Del Conca turnover up by 30% in first half of 2002

Jul 22, 2002

Del Conca turnover up by 30% in first half of 2002Rimini, 22 July 2002 - The Del Conca Group, a Rimini-based company comprising the brand names Ceramica Faetano (wall tiles), Ceramica Del Conca (porcelain tile) and three sales companies, achieved an increase in turnover of 8.2 million euro in the first half of 2002, 30% more than in the same period in 2001. The company is headed by chairman Enzo Mularoni. Sales figures are positive both in Italy (+2.5%) and abroad. According to the Del Conca management, in view of the Group's current growth trend (12% up in 2001 over 2000) the Group is expected to exceed its original turnover forecast of 80 million euro.
To meet market requests, the Group is now focusing on further reinforcing its manufacturing facilities with investments of about 26 million euro and acquiring companies with complementary activities over the next few years.

One of the most important markets for the Group is the United States, where its turnover has risen from 2 million euro in 1997 to an expected 25 million euro in 2002. It has decided to distribute its products through home centers. Again in the US, the Group has launched exclusive initiatives such as the production of 600 commemorative artistic tiles, commissioned by the Governor of the State of New York, George Pataky, for the guests at the Italian Heritage Celebration, an event held for a month every year.
Likewise in Italy, Del Conca has launched an innovative commercial policy based on brand name stores. Following forthcoming openings in Bologna and Fano, the number of stores will reach 12, located throughout the country.

One of the company's latest initiatives is its partnership with Ivo Sassi, a sculptor and ceramist from Faenza who works in the old church of Santa Margherita. The Group has started up a research project with Sassi that aims to improve the artistic qualities of ceramic - colour, design, form and relief - through the original interpretation of the artist. The new collection created through this partnership will be officially presented at Cersaie 2002, to be held in Bologna from 1 to 6 October. The Del Conca Group will set up a specific show space where ceramic tiles will be displayed together with the sculptures of the artist, winner of the coveted Faenza prize at the 28th International Competition of Contemporary Artistic Ceramic in 1970.