Ceramics in South America’S Largest Nation

AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY

bullemerginge ceramicstin & glass technology SEPTEMBER 2009

CeramicsCeramics inin SouthSouth AmericaAmerica

Special Focus: BRAZIL

Reprinted from American Ceramic Society Bulletin, September 2009, Vol. 88, No. 8 bulletin cover story Practical Progress in Brazil

Expertise in nanotechnology and other advanced ceramics is building, but practical applications fuel ceramics in South America’s largest nation.

By Alex Talavera and Randy B. Hecht

Each year, we dedicate one of the issues of the Bulletin to look at the state of ceramics in important areas outside the United n May, the States. In 2008, the Bulletin explored International the world of ceramics in China because I of that nation’s enormous influence Journal of on science and industry. This year, we decided to focus on South America Applied Ceramic and, particularly, on Brazil. Technology pub- Similar to China, Brazil is another nation described as an “emerging market.” And, as lished online a in the case of China, the words emerging market paper that reveals the perhaps understate the significance that Brazil is having on South America and the world. Brazil results of a new study of is rich in raw materials; contains several developed ports within its borders; and has bioceramic/bioglass implants, a large and relatively well-educated popu- with a specific focus on materi- lation, a growing system of higher education and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities in als being tested as bone substi- fields that include steelmaking and automobile tutes used in dental implants. (See manufacturing. Other nations, such as Chile and Argentina, also page 18 an abstract of the study.) are experiencing strong economic growth, while some less-developed countries, such as Bolivia (see the August Authors Juliana Marchi, Carina S. 2009 Bulletin), possess key strategic resources and Delfino, José C. Bressiani, Ana H.A. large workforces. Those that ignore Brazil and the rest of South Bressiani and Márcia M. Marques are America do so at their own risk. all affiliated with universities in Brazil. - Peter Wray Their research was supported by the National Council for Scientific and Alex Talavera and Randy B. Hecht have collaborated on many English- Spanish bilingual research, reporting and writing projects, from National Technological Development and Geographic books to content created for a portal that covers foreign trade requirements and resources in 50 countries. They are partners in Aphra the State of São Paulo Research Communications, which maintains offices in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and in New York City. Foundation. Practical Progress in Brazil

The paper is the latest example academic research in the materials cited the Universidade de São Paulo, of efforts being made in Brazil to engineering area of ceramics is “focused which has an institute dedicated to expand the scope of technological on solving industrial needs and devel- research of uses of nuclear science in capability within its ceramics industry. oping new products … If you go to the development of ceramics materi- Although most of the industry’s rev- mathematics, physics, perhaps they’re als. In addition, he mentioned the enue continues to be generated by the still trying to be at the forefront of Universidade Estadual Paulista, whose ceramic tile-making sector, Leonardo knowledge. But on the engineering chemistry department works with the Curimbaba Ferreira, president of the side, it’s focused on doing research for Universidade Federal de São Carlos to national professional group Associação solving problems or developing new develop ceramics for use in nanotech- Brasileira de Cerâmica, is monitoring materials.” This emphasis on research nology. the technology-related sectors for signs that has practical application is part of Noteworthy university research also of advancement. what makes the current atmosphere in has been conducted at the Federal “We see a lot of movement here the Brazilian ceramics sectors attrac- University of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil in nanotechnology,” says tive, he adds. where a research team published a Curimbaba Ferreira. “There are some Pandolfelli also is anticipating sig- paper entitled, “Porcelain Casting Slips institutes in Brazil that are gearing up a nificant growth within the production Formulated with Waste Glass.” The lot of money in nanotechnology, which of heat-resistant and fireproof ceram- study investigated what happens when is quite new.” ics. A driving force is Brazil’s plans to waste glass is introduced into the com- “Nanotechnology and Ceramics double steel production in the next four position of a ceramic body in an indus- Products: Big Opportunities and Risks,” years. That expansion will create paral- trial slip-casting process. is the subject of a seminar being con- lel opportunities in that sector of the Collaboration among teams at ducted this month by Rafael Salomão, ceramics industry, which he says will multiple universities and institutes professor and docent of the post- experience a sharp increase in require- also is common, as was the case with graduate program in nanosciences and ments for graduating students and new the publication of, “Mixture Design advanced materials at the Universidade professionals. and Response Surface Analysis of Federal de ABC in Santo André, São That’s good news for students, Densification of Silicon Carbide

Paulo. His presentation will cover such because, according to Curimbaba Ceramics with (SiO2–Dy2O3–Al2O3) topics as methods of synthesizing and Ferreira, in the current climate, many Additives.” That study was the work growing nanoparticles and nanotubes, who complete their studies in ceramics of a team whose members included as well as a variety of applications of engineering subsequently take jobs in faculty from the Centro de Ciência e the technology. better-paying fields. “Most of them do Tecnologia de Materiais at the Instituto Salomão is co-author, with Victor not stay in ceramics. They go to work de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Carlos Pandolfelli, of a paper entitled, in banks and financial institutions, the Centro de Ciências Naturais e “Polypropylene Fibers and their Effects because they pay more than most of Humanas at the Universidade Federal on Processing Refractory Castables.” the ceramic industry.” His alma mater, de ABC and the Instituto de Química, That work analyzed rheology, dynamic Universidade Federal de São Carlos, IQ Universidade Estadual de Campinas, permeability, drying and the likelihood which he estimates graduates 10–15 all located in São Paulo. of explosion of polypropylene fibers ceramic engineers each year, has a Knowledge sharing often crosses containing castables. Pandolfelli, a pro- strong curriculum in heat-resistant and borders to take advantage of the inter- fessor in the Department of Materials fireproof ceramic technologies. national knowledge base. Curimbaba Engineering at the Universidade Asked what he regards as other Ferreira says that, at this stage, Brazilian Federal de São Carlos, says Brazilian top universities for the industry, he ceramics technology development is heavily dependent on use of foreign Abstract: Cell Proliferation of Human Fibroblasts on Alumina and knowledge shared via networking with universities and institutes worldwide. Hydroxyapatite-Based Ceramics with Different Surface Treatments Foreign funding generally is not the focal point, he says, although compa- Biocompatibility is an important characteristic of dental implant material, and in-vitro tests are required to elucidate the interaction between these materials and human tissues. Cell nies from other countries have provided proliferation assays were done with fibroblasts plated on the surface of alumina- and funding or become joint venture part- hydroxyapatite-sintered samples, each with a different surface treatment (sintered, recti- ners on certain projects. However, for fied or polished). After one, two and three days, the samples were prepared for scanning the most part, Brazilian companies have electron microscopy observations. The data were compared by analysis of variance adequate domestic sources for funding. followed by Tukey’s test. It was concluded that neither the hydroxyapatite nor alumina “They look for technology from foreign substrate is cytotoxic, and hydroxyapatite is more biocompatible than alumina. partners,” he says. “They don’t look for – Juliana Marchi, Carina S. Delfino, José C. Bressiani, Ana H.A. Bressiani and Márcia M. Marques money. They look for different ways to

International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technologyt improve productivity, reduce costs and be more competitive … with foreign America, products.” Europe or One area in which Brazilian prod- Asia that are ucts are competing very successfully is interested in ceramic tile. The Associação Nacional engaging in de Fabricantes de Cerâmica para international Revestimento (ANFACER), Brazil’s trade in the professional association for ceramic- region. “We tile manufacturers, promotes Brazil as have good “one of the major international players raw materials. in the ceramic-coverings market. The It’s a key for country is currently the second-largest competition,” producer and consumer, and the fifth- he says. The largest exporter in the world.” country needs Antonio Carlos Kieling, the associa- that competition’s CEO, is particularly optimistic tive edge, he about the growth of porcelain tile. adds frankly, “Brazilian producers are aligned with because, at the best technology available in the this stage of world, and almost all of its production the industry’s is in accordance with international evolution, standards of quality,” he says. In 2007, “We can’t do the country published NBR 15463rd, really good the Brazilian standard for porcelain, technical “the first global initiative to standardize ceramics and the production process of porcelain.” In compete right addition, he says, tile manufacturers are now with the working on continued design enhance- United States, ments that already have established Japan and Brazil’s international reputation for Germany.” distinct design quality. Another trend That lack in this sector of the industry is envi- of world-class ronmentally friendly products, another competitive- area that Brazilians think will increase ness on the Large-scale steelmaking continues to fuel the demand for refractory international appeal. technology side products and innovation in Brazil. As has been the case throughout plays a key role the world, the construction industry in in keeping the Brazil has been hurt by the global eco- majority of the industry nomic crisis, and the level of opportu- focused on traditional The Brazilian Market nity in the industry will be determined ceramics – for now. The United States is Brazil’s number-one trading partner in to some extent by the speed of global However, university exports and imports, followed by Argentina and China. The economic recovery. However, Kieling studies on the techni- State Department also offers this assessment of the Brazilian says the country offers a wide variety of cal side of ceramics are market: “Growth estimates for the second half of 2009 and advantages to foreign companies that on the rise, helping to 2010 are positive. Brazil is now a net creditor nation, and the are interested in investments, joint develop the human current crisis notwithstanding, has in recent years experi- ventures or other business dealings with resources capacity that enced sustained growth, strong exports, healthy external ceramics companies in Brazil. Those will be needed to move accounts, moderate inflation, decreasing unemployment and advantages include “a modern industrial ahead in other sectors. reductions in the debt-to-GDP ratio. … However, significant park, capacity management [and] avail- Although nontradi- vulnerabilities remain in the Brazilian economy. The total tax burden is high, income distribution remains skewed and ability of energy and raw materials of all tional ceramics sectors the private business community complains of burdensome kinds.” Brazil also is home to 14 percent remain in their infancy regulation.” of the world’s renewable fresh-water in Brazil, the industry supply. already is preparing for The U.S. Commercial Service, a division of the U.S. Com- Curimbaba Ferreira also cites Brazil’s its next generation of merce Department, provides a 2009 country commercial mineral wealth as one of its most attrac- technological trends. n guide to doing business with Brazil at www.focusbrazil.org. tive attributes for companies in North br/ccg/. Ceramics in South America

Alex Talavera and Randy B. Hecht

istorically, the HSouth American ceramics industry has been concentrated in tile, flooring, construction materials and white line products. As worldwide demand increases in the industry’s technology- related sectors, South American ceramics leaders are beginning to position themselves for a role in this growth. Companies are making investments that will qualify them for participa- tion in the worldwide ceramics market, such as adopting the industry’s best practices and achiev- ing ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. Together, Brazil and Venezuela account for 70 percent of ceramics production in the region, followed by Argentina (14 percent), Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. However, companies throughout the region are experiencing growth. For example, Peruvian ceramics export volume grew by 44 percent in 2008. Conscious of emerging opportunities in the sector, even family-owned traditional ceramics companies are look- ing for ways to improve their market position. Esteban Argerich, one of the proprietors of Cerámicas Il Bel Bagno of Buenos Aires, Argentina, wrote his university thesis about “the possibility that the Argentine ceramics industry could assume the role of agent for economic, academic and social development.” The company, similar to many in the region, is focused on style innovations, such as mixed uses of ceramics, marble, stone and glass, that are establishing South America as a global leader in ceramics design. Alejandro Coronado, general manag- er of one of Bolivia’s largest producers, distributors and exporters, Cerámicas Gladymar, is seeing the same design trend toward more high-end ceramics. “The production segment that is most selective regarding designs is being influenced by the European market,” he says. The company has formed strategic partnerships with vendors in Spain, Italy and Brazil to meet the growing demand for ceramics that represent the latest design trends and are character- ized by a sense of “design harmony equal to what is found in nature.” Although South America has developed little in the way of new ceramics material technologies, it already is implementing the use of technologies developed in other parts of the world. In Chile, for example, the Fondo de Fomento y Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico has com- pleted a study entitled, “Advanced Ceramics: Technology Development for the Improvement of Industrial Productivity.” Given the region’s economic disadvantage relative to North America, Europe and Asia, the industry in South America is particularly concerned with technology advances that can enhance its productivity and efficiency. Ceramics in South America

However, for the moment, the region will remain largely dependent on UNITECR Coming to Brazil foreign development of the technolo- th gies necessary to meet those objectives. One sign of Brazil’s standing in the world of ceramic materials is that the 11 Unified Inter- national Technical Conference on Refractories will be held Oct. 13–16, 2009, in Salvador, University degree programs in indus- Brazil. UNITECR is a biennial international conference held to contribute to the progress trial ceramics are highly specialized and and exchange of industrial knowledge and technologies concerning refractories. not widely available. For the most part, only the largest universities located in It isn’t surprising that Brazil will be the stage for the 2009 conference. That country’s ac- centers that produce a high volume of tive steel industry has made it a major player in the world of refractories. Another factor is that the Asociacion Latinoamericana de Farbricantes de Refractorios – the Latin American ceramics offer specialized programs of Association of Refractory Manufacturers – is one of the four “Founding Member Organiza- study in industrial ceramics. Although tions” of UNITECR (the other three are ACerS, the German Refractories Association and these conditions will impede ceramics Japan’s Technical Association of Refractories). Indeed, Brazil also was host to the 1993 industry research and training at least UNITECR meeting. for the short term, particularly in view UNITECR technical sessions themes include Nanoengineered Refractories, Carbon Refrac- of the worldwide economic crisis, they tories, Blast Furnace/Coke Ovens Refractories, Advances in Refractories Basic Science, also create potential opportunities for Globalized Education, Raw Materials, Ex-Situ and In-Situ Characterization, Modeling and companies outside the region that are Simulation, Refractories for Cement and Lime, Refractories for Nonferrous Metallurgy, interested in exploring partnerships Refractories for BOF/EAF, Advanced Testing and Manufacturing, and Installation and with South American companies. n Equipment. Participants will be attending from around the world, and, as early as June, organizers said that more than 240 papers had been accepted for the program. South American Besides technical sessions, UNITECR features a welcoming cocktail reception and a gala Ceramics Directory dinner. The venue also serves as a meeting location for related refractories meetings, such The following online resources pro- core objec- as the ISO TC 33 Committee, the International Standards Organizations Technical Commit- vide information about the scope and tive is to tee on Refractory Standards and the Federation for International Refractory Research and breadth of activities within the South unite “those American ceramics industry, as well with an inter- Education. as contacts to assist U.S. companies est in the For information about the schedule and registration for UNITECR, visit in networking within the region. Many science, art of the Brazilian resources, including and technol- www.unitecr2009.org. many individual companies’ websites, ogy of the are available in English and Spanish ceramics, Buenos Aires, Argentina of the organization as well as libraries as well as Portuguese. glass and related industries and share, Phone and Fax: +54 (11) 4943-5799 worldwide. The magazine “accepts by way of congresses, conferences, email: [email protected] original (and review) articles in the courses and publications, each sec- Website: www.ceramicaycristal.com/ entire field of ceramic science and Professional tor’s research and developments.” technology.” A brief English-language Editorial Director: Luis Arnoldo Alonso description of the magazine is acces- Address: Ibáñez sible at www.scielo.br/revistas/ce/ Associations and Perú 1420 - (1141) Buenos Aires, iaboutj.htm. Argentina Publications Brazil Phone: None provided The Associação Nacional de The Associação Brasileira South America Fax: +54 (11) 4362-4510 Fabricantes de Cerâmica para de Cerâmica (ABC), the Brazilian Revestimento (ANFACER) is Brazil’s The Asiociasion Latino- email: [email protected] Ceramics Society, was founded in national association of ceramic-tile americana de Frabricantes de Website: www.ceramicaycristal.com/ 1953 to promote the interests of manufacturers. Founded in 1984, it Refractarios is a nonprofit civil associ- atac.htm companies and professioals involved represents a sector composed of 94 ation with its sceretariat located in Rio President: Gregorio Domato in ceramics science, technology and companies that operate 117 indus- de Janeiro, Brazil. Founded in 1967, teaching as well as entrepreneurial trial plants in 17 states. ANFACER’s the main goals of ALAFAR are to give Note: According to the Website, ATAC activities within the sector. ABC’s members represent 85 percent of technical assistance to Latin American maintains only part-time business website is published in Portuguese production and 95 percent of exports refractories companies, promote sci- hours, Monday–Friday from 2:00 p.m. only, but its executives and staff of ceramic tile in Brazil. entific exchange among its members, to 6:00 p.m. ATAC also has a London- members include professionals who promote regional interests of its refrac- based European delegate who is a can reply to inquiries in English. The organization’s website is trilingual tory industry, develop technicians and member of ACerS and can field inqui- (Portuguese, Spanish and English). a specialized workforce, publish sci- ries in English: Address: entific literature, participate in related Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 532 Address: conferences, establish correct nomen- Aldo Boccaccini Cidade Universitária - IPT Av. Paulista 453 / 7º andar - Cj. 71 clature and classification of refractory Imperial College Prédio 36 - 2º andar - sala 3 São Paulo - SP - Brasil products, and maintain statistics on Department of Materials 05508-901 - São Paulo - SP - Brasil CEP: 01311-907 the refractory industry. Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BP, England Phone/Fax: +55 (11) 3768-7101 or Phone: +55 (11) 3289-7555 Phone: +55 (31) 3411-8183 Phone: +44 (20) 7594-6731 3768-4284 Fax: +55 (11) 3287-9624 Fax: +55 (31) 3411-8183 Fax:+44 (20) 7584-3194 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Website: www.abceram.org.br/asp/ Website: www.anfacer.org.br/ Website: www.alafar.org Revista Ceramica y Cristal (Ceramic abc_0.asp Argentina and Crystal Magazine) is ATAC’s official The Laboratório Interdisciplinar de publication. It is published twice a year, President: Leonardo Curimbaba Eletroquímica e Cerâmica, spon- The Asociación Técnica and back issues are available online at Ferreira sored by the Universidade Estadual Argentina de Cerámica is Argentina’s www.ceramicaycristal.com. Cerâmica, the association’s official Paulista, was founded in 1988 to professional association for the ceram- Address: journal, is published bimonthly for explore joint ventures in electrochem- ics industry. Founded in 1962, its Esteban de Luca 2252 dto.2 - (1246) distribution to more than 700 members istry and ceramics utilizing niobium. Its *Identifies company websites with English translations. principal line of research is the synthesis and development of new ceramics and electronics materials.

Website: www.liec.iq.unesp.br/portal/

Venezuela CINVICRE (Cámara de la Industria del Vidrio, Cerámica, Refractarios e Industrias Afines) is Venezuela’s chamber of commerce for the glass, ceramics, fireproof and related industries. The organization describes itself as a coalition of “sectors whose processes and products are varied, aligned in their purpose and in the goal of continued advances in the development of this industrial sector.” Address: Calle Los Laboratorios, Torre Beta, Piso 3, Oficina 301 Los Ruices, Caracas1070, Venezuela

Phone: +58 (212) 232-9563 or 238-3061 Fax: +58 (212) 232-9563 email: [email protected] Website: www.cinvicre.com

Executive Director: Abogada Miriam Briceño Pellín (Note: “Abogada” means lawyer in Spanish and is used here as a title, in accordance with the manner in which Sra. Briceño Pellín’s name is listed on the website.) According to CINVINCRE, no one on staff speaks English. Therefore, a Spanish speaker is needed to communicate with the organization. Companies Argentina ATAC Vendor Guide www.ceramicaycristal.com/c-guia-b.htm This extensive listing, prepared by ATAC, provides contact information for vendors of ceramics materials, machinery and services in Argentina. Carbo San Luis* Products: Refractory products and themral insulating materials Phone: +54 (11) 4373-4439 Fax: +54 (11) 4372-3331 [email protected] www.thermalceramics.com/_offices/offices. asp?office=Argentina

Cerro Negro Cerámicas Argentinas* Products: Roof and flooring tile Phone: +54 (11) 4790-0200 Fax: +54 (11) 4790-2772 www.cerronegro.com.ar

San Lorenzo - Cerámicas Argentinas* Products: Roof material, panels, and floor and wall coverings Phone/fax: +54 (11) 5777-2200 email: [email protected] www.ceramicasanlorenzo.com Bolivia Gladymar Products: Floor and wall tile Phone: +591 3 346-6110 Fax: +591 3 346-3877 [email protected] www.gladymar.bo

Faboce Products: floor and wall tile www.faboce.com.bo Brazil Alfagrês* Products: Tile Phone: +19 3576-1374 Fax: +19 3576-1595 www.alfagres.com.br South American Ceramics Directory *Identifies company websites with English translations.

Amazonika CERAL INCEFRA* Mazza Cerâmicas (19) 3862-8811 Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and wall tile email: [email protected] Phone: +55 (19) 3556-9100 Phone: +55 (11) 2942-0395 Phone: +55 (11) 3673-1018 www.amazonikabrasil.com.br [email protected] [email protected] www.mazzaceramicas.com.br www.ceralpisos.com.br www.incefra.com.br Angelgrês* Moliza* Products: Floor and wall tile CEUSA* INCEPA Products: Floor and wall tile Phone/fax: +55 (48) 3521-0600 Products: Interior and exterior floor Products: Floor and wall tile, and sani- Phone: +55 (48) 3434-8500 www.angelgres.com.br and wall tile taryware Fax: +55 (48) 3434-1110 Phone: +55 (48) 3441-2000 Phone: +55 (41) 2105-2500 www.moliza.com.br Anhanguera Fax: +55 (48) 3441-2031 www.incepa.com.br Products: Floor and wall tile Morganite Brazil LTDA* www.ceusa.com.br www.incepa.com.br Phone: +55 (19) 3556-9500 Products: Thermal insulation [email protected] Chiarelli INCESA Phone: +55 (21) 3305 7400 www.anhanguerapisos.com.br Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and wall tile Fax: +55 (21) 2418 1205 Antigua* Phone: +55 (19) 3891-9200 Phone: +55 (33) 9984-0345 [email protected] Products: Foor and wall tile Fax: +55 (19) 3891-9290 [email protected] www.thermalceramics.com/_offices/ Phone: +55 (19) 3543-4201 www.chiarelli.com.br www.ceramicaincesa.com.br offices.asp?office=Brazil www.antigua.com.br Duragres INCOPISOS* Mosarte* Atlas* Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and wall tile Phone: +55 (19) 3522-3700 Phone: +55 (19) 3545-8660 Phone: + 55 (48) 3345-3000 Phone: +55 (19) 3673-9600 [email protected] Fax: +55 (19) 3545-8660 Fax: + 55 (48) 3345-3036 Fax:+55 (19) 3673-1132 www.duragres.com.br www.incopisos.com.br www.mosarte.com.br www.ceratlas.com.br Nina Martinelli* Eliane Revestimentos Ceramicos Inti* Products: Floor and wall tile Arte 27 Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and wall tile Phone: +55 (19) 3673-1015 Products: Floor and wall tile Phone: +55 (11) 2122-7272 Phone: +55 (48) 3628-1222 [email protected] www.arte27.com.br www.eliane.com Fax: +55 (48) 3628-1562 www.ninamartinelli.com.br [email protected] Batistella* Elizabeth www.intinet.com.br PAMESA Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Tile and sanitaryware Products: Floor and wall tile Phone: +55 (19) 2113-4833 Phone: +55 (83) 2107-2000 Itagres* Phone: +55 (11) 3972-5499 Fax: +55 (19) 3442-4758 [email protected] Products: Floor and wall tile [email protected] email: [email protected] www.ceramicaelizabeth.com.br Phone: +55 (48) 3631-2000 www.batistella.com.br www.pamesa.com.br Fax: +55 (48) 3631-2020 Embramaco* Biancogrês www.itagres.com.br Pisoforte* Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Interior and exterior tile Products: Floor and wall tile www.embramaco.com.br Phone: +55 (27) 3421-9000 Jatobá* Phone: +55 (48) 3431-5555 Products: Floor and wall tile Fax: +55 (48) 3431-5522 Fax: +55 (27) 3421-9045 Escurial Phone: +55 (19) 3826-7600 [email protected] www.biancogres.com.br Products: Floor and wall tile Fax: +55 (19) 3826-7618 www.pisoforte.com.br Phone: +55 (79) 3279-2400 Buschinelli [email protected] Fax: +55 (79) 3254-1305 Porcellanati* Products: Floor and wall tile www.jatoba.com.br Phone: +55 (19) 3545-9999 [email protected] Products: Floor and wall tile www.escurial.com.br Phone: +55 (48) 3631-2000 www.buschinelli.com.br Kardenia* Fax: +55 (48) 3631-2020 Formigrês* Products: Floor and wall tile Carbus www.porcellanati.com.br Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and wall tile Phone: +55 (19) 3534-2088 Phone: +55 (19) 3546-9100 Phone: +55 (19) 3545-8880 Fax: +55 (19) 3534-0644 Porto Ferreira Fax: +55 (19) 3546-3759 Fax: +55 (19) 3545-1130 www.kardenia.com.br Products: Floor and wall tile [email protected] [email protected] Phone: +55 (19) 3589-4000 www.carbus.com.br www.formigres.com.br Kera Cerâmica Fax: +55 (19) 3589-1221 Products: Floor and wall tile www.ceramicaportoferreira.com.br Casagrande* Gabriella* Phone: +55 (19) 3429-7000 Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and wall tile [email protected] Porto Velho Phone: +55 (41) 2106-8228 Phone: +55 (48) 3431-7000 www.keraceramica.com.br Products: Floor and wall tile Fax: +55 (41) 2106-8230 [email protected] Phone: +55 (92) 8155-1838 [email protected] www.gabriellanet.com.br Lanzi* [email protected] www.rcasagrande.com.br Products: Floor and wall tile www.cerbras.com.br Gail Arquitetura Em Cerâmica Phone: +55 (19) 3891-9800 CECAFI Products: Interior and exterior tile www.lanzi.ind.br Portobello* Products: Floor and wall tile Phone: +55 (92) 3611-4582 LEF Products: Floor and wall tile Phone: +55 (19) 3556-9600 [email protected] Products: Floor and wall tile Phone: +55 (48) 3279-2222 Fax: +55 (19) 3556-9601 www.gail.com.br www.cecafi.com.br Phone: +55 (19) 3429-7000 Fax: +55 (48) 3279-2232 [email protected] www.portobello.com.br Giseli CECRISA www.lef.com.br Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and wall tile Strufaldi* Phone: +55 (48) 3431-6333 Phone: +55 (48) 2101-1856 Lepri Finas Cerâmicas Rústicas Products: Interior and exterior tile Phone: +55 (15) 3322-2222 Fax: +55 (48) 3431-6003 [email protected] Products: Floor and wall tile [email protected] www.ceramicaportinari.com.br www.giseli.com.br Phone: +55 (11) 5506-1390 www.strufaldi.com.br CEDASA Fax: +55 (11) 5506-1584 Gyotoku* Phone: +55 (19) 3545-8700 www.lepriceramicas.com.br Studio Marmo Fax: +55 (19) 3545-8707 Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Floor and glass tile [email protected] Phone: +55 (75) 3616-4515 Magnesita Refratários Phone: +55 (19) 3545-2453 www.cedasa.com.br [email protected] Products: Refractory materials Fax: +55 (19) 3545-4387 www.gyotoku.com.br Phone: +55 (31) 3368-1111 [email protected] Cejatel* www.grupomagnesita.com.br www.studiomarmo.com.br Products: Roof and floor tile Henry Mosaicos Phone: +55 (48) 3624-1001 Products: Floor and wall tile MAJOPAR Super NGK* Fax: +55 (48) 3624-1001 Phone: +55 (48) 3447-0924 Products: Floor and wall tile Products: Automotive parts, technical ceramics, tile [email protected] Fax: +55 (48) 3447-1621 Phone: +55 (19) 3545-8700 [email protected] www.cejatel.com.br [email protected] Fax: +55 (19) 3545-8707 www.ngkntk.com.br www.henryceramicos.com.br www.majopar.com.br *Identifies company websites with English translations.

Tecnogrês* [email protected] Fax: (511)4641181 Revestimientos Venezolanos De Products: Floor and wall tile www.thermalceramics.com/_offices/ E-mail: [email protected] Cerámica, S.A. (REVESTIVENSA) Phone: +55 (0800) 701-3553 offices.asp?office=Chile www.repsa.com.pe/ Products: Floor and wall tile www.tecnogres.com.br Phone +58 (212) 614-1288 Refractarios Iunge Ltda. www.tecnogres.com.br Uruguay [email protected] Products: Refractory materials www.revestivensa.com/ Unigrês Phone: 56 (2) 745-3613 Grupo Acher Uruguay Products: Floor and wall tile Fax 56 (2) 745-3614 Products: Floor and wall tile Vencerámica Phone: + 55 (19) 2113-4700 www.iunge.cl Phone: +005982 487-5630 Fax: +55 (19) 2113-4729 www.acher.com.uy Products: Floor and wall tile Colombia Phone: +58 (0800) 737-8423 www.unigres.com.br Venezuela ERECOS www.venceramica.com/ Videira Products: Refractory materials and Balgres, C.A. Products: Tubes and plugs cements Products: Floor and wall tile Thermal Ceramics de Venezuela CA Phone: +55 (19) 3673-1015 Phone: 232 26 00 Phone: +02 (39) 500-3111 Products: Refractory materials Fax : +55 (19) 3673-1015 Fax: 262 06 58 Fax: +02 (39) 500-3185 Phone: +58 (241) 878 3164 www.organizacaovideira.com.br [email protected] [email protected] Fax: +58 (241) 878 6712 www.erecos.com www.balgres.com/ [email protected] Vidro Real Pastilhas De Vidro www.thermalceramics.com/_offices/ Calderys Refractarios Venezolanos, Products: Floor and wall tile Thermal Ceramics de Colombia SA offices.asp?office=Venezuela S.A. Phone: +55 (19) 3869-8928 Products: Refractory materials Products: Industrial ceramics Fax: +55 (19) 9774-8500 Phone: +57 (2) 228 2803 CINVICRE (see page 23) member Phone: +58 (286) 994-1211 Email: [email protected] Fax: +57 (2) 237 2205 companies: Fax: +58 (286) 994-1634 www.vidroreal.com [email protected] www.cinvicre.com/Contactos.htm [email protected] www.thermalceramics.com/_offices/ This page provides contact informa- www.ve.calderys-group.com/ Villagres offices.asp?office=Colombia tion for those of CINVINCRE’s mem- Products: Floor and wall tile Cerámica Carabobo, S.A.C.A.* ber companies that do not maintain Phone: +55 (19) 3545-9000 Paraguay websites. Details provided include Fax: +55 (19) 3545-9000 Products: Tile, tableware and refrac- Cerámica Paraguaya, S.A. address, phone, fax and email, con- [email protected] tories Products: Roofing tile and brick tact names and a list of the www.villagres.com.br Phone: +0241 813-4299 Phone: +595 (21) 290-596 Fax: +0241 813-4194 company’s products. Fax: +595 (21) 290-560 www.ceramica-carabobo.com/ Chile ricardomaluff@ceramicaparaguaya. Carbo Chile, S.A.* com.py Cerámicas Caribe Products: Refractory products, thermal www.ceramicaparaguaya.com.py Products: Floor and wall tile insulating materials and wear resistant Peru Phone: +58 (212) 7000-227 materials vanessa.medina@ceramicascaribe. Phone: +56 (2) 854-1064 Repsa Refractarios Peruanos com Fax: +56 (2) 854-1962 Products: Refractory materials www.ceramicascaribe.com/ Phone: (511)5151100