FERRO Iberia makes its debut at Cersaie

The newly created company is exhibiting this week in Bologna (Hall 33, Booth A5). Read the interview with the Chairman and CEO, describing the new industrial project.

In April 2024 the Indian glaze manufacturer XPHERE India, through its affiliate EUROCER Global Investments, acquired from Vibrantz both the COVERLINK plant in Onda, Spain, and the worldwide licence of the FERRO brand to be used in the ceramic tile and sanitaryware sectors. Both assets were not included in the purchase of Ferro tile by Altadia in 2020.

But who is EUROCER Global Investments and what is the industrial project of the newly created company FERRO Iberia Specialities?

We asked Vishal Trivedi, Chairman of XPHERE India and EUROCER Global Investments, and Emilio Estrelles, CEO of EUROCER Global Investments.

“XPHERE India is the biggest ceramic glaze manufacturer in India, with an annual turnover exceeding 220 million euros”, says Mr. Trivedi, who adds: "This acquisition in Spain represents a step forward in our expansion in the ceramic floor and wall tile and sanitary ware markets. In fact, XPHERE is a leader in India and has already expanded to other areas, such as the Middle East or Southeast Asia, and now we land in Europe. FERRO has long been a strong brand in the ceramic industry, representing quality and innovation since the early 20th century. By incorporating and licensing the FERRO brand in our agreement, we are demonstrating our dedication to providing high-quality products to the market and advancing our long-term strategic vision for the ceramic sector". On the same hand, we have set up a holding company, EUROCER, which will consolidate all our resources and efforts in Europe. FERRO Iberia is the first company acquired in Europe under the umbrella of EUROCER. It will not be the last one.

Q: Which were the first steps of the new company FERRO Iberia Specialities in these first 4 months after its creation?

VISHAL TRIVEDI: During these first couple of months, our goal has been to have a smooth transition for the Spanish team from Vibrantz to the EUROCER corporation, and also understand the current trends in the chemical piece of the ceramic tile industry and sanitaryware as well. Then we have brought all that information to our R&D team, and we have developed a new set of products with the common support of FERRO brand. Bringing FERRO brand back to the ceramic industry has been an important task, and we are fully committed to make it in the best possible way.

Q: What kind of products will you produce in the Onda factory?

EMILIO ESTRELLES: We are already producing and delivering to our customers a wide range of the additives and chemical products required in the ceramic tile industry. These products have been supplied to different customers in Spain and outside Spain, and the feedback is fantastic. Our customers are really happy with the quality and performance of this new set of products.

Q: The first international showcase where Ferro Iberia will be present is Cersaie in Bologna. What are your expectations? 

VISHAL TRIVEDI: We are coming to the show with high expectations, but mostly due to the fact that our customers are requesting us to develop new FERRO products, with the same high-quality standards as FERRO has always had in the ceramic industry. The fact that FERRO products are back in the market is bringing a lot of attention and requests to our group. And that’s the best news we may have from this international exposure through Cersaie. We are eager to start the show and meet old and new customers in our FERRO booth, and share with them our ideas, plans, and long-term commitment with the industry.

Q: What are your goals in the first year of activity of Ferro Iberia?

EMILIO ESTRELLES: As said before, the main goal in FERRO Iberia is to have a smooth transition from Vibrantz to EUROCER. Of course, we do need to turn things around and bring as much revenue and activities we can to our Spanish facilities, and that is the target we have for this year: bring our production facilities in Spain to a full-steam level. The international expansion is a must to make those targets happen.

Q: Are you evaluating further operations in Europe, as anticipated?

VISHAL TRIVEDI: Definitely yes. FERRO Iberia is the first one of more to come. Most probably we will be announcing a new acquisition in Europe during the CERSAIE show. In our strategic plan, we were targeting 2 acquisitions in Europe, and we are on fully on track.