CHICAGO, November 12, 2008 – Italian stone and tile manufacturer GranitiFiandre announces the launch of a major new category of porcelains surfacing products to the US market. Conceived by Italian designer Silvia Stanzani, the contemporary Xtra Collection is a coordinating collection that explores new design experiences with porcelain materials, including bold geometric shapes, elegant leaf patterns, sophisticated pearl accents, and embossed flowering graphics.

“This is an exciting time for GranitiFiandre as we launch Xtra—a revolutionary concept in porcelain surfacing design—to the US market,” said Jeanne Nichols, vice president—sales and marketing for GranitiFiandre in the United States. “Xtra’s exceptional designs can be utilized alone or coordinated to create unending composition possibilities for custom interior designs.”

Xtra products include Xtra Color Shape, Xtra Color Leaf, Xtra Fine, and Xtra Ordinary.

• Color and geometry are the strength of Xtra Color Shape. Geometric shapes are cut directly into porcelain materials creating environments characterized by bold, modular elements.

• Elegant leaf patterns in a contemporary color palette cover surfaces in Xtra Color Leaf creating environments characterized by luxurious, sophisticated elements.

• Sophisticated pearl accents adorn silk-touch surfaces in warm colors in Xtra Fine creating environments characterized by updated classical elements.

• Large porcelain slabs with embossed flowering graphics beautifully cover surfaces with Xtra Ordinary. Bright glazing creates a wet effect on black and white options, while pearlized shades accent beige and brown options.

Availability includes 24''x 24'' and 24''x 12'' formats, mosaics and trim pieces depending upon material selection.

Xtra is one of GranitiFiandre’s five prestigious porcelain categories that also includes GeoStyle, Geologica, GeoTecnica, and Granitech offering a total of over 300 styles/colors of porcelain tile with many finish, size and companion options available.

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.