Emser Tile opens 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Suffolk

Emser Tile, a designer, marketer and producer of tile and natural stone, has opened a 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Suffolk.

The building, which has the capacity to expand to 850,000 square feet, is Emser’s third distribution center in North America. The other centers are located in California and Texas.

The facility at the CenterPoint Intermodal Center will serve the growing East Coast and Midwest markets.

Emser, based in Los Angeles, operates showrooms and distribution centers throughout the East Coast and Midwest, the majority of which opened in the past five years.

“Our growth in the East Coast and Midwest markets gave us an opportunity to build a state-of-the art distribution center to meet our customers’ needs through even better service,” Barbara
Haaksma, vice president of marketing for Emser Tile, said in a statement.

To celebrate the opening, Emser hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday attended by state and local government officials including Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore, Del.  S. Chris Jones, state Sen. John Cosgrove and Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson.

John F. Reinhart, CEO and director of the Virginia Port Authority, spoke at the opening.
“The Port of Virginia is looking forward to handling cargo for the Emser Tile distribution operation in Suffolk and helping the company establish its presence on the East Coast,” said Reinhart. “We welcome the opportunity to develop a partnership with this company by serving as its global gateway for trade.”

Emser Tile said it plans to hire and train distribution center employees through partnerships with local colleges and the community.

It chose to locate at CenterPoint Intermodal Center because the 900-acre logistics center offers direct access to the Port of Virginia. Other tenants at the center include ACE Hardware, FRÍANT and Peet’s Coffee facilities.

Emser operates 72 showrooms nationwide with new branches opening regularly. The company is the largest privately held designer and marketer of tile and natural stone products in the U.S. Its products are used in new home construction, remodeling applications and commercial projects, including multifamily housing, hospitality, shopping centers, office buildings and educational facilities.