Doral, Fla.—Serenissima Cir, a producer of floor and wall tile and a key manufacturing partner of Mediterranea, based here, has invested approximately $24 million to improve its newly acquired manufacturing plant in Rubiera, Italy.
Serenissima purchased the plant from Impronta Ceramiche in 2011, and immediately launched plans to re-engineer the facility to make it more energy efficient and a technological leader. Among the changes: A new LB clay storage plant; two new SACMI PH 6500 and PH 3800 presses, allowing a size change to be carried out in just 30 minutes, rather than the four hours it took using old technology; six BCF glazing lines with Projecta and Air Power applicators, and a BMR multipurpose grinding line to produce stoneware to sizes as large as 1200 x 1200mm.
“Mediterranea and Serenissima have worked together for years to produce innovative porcelain tiles, and the factory investment demonstrates a commitment to remain a technological leader,” said Mediterranea president Michael Mariutto. “Mediterranea is proud to have such a long-standing relationship with one of Italy’s top manufacturers.”
Mediterranea and Serenissima design and manufacture several series of porcelain tile for the U.S. market—including the Mediterranea series Ice, Exotica and Timber.
The Serenissima plant in Rubiera is forecast to be at full power in September.