The tile cutting segment

Oct 28, 2003

28/10/03 -The tile cutting segment is made up of about 83 companies, of smaller dimensions than those in the decoration segment. They employ a total of 1500 people and have a turnover of 150 million euro. The sample analysed in the survey consists of 11 companies that represent 15% of the total and generate a turnover of 22 million euro, 12% on 2001.

Further 10% growth is expected this year. 60% of turnover was generated from sales to ceramic companies, the rest from sales to third fire decoration companies. Amongst the various types of cut products, there is an increase in mosaic and trim pieces (respectively 36% and 45% of the total).

The machines most widely used by companies in the segment are three-head cutting machines, followed by two-head machines. There are also large numbers of trim piece cutting machines, profiling machines and edging machines for bullnose pieces. On average each company uses seven machines, one for every three employees.

The most serious problems faced by companies in the tile cutting segment are the difficulties in recruiting specialised workers (indicated as first and second choice by 36% of companies), difficulties in financing investments, excessively short delivery deadlines and long payment times. Excessively small orders are not perceived as a problem (27% of responses compared to 80% in 2000).
The constraint on development indicated most frequently by tile cutting companies is excessively fierce competition (55% of companies), followed by the availability of qualified personnel (45%) and small company size (36%).
Lastly, research plays a less important role for these companies. Just 27% of the sampled companies conduct aesthetic and technical research.