Florida Tile was honored with the 2026 TECNAward for New Technology (Americas Region) at the international TECNA exhibition in Rimini, Italy. The award celebrates global leaders in the ceramic tile sector who are driving industrial evolution through cutting-edge machinery, automated processes, and modern plant design.
Organized by ACIMAC (the Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machinery and Equipment for Ceramics) and IEG, the award recognizes Florida Tile’s major state-of-the-art technological investments at its manufacturing facility in Lawrenceburg, Ky.
“The cornerstone of this international recognition is the state-of-the-art polishing line we introduced in 2025,” said Fabio Ricchi, Vice President of Manufacturing. “This advanced system seamlessly integrates a sophisticated dry-glaze application process with cutting-edge polishing equipment. By allowing us to precisely align microgranule applications with the tile’s graphic design, we can deliver immaculate surfaces in stunning glossy, 3D, and 3D+ finishes. This dramatically expands our production capabilities and ensures we consistently exceed the rigorous demands of modern commercial and residential spaces.”
Florida Tile CEO Leonardo Pesce said the recognition “is a tremendous honor and reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, advancing manufacturing excellence, and building a more sustainable future for our industry.
“By prioritizing this strategic investment and integrating next-generation machinery and automation into our plant, we have significantly expanded our capabilities and raised the standard for premium, sustainably manufactured tile in North America,” he noted. “We are excited about the opportunities this creates and the role it will play in shaping the future of ceramic manufacturing.
“Above all, this award is a testament to the talent, dedication, and expertise of our entire team. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and this achievement reinforces our determination to continue raising the bar and setting new standards for our industry. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together and what lies ahead for Florida Tile.”
About Florida Tile
Founded in 1954, Florida Tile is committed to quality and innovation in the ceramic and porcelain tile industry. With a focus on design trends and sustainable practices, Florida Tile continues to provide beautiful and durable tile solutions for any space. It is a brand of Panariagroup USA, which also includes Panaria Ceramica, Cotto d’Este, LEA Ceramiche, Love Tiles, Margres, Gresart, Maxa, and Bellissimo.
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