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Emser Tile Celebrates Virginia-Based Eastern Distribution Center with Ribbon Cutting

August 29, 2017

Emser Tile has opened its third distribution center in North America. This Suffolk, Virginia, location will service the growing East Coast and Midwest markets. The distribution center expands the company’s resources to account for a growing product portfolio and increased customer demand.

The new 400,000-sq.-ft. distribution center, with the capacity to expand to 850,000 square feet, stems from Emser Tile’s growth and increased inventory and supports the company’s long-term expansion plans. The company operates more than 20 showrooms and distribution centers throughout the East Coast and Midwest, the majority of which opened in the last five years.

“Our growth in the East Coast and Midwest markets gave us an opportunity to build a state-of-the-art distribution center to meet our customers’ needs through even better service,” said Barbara Haaksma, vice president of marketing for Emser Tile. “Emser Tile remains dedicated to being the design leader for today’s tile and natural stone and is committed to efficiently providing these products to customers nationwide.”

To celebrate the opening, Emser Tile hosted a ribbon cutting on August 15 with dignitaries in attendance, including Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore, Delegate S. Chris Jones, Senator John Cosgrove and Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson. John F. Reinhart, CEO and Director of the Virginia Port Authority, also spoke at the opening.

“We are honored that Emser Tile chose the Commonwealth as its gateway to the East Coast market and the world,” said Gov. McAuliffe. “With its close proximity to The Port of Virginia, the City of Suffolk is an ideal base for Emser’s distribution operation, and we are confident the company will benefit from the region’s workforce, infrastructure and competitive business climate as it expands its product portfolio in the U.S. It’s exciting to see the new, 400,000-sq.-ft. service center become a reality, and we thank Emser Tile for being part of our ongoing efforts to diversify and build the new Virginia economy.”

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore welcomed the new distribution center for its position in the Commonwealth’s industry.

“Virginia is within a day’s drive of more than 40 percent of the U.S. and boasts the third-largest state-maintained transportation network—critical factors that make the Commonwealth an exemplary location for distribution,” said Haymore. “We look forward to a strong corporate partnership with Emser Tile in the City of Suffolk.”

By basing operations in Suffolk, Emser Tile aims to become a strategic partner within the community. The company plans to hire and train distribution center employees through partnerships with local colleges and the community.

“Emser Tile’s commitment to locate in Suffolk speaks to our business-friendly climate and robust workforce,” Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson said. “Suffolk provides a central gateway for Emser Tile, providing them the logistics infrastructure needed to support their growing customer base. We value their investment and share in their vision for future growth.”

Suffolk also offers unique highway infrastructure and proximity to The Port of Virginia to facilitate high-volume distribution.

“The Port of Virginia is looking forward to handling cargo for the Emser Tile distribution operation in Suffolk and helping the company establish its presence on the East Coast,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “We welcome the opportunity to develop a partnership with this company by serving as its global gateway for trade.”

Emser Tile strategically chose to locate the distribution facility at CenterPoint Intermodal Center – Suffolk. The 900-acre logistics center features direct access to The Port of Virginia, and is currently home to ACE Hardware, FRÍANT and Peet’s Coffee facilities.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Emser Tile celebrates its 50th anniversary and operates 72 showrooms nationwide with new branches opening regularly. Additionally, Emser has distribution centers in California and Texas.

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