CHICAGO, September 24, 2008 – Italian stone and tile manufacturer GranitiFiandre reports steadily increasing sales of their Ventilated Facade System during the first three quarters of 2008, due to the product’s substantial environmental advantages and superior technical performance.

First introduced to the American market in 2006, the Porcelain Ventilated Rainscreen Façade system involves the mechanical application of porcelain cladding to structures without the use of mortar, grout, or caulk. Engineered to protect buildings against the combined action of rain and wind while offering impressive aesthetic characteristics, the system inherently provides solutions for sustainable design.

“We have seen US sales of our Ventilated Facade System strengthen dramatically nationwide during the first three quarters of 2008,” said Jeanne Nichols, VP sales and marketing for GranitiFiandre in the US. “Among the prime selling points is the significant energy savings, which can allow a developer or owner to recapture much of the system costs within the first few years,” she adds.

According to exclusive GranitiFiandre distributor Carl Schiro, owner of Western Brick, Tile, and Stone in Houston, his architectural and design clients are eager to understand the system and are especially excited about the environmental benefits.

“Utilizing concrete or brick on a building sends silica into the air and with a 4-5 story building, approximately 60 tons of non- iodegradable wastes are taken to the dump. However, with the Ventilated Façade System, materials are precut resulting in about one wheel barrel full of waste,” said Schiro.

The Ventilated Façade System’s numerous benefits include energy savings, healthier interior environments, extended life of structures, and enhanced design. Energy savings result from the reduction of cold and heat energy transfers to the building interior by eliminating thermal bridges, increased energy efficiency created by an air insulation blanket, and reflection of solar radiation.

Healthier interior building environments occur as enhanced moisture removal from the building structure reduces the risk of mold contamination.

Extended life of building structures is achieved as the reduction in moisture protects structures from deterioration and light-weight porcelain slabs reduce building weight load and eliminate concern of surface deterioration from acid rain, UV exposure, and other environmental factors.

Enhanced design and building processes include the elimination of mortar, grout, and caulk, improved building maintenance access, expanded design options allowing for the flexibility of 360° cladding, and greater aesthetic possibilities with porcelain surface options.

Potential LEED Contribution

Porcelain Ventilated Rainscreen Façade system may contribute to LEED certification in four categories of both new construction and existing building standards: Innovation & Design, Indoor Environmental Quality, Materials & Resources, and Energy & Atmosphere.

Continuing Education Opportunities

GranitiFiandre offers a one-hour educational program entitled Building Envelope Solutions - Porcelain Ventilated Façade Rainscreen Applications designed to educate architects and designers on the features and benefits of this type of construction. Accredited by AIA, the program contributes one AIA Health, Safety & Welfare Learning Unit towards annual education requirements. For additional information, contact Bill Perkins or Amy Willard at 888.903.4263.

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 TransCeramica 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.

Form more information, visit granitifiandreusa.com