Sep 27 2006
Ferro Corporation is completing installation of new production facilities at its site in Castellon, Spain, for the manufacture of pigmented inks sold into the ceramic tile market.
Pedro Hausdorff, Country Manager of Ferro Spain and Business Manager for ink-jet products, noted that Ferro was the first to develop inks suitable for ink-jet decoration of ceramic tiles, and that Ferro now is commercializing the second generation of products. Production of the exciting new inks, to be marketed under the trade name of KeramINKs(TM), will begin in December 2006.
Hausdorff said that Ferro has developed this new line of pigmented inks for the KERAjet high-speed, high-definition digital tile printing system. KeramINKs(TM) have a sharper and more brilliant color spectrum and a wider range of natural tones. Improved formulations allow for optimization of the ink-jet decoration system, which features the ability to apply natural-looking random designs, enhanced relief decorations, excellent detail resolution, and complete surface coverage.
Ferro will be exhibiting tile designs incorporating its new KeramINKs(TM) at the Cersaie 2006 exhibition, Pavilion 22A, Booths B75/A74. Cersaie runs September 26-30, in Bologna, Italy.
Ferro also announced that it has broken ground at its Castellon site for construction of a state-of-the-art plant to produce colors for ceramic tile. That plant is expected to begin production by October 2007.
"Ferro has been a leader in the production of inks and glazes for ink-jet applications and in color products for the ceramic tile market worldwide," said James F. Kirsch, Chief Executive Officer of Ferro. "These site and product enhancements signal our commitment to the European tile market and will allow us to continue to meet our customers' quality and delivery requirements. We're confident these important improvements will strengthen Ferro's competitive position in Europe."