ILVA S.A. was established in 1992 -as the new venture of a group of professionals operating in the ceramic tile industry since 1978- with the objective of producing high quality ceramic products, of a design and taste unknown in Argentina and Latin America at the time. The company aimed at competing with top products available in the international market.
During 1992, in only eight months ILVA built its manufacturing facility of 52,000 sqm on a 16 hectare plot located inside the Pilar Industrial Park, just 60 km from Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. To achieve this ambitious project special emphasis was placed on utilizing the most advanced technology available in Europe (Italy), as well as prime quality raw materials. The setting up of such a project also required experienced and highly qualified personnel, many of which were sent to Italy through the years to further their training in the latest industry techniques.
In January 1993, ILVA began production with a flooring line and a maximum working output of 1,600,000 square metres annually. ILVA targeted the medium-high income customer from the start, which until then in Argentina had only been supplied by imported products. Sales figures show a continuous positive performance and by the end of 1993, all production had been sold.
Early in 1994, building on the success achieved, ILVA decided to set up a second production line, which would double output to 3,200,000 square metres annually, with a secondary flooring and wall tile line. Technological and financial requirements were met and the second line began to produce in September 1994. During the first months, ILVA achieved the expected market penetration. With the production of its second line, ILVA´s strategy was to place a significant portion of its production in foreign markets, even if the strength of the currency made the local market more attractive. It is along this policy that the company has continued its course. Up
During 1997 ILVA decided to add a third production line dedicated to the manufacture of porcelain stoneware, which was actually set up during 1998 and started operating during 1999. At the time, ILVA increased its output from 3,200,000 to 5,000,000 square meters annually. At the same time, the 162 staff employed by the end of 1997 was increased to 237 by the end of 1999. The entire line of products was manufactured with state-of-the-art technology developed by Italian firms, worldwide leaders in the ceramic industry and porcellanato.
Porcellanato allowed ILVA to further establish its presence in the United States, and other foreign markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Benelux , Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Japan. The technical porcellanato series achieved such success, that by 2001 ILVA doubled its production capacity for porcellanato, as well as including full body products, also investing in experts to assist in development and design. Following this trend of keeping abreast of technological and design developments, ILVA shifted another kiln to porcellanato before the end of 2002, and the rest of the production by 2003. Up
Working Capacity
The company is located within the Pilar Industrial Park, with an installed manufacturing capacity of 6,500,000 square metres annually. All machinery is state-of-the-art Italian technology. ILVA is permanently upgrading its installations to keep up with international developments. Up
Product Lines
At present ILVA markets 9 series in glazed porcelain, and 4 in technical porcelain, polished and unpolished, all comprised of field tiles and special trims and decorative pieces. ILVA follows the Italian trend of specializing in flooring and then using smaller pieces for the wall, with sizes going from 17,5x17,5, to 34x34, 35x35, 44x44, 50x50 and 35x70, accompanied by special pieces such as inserts, listellos, torellos, matitas (pencils), angles, quarter rounds, corners, sink rails, stair treads, bullnoses, cove bases, mesh mounted mosaics, etc. All ILVA products are of top quality to cater for the middle-high market segment: gres glazed porcelain in white clay with the latest designs, large-sized porcelains; porcellanato of technical quality (less than 0.05% water absorption), that complies with all required international standards, coupled with aesthetic features that sets it apart from other flooring products.
Series marketed are: Amadeus, Caribbean, Mármol Travertino, Pietre Eleganti, Opera, Pietre Travertine, Nevada, Fiorentino and San Ignacio (glazed porcelain) and Grecia, Marmi, Pietra Patagónica, Crema Marfil and Marmi in technical porcellanato.
Permanent investments in updated techniques and machinery have enabled ILVA to recreate the texture and rustic appearance of natural stones and marbles. Raw materials utilized are also top quality, undergoing constant laboratory checks, with most pigments and glazes being imported from Italy and Spain. Up
Distribution Network
In Argentina, ILVA markets its products through a network of distributors spread throughout the entire country. Distribution is selective and involves more than 100 well positioned agents. Some distributors may resell the products on a retail basis, which is not directly managed or overseen by the company. Distributors supply construction companies with great volumes of products as well as selling to the general public. ILVA has set up showrooms at the main points of sale.
Regarding exports, for many years ILVA has dedicated at least 50% of its production to foreign markets, consistently providing customers with top quality and design, and will continue increasing that presence abroad. In some countries ILVA is represented by an exclusive broker or special agent servicing a network of distributors and, in other countries, by exclusive distributors who might sell wholesale as well as retail to the general public, architects, builders, etc. In all cases, ILVA is represented by professionals with years´experience in marketing of ceramic products. Up
Exports
Since 1993, ILVA has consistently carried out a business plan for the development of foreign markets. Thus, export figures doubled in 1994 and increased fivefold during 1995 (compared to the year 1993). During 1999, there was a twofold increase of exports in pesos against those of 1996. The upwards trend continued, with the USA still being the main destination of those sales.
ILVA competes exporting high added value products – both in technical as well as aesthetic terms- at prices competitive with similar products of Italian and Spanish origin, targeting the medium to high market segment. Up
