INDUSTRY NEWS large-format tile. All equipment in the plant reflects the latest technol- ogy. The new plant will be able to produce 45 million sq. ft. at start up, with a plan to expand to 75 million sq. ft. within a year. Wonder Porcelain LLC worked with Tenn.-based T. W. Frierson Contractor, Inc. on the construc- tion of the plant. An additional 200,000-sq.-ft. warehouse and adjacent office complex complete the facility, and it will employ over 200 people. AWP, comprised of tile veterans from leading organizations in the industry, will use their vision for manufacturing, marketing and sell- ing tile to introduce exceptionally designed and technically superior products to the U.S. market. All products produced in the new plant will be certified by the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency and will be tested by the Tile Council of North America to ensure they meet or exceed defined standards in all perfor- mance categories. The ceremony included remarks by Michael Kephart, president of Wonder Porcelain LLC, and Jianping Huang, a primary inves- tor in the factory. Local digni- taries also attended, including Commissioner Rob Rolfe of the TN Department of Economic and Community Development, and Mayor Bernie Ash of the City of Lebanon. Bill Griese, director of Standards Development and Sustainability Initiatives for the Tile Council of North America, TCNA, spoke about the continued growth of the tile industry in the U.S. and the importance of manufacturing on U.S. soil. Approximately 100 guests attended the event, which concluded with a ribbon cut- ting by Commissioner Bob Rolfe, Michael Kephart and Jianping Huang. Q.E.P. Co., Inc. acquires AC Products Co. In mid-April, Q.E.P. Co., Inc. announced it completed the acquisition of AC Products Co. of Apple Creek, Ohio, a prime manufacturer of ceramic bathroom accessories. AC Products is one of the pre- mier American manufacturers creating handcrafted bathroom accessories such as soap dishes, shower shelves, towel bars and other related items. Computer- controlled color matching ensures precision and allows the company At the AWP ribbon cutting are (l. to r.): Jack Xie, an owner along with Jianping Huang (l.c.), Michael Kephpart, Commissioner Rob Rolfe, and TCNA’s Bill Griese. 108 TileLetter | May 2017