historic centre while combining tradition and innovation in the broad field of design practices.

It is an itinerary that includes design firms, retail spaces and other locations where established designers and emerging young talents can present prototypes and products to raise awareness of new trends and explore new scenarios.

Studio Youtool is presenting the first week devoted to design and design culture in Bologna.

Bologna Design Week is an international event complete with events, workshops, roundtable discussions and exhibitions based on thematic routes in showrooms, shops, galleries and design studios.

In line with the trend that has emerged in recent years in many Italian and European cities (Milan, Florence, Turin, Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, Istanbul, London, Eindhoven, Helsinki, Miami and Moscow), Bologna is aspiring to establish itself on the international circuit of cities that organise events devoted to design.

For this purpose it is reviving and celebrating a creative spirit first fuelled by Dino Gavina at an international level from the 1960s onwards.

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SIGN be comes a competit ive le for the re ver gion

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Tiling Town

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The four th a prestig edition in io location, us central n Services ext to the Centre

Area 49

Now in its fourth edition, the event will bring together the entire world of tile laying at Cersaie.

It has seen a rapid improvement in quality and attracted ever greater numbers of participants and visitors.

Tiling Town 2015 will be divided into 3 separate areas.

• New materials and new installation techniques.

In four different stands, the qualified tile layers from Assoposa (TILE LAYERS and MASTER TILE LAYERS) will take turns to demonstrate all the new technologies and techniques for installation and grouting of thin and large format tiles, cutting and finishing tiles and panels, installation on interior and exterior walls, and cleaning and treatment of ceramic surfaces. Numerous demonstrations will be given each day and will be open to all visitors to Cersaie.

• Creation of a mixed media masterpiece: an artistic installation devoted to the world of tile laying that highlights the enormous adaptability of ceramic products to all building and architectural needs.

• Tile laying demonstrations by students at the Silandro building school (Bolzano), the only Italian training institution that took part in Worldskills 2015, the world championships of professional skills held in São Paulo (Brazil) in August.

Following last year’s success, the school in Silandro (Bolzano) will again be taking part in Tiling Town in cooperation with the association lvh.apa Confartigianato Imprese of Bolzano.

Cersaie 2015 is also hosting a meeting of European manufacturers, retailers and tile layers. For the first time, these players will come together to discuss the short and long term market prospects and to explore many themes of shared interest such as technical training of professionals and the state of international standards governing products and installation methods. The meeting will see the participation of representatives of CET (European ceramic tile producers’ association), EUF (European ceramic tile fixers’ association) and distributor and retailer associations from several different countries.

ASSOPOSA: continuing education programme for qualified tile layers The professional qualification of member tile layers certified by Assoposa pursuant to Italian Law no. 4/2013 has a duration of two years from the date of issue.

To maintain the professional qualification without having to repeat the assessment and certification procedure, during this period the tile layer must earn at least 40 training credits guaranteeing the ongoing professional training of Assoposa qualified tile layers.

Training credits are earned by taking part in meetings and technical seminars (dedicated training programmes) with specific characteristics.

The Continuing Education programme for qualified tile layers begins on 1 October 2015 – Assoposa ASSOPOSA technical partners:

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FLEXIBLE, ESSENTIALLY

DISPLAYS & SHOWROOMS - CONCEPT, DESIGN & MANUFACTURING 28 Sett. - 02 Ott. Area 44 - Stand 55

Marocchi s.r.l.

Via G. Di Vittorio, 3

Tel. +39 0542 666136 Fax +39 0542 666762

marocchi@marocchi.com www.marocchi.com

CERSAIE 2015 Gallery

Cersaie 2015

DO UPA

bk

1

DO UP is the first project made entirely of Wall&Porcelain, the new ceramic technology by ABK, which combines the best properties of porcelain tile with the practicality of wall covering products.

The DO UP 2015 catalogue offers an extensive range of Wall&Porcelain coverings, which it presents through a selection of

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moodboards and photographic sets made with the new 7mm DO UP panels, used in conjunction with each other and with ABK’s other main types of porcelain floor tile.

- Softly styled and contemporary, DO UP COVER is reminiscent of resin and concrete surfaces: made in three neutral colours, to meet even the most minimalist re-

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quirements, it provides countless permutations for juxtaposition with other DO UP wall coverings.

- DO UP MEMORY (photo 3) draws inspiration from vintage wallpaper: its two twotone versions are ideal for creating crossover combinations for industrial-effect habitats and commercial areas.

Cersaie 2015

2

- Embodying uniquely original design, DO UP REVERSE (photo 1) draws inspiration from evanescent brushstroke effects: it can be set both vertically and horizontally, including in conjunction with Cover field tiles.

- DO UP STREET conveys the idea of a repainted brick wall, in satin or gloss white, or

3 matt black.

Various decorative solutions are also available in a single 120x60 format, for use as a unique feature in bathroom design. The stand-out feature of the DO UP project is its “Cover Projects� (photo 2), a series of 120x240 decorative panels made up of 4 pieces that draw inspiration from graffiti and street art.

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HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT PEDESTALSrtek Impe

Height-adjustable support pedestals | H 22 > 1020 mm Suitable for all types of self-bearing tile and panel, and wooden or composite decking, Impertek support pedestals can be installed on any type of terrace, including with exposed with waterproofing.

Their function is to help ventilate the floor slab, protect the waterproofing membrane by distributing the load over a suitable area, and facilitate inspection and repair of the slab and waterproofing.

Impertek height-adjustable support pedestals are available in a comprehensive, versatile range, covering heights of 22 to 1,020 mm with stepless, millimetric adjustment.

They also offer outstanding load capacity per piece, ranging from 400 kg for the jack supports to 800 kg for the Megamart series.

Fixed-height support pedestals | H 12 > 19 mm

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Impertek has also developed a range of products specifically designed for smaller spaces, which facilitate installation regardless of the type of flooring.

The 12 to 19 mm support pedestals, which are ideal for use with tiles and panels alike, come in three types: Elastic, made of soft material to protect the underlying waterproofing; MiniElastic to raise and support any type of wood flooring; and ElasticPlus, which can be used in conjunction with any type of MegaMart head and placed on top of each other to reach greater heights easily.

The wide range of heads means that you’ll always find the right one for your needs, whether you’re laying floor panels or installing decking on joists.

From pool surrounds to the outdoor paving of bars and restaurants, we’ve got a head for every job.

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Cersaie 2015

STEELTECHP C

The large size and metallic effect – Corten steel, shades of turtledove and metal oxides – are the distinctive features of the new Steeltech series by Casalgrande Padana.

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and r g l a as

e

Made using the most up-to-date production processes, which harness the full benefit of the company’s ongoing Research & Development effort, Steeltech panels are a through-body prod-

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adana

uct (in other words the full thickness of the tile is coloured, not just the surface) with a distinctive metallic finish that evokes the sheen, texture and colours of sheet metal.

With a thickness of 10.5 mm, Steeltech large-format tiles are available in grey, beige and Corten, with a polished or natural finish, in sizes 60x60, 45x90 and 90x90 cm. Offering high levels of

Cersaie 2015

wear-resistance, slip-resistance, flexural strength, frost-resistance and stain-resistance, they meet stringent performance specifications, while at the same time providing suitable composition-

al solutions for any type of project, including floors, walls, architectural environments, public premises and private properties, all with complete respect for environmental considerations.

The Steeltech series is available in two versions: Bios Antibacterial, with certified anti-bacterial properties; and Bios Self-Cleaning速, with high performance in terms of self-cleaning and pollution reduction.

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Cersaie 2015

VICTORIAN DESIGNS T

op

TopCer has added 10 new patterns to its extensive line of Victorian Designs and Borders, including the ISTANBUL, SIENA

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and WINDSOR versions (pictured).

Like their older cou bdfr5parts, these new patterns are entirely modular and are

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supplied pre-mounted on fibreglass mesh.

All these new patterns will be on display at CERSAIE in Hall 36, stand C-66.

Cersaie 2015

TILE-SETTINGSYSTEM MLT

MLT System™ is the only patented tilesetting system that enables you to reduce the width of the joints between tiles to 0.5 mm, thus guaranteeing completely flat surfaces, even when working with ultra-slim materials such as Laminam and Kerlite. Unlike other systems, MLT System™ can be used with marble, stone and ceramic tiles of any size from 30×30 cm upwards, with thicknesses of 3 to 20mm.

The system consists of special re-usable tie-rods with a stainless steel and nylon end-piece with a thickness of 0.5 mm, plus bases, plates, reeds and a tile-setting tool.

You can use the system to install floor and wall tiles or create non-standard items, such as kitchen worktops, for which it is vital to minimise the width of the joints, by choosing from three different types of plates: - P1 (ultra-slim tiles) - P2 (ceramic)

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™

System

- P3 (marble and stone).

Quick and simple to use, the MLT System™ reduces tiling times, while guaranteeing perfect results.

But that’s not all: unlike other systems, with which you have to throw part of the tie-rod away, with MLT System™ everything is reusable, including both base and tie-rod, thus more or less writing off the cost of purchase and making the system environmentally friendly.

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Cersaie 2015

At Cersaie 2015, Del Conca will be presenting its latest product, the due2 collection in a unique new 80x80cm format with thickness of 20 mm. Ideal for outdoor dry installation and/or on suitable supports, due2 is a through-body porcelain tile whose technical spe-

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cifications are enhanced by its upgraded thickness, to offer the highest performance available on the market. due2 is made in a wide variety of textures, each of which also comes in an indoor version with normal thickness (10\12 mm).

Cersaie 2015 1

2

DUE2C Del

The new 80x80 format can also be used in conjunction with the other sizes in the range, namely 40x120, 60x60 and 60x120.

Photo 1 shows the terrace of a home in Capo San Martino, Lugano, tiled with due2.

Anyone looking to create an evocative envi-

onca

ronment with a metropolitan feel should draw inspiration from the GA by Giugiaro Architettura collection, which is the first product to emerge from a partnership between Del Conca and Giugiaro Architettura, and is ideal for private houses and commercial interiors alike (photo 2).

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FT-S - TXH - TORNADO olit t n o M

The use of high-thickness, through-body porcelain tiles (up to 2.5 cm thick) in sizes of up to 120 cm is becoming increasingly widespread, so Brevetti Montolit has created a series of tools designed to make cutting these products easier, quicker and more cost-effective. These include: - FT-S: Killer Gres is a line of diamond-tipped tools designed for use with angle-grinders and capable of dry-drilling through porcelain tile, granite and concrete agglomerates (gravel pavers, etc.) in a matter of seconds. The special reinforced, L-shaped, diamond-tipped sector is built for heavy-duty use, and offers long servicelife even when used with high-thickness materials.

- TXH is a diamond-tipped disc for dry use on grinders.

The depth of the diamond-

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tipped sector (13 mm) and the special M-shape (an exclusive Montolit design) with side protection, DNA technology and controlled positioning of the individual grains of diamond, make this a real war-horse in terms of performance and service-life. Specifically designed for cutting high-thickness porcelain tile, it also delivers first-class performance on granite, stone and concrete.

- TORNADO is an electric tile saw for wet use, with a powerful 3HP motor, a lightweight, compact, die-cast aluminium structure for easy portability around the construction site, and an ultra-professional 250mm-diameter disc. It makes quick, precise cuts on materials up to 9 cm thick.

To find out more, visit www.montolit.com.

Residential Project in Dallas (USA) - Kittler & Loecker Design Countertop, Island & Backsplash: ESTATUARIO Polished finish

Extraordinary Surface.

Interior and exterior applications: Countertops, Flooring, Cladding, Furniture, Facades.

Resistant to stains, scratches, chemicals, extreme temperatures and UV rays exposure.

Maximum format, minimum thickness, different finishes. More than 40 available models.

Design, Durability, Versatility, Sustainability.

www.neolith.com

Visit us at CERSAIE: Hall 19 – Stand B39

Cersaie 2015

MARBLELABI Edilgr

e

alia t e l s, Ka

Edilgres, a Kale Group brand, is extending its Marblelab line, which interprets the splendour and sheen of the most sought-after traditional Italian marbles in several new collections of porcelain tile.

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These include the Bernini line, a marble-effect porcelain tile, which recalls the purity of Calacatta marble, and comes with either a matt polished or gloss polished finish in sizes 60x120, 60x60, 30x60 and 10x30 cm.

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Cersaie 2015

PRODESO HEAT PROLEVELINGP ro

file o r P gress

PROSHOWER SYSTEM

3 Progress Profiles, based in Italy’s Veneto region, is a leading manufacturer of technical and decorative profiles, which designs and makes innovative, comprehensive systems that revolutionise our relationship with the bathroom environment.

1. PRODESO HEAT is a new underfloor heating system that will help you rediscover the pleasure of walking around bare-foot, by bringing warmth to your habitat in a matter of minutes and significantly reducing the costs associated with installation, heat loss and consequent energy wastage. PRODE-

1 SO HEAT can be installed in a single day, even over existing flooring. What’s more, you only need to install it in a few strategic areas, and thanks to the special thermostat, heating levels can be controlled and programmed even when you’re out of the house, thus eliminating waste.

2. PROLEVELING SYSTEM is a system designed for the installation of floor coverings with total planarity, zero unevenness and no badly levelled adhesive. By using special levelling elements and tie-rods, you can lay tiles of any size, in just a few steps, with no difficulty at all.

3. Lastly, to add a touch of exclusive design to showers and washbasins, Progress Profiles has developed PROSHOWER SYSTEM, a modular water drainage channel, for fitting in sequence to obtain any measurement you like, equipped with 6 different finishing grids (all made of steel and entirely immune to corrosion of any type). The specially designed gradient of the channel conveys water to the drainage outlet, thus preventing unpleasant smells caused by poor drainage, and ensuring maximum ease of cleaning of the siphon.

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s

M A D E I N I TA LY

Cersaie 2015

VENICER

o

up o r G ndine

Venice re-interprets the industrial appeal of brick in a uniquely contemporary way. The 6x25 cm bricks come in an elegant range of new colours that derive from extensive, painstaking research. The palette of silver, copper and gold, in fact, is the result of the

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intensive technological experimentation undertaken by Ceramica Rondine’s Research & Development laboratory. The ceramic body with which these bricks are made is unique, because whereas traditional manufacturing processes involve the use of porce-

lain powders only, Venice is made with the addition of a percentage of glass. By melting and compacting at lower temperatures than conventional porcelain stoneware, this mix yields uniquely precious glazes, while at the same time retaining the strength of the

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tile. So the elegance and uniqueness of this production process combine with the technical characteristics of porcelain tile. The result is a ceramic product with outstanding visual impact, but which is also so strong that it can be used as a floor covering.

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SCHLÜTER -LIPROTEC S SCHLÜTER S DITRA.HEAT-E ®

®

The company’s Illuminated Profile Technology, Schlüter®-LIPROTEC, will be featured prominently in the exhibit. RGB LED modules in colour can now be controlled with an app, using the Schlüter®LIPROTEC-EBR Bluetooth receiver (1). The Schlüter®-LED Color Control app is available for iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store or Google Play. It enables users to select from over 16.7 million colours and is configured for easy programming of LED modules.

The company also offers convenient sets for the simple design of backlit wall panels for the easy and uncomplicated creation of these elements in various versions. LIPROTEC profiles in a brushed anodised stainless steel finish are an ideal match for stainless steel fittings and high-quality finishing profiles, adding further design options for light and ceramic tiles.

Another prominently featured product will be the electrical surface heating system Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E (2).

The complete Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E-WS sets now allow for heating individually defined wall areas as well, and include all components for installing the heating system.

They comprise pre-configured uncoupling mats and heating cables along with the new Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT-E-R control with colour touchscreen display. The system not only serves as a bonded uncoupling assembly, but is also officially approved as a bonded waterproofing assembly.

1 2

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tradition & innovation SRS SPA Via Marzabotto, 4 - 41042 Fiorano Modenese (MO) | Tel. 0536 915311 | Fax. 0536 910296 | export@gruppossrs.com - www.grupposrs.com

Cersaie 2015

MOREP

iemme

Much more than just stone, much more than porcelain stoneware: the More collection, in its Design and Muretto versions, which play upon three stylistically minimal-

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ist versions of three-dimensionality – Natural, Polished and Velvet – is designed as a versatile material for indoor and outdoor design.

The distinctive geometry of More – featur-

ing prisms in Design and rectangular strips in Muretto –extends the scope for use of the product, which also comes in a range of nuances for maximum compatibility with cur-

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rent design trends.

There’s also a broad range of sizes, including 60x60cm, 45x90cm, 30x60cm and the classic 10x30 mosaic.

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Cersaie 2015

EXPLOIT MY15 BOLT - MISTRAL R

Raimondi has extended its already wide range of bridge saws with no fewer than three new models - Exploit MY15, Bolt and Mistral - available with different cutting lengths and motor variants for a total of eight versions.

These eight new saws adopt technologies and features that have been developed and proven on Raimondi SpA’s top-end models, and present them in a more compact, essential package.

So the latest additions remain faithful to the high quality standards that have always been the hallmark of the brand, while offering the performance levels that top professional tile-setters expect.

Jolly Adv is the evolution of the Jolly 1000. The machine has been updated so that it can now make 45° mitre cuts on tiles measuring up to a maximum of 120x120cm.

Jolly Adv cuts automatically, is a breeze to use and is made entirely in Italy.

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aimon

di

BEYONDALLLIMITS

ADVERTORIAL

KOMI

Beyond all limits.

creation available in 240 cm-

• Finishing:

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long, 6.5 mm-thick ‘boards’.

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Ceramica Fondovalle S.p.A. Via Rio Piodo, 12 - 41053 Torre Maina (MO) - Italy T. +39 0536 934211 - www.fondovalle.it

Cersaie 2015

BRICK GLOSSY Ragno

Brick Glossy is a new single-fired, whitebody collection of 10x30cm brickshaped tiles (the field tiles are 7.5 cm thick and the accents 8.5 ).

This is a traditional ceramic wall tile format that has become contemporary again thanks to the latest interior design trends, both in the home and in bars and restaurants.

Tile International 2/2015

Brick Glossy has a slightly textured surface and a gloss finish deriving from a rich, full-bodied glaze, which gives the product a special softness and sheen.

The range of accents is small because the point of the project is to focus attention on the beauty of the material itself.

The product is aimed at lovers of young, contemporary habitats, recreated on the

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foundations of antique atmospheres, with painstaking attention to detail.

The rich colour palette includes white, beige, grey, blue and black, and can be coordinated with various collections from the Ragno range, especially with the new floor tiles and hexagonal tiles from the Rewind terracotta-concrete series.

Cersaie 2015

JUPITER

amik r e S Ege

Ege Seramik has brought its unique Jupiter collection of stunning ceramic wall tile & glazed porcelain floor tile to all its international clients. Produced via today’s most cutting-edge High Definition Inkjet techniques, Jupiter offers the amazingly realistic “look” of natural marble. In particular, there are numerous surface “faces” consisting of different patterns of veining, fissures and other visual characteristics emulating the true look of Mother Nature.

This new glazed porcelain range may be selected in modular floor sizes: 33x33, 45x45 and 30x60. Matching wall tile is available in a 25x40 format, with two different deco alternatives. An extremely rugged product, Jupiter is ideal for both residential and commercial applications.

Design potential is only limited to the extent of one’s imagination. The range may be used for both horizontal and vertical projects both indoor and outdoor.

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REMIX G Niro

ranite

The Remix Collection is a blast. It offers a true blend of Niro Granite’s stone and wood designs, and harmonises their styling, textures and colours to create a splendid collection of porcelain tiles.

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KAURI C

so r o Nuovo

The Kauri series takes the form of 20x180 cm boards that replicate wood to perfection. The technology for producing extruded porcelain sheet enables Nuovocorso to replicate not only the colour and grain patterns of natural wood, but also the fibrous texture, porosity and

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tactile sensations that make it so authentic. Kauri is available in three colours, Umber, Dusty and Cinnamon, all as warm and natural as the antique wood from which the product takes its name. The production system, which represents an innovation even by

Cersaie 2015

the standards of today’s porcelain tile industry, is designed to increase the percentage of recycled material used, consume less energy and generate fewer emissions. Environmental integrity is combined with outstanding styling and technical performance: the slowness of

the process minimises imperfections such as tone variations, and produces single-calibre boards with unrivalled cohesion and solidity, even in the largest sizes. With its wide range of graphics, Kauri is a unique product destined to play a key role in any interior design.

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PERMACOLOR SELECT L t aticre

Permacolor® Select is the industry’s first dispersible pigment grout solution with the largest, most consistent colour range on the market. In addition to offering industry-leading performance, Permacolor Select is the first product to innovate the business and logistics of grout.

Permacolor Select comes in two parts: a Color Kit and the highly-engineered Permacolor Select Base powder. When add-

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e

ed to water, Color Kit capsules dissolve like laundry or dishwasher capsules. When the neutrally-coloured Permacolor Select Base is added to the pigment/water mix, it forms a colour-consistent grout that does not require sealing. Plasma is a professional-grade, ready-to-use, crack-resistant grout that requires no sealing. Plasma offers unmatched early strength development and easy workability, and inhibits the growth of stain-caus-

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®

ing mould and mildew in grouted joints.

Cleanable to its original colour, Plasma is ideal for use in most joint grouting applications between 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch (1.6 13 mm) wide including ceramic tile, glass tile and stone applications; residential and commercial floors and walls, and interior and exterior installations. It is superior for re-grouting applications and offers a nonsag formula for walls and floors.

www.progressprofiles.com

With a glance always oriented to the future.

Lippage is a huge issue it’s our turn to heLp na olog 15 B ctober 0 2 SAIE -2 O 22 CER ptember tand S e S 8 5 2 l4 / Hal Area

the only one with 2 elements

studioverde

save 3 pieces on intersections

Proleveling System Only progress profiles offers you the OnLY pAtenteD sYsteM with interchangeable CrOss- and hALF CrOss-shApeD levelers, besides the traditional ones, for the laying of medium and large size coverings and of slim tiles. proleveling system is a revolutionary and innovative system that facilitates and quicken the laying process with only two elements: (leveler and cap).

A complete range of levelers of 1, 2 and 3 mm for floorings and coverings from 3 to 40 mm thick. Thanks to the pressure applied vertically and not transversally, the exclusive removal system allows to avoid the movement of the tiles and the widening of the joints.

progress profiles spA

Certificated company UNI EN ISO 9001:2008

ANNIVERSARY • 1985-2015

Lay

Turn

Remove Kicking the clip in the direction of the joint.

Remover: fixed on a drill allows to remove levelers from caps (Anticlockwise)

Cersaie 2015

MAXIMUM G ra

Fiandre recently added an exclusive new product called Pietra Grey to its MAXIMUM marble collection.

The painstakingly designed, anthracite-coloured background is shot through with subtle, contrasting streaks that bring an

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dr n ia F i t ni

extra touch of chic to this outstanding covering that suits limitless tastes and applications. With its exquisitely refined styling, Pietra Grey brings out the best in every type of environment, from the most traditional to the most contemporary.

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e

The versatility of MAXIMUM means that Pietra Grey can be used for familiar applications, such as floor tiling, wall tiling and faรงades, but also in entirely new contexts such as furnishing: the outsize format (300x150cm), low thickness (6mm) and technical advan-

Cersaie 2015

tages of porcelain tile in terms of durability, mechanical strength, non-absorbency and ease of cleaning, make MAXIMUM the ideal material for creating bathroom furnishing complements, tables, tops, sliding doors, mobile partitions, wall units and seats.

Whether you want industrial design or a bespoke solution, MAXIMUM panels are easy to shape, so give designers the utmost freedom of expression. And for a truly elegant interior, you can combine your coverings with furnishing elements made of the same ma-

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terial, to produce a distinctly harmonious total look.

Sizes: 300x150 - 150x150 - 150x75 - 75x75 -75x37.5 cm Thickness: 6 mm Finish: polished/semi-polished

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Cersaie 2015

DETAILS Tagina

Drawing inspiration from traditional and contemporary design, the Details collection is ideal for both floor and wall coverings. Available in an attractive palette of pastels and neutrals, it adds a welcome dash of character to every

Tile International 2/2015

environment. The collection comes with either a matt or gloss finish, and turns ceramic into a fully fledged furnishing element that meets the needs of traditionalists and fans of the most sophisticated design. The material’s distinctive,

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three-dimensional graphic finish offers a highly evocative decorative motif. Details is available in nine colours in sizes 30x90, 30x30, 15x15 and in a hexagonal format, for both floor and wall applications.

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Cersaie 2015

NATURALM Achille

Achillea’s Natural collection is the ideal product for anyone with a taste for the craftsmanship associated with hand hewn stone, and for modern re-interpretations of rustic materials.Made entirely

Tile International 2/2015

a

osaic

s

in Italy in two sizes, 1.7x1.7cm and mixer 5, the Natural collection gives a strong sense of texture and substance. Like most Achillea mosaics, Natural is 4mm thick, which makes it highly versatile and usable either on new

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substrates or laid over existing floor or wall coverings, thus reducing the costs of demolition and disposal. The Natural series is available in four earth colours: grey, dark, sand and rust. Its rough surface (classified as R10

Cersaie 2015

on the non-slip scale) also makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor flooring in wet areas such as bathrooms, swimming pools and spas. Produced in accordance with high standards of environmental integrity, Natural

offers all the benefits of porcelain tile, namely waterproofness, surface and deep abrasion resistance, frost resistance, resistance to sharp temperature changes, and resistance to chemical attack and staining.

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Natural’s individual tesserae are spot-glued according to a unique Achillea process, which makes the resulting mosaic sheets extremely stable, geometrically precise and easy to use even on curved surfaces.

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HONEYCOMB ic m a r e Bien C

Honeycomb’s unmatched symmetry offers a touch of elegance in a natural shape, while neutral colours combine easily with each other to create a bal-

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anced atmosphere.

Arrange them in whatever pattern you want, and use your imagination and creativity to generate a unique look and style.

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The Twist series has an active but understated character with a timeless appearance that’s perfectly suited to people who value tranquillity and peace of mind.

Cersaie 2015

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ANTIQUE Zircon

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io

Cersaie 2015

Antique is a charismatic collection that’s ideal for decorating any special corner. It’s based on the recovery of old, discarded decorative tiles, which it re-arranges in a consciously

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disordered way. From a starting point of imperfect surfaces, it reinterprets original concepts and transforms them into something totally new.

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NEOLITH CALACATTA

TheSize

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Cersaie 2015

Winner of the prestigious Red Dot award: Product Design 2015, Neolith Calacatta by TheSize, is a unique man-made décor that’s ideal for interior and exterior applications, and combines the delicate design of luxurious white Carrara marble with the inherent high-tech properties of sintered compact surfaces.

Neolith Calacatta will be on display

at Cersaie, where TheSize will unveil a new thickness option, a brand new collection, four new additions to its existing collections, and a full body Belgian Blue in response to demand from designers. The event will also see the introduction of the popular Beton series in a 3mm format, which is ideal for furniture, cabinetry and wall coverings.

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Neolith slab is the largest in the market (3,200x1,500mm and 3,600x1,200mm) and is available in thicknesses of 3, 6 and 12mm and in four finishes. Neolith can be cut to any size or format, and because it is lightweight, it’s easy to lift, handle, transport and install.

See Neolith Calacatta and TheSize’s newest additions at Cersaie, Italy (Hall 19, Stand B39, 28 Sept – 2 Oct 2015).

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Cersaie 2015

ROVERE ALBATROS

amik r e S ya h a t ü K

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’s

Cersaie 2015

NG Kßtahya Seramik’s wood series is the ideal choice for anyone looking for serene, natural touches in their living spaces.

- Rovere, in size 20x120 cm, brings the warm, natural look of wood into your habitat,

thanks to its wood-effect surface in walnut, brown, grey and cherry wood options, as well as nano polished and matt surface textures.

- The uniquely calming lines of the Albatros series interpret

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the soothing surface texture of famous Italian statuary marble.

Available in sizes 120x240 and 60x120 cm, Albatros offers freedom of expression to people who refuse to give up on being natural.

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MURETTO I Ceramica

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o

Cersaie 2015

The concept for the new Muretto collection, made by Pugliabased Ceramica Incontro, draws inspiration from the ancient tradition of dry stone walling, which is widespread in Puglia, where the farmers are masters of selecting and arranging stones to create natural walls between different plots of land, and the classic low walls that delimit the roads.

This innovative ceramic wall cov-

ering is based on modules – in size 9x60 cm with a thickness of 10 mm – with impeccable concealed joints that replicate hewn stone to perfection, even to the touch. The four colour variants, obtained using HD digital printing technology, reproduce the various nuances of white Trani stone, white limestone, multicoloured Trani stone and grey limestone.

Muretto is also available in sev-

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en different textures, to offer an infinite range of permutations for your wall coverings.

This new porcelain wall tile is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

The new Muretto collection is not only aimed at the Italian and European market, but at other world markets too, such as the United States, Middle East and Far East, which are showing increasing interest in this type of finish and format.

Tile International 2/2015

Cersaie 2015

TI-DRAIN D

ural

As well as being a vital part of any shower area, wellness spa or laundry room, a reliable floor drainage system is often a key component of floors subject to much lower levels of humidity, such as changing rooms and certain work places or warehouses. To meet these varying needs, Dural has developed TI-Drain, a modern, modular system for the effective drainage of tiled floors.

The grids, waterproofing systems and drainage outlets are available either as a complete system or as individual components.

Even if left unused for long periods, the siphon ensures that a sufficient quantity of water remains in the system to prevent the formation of unpleasant odours.

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25 th International exhibition of technology and supplies for the ceramic and brick industries

The future of ceramics

26 -30 SEPTEMBER 2016 RIMINI - ITALY th

Organized by

In cooperation with

tecnargilla.it

With the support of

th

25˚ Salón internacional de tecnologías y provisiones para la industria de la cerámica y del ladrillo

El futuro de la céramica

26-30 DE SEPTIEMBRE 2016 RIMINI-ITALIA Organizado por

En colaboración con

tecnargilla.it

Apoyo

COME SEE US AT CERSAIE-AREA 45 STAND 36

Your Single Source for Complete Building System Solutions STONETECH

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Tile & Stone Installation and Care Systems

Concrete Restoration and Care Systems

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