History

The activity of CERAMICA COLLET started in 1874, in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), and consisted of the manufacture of tiles and other special structural ceramic products until 1979. In the 80’s, and because of the structural ceramic products crisis, the activity turned into producing ready-made ceramic bodies, so introducing in the market a quality raw material for pottery that allowed potters to concentrate their activity to produce finished ceramics.

In 1979, the main production activity moved from L'Hospitalet de Llobregat to the new facilities sited in Esparreguera (Barcelona). There started a new phase of productive development that located CERAMICA COLLET and its brand SIO-2 as leader in the manufacture of red ceramic bodies for pottery in Spain. In addition, the development of a new program of clays for Arts & Crafts began. First item was the clay SIO-2 in small vacuum packs of 2kg.

In 1984, the advance in research and development allowed launching to the market the popular air-drying natural clay SIO-2 PLUS, which started to be promoted in foreign fairs. It meant the beginning of the exporting activity of the Company.

In 1992, new shareholders joined the Company, involving a new stage of investment in new facilities and human resources with the aim of reinforcing both the leadership position in Spain and the exporting activity, which was mainly focused on the European countries.

In 2000, the ISO 9001 certificate for the Quality System was obtained.

In 2002, a change in the Managing of the Company was made, with the aim of adapting the commercial strategies and the human and material assets to the new trends and exigencies of the market.

In 2003, the head office moved from its original place in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat to Esparreguera. Therefore all the Departments of the Company were united in the same place, which supposed a significant improvement of internal communication.

In 2006, a new production line (LA6) for special recipes and short productions as well as a new production line (LA5) for special shapes and small formats were set up. Both facilities allowed expanding the company’s portfolio, such as the new coloured air-drying clay SIO-2 COLORPLUS and also a second brand named VIRA HOBBY.

In 2007, a new range of clays for cosmetics was launched to the market under the brand DERMOARGILA.

In 2008, the process for setting up the pallets in the red clay production line (LA1) was automated by a robot.

En 2009, CERAMICA COLLET takes part in the distribution to invigorate and to popularize the artistic ceramic market, acquiring the company ANGELA COLLS and opening a new store in Esparreguera (Barcelona).