New Ceramic Tile Company Debuts in American Market
Chicago, April 21--Graniti Fiandre, the multi-million dollar ceramic tile company based in Castellerano, Italy, announced the launch of StonePeak Ceramics, Inc., a new porcelain ceramic tile company exclusively dedicated to the American market. StonePeak Ceramics’ manufacturing operations are housed in a state-of-the-art facility in Crossville, Tenn. Its headquarters and showroom are located in downtown Chicago. As the first Graniti Fiandre family of companies to manufacture in the United States, StonePeak Ceramics is building upon its prestigious heritage and extensive knowledge to bring well-designed, high-quality porcelain ceramic tile solutions to American homes and businesses. Eight initial product lines of both glazed and unglazed tile are currently in development and in test production at the company’s facility in Tennessee. Four of the initial product lines will be introduced by StonePeak Ceramics at Coverings (booth #2752) in early May. The other initial product lines will be introduced this summer. StonePeak Ceramics is an American company with all branded products sold exclusively through an independent distributor network. In order to build and sustain strong relationships with distributors, StonePeak Ceramics is providing its distribution partners with support programs and other tools to help them stay competitive in the high-end residential and commercial markets. The company’s $50 million manufacturing facility in Crossville, Tenn. houses one of the world’s most complex, highly-technical production lines in the world. Approximately 150 highly-skilled employees from the local Crossville area run the state-of-the-art facility and cutting-edge machinery. The plant will produce tile in a wide variety of appealing designs, textures and color selections, along with a multitude of complementary trims and accessories. With operations now underway, StonePeak Ceramics has named Barrie Dekker and Roberto Franceschin to lead the new porcelain ceramic tile company as Vice President of Strategic Sales and Vice President of Sales – Distribution, respectively. Dekker and Franceschin are responsible for introducing the new company to the industry. With more than 30 years of combined experience, Dekker and Franceschin take the lead in conveying and developing the company’s unique image and brand. Dekker started her career in her family’s wholesale tile business. As the fourth generation in her family to work in the industry, Dekker has held several leadership positions at various tile companies -- including Graniti Fiandre and Crossville Ceramics -- where she was responsible for developing product lines, initiating distribution channels and implementing national accounts programs. In her current role, Dekker is responsible for the sales strategy of the company, defining various market opportunities and developing strategies to successfully reach the marketplace. Franceschin has held management positions with several major tile companies. Most recently, he was Vice President of Savoia Canada, a Toronto-based Graniti Fiandre distribution company. Bringing deep experience in sales, marketing, purchasing and accounting to StonePeak, Francheschin will oversee all distributor needs and programs, as well as the development of new products. StonePeak Ceramics manufactures and markets high-quality porcelain ceramic tile, incorporating beautiful Italian style with the personality and sensibility that meets American tastes. StonePeak Ceramics is a fully-owned subsidiary of Graniti Fiandre, the multi-million dollar porcelain ceramic tile company based in Castellerano, Italy. Its 628-million-square-foot production facility is based in Crossville, Tenn. Company headquarters and showroom are based in downtown Chicago.
Related Topics:Crossville, Coverings, Stonepeak Ceramics