Development and sustainability for the Florim Group

Florim Group, a leading Italian ceramic tile manufacturer based in Fiorano Modenese and with 6 brands and some 1,300 employees worldwide, reported a consolidated turnover of 304.6 million euro and an output of 21 million square metres last year. 2011 was also a year of major change for the group led by chairman Claudio Lucchese from the standpoint of energy management and environmental sustainability.

In March, it started up a new cogeneration plant consisting of a gas turbine capable of generating an electrical power of 6,300 MW ISO and supplying heat to three new spray dryers.

As part of its commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability, in 2011 the Florim Group also invested more than 38 million euro into a project to demolish and rebuild 40,000 sq.m of industrial buildings in Fiorano Modenese, on which it installed more than 16,000 sq.m of photovoltaic panels. The plant, currently nearing completion, was authorised by GSE and granted promotional tariffs as "Technological Innovation" under the terms of the 4th "Conto Energia" scheme. It uses Laminam System-Photonics panels with a total nominal capacity of around 2.7 MW peak. The plant will bring significant reductions in both atmospheric CO₂ emissions and consumptions as a result of increased energy production. The overall reduction in company electricity consumptions is expected to reach 65% of total annual requirements.

Upon completion of both projects, the company will have a plant layout that is unique for the ceramic sector and a benchmark for the industry at a world level.