Duravit has begun work on its innovative ceramic plant in Matane, Canada, with operations set to begin in 2025. The foundation stone was laid in July 2023, and work is now in full swing in readiness for the go-live in 2025.
This state-of-the-art facility will house the world’s first electric roller kiln, powered by nearly 100% renewable energy. The new plant’s electric kiln technology will significantly reduce its carbon footprint, saving up to 10,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, alongside reducing transport-related emissions.
The production hall, covering 35,000 m², is almost complete and ready to accommodate these specially designed roller kilns. “We’re expecting the first toilet to roll out of the new facility in Canada in the third quarter of 2025,” said Christian Gilles, head of manufacturing in Matane, who has an extensive background in Duravit’s operations, having previously worked as Production Manager at the Hornberg facility.
The Matane site will combine cutting-edge automation and the latest technology to improve manufacturing efficiency. The electric roller kilns, developed in collaboration with Riedhammer, the world’s leading industrial kiln manufacturer, will be powered almost entirely by renewable hydroelectric energy. This will help reduce carbon emissions by up to 8,500 tonnes annually. Additionally, Duravit is investing in driverless transport systems and a modern die-casting process to enhance both production efficiency and product quality.
Christian Gilles, who has held a range of managerial roles at Duravit’s Bischwiller and Hornberg facilities, has relocated to Canada with his family to oversee the project. “Recruiting employees with the right skills for all of our vacant positions is definitely a challenge,” he remarked. With the new machines arriving in March 2025, the next phase involves installation and configuration, with the first of the two electric roller kilns set to go live in the third quarter of the year. This facility represents a major step in Duravit’s commitment to sustainable, high-quality ceramic production.