Stone World articles from February 2009

Stone World archives from February 2009

Emphasizing the positives.(STONE COLUMN)(Editorial)
February 1, 2009... In the "Forum" section of this issue (page 106), I had the unfortunate task of recapping the distressing events surrounding the closure of Rock Tops, a Michigan firm with multiple operations in several states. Although it is bad news to hear of...

Marble institute and stone world announce 2009 regional seminar schedule ...(NEWSLINE)
February 1, 2009... A broad educational program featuring 17 extensive one- and two-day seminars across the U.S. will be offered by the Marble Institute of America (MIA), which is combining forces with Stone World magazine to deliver the best quality regional...

Stonexpo/Marmomacc Americas launches state-of-the-art web site ...(NEWSLINE)
February 1, 2009... StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas unveiled an all-new, redesigned Web site. Among many technical upgrades, the highlight is a portal system for attendees and exhibitors called ConnectionPOINT. Logging into ConnectionPOINT allows attendees to view...

Coverings 2009 responds to the economy with "Surviving 2009" series ...(NEWSLINE)
February 1, 2009... In a move aimed at providing solutions and tools for coping with the business challenges faced by tile and stone professionals in the year ahead, Coverings 2009 will present a newly developed "Surviving 2009" series of educational sessions....

Statistics: October 2008: Imports to the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight.
February 1, 2009... STATISTICS October 2008 | Imports to the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight GRANITE COUNTRY U.S. $ TONS ARAB EMIRATES ...

Statistics: October 2008: Exports to the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight.(Statistical table)
February 1, 2009... STATISTICS October 2008 | Exports to the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight GRANITE COUNTRY U.S. $ TONS ANTIGUA ...

MIA launches "home approved stone" program.(NEWS)(Marble Institute of America)
February 1, 2009... CLEVELAND, OH -- To reassure consumers about the safety, beauty and durability of granite countertops for their homes, and put an end to baseless claims that granite countertops can pose a health risk, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has...

NTCA elects John Cox as new president.(NEWS)
February 1, 2009... JACKSON, MS -- The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), the largest tile contractors association in the world, elected John Cox, Founder and President of Cox Tile in San Antonio, TX, as president for the 2008-2010 term at its annual...

Founder of Vic International Corp. moves to chairman of the board.(NEWS)
February 1, 2009... KNOXVILLE, TN -- VIC International Corp., a leading supplier of stone machinery, tools and accessories, has restructured its executive staff, including a move by founder Vic Green to Chairman of the Board. Green founded the company in 1978, and...

NSC links Green building certification programs and genuine Stone[TM].(NEWS)
February 1, 2009... HOLLIS, NH -- The Natural Stone Council (NSC), a collaborative organization representing business and trade associations that promote stone under the Genuine Stone[TM] brand, recently announced the availability of its first case study in a...

Stone fabrication proves prosperous for Vermont company: although NBC Solid Surfaces Inc. in Springfield, VT, began as strictly a solid surface operation, stone fabrication now comprises 50% of the company's business.(RE-EMERGING U.S. STONE INDUSTRY)(Company overview)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nearly 15 years ago, Donald Hinckley set out to open his own solid surface business--working out of a garage that he built on a 30-acre parcel of land in Chester, VT. Back then, Hinckley and his wife lived in an...

Focusing on quality over capacity: although the machinery and technology inside Infinity Stone Corp.'s facility allows for more than 100 kitchen countertops a month, the company prefers not to reach its production capacity, and instead focuses on quality, custom stonework.(Fabricator Case Study)
February 1, 2009... Since their company's inception in 1995, Carol and Paul Lundgren, the owners of Infinity Stone Corp., have made it a priority to deliver quality craftsmanship and service, while meeting schedules on time. Inside their facility in Portland, OR,...

California shop offers diverse product lineup: Sistone Inc. of Van Nuys, CA, fabricates natural stone and CaesarStone quartz surfacing into countertops as well as architectural elements such as tub and shower surrounds, cladding and even furniture.(Fabricator Case Study)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Founded in 1989 by Yair Sisso, Sistone Inc. has continued to evolve over the years--investing in new equipment and diversifying its products for a broad client base. Working with both natural stone and CaesarStone...

Fabricating technology roundup: the second half of our comprehensive Fabricating Technology Roundup focuses on tooling and accessories, handling and storage, software, electronic/digital templating, air and water treatment systems and other products.(PART II--TOOLING AND ACCESSORIES)(Company overview)
February 1, 2009... Just as there has been major advancement in equipment for cutting, shaping, polishing and edging stone products (as reported in the January 2009 issue of Stone World), there have also been significant developments in the tooling, accessories...

Limestone installation stands out in Napa: set near the scenic environment of Napa Valley, the new Crush 29 restaurant in Roseville, CA, was designed with a range of stone elements.(COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Beginning at the Northeastern tip of the San Francisco Bay and running north some 30 miles to Mount Saint Helena in the Mayacama Mountains, the Napa Valley has long been considered one of California's most scenic...

Enhancing sustainable architecture with stone: the Visionaire--a new residential condominium tower in New York City--prominently incorporates natural stone while achieving the highest levels of green living.(COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The sleek design of the Visionaire--a luxury residential high-rise in Battery Park, New York City--is not only a testament to the aesthetically pleasing results of the use of stone in architecture, but it is also an...

Michigan granite shop closing is worst "disaster" yet.(FORUM)(Editorial)
February 1, 2009... As this downturn/recession/ depression (pick whichever term you like) wears on, we are hearing some ugly stories of fabrication shops closing down, but I recently heard one of the worst ones yet. The fabrication shop at issue is Rock Tops,...

Calendar.
February 1, 2009... For all seminars and a more complete calendar of stone industry events, visit www.stoneworld.com. February 10 to 13, 2009 The Vitoria Stone Fair 2009, Carapina Expo Center, Serra, Espirito Santo, Brazil. Contact: Milanez & Milaneze,...

New line of copper.(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2009... Domain Industries has introduced its new line of copper accessories, including corbels, switch plates, solid copper strainers and disposal flanges. The solid copper drains will weather naturally along with the sink and are an exclusive item...

Color Expressions 09.(NEW PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CaesarStone is proud to introduce "Color Expressions 09," eight new colors to be added to its already extensive line of over 40 innovative colors, including multiple textures and finishes. The following is the...

VPE-1 Vacuum Lifter.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
February 1, 2009... Anver Corp. recently introduced the VPE-1 Vacuum Lifter, a new, below-the-hook, self-contained vacuum lifter with an electric power station for handling heavy porous blocks and construction materials. The VPE-1 Vacuum Lifter is designed for...

Mid Rail Gantry waterjet system.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
February 1, 2009... The Jet Edge large-format Mid Rail Gantry waterjet system features a 21- x 13- foot work envelope with an exposed tank that easily accommodates overhead loading. It comes standard with one abrasive-jet cutting head, and a second cutting head...

Management Tool Kits Series: Forklift Safety Training Manual.(NEW LITERATURE)
February 1, 2009... The Marble Institute of America (MIA) has announced the launch of the newest edition in its popular Management Tool Kits Series: Forklift Safety Training Manual. This sixth installment of the MIA's Management Tool Kit series, available in both...

Machine of the month.
February 1, 2009... The Coch R30 has been engineered as a strong, easy-to-use machine for sink cut-outs and internal and external edge profiling on marble and granite countertops. A 10,000-rpm core bit allows for fast manual sink cut-outs using a PVC or plywood...

Stone of the month.
February 1, 2009... Violetta granite Absorption by weight 0.06% Density 2,647 kg/cu.m Compressive strength 220 N/sq.mm Flexural strength 8.8 N/sq.mm Abrasion resistance 28.4 Modulus of rupture 14.7...