Tennessee is one of the top clay mining states in the country.
The state produces the most ball clay, which is one of six types of clay mined in the U.S.
And where there is mining, there is often manufacturing.
Caroline Eggers WPLN NewsPortobello America claims to have the largest “spray dryer,” shown above, in the nation. The manufacturer uses 100% gas, a fossil fuel composed mostly of methane, to heat its processes.
Tennessee is considered a top manufacturer of ceramic tiles. Some operations are concentrated in Middle Tennessee.
One of the newest tile factories is owned by Portobello America in Baxter, near Cookeville.
WPLN News toured the facility with local members of the NAACP this week. The group is hosting the statewide conference in Cookeville this September and will feature some companies with sustainability claims — including Portobello, which creates ceramic with about 60% recycled materials. Listen above.
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