Ferro Adds to Capabilities in Pigmented Inks for Tile Decoration

Ferro Corporation has completed several investments to enhance its position as a leading producer of pigmented inks used in digital printing processes for ceramic tile decoration.

Already a leading producer of tile decoration products in Europe through its operations in Almazora, Spain, the company has completed the installation of manufacturing technologies at its facilities in Villagran, Mexico, to service the Latin American and U.S. market, and in Suzhou, China, to serve tile manufacturers throughout Asia. Ferro also has added inks blending and packing operations at its facility in Saraburi, Thailand.

Technical and design support operations also have been added in Villagran and Suzhou to assist manufacturers in optimizing their digital printing processes using Ferro’s broad inks product portfolio. In addition, Ferro recently commissioned an inks laboratory in Foshan, China.

“We are planning additional capacity and product development activities to mirror the strong growth trends in inkjet decoration of ceramic tile,” said Peter Thomas, vice president of the company’s Polymer and Ceramic Engineered Materials Group. “Our growing, global customer base relies on us for localized support, from design through production, and we’re positioning to deliver on our customers’ needs through innovative products, as well as expert design and applications support.”

Digital tile decoration has been rapidly adopted by tile manufacturers because of production cost efficiencies, manufacturing flexibility and enhanced design capabilities. Ferro’s expansive keramINKs product line allows manufacturers to achieve high-definition, vibrant tile decorations, such as complex mosaics and geometric patterns, replications of natural products such as stone and wood, and reproduction of photographic images.

Ferro will showcase its keramINKS products and its technical and tile design services at the Cevisama exhibition in Valencia, Spain, Feb. 7-10, 2012. Among products being showcased are new glaze inks for digital application, which can be used to obtain special ceramic effects and textures and to improve the technical performance of tiles.