As Walker Zanger, a comprehensive stone and tile company, ends a year in which the U.S. economy and its building industry have been buffeted, the company is positioned for growth and continued achievements in 2010. In 2009, Walker Zanger reports that it garnered several industry awards and seized opportunities for growth, giving the company cause to set its sights even higher for 2010. Additionally, the company has seen an increase in sales in the Southern California market for high-end commercial building projects, indicating positive movement in the building industry where the company hopes to capitalize in the coming year.

“While most in our category are cutting staff or scaling back production, Walker Zanger remains focused on growth and future opportunity,” said Jonathan Zanger, President of Walker Zanger. “We’ve positioned ourselves for great success by taking steps in 2009 to build on our business. The investments we have made and the acknowledgements we have received will go a long way toward sustaining our future expansion. We are looking forward to success in 2010 as the economy recovers.”

Beginning in late 2008 with the opening of its showroom in Tustin, CA, Walker Zanger approached 2009 with a vision for growth to further cement the company’s future in the stone and tile industry. In May, the company took it a step further, securing the acquisition of Cerámica Antique, a manufacturing facility with whom Walker Zanger had worked for 15 years. This acquisition not only came with additional manufacturing capabilities, but also patented processes to manufacture large-format tiles, which are now exclusive to Walker Zanger.

Throughout 2009, Walker Zanger received several industry awards and honors including: the Key to the City of Carrara, Italy, in acknowledgement of its long-standing relationship with the city, its quarries and its people; a silver Award for Design Excellence (ADEX) for its Sonja Mosaics Collection; a Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, also for its Sonja Mosaics Collection; and Prism Awards for both a residential building in New York City and a spa bath in Florida.

Additionally, Walker Zanger also provided stone products for a large part of the renovation to The America Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Topped off by the appointment of its President, Jonathan Zanger, to the Board of Directors of the Marble Institute of America (MIA) as Treasurer, 2009 proved to be a year for unique and exceptional honors for Walker Zanger.

Walker Zanger also made investments in its future by providing dealer networks and client service divisions with tools to build business and drive sales. This year, Walker Zanger hosted a special training seminar for dealers to expand their knowledge of the extensive Walker Zanger catalog. The company also recently launched an exclusive “Hand-Created Client Experience” training for client service representatives and showrooms, further establishing its standards for all client interactions.

In 2010, Walker Zanger seeks to capitalize on its elevated client service reputation as the building and home industries see renewed growth, the company reports.