Duravit Expands Global Footprint with High-Tech Manufacturing Facility in Canada
CANADA: The 35,000 m² production hall is nearing completion and is prepared for the installation of specially designed roller kilns, enabling Duravit to revolutionize the manufacturing of sanitary ceramic products. To ensure precision and efficiency, the designer bathroom manufacturer is integrating proven processes with cutting-edge technology across all production components. The highly automated manufacturing system guarantees consistent quality, enhances productivity, and supports employees in their tasks. Additionally, Duravit is investing in driverless transport systems and a modern die-casting process to further optimize efficiency. “We’re expecting the first toilet to roll out of the new facility in Canada in the third quarter of 2025,” said Christian Gilles, formerly Production Manager at the Hornberg facility, and now Head of Manufacturing in Matane.
Christian Gilles, who has held key roles at Duravit, including factory manager positions in Bischwiller, France, and Hornberg, is leading the new facility. Drawing on Duravit’s extensive experience and expertise, the company is advancing its technological innovation strategy. Operations have been in full swing since September last year, with Gilles relocating to Canada with his family. He is now supported by a colleague overseeing Human Resources and Finance. The facility is set to receive new machinery in March, which will then be installed and configured. The first of two electric roller kilns—the core of the manufacturing process—is expected to become operational in the third quarter.
Duravit AG continues its growth trajectory with its new manufacturing facility in Matane, Canada, complementing its existing production sites and headquarters in Hornberg, Germany. The facility aligns with Duravit’s local-for-local strategy, which prioritizes sourcing materials locally and manufacturing products for the regional market. Strategically located along the Saint Lawrence River, the facility benefits from improved logistics, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 1,500 tons per year. The plant primarily produces sanitary ceramics tailored to the American market, with a product portfolio specifically curated for that region. Moreover, Duravit’s localized approach helps safeguard jobs at its German manufacturing sites.
Source: Duravit