Cement Tile History: Celebrating 115 Years of Remarkable Heritage

The Birth of Cement Tile in Europe

In the mid-19th century, a remarkable technical revolution transformed the way floor tiles were produced in Europe. Until then, creating multi-colored tiles required firing clay multiple times for each color and carefully assembling the pieces into a patterned whole. This process was both costly and time-consuming.

But innovation arrived with the invention of hydraulic press technology. For the first time, artisans could craft vibrant, multi-colored cement tiles without firing. These tiles were composed of two or three layers: a surface layer made from a blend of cement, marble powder, and pigments poured into patterned molds, followed by backing layers of cement and sand. Once pressed in a hydraulic machine, a solid, richly decorated tile was born — durable, artistic, and far more practical than its predecessors.

Historical records suggest that the French were among the first pioneers, establishing factories around 1850 in Viviers, along the banks of the Rhône, and later expanding across Lyon and Marseilles. However, Spanish sources also claim primacy, crediting the first European cement tile factory to Butsems y Compania in Barcelona (1857). From there, a flourishing industry grew with companies such as Garret, Rivet Compania, Orsola, Sola y Compania, Escofet, and Fortuny y Compania operating in Barcelona and Madrid.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, both France and Spain had taken their craft beyond Europe, spreading cement tile production to their colonies. The Spanish established factories in Latin America, while the French built workshops in North Africa, Vietnam, and Indonesia — carrying with them not just machinery, but also a cultural legacy.

Cement Tiles in Vietnam Since 1910

The story of cement tiles in Vietnam began in the early 20th century, when French-made tile machines were brought to Indochina to serve the architectural ambitions of the colonial era. In 1910, the very first encaustic cement tile workshop was founded in Saigon by the French construction company Brossard et Mopin.

This company was a celebrated name across the Far East, credited with major projects such as Hang Co Train Station in Hanoi (1902) and, most famously, Ben Thanh Market in Saigon (1914) — the enduring symbol of Ho Chi Minh City today.

The tiles of Brossard et Mopin, stamped with their distinctive “E” logo, became widely admired across Vietnam. Remarkably, the factory continued to operate under successive generations of local owners even after the French withdrew from Vietnam in 1954. During the Republic of Vietnam era (1955–1975), the company was acquired by a Vietnamese entrepreneur and renamed Thanh Danh.

Thanh Danh: From National Pride to Decline

Following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, like many private enterprises, Thanh Danh was nationalized and merged with several other enterprises — including Gach Bong No. 1, Nam Hung Paint, Duc Thanh, Tan A, and Co Bac — to form the State-owned Thanh Danh Cement Tile Enterprise. In 1994, it was renamed the Thanh Danh Decorative Tile Company.

During this period, Thanh Danh remained the largest and most prestigious cement tile brand in Vietnam. However, by the late 1990s, the rise of ceramic tiles reshaped consumer preferences. Traditional cement tile producers struggled to survive. Slowly, Thanh Danh’s operations diminished until 2008, when its factory finally ceased production.

The Revival of Thanh Danh by Secoin

At this pivotal moment, Secoin, already a leading Vietnamese manufacturer of non-fired cement-based building materials, stepped forward. In agreement with the Ministry of Finance and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Secoin officially took over Thanh Danh in 2009.

On July 17, 2009, the Thanh Danh factory was formally transferred to Secoin. From that day, a new chapter began: Secoin restored production, rehired skilled Thanh Danh craftsmen, and welcomed hundreds of new artisans under the proud new brand of Secoin Cement Tiles.

The revival was not just symbolic; it was industrial. The Thanh Danh facility was expanded, with output reaching three times the original scale. Today, Secoin operates nine factories across North, Central, and South Vietnam, making it the largest cement tile manufacturer in the world.

115 Years of Legacy: Brossard et Mopin – Thanh Danh – Secoin

In 2025, Vietnam marks 115 years since the first encaustic cement tile was produced on its soil. Through decades of colonial history, wars, reunification, and modernization, the legacy of cement tiles has endured under three great names: Brossard et Mopin – Thanh Danh – Secoin.

From Saigon’s colonial landmarks to the homes of modern architects, from Vietnamese artisans to global admirers, these tiles carry the imprint of history, culture, and artistry.

Today, Secoin proudly exports to nearly 60 countries across six continents, safeguarding and renewing the heritage of cement tiles. Each Secoin cement tile embodies not only craftsmanship but also the enduring spirit of Vietnamese resilience and creativity.

In addition to preserving the artistry of traditional cement tiles, Secoin is pioneering the green transformation of the industry. By integrating carbon emission reduction programs, developing EDGE-certified factories, and adopting eco-friendly production methods, Secoin ensures that every tile not only carries cultural heritage but also contributes to a more sustainable planet. This vision positions Secoin as a leader in uniting craftsmanship with climate responsibility.

What began as a French innovation in 1850s Europe, what took root in Vietnam in 1910, now lives on as a global symbol of artistry and sustainability — under the name Secoin.