In early November D&B Tile and Atlas Concorde hosted a very successful Plant Tour of the Atlas world headquarters in Modena Italy. Luca Zagatti, Southeast US Territory manager met the D&B group upon arrival in Bologna and was the tour guide for the week. This group was composed of Dennis McLennand, Carole Schafmeister, and Katt Arnold from the D&B Commercial Sales team along with 14 architects and designers from several of the top National and South Florida based firms. Leo A. Daly, M.C. Harry & Associates, Getty’s Group, Perkins & Will, Ocean Properties, Glidden Spina & Partners, ID & Design, and Acai were the firms that sent principals and Design Managers to visit Atlas. An international leader in design and production, Atlas Concorde welcomed the entire group to stay at their on-site housing and training facility. This campus includes 3 traditionally designed guest houses along with an onsite dining facility all nestled in over 20 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds.
Our clients were impressed with the production facility and a review of all the new products introduced by Atlas at the recent Cersaie International Exposition held every year in Bologna. Atlas has led the industry for years in design of new series and this year was no exception. Often imitated but never duplicated, Atlas proved once again their position as a world leader in the Ceramic Tile Industry. Our clients were able to see the entire process from raw clay to finished product. They now have a greater understanding of the demands to consistently produce a quality product that can meet all their needs.
Of course the whole week was not limited to work and the group enjoyed a taste of Italy while on the trip. We traveled by private bus to Venice, Florence, and Bologna. A trip to the Ferrari Museum and a tour of a balsamic vinegar distillery were enjoyed by all. Of course each day the group feasted at great restaurants for lunch and dinner and enjoyed the local wines, breads, and pasta. To travel with your clients, learn together, and develop new friendships is the goal of this trip each year.