DALLAS -- Dal-Tile International Inc. plans to locate its newest floor tile manufacturing facility in Muskogee, Okla. The plant will be situated on approximately 150 acres along State Highway 165 near US Highway 64. Development plans for the site are being finalized by the Company, the Muskogee City-County Port Authority, the City of Muskogee and the State of Oklahoma.

Initial production at the plant is anticipated in the third quarter of 2002. The plant will produce state-of-the-art, high quality floor tile and will be one of the largest and most cost-effective tile facilities in the United States, the company said.

After an extensive six-month site search, Dal-Tile selected Muskogee because of the availability of a trained workforce, rail and water distribution availability, a positive business environment, and the overall quality of life the area offers.

"We are very pleased to have made the decision to locate our newest plant in Muskogee,” said Jacques R. Sardas, chairman and CEO. “We have been impressed with the people of Oklahoma and the positive reception we have received during the site selection process. We are looking forward to establishing the new plant in this location to support our future growth requirements for floor tile by providing the required volume, excellent quality and low cost for our products."