Company Profile
During recent years, the tile product industry in Thailand has witnessed strong and rapid growth, due primarily to the boom in the construction industry. A tremendous surge in demand for tile products has precipitated vigorous competition among local producers of tile products. A large amount of money has thus been invested to introduce the latest technology, essential for producing a wide range of quality tile products to fulfill the diversified demand of customers.
In response to Thailand's ever-changing economic situation in this era of free trade, Tile Top Industry, with its new 3rd phase factory, stands at the pinnacle of tile manufacturers, constantly aiming to develop the county's ceramic tile industry by expanding its product range and improving its product quality, thus keeping its customers ahead of their competitors. The company is now enhancing its operations, bringing on stream the mast advanced production technology.

Tile Top Industry Public Company Limited At the forefront of tile product manufacturers
Today marks an important step forward in the ongoing development of the tile product industry, as Tile Top Industry Public Company Limited celebrates the grand opening of the 3rd phase of its factory, built to manufacture double fast fired wall tiles The occasion is testament to Tile Top's leading position as a producer of top quality ceramic tiles, featuring beautiful designs which will keep its clients ahead of the competition in the ever-expanding construction and related industries.

Built at a cost of 350 million baht, Tile Top's factory, covering o vast 165 rai at Amphur Nong Kae, Saraburi Province, is fully equipped with the most advanced technology and machinery from Italy. It is capable of producing 14,000 square metres per day of 8"x 8" and 12"x 12" ceramic tales. At present, Tile Top exports its high quality products to Australia, Singapore, Vietnam and Myanmar.

As large-sized wall tiles have up to now been available only by importation from Italy and Spain, the price of these products has been relatively high, in spite of their exemption from import duties. Aware of the high importation costs of forge-sized wolf tales, Tile Top Industry decided to construct a 3rd phase factory, where - for the first time in Thailand, double fast fired wall tiles will be produced in sizes similar to those of natural marble tiles, and to international quality standards. Tile Top's factory is one of only ten factories in the world producing such tiles. The price of its wolf tiles will be reduced from about 1,000 to 300 baht per square metres with the opening of this 3rd phase, and total production capacity will be raised to 21,000 square metres per day, or 7.5 million square metres annually.

Tile Top Industry's production processes are at the cutting-edge of technology in this field, and have become a benchmark for other manufacturers of ceramic tiles. All production features a high level of computerized control, ensuring reliability and efficiency of operations.

Besides introducing the most advanced production processes, Tile Top is determined to maintain the natural environment, and has installed a highly efficient water treatment system to purify water from its production process for recycling. In addition, realizing the importance of the living standards and quality of life of its 520-strong workforce, the company has implemented advanced safety measures, offers excellent welfare benefits, and is striving to create the most pleasant possible working conditions. In-house and overseas training programmes which include English Language, Computer and Management courses are also provided to further enhance the efficiency and skills of Tile Top's employees.

Background

Tile Top Industry Co., Ltd. was established on May 3, 1991 with a registered capital of 15 million baht to manufacture ceramic tiles for supply to the local market. Its factory, located at Amphur Nong Kae, Saraburi Province, started producing 8"x 8" ceramic tiles in June 1992. As demand for ceramic tiles has risen remarkably in line with the county's economic development, the company has grown rapidly, with productivity and sales expanding apace.

Tile Top has been continuously improving product quality as well as expanding its product range in response to growing demand. In September 1993, the company began producing 12"x 12" ceramic tiles featuring beautiful designs and colours. It has thus enjoyed the lion's share of the market, gaining increasing recognition among local consumers. Registered capital was increased to 220 million baht in 1994. On February 3, l 995, the company purchased Preecha Complex E 3, Rachadapisek Road, as a site for its headquarters. On November 23, 1995 it became a public company, and is now preparing for a scheduled 1996 listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The differences between double-fired and monoporosa wall tiles

Double-fired files are stronger than monoporosa files, and so can be patterned with more colours since they can go through the pattern printing process several times.

After the first firing process, defective products are rejected, only perfect tiles being cooled. This helps reduce production costs, since the price of coating paints, at 4 times the cost of an untreated file, is rather high.

The double firing process gives increased protection against scratches and nicks.

The colours on double fired files are more beautiful and smoother than those of monoporosa tiles; the second firing process uses only low temperatures to dry the coating paints, whereas monoporosa files must be fired at high temperatures to cure the ceramic material and to dry the coating paints in one treatment, and high temperatures cause bright colours to fade.

Tile Top provides only high quality and modern products

Of similar size to natural marble tales, but much lighter at 14.8 kg. per square metres, Tile Top's 12 x 16 inch tiles are produced in various designs and colours. Their smooth shiny surfaces will make any floor space more beautiful and elegant. As the texture of the tiles can absorb water at 10 -14 % and bear weights up to 230 kg. per square centimeter, "hey can be used far covering inside floors as well. In addition, with a shrink ratio between green tiles and biscuits (baked tales) of only 0.5% compared to 7% for normal tales, all products thus have the same standard size. Moulding and centre pieces can also be used to decorate different sized areas, from a minimum of 1.50 metres. Being 4 fumes cheaper than imparted products, Tile Top's double fired wall tiles are thus beautiful, functional, economical and of high quality.

Future plans

With the expansion of Thailand's industrial sector, demand for ceramic tiles is expected to increase. The company will continue to develop its product quality and expand its product range to keep pace with the ever expanding market. In 1995, total sales were 605 million baht and net profit was 90 million baht. These figures look set to increase by 30% this year. Planning for a 4th phase expansion to boost total production capacity to 28,000 square metres per day, with registered capital increased to 300 million baht, is now underway.