Italian Equipment Manufacturer Locates to Georgia

ATLANTA, Dec. 7, 2006  – System Ceramics of Italy has chosen metro Atlanta area for its first U.S. location to house its headquarters, sales and service center. System Ceramics purchased a 20,000-square-foot facility in south Forsyth County and anticipates opening in January.
System's move to the metro Atlanta area strengthens the unique relationship between Georgia and Italy. Georgia is currently home to more than 60 Italian companies. System Ceramics joins the list of Italian companies that have recently selected an Atlanta area location, including Alitalia Cargo, Pirelli, Sebach and Motovario.

'Atlanta is a very strategic area for our business as it is easily accessible for our customers,' said Valte Cappellini, general manager of System USA. 'This new branch will be of great support for our customers, and it will help us expand on the U.S. market.'

System Ceramics of Italy manufactures and distributes equipment for the tile-manufacturing industry. From their new location, System Ceramics will provide spare and technical services for its U.S. customers. The company's move to metro Atlanta will create approximately five to 10 jobs locally.

'System Ceramics chose the metro Atlanta area due to the strength of our economy and access to the world through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,' said Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. 'The metro area's outstanding transportation system and excellent labor force continue to be a draw for companies to relocate.'

'We are very pleased that this multinational company is joining the many others that have chosen Georgia for their U.S. headquarters,' said Craig Lesser, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 'We commend the Metro Atlanta Chamber for its international outreach that has helped put Georgia on the global radar for businesses.'

'That an international firm of this distinction would look at the national landscape and choose to make their U.S. corporate headquarters in the Cumming/Forsyth County area is a powerful demonstration of the corporate confidence that they have in our community to meet both their business needs and to provide the quality of life they desire for their employees,' said Pam Sessions, Chair of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.