LATICRETE Opens Expanded Research Lab in Texas

Why It Matters

The expansion accelerates LATICRETE’s ability to bring high‑performance construction solutions to market, reinforcing its leadership in a competitive materials sector. Faster innovation cycles help contractors meet evolving building codes and sustainability goals.

Key Takeaways

• Lab grew by 4,000 sq ft, total 6,500 sq ft.
• Capacity increased to 25 researchers and chemists.
• Located next to LATICRETE’s second‑largest U.S. plant.
• Enhances collaboration with MMSA, TCNA, ISO and universities.
• Aims to speed product rollout and meet evolving contractor needs.

Pulse Analysis

LATICRETE’s newly expanded research laboratory in Grand Prairie marks a strategic investment in innovation infrastructure. By adding 4,000 square feet to its existing 2,500‑square‑foot space, the company now houses a 25‑person R&D team equipped with state‑of‑the‑art analytical tools. The proximity to its second‑largest U.S. manufacturing plant creates a seamless feedback loop between laboratory experiments and production lines, shortening the time needed to validate new formulations and bring them to market.

The move reflects a broader industry trend where manufacturers co‑locate R&D and production to boost efficiency and responsiveness. LATICRETE’s deeper engagement with standards organizations—including the Materials Methods Standards Association, Tile Council of North America, and ISO—ensures that its innovations align with evolving codes and sustainability benchmarks. Partnerships with universities and research institutes further expand the lab’s capability to explore cutting‑edge chemistries, low‑VOC formulations, and performance‑enhancing additives that meet LEED and other green building criteria.

For contractors and specifiers, the expanded lab promises faster access to next‑generation tile, stone, and flooring systems that address skill gaps and productivity challenges. LATICRETE’s ability to iterate quickly on product designs strengthens its competitive edge in a market where speed, reliability, and environmental compliance are paramount. As construction projects become more complex and regulated, the company’s bolstered R&D capacity positions it to set industry standards and capture growth opportunities worldwide.