FLORENCE-The Dal-Tile Services manufacturing and distribution plant on Rickwood Road in Florence abruptly ceased operations on Friday, October 16, 2026.
This sudden closure completely blindsided local leadership and leave 146 employees out of work. Some employees said Daltile Vice President Claudio Caselli delivered the announcement. Caselli, who previously managed the Florence plant for several years, cited a slowdown in the housing market as the reason for the closure.
According to sources Florence Mayor Ron Tyler expressed deep disappointment and noted he was entirely unaware of the company’s decision prior to Friday. His subsequent attempts to reach corporate leadership at Dal-Tile were unsuccessful. Tyler also said the closure was strictly a company decision and not related to the workforce quality or cost of living.
While production has stopped, the facility is scheduled to officially and permanently close its doors on February 26, 2027. Local legal experts are reviewing whether the sudden shutdown complied fully with the federal WARN Act, which typically mandates a 60-day advance warning before mass layoffs. Impacted employees will receive a lump-sum payment equivalent to 60 days of regular wages and benefits.
