Report from Europe: Italian tile producer emphasizes quality

Based in Montignoso, Massa, Italy, Bonotti Esportazioni srl has become a specialist in producing tiles, and in addition to marble varieties from the Carrara region and beyond, it processes granite from around the world.


When visiting the factory of Bonotti Esportazioni srl in Montignoso, Massa, Italy, the most obvious aspect of the facility is the two complete Breton tile lines for marble and granite. But also noticeable are quality-control specialists at the end of each production line, who ensure that the stone tiles being packaged meet the company's high standards.

The company has two complete tile lines from Breton S.p.A. of Italy. For granite processing, stone is polished using a Levibreton that is equipped with 18 polishing heads and abrasives from Tenax S.p.A.
Bonotti initially began as a marble producer, and it now operates two complete tile lines from Breton - one for marble and one for granite.

During the production process, billets - or strips - of stone are delivered to the line using robotic vacuum lifters from Breton.
Marble varieties include some of the renowned stones of the Carrara region, such as Calacatta, as well as materials such as White Venetino and some colored marbles. In terms of granite, Bonotti fabricates material from around the world, bringing in stone from countries such as India and Brazil, among others.

Quality control is a critical part of the production process, and supervisors carefully monitor products before they are packaged and shipped.
During the production process, billets - or strips - of stone are delivered to the line using robotic vacuum lifters from Breton, and the line includes machinery for calibrating, cross cutting, beveling and polishing. For marble processing, the company has a Levibreton KFM, which is equipped with 12 polishing heads. Meanwhile, granite is polished using a Levibreton that is equipped with 18 polishing heads and abrasives from Tenax S.p.A.

When processing marble, Bonotti relies on a Levibreton KFM, which is equipped with 12 polishing heads.
Tiles are produced in a number of sizes, although the most popular dimensions are 12 x 12 and 18 x 18 inches. As required, the tiles are treated with resin products from Tenax.

Tiles are produced in a number of sizes, although the most popular dimensions are 12 x 12 and 18 x 18 inches.
There are a total of 17 workers in the company, including 12 in the plant, and daily production is 5,400 square feet of granite and 4,300 square feet of marble. The majority of Bonotti's production is exported, and markets include the U.S. and the Far East as well as other nations within Europe, such as Germany. In addition to standard tile production, Bonotti also fabricates tiles for architectural projects.

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Michael Reis has been working for Stone World Magazine since 1993. In his role as Editor and Associate Publisher, he covers all aspects of the stone industry, from quarrying to fabrication to installation. He contributes feature articles as well as writes the Stone Column, which is a monthly commentary on industry issues and trends. Emailmichael@stoneworld.com

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