Cosentino: 1st N. American Center
The grand-opening reception and ribbon cutting marked the launch of a greater plan to significantly expand Cosentino’s presence in the U.S. market in the next year, including three more Cosentino Centers by the end of 2010.
The new Anaheim center aims to enhance both the trade and consumer experience by integrating distribution facilities, exhibition areas, workspaces for designers to bring clients, classrooms for continuing education, fully functioning kitchens and event space for demonstrations.
Modeled after similar Cosentino Centers in Europe, the Anaheim facility creates an interactive environment for architects, designers, distributors, and fabricators to view the latest products and design trends, attend educational workshops, hear from visiting expert speakers, and receive training and on new production techniques and innovations.
To meet increasing demand for its products, Cosentino will open centers in Atlanta, Dallas and Phoenix, by year’s end, with further plans to expand its distribution in California, Florida, New York and Ohio in 2011.
The Sept. 15 event in Anaheim included welcoming remarks by Roberto Contreras, CEO of Cosentino North America, and Eduardo Cosentino, director of sales for Canteria, Spain-based Cosentino Group. Paco Cosentino, CEO of the Cosentino Group, was introduced virtually by video.
Ed Sanders of ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover also gave welcomed a crowd that mingled and networked while enjoying sangria and hors d’œuvres.
To close, Lorenzo Marquez, marketing vice president for Cosentino North America, led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony – followed by a live cooking demonstration by Chakall, one of Portugal’s up-and-coming star chefs, along with a performance by an aerial acrobat.
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