ATLANTA – System Ceramics of Italy has chosen Forsyth County, part of the metro Atlanta area, for its first U.S. location to house its headquarters, sales and service center. System Ceramics purchased a 20,000-square-foot facility in south Forsyth County and anticipates opening in January.

“Atlanta is a very strategic area for our business as it is easily accessible for our customers,” said Valte Cappellini, general manager of System USA. “This new branch will be of great support for our customers, and it will help us expand on the U.S. market.”

“That an international firm of this distinction would look at the national landscape and choose to make their U.S. corporate headquarters in the Cumming/Forsyth County area is a powerful demonstration of the corporate confidence that they have in our community to meet both their business needs and to provide the quality of life they desire for their employees,” said Pam Sessions, Chair of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “It is wonderful to see such immediate results from the Chamber’s September trade mission where we had the opportunity to grow our relationship with Mr. Franco Stefani, President of System. Our relationship was enlarged by the personal visit and the opportunity of their corporate location made real by listening and understanding their needs.”

System Ceramics of Italy manufactures and distributes equipment for the tile-manufacturing industry. From their new location, System Ceramics will provide spare parts and technical services for its U.S. customers. The company’s move to metro Atlanta will create approximately five to 10 jobs locally.

System Ceramics joins the list of Italian companies which have recently selected an Atlanta area location, including Alitalia Cargo, Pirelli and Sebach and joins Motovario as the second Italian firm to choose a Forsyth County location. Georgia is home to more than 60 Italian companies. System’s move to the metro Atlanta area strengthens the unique relationship between Georgia and Italy.

“System Ceramics chose the metro Atlanta area due to the strength of our economy and access to the world through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” said Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “ The metro area’s outstanding transportation system and excellent labor force continue to be a draw for companies to relocate.”

Atlanta is the third hottest city in the nation for businesses to expand and relocate, according to a 2006 ranking by top site-selection magazine Expansion Management. On the 2006 “Hottest Cities” list, Atlanta bested cities such as Dallas, San Antonio, Charlotte and Memphis. Nashville and Phoenix ranked first and second.

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The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce is committed to a strong economic environment and superior quality of life, industry and community in Cumming and Forsyth County, Georgia.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce (MACOC) -- with our 4,000 member companies that collectively employ more than 700,000 workers -- is a catalyst for a vibrant metro region. The Metro Atlanta Chamber focuses on the issues that matter most to the business community: improving quality of life, promoting economic growth and making Atlanta a brand name that means opportunity.

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