Dal-Tile International Inc. has entered into a joint venture agreement with EmilCeramica S.p.A., a leading Italian tile manufacturer in Sassuolo, Italy. The joint venture will sell, distribute and manufacture elegant styles and high quality porcelain tile for the North American market. This will allow Dal-Tile to offer its customers specially designed products combining superior Italian technology with Dal-Tile’s distribution and professional sales services.

During the first phase, which will commence immediately, the joint venture will sell products to Dal-Tile’s customers supplied by EmilCeramica’s technically advanced production facility in Italy. The second phase, which is scheduled to take place during 2001, will involve the construction of a state-of-the-art porcelain tile plant in North America. Dal-Tile will be the majority partner in both phases.

“We are pleased to be associated with EmilCeramica, one of the highest quality manufacturers of floor tile in Italy,” said Jacques Sardas, Dal-Tile’s chairman and chief executive officer. “The joint venture will combine Dal-Tile’s leadership in North America with EmilCeramica’s excellent technical and design capabilities. This will accelerate our growth in the important residential market.”