Italian-based ceramic floor tile manufacture Ceramica Del Conca will invest $70 million to build its first North American manufacturing facility in Loudon, Tennessee, creating 178 jobs.

Utilizing a high-tech manufacturing processes, Del Conca’s porcelain ceramic tiles are exported worldwide for use in both residential and commercial facilities. Along with establishing a base for U.S. operations, the Loudon facility will serve its major U.S. customers such as Lowe’s Arizona Tile, Mannington and Tile Shop more effectively. Its campus, a 320,000-square-foot manufacturing, research, showroom and administrative facility, will be located at the Sugarlimb Industrial Park.

“We have chosen Loudon, Tennessee for our new North American facility,” said Paolo Mularoni, president of Del Conca USA. “Loudon is geographically located close to the main U.S. highways and in close proximity to our sources of raw materials. We have found in Loudon a very cooperative team of people who are working hard in order to help us build a successful business that better serves our U.S. and Canadian customers.” The 178 new jobs will include managerial, technical, engineering, administrative, production and distribution positions. The Loudon facility is expected to begin operations by the end of 2013.

“This announcement is great news for Loudon County, and I am excited to welcome Del Conca to Tennessee,” Gov. Bill Haslam said. “We are very appreciative of the investment in our state as we work toward our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

“Loudon County welcomes Del Conca to East Tennessee with this opportunity to bring a substantial volume of high-quality jobs and positive economic impact to this region,” Loudon County Economic Development Agency President Pat Phillips said. “We thank Del Conca for selecting Loudon County and also appreciate our partners with the State of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and TVA for facilitating this exceptional opportunity for our community and our region.” Information on tax incentives for which the firm may be eligible was not immediately available.