ABK Joins the Elite of Large-Format Tile Producers

 

March 2016 – A highly innovative Sacmi production plant consisting of the Continua+ line and the EKO kiln, the most flexible and advanced machine in its category, is due to be installed in the ABK factory in Solignano (MO). Following major real estate purchases, the Finale Emilia-based group is continuing to invest in technology and innovation. “This strategy has enabled us to grow, explains Alessandro Fabbri, the Group's CEO for Sales & Marketing. “In 2015 we posted 11% turnover growth following a similar result in 2014, resulting in more than 20% growth in two years.”

During 2015 the Solignano facility saw major investments worth a total of 15 million euros, including the purchase of the factory building and new 6-colour 400-dpi digital machines (Digital from System). Over the last two years (2014/2015) ABK has also invested 5 million euros in the Finale Emilia factory, especially in production plant for the new Auto-Leveling and Wall&Porcelain materials. “The ABK Group will carry on this policy in 2016 with a further 10 million euro investment,” continued Fabbri. “This will further consolidate what has proved to be a highly successful policy, enabling the Group to establish itself amongst the elite of large-format ceramic tile and panel manufacturers.”

The new production line built by Sacmi for ABK is the biggest investment in the pipeline and will begin operation during the summer. It is a highly innovative plant fed by a Continua+ line from Sacmi, a revolutionary compaction technology that overcomes the productivity limitations of large sizes and allows aesthetic effects to be varied to create a very natural look while leaving plenty of scope for customisation. The plant is completed by the EKO kiln from Sacmi, the largest kiln ever installed in Italy. With an entrance width of 2.95 metres and a length of 185 metres, it is specially designed for the production of large-format tiles and panels in accordance with the latest trends in ceramic design. The kiln adopts technical solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact and energy consumption, including a special system for reducing flue gas volumes by 20% compared to conventional kilns as well as recovering heat and optimising consumptions.

This new plant has unique characteristics and will be able to produce up to 11,000 sq.m per day of ceramic products on a single line, raising the output of the Solignano factory to more than 20,000 sq.m/day. Alongside high finished product quality it also ensures exceptional production flexibility. This will enable the company to produce a wide range of sizes from 80x80 cm through to 160x320 cm and thicknesses between 6 and 20 mm so as to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding and diversified international clientele.

For further information:
Three Studio Comunicazione
info@threestudio.it
phone.: + 39-059-9781730
contact: Cristina Barchi