Dal-Tile has announced plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in order to increase production capacity. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2005, according to the company.

The planned expansion marks Phase II of the Muskogee operation, which Dal-Tile launched two years ago. The facility began production of porcelain floor tile in June of 2003.

According to Muskogee plant manager Joe Genet, production operations were very successful, and as a result of strong demand for its products, Dal-Tile has elected to expand operations.

"We've enjoyed success in Muskogee since the plant became operational," Genet said. "The plant has produced quality products and has proven to be a very efficient operation."

Phase II of the Muskogee facility will increase the size and production capacity of the facility by more than fifty percent, according to the company. Site preparation at the facility is set to begin in April 2005 with actual building construction to commence in late summer 2005. The expansion is expected to become fully operational in 2006.