After considering the work of hundreds of leading tile distributors across the United States and Canada, Ceramics of Italy is pleased to recognize Mosaic Tile Company as the recipient of the 2013 Confindustria Ceramica North American Distributor Award. The award is annually presented at Coverings to a prominent North American distributor in appreciation of their dedication to the promotion of Italian ceramic tiles in the marketplace. This year, Mosaic Tile Company, a valued partner for the past 40+ years, joins this hall of fame list of distributors. With ten showroom locations on the East Coast, the company has distinguished itself as a leading resource for colorful, design-driven, large-format and eco-friendly tile.

As in past years, a Supervisory Committee made up of members of the Confindustria Ceramica Board of Directors, compiled a list of criteria based on recommendations from Italian ceramic tile manufacturers. Judges’ considerations included: long term competence and skill as an importer and distributor of Italian ceramic tiles; preference for Ceramics of Italy products in light of their unique aesthetic and technical qualities; fair-trade practices in the commercial relationship undertaken with Italian manufacturers; and best showroom and corporate image. Based on these standards, Mosaic Tile Company emerged as the clear winner, standing out in each of the rigorous categories set forth by the Italian ceramic tile industry.

Since 1972, Mosaic Tile Company has been dedicated to importing, distributing and marketing high-quality ceramic and porcelain tile to the United States. It is the largest independent distributor in the Mid-Atlantic, a region which has played an important role in the development of American culture, commerce, trade and industry. With ten design centers spanning from Baltimore, Maryland to Raleigh, North Carolina, the company prides itself on its superior service and wide selection of hard surfaces from around the world. Mosaic Tile Company’s current inventory features a long list of Italian manufacturers including: Atlas Concorde, Mirage, Monocibec, Serenissima, Florim, Marazzi, Del Conca, Edimax, Piemmegres, Imola Ceramica and Provenza, to name a few. Its tile gallery is filled with everything from large format porcelains to monocottura wall tiles to meet the needs of the commercial and residential markets. This past year, its sales of ceramic tiles accounted for over 75% of overall turnover.  

In addition to its wide range of tile from Italy, the jury was also impressed by the company’s commitment to sustainability. A supporter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Mosaic Tile Company brings “green” tile to the forefront of design. Its professionally trained design consultants are deeply educated on the environmental benefits of ceramic tile and up-to-date with today’s most important industry standards and environmental policies including LEED-compliant products, tiles made of pre- and post- consumer recycled material and setting materials that offer low VOC options.

Mosaic Tile Company’s 40+ year tradition of excellence will be celebrated at Coverings on Tuesday, April 30, 2013. During Ceramics of Italy’s annual cocktail party, Aperitivo Italiano, Vittorio Borelli, vice president of promotional activities for Confindustria Ceramica, will present Mosaic Tile Company with the 2013 North American Distributor Award. The party will be held on show site from 5:30–7:30pm in the Ceramics of Italy booth #2231. General Manager James Igoe will be on hand to accept the prestigious prize. The company will also receive a trip to Bologna, Italy to attend CERSAIE – the world’s largest exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings – from September 23-27, 2013.

Dallas, TX (May 6, 2013) – For more than 65 years, Daltile has helped homeowners, contractors and design professionals bring their visions to life with the widest range of quality tile and stone. But, leading the industry with best-in-class products isn’t enough.

“It’s important to not only to be leaders in our industry, but also in every aspect of our business,” says Jim Fanning, senior vice president, Marketing, Dal-Tile. “It is important to our team members and our culture that we give back to the communities that support us.”

With 2,000 employees in over 260 locations, Daltile’s touch can be felt across North America. And through its Legacy of Giving, the company is touching more people, more communities, and more organizations in need than ever before.

“Through our Legacy of Giving initiatives we support the worthwhile efforts of organizations like the ASID Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and many local organizations,” continues Fanning. “We’re committed to leaving a legacy of giving back to those who give so much to us.”

Recently Daltile’s Legacy of Giving has focused on two major programs:  becoming a national corporate partner for Habitat for Humanity, and a company-wide contribution to military members and their families.

As a national corporate partner of Habitat for Humanity, Daltile will support the organization’s mission with monetary donations, products and the time and talent of employees by hosting housing builds in major metropolitan markets across the U.S.

“Daltile is helping those in need by creating beautiful spaces and affordable housing through donations of time, talent, tile, and funding to Habitat for Humanity,” said Lori Kirk-Rolley, senior marketing director, Dal-Tile. “We’re thrilled to align with such a giving organization in the communities we’ve worked for many years.”

“Thanks to corporate partners, like Daltile, we’re able to continue to grow and meet our mission, and provide safe, affordable housing for families across the U.S. and around the world,” says Lysa Ratliff, senior director of Corporate Programs for Habitat for Humanity International.  With this assistance from Daltile, and its employees we’ll be adding to the more than 600,000 houses we’ve built and repaired and serve more than 3 million people worldwide.”

The Habitat for Humanity partnership kicked off on May 7 with the first housing build taking place in Houston, Texas. Following the Houston build, will be Phoenix on May 11, and then builds in major cities including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco and Washington D.C.

In addition to working with Habitat for Humanity, employees recently honored U.S. and Canada military members and their families as part of Daltile’s Legacy of Giving. The passion to say “thank you” and to give back came across loud and clear at the company’s recent National Sales Conference.

“When it comes to giving, there is no greater example than our military,” said John Cousins, vice president, Daltile. “Every day, brave service men, women and their families make tremendous sacrifices to preserve our freedoms.” During the conference in Orlando, Florida, employees honored U.S. and Canadian military and their families. Events included assembly of 900 care packages and the hosting of three special Marine families for a much-deserved vacation.

Cousins continued, “Our efforts at the National Sales Conference are a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by our military families each and every day.”

“We all know the pressures working families face, and typically there’s little time for rest and relaxation,” said Cousins. “The pressures and stress are compounded for a military family when its father, mother, son or daughter is away for extended periods of time. To express our deep appreciation for their sacrifices, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to give a few families the gift of time to spend together.”

During the conference, two medically retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeants, a Marine Gunner CWO-3 on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, and their wives and children enjoyed a four day vacation and their first trip to Disney World, courtesy of Daltile. The families were also honored during a special presentation, along with Daltile’s own employees who have served, or currently serve their country in the military.

Additionally at the conference, Daltile employees assembled care packages for American and Canadian active military members, wounded veterans and military families. Packages included necessities such as toiletries, as well as fun items like gift cards, headphones and playing cards. At the conclusion of the conference, Daltile employees loaded the care packages onto military trucks with the help of local Army and Navy Reservists for a grand send off.

“We are so thankful for the leadership position we have in our industry, and are thrilled to be sharing our success with the communities, and people, who’ve supported us,” says Fanning.  “Our legacy will be one of leadership, and giving back, for years to come.”

About Daltile

Daltile is an industry-leading brand of ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, manufactured stone and natural stone tile products.  Daltile products are distributed through over 250 company-owned sales service centers, stone slabyards and gallery design centers that service a robust network of trade customers.  Dedicated to innovative product development and distinguished style, Daltile provides a rich palette of quality products created to inspire residential and commercial designs. For more information, visit www.daltile.com and follow Daltile on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit Habitat.org, follow us at facebook.com/habitat or at twitter.com/habitat.org or join Habitat’s blog community at habitat.org/blog.

The MAPEI Group, worldwide leader in chemical products for the building industry, acquires Wallmerk Construction Chemicals Building Industry and Trade, Inc

Mapei SpA – a worldwide leader in manufacturing chemical products for the building industry that produces more than 1,400 products for more than 55,000 clients all over the world – now operates 63 plants in 31 countries on five continents, thanks to the acquisition of 100% of the Turkish company Wallmerk Construction Chemicals Building Industry and Trade, Inc.

Founded in 2007, Wallmerk Construction is located in in Polatli OSB, one of the most important industrial zones in Ankara, which is a strategic area for Turkey. The company is located on a total surface of 247,569 sq. ft. (23 000 m²), with 53,819 sq. ft. (5 000 m²) of covered space. It is active in the production and trade of chemical products for the building industry, with a wide range of more than 200 products. Their offerings include waterproofing systems, special mortars and mortars for anchoring, tile adhesives and grouts, materials for thermal insulation, indoor and outdoor coatings, industrial floorings and other construction materials. In 2012, the company reached a turnover of more than 10 million Euros.

“We are very proud of this acquisition,” stated Veronica Squinzi, Internationalization and Business Development Manager of MAPEI Group. “It allows us to effectively enter the Turkish market, which we already serve through the import of our products produced in other European countries. Our internationalization strategy is based on a closer proximity to local customers and on a reduction of the transportation costs while constantly maintaining excellent quality thanks to our Research and Development centers. The Wallmerk acquisition moves us forward in this direction, allowing us to serve a very active and dynamic market in Turkey, which represents an important commercial connection from Europe to Asia.”

Squinzi cited positive economic figures in support of the acquisition. “Turkey has the third largest population in Europe, after Russia and Germany. It is the 16^th  world economy and is expected to be among the 10 most economically developed countries by 2023. Turkey is ranked number two in the ceramic tile markets of Europe after Russia; moreover, it is the first cement producer and exporter in Europe and the third in the world.

“Today many investments are forecast for Turkey, both in the residential and non-residential buildings markets, and also in big infrastructural projects. In addition, the Turkish international contractors are among the most active in the world. It was natural for MAPEI to enter this market, as our goal is to become an important player in the Turkish building industry thanks to our technologically advanced products accompanied by a very strong, continuous environmental commitment. We are ready to take up this new challenge with great enthusiasm,” Squinzi concluded.

The steady internationalization of MAPEI Group is strictly in concert with the steady revenue growth of the last 20 years. In 1990, aggregate revenues totaled 150 billion lira; in 2012, they exceeded 2 billion Euros, with 70% coming from international markets.

Together with the increasing revenues, the number of subsidiaries and MAPEI plants has grown too. Among investments undertaken in 2012, the company opened a new plant in India, added a third plant in France and a second one in Poland.

In following its growth and internationalization strategy, MAPEI Group has constantly invested in Research & Development – research personnel account for about 12% of the workforce (7,500 total employees in 2012). Furthermore, 70% of investments are channeled into the production of eco-sustainable products that respect the strictest official standards and satisfy the international criteria of sustainability in the building industry.

MAPEI technology and quality are chosen by more and more customers and are used for the building of important projects worldwide: For example, the New Panama Canal, the dam “GIBE III” (the largest dam in the world) in Addis Ababa,  the Arroyo Maldonado galleries in Buenos Aires, Burji Khalifa in Dubai and Heathrow Airport in London, as well as indoor and outdoor sports fields and the infrastructures for the Olympic Games of the last decades (Beijing, London and the next in Sochi). Italian projects include important venues such as the Rome and Milan underground, the high-speed railway for Turin-Milan-Salerno and City Life in Milan.

For any further information, please visit our Website: www.mapei.com

For all other information, please contact: MAPEIi Marketing Dept. – Tel: +39 (0)2-376731; E-mail: communication@mapei.it

The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) is pleased to announce that Joe Lundgren, of Joseph Lundgren Consulting (JLC), has joined the TCNA team to advance TCNA’s laboratory services. Mr. Lundgren’s extensive experience in the tile industry makes him uniquely well-suited to
connect his customers with TCNA lab services that can help build their businesses. Marketplace requirements, conformance to standards, and product research are all areas where the customer benefits from the synergy between JLC and TCNA lab services.

Mr. Lundgren began his career in tile in 1984 with American Olean and went on to ascend the ranks of management at Dal-Tile, becoming their Vice President of Marketing.

While with Dal-Tile, he represented the company on TCNA’s Board of Directors and played a key part in TCNA initiatives aimed at growing the tile industry and the organization. “We are excited to have Joe working directly with our laboratory,” says TCNA Executive Director
Eric Astrachan. “He has a great relationship with many of the top manufacturers and importers from around the world. Joe knows tile and the tile marketplace. We value his advice and know his insight into standards and quality will be invaluable to his customers. It is also personally
gratifying that his consulting company is a supporter of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation that TCNA and so many in the installation community have worked to advance.”

Mr. Lundgren will work closely with Claudio Bizzaglia, TCNA’s Director of Laboratory Services. “I always valued the work the TCNA did for the ceramic and stone industry while I was on their Board of Directors,” says Mr. Lundgren. “I look forward to promoting their testing
services, including the new glass tile standard [ANSI A137.2] to ensure our industry continues to grow with the same quality TCNA has driven since 1945.”

For more information about TCNA laboratory testing, contact Claudio Bizzaglia at cb@tileusa.com or (864) 646-8453. Mr. Lundgren can be reached at Joelundg@aol.com and at (214) 641-7773.

SEAL BEACH, Calif. – April 5, 2013 – Custom^® Building Products (http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/) announces the promotion of Don Devine to the role of president and CEO. With this change, Tom Peck moves into the role of chairman and will focus his energies on CUSTOM’s long-term strategic plans.

“As our organization continues to grow and evolve, we’ve made meaningful additions to our team, invested in technology and systems, and developed an even greater depth of resources internally to ensure we continue as the leading manufacturer of flooring preparation and installation products,” said Chairman Tom Peck. “This change is another step in Custom Building Products’ evolution. Don has already made important leadership contributions in a short time and we share a mutual excitement about the future. I will be able to focus on longer-term strategic growth plans that will ensure CUSTOM is positioned for success over the next half century.”

“This is a great time to be at Custom Building Products,” noted Don Devine. “The company is well positioned with a strong product lineup, genuine customer relationships and an impressive team. My challenge is to make a great company even better while adding value for our customers, employees and shareholders.”

Prior to joining Custom Building Products in July 2012, when he was initially named executive vice president and COO, Mr. Devine held the position of president and CEO at American Standard Brands, a manufacturer of high-quality kitchen and bath fixtures. He held that position since 2007.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the Darden Business School Executive Program at the University of Virginia, Mr. Devine brings more than 25 years of experience with leading industrial and building products brands. Prior to his tenure at American Standard Brands, Mr. Devine was president and COO of Jacuzzi Brands.

 About Custom Building Products

Custom^® Building Products, based in Seal Beach, Calif., is North America’s leader in flooring preparation products and tile and stone installation systems for residential and commercial projects. The company’s product brands, including WonderBoard^® Lite backerboards, Fusion Pro™, Prism^® SureColor^®, CEG-Lite^® and Polyblend^® grouts, a comprehensive line of lightweight mortars, TileLab^® and AquaMix^® maintenance products, and SuperiorBilt^® tools, are considered among the most popular and most trusted by industry professionals. Custom Building Products continually raises standards for the flooring, tile and stone industry through its commitment to provide performance-driven installation systems and support.

CUSTOM’s website offers comprehensive resources including product and warranty information, installation specifications and technical support. For more information on the company’s broad family of quality tile and stone installation products, please call (800) 272-8786 or visit www.custombuildingproducts.com.

Tim Bolby

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (April 2, 2013) – Officials with Crossville, Inc. have announced the promotion of Tim Bolby to Executive Director of Technical Services. Bolby joined Crossville in 2002 as Director of Technical Services and, since that time, has served as the technical and quality management leader for the manufacturer. With his promotion, he will continue at the helm of the company’s growing technical services division, overseeing a range of new and ongoing initiatives and representing Crossville as an active member of trade organizations. Bolby has more than 25 years experience in the tile industry and is a graduate of the University of Missouri.

Noah Chitty has joined Crossville, Inc. as Director of Technical Services. Chitty has over 15 years industry experience, including four years as Director of Product Standards and Laboratory Services for the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and, most recently, a seven year tenure as Director of Technical Services and Quality Assurance for StonePeak Ceramics, Inc. Chitty currently serves in several committee leadership roles with key trade organizations, including TCNA, ASTM, NTCA and CTDA. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Engineering from Clemson University.

Noah Chitty

 About Crossville Inc.:
Founded in 1986, Crossville Inc. is a U.S.-owned and operated manufacturer of award-winning tile collections for residential and contract applications.

An industry innovator, Crossville is the first U.S. tile manufacturer to achieve the following:

• produce large format tile on site,
• manufacture tile with certified recycled content,
• develop the Tile Take-Back™ Program for recycling fired porcelain tile
• achieve certification of its waste recycling programs
• achieve TCNA’s Green Squared certification for all of its U.S.-produced tile lines,
• distribute a complete line of large format, 3mm-thin porcelain panels (Laminam by Crossville) and
• become a net consumer of waste.

For more information on Crossville, visit crossvilleinc.com.

San Leandro, CA –March 5, 2013 – GranQuartz,  a leader in the stone tools and equipment market, recently moved into a larger store location to serve  San Leandro, Calif.- area customers. The new location at 2781 Teagarden St. , San Leandro, CA 92805 offers the same great service, more inventories and a larger location.

The San Leandro store is one of 10 GranQuartz stores located across the country. Each store has a complete offering of tools and equipment for the stone, tile and concrete professional.

“We are committed to continually improving our service and shopping experience, making it easier for our customers to find what they need in their area”, said Ted Skaff, director of marketing & communications.

For more information about the new GranQuartz store in Anaheim, California, please visit www.granquartz.com or call 800-458-6222.

Los Angeles, CA – March 5, 2013 – Pearl Abrasive is now the exclusive supplier of Dongsin products in the U.S. With the exception of the CNC products, you can now purchase all Dongsin products from Pearl.

Pearl has been supplying top quality abrasive tools, diamond tools, equipment and accessories since 1968, with customer satisfaction as its top priority. Pearl strives to provide top quality products at competitive prices, with an experienced sales team that  always gives the best possible service.

The Dongsin product line is a perfect fit to the Pearl line of products, allowing Pearl to offer more of the stone cutting, grinding, shaping and polishing products to better serve its customers.

For more information on our products, please visit  www.pearlabrasive.com.