Handcraft Tile celebrates 81 years in business
The oldest tile manufacturer in California
Founded in 1926, Handcraft Tile is the oldest tile manufacturer in California and one of only a handful of tile manufacturers in the United States that pre-dates World War II. Handcraft Tile began as San Jose Tile, with a factory on South 18th Street near Coyote Creek in San Jose. Around 1931, the company moved North to a location in unincorporated Santa Clara County on Oakland Road and the name was changed to Handcraft Tile. This location eventually became part of the City of Milpitas and Oakland Road was renamed Main Street. The company operated out of the Main Street factory for over 73 years. In January 2005, the company moved three miles to a newer, more efficient facility on Yosemite Drive, in Milpitas.
In his book, American Art Tile: 1876-1941, Norman Karlson describes and pictures art tiles manufactured by over 150 tile companies. Of those, only four still manufacture tile today. Only one is in California -- Handcraft Tile.
Yosemite Drive Factory (2005 - 2007)
Main Street Factory (1931 - 2004)
Early History: 1926-1997
The original company had six investors, but was operated primarily by Dr. and Mrs. Les Austin. Mrs. Austin designed the tiles and Dr. Austin formulated the glazes and oversaw production. Simplicity was the hallmark of a Handcraft Tile -- simple design, simple slip glazes in earthy colors, and rustic treatments. Eventually, Handcraft Tile had several employees and enough business from the San Francisco Bay Area to keep a small tunnel kiln running around the clock. Production was limited. Handcraft Tile sold only its own products and only through the factory.
In 1960, Clay Scott purchased the company and continued the same operation for the next fifteen years. In 1975, he made a major improvement to the business by purchasing a periodic kiln, making the production process more flexible.
A second major accomplishment by Mr. Scott was the employment of a full-time ceramicist to develop a new line of glazes. The glazes were more durable and brighter in color than the original slip glazes, and appealed to a broader market. The Handcraft Tile product was sold mainly through the factory. In the 1980’s, Mr. Scott also began to sell other manufacturers’ products.
Recent History: 1997 to 2006
In the summer of 1997, Shirley Dinkins and Frank Patitucci were looking for handmade tile for remodeling their Arts and Crafts home. At the suggestion of their designer, they visited Handcraft Tile. During the visit, Mr. Scott mentioned that he was preparing to retire. He planned to close down the business and sell the land. Shirley and Frank jumped at the chance to own a historical company that made such a beautiful product.
In October, they purchased Handcraft Tile. The old Main Street factory was very quaint and exuded years of tile making history. Over the next 7 years the new owners focused on restoring the product line and glazes and finding the company’s niche in the current market place, while retaining the traditions and techniques of making tile by hand.
In January 2005, the company made one of the most significant changes in its history by moving to a much more modern and efficient factory. The owners used this event to redesign the production process to more efficiently produce the current product line and to meet the custom project needs of its customers.
Today, the company manufactures a full line of field, trim and decorative tile that is custom made for each order. It offers a complete spectrum of proprietary glazes that are exceptionally rich in color and depth. It also occupies a unique position in the market because of its versatility and emphasis on custom work. At this point the company’s future looks brighter than ever.
The techniques for making handmade tile have changed little over the years. New glazes, sizes, shapes, and designs have been added, but the Arts and Crafts tradition of tile making lives on today at Handcraft Tile.