Dal-Tile to Double Production in Muskogee

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Dal-Tile to Double Production in Muskogee
Muskogee, Ok, April 8--Tile manufacturer Dal-Italia announced Thursday it plans to double production at its Muskogee plant with the addition of two new machines by 2006, according to a report in the Muskogee Phoenix. The newspaper quoted company officals as saying that increased production also will increase employment at the plant by 30 to 50 percent and give work to local contractors for the construction. "This facility when completed will likely be the largest capacity facility in North America," said John Turner Jr., senior vice president of operations at Dal-Tile. "It would definitely be one of the largest." The Dal-Italia facility is a joint venture between Dal-Tile and Italian-based tile company Emil Ceramica, and currently employs more than 300 people. The facility began production of porcelain floor tile in June 2003. Construction is slated to begin on the addition this summer and be completed next year, with the total cost running in the tens of millions of dollars, Turner said. The addition is the second phase of the operation, and more additions may be made in the future, executives said. "We are proud to be part of this joint venture because we have a strong challenge," said Dr. Gabriele Ronzoni, general manager of Emil Ceramica. "In an area without a background in ceramics, it was difficult. We have made a little miracle. In a year we have resolved all of the difficulties and are producing high quality (products). With the second phase, the Muskogee plant will become the most important plant." Ronzoni said after the two machines used for ceramic production, known as kilns, are added the Muskogee facility will be one of the nation's largest tile producers, making up around 25 percent of production in North America. The company will be working with Workforce Oklahoma to hire future employees and with Indian Capital Technology Center to provide facilities and other services in training. Around 80 percent of the raw materials used to produce the tiles come from America, and sand from the Arkansas River is used.


Related Topics:Daltile, CERAMICS OF ITALY