• Eliane. The ceramic tile manufacturer has introduced Fuoco Della Terra, a series available in three sizes and nine colors, to its Gres Porcellanato Collection. “Fuoco Della Terra offers such a rich shade variation and diverse textures to any commercial or residential application,” said Eliane’s Marcio Muller. “The series combines the wonderful look of stone with the performance of porcelain tile.” The natural shades of Fuoco Della Terra are available in sizes of 6-, 12- and 16-in. The series’ non-slip finish makes it safe for application that is subject to water exposure.

The product has also been rated with a wear-resistance level of class five. In addition, each Fuoco Della Terra tile is brushed with a slight sparkle, making the glazed surfaces gleam at the first touch of light. “We’re proud to introduce such an upscale product to the market,” said Muller. “No doubt, Fuoco Della Terra will accent any installation, any where.”

For more information on Eliane and its products, call 972/481-7854.

• Impronta Italgraniti. The ceramic tile manufacturer has officially launched Almatec, a state-of-the-art tile replicated in through-body porcelain stoneware. Available in sizes up to 48-in. with slabs that feature deep stone veining, the Almatec high-tech production and quality slab fabrication is the brainchild behind color-through porcelain stoneware slabs which are ideal for interior and exterior, walls, floors, and residential and commercial installations, noted Jerry Joyce, vice president of Impronta Italgraniti USA.

“Almatec is a beautiful alternative to marble and granite,” he said. “Not only is the price affordable but the porcelain manufactured through Almatec is superior, long lasting tile. And Almatec porcelain is practically identical to a piece of marble or granite, complete with veining and natural shading.

This technology surpasses any porcelain in the industry today. It’s truly unique.” The Almatec stones include Evoluzione Marmi and Evoluzione Pietre, both of which are available in a variety of marble, granite and limestone looks. Decors, trims and literature are also offered with all Almatec stones.

Another porcelain product, Indian Slate, has also been developed by Impron-ta Italgraniti. Offering a rustic feel while also bringing forth comfort in look and design, Indian Slate guarantees aesthetic quality for any interior or exterior installation with the intensity of unglazed porcelain tile, noted Joyce.

Presented in sizes of 11-7/8X24-in., 17-3/4-in., 11-7/8-in., 6X11-7/8-in. and 6-in. with mosaics in sheets of 11-7/8-in., Indian Slate is designed to withstand harsh outdoor climates, traffic conditions, solar radiation, thermal shock, abrasion and even stormy and frosty conditions.

Available in matte and rectified finish, Indian Slate tiles are offered in hues of Ardesia Bianca, Ardesia Sabbia, Ardesia Dorata, Ardesia Argento and Ardesia Cenere. Trims and specialty pieces are also included in the series.

For more information on Impronta Italgraniti and its products, call 703/455-9200.

• International Wholesale Tile (IWT). The ceramic, porcelain and natural stone wholesaler has appointed two key executives to its management team. With more than 20 years of experience in banking, corporate accounting and related software system implementation, Ann Marie Renze has joined IWT as manager of IT/corporate finance.

A certified public accountant, Renze was most recently with Matrix Integrated Solutions in Erie, Pa. Her responsibilities at IWT include managing the accounting department including accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit and claims.

Previously operations manager with M&M Restaurant Supply/Keystone Foods Corp. of Springfield, Ohio, a distributor within the McDonald’s supply chain, Rick McCoy has joined IWT as director of warehouse operations. He will be responsible for IWT’s four-building, 220,000-sq.-ft. warehouse and distribution center, including supply chain and facilities management, market relations, logistics, inventory control and more.

McCoy has 25 years of distribution industry experience. “IWT has recruited top of-the-line talent to assist the company in growing strategically with a focus on maintaining excellent customer service while delivering quality material,” said Paul Boucher, IWT’s president. “With these additions, two core departments that link directly to customer satisfaction have very strong leadership.”

• ProTile Distributors. Armstrong Floor Products has signed on the Pelham Manor, N.Y.-based ProTile to distribute Armstrong ceramic tile in the New York metropolitan area. ProTile has diversified its business to address the needs of both the residential and commercial markets, noted company president, Lou Giannini, Jr. ProTile currently has 130 dealers in place, with expectations of adding 300 to 400 by the end of 2004.

“Armstrong is an established brand in the market and we wanted an alignment with one of the best names in the industry. The Armstrong ceramic line is very wide, with great visuals. We’re preparing to place hundreds of displays in the market, and were looking to increase market share for both companies.”

“ProTile understands the ceramic business,” said Rik Born, Armstrong’s vice president of residential sales, “and it understands the New York ceramic market better than anyone. Each of its salespeople has more than 20 years of experience selling ceramic tile. We bring unparalleled floor covering knowledge. This partnership allows Armstrong to utilize a proven force in the ceramic industry to further penetrate the marketplace. The addition of ProTile strengthens our entire distribution network.”

For more information on ProTile and the products it carries, call 914/738-8082.

• TEC. The manufacturer is inviting architects to attend the company’s free seminars on installation and care and maintenance systems for ceramic tile and natural stone flooring. The programs, which are approved by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), are regularly conducted throughout the United States. AIA members who participate qualify for continuing education credits.

“Architects are faced with a myriad of challenges and opportunities when dealing with advanced installation and care and maintenance systems for tile and natural stone,” said Gregory Schad, technical director for the manufacturer of TEC brands. “These educational programs are specifically intended to help architects become more familiar with the latest technology and issues involved, which in turn, contributes to their overall success.”

The programs, typically one hour in length, are structured to meet the needs of individual participants. The sessions cover topics architects frequently encounter when specifying installation and care and maintenance systems for commercial and residential projects. Each one-hour session carries one continuing education unit (CEU). A 1.5-hour session carries 1.5 CEUs. Most programs are also approved for a Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) credit. Topics currently covered include:
• Ceramic Setting Systems and Installation Planning;
• Installation Systems for Ceramic Tile and Natural Stone;
• Care and Maintenance for Stone and Tile: Protecting Your Clients’ Investment;
• Grout: The Technology of Appearance and Color;
• Methods for Addressing Crack Isolation;
• Designing with Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems, and
• An Overview of Terrazzo Flooring Systems Architects are invited to participate in any or all of the programs offered.

Additional CEUs cannot be earned if the same seminar is attended more than once. To schedule an appointment, contact TEC representatives Robert Dickson at 770/854-4006 or Michelle Wagner at 773/832-1980.