American Olean Tile Company

American Olean Tile Company. It was a prominent American manufacturer of ceramic tile, glazed tile, and related installation products, founded in Lansdale, Pennsylvania in 1923. The company became a major force in the building materials industry, renowned for its color innovation and extensive product lines for residential and commercial markets. Its history spans nearly a century of production, evolving through significant corporate acquisitions before its brand was ultimately retired.

History

The company was established in 1923 by brothers John J. Riccardo and John H. Riccardo, who had previously worked at the Cambridge Tile Manufacturing Company in Cincinnati. They initially focused on producing distinctive quarry tile and ceramic mosaic tiles. A pivotal early innovation was the development of the "Olean Process," a method for creating multi-colored tiles in a single firing, which distinguished its products in the marketplace. Throughout the mid-20th century, the firm expanded significantly, constructing new plants and establishing a nationwide network of distribution centers and company-owned showrooms. Its growth mirrored the post–World War II economic expansion and the subsequent housing boom in the United States.

Products and innovations

American Olean was celebrated for its extensive and often trendsetting color palettes, particularly in its glazed wall tile and floor tile lines. Key product innovations included the introduction of coordinated tile trim shapes, which simplified installation, and the development of the "Cushion Edge" tile, which featured slightly rounded edges for a smoother grout line. The company produced a wide array of tile types, including quarry tile, ceramic mosaic tile, paver tile, and later, porcelain tile. Its design studios frequently collaborated with influential figures in interior design and architecture, helping to popularize tile in applications from kitchens and bathrooms to expansive commercial projects like the Las Vegas Strip.

Manufacturing facilities

At its peak, American Olean operated several major manufacturing plants across the United States. Its original and primary facility was in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, which served as the corporate headquarters. Other significant production sites included a large plant in Lewisport, Kentucky, which specialized in glazed tile, and facilities in Jackson, Mississippi and Dallas, Texas. The Lewisport, Kentucky plant, opened in 1967, was notably modern and became a cornerstone of its manufacturing capacity. These plants utilized large tunnel kilns and advanced glazing technologies to produce millions of square feet of tile annually for distribution across North America.

Corporate ownership and legacy

In 1979, American Olean was acquired by Armstrong World Industries, a major manufacturer of flooring and ceiling systems based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Under Armstrong World Industries, the brand was maintained and expanded. In 1998, Armstrong World Industries sold its tile operations to Dal-Tile, a subsidiary of Mohawk Industries. For nearly two decades, the American Olean and Dal-Tile brands were marketed in parallel. In 2016, Mohawk Industries announced the consolidation of the American Olean brand into the Dal-Tile portfolio, effectively retiring the historic name. The company's legacy endures in its vast contribution to architectural design in the 20th century and its role in making decorative tile a mainstream building material in the United States.

Category:American companies established in 1923 Category:Manufacturing companies based in Pennsylvania Category:Defunct manufacturing companies of the United States Category:Tile manufacturers