With the opening of its first North American Manufacturing Facility in Matane, Canada, Duravit aims to set a milestone for the sanitary industry’s future and a new growth era for the US and Canadian markets. The facility fires sanitary ceramics with electric kilns powered almost entirely by renewable hydropower. This step forward for lower carbon ceramic production also supports Duravit’s local-for-local global business strategy. By offering products designed and produced exclusively in North America for the first time, Duravit aims to create a more sustainable and resilient supply chain to better serve its customers.

The official opening event held on November 27, 2025 included around 80 guests from various sectors such as government officials and personnel, business leaders and partners, and local media. Duravit was represented by Bob Downie (President & CEO, Duravit North America), Christian Gilles (plant manager, Canada), Thomas Stammel (COO), and Lüder Fromm (CMO). Special guest Gregor Greinert, chairman of the Duravit Supervisory Board also joined the event.

“The opening of this facility marks a defining moment for Duravit that strengthens our regional footprint and sets a new benchmark for lower carbon ceramic production powered by clean energy,” says Bob Downie, president & CEO of Duravit North America. “It represents a long-term investment in resilient supply chains, high-quality local manufacturing, and a more sustainable future for our industry and the communities we serve.”

Investment in quality and growth

Production is already underway, currently with 102 employees; this number is expected to rise to 240 by the planned full capacity in 2027. Covering an area of 35,000 square meters, the plant will produce up to 450,000 sinks, toilets and ceramic pieces for the North American market each year. Production will consistently adhere to Duravit's quality standards. The strategic location on the St. Lawrence River enables short transport routes and resource saving supply to the region. Access to a deep-sea port and the use of clean, cost-effective energy were key reasons for choosing this location.

Technology for a responsible future

Ceramic production requires high temperatures and is traditionally energy-intensive. In Matane, Duravit uses almost entirely renewable energy: hydroelectric power from Québec replaces fossil fuels, and the electric roller kilns are powered by 99.6% renewable sources. This, combined with shorter transport routes, reduces CO₂ emissions by around 9,000 tons per year. At the heart of the plant are the electric roller kilns from Riedhammer, a subsidiary of the SACMI Group. The kilns, which are around 100 meters long, have a capacity of over 600 ceramic pieces per day, which are fired at a temperature of 1,260 degrees Celsius. The process heat generated is recycled for drying and casting areas. 

Partnership with government and region

Economic Development Canada supported the construction with a repayable contribution of CAD 19 million, while Investissement Québec provided a loan of CAD 11 million through the ESSOR program. The community of the Matane region also contributed significantly to the successful launch with its warm welcome and close cooperation.

“The Matane region has shown us great trust and support from the very beginning. For us, this plant is more than just a production site: it is a joint project with the local community. We want to create long-term jobs that offer prospects and actively contribute to economic development,” says Christian Gilles, plant manager at Duravit Canada.

Tradition and future combined

Since 1817, Duravit has, in their words, stood for precision craftsmanship and modern technology. With the opening of the new plant in Matane, the company aims to lay a strategic cornerstone for international expansion and pursuing its goal of becoming CO₂-neutral by 2045 – based on a long-term corporate strategy. "At the same time, Duravit remains true to its product philosophy: timeless designs that do not follow fast moving trends but endure for decades. Durability means conserving resources, because replacing less saves materials, energy, and emissions. Aesthetics thus actively contribute to sustainability."

Lüder Fromm, CMO, says, “With our factory in Matane, Canada, we're reinforcing our commitment to sustainable design and bringing Duravit's values—excellence, quality, and responsibility—to North America. This factory shows how we combine innovation with responsibility and create solutions that last. Because true sustainability comes when timeless design is durable.”