(L-R) - Rich LaRocca, Michael Weaver, and Peter Mileo

CHICAGO, April 18 2008 – Chicago-based Trans Ceramica, a GranitiFiandre Company, has recently expanded their sales management team with the addition of three Special Projects Managers.

“At GranitiFiandre we are known and respected for our superior account service, and due to increased sales, we recently brought three seasoned sales professionals on board to ensure our continued success in this area,” said Jeanne Nichols, vice president—sales and marketing for GranitiFiandre in the US. “We are fortunate to be off to an excellent beginning in 2008 with our first- quarter sales experiencing a double-digit percentage increase—despite the current economic climate.”

Rich LaRocca, Peter Mileo, and Michael Weaver have joined the Trans Ceramica team as Special Projects Managers reporting directly to Nichols. Their primary responsibility is to manage new specifications and national account opportunities. The three join special projects manager Missy Walker, who has been with Trans Ceramica for five years.

The new managers bring impressive industry credentials and experience to their positions: LaRocca brings 24 years of experience in commercial sales; Mileo brings ten years of experience in store design and holds a bachelors degree in marketing; Weaver brings 18 years of experience in architectural sales; project management, and independent distribution ownership; and Walker has over 10 years of experience in the architectural design market and holds a bachelors degree in interior design.

GranitiFiandre’s US staff totals 58 and includes two executive managers, a national account director, a marketing and territory development manager, six regional managers, and four special project managers that work in conjunction with 34 independent American distributors.

About GranitiFiandre

Founded in 1961 in Castellarano, Italy, GranitiFiandre has for decades supplied global customers with the highest quality selection of fine architectural surfacing products. With international facilities in Italy, Germany, and the United States, as well as a global distribution network, GranitiFiandre is equipped to address product needs for an array of architectural and design situations. The company’s United States operations are managed through Trans Ceramica with American headquarters based in the Chicago area.

Dedication to a healthy and safe environment is an important part of GranitiFiandre’s history, and the company proudly continues the tradition of environmental leadership at its United States facility. Significant investments in materials usage efficiency, air quality protection, water resource management and energy efficiency are the hallmarks of GranitiFiandre’s corporate stewardship.

For more information, visit granitifiandreusa.com.