The intriguing new Moving series by Spanish major Aparici Ceramica provides yet another example of a gradual return by leading European manufacturers to interesting geometric designs and colourful products. This trend, which is largely inspired by advances in inkjet printing technologies, is particularly prevalent in relatively smaller formats. Moving is produced in a 29.75 x 29.75cm format. Issue 79 of Tile Today magazine published at the end of May will examine this exciting trend which many observers term as Maximalism Visit www.aparici.com for more information.

The intriguing new Moving series by Spanish major Aparici Ceramica provides yet another example of a gradual return by leading European manufacturers to interesting geometric designs and colourful products. This trend, which is largely inspired by advances in inkjet printing technologies, is particularly prevalent in relatively smaller format... more

Infotile.com has a wealth of information pertaining to the installation of ceramic tiles. Installing tiles can be a surprisingly difficult process which requires extensive preparation and precise execution. The tile installation pages are accessible under the Advice button alongside our Archived Articles and equally helpful glossary or click here to be taken to the relevant pages.

Infotile.com has a wealth of information pertaining to the installation of ceramic tiles. Installing tiles can be a surprisingly difficult process which requires extensive preparation and precise execution. The tile installation pages are accessible under the Advice button alongside our Archived Articles and equally helpful glossary or click ... more

Novogres and Warner Bros. Consumer Products have signed a license agreement for the distribution in more than 70 countries of fictional cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Porky Pig,Tom & Jerry, Batman or Superman printed or engraving on ceramic tiles for bathroom decoration purpose.

The agreement has been signed for a period of 3 years and during this period of time Novogres will manufacture on ceramic-based and in different styles all licensed properties of the multinational Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Novogres pretends not only to use all fictional cartoon characters  to decorate the children’s bathroom, but also to adapt some of  this fictional images for an adult public covering at the same time the demand of traditional bath decoration as well as a recreational public areas.   

Mr. Juan Bono, the Managing Director of Novogres SA, things that the signed agreement will be very positive for all parties. The results coming out through this synergism will be certainly a good experience for both companies, but will be overall very useful for the end consumer which will have the possibility of decorate his bath in a totally new style. Also Novogres pretends to cover new markets such as nursery school, camping, hotels or any other premises with recreational areas for the children.     

Novogres wants to launch the product on June 2013 into the Market.

Download the press dossier in the link: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/34909850/ADJUNTOS.zip

Novogres, S.A.
Ctra Nacional 340, Km. 56 
Vila-real (Castellón)
España
+34 964 533 360

Novogres and Warner Bros. Consumer Products have signed a license agreement for the distribution in more than 70 countries of fictional cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Porky Pig,Tom & Jerry, Batman or Superman printed or engraving on ceramic tiles for bathroom decoration pu... more

Creativity and innovation: the historic ceramic company from Solignano will bring the renowned Italian quality and style to the forthcoming show in Atlanta. 

Solignano, 29 April 2013 - New collections that stand out for creativity, innovation and quality will take centgre stage in the Flaviker Pi.Sa space (BOOTH 1945) at Coverings 2013, the pre-eminent American exhibition for the ceramic sector to be held from 29 April to 2 May in the Georgia World Congreee Center in Atlanta.

Three new collections from Flaviker Pi.Sa epitomise the brand's research efforts and offer a harmonious blend of nature and technology; Cityline, Urban COncrete and the recently launched Forward, a new collection that offers a graphic revisitation of natural stone in fashionable colours and sizes.

With URBAN CONCRETE Flaviker Pi.Sa offers a creative exploration of the world of concrete, the archetypal modern material. A product with outstanding aesthetic qualities, Urban Concrete comes in 5 sizes, all rectified (80x80cm, 40x80 cm, 30x60 cm and 15x60cm), and in three surface finishes; Natural, Frame (formwork effect) and R11 texture.

CITYLINE (pictured right) is a new tool for interior architecture, a collection that spurns the concept of imitation and instead achieves the originality and variability of today's cities. Inspired by iron sheets that have not yet been stabilised by industrial chemical processes, it brings together different contemporary surfaces in a sophisticated colour palette. 

Eclectic and cutting-edge, it is available in the rectified sizes 80x80 cm, 40x80 cm, 20x80 cm, 60x60 cm and 30x60 cm and in 2 versions, natural and lapped.

In Atlanta, Flaviker Pi.Sa will be offering a preview of FORWARD, an innovative interpretation of stone in which echies of quartzite and slate resonate on surfaces with surprising textural effects. The complete floor collection will be unveiled at the next edition of Cersaie.

Creativity and innovation: the historic ceramic company from Solignano will bring the renowned Italian quality and style to the forthcoming show in Atlanta. 

Solignano, 29 April 2013 - New collections that stand out for creativity, innovation and quality will take centgre stage in the Flaviker Pi.Sa s... more

Australian Tile Publications is making a concentrated effort to embrace social media technology. In recent months we have launched the Tile Today blog, and enlarged our presence on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Our blog exists to complement the huge amount of information available at infotile.com and to provide visitors with another point of entry to our long-established website. The blog’s flexible interface allows us to quickly upload images of exciting new products and to promote the current and upcoming editions of Tile Today magazine.

We are attempting to reinforce the reputation and standing of infotile.com as a superb resource for the Australian ceramic tile and natural stone industries. The site contains hundreds of articles written by leading experts and much-needed information about tile, stone and glass materials and associated allied products. Infotile’s successful Product Profiles section enables visitors to peruse and specify available product from some of Australia’s most prominent wholesalers.

Infotile.com has been enriched by the recent addition of 40 Frequently Asked Questions relating to ceramic tile and glass mosaic, and natural stone. This authoritative source of information has replaced the once popular but sadly unsalvageable Forums. Anything new and of significance on infotile.com is immediately shared to our Facebook page. This practice is continued when working on the Tile Today blog, thus creating snippets of useful information for other industry participants to digest and follow.

To further the reach of our publications, Tile Today and Discovering Stone can now be downloaded as a free PDF. Individual articles can still be accessed and downloaded separately.

Australian Tile Publications is making a concentrated effort to embrace social media technology. In recent months we have launched the Tile Today blog, and enlarged our presence on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Our blog exists to complement the huge amount of information available at infotile.com and to provide visitors with another... more

Coverings 2013, the pre-eminent American show devoted to ceramic tile and natural stone, begins today, Monday 29 April. Held for the first time in the Georgia World Congress in Atlanta, the exhibition will run until 2 May and is hosting a number of country pavilions. Alongside the American pavilion organised by the Tile Council of America (TCNA), the largest country delegations are the Italian and Spanish pavilions, respectively under the banners of Ceramics of Italy and Tile of Spain.

Located inside the Ceramics of Italy pavilion, the Confindustria Ceramica stand is coordinating the participation of 65 Italian companies in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Trade and also serves as an info and meeting point for exhibitors and visitors. Created by e+i studio, the 280 square metre stand uses tiles from Atlas Concorde, Ceramiche Caesar, Emilceramica, Fioranese, Floor Gres, Lea Ceramiche and Marazzi. Installation products from Mapei and Fila Industria Ceramica have also been used. Piazza Italia is also hosting numerous complementary initiatives, beginning with the Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition to be held on 30 April during the international press conference. Now in its 20th edition, the competition honours residential projects carried through by North American architects using Italian tiles in new and innovative ways. The winner of the North American Distributor Award, Ceramic Tiles of Italy is also sponsoring the fourth edition of The Installation Design Showcase.

Spanish ceramic excellence is being showcased in a country pavilion organised by ASCER and hosting 43 companies under the banner of Tile of Spain. A wide range of sustainable products with advanced design are on display together with the initiatives held in the Spanish pavilion. Highlights include two seminars led by Ryan Fasan entitled The Complimentary Paradigm and  Connect the Dots, which will offer industry professionals ideas and guidance on the world of ceramic tiles, including spaces, trends, colours and a customer focus.

Coverings 2013, the pre-eminent American show devoted to ceramic tile and natural stone, begins today, Monday 29 April. Held for the first time in the Georgia World Congress in Atlanta, the exhibition will run until 2 May and is hosting a number of country pavilions. Alongside the American pavilion organised by the Tile Council of America (TC... more

Inspired by some of the world‘s most beautiful natural marble. Check Caesarstone product profile on their newest addition to the Classico collection.....Supernatural Piatra Grey featured left

Inspired by some of the world‘s most beautiful natural marble. Check Caesarstone product profile on their newest addition to the Classico collection.....Supernatural Piatra Grey featured left

The low thickness material revolution continues, as Fiandre issue an invitation to view their 3m x 1m x 3 or 6mm panels of porcelain. 'The Great Dimensional Challenge' Open Day 2013, 9-10 May Castellarano, Italy.

The low thickness material revolution continues, as Fiandre issue an invitation to view their 3m x 1m x 3 or 6mm panels of porcelain. 'The Great Dimensional Challenge' Open Day 2013, 9-10 May Castellarano, Italy.

After working alongside the Marazzi family for almost thirty years – until 2009 – Mauro Vandini is returning to the group in the position of managing director. He takes over from Andrea Sasso, whom the company wishes to thank for his work during the last year in overseeing the successful acquisition by Mohawk Industries and in enabling the company to achieve its goals.

“The acquisition has ushered in an important new phase for Marazzi,” noted Mauro Vandini. “It enables us to speed up our growth process, supported not only by our new group dimensions but also by our leadership position in terms of style, capacity for innovation and brand positioning. The acquisition also demonstrates the key role of Italian ceramic tiles and the level of excellence achieved by Marazzi all over the world,” he added.

“I am leaving Marazzi with a strong sense of satisfaction with the results we have achieved,” commented Andrea Sasso. “It has not been easy for a group with such a strong history and local roots as Marazzi to come unscathed through a difficult period that has seen it lose its charismatic chairman, Filippo Marazzi, and undergo a change in ownership structure.” 

After working alongside the Marazzi family for almost thirty years – until 2009 – Mauro Vandini is returning to the group in the position of managing director. He takes over from Andrea Sasso, whom the company wishes to thank for his work during the last year in overseeing the successful acquisition by Mohawk Industries and in ena... more

Ceramiche Supergres produce floor and wall tiles for the middle-high residential building market, a segment that is then subdivided into porcelain stoneware tiles for indoor and outdoor floors and white-body wall cladding for kitchens and bathrooms.

Ceramiche Supergres is part of the Gruppo Concorde, the second largest ceramic tile manufacturer in Italy in terms of sales and one of the most important in the world. This means that the company has some of the most avant-garde research and technology at its disposal, and which leads to the creation of successful products with innovative solutions both in terms of technology and design.

The company has a wide product range offering a variety of styles and solutions for unique living atmospheres that respect and mirror the different tastes and personality of the people who live in them: from the most glamorous of collections to the most classic, from the most romantic and refined to the most elegant and  most design-conscious.

SELECTION
Product: white-body tiles
Colours: Caraveggio, Calacatta, Statuario, Palissandro, Santacaterina, Travertino
Size: 40 x80 rectified glossy finish
Decors: damask, floral, golden listels, boiserie decors, mosaics
Trim tiles: chair-rail, cove top, edge

Ceramiche Supergres present a new white-body ceramic collection: SELECTION. A precious wall cladding that faithfully reproduces in a precise and scrupulous way, the look of the most sought-after marble, available in a large size so as to allow to fully appreciate the exactness with which the graphics and veining so typical of natural marble have been recreated.

An elegant and refined series, created for sophisticated venues and offered in various hues inspired by the most precious marble, namely,, Caraveggio, Calacatta, Statuario, Santacaterina, Travertino and Palissandro. The collection is enriched with numerous decors: boiserie, floral and damask decorations that exalt walls to the utmost.

This complete collection and its decor set perfectly adapt to any space and easily meet any style: the traditional decors are suitable for romantic, feminine venues while geometrical listels are perfect for minimal, refined, spaces.

The numerous trim tiles allow for precious finishing. This collection comes complete with a co-ordinated porcelain stoneware floor, in 60x60 and 45x45, rectified and available in natural and honed finish.

SELECTION FLOOR
Product: porcelain stoneware
Colours: travertino, santacaterina, calacatta, statuario, palissandro, caravaggio
Size: 60x60 - 45x45 - ottagona 45x45, allrectified. Available in natural and honed finish, for indoor residential and commercial application.
Decors: tappeto and rosone available in 45 and 60 size - marble insets.
Trim tiles: skirting available in all colours in either natural or honed finish.

Selection Floor is a porcelain stoneware series for residential and commercial destinations of use. This collection faithfully reproduces the graphics and veining typical of the most precious marble and is available in natural and honed finish.

A collection combining the elegance of natural marble with the resistance and technical performance of porcelain stoneware.

Selection Floor offer a broad range of tappeto and rosone decors, that, if used on the entire floor surface can re-create the traditional installation patterns of marble, while, if used as single pieces, they enhance the elegance of the space.

As well as in the rectified, single work-size 60x60 and 45x45 sizes, the collection is also available in the ottagona size, matching with marble insets and perfect for adding a touch of elegance to the space.

Ceramiche Supergres produce floor and wall tiles for the middle-high residential building market, a segment that is then subdivided into porcelain stoneware tiles for indoor and outdoor floors and white-body wall cladding for kitchens and bathrooms.

Ceramiche Supergres is part of the Gruppo Concorde, the second largest cerami... more

SCS Global Services, a leading third-party certifier in the green building industry, has issued Green Squared® certification to Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola, an Emilia Romagna-based producer of ceramic tiles, for its Imola Ceramica, LaFaenza and Leonardo ranges. Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola is the first tile manufacturer in Italy to obtain the prestigious Green Squared certification.

“Certification of Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola under the Green Squared programme is a significant accomplishment,” remarked Stowe Hartridge-Beam, Managing Director of Environmental Certification Services for SCS. “This certification attests to Imola’s commitment to minimising the environmental impacts of tile manufacturing, while protecting the interests of communities.”

Green Squared® is a sustainability certification programme for ceramic tiles, glass tiles, and related installation material products developed by the Tile Council of North America. Green Squared certification recognises leadership in environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility, and is based on a standard developed under the American National Standards Institute process (ANSI A138.1). The standard establishes criteria across the product Life Cycle from raw material extraction to manufacturing, use and end-of-life management. This multi-attribute certification scores products in five categories of performance:

• Product characteristics
• Manufacturing and raw material extraction
• End-of-product life management
• Progressive corporate governance
• Innovation

As the only Italian tile manufacturer to be recognised under the Green Squared® programme, Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola has shown that its products are designed and manufactured in a manner which supports environmental sustainability and ethical responsibility. The company demonstrated that its meets all mandatory programme requirements as well as additional elective requirements. Moreover, in order to achieve certification, Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola, undertook specific improvements. For instance, it now has a zero discharge policy for industrial wastewater which is now recycled instead of being released to publicly owned treatment works.

“The SCS Global Services team conducted a very efficient and thorough inspection of all phases of our manufacturing process,” said Thomas D. Smith, the President of Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola (North America). “Third-party verification is vitally important to our industry, helping our customers differentiate among products based on their true environmental impact.” 

Published articles concerning environmental sustainability and the green building industry can be viewed in the Archived Articles section of Infotile.com.

http://www.infotile.com/advicetopiclist.aspx

SCS Global Services, a leading third-party certifier in the green building industry, has issued Green Squared® certification to Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola, an Emilia Romagna-based producer of ceramic tiles, for its Imola Ceramica, LaFaenza and Leonardo ranges. Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola is the first tile manufacturer ... more

At Mosbuild ABK is presenting its new vision for ceramic tile collections, concieved as the words of a unique, personal language narrating the latest trends in Italian interior design.

Finale Emilia, 27 March 2013 - ABK will be unveiling new products and surprises at Mosbuild, the international construction exhibition to be held in Moscow from 16 to 19 April 2013. One of the most popular and strongly attended industry exhibitions, Mosbuild is aimed mainly at the Russian market but attracts professionals from all over the world due to the quality and breadth of the range of products on display.

ABK, renowned for its typically Italian products with an original and sophisticated design, is taking part in the 19th edition of the Moscow show (Expocentre, Pav. 2, Stand U 207) with a range of new collections that express a personal and appealing idea of surface coverings and interior design.

These offerings are showcased effectively in the highly original stand created by designer Mario Tombaccini from Studio Archdesign, which expresses the company's strengths and identity and invites visitors to explore the appealing spaces devoted to the new collections.

SECRET is a series with an ancient yet modern flavour, its nacreous colouring enlivened by small imperfections. Meticulously crafted with an elegant, feminine aesthetic, it comes in seven colours and a new 30x75 cm size.

Delicate tones and seductive decorations are the unique qualities of VISION (featured), a collection available in a single 20x60 cm size allowing for free combinations of glossy and satin surfaces that lend elegance to any room in today's homes. ABK will also be offering a world preview of its classic marble tiles from the GRACE collection, interpreted with the company's habitual sensitivity in an original 30x75 cm size.

The complete collection of high-resolution images is available in the download area of the website: www.threestudio.it
Username: pressabk
PSW: press

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For further information:
Threee Studio comunicazione
info@threestudio.it
ph: +39-059-9781730
contact: Cristina Barchi

At Mosbuild ABK is presenting its new vision for ceramic tile collections, concieved as the words of a unique, personal language narrating the latest trends in Italian interior design.

more

Johnson Tiles’ Glass Tile Range is available in five designer colours and five contemporary colours in a gloss finish. Heat Resistant to 500-600°C, they are ideal for splashbacks in domestic and commercial applications. Link to Product.

Johnson Tiles’ Glass Tile Range is available in five designer colours and five contemporary colours in a gloss finish. more

Register online now for the Natural Stone Show
More companies are demonstrating their faith in the future by booking stands at the Natural Stone Show, taking place at ExCeL London 30 April–2 May. In the last two weeks the Natural Stone Show has welcomed on board a dozen extra exhibitors from across the board of the stone industry.

They include contract flooring and project specialist In Opera, which distributes Marmi Scala agglomerate marble together with a wide range of natural stones sourced from La Ponte Marmi. Landscaping product provider Natural Stone Paving has signed up, as has Guard Industry, manufacturer of stone protection, cleaning, maintaining and preservation products.

ScandInvent, Swedish makers of compact CNC machinery, is back, while traditional stone cutting tool company Trow & Holden from Vermont, USA, are exhibiting for the first time.

One of the leading UK wholesalers of natural stones and slabs, Stoneville, based in London, has chosen the Natural Stone Show this year after exhibiting at EcoBuild last year. Waterjet system company Dardi, personal protective equipment provider Alpha Solway, growing stone tooling and accessories suppliers Vetro Tooling, and Oxford Granite Group Featherstone Cladding, showing lightweight stone, porcelain and quartz cladding systems using high performance aluminium frames, have all now booked their places at the Natural Stone Show.

Everything is looking good for visitors, too. The 'Designing in Stone' RIBA workshop Architect & Designer Day on the first day of the exhibition (30 April) now has more than 80 signed up for it and visitor preregistration for the whole Show is running significantly ahead of last time.

This is the 10^th Natural Stone Show and remains the only UK event to focus exclusively on natural stone and directly related products and services. Whatever your involvement with stone, from design to installation or restoration, this is the ideal opportunity to take a fresh look at the industry.

Source from an impressive choice of stone from all over the world – granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, travertine, slate and more – for use in all types of projects – flooring, cladding, hard landscaping, kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, conservation, fireplaces, memorials, sculpture… you name it.

Choose from all the fixing systems, sealants, adhesives, cleaning materials, stone working machinery, tools and other related products and services associated with the stone industry that will also be exhibited.

Network with more than 5,000 industry professionals, making useful new contacts and renewing old acquaintances.

Innovate & Learn. Whatever your involvement with the stone industry, you'll find something at the show that you've never seen before; something innovative that your business will profit from for many years to come. It could be a new material that becomes a future best-seller, the latest technology to improve workshop productivity, or valuable knowledge accrued from the free Conference programme run in conjunction with the Show and specialist advice available on the stands to help you resolve a problem.

Make a date with the Natural Stone Show! Click here to register free of charge now.

Register online now for the Natural Stone Show
More companies are demonstrating their faith in the future by booking stands at the Natural Stone Show, taking place at ExCeL London 30 April–2 May. In the last two weeks the Natural Stone Show has welcomed on board a dozen extra exhibitors from across the ... more

CONNECT WITH THE LARGEST CERAMIC TILE + STONE EVENT IN NORTH AMERICA Coverings 2013 is heading to Atlanta, Georgia, USA with all the connections you need to succeed in today’s competitive market. In just four days, April 29-May 2, you will discover new insights, innovations, products and contacts that will give your company a competitive edge in 2013 and beyond.

Register today for free to:
•    NETWORK with peers and the brightest minds in the industry to share tips and solutions.
•    DISCOVER inspiration from the 900+ global exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations and trends.
•    EDUCATE everyone on your team with the most in-depth tile + stone conference in the Americas featuring more than 70 free sessions.
•    EVALUATE thousands of tile + stone types for interior, outdoor, residential and commercial applications.
 
BRING YOUR ENTIRE TEAM – ADMISSION TO COVERINGS IS FREE! Register here

Whether you are a builder, remodeler, distributor, manufacturer, fabricator, installer, contractor, specifier or retailer, if you connect with Coverings you’ll connect to success.

Once registered for The Ultimate Tile + Stone Experience, reserve your Atlanta hotel rooms here.

WWW.COVERINGS.COM
 

CONNECT WITH THE LARGEST CERAMIC TILE + STONE EVENT IN NORTH AMERICA Coverings 2013 is heading to Atlanta, Georgia, USA with all the connections you need to succeed in today’s competitive market. In just four days, April 29-May 2, you will discover new insights, innovations, products and contacts that will give your company a competitiv... more

A leading producer of technical and glazed porcelain tiles, Portuguese company Revigres has further increased its large-format output capacity by installing a new production line designed by Sacmi. The heart of the system  consists of a PH 7500, which is ideal for large sizes and is equipped with an array of technological innovations to guarantee uniform pressing force distribution, even on the largest models.

Combining reliability, ruggedness and flexibility, the PH 7500 offers Revigres new potential for expanding its product range.

While initially equipped with 3-cavity SMS upper forming dies suitable for the production of 600x600 mm tiles, the press is also designed to produce  larger sizes such as 600x1200 mm, 800x800 mm and 900x900 mm.

The line supplied by Sacmi also includes an automatic EVA 984 vertical dryer, part of a new series that has already won worldwide acclaim for its  outstanding technology, low energy consumption, versatility,  user-friendliness and ease of maintenance.

The distinctive feature of this new series of dryers is its capacity to reduce tile moisture content to very low levels, thus maximising both unfired strength and temperature uniformity.

A leading producer of technical and glazed porcelain tiles, Portuguese company Revigres has further increased its large-format output capacity by installing a new production line designed by Sacmi. The heart of the system  consists of a PH 7500, which is ideal for large sizes and is equipped with an array of technological innovations to ... more

The ceramic tile manufacturer from Fiorano Modenese will take part in the exhibition in London, the world's biggest event for sustainable construction, design and renewable energy.

London, March 2013. From 5 to 8 March Atlas Concorde's quality will be showcased ast Ecobuild, at the Excel exhibition centre, an event that attracts and promotes the main technological and design proposals for the environmentally sustainable construction sector.

Atlas Concorde will take part with its latest and most innovative ceramic collections as well as all the Leed certified series introduced in the full range of Atlas Concorde products, designed to meet the aesthetic and functional requirements for the design of reception areas, fully respecting the environment.

The ceramic tile manufacturer from Fiorano Modenese will take part in the exhibition in London, the world's biggest event for sustainable construction, design and renewable energy.

London, March 2013. From 5 to 8 March Atlas Concorde's quality will be showcased ast Ecobuild, at the Excel exhibition centre, an event th... more

The 37th Alfa de Oro awards presented by the Spanish Ceramic and Glass Society (SECV) have once again gone to innovative technologies developed in the Castellón ceramic district. The prestigious awards were granted to Zschimmer&Schwarz, Vernís and Torrecid.

Zschimmer&Schwarz España received the honour for developing Eco2inkjet, new eco-friendly chemical additives for digital tile decoration that help to significantly reduce printing defects.

Vernis won the award for its product Oro Cerámico, capable of producing vivid gold surfaces in the single firing process without using metallic gold. This significantly reduces production costs while at the same time improving the aesthetic qualities of the finished product.

Last but not least, Torrecid won a new Alfa de Oro for adapting the digital decoration system to allow for the production of a wide range of entirely digitally glazed and decorated products.

The 37th Alfa de Oro awards presented by the Spanish Ceramic and Glass Society (SECV) have once again gone to innovative technologies developed in the Castellón ceramic district. The prestigious awards were granted to Zschimmer&Schwarz, Vernís and Torrecid.

Zschimmer&Schwarz España rece... more

Fincibec on display between nature and technology at the Coverings 2013.

The collections of the Monocibec, Century and Naxos brands, three different aesthetic and material languages to communicate with engineers, architects and designers, will be on display at the most important American showcase in the field.

Sassuolo, 19 February 2013 - Products that go beyond the concept of intended use offering a perfect combination between aesthetics and technical performance, eco-friendly productions, cutting-edge technology, flexibility and customisability. These are the features of the ceramic collections that the Fincibec Group will display at the Coverings 2013 event; the most important trade fair in North America, in Atlanta (Georgia, U.S.A.) from 29 April to 2 May.

The target audience of the construction sector, but also and above all, professionals in the fields of architecture and design, are the protagonists of a fruitful dialogue with the Sassuolo-based manufacturer that, in order to meet demands, has enriched their catalogues with flooring and walling solutions that are certificate according to the LEED criteria; standards that are extraordinarily performing and capable of safeguarding health and physical well-being.

The Coverings trade fair is one of the most awaited events in the world of ceramics and the three brand names of the Group will take part within a single stand whose space, equally divided between Monocibec, Century, and Naxos, will be entirely accessible by visitors through a exhibition path that aims at creating a link between the three different material and aesthetic languages spoken by Fincibec. The collections on display derive from the same inspiring muse: nature and its different forms and expressions.
We are talking about Riverland, a Century collection which recalls the delicate grains of agate, the precious stone which has been extracted along the banks of the rivers for ages. The elegance expressed by the refined surface contrasts the technical features of this flooring, intended for use in heavy traffic environments such as hotels, shops and restaurants.
The environment, the typical handicrafts and traditional alpine timbers are re-proposed in the Echo wood-effect stoneware collection by Monocibec featuring aesthetics that are rustic, yet highly versatile. The listels, in the different colours and finishing, blend in beautifully in residential contexts that can be either modern or renovated, attracting the personality and the timeless appeal of veneers shaped patiently thanks to craftsmanship.
The decorative pattern of the Pixel collection by Naxos is instead inspired by the rhythms of modern times and plays with light; it refracts and breaks it into small glittering scales, identical one with the other, yet creating a result that is every time, at every moment, different. Matter comes to life where the surface intersects the sources of light revealing original chromatic depth.
The ceramic collections by Century, Monocibec and Naxos, brand names of the Fincibec Group, will be exhibited at the Coverings event in the Ceramics of Italy Pavilion, number 2831.

High-resolution images are available on the Download Area of the www.threestudio.it website
Username: fincibec
Password: coverings2013

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For further information:
Three Studio Comunicazione
Via Golgi, 18 - 41126 Modena (Italy)
Ph. +39 059 9781730
Mail: info@threestudio.it


 

Fincibec on display between nature and technology at the Coverings 2013.

The collections of the Monocibec, Century and Naxos brands, three different aesthetic and material languages to communicate with engineers, architects and designers, will be on display at the most important American showcase in the fiel... more

The series of Acimac Handbooks de­voted to digital decoration technolo­gies is being expanded this year with the third publication entitled "Digi­tal present and future: the evolu­tion continues", which focuses on the latest  technological innovations introduced in this specific segment. This new  Acimac Handbook contains several of the contributions presen­ted at the  conference as well as fresh material provided directly by sector companies operating in this fields that is evolving at a rapid pace and has se­en the emergence of new market players (machinery manufacturers, ink and service suppliers). The already large-scale use of cera­mic digital printing systems in much of the world is forcing tile producers to broaden their knowledge of availa­ble technologies and of the potential for further optimising digital cera­mic production. The enormous interest in these is­sues was much in evidence at the third Technical Conference on Digital Decoration organised by Acimac in Fiorano on 16 November 2012, which was attended by some 400 technicians and professionals from the Italian ceramic industry.

This new Acimac Handbook contains several of the contributions presen­ted at the conference as well as fresh material provided directly by sector companies operating in the fields of colour management, digital ink supply and inkjet printing machine construction.

The series of Acimac Handbooks de­voted to digital decoration technolo­gies is being expanded this year with the third publication entitled "Digi­tal present and future: the evolu­tion continues", which focuses on the latest  technological innovations introduced in this specific segment. This ne... more

Del Conca Group has announced that it will build a factory in Loudon county, Tennessee, USA. The new facility will extend over a surface area more than 30,000 square metres and will be completed by the end of 2013. Porcelain tile production is expected to commence in early 2014.

Phase One of the project is expected to cost about US $50 million and will see about 100 workers taken on. Phase Two will involve an additional $20 million investment and the creation of 78 more jobs.

Del Conca USA, the group's American subsidiary which has its logistic centre in Chicago, is pursuing this internationalisation programme with the aim of further increasing its US market share. The Del Conca group already generates 75% of its turnover from exports, half of which are shipped to the US market. The decision to produce tiles directly in the USA was therefore dictated by the need to meet orders quickly and flexibly.
Loudon County Governor Bill Haslam, together with the Loudon County Economic Development Agency, officially welcomed Del Conca USA and thanked the company for a venture that will breathe fresh life into the local community.

The Group's Italian facilities are also attracting major investments of more than 4 million euro with the aim of producing items of high technical and aesthetic quality while maintaining current export volumes. A sizeable share of the investments will serve to increase production of Del Conca Fast, a system that is currently much in demand in the United States.

Del Conca Fast is an innovative, patented method of installing ceramic floor tiles without the need for glue or grout and is ideal for use over existing floors.

Del Conca Group has announced that it will build a factory in Loudon county, Tennessee, USA. The new facility will extend over a surface area more than 30,000 square metres and will be completed by the end of 2013. Porcelain tile production is expected to commence in early 2014.

Phase One of the project is expected to cost about US... more

Meybod Tile, the long-standing Iranian company is going to install a new high quality single-fire tile production plant.

The complete plant, capable of, via the use of red bodies, making the most of current market trends in terms of quality and quantity and giving Meybod Tile, thanks to Sacmi technology, renewed market leadership.

The plant, due to be started up in the opening months of 2013, includes two continuous 41,000-litre mills complete with the most modern grinding control systems, plus an 11,000-litre spray dryer to provide high output rates with maximum flexibility. The obtained red body powder is fed into a battery of three 5,000-ton presses, each with an infeed clearance of 2250 mm, together with the relative EVA983 vertical dryers. Output will also include large tiles, made using latest-generation presses that ensure perfect geometry, outstanding productivity and considerable energy and gas savings. Glazing follows the classic dictates of the market, with the addition of new application systems that allow the company to stay at the forefront of design with glazed surface quality of the very highest order. Further on along the line are two FMS kilns with a 2850 mm inlet clearance, each 110 m long, allowing an annual output of 6 million square metres with minimal waste and maximum firing efficiency. To complete the order there is a cutting-edge, completely automated storage system that makes use of all-new laser-guided vehicles and 3 Nuova Fima sorting units of unparalleled performance that make the product suited to both the internal market and the most demanding export market.

Meybod Tile, the long-standing Iranian company is going to install a new high quality single-fire tile production plant.

The complete plant, capable of, via the use of red bodies, making the most of current market trends in terms of quality and quantity and giving Meybod Tile, thanks to Sacmi technology, renewed market leadership.<... more

Later this month, the Indian city of New Delhi will host the World Stone Congress. The event will take place at the Eros Hilton Hotel on 29 and 30 January, with guest speakers arriving from Germany, Italy and Turkey.

These international experts in granite, marble and sandstone will be gathering to discuss the performance and prospects of the natural stone industry. An especially prominent theme in their respective presentations will be sustainable development, and further emphasis will be placed on the status of the industry and the enhancement of global trade.

The two-day assembly will be divided into five distinct sessions: Facilitating International Trade; Sustainable Trends in Natural Stones; Standardisation of Quality in Quarrying and Processing; Technologies and Machinery for Improving Production and Efficiency; Open House with State and Central Government Officials.

Limited seating is available and tickets can still be purchased.

Guest speakers include Professor Gerd Merke, Secretary General of Euroroc, and Paola Blasi, Director of the International Department of IMM in Carrara, Italy.

Later this month, the Indian city of New Delhi will host the World Stone Congress. The event will take place at the Eros Hilton Hotel on 29 and 30 January, with guest speakers arriving from Germany, Italy and Turkey.

These international experts in granite, marble and sandstone will be gathering to discuss the performance and prospe... more

Filippo Marazzi, the Chairman of MarazziGroup, sadly passed away on 28 November 2012. He was 63 years old.  One of the ceramic industry's best known figures, he succeeded in transforming the company founded by his grandfather in 1935 into the world's largest tile multinational with production facilities in Italy, the US, Russia, France and Spain. The group now has more than 6000 employees and an annual production of over 100 million square metres.

Mr Marazzi was born in Sassuolo, Emilia-Romagna in 1949, and assumed control of the family business at the age of 29 following the sudden death of his father Pietro in a road accident.

In the early 1980s he launched the Group's internationalisation process with the building of manufacturing facilities in Spain and the United States.

The news of his death spread rapidly through the Sassuolo ceramic district and the rest of the ceramic world and was greeted with sadness and sympathy by the industry's business leaders. "The sudden death of Filippo Marazzi has been deeply felt by the entire Italian ceramic industry, where his company represents a source of inspiration in terms of its history and the international dimensions it has reached under his passionate leadership," said Confindustria Ceramica's Chairman Franco Manfredini.

Filippo Marazzi, the Chairman of MarazziGroup, sadly passed away on 28 November 2012. He was 63 years old.  One of the ceramic industry's best known figures, he succeeded in transforming the company founded by his grandfather in 1935 into the world's largest tile multinational with production facilities in Italy, the US, Russia, ... more

Tile+Stone Annual is on sale in newsagencies in all states. This 3rd edition showcases new products, established best sellers, installation techniques, trends in colour, design, style and texture.

Additional features focus on aspects of sustainability, slab materials and new low-thickness products.

The Australian Tile Council and Australian Stone Advisory Association are providing their full support for a publication which will act as an easy on the eye annual guide to what’s hot in tile and stone, including the latest materials released at Cersaie 2012.

More than 40 companies participated in this edition.

To discover  a newsagency near you click here to view a complete list of participating newsagencies.

Tile+Stone Annual is on sale in newsagencies in all states. This 3rd edition showcases new products, established best sellers, installation techniques, trends in colour, design, style and texture.

Additional features focus on aspects of sustainability, slab materials and new low-thickness products.

The Australian Ti... more

Thailand’s Siam Cement Group has become the world’s largest manufacturer of ceramic tile. In 2011, the company utilised 78 per cent of its production capacity to create 117 million square metres of product.

Siam possesses close to 20 manufacturing plants in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. The group’s facilities are increasingly geared towards environmental friendliness with the Cotto plant in Thailand reducing its energy consumption by 6646 gigajoules per annum following a retrofit of the kilns.

Local merchants will be familiar with Cotto products which are widely available in Australia.

Thailand’s Siam Cement Group has become the world’s largest manufacturer of ceramic tile. In 2011, the company utilised 78 per cent of its production capacity to create 117 million square metres of product.

Siam possesses close to 20 manufacturing plants in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. The group’s faci... more

Brazil remains an important market for Ancora Group. The Sassuolo-based company has secured a number of major orders, the latest two of which were received during the last Tecnargilla. Two complete lapping and squaring lines, one for 600 x 600 mm and the other for sizes from 300 x 300 mm to 1000 x 1000 mm, have been sold to the Portobello ceramic company located in the state of Santa Caterina and are due to begin operating in February 2013. These orders follow on from a recent delivery of a lapping machine and a score-and-snap and squaring line for the production of long listels started up by engineers from Ancora do Brasil in October. Portobello was also one of the first Brazilian companies to adopt Ancora's new energy-saving dryer, which ensures cost reductions of up to 40% and high-quality end results.

In Brazil, Ancora Group has also delivered two squaring lines to the company Biancogres based in Vitoria in the state of Espirito Santo, whose Vitcer polishing centre recently installed an automatic platform loading system built by Ancora on an existing lapping and squaring line, also produced by Ancora. These requirements stem from the high domestic demand for ceramic products, in particular for large format lapped porcelain tile. Poligress Porcelanato, a company based in Maracajá in the state of Santa Caterina, also recently expanded its polishing lines with the installation of a lapping machine and a squaring line with score-and-snap facility for submultiples and listels.

Brazil remains an important market for Ancora Group. The Sassuolo-based company has secured a number of major orders, the latest two of which were received during the last Tecnargilla. Two complete lapping and squaring lines, one for 600 x 600 mm and the other for sizes from 300 x 300 mm to 1000 x 1000 mm, have been sold to the Portobello cer... more

The 30th Cersaie, the international ceramic tile and bathroom furnishing exhibition that came to an end in Bologna on 29 September, reported record figures for international attendance. Of the total attendance of 75,563 (exclusively considering first admissions), 32% consisted of international visitors. While this figure confirms the show's international appeal, it also highlights the stagnation in the Italian market. The total number of visitors actually decreased with respect to 2011 due to the fall in attendance of Italian buyers.

The cultural events in the ‘Building Dwelling Thinking' programme proved extremely popular, particularly the keynote lecture given by Pritzker prize winner Eduardo Souto de Moura which was attended by an audience of more than 1,300 people, ‘Tiling City' - an event that hosted the world tiling champion and several Italian building schools - and ‘Cersaie designs your home', an initiative organised by Edi.Cer. spa in cooperation with around fifteen leading Italian interior design magazines with the aim of offering private consumers free consulting on renovating their homes and choosing materials.

This year's After Show programme featured numerous initiatives, including the official opening of an exhibition of works by Souto de Moura in the National Art Gallery (Pinacoteca) of Bologna and the initiative ‘Bologna Water Design', which featured cultural events such as installations by designers such as Michele de Lucchi and Diego Grandi and attracted large numbers of Cersaie visitors and Bologna residents.

Next year's Cersaie will be held in Bologna from 24 to 28 September 2013.

The 30th Cersaie, the international ceramic tile and bathroom furnishing exhibition that came to an end in Bologna on 29 September, reported record figures for international attendance. Of the total attendance of 75,563 (exclusively considering first admissions), 32% consisted of international visitors. While this figure confirms the show'... more

Tecnargilla 2012, organised by Rimini Fiera and Acimac, has set a new record in terms of international visitor figures. Attendance by international ceramic industry buyers confirmed the show's leading role as a catalyst for technological and aesthetic innovation in the field of ceramic and clay product manufacture.

International attendance totalled 14,822, 1.5% up on the already excellent results of 2010 (14,603 visitors, 18.6% up on the previous show). This outstanding figure underscored growth in the show's international profile, the highest of any of the exhibitions held in the Rimini exhibition centre.

48.6% of the visitors converging on the Rimini exhibition centre came from 110 different countries worldwide, uniformly distributed across all continents.

"These figures once again demonstrate that customers are interested in the best and most innovative technologies that are making their international debut at Tecnargilla," said Acimac's chairman, Fabio Tarozzi. "At the exhibition our companies displayed a wide range of technological innovations that were well received by customers."

"Another important factor is the high profile of visitors," added Tarozzi. "At the fair we received visits from the top managements of the world's leading producers of ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, tableware and heavy clay products."

"Given the presence of large numbers of high-quality buyers, most exhibitors were able to establish a greater number of contacts than at the last few editions of the show, an important indicator for order intake projections over the next few months."

"Once again Tecnargilla has confirmed its role as the world's foremost showcase of innovation and the ideal venue for meeting international customers. It is therefore the world's most important exhibition for the ceramic machinery sector in terms of quality of exhibit offerings and international attendance," declared Rimini Fiera Chairman Lorenzo Cagnoni. "The high profile of visitors rewards the hard work of our staff and exhibitors in promoting the exhibition," he said.

The show was also strongly attended by Italian buyers. During the five days of the event, Tecnargilla was visited by 15,466 Italian professionals, 51.4% of the total - albeit 8% down on the 2010 edition.

The smaller number of Italian visitors resulted in a small decrease (-3.6%) in the total number of visitors, which dropped to 30,458.

Tecnargilla 2012, organised by Rimini Fiera and Acimac, has set a new record in terms of international visitor figures. Attendance by international ceramic industry buyers confirmed the show's leading role as a catalyst for technological and aesthetic innovation in the field of ceramic and clay product manufacture.

Intern... more

That’s a real first for Cersaie 2012: Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics®, the new range of self-cleaning porcelain stoneware tiles. Born of a partnership between Casalgrande Padana and the Japanese Toto, number one in the manufacture of photo-catalytic coatings with its Hydrotect® brand, Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics® stands out as a solution that will widen prospects in the area of quality living, healthiness and environmental sustainability.

After Bios Antibacterial Ceramics®, the revolutionary range of antibacterial tiles produced through a proprietary nano-technological process that gives the product the ability to kill 99.9% of the four main bacterial strains contained in confined areas, with this product that is treated all through its mass so it can be used to make surfaces exposed to high chemical and mechanical stress, Casalgrande Padana is in the limelight again in the innovative industry of bioactive ceramics for architectural applications and environment-friendly products.

Under a Master Agreement with Japanese manufacturer Toto, number one in the manufacture of photo-catalytic coatings with its Hydrotect® brand, Casalgrande Padana has developed Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics®, a new range of tiles that perfectly combine self-cleaning, antibacterial and pollution-reducing properties.

Because of these exclusive properties, Bios Self Cleaning ceramics® can be used in interior and exterior architectural applications alike. Traditional or ventilated facings coated with Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics® actually provide excellent self-cleaning properties as well as reducing the main airborne pollutants, substantially contributing to improving the environmental quality of urban settlements. Just think that a 150 sqmt facing coated with Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics® can purify air as much as a wood as big as a football pitch or remove the NOx (nitrogen oxides from combustion) from 11 cars in a day’s time.

While in interior applications, such as bathroom, kitchen, gym, swimming-pool floors and walls, etc, they offer excellent antibacterial, sanitising and smell-reducing properties.

For the industrialisation and marketing of its Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics®, Casalgrande Padana has recently completed a new site in a dedicated area of its plant.

The exclusive formulation of the Hydrotect® coating is based on a combination of two different active agents. One is titanium dioxide (TiO2), which gives the product photo-catalytic properties so that, when exposed to light (sunlight or artificial light), it provides self-cleaning and pollution-mitigation properties. The other is a well-balanced formulation of noble metals (silver and copper) that offers antibacterial properties as well. So, as opposed to common photo-catalytic products, because of the exclusive combination in the Hydrotect® coating, the Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics® tiles have bacterial-decomposing properties even without light.

Designers have a wide range of colours, finishes and modular units available to meet any requirement of any application, combining excellent aesthetic and finishing solutions with top-rank technical performance.

Under the Master Agreement with Toto, Casalgrande Padana is Italy’s first ceramics company to join the exclusive international Hydrotect® partners’ network, designed to promote the exchange of experiences and innovation between global players from the most diverse industries that use such technology. Members include lots of companies that are very well known in the architectural and building communities, such as: Alcoa, Pilkington and Saint-Gobain.

Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics® is therefore a new step forward in Casalgrande Padana’s unique journey towards innovation, creativity, expertise, environmental responsibility and quality living.

That’s a real first for Cersaie 2012: Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics®, the new range of self-cleaning porcelain stoneware tiles. Born of a partnership between Casalgrande Padana and the Japanese Toto, number one in the manufacture of photo-catalytic coatings with its Hydrotect® brand, Bios Self Cleaning Ceramics® stands out as ... more

Tecnargilla 2012, to be held from 24 to 28 September in the Rimini  exhibition centre, has confirmed its world leadership role with international exhibitors from 29 nations having chosen the show for the world previews of their technological innovations.

 With less than one month to go before the show opens, more than 30% of the 450 confirmed exhibitors are non-Italian, 12% more than at the previous edition. The largest country groups are from China, Germany and Spain, while there will also be exhibitors from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Colombia, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Mexico, Holland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia, the United States, Switzerland, France, the UK, Portugal, Turkey, Pakistan and Ukraine.
 
Alongside the international participation, the strong presence of Italian exhibitors will confirm the industry's world leadership position in technological innovation.
 
The show's international profile is also confirmed by the countries of origin of the visitors who have registered online via the exhibition's website www.tecnargilla.it.

International buyers from 87 nations have already confirmed their participation in Tecnargilla. The countries most represented so far are: Spain, Germany, Turkey, Iran, India, Brazil, China, the United States, the UK, Portugal, Russia, Poland, Egypt, Indonesia, France, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Mexico and Colombia.

Tecnargilla 2012, to be held from 24 to 28 September in the Rimini  exhibition centre, has confirmed its world leadership role with international exhibitors from 29 nations having chosen the show for the world previews of their technological innovations.

 With less than one month to go before the show opens, more th... more

Diversified Exhibitions Australia (DEA) has agreed to purchase the Full Frontal Tile & Stone Expo (FFTSE). Diversified owns and runs more than 30 of the biggest industry-specific trade and consumer shows in Australia, including Grand Designs Australia, Fine Food Australia and designEX.

DEA Managing Director Matt Pearce said, “We intend to integrate a tile and stone event into designEX, commencing in Sydney in 2014, as part of an increased focus on hard and soft surface finishes, coatings and façade materials. We have a long and successful association with FFTSE’s principal Tony Stock and he will be responsible for sales of related exhibition space and development of an appropriate seminar programme.

In due course we will announce further information which will include the title we assign to this segment of designEX. We are delighted to work with Tony and look forward to maximising the original FFTSE concept by attracting industry, together with architects and designers who will be able to make appropriate material comparisons.”

Tony Stock, CEO of the Australian Stone Advisory Association and publisher of Tile Today, Discovering Stone and the Tile+Stone Annual commented,
“This is an exciting development which should provide members of the tile and stone industries with opportunities to promote their product to a wider audience. The first Full Frontal Tile & Stone Expo received a ‘Best New Show’ Finalist award from the Exhibitions & Events Association of Australia, I look forward to working with Diversified to maximise the potential of this concept.”

Diversified Exhibitions Australia (DEA) has agreed to purchase the Full Frontal Tile & Stone Expo (FFTSE). Diversified owns and runs more than 30 of the biggest industry-specific trade and consumer shows in Australia, including Grand Designs Australia, Fine Food Australia and designEX.

DEA Managing Director Matt Pearce said, &l... more

RAK Ceramics, the world's largest ceramic tiles manufacturing company, won the Corporate Communication Award at the third CMO Asia Awards held recently in Singapore.

The award was based on RAK Ceramics' strong and consistent presence in the print, online and various digital media during the last twelve months, covering topics such as brand image, industry leadership, innovation, production technology, eco-friendly product range and CSR activities. Abdulla Mahmood, General Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communication of RAK Ceramics, accepted the award on behalf of the Emirati company, as Corporate Communication Professional of the Year.

Recognising excellence in branding and marketing across the Asian region, the CMO Asia Awards have been organised by the US-based CMO Council, and continue to honour superb levels of achievement. The awards represent 25 Asian countries and are dedicated to recognising the highest levels of knowledge exchange through leadership and peer networking opportunities.

Abdulla Mahmood said: "I am extremely honoured to receive the award on behalf of RAK Ceramics as it highlights the continued poise and passion we infuse in our every undertaking. Recognition by the prestigious CMO Council adds sustenance to our position as the world's leading manufacturer of ceramic tiles by underlining the steadied steps we have taken in order to secure this achievement."

"Corporate communication is one of the key elements of a strong corporate brand image and RAK Ceramics has been proactive across the various media channels, whether it's the traditional media such as print, radio and television or the digital media including online and social media. RAK Ceramics' technology, innovation, milestones, eco-friendly products and CSR activities were effectively communicated to our employees, end-users, clients, distributors, trade partners and stakeholders," Mr Mahmood added.

RAK Ceramics shares the honour alongside international heavyweights, Microsoft, Coca Cola, P&G, Google, Citibank, Unilever, Emirates, Adidas, HSBC, Yahoo and HP, to name but a few. The company was chosen for excelling in the following criteria: market dominance, brand longevity, goodwill, customer loyalty and market acceptance.

The most recent accolade comes following the recent announcement that the company has now produced one billion square metres of tile since manufacturing commenced in 1991. RAK has also received its fourth consecutive UAE Superbrand Award in 2012 and has been named one of the top four brands in the UAE by Brand Finance Middle East of the United Kingdom. Other recent accolades include the Arabian Business Awards Company of the Year prize and the MRM Business Award for manufacturing - the most prestigious award of its kind in the United Arab Emirates.

RAK Ceramics, the world's largest ceramic tiles manufacturing company, won the Corporate Communication Award at the third CMO Asia Awards held recently in Singapore.

The award was based on RAK Ceramics' strong and consistent presence in the print, online and various digital media during the last twelve months, covering topi... more

Colorobbia Colorifico Ceramico's web corporate identity strategy of creating web pages specifically tailored to individual international markets has taken a further step forward with the launch of the new Colorobbia Turkey website (www.colorobbia.com.tr). Available in English, Turkish and Italian language versions , the site joins those already operating for Italy, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Mexico, Indonesia and Brazil, and co-ordinates with the corporate identity previously adopted by the other branches.

The strategy is to offer global customers access to the latest information and to comprehensive content, organised clearly and specifically, for the targeted geographical area. The newly lauched site confirms Colorobbia’s attention to Turkey, a market in which it has been operating since 1996 and where the ceramic industry is continuing to grow in spite of the worldwide economic recession.

Colorobbia Colorifico Ceramico's web corporate identity strategy of creating web pages specifically tailored to individual international markets has taken a further step forward with the launch of the new Colorobbia Turkey website (www.colorobbia.com.tr). Available in English, Turkish and Italian... more

Sika Australia has launched a complete and customisable system for tile adhesion formulated for interior as well as exterior applications.
 
Sika Ceram is a new range of ceramic tile adhesive products that offers a complete solution for tiling professionals. Consisting of surface preparation products, sealants, adhesives and grouts, the Sika Ceram system is formulated for use in domestic, commercial and industrial projects to address key waterproof performance and tiling quality requirements along with aesthetics.
 
Evan Conroy, Ceramic Tiling Business Development Manager, explains that the high cost of tiling makes it imperative that one invests in a superior tiling adhesion system to ensure lasting performance with no remedial costs for the client.
 
The Sika Ceram range of cementitious, polymer modified tile adhesives and grouts can be tailored to all kinds of tiling applications from kitchens and bathrooms to utility rooms and swimming pools. Tile applicators can use Sika Ceram primers and self-levelling compounds together with Sika waterproofing membranes as part of the complete system to form a foundation for wet area tiling.
 
The grouts are compatible with most types of tile, including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone and glass mosaics.
 
Key features of Sika Ceram ceramic tile adhesive products: 

•Complete solution consists of surface preparation products, sealants, adhesives and grouts

•12-year product warranty gives assurance that all the products have been designed to work together for superior results

•Coloured grouts in a range of six colours in a high quality cement-based solution compatible with most tile types

•Grouts available in 2.5kg and 10kg bags

•Grouts feature anti-fungal and hydrophobic qualities with low VOC emissions

•Sikasil C and Sikaflex polyurethane and natural cure silicones and sealants seal joints and around fixtures for completely watertight wet area

Sika Australia has launched a complete and customisable system for tile adhesion formulated for interior as well as exterior applications.
 
Sika Ceram is a new range of ceramic tile adhesive products that offers a complete solution for tiling professionals. Consisting of surface preparation products, sealants, adhesives ... more

At Tecnargilla 2012, Siti-B&T Group is introducing Lastra, a new brand name that will be used for extremely large-format products (1200x2400 mm and 1500x3000 mm) produced using Grestream, a technology that has achieved outstanding results following years of constant development.

The Italian word Lastra – used to emphasise the country of origin – is written in clear, strong lettering, while a three-dimensional image located above the word conveys the idea of the large format. Grestream is a complete technological process, from raw materials preparation through to packaging, and is capable of extruding extremely large format porcelain sheets for which conventional powder pressing technology is not normally used. The line consists of various stages and applications using a number of machines and exploits the technological expertise in body formulation, decoration systems and drying and firing processes acquired by Siti-B&T Group in its many years of experience in the world’s markets.

“We began experimentation seven years ago with the goal of simplifying the plant and achieving the levels of manufacturing versatility needed to respond rapidly to changes in market demand,” explains Siti-B&T Group’s managing director Fabio Tarozzi. “After this, we proceeded to the industrial stage, exploring many different aspects and verifying in practice the potential of this innovative technology, which is capable of producing large-format ceramic sheets as well as a wide range of more conventional products such as ventilated facades and trim pieces.” Grestream plants are already in operation in Germany (where two lines have been supplied to the company Petraluxe, which produces large-format sheets for applications ranging from ventilated facades to kitchen countertops) and in Iran (where a line has been supplied to Hafez Tile Ceramics Industries for the production of floor tiles and ventilated facades).

“This production process has given excellent results in terms of the geometry of individual pieces (above all flatness), with performance levels well above expectations,” continued Tarozzi. “Another important aspect is that of the mechanical and physical characteristics of the product, which is extraordinarily strong due to the high degree of compaction during the plastic shaping process. The third essential aspect is decoration, which combines the decorative capabilities of digital machines with the unique characteristics of Grestream.”

The resultant sheets are flat, compact and allow for an extremely high degree of versatility in decoration using the latest available techniques. The new Lastra trade mark will serve to promote and fully exploit the potential of extremely large sizes. “Although extremely large size sheets are currently a niche market,” concludes Tarozzi, “we believe that they may achieve good sales volumes in the future as they are suitable for use in a wide range of new applications. We are therefore anticipating growth in demand.”

At Tecnargilla 2012, Siti-B&T Group is introducing Lastra, a new brand name that will be used for extremely large-format products (1200x2400 mm and 1500x3000 mm) produced using Grestream, a technology that has achieved outstanding results following years of constant development.

Success in the ceramic tile printing sector has boosted sales at inkjet manufacturer Xaar during the six months to 30 June 2012.

Revenues were up 20 per cent on the same period last year but remained in line with the board's expectations at the Cambridge-based business.
Xaar pointed to its ongoing growth in the ceramic market as a key catalyst for the increase in sales, a position strengthened by the recent launch of its GS12 1001 series inkjet printhead.

The GS12, which is designed for ceramic tile production, was showcased at Ceramics China in Guangzhou in May, with the first printers using the technology launching at Tecnargilla in Italy this September.

Its 1001 GS12 jets larger (12-84 picolitre) drops than the company's established GS6 printhead and offers output speeds up to 100 per cent faster than the older model.

Elsewhere, sales into the graphics arts sector were down on the same period in 2011 with Xaar citing the maturity and competitiveness of the sector for the drop.

Margins in the first half of the year were "slightly ahead of expectations" owing to the successful deferral of volume price discounts in the ceramics segment, previously forecast for the period.

Xaar confirmed that these price discounts will impact the second half of the year, but expected them to be offset by the benefits of higher production volumes.

The manufacturer's £22 million capacity expansion programme, which was announced in 2010, has now been completed with ceramic printhead capacity up ninefold from 5000 units up to 45,000.

Success in the ceramic tile printing sector has boosted sales at inkjet manufacturer Xaar during the six months to 30 June 2012.

Revenues were up 20 per cent on the same period last year but remained in line with the board's expectations at the Cambridge-based business.
Xaar pointed to its ongoing growth in the ce... more

ParexGroup has opened a new manufacturing plant in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong.

The facility was officially opened on Thursday, 10 May 2012 by Tim Holding, MP, Member for Lyndhurst.

Mr Andrew Nunn, Managing Director of ParexGroup Australia, said that the initial startup will create eight new positions, increasing to 14 in the first 12 months as the market grows, as well as creating opportunities for other affiliated businesses such as transport, packaging etc.

ParexGroup is the Australian market leader in the manufacture of tile adhesives, grouts, sealants, waterproofing, technical mortars and building products. A major supplier to the building and construction industries, the ParexGroup markets the respected "Davco", "Ormonoid" and "Lanko" range of products.

The company is part of the international ParexGroup whose parent company is the Materis Corporation. A truly international company, the ParexGroup has operations throughout the globe, with key locations in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific and South America.

With the "Davco" brand established for over 40 years, and the "Ormonoid" brand celebrating 100 years, we have achieved our current position as the Australian market leader through an ongoing commitment to research, development and hi-tech manufacturing technology.

The group leads the market with innovative technology, such as being the first in the Australian market to launch award-winning Dust Less Technology, providing a cleaner, more comfortable working environment and faster clean-up for tradespeople.

ParexGroup operates a number of manufacturing, warehousing / distribution and administrative facilities around Australia.

ParexGroup has opened a new manufacturing plant in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong.

The facility was officially opened on Thursday, 10 May 2012 by Tim Holding, MP, Member for Lyndhurst.

Mr Andrew Nunn, Managing Director of ParexGroup Australia, said that the initial startup will create eight new positions, ... more

PORCELANOSA is starting work on its first showroom in New York. The firm has bought a six-floor building on Fifth Avenue, the city’s most exclusive shopping street, on the intersection with Broadway. The building stands in a privileged location facing the famous Flatiron building, with the magnificent Empire State behind it, making it a reference point in the neighbourhood.

The PORCELANOSA Group, present in the USA for more than 25 years with 15 of its own showrooms and more than 600 distributors throughout the whole country, has begun work on refurbishing the building, and expects to open next year.

Click here for product info

PORCELANOSA is starting work on its first showroom in New York. The firm has bought a six-floor building on Fifth Avenue, the city’s most exclusive shopping street, on the intersection with Broadway. The building stands in a privileged location facing the famous Flatiron building, with the magnificent Empire State behind it, making it a... more

We proudly announce the expansion of our renowned Durastone range to incorporate a number of new eco-friendly colours that will further boost its success in both residential and commercial tiling applications.

Shortly, Durastone will be available in 12 unique colours with the latest shades being “concrete”, “coco” & “latte”.

These exclusive new colours will be available in all Durastone finishes such as super polish, honed, matt, rock face, brushed and stream. Matching mosaics will also be available in all colours.

Everstone has continued its commitment to the environment with its “green” manufacturing process, making it the perfect product for the environmental conscious customer.

The colour updates have been driven by customer feedback and is part of Everstones overall dedication in delivering latest product and colour trends to the global market.

The updates will be available through major tile retailers and distributor networks world-wide.

We trust these new Durastone additions will provide further sales opportunities for your company, and we look forward to assisting you with any inquiries or feedback you have on the range.

Click here for product info

We proudly announce the expansion of our renowned Durastone range to incorporate a number of new eco-friendly colours that will further boost its success in both residential and commercial tiling applications.

Shortly, Durastone will be available in 12 unique colours with the latest shades being “concrete”, “coco&... more

Held in Melbourne for the first time, the hugely successful Flooring & Finishes show with the Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA) is on from 19 - 22 July 2012. Flooring & Finishes with ATFA will showcase an impressive line-up of over 80 companies who will display the latest developments in design, texture, style, colour, safety, versatility & sustainability across all the flooring and surface finish disciplines.

This showcase of design excellence will run annually, rotating between Sydney and Melbourne and will continue to attract thousands of professionals from many sectors of the commercial & residential interior/exterior design industry.

Held in Melbourne for the first time, the hugely successful Flooring & Finishes show with the Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA) is on from 19 - 22 July 2012. Flooring & Finishes with ATFA will showcase an impressive line-up of over 80 companies who will display the latest developments in design, texture, style, colour... more

Florim Group, a leading Italian ceramic tile manufacturer based in Fiorano Modenese and with 6 brands and some 1,300 employees worldwide, reported a consolidated turnover of 304.6 million euro and an output of 21 million square metres last year. 2011 was also a year of major change for the group led by chairman Claudio Lucchese from the standpoint of energy management and environmental sustainability.

In March, it started up a new cogeneration plant consisting of a gas turbine capable of generating an electrical power of 6,300 MW ISO and supplying heat to three new spray dryers.

As part of its commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability, in 2011 the Florim Group also invested more than 38 million euro into a project to demolish and rebuild 40,000 sq.m of industrial buildings in Fiorano Modenese, on which it installed more than 16,000 sq.m of photovoltaic panels. The plant, currently nearing completion, was authorised by GSE and granted promotional tariffs as "Technological Innovation" under the terms of the 4th "Conto Energia" scheme. It uses Laminam System-Photonics panels with a total nominal capacity of around 2.7 MW peak. The plant will bring significant reductions in both atmospheric CO₂ emissions and consumptions as a result of increased energy production. The overall reduction in company electricity consumptions is expected to reach 65% of total annual requirements.

Upon completion of both projects, the company will have a plant layout that is unique for the ceramic sector and a benchmark for the industry at a world level.

Florim Group, a leading Italian ceramic tile manufacturer based in Fiorano Modenese and with 6 brands and some 1,300 employees worldwide, reported a consolidated turnover of 304.6 million euro and an output of 21 million square metres last year. 2011 was also a year of major change for the group led by chairman Claudio Lucchese from the stand... more

Tile Italia issue number 3, due to be sent out at the end of June, is as usual publishing a preview of the 2011 turnovers of the top Italian ceramic tile manufacturers. In spite of promising signs in the first part of the year, storm clouds gathered during the last few months while the market stood by in a state of shock. Then the storm broke and is continuing to rage violently over the global economic landscape, especially that of Italy. Nonetheless, 2011 closed with modest signs of growth, both in production (+3.2%) and in turnover (+1.86%). Once again these results were attributable to the positive performance of exports (+4.6%) and in spite of the slowdown of the domestic market (turnover down 5.8% from 2010 to 2011).

The rankings drawn up by TILE ITALIA continue to be led by Marazzi Group,  which after completing a two-year investment programme of close to 100 million euro in Italy closed the year with a turnover of 832.5 million euro, 1.73% up on 2010. Next comes the Concorde Group, which in spite of not disclosing its 2011 figures, maintained its second position. In third place is the combined turnover of the Fiandre - Iris Group which was formed on 1 May 2011 following the leasing by GranitiFiandre of the industrial and commercial arm of Iris Ceramica. Up three places to fourth, is the Finfloor Group with 11.24% turnover growth with respect to 2010 to 304.6 million  euro, increasing its production and exports as a result of direct sales in the USA. Panariagroup, fifth, posted a 294.1 million euro turnover in 2011 (2.2% up on the previous year), followed closely by Casalgrande Padana with 292.3 million Euro (up 3.28%).

The central section of the rankings, occupied by companies with turnovers above 100 million euro, has shown some strong performances, with two-figure turnover increases reported by strongly growth-oriented companies: Serenissima Group (+16.65%), which on 1 January 2011 acquired the production facility of Impronta Ceramica in Rubiera; ABK Group (+16.57%); and Gold Art Group (+13.37%), which reached a turnover of 100 million euro and saw increases in production, exports and employees.

Groups with turnovers below 100 million euro are showing signs of stress, with on the whole stable results relative to the previous year but also with widespread falls in turnover. Notable exceptions are the Rondine Group, thanks to the lease contract signed in March 2010 for the leading Italian skirting manufacturer Sadon, and the good results posted by Coem, 8.31% up on 2010, largely due to export growth.

Tile Italia issue number 3, due to be sent out at the end of June, is as usual publishing a preview of the 2011 turnovers of the top Italian ceramic tile manufacturers. In spite of promising signs in the first part of the year, storm clouds gathered during the last few months while the market stood by in a state of shock. Then the storm broke... more

With 273 companies and 37,058 employees, the Italian ceramic industry (ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, tableware and refractory materials) closed 2011 with a turnover of 6.66 billion euro, 2.6% up on 2010.

According to figures from Confindustria Ceramica's annual statistical survey, exports made a significant contribution to the results just like in 2010. Together with turnover generated by Italian companies operating abroad, they accounted for 5 billion euro, 75% of total turnover.

The lion's share of turnover was as usual generated by the ceramic tile sector. Domestic Italian production totalled 399.7 million square metres (+3.2%), while total sales (413 million sq.m, stable at 2010 levels) generated a turnover of 4.716 billion euro (+1.86%), consisting of 1.146 billion euro of domestic Italian sales (-5.8%) and 3.570 billion euro of exports (+4.6%). Exports performed particularly strongly in Russia (+20.2%), Africa (+14.9%) and Australia/Oceania (+11.8%). In spite of a sharp contraction in the weaker economies such as Ireland, Greece and Portugal, the European market saw overall growth of 4.6%, with the best performances in Lithuania (+38.4%), Latvia (25.3%), Czech Republic (+19.5%), Austria (+9.8%), France (+9.1%), Hungary (+8.9%) and Germany (+8.4%).

The sector counted 163 companies (9 fewer than in 2010) and 22,189 employees (-5%). In spite of the current difficult period, it reported sharp growth in investments (+10.9%) to 5.3% of annual turnover.

The 20 Italian-owned tile manufacturers located outside Italy also reported good results, including a turnover of 1.045 billion euro (+5.6%), including 866.8 million euro from domestic sales (+6.3%) and 178.3 million euro from exports (+2.4%). The production levels of these plants also increased, reaching 122 million square metres (+5.2%), as did the number of employees, up to 7,451 (+5.6%).

The first quarter of 2012 essentially confirmed the trend already observed in 2011. The sharp growth in sales to non-EU countries (+8.7% overall, including peaks of +45% in the Gulf region, +16.8% in Russia, +10.7% in the USA and +7.8% in Asia) was offset by the fall of a few percentage points in European markets and the slump in sales in the domestic Italian market (-16.25%).

With 273 companies and 37,058 employees, the Italian ceramic industry (ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, tableware and refractory materials) closed 2011 with a turnover of 6.66 billion euro, 2.6% up on 2010.

According to figures from Confindustria Ceramica's annual statistical survey, export... more

The Chinese market is showing increasing interest in Italian ceramic technology. According to initial estimates made by the Acimac Studies Centre, the China, Hong Kong and Taiwan area remained one of the most dynamic outlet markets for Italian technologies in 2011.

Italian technology is unique in its ability to turn out ceramic products with both high technical characteristics and outstanding aesthetic qualities, a combination that is vital for competing in international markets.

These characteristics, together with those of energy saving, reduction in polluting emissions and automation, make Italian technologies the only option for companies wishing to improve their product quality and production efficiency.

With this in mind, Acimac and the Italian Trade Commission ICE have once again this year organised a more than 1,000 square metre pavilion of Italian companies at Ceramics China, the biggest exhibition of ceramic technologies in Asia. The show is helding in Guangzhou, the capital of the Chinese province with the highest concentration of ceramic companies.

The companies taking part are Air Power, Bmr, Cmf Technology, Euromeccanica, Industrie Bitossi, Manfredini & Schianchi, Officine Smac, Sacmi Imola, Seedex, Setec, Siti - B&T Group, Srs-Assoprint, System and Tecnoferrari.

A number of the Italian companies at the show have participated in a technological seminar on ceramic digital decoration held on Tuesday 29 May in the exhibition centre.

The Chinese market is showing increasing interest in Italian ceramic technology. According to initial estimates made by the Acimac Studies Centre, the China, Hong Kong and Taiwan area remained one of the most dynamic outlet markets for Italian technologies in 2011.

Italian technology is unique in its ability to turn out ceramic pro... more

Joint Venture Company (JVC), a company owned 50% by Panariagroup and 50% by Asian Granito India Ltd., one of the largest ceramic companies in India, has been set up in Ahmedabad in the Indian state of Gujarat.

JVC’s products will be sold in the Indian market under the new Bellissimo –   STILE ITALIANO brand name owned by Panariagroup and will be aimed at the high end and luxury tile distribution network. They deliver Italian elegance, technology and innovation while meeting the most advanced needs of Indian consumers.

Specifically the product range consists of a selected offering of Panariagroup’s Italian-manufactured bestselling products along with the collections produced in Asian Granito’s Indian factories under an exclusive contract with support provided by the Panariagroup technical staff. Thanks to Asian Granito’s production capacity of more than 24 million sq.m per year, the new company will be capable of fully meeting demand from the Indian market segment oriented towards luxury and design.

JVC will benefit from Asian Granito’s local knowledge, while all new product development and marketing activities for promoting products and the Bellissimo brand name will be conducted directly by Panariagroup.

With a production of more than 600 million sq.m/year and annual growth rates in excess of 10%, India is the world’s third largest ceramic market in terms of consumption after China and Brazil. Although these areas still account for a limited share of the Group’s total turnover, the Far East, Middle East and Oceania saw more than 25% growth in PanariaGroup’s sales in 2011 with respect to the previous year.

Joint Venture Company (JVC), a company owned 50% by Panariagroup and 50% by Asian Granito India Ltd., one of the largest ceramic companies in India, has been set up in Ahmedabad in the Indian state of Gujarat.

JVC’s products will be sold in the Indian market under the new Bellissimo –   STILE ITALIANO b... more

Final data for the fourth quarter 2011 confirm the trend: the Italian stone industry is expanding again on international markets. Despite the crisis, exports closed at 1.266 billion euros with an increase of 4% over 2010. An international focus, then, in the run-up to Marmomacc 2012, the leding event in the natural stone field that this year also inaugurates a B2B platform dedicated to meetings between exhibitors and architects from all over the world. Las Vegas, Doha and Riyadh are the stop-offs for Marmomacc in the World.

Verona 8 May, 2012. Things got underway in Las Vegas and then travelled to Doha, in Qatar. The journey set off a long way away towards the 47th edition of Marmomacc (www.marmomacc.com), the landmark international exhibition for the natural stone, design and processing technology
sector, scheduled at VeronaFiere Wednesday 26-Saturday 29 September 2012.

The keyword, in short, is the internationalisation of business opportunities, especially for a field such as the Italian natural stone industry where exports, despite the economic crisis worldwide, grew in 2011 by more than 4% to posting a value of 1.266 billion euros.

This is the direction taken by the initiatives organised abroad by VeronaFiere and Confindustria Marmomacchine with the Marmomacc in the World tour. January was the turn of StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas in Las Vegas. 30 April-3 May, on the other hand, saw the debut of the Qatar Tech Stone exhibition in Doha, a showcase for a geographical area boasting a scenario of important prospects, while November will see the second edition of Saudi Stone Tech in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

VeronaFiere as always assisted and accompanied companies on consolidated and emerging international markets. This role is confirmed by the facts and figures for the last edition of Marmomacc: in 2011, 55% of more than 56.000 professional operators were international from
132 countries, with an increase of 7% over 2010; and 56% of the 1,500 exhibitors attending the VeronaFiere event also came from abroad.

Quality marble world-wide speaks Italian, said Michael Reis in the February 2012 issue of Stone World Magazine, adding - as regards Made in Italy - “pride at all levels of production”.

This is why the objective of the 47th edition is to achieve even further expansion in attendance by international delegations, especially BRIC countries that in 2011 even saw two-figure increases in operator numbers: Brazil +10%, Russia + 42%, India +6% and China +43%.

With a view to enhancing meetings between exhibitors and international professional visitors, the initiative entirely dedicated to the world of architects is one of the innovations at Marmomacc 2012: the project envisages that a computerised matching system - “Architects-on-line” - will help Italian companies set up a series of appointments with a selected group of architects from 17 countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Germany, Russia, Japan and Sweden.

Over four days in September, the Verona Exhibition Centre will once again be the world capital for excellence in stone products characterising building and contract sectors, without forgetting professional training and design.

And design is increasingly often the added value that makes all the difference. VeronaFiere is well aware of this and has worked for many years to develop applications in this sector involving natural stone. Not the least through full-scale cultural events such as “Mutable spirit”, the exhibition of projects exalting the ductility of marble, promoted by Marmomacc and hosted in April in the prestigious exhibition spaces of the Milan Triennial. And this location will also stage the Press Conference presenting the 47th edition on 5 June at 6.00 p.m.

Press release - VeronaFiere Press Office
Tel.: +39.045.829.82.42 – 82.85 – 83.14-82.90
E-mail: pressoffice@veronafiere.it
www.marmomacc.com

Final data for the fourth quarter 2011 confirm the trend: the Italian stone industry is expanding again on international markets. Despite the crisis, exports closed at 1.266 billion euros with an increase of 4% over 2010. An international focus, then, in the run-up to Marmomacc 2012, the leding event in the natural stone field that th... more

The forthcoming edition of Ceramics China, the leading trade fair in Asia for supplies to the ceramic industry, was officially presented at a packed press conference held on 15 March.

The event will be held from 28 to 31 May at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou and will be organised by CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade) with the support of China Building Materials Federation and China Building Ceramics & Sanitaryware Association.

As usual, the show will see the participation of the leading Chinese and international companies. Italian technology will be showcased in the joint pavilion organised by Acimac with the support of the Italian Trade Commission ICE and hosting some of the top Italian ceramic technology and raw materials suppliers. Other country pavilions will also be present at the show.

The forthcoming edition of Ceramics China, the leading trade fair in Asia for supplies to the ceramic industry, was officially presented at a packed press conference held on 15 March.

The event will be held from 28 to 31 May at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou and will be organised by CCPIT (China Counci... more

At the Australian Stone Advisory Association AGM held at Rydges Hotel, Camperdown, NSW on 14 December 2011 the new board decided to hold three 'free' seminars during 2012, including one which will also showcase Australian stone to architects and designers at Surry Hills Library Sydney, in the heart of the suburb which more architects call home than any other in Australia. Please click here to view the ASAA e-news announcement in PDF formt.

At the Australian Stone Advisory Association AGM held at Rydges Hotel, Camperdown, NSW on 14 December 2011 the new board decided to hold three 'free' seminars during 2012, including one which will also showcase Australian stone to architects and designers at Surry Hills Library Sydney, in the heart of the suburb which more architects ... more

Italian ceramic technology will be in the spotlight at the exhibition Indian Ceramics, to be held in Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat from 20 to 22 March.

As part of the “Machines Italia in India” initiative coordinated by Federmacchine (National federation of associations of manufacturers of capital goods intended for industrial and handicrafts manufacturing processes) with the support of the Italian Ministry for Economic Development), Acimac (Italian ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturers’ association) has also organised a day’s programme of meetings where Italian companies can present the latest Italian technologies to the Indian ceramic industry.
A technological seminar entitled “Italian ceramic technology in India” will be held on 21 March in the hotel Le Meridien in Ahmedabad and will see the participation of the companies Air Power, Sacmi, Setec Group, Siti-B&T Group and TCK. The seminar will be followed by a networking dinner attended by both Italian and Indian companies.

Acimac will be taking part in Indian Ceramics with a country pavilion hosting BMR, Gabrielli, Sait, TCK and Tecnopress. Several other Italian companies will also be present at the show with their own stands, including Air Power, Assoprint, Sacmi, Setec, Siti-B&T, System and Tecnografica.

Italian ceramic technology will be in the spotlight at the exhibition Indian Ceramics, to be held in Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat from 20 to 22 March.

As part of the “Machines Italia in India” initiative coordinated by Federmacchine (National federation of associations of manufacturers of capital g... more

The 35th Alfa de Oro awards presented by the Spanish Ceramic and Glass Society (SECV) have once again gone to innovative technologies developed in the Castellón ceramic district. The prestigious awards were presented to Torrecid, Vidres, Sacmi Iberica and Tejas Borja during a ceremony held on the first day of Cevisama.

Torrecid received the award for developing frit- and glaze-based ceramic inks capable of producing distinctive effects on ceramic (for example the metallised effect for third firing). Vidres won its sixth Alfa de Oro award for the Rainbow project, a system that controls the generation of microcracks so as to simulate the multicoloured optical effect responsible for differences in aesthetic characteristics in ceramic materials. Sacmi Iberica was presented with the award for the construction of a machine that allows for greater efficiency in digital decoration of large tile sizes, exploiting a surface drying process based on the application of automatically controlled infrared radiation. Last but not least, Tejas Borja won the Alfa de Oro award for its fixing system that allows for the creation of a flat ventilated roof using porcelain tiles.

The Alfa de Plata awards were presented to Macer for its Molde Inteligente project, which involves introducing pressure sensors inside the punch to improve the quality of pressed pieces and cut down production costs, and to Togama for its new interpretation of glass mosaic and the opening of new markets by developing a fungicidal product.

The 35th Alfa de Oro awards presented by the Spanish Ceramic and Glass Society (SECV) have once again gone to innovative technologies developed in the Castellón ceramic district. The prestigious awards were presented to Torrecid, Vidres, Sacmi Iberica and Tejas Borja during a ceremony held on the first day of Cevisama.... more

EFI, Electronics For Imaging, a major US digital printing group based in Silicon Valley, has acquired Cretaprint, a developer of ceramic tile inkjet printers operating in Castellón, Spain. EFI’s experience in imaging technologies, workflow, and colour management in a range of fields together with Cretaprint’s expertise in the ceramic industry will further expand the range of offerings available to the market. EFI plans to strengthen Cretaprint’s operations in the field of technological innovation and to grow its market presence both in Spain and across the globe. “The acquisition of Cretaprint offers us a tremendous opportunity for growth in the ceramic tile marketplace, which in turn will greatly benefit from our innovative portfolio of technologies for digital decoration,” commented EFI’s CEO Guy Gecht. “We were very impressed by Cretaprint’s leadership position and pioneering role in the digitisation of the print industry.” Cretaprint’s CEO Victor Blasco was equally enthusiastic: “EFI’s global presence will accelerate the adoption of our digital technology across the globe and especially in emerging markets,” he said. EFI enjoys an excellent position in its various global markets. For the fourth quarter of 2011 the company expects revenues of approximately $163 million compared to $145 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, marking EFI’s eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. The results were driven by record revenues in both the inkjet and APPS/MIS segments.

EFI, Electronics For Imaging, a major US digital printing group based in Silicon Valley, has acquired Cretaprint, a developer of ceramic tile inkjet printers operating in Castellón, Spain. EFI’s experience in imaging technologies, workflow, and colour management in a range of fields together with Cretaprint’s expertise in t... more

From 7th to 10th February takes place the 30th edition of the International Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Equipment Fair, CEVISAMA at the Feria Valencia centre. The fair is already an international point of reference for the industry involved in coverings for interiors. Spain's ceramic tile sector is once again the largest largest prescence at the event, with a large number of ASCER member companies showcasing their products and latest developments. As well as tile manufacturers the fair also includes companies that specialise in coverings for use in construction, sanitary ware, fittings, raw materials, glazes, frits etc., comprising an extraordinary range for visiting professionals to see.

This year's show covers more than 120,000 square metres of display space, and more than 700 exhibitors. the growing percentage of foreign companies participating at the fair, confirms the steady development of the fair's international profile.

Programme of parallel and promotional events
ASCER and ICEX have put together a programme of events designed to promote Spanish ceramic tiles under the generic "Tile of Spain/"Ceramica de Espana" brand, a significant element of which is the invitation of more than 70 trade journalists and specifiers from a number of countries to visit the show.

This year's guests include journalists from the specialist interiors, architecture and construction press from China, France, Germany, Holland, India, Israel, Italy, Poland, Romania, Russia, the UK, Ukraine, and the USA.

As it does every year ASCER will be calling an international press conference on the second day of the fair to present the main statistics for the industry along with projects for the future and news from the sector. The press conference will be followed by the award ceremony for the 10th Tile of Spain Awards, which feature Architecture, Interior Design, Degree Project and Journalism categories.

For the eighth year running the fair will also feature the TRANS/HITOS Architecture and Interior Design in Ceramic exhibit. The 2012 display has been subtitled "SPACES" because in it converge different groups which show architectural applications on ceramics, as well as new uses of ceramic tiles for both urban areas and for domestic areas. The display is being housed on Level 2 of the exhibition centre's Central Mall.

ASCER's stand at the fair is once again located opposite the Trans-Hito exhibition. This year, Tile of Spain has set up a "meeting point" for the international press invited to the show. A place to relax and meet colleagues from different countries, and exchange opinions and impressions of the show.

Internationally renowned architects, designers and interior designers have been involved in CEVISAMA'S Architecture and Design Forum since its inception. Over a three-day period the Forum turns the spotlight on experiences and projects centred on the use of ceramic tiles. Wednesday 8 is the day focused on the Interiorism, the interior designer Jordi Ribaudi will give a lectture on their ceramic projects. on Thursday 9, the protagonists are the architects. COR study, X Tile of Spain Awards winners with the project "House of Music in Alguena", will explain the reason for the choice of ceramics as a differentiating element in their project. To finish off the lecture series, on Friday the vanguard French designer Matali Crasset will share their experiences and recent works with all of the attendees.

From 7th to 10th February takes place the 30th edition of the International Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Equipment Fair, CEVISAMA at the Feria Valencia centre. The fair is already an international point of reference for the industry involved in coverings for interiors. Spain's ceramic tile sector is once again the largest largest prescence a... more

Brazillian producers of ceramic tile, ELIANE S/A and PORTOBELLO S/A, have entered into an agreement to merge. The agreement was signed by CEO's Edson Gaidzinski, Jr. of ELIANE and Cesar Gomes, Jr. of PORTOBELLO on December 24th.

The ultimate transaction will result in a firm with over 4,000 employees and $650 million US in sales, making it one of the top five worldwide producers in revenue, and combined market their products globally in over 70 countries. The merger is expected to be finalized during the first quarter of 2012.

While the merged company will have a new corporate name, the PORTOBELLO and ELIANE brands will continue operating independently under the new corporation, and no major changes are anticipated for the marketing, distribution or manufacturing of either brand.

Brazillian producers of ceramic tile, ELIANE S/A and PORTOBELLO S/A, have entered into an agreement to merge. The agreement was signed by CEO's Edson Gaidzinski, Jr. of ELIANE and Cesar Gomes, Jr. of PORTOBELLO on December 24th.

... more

The first interest rate cut in two-and-a-half years had an immediate impact on the new home building sector, according to builders.

The HIA - JELD-WEN New Home Sales report, based on a survey of Australia's 100 largest builders, showed a significant bounce for sales in November 2011.

Total seasonally adjusted new home sales increased by 6.8 per cent in November last year following a downwardly revised 2.8 per cent gain in October.

Detached house sales increased by a relatively healthy 9.8 per cent, driven primarily by a stronger showing in New South Wales and Victoria.

Multi-unit sales placed a dampener on the good news party, dropping by 17.0 per cent.

The volume of detached house sales improved in four out of five mainland states in November 2011, rising by 22.8 per cent in New South Wales, 11.6 per cent in Victoria, 5.7 per cent in Western Australia, and 4.7 per cent in Queensland. Sales fell by 11.3 per cent in South Australia.?

"This is a healthier but not unexpected result," said HIA chief economist, Dr Harley Dale.

"Only two months earlier in September 2011, detached house sales plumbed an 11 year low," said Dale.

"From this parlous starting position, and with speculation regarding a rate cut mounting and then delivered upon, anything other than some recovery in sales volumes would have been surprising, not to mention highly disturbing."

"With falling interest rates, a competitive building market, and a greater availability of skilled trades amidst still very soft overall demand conditions, now is clearly a good time to build a new home for those who are financially set to take that decision," noted Dale.

"There is, however, a long way to go to restore new home sales volumes to acceptable levels. At present sales volumes are running at least 20 per cent below what you could conservatively call healthy," Dale said.

"Interest rate cuts, both those we've had and those that are still warranted, provide a starting catalyst for a sustained and strong recovery in new home building conditions. Such a recovery won't emerge, however, without well-targeted government stimulus and without a re-engagement of the policy reform process to reduce the high and inefficient barriers to new housing supply," added Dale.

The first interest rate cut in two-and-a-half years had an immediate impact on the new home building sector, according to builders.

The HIA - JELD-WEN New Home Sales report, based on a survey of Australia's 100 largest builders, showed a significant bounce for sales... more

Tile + Stone e-news is endorsed by the Australian Tile Council and the Australian Stone Advisory Association. It provides a monthly update about important new suppliers, products, services, showrooms, related industry standards and resources of information.

Tile + Stone e-news is endorsed by the&nb... more

International Ceramic, Natural Stone & Bathroom Equipment Trade Fair

The Spanish event for ceramics, natural stone, bathroom equipment, frits and glazes, and ceramic machinery will bring together the most innovative proposals and top-level buyers. The event, which takes place from 7th to 10th of February at Feria Valencia, has already become an international reference owing to the high quality of the exhibition and growth in the number of foreign visitors, with 14% more buyers than at the previous edition.

At this 30th edition, visitors will discover innovative and ground-breaking developments from industries with a firm commitment to R&D&I who produce cutting-edge, technological, and eco-efficient products for interior design, architecture, and urban and public spaces. This forum offers new developments year after year and is already considered a global benchmark.

The innovation and trends of the “Made in Spain” showcase have inspired the Feria’s image, which is based on trends and supported by the slogan “Home Skin Shines”.

The fair is experiencing a satisfactory pace of commercialisation and, with still five months to go before the event, 90% of the total occupancy of the last edition has already been contracted. In addition, all the leading companies have confirmed their presence, encouraged by the success of the 2011 event.

The event’s organisers, who aim to boost their promotional plan for the international market, have already begun work. The campaign to promote the event internationally and to attract international buyers is very ambitious: they plan to invite thousands of specifiers and buyers from European markets and emerging markets such as Russia, Arab countries, India, northern Maghreb, and Brazil, as well as Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, Mexico, Iran, Singapore, and China.

Moreover, H2SHOW, a bathroom design gallery which is returning for the 2012 edition. This highly successful initiative, which first started at Cevisama 2011, already has 90% of previous exhibitors returning for 2012. The space, which will host leading companies and trend setters, gained importance at the event, with an increase of 10% in exhibitor registrations.

Backed up by supporting data, Cevisama Social has proven that in less than a year it has become a valuable tool for connecting exhibitors and visitors 365 days a year, on a massive scale, from all over the world. More specifically, 1,400 people looked at 6,500 pages for 8,680 minutes every week.

International Ceramic, Natural Stone & Bathroom Equipment Trade Fair

The Spanish event for ceramics, natural stone, bathroom equipment, frit... more

The Federal Government has launched a $558 million fund to provide 130,000 Australians with the opportunity to learn new skills for jobs in sectors suffering from critical skill shortages. 

The National Workforce Development Fund recognises that training skilled workers for our economy is a shared responsibility between Government and industry. It is imperative that they increase workforce participation and meet the demand for skilled labour.

Since August, industry has been able to make bids to their respective Industry Skills Councils, in order to secure matched funding to train its current prospective workforce, with small businesses receiving more assistance. The co-contribution model means that large enterprises will contribute 66 per cent of the cost of training. 

Medium and small enterprises will be obliged to contribute 50 and 33 per cent, respectively. Funding support will be available for accrediting training for new and existing workers to help meet businesses skills demands.

The first round of the National Workforce Development Fund will make $73 million available across all sectors of industry, with $50 million centred on the priority sectors of Construction (civil and general) and Aged Care.

Both of these crucial sectors are at risk of experiencing skills shortages at a time of strong growth. Construction is currently enjoying the flow on effects of the mining boom whilst the Aged Care sector has to accommodate a rising number of retirees and longer living pensioners.

The Federal Government is providing a further $75 million through the Critical Skills Investment Fund (CSIF), which forms part of the National Workforce Development Fund. The CSIF will increase the workforce capacity   and productivity of critical industries, such as the resources and renewable energy sectors.

The Federal Government has launched a $558 million fund to provide 130,000 Australians with the opportunity to learn new skills for jobs in sectors suffering from critical skill shortages. 

The National Workforce Development Fund recognises that training skilled workers for our economy is a shared responsibility between Govern... more

The 29th Cersaie will be held from 20 to 24 September in the Bologna  exhibition centre. The entire exhibition space (a gross area of 176,000 sq.m)  has once again been fully booked by around 955 companies from 31  countries, demonstrating the keen interest in the show on the part of Italian  and foreign exhibitors.

Alongside the world’s leading producers of tiles and bathroom furnishings, the  glaze and colour producers will as usual be present in hall 22: Bitossi,  Coloresmalt, Coloritalia, Colorobbia Group, Def, Endeka Ceramics, Esmalglass, Esmaltes, Ferro, Fritta, Inco, Intercolor, Lamberti, Metco, Quimicer, Sicer, Smalticeram, Smaltochimica, Torrecid, Vernis,  Vetriceramici and Vidres.

Cersaie 2011 ushers in the age of the “sustainable trade fair”, a three-year  project that will involve concrete actions ranging from waste reduction to  optimisation of energy, water and paper usage, the use of environmentally- friendly paper for all printed materials, and the promotion of sustainable  transport (through agreements with TreniItalia for reduced fares on the  high-speed rail line to and from Bologna).

As usual, the exhibition will begin with the opening economic conference  entitled “Keeping pace with the market”, held on Tuesday 20 September in the Palazzo dei Congressi in Bologna. Talks will be given by Emma Marcegaglia,  Confindustria chairman, Franco Manfredini, Confindustria Ceramica chairman, Jacques Attali, an eclectic personality and a prominent figure in the world of  economics, culture and finance, and Antonio Tajani, vice president of the European Commission responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship.

As part of the series of conferences entitled Building, Dwelling, Thinking, Cersaie 2011 will give plenty of coverage to Japanese architecture with talks by two highly renowned figures in the sector, Kengo Kuma and Kazuyo Sejima.

click here to read more

In addition there will be numerous other appointments with key players from  the world of architecture and design. Alongside Kuma and Sejima there will  also be talks by Patricia Urquiola on the theme of “Interconnections between product design and architecture” and by designer Alessandro Mendini, whose works are displayed in museums and private collections all over the world.

Last but not least, Lia Piano, director of Fondazione Renzo Piano, and  architect Giorgio Bianchi will present the project for the New York Times Building, “a skyscraper with a human face”, and the Morgan Library. Through  a series of images, Giorgio Bianchi will reconstruct the story of the two  buildings since 2001, when he walked with Renzo Piano amongst the ruins of  the Twin Towers.

Tile Edizioni is present at Cersaie with two stands. The main stand is located  in the Press Agora (stand no. 11), the space devoted to publishers in the Services Centre, while the second stand is located as in the past on the  ground floor of hall 19 - stand B18.

The 29th Cersaie will be held from 20 to 24 September in the Bologna  exhibition centre. The entire exhibition space (a gross area of 176,000 sq.m)  has once again been fully booked by around 955 companies from 31  countries, demonstrating the keen interest in the show on the part of Italian  and foreign exhibitors.

Richard P. Goldberg, AIA, CSI, NCARB is an Architect and President of Professional Consultants International, an international building design and construction consulting company. Mr. Goldberg is involved in all phases of a building project, from research and design development, to construction monitoring and forensic investigations.

Mr. Goldberg has over 32 years of architectural and construction industry experience.

He is an internationally recognized specialist in ceramic tile architecture, and he is responsible for design and specification of many significant tile façade cladding projects, including the 75 story Al Hamra Tower, Kuwait, the Brooklyn Children's Museum, New York City, USA and the Hilton Rainbow Tower, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.   

CERAMIC TILE ON THE FOREFRONT OF ARCHITECTURE

A 10 Year Retrospective
"Over the past 10 years since my 2002 QUALICER presentation about the future of ceramics in architecture, many of the concepts and ideas presented have come to fruition. In 2002, when the concept of sustainable architecture was in its infancy, I was convinced that ceramics were well positioned as a building material with the perfect balance of sustainable design and performance characteristics."

"At QUALICER 2012, I will address recent developments and offer examples and ideas about the sustainable benefits of ceramics in architecture, how ceramics benefit from the precise computer engineering required for design of buildings in the 21st century, and most important, some more exciting predictions about how ceramics can re-write architectural history."

Further information

Richard P. Goldberg, AIA, CSI, NCARB is an Architect and President of Professional Consultants International, an international building design and construction consulting company. Mr. Goldberg is involved in all phases of a building project, from research and design development, to construction monitoring and forensic investigations.

... more

The Italian ceramic industry is regaining momentum and beginning to put the  difficulties of 2009 behind it. This trend emerges clearly from the figures  published in the 2010 National Statistical Survey of the ceramic tile,  sanitaryware, tableware and refractory materials industries conducted by the Confindustria Ceramica Studies Centre. According to the survey, the sector (made up of 284 companies with a total of 37,990 employees) generated a turnover of 6.517 billion euro (compared to 4.508 billion euro in 2009), of which 2.552 billion euro derived from sales on the Italian domestic market and 3.965 billion euro from exports worldwide.

The lion’s share of turnover was as always generated by the ceramic tile sector with 4.629 billion euro (+2.79%), followed by ceramic sanitaryware with 421 million euro, tableware with 68.1 million euro and refractory materials with 409.2 million euro.

Foreign sales continued to be a vital source of revenue in 2001 with all sectors reporting strong export turnover. In the Italian domestic market, the tile (-2.95%) and sanitaryware (-5.62%) segments saw a further fall in turnover, whereas tableware and refractory materials reported turnover growth of 10.76% and 26.19% respectively.

The Italian ceramic industry is regaining momentum and beginning to put the  difficulties of 2009 behind it. This trend emerges clearly from the figures  published in the 2010 National Statistical Survey of the ceramic tile,  sanitaryware, tableware and refractory materials industries conducted by the Confindustria Ceramica Stu... more

Judy Hollingsworth, the CEO of God Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) recently announced that GECA has extended the renewal date for their Hard Surfacing standard #40, which is part of the Australian Eco Label program. The standard which covers ceramic tile, natural stone and other hard surfacing materials was first introduced in 2008. The standard can be viewed at www.geca.org.au

Judy Hollingsworth, the CEO of God Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) recently announced that GECA has extended the renewal date for their Hard Surfacing standard #40, which is part of the Australian Eco Label program. The standard which covers ceramic tile, natural stone and other hard surfacing materials was first introduced in 2008. The... more

From 26 to 29 May, Italian ceramic technology will take centre stage at the 25th Ceramics China, a longstanding Chinese exhibition of ceramic technology and the top show for the sector in the Asian continent. Ceramics China is also an important showcase for international players in the sector and is organised by Unifair Exhibition Service with the support of China Ceramic Industrial Association and the sponsorship of China National Light Industry Council.  Acimac, in cooperation with the Italian Trade Commission ICE, is organising a joint pavilion for Italian ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturers, this year comprising thirteen companies in an exhibit space of more than a thousand square metres. The companies taking part are Air Power, BMR, CMF Technology, Colorobbia - Industrie Bitossi, Euromeccanica, Manfredini & Schianchi, Sacmi, Seedex, Setec, Siti-B&T, SRS - Assoprint System and Tecnoferrari.

From 26 to 29 May, Italian ceramic technology will take centre stage at the 25th Ceramics China, a longstanding Chinese exhibition of ceramic technology and the top show for the sector in the Asian continent. Ceramics China is also an important showcase for international players in the sector and is organised by Unifair Exhibition Service wit... more

Tecnargilla, the world's leading fair of technology for the ceramic and brick industries, will be back for the 23rd time from 24 to 28 September 2012.

Organized as always by ACIMAC and Rimini Fiera, the event will present the very best in stylistic and process innovations for the sector, showcasing all the major companies and drawing a high number of international buyers to Rimini.

Last time it was held, in 2010, Tecnargilla once again proved to be the fair most popular with foreign trade visitors. Over 14,600 international buyers came to the expo over its five days in Rimini, marking an increase of 18.6% from 2008.

The profile of these visitors (who totalled 31.599) was also a highly qualified one, another indicator of the event’s standing. Professionals from the technical and sales departments of companies that produce ceramic products accounted for over 80%. Out of these, over 40% occupy decision-making positions at their company.

Tecnargilla 2012 is therefore shaping up as a not-to-be-missed event for everyone in the ceramic and brick sector, since it is scheduled in the same period as Cersaie and Marmomacc, and will once again feature its usual thematic sections: Tecnargilla, dedicated to technology for tiles, bathroom fixtures and dishware, Kromatech, a showcase of color and creativity in ceramics, and Claytech, with technology for the brick industry.

Tecnargilla, the world's leading fair of technology for the ceramic and brick industries, will be back for the 23rd time from 24 to 28 September 2012.

Organized as always by ACIMAC and Rimini Fiera, the event will present the very best in stylistic and process innovations for the sector, showcasing all the major companies... more

Porcelain stoneware in tune with nature

Ceramiche Caesar presents Supreme, the re-interpretation of nature through ceramic. Natural effect and a high standard of technical features are the distinctive elements that set this collection apart from the others and make it perfect for indoor and outdoor surfaces, for flooring and wall coverings. Made from porcelain stoneware at the forefront of current technology, the collection is the reinterpretation of six stones all of which are different from each other in terms of origin, texture and structure: the six colour choices combine with the available finishes to render surfaces with effects of pure naturalness. Supreme is the result of the meeting between passion for nature and Made in Italy technology and, thanks to its versatility, is the idea solution for a myriad of destinations of use, be they commercial or residential. Supreme dresses spaces and, at the same time, protects the environment, hence why the collection is currently being assessed for Ecolabel certification. Available in four modular sizes, the collection is suitable for innovative installation patterns and ennobled by new three-dimensional decors that create extraordinary harmonious movements on the surface.

Porcelain stoneware in tune with nature

Ceramiche Caesar presents Supreme, the re-interpretation of nature through ceramic. Natural effect and a high standard of technical features are the distinctive elements that set this collection apart from the others and make it perfect for indoor and outdoor surfaces, ... more

Reaping the benefits of the development plan implemented in Italy over the last two years (more than 100 million euro of completed investments) and the excellent market performance in Russia and the United States, Marazzi Group closed 2010 with a total turnover of 818.3 million euro, an increase of 2.2% compared to 2009, and a 5.2% increase in sales of ceramic tiles.
In Russia, where the Group has two production facilities and around 200 direct points of sale, revenues rose by 34.7%, while in the United States, where Marazzi has been operating as a manufacturer since the 1980s, sales rose by 13.6% and the Group also increased its market share. In the USA the Group recently purchased 6 points of sale which join the 7 outlets already present, broadening its range of offerings and enhancing its capacity to provide service in the American market. An investment is also nearing completion for a new production line that will continue to improve the offerings of new products for the local market.

The Group's European sales have seen a recovery in profitability in spite of the continued fall in consumption that has affected the entire construction sector.

The Group’s operating income was also significant: EBITDA (14.4% of net sales) totalled 118.1 million euro, 35.4% up on the previous year, while EBIT (7.6% of sales) amounted to 62 million euro. Net profits totalled 13.5 million euro.

Operating cash flow reached 105.1 million euro, allowing the level of debt to be reduced from 298.7 to 226.9 million euro at 31/12/2010 in spite of the investments made by the Group (68.4 million euro for refurbishment of facilities, especially in Italy).

Reaping the benefits of the development plan implemented in Italy over the last two years (more than 100 million euro of completed investments) and the excellent market performance in Russia and the United States, Marazzi Group closed 2010 with a total turnover of 818.3 million euro, an increase of 2.2% compared to 2009, and a 5.2% increase i... more

In a significant achievement for the Italian and European ceramic tile industries, the European Commission has approved the application of provisional duties ranging between 32% and 73% on Chinese ceramic tile imports sold in the EU-27 market. The antidumping measure was initiated with the publication of the proceedings on 19 June 2010 in the Official Journal of the European Commission and involves applying to the entire volume of Chinese ceramic tiles imported into Europe an average duty of 32% for Chinese exporters included in the investigated sample and 73% for exporters who did not cooperate. The share of the latter group is estimated at 50% of total Chinese imports into EU-27.

The measure is to be ratified by the European Council within six months of coming into effect and was needed in order to counter the alarming increase in Chinese tile imports. Investigations have shown that European ceramic tile consumption in 2009 totalled 1 billion square metres, with imported Chinese tiles accounting for 62 million square metres. In the first half of 2010, European consumption fell by 3% whereas imports of Chinese tiles soared by 25%.

 “The adopted measures are not intended to close off the European market to Chinese companies but to re-establish conditions of fair competition,” commented Confindustria Ceramica’s Chairman Franco Manfredini. CET Chairman Alfonso Panzani agreed, expressing the hope that the new measures will offer the European tile industry fresh potential for recovery.

In a significant achievement for the Italian and European ceramic tile industries, the European Commission has approved the application of provisional duties ranging between 32% and 73% on Chinese ceramic tile imports sold in the EU-27 market. The antidumping measure was initiated with the publication of the proceedings on 19 June 2010 in the... more

Cevisama, the international ceramics, natural stone and bathroom equipment fair, has closed its 2011 edition with better quality and more international visitors.

The number of exhibitors at the fair has grown by 8% while the number of brands represented has increased by 39%. The range of products offered in 2011 has boosted and the novelties have doubled since last year. The exhibiting companies have made a great effort in terms of quality and innovation, with a broader offer and a total of 207 new products.

Moreover, the effort carried out by the organization to attract foreign quality visitors’ attention has meant a 14% increase in this field.

According to Armando Ibañez, president of the fair: “We have beaten our expectations, the challenge was to increase the number of international buyers and prescriptors with a high purchasing power, and we have achieved both.”

Beatriz Urbón, the Cevisama fair director, states that a thorough survey has been held in order to invite important distribution companies. “We have invited the best positioned international buyers capable of guaranteeing exhibiting companies a high buying power because, right now, export is what ensures success.”

Cevisama received 77,104 visitors during the five exhibition days. 12,489 were foreign visitors from 148 different countries, which meant 16% of the total and an increase of 14%, figures that make Cevisama’s 29th Edition one of the most international ones.

Countries from the euro area such as Italy, Portugal, Germany and Belgium still lead the list. Russia, with a 65% increase, and the former-Soviet republics’ presence have increased compared to last year’s figures. It is also important to note the presence of buyers from India, with a 26% increase compared to last year’s edition.

American buyers have doubled their presence. Final data shows a 111% increase of US buyers and a 33% increase of Canadians. This boost has been increased by buyers from South American countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica and Panama.

Cevisama has hosted 1,590 Arab buyers of a great potential which is an unprecedented success.

With regards to the type of visitors, 23% were architects, interior designers and designers, a public at which companies are aiming their promotion efforts and other strategic aims of the fair. 45% of these were distribution companies which meant a thousand more than last year.

A new space: design gallery H2Show
Cevisama 2011 has launched a specific exhibition offer for the bathroom industry. This 2011 offer has attracted the attention of international bathroom companies focused on design and has boosted the fair’s attractiveness towards buyers and prescriptors, creating new, positive prospects for the 2012 edition.

Cevisama Indi: Cevisama’s added value
The 2011 edition has had a wide parallel program of activities which have added value to the fair and consolidate Cevisama as a tendency-creating platform and a gathering point for training in this industry.

The fair has carried out activities related to ceramics use in interior design, architecture and public works: The Trans/hitos show; The Architecture and Design Forum conferences, with the presence of the best architects, designers and interior designers; and Valencia’s Polytechnics University Techniques Conferences, with very important speakers.

Tile Fixer’s Workshop, which has had a wider area in which to present tile fixing’s latest techniques, and the Alfa de Oro Awards, a reward focused on technological innovation, have also taken place at Cevisama.

Cevisama has also exhibited the selected and winning projects of the Ceramics and Bathroom Design International Contests, aimed at discovering the most transgressor proposals of the younger professionals.

The fair continues at Cevisama Social
Adjusting to present times, Cevisama launches a novelty in the 2011 edition: an online communication platform to allow exhibitors to connect with buyers from the fair all year long. This way, new contacts can be made and export figures increased.

Cevisama has taken the fair’s essence to a platform which helps promote exhibitors’ products all year long and, with this new initiative, is focused on making business and new trading contacts worldwide.

Cevisama Social also offers students the opportunity to promote their ceramic, bathroom and natural stone related projects via this new platform. The objective is for the business world to learn about students’ creativity.

The platform also has an area for prescriptors, who have previously used products from Cevisama’s exhibitors, to publish their projects promoting their professional career while giving the brand some added value.

Next edition
The fair is already working on the next edition in order to attract new quality buyers. Cevisama 2012 will take place from 7 to 10 February 2012
 

Valencia, March 2011

htttp://cevisama.feriavalencia.com

Cevisama, the international ceramics, natural stone and bathroom equipment fair, has closed its 2011 edition with better quality and more international visitors.

The number of exhibitors at the fair has grown by 8% while the number of brands represented has increased by 39%. The range of products offered in 2011 has boosted a... more

ASAA Natural Stone Design Manual

In January we commenced sales of Version I of the ASAA Natural Stone Design Manual, to date over 100 copies have been sold to specifiers and members of industry.

ASAA Director Colin Cass recently confirmed that Standards Australia are not going to produce a stone standard. Colin Cass advised, "I believe the ASAA manual will be the de-facto Australian standard for the design, selection, installation and maintenance of stone. The manual provides guidance on the selection of stone, the design of the system, installation details as well as maintenance. The people who worked on the ASAA manual have a wealth of knowledge and experience and the document has been reviewed by respected industry professionals. I am sure
that there will be a few glitches, but continuing peer review will see this manual become the essential guide for the stone industry.”
 
To order a copy of the 388 page manual and CD, call Rowena Cooke on 03 9888 3587 or email rowenac@infotile.com.au The cost to members and architects is $150 + GST, non-members $300 + GST.

ASAA YouTube Video
Commencing in April, ASAA will prepare 3 videos - Australian Stone;  Imported Stone; Allied Products; which will display a selection of members products on YouTube. The videos will also link to the ASAA Natural Stone Design Manual, the Association website and Discovering Stone magazine. Members should urgently contact Tony Stock to discuss this opportunity.

ASAA Natural Stone Design Manual

In January we commenced sales of Version I of the ASAA Natural Stone Design Manual, to date over 100 copies have been sold to specifiers and members of industry.

ASAA Director Colin Cass recently confirmed that Standards Australia are not going to produce a ston... more

SICIS remains a legend in the world of mosaics. Revered for their exceptionally exquisite Italian mosaics, made in Ravenna, SICIS continues to entice by preserving their admirably high artisanal standards and seeking out cutting edge technology. Enviably innovative in their modus operandi, SICIS’s new collaboration with Mr Christian Lacroix highlights this. Hailed as a fashion world genius, he always charged Haute Couture with his magical, whimsical charm. Defining original, few can forget his arched sense of cut, his delightful way with embellishment and extraordinary gift for color. As can be imagined, all of Mr Christian Lacroix's fabled talents have been poured into his SICIS home furnishing collection. Indeed, just as his couture shows outshone via drama and flair, his furniture has furthered such elements with cunning radicalism. True, all the pieces illustrate SICIS’s commitment to esteemed creative endeavor and continued savoir faire. In partnership with Mr Christian Lacroix masterful hands, they revolutionize the world of lifestyle with poetic insouciance.

Being a brilliant and cultured taste maker, Mr Christian Lacroix has been a recognized force in interior decoration for some time. In tremendous demand, he has dreamt up illustrious hotels, cinemas and theatres. Still, little is known of furniture titillating him since childhood and playing just as prominent a role in his memory bank as clothes. “My inspiration has always come through images, has been exalted by words and turned magnificent thanks to decoration,” he says. Excited by his relationship with SICIS, he is thoroughly impressed by their imagination, open-mindedness and “the sky is the limit” attitude. Mr Christian Lacroix also acknowledges that, thanks to SICIS’s daring and energy, the mosaic is now accepted as a deeply contemporary and artistic embellishment. Wildly inspired by the illustrious history of mosaics in Ravenna particularly in connection with the Byzantine Empress Theodora, Mr Lacroix was reminded of Arles, his hometown and romantic region renowned for well-preserved Roman tiles and sought after antiquities. “Having the privilege of being brought up between monuments, museums and 17th century houses – all well-steeped in the history of art - gave me the confidence that everything could be mixed up, particularly the most extreme styles such as baroque, neo-classical, post-modern, kitsch and pop.” However, with regard to the furniture’s enviably sensual shapes, Mr Lacroix demonstrates his practical and grounded side, stressing that amongst the curves and contours, comfort was a key consideration. Meanwhile, to enhance the magnificence of the mosaics – exuberantly colorful and jewel-like in appeal – he used them sparingly, opting for a light, subtle hand. Elegant as ever, Mr Lacroix’s main goal was to create furniture conjuring up “refinement and individuality.”

From April 12 - 17, the collection of furniture designed by Mr Christian Lacroix will be presented at the Salone del Mobile Milan fair in a new exquisite SICIS lifestyle set-up. From June 2011, it will be distributed worldwide in all of SICIS’s showrooms.

SICIS France : ADC communication – Alix de Chabot
adechabot@adc-communication.com / tel + 33 (0)1 73 06 98 91

SICIS remains a legend in the world of mosaics. Revered for their exceptionally exquisite Italian mosaics, made in Ravenna, SICIS continues to entice by preserving their admirably high artisanal standards and seeking out cutting edge technology. Enviably innovative in their modus operandi, SICIS’s new collaboration with Mr Christian Lac... more

The Italian ceramic tile industry is experiencing a recovery, in spite of the many difficulties caused by the ongoing contraction of the national building sector. Sales are thought to have increased by 0.8 per cent in 2010 due to a 2.7 per cent rise in international sales, which compensated for the 3.5 per cent drop in local demand. These preliminary figures were slightly underwhelming after an impressive third-quarter of the year which saw particularly strong performances in the crucial export markets of Russia, Asia, France and Germany, and the United States of America. This unfortunate decline in the final three months of last year was primarily caused by adverse climactic conditions that greatly affected the export market. Ceramic tile manufacturers in Italy increased their output by an estimated 4.9 per cent in 2010.

Modest growth is forecast for 2011 with early estimates pointing to a 3.6 per cent rise in production and a 1.7 per cent increase in sales (0.1 per cent in Italy and 2.3 per cent elsewhere). Progress of this nature will ensure that output and sales both exceed 400 million square metres, corresponding to a value of roughly 4.7 billion euro. Although these figures fall far short of pre-crisis levels, signs of consolidation and growth in the Italian industry are welcome indeed.

The Italian ceramic tile industry is experiencing a recovery, in spite of the many difficulties caused by the ongoing contra... more

Standards Australia will be holding information seminars across the country in February 2011 to educate industry and relevant stakeholders on the soon to be announced revised version of AS 2870 Residential Slabs and Footings.

The seminars will provide a systematic run through of the Standard, identifying key changes and providing the background for those changes. They will also explain the findings of relevant recent research.

Standards Australia will be conducting seminars at participating university campuses:

•    Monday, 7 February - Sydney
•    Tuesday, 8 February - Brisbane
•    Wednesday, 9 February - Melbourne
•    Thursday, 10 February - Hobart
•    Monday, 14 February - Perth
•    Tuesday, 15 February - Adelaide
 
For further event information and registration visit: http://www.gsb.uts.edu.au/edu/ASSeminar2870.html

The seminars will be relevant for Engineers (Structural/Civil/Environmental); Project and Maintenance Managers; Local and State Government staff handling tenders; Concrete Suppliers, Repair Contractors, Suppliers and Builders.

The presenters will include:

•    Mr Eric Fox CPEng, RPEQ, Consulting Engineer
•    Dr Don Cameron BEng (Civil Eng), MEng (Civil Eng), PhD, University of Sydney

The revised standard is a result of extensive consultation with stakeholders including industry, government and consumers.

Media Contact    Nicholas Davy, 0405 506 457
Communications & Public Affairs Manager
nicholas.davy@standards.org.au

Standards Australia will be holding information seminars across the country in February 2011 to educate industry and relevant stakeholders on the soon to be announced revised version of AS 2870 Residential Slabs and Footings.

The seminars will provide a systematic run through of the Standard, identifying key changes and prov... more

An art project by SICIS for Mr. Tata Private Collection

"Stop Indians ahead" is the graphic concept proposed to SICIS and TATA by the Indian mixed-media artist Ketna Patel.

TATA supplied two Nano cars and SICIS re-elaborated and adapted the concept to cover the outside of the cars with artistic mosaic: the graphic adaptation and the technical, installation work was entirely done in Ravenna by the experienced SICIS team.

SICIS manufactured, supplied and installed the mosaic on the outside shell of the cars. The skilful SICIS design team acted as ‘tailors’ and cut and paste Ketna’s design together, installing the colourful, artistic mosaic by hand on top of the shell of every external surface of the vehicle.

One SICIS Nano will be destined to Mr. Tata himself for his private art collection; the other one will be shipped back to India and will follow an artistic itinerary through shows/art galleries, like the 'Delhi Art Summit' exhibition in New Delhi on the 25th of January, a project handled by Indigo Blue Art Gallery.

The mosaic concept is the following: the car is a mirror for all the conversations that take place on Indian streets, with no order or symmetry. Chaotic conversations, full of smells, sounds and colour. It is like some noisy jazz, and not a classical symphony. The mosaic design doesn’t have neat divisions between the characters appearing on the car... they all interflow with each other. The artwork is wrapped around the Nano as one noisy, endless story, just like India!

Pop coloured mosaics of SICIS Murano Collection were used, such as lime green, bright yellow, hot red, florescent pink, black & white… also, stripes, perspective, and parallels with zebra crossings were used to introduce movement, direction, and give the work energy and a dose of psychedelia, to recall the atmosphere and energy of Indian streets.

For traditional Indian transport, such as bullock carts or rickshaws, female nicknames are given. These vehicles are often the main livelihood of the family, so they are like second wives: objects of desire, often decorated with flowers, and treated with love and respect, just like women. These SICIS Nano cars are a celebration of that female energy. Creative, joyous and beautiful.

The TATA Nano car is a replacement for all the unsafe motorcycles where entire families would ride, with no protection. These cars are not meant to be fast, which is why the artist is using the metaphors of speed and ‘stopping’ or ‘braking’, as a sign to India to slow down in its growth and to recheck its values.

About TATA NANO
The Tata Nano is a low-cost, four-passenger city car built by the Indian company Tata Motors, aimed primarily at the Indian domestic market, which began selling in 2009. It’s the cheapest “no frills” car in the world today, with a price little more than US $2,000, the Nano is within reach of many Indian families who could not previously afford an automobile.

An art project by SICIS for Mr. Tata Private Collection

"Stop Indians ahead" is the graphic concept proposed to SICIS and TATA by the Indian mixed-media artist Ketna Patel.

TATA supplied two Nano cars and SICIS re-elaborated and adapted the concept to cover the outside of the cars wi... more

In 2010 the Italian ceramic machinery manufacturers are expecting to maintain last year's turnover levels.

"The fall in turnover suffered by the sector from late 2008 through 2009 finally bottomed out in 2010, "observed Pietro Cassani, Chairman of the Italian ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturers' association Acimac, commenting on the preliminary figures for 2010.

In the twelve months of the current year, the sector's turnover is estimated to have risen slightly to 1.242 billion euro, up 1.2% on 2009.

This is an encouraging result that has also confirmed the international scale of the Italian ceramic machinery industry, which generates more than 75% of its turnover from exports.

The strong international presence of Italian companies, who remain the world leaders in terms of process innovation, has enabled the Italian ceramic machinery manufacturers to benefit in recent months from the recovery under way in a number of important regions, including the Middle East, Asia and South America. These regions, noted Cassani, "will play a crucial role in maintaining our world leadership in the next few years".

The initial forecasts for 2011 are also positive.

"Our companies are expecting an initial recovery in world markets in 2011, allowing us to partly make up for the severe losses suffered in 2009 when the sector's turnover plummeted by 33%. We are anticipating total turnover growth of between 10% and 15%, "Cassani concluded. 

In 2010 the Italian ceramic machinery manufacturers are expecting to maintain last year's turnover levels.

"The fall in turnover suffered by the sector from late 2008 through 2009 finally bottomed out in 2010, "observed Pietro Cassani, Chairman of the Italian ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturer... more

From premier stone producers and masonry companies to consumables and consultancies, Stone Federation members cover all bases, with the expanded Stone Federation Village at the hub of the show.

Highlights include Johnsons Wellfield one of the UK leaders in sustainable engineered natural stone. Their intricate planters adorning Tudor Square, Sheffield offer an insight into the advances made in Yorkstone’ production and the degree to which previous manufacturing boundaries have been surpassed through a continued investment in the latest low energy’ production technology.

Other UK quarrier members exhibiting include Albion Stone, Realstone, Great Tew Farm Partnership, Bath Stone, Creeton Quarry, Lovell Purbeck and Forest of Dean Stone Firms.

International members Geiger and Solnhofen Stone Group will be promoting a range of German limestone’s and sandstones with both companies featuring in past Award winning UK projects.

Leading stonemasonry companies in restoration, conservation and New Build will be in attendance including Group Monument Master Stone Masons and The Stonewest Group. Stonewest boast an impressive portfolio of recent projects including the multi award winning preservation of St Paul’s Cathedral, the refurbishment of St Pancras International and The World Square project -Trafalgar Square.

Specialist knowledge from the industry’s most respected consultancies will be available from BRE, Sandberg, Harrison Goldman and PGWA & Associates. Whether it’s guidance on the selection and use of stone, expertise on the implementation of European standards and ISO9001 compliant management systems or UKAS accredited laboratory testing, help is at hand.

The stone cleaning façade gommage’ system from Thomann-Hanry will be presented emphasising its sustainability credentials with no water or chemicals used throughout the process.

In the adhesive market, Ardex UK will be exhibiting a range of tile adhesives and grouts which benefit from their Rapidry Formula Technology’ and Mapei will promote their Ultraflex S2 Quick’ a high performance, highly flexible adhesive with significant environmental advantages being developed with 20 per cent recycled material.

And for the cleaning and sealing of your natural stone, Lithofin will present their market leading range including the new MN Stain Stop Eco, a ready to use impregnator which is water based and nearly odourless.

For exhibitor enquiries
Tel: +44 (0)115 945 3889
Email: stoneshow@qmj.co.uk

From premier stone producers and masonry companies to consumables and consultancies, Stone Federation members cover all bases, with the expanded Stone Federation Village at the hub of the show.

Highlights include Johnsons Wellfield one of the UK leaders in sustainable engineered natural stone. Their intricate planters adorni... more

Time is advancing, as we unconsciously step into the cold winter in North China. However, as the organizer of the 18th China International Building Decorations & Building Materials Exposition, we feel extremely warm with the support of so many exhibitors.

At the beginning of recruitment in May, we planned to open 9 standard halls, covering 120,000sqm, setting 6,000 booths. However, the robust recovery of China's economy is accelerated. Against this backdrop, the exhibitors unprecedentedly pursued Build+Decor 2011. Most of the booths have been booked by the exhibitors from domestic and abroad in less than three months. In order to meet such a great demand, we have gradually launched five temporary halls, especially for the exhibitors from wallpaper, textile, glass, windows and doors industry.

Visitors favour one-stop shopping more. They would like to purchase all they need in one place at a time.

From ceilings to floors, from fashion wallpapers to fine doorknobs, all are covered in Build+Decor 2011. Even foreign building materials supermarkets, like Harnbach which enjoys a reputation in Europe, have submitted an official application to visiting Build+Decor 2011 with a bulk of buyers.

It's still not too late to start thinking about your participation. Join us now!

For more details, please visit: www.build-decor.com

Time is advancing, as we unconsciously step into the cold winter in North China. However, as the organizer of the 18th China International Building Decorations & Building Materials Exposition, we feel extremely warm with the support of so many exhibitors.

At the beginning of recruitment in May, we planned to open 9 standa... more

The results for the first nine months of 2010 posted by GranitiFiandre Group contrast strongly with the situation in the sector and the economy as a whole. All the group’s balance sheet indices have shown sharp growth, including consolidated sales volumes, which have reached 148.2 million euro (5.1% up on the corresponding period in 2009). The strongest growth was reported in the third quarter when group turnover rose by 6.6%. Brand sales performed even more strongly, achieving a 7.2% increase in the first 9 months (10.5% in the third quarter alone) in spite of the negative effects of a weak and fluctuating construction market. The increases in overall volumes are a combined result of substantially stable sales in Italy (+0.9% for brand materials) and Europe (-2.3%) and excellent performances in non-European markets (+20.8%), most notably by the US subsidiary StonePeak Ceramics Inc. which posted a 25% increase in turnover to 30 September.

Operating margins were also very positive, with EBITDA up to 20.7 million euro (+22.4%), corresponding to 14% of turnover (6.8 million euro in the 3rd quarter, +24.2%). The parent company GranitiFiandre contributed 9.5 million euro to this figure, StonePeak 5.9 million euro and the German subsidiary Porcelaingres 4.3 million euro. EBITDA amounted to 8.9 million euro (+27.3%, corresponding to 6% of turnover), a value up by about 1.5 million euro on the EBIT of the whole of 2009 (3.0 million euro in the 3rd quarter, +40.5%).

The final result is a net profit of 5.2 million euro compared to 0.6 million euro to 30 September 2009, more than 5 times higher than the net result of the entire previous business year.

The Group’s outlook for the future is very positive, buoyed by prestigious orders secured during the quarter for the supply of “Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™” materials for projects that include Mirafiori Motor Village FIAT and the new Granarolo headquarters. A further two major orders have come from Japan, where large-format tiles will be supplied for the new Haneda airport and for one of Tokyo’s most renowned 5-star hotels.

The results for the first nine months of 2010 posted by GranitiFiandre Group contrast strongly with the situation in the sector and the economy as a whole. All the group’s balance sheet indices have shown sharp growth, including consolidated sales volumes, which have reached 148.2 million euro (5.1% up on the corresponding period in 200... more

More British Stone Than Ever - A Sustainable Solution!

The Natural Stone Show is back at ExCeL London next March and whilst it is as international as ever with exhibitors showing stone from around the world, there will also be a record number of British producers attending.

Highlights include Lovell Purbeck showcasing their Purbeck Marble (Viviparus) and Burr Limestone; Stoke Ground Bath Stone from the Bath Stone Group and the latest Portland Stone from Albion Stone’s Jordans quarry; Guiting Gold and Cotswolds Cream from Johnson Quarry Group’s recently acquired Oathill quarry.

Paving product Royal Forest Penant sandstone from Forest of Dean; Award winning Ancaster Weatherbed and Scotch Buff from Realstone; A range of stunning Penrhyn slates from Welsh Slate; Ancaster Hard White and Clipsham from Goldholme Stone.

Cresswell Buff, one of the 14 indigenous stone supplied by Historic Stone; The heritage Churchfield stone being revived through PGWA ; English limestone flagstones from the Metheringham quarries of Centurian Dimensional Stone and specialist Morayshire cobbles from Tennants Elgin.

The subtle hues of British limestone, sandstone and slate that have always attracted the discerning architect, interior designer and landscaper are eminently environmentally friendly.

Dimension stone production is an essentially low energy and sustainable process with the stone removed from the face in large blocks and normally sawn. The electric saw does not need to consume vast amounts of energy to cut stone using nothing like as much as the high energy kilns required to make the cement used in concrete products.

Remove the transport element of CO2 emissions by sourcing local stone and you have a product that can make considerable contributions to low carbon development.

Add to that the low maintenance longevity of stone that improves its environmental credentials in lifetime costing and you have an almost perfect ecological building material ideal for cladding, walling, paving, roofing, floor and wall tiles, shower trays, worktops and furniture.

Come and specify your sustainable building material at the Natural Stone Show 2011.

For exhibitor enquiries:
Tel: +44 (0)115 945 3889 or Email: stoneshow@qmj.co.uk

More British Stone Than Ever - A Sustainable Solution!

The Natural Stone Show is back at ExCeL London next March and whilst it is as international as ever with exhibitors showing stone from around the world, there will also be a record number of British producers attending.

Highligh... more

The 18th China International Stone Processing Machinery, Equipment and Products Exhibition. The leading stone trade fair in China!

Exhibition Venue:  China International Exhibition Center, No.6 East Beisanhuan Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100028, China
Exhibition Date:      April 20 to April 23, 2011
Opening Hours:      9:00 am to 17:00 pm
Official Website:    www.stonetech.org.cn
Frequency:               Annual-One year in Beijing, one year in Shanghai
Organizers:
                                   China Stone Material Association
                                   CCPIT Building Materials Sub-council
                                   CIEC Exhibition Company Limited
Sponsors:
                                   China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
                                   China Building Materials Industry Association

Exhibition Profile
As the capital of China, Beijing is also the north economic center of China. And nearly 40% of annual total stone products (slabs, tile, and cut-to-sizes, etc.) are consumed here, or resold to the other cities of China. There is no doubt that Beijing is the ideal place for ambitious companies to expand their Chinese market share. Fortunately, STONETECH, with its 17-year glorious experience in this industry, has become the important gateway to the stone industry with China's fast economic development.

STONETECH covers the whole industrial chain, fully demonstrates the development of stone sector. Companies from 26 foreign countries and regions as well as the local industry clusters treat STONETECH as the must-attended event in China. STONETECH2011 BEIJING will be held from April 20-23, 2011 as scheduled. And the final exhibiting space is expected to surpass 75,000 square meters finally, thanks to the brisk demand from the Chinese market, and the stone industry here is undergoing the recovering period.

Exhibit Profile
Marble, granite and other stone products
        Tiles slabs and blocks
        Artificial granite and marble
        Special shaped products, tome stone

Machinery, equipment and technology
        Quarrying & cutting equipment
        Processing and grinding
        Diamond tools & products
        Materials handling equipment
        Polishes, sealant & adhesives
        Abrasive refinishing and restoration equipment

Other stone related material and products
        Glue& other chemicals
        Design & construction
        Associations
        Publication & internet
        Consulting services

For further information and applying booth/space, please feel free to contact us.

STONETECH Organizing Committee
CIEC Exhibition Company, Ltd.
1/F, General Service Building6 East Beisanhuan Road, Beijing 100028, China
Tel: 86 10 8460 0335/0341/0804
Fax: 86 10 8460 0325/0740//0741
Contacts:
Mr. Leo Wang: wangbaoliang@ciec.com.cn;
Ms. Lydia Sun: sunying@ciec.com.cn
Mr. Kevin Wang: wangbingzhe@ciec.com.cn

The 18th China International Stone Processing Machinery, Equipment and Products Exhibition. The leading stone trade fair in China!

Exhibition Venue:  China International Exhibition Center, No.6 East Beisanhuan Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100028, China
Exhibition Date:      April 20 to... more

IIEA, the e-learning school for industry, offers a course on “Ceramic rheology” for ceramic technicians.

The rheological behaviour of ceramic suspensions is one of the fundamental parameters for optimal production of ceramic tiles. For this purpose, IIEA is offering ceramic industry technicians the first e-learning course on “Ceramic rheology”.

The aim of the course is to provide the practical and theoretical foundations for understanding the rheological behaviour of ceramic suspensions. It provides a practical tool for in-company control of suspensions, allowing changes that are potentially harmful for the process to be identified and new suspensions with the required rheological characteristics to be developed. It also enables the parameters that affect the rheology of the ceramic suspensions used by the company to be identified and monitored.

The course fully exploits the advantages of the internet as an alternative to normal classroom activities and as an opportunity to create highly effective and economically advantageous training programmes. Its practical methodology combines a range of tools (texts, images, video) in an interactive, multimedia approach that makes extensive use of case histories, simulations and practical lessons.

For further information visit the internet site www.iiea-school.it.

IIEA, the e-learning school for industry, offers a course on “Ceramic rheology” for ceramic technicians.

The rheological behaviour of ceramic suspensions is one of the fundamental parameters for optimal production of ceramic tiles. For this purpose, IIEA is offering ceramic industry technicians the first e-learni... more

Laticrete, a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative systems for the installation of tile and stone, has made amother strategic move targeted to increase its presence in Southeast Asia with the opening of the Laticrete Vietnam Company. Laticrete celebrated the official launch of the new entity in the Tay Ho district of Hanoi, but has its sights set on completing infrastructure to supply the entire country of Vietnam with Laticrete materials and methods.

The Laticrete Vietnam Company will expand production, research and training locations to Da Nang and further south to Ho Chi Minh City, improving access to all markets near or on the Indochinese Peninsula, namely Cambodia, Thailand and the Phillippines. The Laticrete Vietnam Company will supply architects, designers and contractors with the tools they need to keep pace with Vietnam's escalating growth, bringing improvements to a country that consumes ceramic and porcelain tile at a blistering pace on a par with the United States.

"Vietnam continues to grow and advance in its role as a member of the World community, "said Laticrete co-owner Henry Rothberg. "The entire country has welcomed foreign investors and remained open to new technology that can help them sustain growth, the same way they have supported Laticrete in this opportunity. Laticrete, with global technology, is committed to helping change the way Vietnam installs tile and stone, from the thick layer of mortar used for centuries to a lightweight, thick layer of adhesive."

Laticrete, a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative systems for the installation of tile and stone, has made amother strategic move targeted to increase its presence in Southeast Asia with the opening of the Laticrete Vietnam Company. Laticrete celebrated the official launch of the new entity in the Tay Ho district of Hanoi, but has... more

New contents, interactive catalogues, and videos revealing the secrets behind the silk velvet of their dream-like art pieces.... Check them out!

For more information contact:

Eleonora Milana
SICIS - The Art Mosaic Factory
press2@sicis.com
www.sicis.com 

New contents, interactive catalogues, and videos revealing the secrets behind the silk velvet of their dream-like art pieces.... Check them out!

For more information contact:

Eleonora Milana
SICIS - The Art Mosaic Factory
press2@sicis.com
www.sicis.c... more

Kengo Kuma was asked by the world wide known ceramic tile maker Casalgrande Padana to create a monument for a road roundabout in front of their facilities' entrance.

Being able to work with such a capable manufacturer, he took the challenge of involving the ceramic tile as an architectural element itself, avoiding its conventional use as a mere cladding. Just after developing with Casalgrande Padana's team the specific detail of how to panel and connect their standard ceramic tiles, he understood the possibilities of how to assemble and organize them creating different structures.

With this unique structure he wanted to avoid creating a monument that stands in the middle of the site: we wanted it to become part of the site. Therefore he decided to create a wall that simply divides the site in two making it a special place with a dual character, far from the usual and banal roundabouts. The anti-microbial approach went far enough to decide aligning the direction of the ceramic wall with the road that leads to it so as to make it almost disappear: when reaching the site, drivers will only perceive a roundabout divided by a vertical line. Only when going around it, along the movement of the car the wall extends until appearing with its whole length of 45 meters.

In the buildings Kengo usually works with concepts of anti-dimension or anti-volume but in a project like this with such a special site (a roundabout only approachable by cars) he wanted to experiment on these concepts' relationship with dynamic principles such as time, movement and sequential perception.

Seeing this wall growing during its months of construction, he realized how dynamically its light structure's transparency and the subtle reflection of its fine glazed white ceramic where interacting with the surrounding site and the weather. This other way of dynanism appeared to him as a very unique soft, light and ever-changing phenomena... and that is why they have named it as a Ceramic Cloud.

To view a video of this project: http://www.youtube.com/user/CasalgrandePadana

Kengo Kuma was asked by the world wide known ceramic tile maker Casalgrande Padana to create a monument for a road roundabout in front of their facilities' entrance.

Being able to work with such a capable manufacturer, he took the challenge of involving the ceramic tile as an architectural element itself, avoiding its conventio... more

The 9th UK Natural Stone Show returns to ExCel, London 15-17 March 2011.

Situated just 10 minutes from Europe's fastest growing business district Canary Wharf, ExCel is ideally placed to take advantage of the shifting balance of investment, jobs and infrastructure to London's eastside, providing an ideal platform for exhibitors to source business at The Natural Stone Show.

Momentum for this 'New London' is being provided through the construction of the Olympic Park and the continual re-development of the Royal Dock, both of which lie directly adjacent to ExCel. These projects form just two components of Europe's largest regeneration scheme - the Thames Gateway. Stretching east from London's Tower Bridge to the mouth of the Thames, the project aims to create 160,000 new homes and 225,000 new jobs by 2016 with the Government committed to transforming the Gateway with £9 billion worth of investment by 2014. 

Keen to take advantage of this bright future, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) acquired ExCel in June 2008 and have already added 32, 500 square metres of flat-floor event space through an extension to ExCel's east wing and London's first International Conference Centre (ICC), both on the doorstep of the expanding London City Airport. A £50 million 'Aloft London Excel' hotel and a range of ambitious mixed use developments promise to transform the ExCel campus over the next four years.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the catalyst for the regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley in East London and after the Games the area will be transformed into one of the largest urban parks created in Europe for more than 150 years. Tenders for projects such as the Gallions Quarter in the Albert Basin will start to be released as we move forward into 2011. 

If you are interested in taking advantage of these opportunities enquire about exhibiting at The Natural Stone Show by contacting Show Director Richard Bradbury on:
Tel: +44 (0)115 945 3889 Email: stoneshow@qmj.co.uk
www.stoneshow.co.uk
 

The 9th UK Natural Stone Show returns to ExCel, London 15-17 March 2011.

Situated just 10 minutes from Europe's fastest growing business district Canary Wharf, ExCel is ideally placed to take advantage of the shifting balance of investment, jobs and infrastructure to London's eastside, providing an ideal platform for exhibi... more

Interior Lifestyle China 2010 opens next week. More than 16,000 sqm of trade space - a 30% increase from 2009. Strong line-up of international and local product designers at fair.

For four days, Interior Lifestyle China 2010 opens next week on 13 October at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. More than 200 suppliers from 13 countries and regions including Austria, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Switzerland and the US will showcase the latest trends, designs and innovations in the world of contemporary interior lifestyle products.

Covering an exhibition space of 16,000 sqm, product groups extend from personal lifestyle, to table, kitchen and household effects, furnishing and living, home and building textiles to lamps and luminaires and gift articles. Many first time exhibitors will present at the fair including Ballarini (Italy), Crystalex (Czech Republic), Jean Dubost (France), Nachtmann (Germany), Riedel (Austria) and several other brand names. 

In addition to sourcing quality household items, attendees will have an exclusive opportuity to meet with and gain inspiration from top international designers as well as take part in live on-site product demonstrations including Trends Style Kitchen (C100) and Betty's Kitchen (E120).

To learn more about these special events at Interior China 2010 please visit www.il-china.com.

Interior Lifestyle China 2010 opens next week. More than 16,000 sqm of trade space - a 30% increase from 2009. Strong line-up of international and local product designers at fair.

For four days, Interior Lifestyle China 2010 opens next week on 13 October at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. More than 200 suppliers ... more

The showcase event for the UK stone industry returns to London's premier exhibition venue, ExCel from 15 - 17 March 2011.

Now entering its 17th year, the Natural Stone Show is the only UK event to exclusively focus on natural stone and directly related products and services. If you are involved with the design, specification, working or maintenance of natural stone, then this is your marketplace and this is your show.

Exhibits will include a vast range of stone from all over the world - granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, travertine and slate for use in all types of work - flooring, cladding, hard landscaping, kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, fireplaces, memorials and sculpture together with fixing systems, sealants, adhesives, cleaning, materials, stone working machinery, tools and other related products and services.

Whatever your involvement with the stone industry, you're sure to find something at the show that you've not seen before, something new that your business will profit from for many years to come. Whether it's a new material that becomes a best selling line, the latest technology to improve your productivity or valuable knowledge accrued from our free Conference programme and specialist advice areas to help you resolve a future problem.

The showcase event for the UK stone industry returns to London's premier exhibition venue, ExCel from 15 - 17 March 2011.

Now entering its 17th year, the Natural Stone Show is the only UK event to exclusively focus on natural stone and directly related products and services. If you are involved with the design, specification, w... more

Perth-based BGC (Australia) is Australia's largest builder according to the HIA COLORBOND steel Housing 100 Report for 2009/10.

The report, which ranks the nation's largest 100 residential builders based on the number of homes built each year, revealed the number of housing starts among the largest 100 increased by 22.8 per cent from 49,360 (in 2008/09) to 60,590 in (2009/10). This was the highest number of yearly starts since 2004/05.

BGC (Australia) came in as Australia's biggest builder with 4,392 starts - an increase of 548 on the previous year. In 2009/10 the company built 3,836 detached houses and 556 units, and was also the nation's largest detached house builder.

Alcock/Brown-Neaves Group was ranked second with 3,526 starts, while Victorian-based Metricon Homes was ranked third with 3,214 housing starts for the year.

Hickory Developments Pty Ltd was the nation's largest multi-unit builder with 1,274 starts, moving up from second spot in 2008/09.

The HOUSING 100 builders held an estimated 38 per cent of share of Australia-wide housing starts last financial year, the same share as in 2008/09. The share increased in Victoria and was steady in Queensland and Western Australia. New South Wales and South Australia saw their market share reduce.

"The tripling of the federal First Home Owner's Grant for new homes, low interest rates and social housing programs saw a relatively strong recovery in housing starts in 2009/10," said HIA chief economist Dr Harley Dale.

"However, as the positive impact from past stimulus programs unwinds it's unlikely that we will see further growth in HOUSING 100 and aggregate housing starts in 2010/11," Harley Dale said.

"While there were 11,230 more homes built by the largest 100 than the previous year, the number of multi-units being built actually fell," Dr Dale said. "In 2009/10 there were 51,602 detached house starts (up from 39,947) and 8,988 starts for flats, units and townhouses (down from 9,413)."

"The restriction of finance for residential development presents a big constraint, while the stimulus measures masked the insufficient progress made so far in reducing supply-side obstacles related to land, labour, planning, taxation, and regulation," Harley Dale added.

CONTACT:
For further information please contact Harley Dale, HIA Chief Economist on 0414 994 186

Perth-based BGC (Australia) is Australia's largest builder according to the HIA COLORBOND steel Housing 100 Report for 2009/10.

The report, which ranks the nation's largest 100 residential builders based on the number of homes built each year, revealed the number of housing starts among the largest 100 increased by 22.8 per... more

Registrations continue to pour in at the world's biggest trade fair of supplies for the ceramics and brick industry

More registrations keep streaming in for the 22nd Tecnargilla, the world´s biggest trade fair dedicated to supplies for the ceramic and brick industry, scheduled in Rimini from 27 September to 1 October. Three months away from the opening date, 450 companies have already confirmed that they will be exhibiting at the event.

Over a third of these firms are from abroad, a fact that points to the international nature of the fair. Along with the large group of Italian exhibitors, there will be companies from Bulgaria, France, Spain, Portugal, Ukraine, Turkey, Belgium, Israel, Iran, Mexico, Egypt, and China.

This unflagging interest in the event, despite the recession, further demonstrates Tecnargilla´s pivotal role among international fairs in the sector.

The 65,000 mm of the Rimini expo center will house a preview of the latest technological innovations for ceramics and bricks, divided into the usual thematic areas: Claytech, for the brick sector, Kromatech, for decoration, creativity and raw materials, and Kermat, for advanced ceramics.

Alongside the exhibition, Tecnargilla will also feature a calendar of fascinating conferences and initiatives conceived to help professionals in the ceramics sector stay on top of new developments.

Registrations continue to pour in at the world's biggest trade fair of supplies for the ceramics and brick industry

More registrations keep streaming in for the 22nd Tecnargilla, the world´s biggest trade fair dedicated to supplies for the ceramic and brick industry, scheduled in Rimini from 27 September to... more

The revolutionary idea of creating an exterior photovoltaic floor surface was the result of collaboration between the Porcelanosa group's Butech division and Onyx Solar, a specialist in the development of intelligent solutions for sustainable integration of solar energy.

The original project, which is an expression of the increasingly strong volition of the Porcelanosa group to focus on eco-compatibility and reduced energy usage, will become a viable marketable product by the end of 2010.

The photovoltaic exterior flooring system, composed of a photovoltaic glass incorporated in the ceramic tile, will feature the same properties of trafficability and durability of a conventional floor surface so that it can be incorporated in any project without requiring any compromise in terms of design constraints.

The revolutionary idea of creating an exterior photovoltaic floor surface was the result of collaboration between the Porcelanosa group's Butech division and Onyx Solar, a specialist in the development of intelligent solutions for sustainable integration of solar energy.

The original project, which is an expression of the... more

London's selection as the host city for the 2010 Olympic Games has stimulated one of the biggest construction and regeneration initiatives in Europe with the ensuing building investment set to top £6.09 billion. 

Located at ExCel, the 9th UK Natural Stone Show is situated just 1.5 miles away from the 500 acre Olympic Park that lies at the heart of London's plans for the games. This provides a golden opportunity for exhibitors to pitch for new projects in March 2011. 

Approximately £1.4 billion has been budgeted for the 'Big 5' venues within the Olympic Park which encompass the 80,000 seat Olympic Stadium; the Aquatics Centre; the Velopark; the Athletes' Village; and a state of the art Broadcast and Press Centre. A further £800 million pounds will be spent redeveloping the Lower Lea Valley.

ExCel itself will host 7 Olympic sports and 6 Paralympic events providing four arenas with between 6,000 and 10,000 seats for boxing, fencing, judo, taekwondo, table tennis, weightlifting and wrestling.

The Olympic Village will offer guaranteed accommodation for every athlete and team official, with more than 17,000 beds in total. And after the Games, the Olympic Village will lie at the heart of one of Europe's largest urban regeneration projects. The converted village alone will provide 3,600 homes and in total 9,000 new homes will be created in the Olympic Park area.

The ripple effect of the Olympics throughout East London will also boost retail, office and hotel developments in the area with an additional 15,000 hotel rooms available by 2012 within 50 km of the Olympic Park.

Around £7 billion worth of transport infrastructure spend was planned before the award of the Games and this has now been stepped up to be ready for 2012. Projects include the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and extensions to the Docklands Light Railway and East London line. Also planned is the refurbishment and modernisation of all London Underground Stations together with £225 million upgrade of Stratford Rail Station, along with many new bridges and river works. 

It is against this dynamic construction background that the 2011 Natural Stone Show is confident of providing exciting opportunities for its exhibitors.

If you are interested in exhibiting at the natural Stone Show at ExCel, London, 15-17 March 2011, contact Show Director Richard Bradbury on:

Tel: + 44 (0) 115 945 3889 or email stoneshow@gmj.co.uk

London's selection as the host city for the 2010 Olympic Games has stimulated one of the biggest construction and regeneration initiatives in Europe with the ensuing building investment set to top £6.09 billion. 

Located at ExCel, the 9th UK Natural Stone Show is situated just 1.5 miles away from the 500 acre Olympic... more

The 18th China International Stone Processing Machinery, Equipment and Products Exhibition
The leading stone trade fair in China!

Exhibition Venue: China Internaional Exhibition Center
No. 6 East Beisanhuan Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100028, China

Exhibition Date:
April 20 to April 23, 2011

Opening Hours:
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Official Website:
www.stonetech.org.cn

Frequency:
Annual - One year in Beijing, one year in Shanghai

Organizers:
China Stone Material Association, CCPIT Building Materials Sub-council & CIEC Exhibition Company Limited

Sponsors:
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade & China Building Materials Industry Association

Exhibition Profile
As the capital of China, Beijing is also the north economic center of China. And nearly 40% of annual total stone products (slabs, tile & cut-to-sizes, etc.) are consumed here, or resold to the other cities of China. There is no doubt that Beijing is the ideal place for ambitious companies to expand their Chinese market share. Fortunately, STONETECH, with its 17-year glorious experience in this industry, has become the important gateway to the stone industry with China's fast economic development.

STONETECH covers the whole industrial chain, fully demonstrates the development of the stone sector. Companies from 26 foreign countries and regions as well as the local industry clusters treat STONETECH as the must-attend event in China. STONETECH2011 BEIJING will be held from April 20-23, 2011 as scheduled. And the final exhibiting space is expected to surpass 75,000 square meters finally, thanks to the brisk demand from the Chinese market, and the stone industry here is undergoing the recovery period.

Exhibit Profile
Marble, granite and other stone products

• Tiles, slabs & blocks
• Artificial granite and marble
• Special shaped products, tomb stone

Machinery, equipment and technology

• Quarrying & cutting equipment
• Processing and grinding
• Diamond tools & products
• Materials handling equipment
• Polishes, sealant & adhesives
• Abrasive refinishing and restoration equipment

Other stone related material and products

• Glue & other chemicals
• Design & construction
• Associations
• Publication & internet
• Consulting services

Apply for your booth(s) early to obtain best and available early registration discount package. Booth availble on first-come, first serve and subject to availabillity.

For further information and applying for booth/space, please feel free to contact the organizers.

STONETECH Organzing Committee
CIEC Exhibition Company, Ltd.
1/F, General Service Building6 East Beisanhuan Road, Beijing 100028, China
Tel: 86 10 8460 0335/0341/0804 Fax: 86 10 8460 0325/0740/0741
Contacts:
Mr. Leo Wang: wangbaoliang@ciec.com.cn
Ms. Ludia Sun: sunying@ciec.com.cn
Mr. Kevin Wang: wangbingzhe@ciec.com.cn

The 18th China International Stone Processing Machinery, Equipment and Products Exhibition
The leading stone trade fair in China!

Exhibition Venue: China Internaional Exhibition Center
No. 6 East Beisanhuan Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100028, China

E... more

The new 1,000 square metre space in Gallery 15-20 will host leading national television and web channels devoted to the world of architecture and design. This second space joins that of the Press Village in the Services Centre devoted to the printed press.

In the age of mass communication, Cersaie 2010 is doubling the space available to media professionals with the launch of the new TV and Web Village, an exclusive 1,000 square metre area set up in Gallery 15-20 to host leading TV and web operators. The space was conceived by the Cersaie Communication Office and complements the existing Press Village.

This brand new initiative for the 28th Cersaie will see the presence of prestigious television channels and websites including Rai Internazionale, Class Life TV, www.atcasa.corriere.it, www.casa.repubblica.it, www.casa.lastampa.it, www.archiportale.com and www.edilio.it, to mention just a few. Rather than a mere showcase, the pavilion organised by BF Servizi in cooperation with the Cersaie show office will be fully operational and will include an open space devoted to communication events. Furthermore, the high-speed internet connections available to each TV or web channel will enable them to broadcast Cersaie 2010 live through the five days of the show.

The space devoted to media professionals complements the Press Village, the pavilion located for the second year running inside the Services Centre and hosting more than 50 publishers of trade magazines specialising in architecture, interior design and media. The international scope of Cersaie is reflected in the fact that these publishers are based in nine different countries: Italy, Australia, France, Germany, the UK, Holland, Russia, Spain and the USA.

The TV and Web Village and the Press Village are the two functional areas that complement the Cersaie Press Office, which continues to be located on the first floor of Block B of the Services Centre and remains a key point for journalists from all over the world  as well as the distribution point for the Cersaie 2010 Press Kit and publications.

Sassuolo, August 2010

For further information: Andrea Serri
Cersaie Press Office
Tel. + 39 0536 818111 - Fax +39 0536 806510
Mobile: +39 348 1504905
email: pressoffice @cersaie.it

The new 1,000 square metre space in Gallery 15-20 will host leading national television and web channels devoted to the world of architecture and design. This second space joins that of the Press Village in the Services Centre devoted to the printed press.

In the age of mass communication, Cersaie 2010 is doublin... more

The showcase event for the UK stone industry returns to London's premier exhibition venue, ExCel from March 15-17, 2011.

Set within a stunning waterfront environment in the dynamic and thriving Docklands, just a stone's throw away from Canary Wharf, ExCel offers a world class facility for visitors and exhibitors alike. The recent completion of its £165 million phase 2 expansion, new on-site hotels and significantly enhanced transport links all underline the level of investment going into this part of London as it gears up for the 2012 Olympic games. 

The natural stone market in the UK has grown enourmously over the past decade as architects,designers and clients have made stone the material of choice for all kinds of construction, hard landscaping and interior design. And, of course, it's still much in demand for conservation and restoration work, and even memorials.

Now entering its 17th year, the Natural Stone Show is the only UK event to exclusively focus on natural stone and directly related products and services. If you are involved with the design, specification, working or maintenance of natural stone, then this is your show.

Exhibits will include a vast range of stone from all over the world - granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, travertine and slate for use in all types of work - flooring, cladding, hard landscaping, kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, fireplaces, memorials and sculpture together with fixing systems, sealants, adhesives, cleaning, materials, stone working machinery, tools and other related products and services.

Whatever your involvement in the stone industry, you're sure to find something at the show that you've not seen before, something new that your business will profit from for many years to come. Whether it's a new material that becomes a best selling line, the latest technology to improve your productivity or valuable knowledge accrued from our free Conference programme and specialist advice areas to help you resolve a future problem.

For more information on the Natural Stone Show visit www.stoneshow.co.uk or telephone +44 (0) 115 945 3889.

The showcase event for the UK stone industry returns to London's premier exhibition venue, ExCel from March 15-17, 2011.

Set within a stunning waterfront environment in the dynamic and thriving Docklands, just a stone's throw away from Canary Wharf, ExCel offers a world class facility for visitors and exhibitors alike. The ... more

The organizers of Ceramics, Tile & Sanitary Ware China 2011 recently anounced that tile production in China has increased by 23 per cent during the first quarter of 2010. 

Rapid re-development of the industry is underway.

The organizers confirmed that there are more than 1000 manufacturers of glass mosaic in China, producing total sales in excess of 30 trillion RMB.

The next edition of this well established fair will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, March 29 to April 1 in 2011.

Exhibitor's can claim a 10 per cent early bird discount if they book before September 30.

The organizers of Ceramics, Tile & Sanitary Ware China 2011 recently anounced that tile production in China has increased by 23 per cent during the first quarter of 2010. 

Rapid re-development of the industry is underway.

The organizers confirmed that there are more than 1000 manufacturers of glass mosaic in Chi... more

A place of inspiration where.... ideas flow... creativity soars... and dreams come true...

Welcome to www.ezarri.com

Ezarri have a new website and they are thrilled! Thrilled to offer you new ideas, new concepts in glass mosaic decor, and to offer you a space where you can find new forms of expression.

And that's not all: they have a surprise for you too!

Discover the Ezarri "Toy" at DECO.

An original application so that you can dream up new worlds filled with endless glass mosaic possibilities. Come in and play!

They are waiting for you at www.ezarri.com
 

A place of inspiration where.... ideas flow... creativity soars... and dreams come true...

Welcome to www.ezarri.com

Ezarri have a new website and they are thrilled! Thrilled to offer you new ideas, new concepts in glass mosaic decor, and to offer you a space where you can find new forms of expression. more

The consumer price inflation update for the June 2010 quarter clearly supports interest rates remaining on hold next week, says the Housing Industry Association (HIA), the voice of Australia's residential building industry.

"The June 2010 quarter update for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in lower than market expectations and offers no evidence of inflationary pressures getting out of hand," said HIA Chief Economist, Dr Harley Dale.

"There is no need for a further rate hike to be announced next week or indeed at any time through the remainder of this year."

"It is appropriate that rates are kept on hold in light of mounting evidence that the new home building recovery will run out of steam and on-going uncertainty regarding the post-stimulus trajectory of the domestic economy."

The headline Consumer Price Index increased by 0.6 per cent over the June 2010 quarter, compared to a market expectation of a 1 per cent rise. The annual rate was 3.1 per cent. The Reserve Bank of Australia's preferred, 'trimmed mean' measure increased by 0.5 per cent over the June quarter compared to a market expectation for a 0.8 per cent rise. The annual rate for this trimmed mean measure was 2.7 per cent, the lowest in three years.

"The burning issue for the housing industry is the need to reduce the myriad of supply side obstacles to new housing supply, including finding a better model for funding Australia's urban residential  infrastructure," Harley Dale said.

The consumer price inflation update for the June 2010 quarter clearly supports interest rates remaining on hold next week, says the Housing Industry Association (HIA), the voice of Australia's residential building industry.

"The June 2010 quarter update for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in lower than market expectati... more

A SUMMER FULL OF CREATIVITY WITH THE PROJECTS FLOW AND CERAMICA BY MUTINA CERAMICHE & DESIGN AND THE BIG BUG BY PATRICIA UQUIOLA

Fiorano Modenese, 12th July 2010 - Waiting for the Cersaie, Mutina Ceramiche & Design anticipates three important novelties which will warm up the next exhibition in Bologna, from the 28th September to the 2nd October at the hall 22, stand A192B179. Three news for the three production processes which characterize the creative proposal by Mutina the new project FLOW - Floor and Wall Covering, in homogeneous porcelain stoneware  for the collection production industrial, and as a matching wall covering range even 6 brand new colours for the collection CERAMICA (a total of 9 nuances) in the range production artisanal. Finally, for the line production interior design, Mutina presents THE BIG BUG, the new table of medium sizes, in both indoor and outdoor versions, which fills the THE BUGS Family designed by Patricia Urquiola.

FLOW - Floorcovering and Wallcovering - The idea behind this design is to preserve traces of the process of creation with the surface of the ceramic material, starting out from what is perhaps the most significant, spectacular element the moment the material is poured into the moulds. This creates a texture with an irregular pattern, the distinctively uneven features of which are an invitation to observe the effects of the light on the surface, to rediscover the flows and circular movements that lie within the primary imprinting process.

Its aesthetic qualities and technical features make FLOW ideal for both floors and walls, both indoors and outdoors. FLOW is a contemporary and informal project, which can be applied with sober elegance on floors, vertical surfaces and stairs. Formal purity and smooth linearity are the main features which complete the collection. It plays with nuances which span from white to all shades of grey. In order to offer greater versatility, FLOW can be combined with elements from the CERAMICA collection - already in production in white, black and ivory - which now includes three shades of grey, while maintaining unaltered the superb white ceramic surface crafted using the extrusion technique. This smooth blend of industrially-created textures that can be dipped into to create the trendiest of interiors.

THE BIG BUG is the new lunch table collection The Bugs Family by Patricia Urquiola. With its hexagonal top, it is suitable to host up to 6 persons and gives the opportunity to add a dumbwaiter. The modularity and versatility of the product enable to create several formal combinations. Mutina proposes "THE BIG BUG", as the whole "The Bugs Family", with a printed iron dark grey or corten effect structure and with a top in ceramics, declined in the different nuances of the Dechirer collection Bianco, Grigio, Piombo, Nero, and Ecrù. On demand, the structure can also be treated for external use.

The previews continue. In a couple of days, we will be ready to give some anticipations on the real protagonists at the Cersaie. The Mutina space will host three huge projects, realised in collaboration with three big names of international design.

For further information please contact:
Mutina Ceramiche
Giuliana Ricci - Brand Manager
Tel: 0536812800
 

Press Office
Three Studio Communicaziona
Cristina Barchi
3395904049

A SUMMER FULL OF CREATIVITY WITH THE PROJECTS FLOW AND CERAMICA BY MUTINA CERAMICHE & DESIGN AND THE BIG BUG BY PATRICIA UQUIOLA

Fiorano Modenese, 12th July 2010 - Waiting for the Cersaie, Mutina Ceramiche & Design anticipates three important novelties which will warm up the next exhibition in Bologna, from... more

On Wednesday 30 June and Thursday 1 July 2010, the World Ceramic Tiles Forum gathered in Jakarta for its 17th session. This year's session of the Forum was hosted by ASAKI, the Indonesian Ceramic Industry Association, and was inaugurated by Indonesia Vice President Boediono. Following an opening speech by Mr. Alfonso Panzani, Chairman of the World Ceramic Tiles Forum, Prof. Dr. Boediono gave an interview of the Indonesian economy and mentioned several actions which will contribute to the competitiveness of the ceramic tile industry in Indonesia.

The 17th Forum session involved the representatives of the ceramic tiles industry in Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Spain, Taiwan, Ukraine and the USA. Altogether these countries represent the very large majority of worldwide production in wall and floor tiles.

The main aspects covered at the Forum's General Assembly covered global trends in consumption and production, the sustainability of ceramic tiling, developments in standardisation and trends in barriers to trade.

Global trends in production, consumption and trade: Armando Cafiero (Confindustria Ceramica) shared the data available on production and consumption in 2009. World consumption in ceramic tiles has been constantly rising over the last years with an estimate of 5,39 billion m2 in 2000 increasing to 8,55 billion m2 in 2008. As a result of the economic crisis, world consumption decreased slightly (by 1,4%) in 2009 compared to 2008. Over the same period, world production decreased by 2,5%. While domestic sales remained on average stable, exports are reported to have decreased by 10%. However, considering the rapid recovery and return to growth in emerging markets, particularly in Asia, the world production is expected to grow further in 2010 and beyond. The strength of domestic consumption in countries such as China, India, Indonesia or Brazil was particularly emphasised.

Debates on sustainability showed the need for increased cooperation and exchange of information between tiles manufacturers at international level. Aspects related to energy efficiency, environmental performance, safety and educational programmes on the use of ceramic tiles were considered as extremely relevant