Laticrete International founder and chairman emeritus, Dr. Henry M. Rothberg, was inducted into the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) Hall of Fame on November 9, 2006 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The CTDA Hall of Fame, now in its fifth year of existence, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the association and the industry as a whole. “Dr. Rothberg has made significant contributions to the ceramic tile and stone industry, as has the company which he founded, Laticrete International,” said Rick Church, executive director of the CTDA. “Over the years, he has been a major supporter of the CTDA, and his commitment to the education and advancement of the industry are the reasons that our membership nominated Dr. Rothberg.”

Rothberg's research in the field of chemical engineering led to the development and introduction of thin adhesive mortars for bonding ceramic tile and stone to the construction industry. Industry veterans have said that his pioneering work “revolutionized installation techniques.” The company reports that the “adhesive mortar method” is based upon a material created by Rothberg and brought to the market as “Laticrete.” As awareness and acceptance of this problem-solving technology spread, so too did the growth of acceptance in ceramic tile and stone flooring and facade installations. Now, 50 years later, Laticrete International is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of materials and methods for the installation of ceramic tile and stone.

Dr. Henry M. Rothberg, B.S.Ch.E., A.I.Ch.E., A.C.S., received his degree in chemical engineering from the University of South Carolina, and attended Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. He has been closely associated with the construction industry in the ceramic tile and stone areas for over 45 years, beginning with his early days as a ceramic tile, marble and terrazzo contractor.