The 2011 turnovers of the top Italian ceramic tile manufacturers

Tile Italia issue number 3, due to be sent out at the end of June, is as usual publishing a preview of the 2011 turnovers of the top Italian ceramic tile manufacturers. In spite of promising signs in the first part of the year, storm clouds gathered during the last few months while the market stood by in a state of shock. Then the storm broke and is continuing to rage violently over the global economic landscape, especially that of Italy. Nonetheless, 2011 closed with modest signs of growth, both in production (+3.2%) and in turnover (+1.86%). Once again these results were attributable to the positive performance of exports (+4.6%) and in spite of the slowdown of the domestic market (turnover down 5.8% from 2010 to 2011).

The rankings drawn up by TILE ITALIA continue to be led by Marazzi Group, which after completing a two-year investment programme of close to 100 million euro in Italy closed the year with a turnover of 832.5 million euro, 1.73% up on 2010. Next comes the Concorde Group, which in spite of not disclosing its 2011 figures, maintained its second position. In third place is the combined turnover of the Fiandre - Iris Group which was formed on 1 May 2011 following the leasing by GranitiFiandre of the industrial and commercial arm of Iris Ceramica. Up three places to fourth, is the Finfloor Group with 11.24% turnover growth with respect to 2010 to 304.6 million euro, increasing its production and exports as a result of direct sales in the USA. Panariagroup, fifth, posted a 294.1 million euro turnover in 2011 (2.2% up on the previous year), followed closely by Casalgrande Padana with 292.3 million Euro (up 3.28%).

The central section of the rankings, occupied by companies with turnovers above 100 million euro, has shown some strong performances, with two-figure turnover increases reported by strongly growth-oriented companies: Serenissima Group (+16.65%), which on 1 January 2011 acquired the production facility of Impronta Ceramica in Rubiera; ABK Group (+16.57%); and Gold Art Group (+13.37%), which reached a turnover of 100 million euro and saw increases in production, exports and employees.

Groups with turnovers below 100 million euro are showing signs of stress, with on the whole stable results relative to the previous year but also with widespread falls in turnover. Notable exceptions are the Rondine Group, thanks to the lease contract signed in March 2010 for the leading Italian skirting manufacturer Sadon, and the good results posted by Coem, 8.31% up on 2010, largely due to export growth.