Chicago-based Trans Ceramica, a GranitiFiandre Company, will introduce its American-produced Earth Naturals and Nihon Collections at Coverings 2008 to be held April 29 – May 2 in Orlando. The Earth Naturals Collection will be on display at GranitiFiandre’s booth (#3200), along with the company’s comprehensive array of surfacing products.

Earth Naturals Collection
Earth Naturals is part of the eclectic TCL brand of products offered by Trans Ceramica, a division of the internationally recognized, porcelain tile manufacturer GranitiFiandre.

“This through-body, glazed porcelain collection is unsurpassed in quality and durability and was a collaborative design effort between our American and Italian design teams, along with direct input and feedback from our key customers,” said Jeanne Nichols, vice president—sales and marketing for GranitiFiandre in the United States.

Foliage, fibers, fronds, reeds, and stalks—interlaced and woven for domestic purposes throughout the ages—are the inspiration for TCL’s Earth Naturals Collection offered in five botanical hues:

• Thatch – a soft, blue-grey hue conjures roofing created from thick plant stalks.
• Raffia – a rustic orange hue summons baskets, mats, and cordage created with large fronds from the African palm tree.
• Hemp – its light beige hue evokes the durable canvas fabric created by weaving tough, hemp fibers.
• Straw – its light brown hue is reminiscent of plant fibers utilized in hats and padding.
• Flax – its deep yellowish hue is similar to the popular linen fabric created by weaving slender flax stems.

Availability includes 24''x 24'', 12''x 24'', 4''x 24'', 18''x 18'', 12''x 18'', 6''x 18'' and 12''x 12'' format, along with additional trim and decorative pieces.

The wide assortment of surfacing products offered under the TCL brand ranges from technically advanced, glazed porcelains to contemporary glass and metal accessory lines that work alone, together, and as complements to GranitiFiandre products.

For more information, visit www.tclbrandtile.com

Nihon Collection
“GranitiFiandre’s Nihon Collection is the latest innovation from our U.S. production facility and fully demonstrates our commitment to providing our North American clientele with high quality, creative, and environmentally-responsible surfacing options,” said Jeanne Nichols, vice president—sales and marketing for GranitiFiandre in the United States.

Working in collaboration with artists Jake and Kotomi Yoshida (studioyoshida.com), Nihon explores cultural influences from the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Elements of a Japanese garden – plants, stone, and water – are all represented in this serene, all natural porcelain surfacing collection. Nihon’s weathered, earthen hues with subtle shadings evoke nature’s calm in a unique and tranquil mix of tradition, modernity, spirituality, and technology.

• Nori - this subtle black porcelain honors the advanced cultivation of high-end black seaweed used for centuries in sushi and other Japanese dishes.
• Ishi - this soft grey porcelain is reminiscent of the tranquil beauty found in Japanese sand and stone gardens.
• Yuki - the name of this peaceful white porcelain means snow in the Japanese language.
• Tatami - this raw brown porcelain was inspired by traditional woven straw floor mats widely used in Japan and especially associated with religious rites and tea ceremonies.
• Goma - this natural beige porcelain was inspired by sesame, a popular and nutritious ingredient in Japanese fare believed to offer many health benefits.

Availability includes 24''x 24'', 12''x 24'', 6''x 24'', 4''x 24'', 2''x 24'', 18''x 18'' and 18''x 12'' formats, along with special pieces and trims.

GranitiFiandre is known worldwide for the Italian production of beautiful, innovative, and high-performance surfacing products. These same outstanding products are also produced at the GranitiFiandre Group’s state-of-the-art, USA facility located in Cumberland County, Tennessee. Purchasing made-in-the-USA products may help with LEED requirements.

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 online at granitifiandreusa.com.