Panariagroup to purchase Lamina plant

As part of a major agreement between two of the largest players in the Italian ceramic sector announced the day before Cersaie, Panariagroup will purchase the technologies developed by the System Group’s Lamina division for the production of innovative 3 mm porcelain sheets in a maximum size of 3x1 m.

Panariagroup’s decision to invest in Lamina technology stems from the success of Kerlite line products (marketed under the Cotto d’Este brand name) which are manufactured using the new technology. It is the first step in a broader project to convert the factory in Fiorano (Modena) from traditional ceramic tile production to that of “low-thickness porcelain sheets”.
The agreement with System Group also includes an option to purchase a further two plants over the next three years.
By 2009 the first installed line will be capable of producing 800,000 sq.m per year and following the complete reconversion of the factory and the start-up of the three lines the facility will reach an annual production of approximately 2.5 sq.m.

“In spite of the adverse world economic situation, we wanted to send out a strong message to a market that we believe continues to offer good growth opportunities,” commented Panariagroup’s chairman Giuliano Mussini.