The American ceramic tile market: the opinion of Ragno Usa

Mar 31, 2006

31/03/06 - In 2005 we achieved an increase in volume of more than 35% as a result of our large production capacity (4 kilns operating 24 hours a day in the Florence factory) and the development of our sales network across the entire country.
These excellent results were entirely expected as we are backed by a very solid group that has a strong belief in the US market.
Manufacturing directly in the United States is obviously an advantage because it allows us to offer American customers certain assurances with regard to variables that affect product availability times, such as customs and transport.
Also there’s no need to organise enormous warehouses and orders can be fragmented. It is important to focus on customer service.

Thanks to expert local personnel, Ragno USA is able to offer a service that comes up to expectations. We also have lower product marketing costs, which makes us more competitive. Amongst the emerging countries, apart from China, I believe that Brazil is the most dangerous in terms of quality/price ratio. We obviously have to respond with a high-level product such as glazed porcelain tile, which we are offering with a highly diversified graphic design as a result of the enormous investments we have made in plant and machinery.

We are also seeking to make better use of group synergies. For this purpose, we have appointed the Country Manager for this market, a figure that will coordinate all the Group’s activities in America.
The growth trend in the US market reflects the situation a few years ago in the European market, so I believe that porcelain tile is the product type that will see greatest growth.