Amid much pomp and circumstance, Expo Build is declared open.


Champion Building Materials’ ceramic tile exhibit.

The New Shanghai International Expo Center opened its doors on April 4th for Expo Build China 2007. Expo Build is proving to be a major contender, with attendance estimated at over 23,000, 10 percent of whom were international attendees. The show is broken into six sections: Ceramics, Tile & Sanitary Ware; Wood & Building; Doors, Windows & Structures; Building Interiors, Heating Ventilation, Plumbing & Water Treatment; and Expo Stone. Housed in a new facility with a total area of 46,000 square meters (20,910 square meters net space), exhibitors in the Ceramics Tile section occupied two exhibition halls showcasing building ceramic products, floor and wall tiles, mosaics, marble, stone, and bath fixtures.

A total of 498 companies, including 121 international companies and brands, participated in the show. The show offered a professional setting for visitors to view the latest products from exhibitors from around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America. Attendance at the show was dominated by Architect/Interior Designers, Construction Projects; and Ceramics, Tile and Sanitary Manufacturers.

Among some of the “standout” exhibitors, Gemart’s 2007 collection of glazed porcelain tile represented a bold, avant garde approach. Its creator, Yangwo Wan Ko Kisinubu, is an internationally acclaimed art Master. Gemart’s original work based upon original designs of Master Yee’s fine art. Their products include a large number of exterior and interior decorative materials, offering a sense of spirituality.

Champion Building Materials, created in 1972 by Mr. Tien Tsun Lin, is another noteworthy exhibitor offering high quality ceramic tile. As a domestic market leader based in Taiwan, Champion plans to broaden and diversify its international market by opening overseas factories.

Other noteworthy international manufacturers included Graniti Fiandre, Porcelanosa, Gardenia and Marazzi.

In the central area of the Exhibition, “Italy: the Home of Excellence” showcased the ultimate quality in stone and ceramic tiles, as well as the top products offered by Italian leading manufacturers. This event is organized by Bologna Fiere in cooperation with Shanghai ExpoBuild Int’l Exhibition Co. Ltd. and CMP SinoExpo, and it has been co-financed by the region of Elmilia Romagna.

According to statistics, China is now the largest producer of ceramic tile in the world, and one of the largest importers of ceramic tile to the United States, becoming a growing contender in the areas of technology and design.

China Expo 2008 will be held April 1-4 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. For details, contact Ms. Michelle Xia (e-mail: expobuild@cmpsinoexpo.com).