Italian Ceramic Tile Producers Announce 2004 Produ
Sassuolo, Italy, May 31--The Italian industry of ceramic tiles confirmed a substantial production of ceramic tiles in 2004, with 589.2 million square metres produced.
These are the results of the 25th National Italian Industry Statistics Investigation of ceramic tiles, presented today in Sassuolo in occasion of the meeting of the Association of Italian ceramic producers. According to the investigation's results, 228 companies were active in Italy in December 31, 2004, 11 less than the preceding year, with employment at 29,817, dropping by 447 (-1.48 pct).
The industrial activity takes place in 317 establishments (6 less than in 2003) where there are 721 active ovens (26 less than in 2003); in 2003 investments were 241.5 million euro, 4.51 pct of the turnover, along the same figures as the past ones and the ones planned for next year. The emerging profile is that of a sector that which, through a progressive rationalization of its productive system, is aiming to eliminate the dead wood, engulf companies within larger groups and increase productivity of the single factories.
