Baxter, Tenn. – Brazilian ceramics manufacturer Portobello America announced it will locate its U.S. headquarters and first U.S. production facility in Baxter, Tenn. Construction on the facility is set to be complete by 2021, and the company will create 220 jobs and invest approximately $150 million in Putnam County.

“Growing and developing in the American market, incorporating the local culture, generating job opportunities and investments through an integrated business model, from production to partnership with distributors, is what guides this new challenge,” said Cesar Gomes, Portobello president. “We are proud to present Portobello America. We believe in the strategy, the market potential and, above all, the combination of our know-how with the American team and culture."

Portobello, headquartered in Tijucas, Brazil, is the largest tile manufacturer in South America. The company serves countries on five continents and internal markets through multi-brand retailers, the Portobello Shop franchise and sales channel for engineering. Portobello has more than 2,600 employees, responsible for the design and innovation of items that launch trends in architecture and interior design in Brazil.

“I appreciate Brazil-based Portobello for selecting Tennessee as the home of its first U.S. production facility and its new U.S. headquarters,” said Bob Rolfe, department of economic and community development commissioner. “Tennessee places a major emphasis on foreign direct investment and Brazilian companies have been a great investment partners in Tennessee. There are 13 Brazilian companies currently located in our state, employing approximately 2,000 Tennesseans. I thank Portobello for making this major announcement in Baxter and for creating 220 new high quality, family-wage jobs in Putnam County.”

For more information, visit www.portobello.com.