General Shale buys Summitville Tiles

General Shale, a producer of building material solutions, has acquired Summitville Tiles, a producer of ceramic tile and thin brick solutions in the U.S.

“Summitville offers products unique to our portfolio, while further strengthening us as the market leader for thin brick solutions,” said Charles Smith, president and CEO of General Shale.

Headquartered in Ohio, where it derives its namesake, Summitville Tiles is well known for its premium-grade quarry tiles and high-durability industrial floor brick, plus an expansive line of tile care products.

The company is the originator of Strata-Tile – a unique mixture of clays that emulate the earth’s natural striations. Summitville’s 25 colors include its unique Wirecut, Landmark and Olde Towne offerings.

In addition, said the firm, Summitville’s chemical-resistant brick floors are utilized in world-renowned breweries, dairies, bakeries, and leading brand food and packaging plants throughout the world.

The acquisition offers a strategic expansion of General Shale’s thin brick portfolio, particularly in commercial precast and industrial solutions projects.

This closing, said the firm, “establishes General Shale as a leading supplier of innovative and sustainable masonry solutions throughout North America.”

“This acquisition is an important step in furthering our position as the complete and sustainable solutions provider for the building envelope in North America,” said Smith.

Founded in 1928, General Shale is the North American subsidiary of Austrian brick maker Wienerberger, founded in 1819, and described as the world’s largest producer of clay brick.

General Shale said it operates 28 manufacturing facilities, 26 retail stores and a network of more than 200 partnering distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada.