CANCUN, MEXICO — Cosentino Group, a worldwide leader in the production and distribution of natural stone, quartz, recycled and architectural surfaces, held its annual convention for its top North American customers. More than 250 people attended the convention from March 4 to 7 in Cancun, Mexico, where Francisco Martinez-Cosentino, Cosentino Group Chairman and Eduardo Martinez-Cosentino, CEO of Cosentino North America (CNA) both attended to share the company’s business strategies for this year.

In his keynote speech, Martinez-Cosentino thanked attendees for their efforts in 2012 in keeping Cosentino on a path of growth in North America, despite the difficult market conditions. He stressed the importance of having the ability to provide a fast and efficient service through the 22 Cosentino Center logistic platforms that Cosentino Group has throughout the U.S.

During the convention, the new mission statement and vision of the Cosentino Group was revealed, which includes expanding the multinational company’s business objectives from the areas of the kitchen and bathroom into the innovative world of architecture and design solutions. This evolution in the philosophy of the company, owned by the Martinez-Cosentino Justo family from Almeria, Spain, precedes the imminent launch of a new brand, Dekton® by Cosentino.

The launch of this new product, which represents an investment of $166 million and the construction of a state-of-the-art factory in the Cantoria Industrial Park in Almeria, was one of the key aspects of the speech by Eduardo Martinez-Cosentino.

“If with Silestone we revolutionized the field of kitchen surfaces worldwide, with Dekton we will open new business opportunities for our customers, starting in a few months with the U.S.,“ Martinez-Cosentino said.

The company verified its firm commitment to growth in North America as well as new investments to earn even more competitive advantage. Noteworthy events for 2013 include the opening of a new logistic hub in Norfolk, VA, four new Cosentino Centers, and the refurbishment of some of the older Centers in the U.S.

According to the Chairman, Francisco Martinez-Cosentino Justo, “We are still in a strong position to maximize business opportunities in this region. Our partners and customers must rely on the strength of our brands, the constant innovation of our products, and our unique worldwide distribution system. Our commitment will continue to promote investment, and seek expansion and growth to achieve success along with our customers.”

With an overall consolidated turnover of $556 million and more than 2,300 employees worldwide, the North American market remains a priority for the company and represents more than 50% of Cosentino Group sales, with nearly 700 employees.

The four-day convention also hosted educational seminars on products, marketing, health and safety at work, and relationships with architects and designers. This included two fabricator forums, where panelists included Mark Anderson of Cosentino North America, Jim Hieb of the Marble Institute of America, Jim Callaghan of GranQuartz, Hunter Adams of Trindco, Jean Poisson of Integra Adhesives, Gerry Van Der Bas of Breton USA and Stone World Editor Michael Reis.