Petraluxe adopts Siti-B&T Group technology

Siti-B&T Group of Formigine, Italy, a leading supplier of complete plants for the ceramic industry, has secured an agreement with the large German tile producer Petraluxe for the supply of two complete large-format Grestream lines.

Petraluxe has chosen to invest 34.5 million euro in a technology that will enable it to produce hi-tech ceramic tiles capable of penetrating as yet unexplored markets. The company’s goal is to create a highly innovative product with a high degree of added value that will be capable of paying back the investment within a short timeframe. These large-format porcelain tiles in sizes from 60x120 cm to 120x240 cm and with thicknesses from 6 to 30 mm have characteristics – particularly aesthetic – that set them apart from conventional ceramic tiles. The plastic extrusion production process allows for an unlimited range of decorations with effects that cannot be obtained from powder pressing.

The product can be used as a large-format floor or wall covering in either interiors or exteriors and on ventilated facades. Compared to other materials, the sheets have lower weight, a smaller thickness, higher mechanical strength and superior acoustic and thermal insulation performance. Use of the plastic extrusion process enables the ventilated facade profiles to be incorporated directly during the production process.

The new Petraluxe factory will have a capacity of 2 million square metres/year from the end of 2009 onwards and the new products will be launched onto the market from 2010.