System technology adopted in new Arte Seramik facility

The new Arte Seramik factory in Izmir owned by Turkish glass mosaic and ceramic tile manufacturer MCM came into operation in April this year.

The plant stands on a 90,000 square metre site (including a covered area of 60,000 sq.m) and is being built in two stages, the first of which has been completed. Following the initial investment of 150 million Turkish lira (around 27 million euros), the plant has an annual production capacity of 8 million sq.m of 60x60, 60x120, 90x180 and 120x180 cm size porcelain tiles.

The factory is equipped with System technology for digital surface decoration and for the end-of-line stage. A Creadigit XXL digital printer has been installed for decoration of larger size tiles and a Creadigit E for more traditional sizes. These are both single-pass inkjet systems equipped with high-discharge HF heads and standard M heads capable of performing high-definition decoration. Arte Seramik will use these systems to perform textural applications and create ceramic surfaces with strong visual impact and high-level technical characteristics. 

Hi-tech automated solutions from System have been chosen for the end-of-line stage, including Multigecko sorters, the BS08 180 tray packaging system and FV08 packaging machine, and Griffon and Falcon portal palletisers.

According to MCM Group’s Chairman Ahmet Atabey, the second step will involve a further investment of 100 million Turkish lira (around 18 million euros) and when completed in early 2019 will bring production capacity to 15 million square metres. Arte Seramik aims to reach a turnover of 250 million Turkish lira (around 45 million euros) during the initial investment stage, with 60% generated from exports to Europe, America, Canada and Dubai.