The ceramic industry mourns the loss of Federico Michavila Pallarés

Federico Michavila Pallarés, one of the most respected figures in the Spanish ceramic industry who in 1963 founded what is now the multinational group Torrecid and who also led the Spanish glaze and colour producers' association Anffecc for many years, passed away on 10 February at the age of 97.

As well as a successful businessman, Federico Michavila Pallarés was also a highly decorated Spanish Air Force pilot whose long career was crowned at the age of 61 when he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General Chief of Staff.

His passion for the ceramic industry dated back to 1963 when he founded Torrecid, at that time a small frit and glaze factory. His son Federico Michavila Heras, the group's current Chairman and CEO, joined the company in 1978.

With its focus on innovation, internationalisation and leadership, the family business developed over the years to become a global group with a turnover of around €400 million, plants and branches in 29 countries, more than 2,100 employees and customers in 130 countries around the world.