GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-- Laticrete, a manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has announced the expansion of its manufacturing and distribution facility in Grand Prairie, TX, with a ground-breaking ceremony. Grand Prairie mayor Ron Jensen, Laticrete co-owner Henry B. Rothberg and president & COO North American division Ed Metcalf all spoke at the event.

Construction of the 70,000-square-foot addition to the existing 100,000-square-foot Laticrete facility will begin immediately and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2017. The Grand Prairie facility is the company's largest manufacturing and distribution center outside of the Laticrete headquarters in Bethany, CT. It manufacturers a wide array of products for the construction industry, employs a staff of more than 30 and recently added a third shift to meet steadily increasing demand.

"This year Laticrete celebrates its 60^th anniversary, and there is no more fitting way to celebrate than with a ground breaking to serve unprecedented growth," said Rothberg. "This major expansion is necessary to serve our Texas region customers, maintain stock and distribute high-volume items and other specialty products. We are excited and proud to be in Grand Prairie today."

The facility services the customers in the Texas sales region and serves as a national and international distribution hub for Laticrete. The expanded space will be used immediately for warehousing and will position the facility to meet potential future manufacturing needs.

"Grand Prairie is the right location for Laticrete. Its strategic location is perfect for distribution of our products," said Metcalf. "The region's pro-business environment is both conducive to our needs and evidenced by the new construction throughout this industrial park. And, the area abounds with a skilled, available and eager workforce. I would be remiss if I did not mention the support of the Grand Prairie government. Mayor Jensen has been a pleasure to work with, and we thank him for his continued support."

The plant expansion coincides with a period of unprecedented growth for the family-owned and privately held Laticrete. Over the past three years the company has acquired three companies and expanded the product lines it offers. Laticrete also recently completed an expansion of a similar facility in Pottstown, PA, which serves the northeastern U.S. sales region.