Florim USA Plans For Growth

Clarksville, TN, April 10-- As Florim USA launches its fourth year of operations, its parent, The Florim Group, is projecting continued growth and plans ongoing investments and improvements. "Today, Florim USA accounts for between 25% and 30% of The Florim Group's business worldwide," said Claudio Lucchese, chairman of The Florim Group. "In the next few years, we see this growing to 50%, driven by the opportunity we see in the U.S." Lucchese said that Florim USA's sales grew more than 10% last year, with production output in its ISO-certified facility setting a factory record. "We’re investing to add new product technologies, and to improve service to our customers," said Lucchese. "This is necessary to achieve our goal of becoming the leader in the U.S. market." Florim has invested more than $25 million in its U.S. facilities since acquiring the operation in 2000. Initially, the company focused on the installation of advanced manufacturing technology to improve production and product quality. Currently, Florim USA is breaking ground on a $2 million warehouse expansion project to better serve growing demand. According to president and CEO Mirco Migliari, the expansion will add 100,000 square feet to the plant's existing warehouse facility. "We’re already the largest single-site tile manufacturing facility in America," Migliari said. "Upon completion of the expansion, Florim USA will have over 300,000 square feet of interior warehouse space, including new offices and break areas for additional distribution personnel. We should be up and running in the new warehouse by the second quarter of 2003." Lucchese cited additional growth strategies, including the strengthening of Florim USA's management team, and a slate of new products scheduled for introduction in 2003. In the 3rd and 4th quarters of last year, changes were made in Florim USA's leadership, including the promotion of Migliari to president & CEO. Earlier this year, David Hartman joined the Florim USA team as executive vice president of sales and marketing. He will lead the company's strategic direction, including distribution, branding, and marketing programs into the future.