Portobello opens factory in Tennessee

The plant is already fully operational and features Sacmi technology in the preparation, forming, firing and finishing departments.

The official opening of the Portobello America plant, the Brazilian ceramic group’s first overseas production site, was held on 14 October in Baxter, Tennessee. The event was attended by more than 300 guests, including local dignitaries and major strategic partners. They were welcomed by Portobello Group’s President Cesar Gomez Jr. together with four generations of his family, including his father Cesar Gomez who founded the company in Tijucas back in 1979.

The state-of-the-art factory in Baxter is already fully operational and will produce medium to large sized tiles and special pieces for the US market. In this initial phase, it will have an output of around 3.6 million square metres per year.

The factory “combines cutting-edge technology and logistics to create a unique tailor-made solution for the US market”, said Portobello America.

One of the main technology partners was Sacmi, which supplied key plant technologies including state-of-the-art mills, spray dryers, presses and kilns, as well as BMR’s advanced finishing lines and the HERE factory supervisor. The facility features cutting-edge environmental technology including flue gas filtration and dust suppression systems designed and supplied by Sacmi.

This project strengthens the partnership between Portobello and Sacmi following the investments made at the Brazilian headquarters, including the line for large-size decorated slabs launched in 2020.