Despite the moderate contraction in sales, in 2018 Del Conca USA invested in the expansion of the range with new technical products aimed at the commercial construction sector.

With an investment of almost $70 million, StonePeak (Crossville) started up the production of 300x150 cm porcelain slabs with various thicknesses.

The Italian group (in the USA with Florida Tile) is confident that their US Business Unit will see moderate growth this year after a disappointing 2018.

From April 9 to 12 BMR will take part at Coverings with its latest technologies for the finishing process of ceramic tiles.

Mohawk Group has launched the new Panoramic Porcelain Slabs, and started a new plant in Tennessee for the production of Quartz Slabs.

According to TCNA forecasts, in 2019 overall sales of US ceramic tiles will be flat or experience low, single-digit growth.

To support its market growth in India, Alteo has announced the opening of its new branch Alteo India Aluminas Private Ltd. in Mumbai.

Margins see double-digit growth: EBITDA +12% and Group net profit +39%. Export share reaches 88% of turnover.

Ukrainian retailer Epicenter K is about to start up a new complete Sacmi plant for the production of 12 million sq.m/year of monoporosa and porcelain tiles.

Laminam’s revenues reached 110 million euros in 2018 (+30% on 2017). Sales of large size ceramic panels were strong both on the exports markets and in Italy (+20%). Russia and China are showing very good growth trends.

In spring this year, Revigres will be starting up its second Divario line for the production of full-body porcelain tiles in a 90x90 cm size.

Confindustria Ceramica Chairman Giovanni Savorani describes the various factors that have contributed to the slowdown of the sector as well as the measures that have been put in place to exploit new opportunities.