Knight Industries has purchased turn-key manufacturing systems from Rikett Technology AS of Bergen, Norway and will market the tiles under the Rikett USA brand name. The company purchased existing Norway-based Rikett stock to lessen disruption in product supply for customers until U.S. manufacturing begins, according to Knight Industries.

Knight Industries Chairman and CEO James A. Knight said that U.S.-based manufacturing will enhance product quality and delivery times while reducing shipping and import duty costs, as well as link product development personnel more closely with the design requirements of architects and specifiers.

Manufacturing of the Rikett USA quartz vinyl tiles will begin in April 2003 at the Knight Industries Marrero, La., facility.

"Extensive market research has been conducted to identify the color palette desired by U.S.-based architects, specifiers and building owners. We will extend beyond the current European line to include colors requested by the marketplace," Knight said.

The Rikett USA brand will be engineered to 1/8 inch-thick 12- by 12- and 24- by 24-inch sizes, and will offer a 15-year warranty for wear, according to the company.