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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Florida Tile Expands Its Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Manufacturing-Distribution Hub

11/09/2015
Florida Tile Inc., a, Italy-based manufacturer of porcelain tile, will expand its manufacturing facility and distribution center in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The company plans to create 61 jobs through a $25.2 million investment.

The project will allow Florida Tile to add manufacturing lines and equipment at its existing manufacturing plant and a 215,200-square-foot expansion of its distribution center.

Florida Tile, founded in 1954 in Florida, is a subsidiary of Panariagroup Industrie Ceramiche S.P.A., an Italy-based manufacturer and marketer of flooring tiles. Florida Tile is a major producer of glazed and unglazed porcelain wall and floor tile. The company also imports and distributes these products, as well as ceramic, natural stone, glass and metal tiles. Florida Tile has been headquartered in Lexington since 2010.

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $450,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

In addition, Florida Tile is eligible to receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives.

“This expansion further cements Florida Tile’s presence in Kentucky,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “The company located its headquarters in Lexington five years ago because its leaders recognized the opportunities available to businesses in the Commonwealth. This expansion of its manufacturing and distribution operation in Lawrenceburg confirms the company made the right decision moving to Kentucky.”

“While the name of the company may be Florida Tile, they are firmly entrenched in the Bluegrass State with their manufacturing facility based in Lawrenceburg and their corporate headquarters in Lexington,” said Rep. James A. Tipton, of Taylorsville. “It’s because of that relationship and confidence in our workforce to produce quality products as the reasons why I believe Florida Tile is expanding in our region, and I applaud them for their decision.”

“The expansion of Florida Tile is a very positive testimony to the strong working relationship between the company and the community for many years,” said Sandy Goodlett, Mayor of Lawrenceburg. “Florida Tile will benefit by continuing and expanding their production in a stable environment, and the community will benefit from the 60-plus well-paying jobs and the financial investment of Florida Tile. As mayor I look forward to working with Florida Tile in completing this expansion.”

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