Kütahya Seramik focuses on thin, large sizes

NG Kütahya Seramik, one of the leading Turkish ceramic tile manufacturers and an internationally renowned brand (winner of the Reddot Design Award in 2013), presented the very best of its production at the recent Italian ceramic exhibitions. The group took part in Cersaie with its own 200 sq.m stand, whereas at Tecnargilla it displayed its thin, large-format panels in the pavilion of its supplier System.

The new products stem from a major investment of around 80 million euros in a new facility started up in the Turkish city of Kütahya this summer for the production of large-format tiles and large ceramic panels. The new 320,000 sq.m facility, including 77,000 sq.m under cover, has two production lines with a daily output of 28,000 sq.m.

The first, started up by Sacmi in late June, has a capacity of 20,000 sq.m/day and is equipped with two PH6500 and PH7500 presses and two Sacmi kilns (145 metres in length and 2.4 metres in width). It will be used for the production of 80x80 cm, 60x60 cm and 60x120 cm sizes.

The second, designed and started up in late August by System, uses GEA 43000 technology and is currently the most advanced production unit of its kind in the world. It will produce up to 10,000 sq.m/day of large porcelain panels in thicknesses from 6 mm to 20 mm suitable for use on both floors and walls. The maximum size of 160x480 cm will be cut prior to firing to produce submultiples 160x240 cm, 120x240 cm, 120x120 cm, 80x160 cm, 60x120 cm, 80x80 cm and 60x60 cm. Panels for external facades will also be available soon.

The new line uses 4Phases technology from System for product packaging.

During the production presentation press conference held at Cersaie, NG Kütahya group's owner Erkan Güral noted that the new facility consolidates the company's position in the Turkish market but also opens up new export potential in both Europe and the Americas. The target markets he mentioned include Russian-speaking and Asian countries, while in Italy strategic contacts have been made with a number of potential partners in the world of fashion and design.

"Italy is the home of aesthetics and good living," added Erkan Güral. "This is why we follow Italian trends and tastes very closely and are keen to establish successful partnerships here - not to mention the deeply-rooted industrial culture in the field of ceramic technology and the country's logistic importance. To become a truly international company it is vital to have a presence here. So rather than aiming to compete with Italian tile manufacturers, we are seeking opportunities and partnerships."

The Kütahya group also operates in the tourism industry with luxury hotels on the Turkish coast, and is one of the world's largest producers of tableware. In the tile sector it now has a total production capacity of 28 million sq.m/year.