TCNA – Mexico was created in 2005 to serve Tile Council of North America’s Mexican members, as well as U.S. and Canadian members doing business in Mexico. From its five founding members, TCNA – Mexico’s membership has grown to more than 30 companies supporting Tile Council projects in Mexico.

The following are some of the recent developments with which TCNA – Mexico has been involved to benefit the North American tile industry:

Government Relations

TCNA – Mexico continues its work to eliminate illegal tile imports. TCNA – Mexico recently placed personnel at the two main Mexican border crossings where tile is imported to help custom agents recognize misclassified tile, including tile falsely labeled as porcelain.

Installer Training & Certification

TCNA – Mexico operates two installer training centers: one in Monterrey and the other in Mexico City. Construction of an additional training center in Mexico City will begin this year. Additionally, an installer certification program was launched in Oct. 2010 at Expo CHIAC with additional certification opportunities offered this year in Mexico City and Monterrey.

Tile Installation Video

TCNA – Mexico is developing a tile installation video, which will demonstrate all steps necessary for a successful tile installation in Mexico. This video will be launched in October at Expo CIHAC and afterwards will be available on TCNA – Mexico’s website.

World Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers’ Forum

Following the highly-successful ISO Ceramic Tile Standards Meeting held in Mexico City last year, TCNA – Mexico has been selected to host the annual World Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers’ Forum meeting Oct. 17 – 21, 2011 in Mexico City. This forum brings together ceramic tile manufacturer associations from all over the world to discuss important issues such as trade barriers, standardization, sustainability, and production and consumption trends. This is the first time this meeting will be held in Mexico and provides further recognition of TCNA and

TCNA – Mexico’s significant roles in the world ceramic tile industry.

Promotional Efforts/Tradeshows

In 2010, TCNA – Mexico successfully launched a 25,000 sq. ft. TCNA pavilion at Expo CIHAC, the largest construction show in Mexico. TCNA – Mexico will have an even larger pavilion at this year’s show to promote TCNA members, the use of tile, and its efforts to improve tile installation quality through installer training and certification.

Green Initiative

TCNA – Mexico is leading the way to promote the sustainability of tile in Mexico. It is working with the Green Building Council – Mexico to customize 80 of the 120 credits necessary for LEED certification to meet Mexico’s climatic and environmental needs. TCNA – Mexico’s involvement will provide the tile industry with a strong voice in this effort.