Stone World articles from March 2007

Stone World archives from March 2007

Remembering limestone.(STONE COLUMN)
March 1, 2007... Back in January, I traveled to Austin, TX, to visit a friend of mine (and to get a little work done). When I got off the plane, the business portion of my trip started pretty much as usual. I visited a granite countertop fabricator in the area...

IMM Carrara reports increase in Italian stone exports ...(NEWSLINE)
March 1, 2007... In the first nine months of 2006, Italy exported raw and finished marble and granite for a total of 2,371,895 tons, worth 1.321 billion euros (U.S. $1.735 billion). This represents an increase of 3.39% by quantity and 7.62% by value over the...

New stone division is committed to rebuilding New Orleans ...(NEWSLINE)
March 1, 2007... IMC Stone is a brand new company that is committed to the enormous project of rebuilding New Orleans, LA. It is a division of Industrial & Mechanical Contractors Inc., a firm that has made New Orleans home for decades. Todd Heidingsfelder, Vice...

Environmentally friendly manufacturing process is implemented ...(NEWSLINE)
March 1, 2007... DuPont announced that it has successfully commercialized a new, patented manufacturing process to remove greater than 97% of trace levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its homologues and direct precursors from its fluorotelomer products....

Walker Zanger announces new, state-of-the-art Web site ...(NEWSLINE)
March 1, 2007... Walker Zanger has announced that it has developed a new, design-oriented Web site for its tile, stone and bathroom furniture products at www.walkerzanger.com. Unlike traditional sites which work solely on a point-and-click basis, the new...

November 2006 / imports to the U.S.(STATISTICS)
March 1, 2007... STATISTICS November 2006 | Imports to the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight COUNTRY GRANITE U.S. $ TONS ARAB EMIRATES...

November 2006 / exports from the U.S.(STATISTICS)(Statistical table)
March 1, 2007... November 2006 | Exports from the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight COUNTRY GRANITE U.S. $ TONS ANTIGUA ...

Laticrete announces promotions.(NEWS)
March 1, 2007... BETHANY, CT -- Laticrete International, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of innovative systems for the installation of stone and ceramic tile, has promoted Nick Macrino to Architectural Group Manager. In his new position, Macrino will manage the...

New marketing associate hired.(David Peters joins Wood's Powr-Grip)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... LAUREL, MT -- Wood's Powr-Grip is pleased to announce the addition of a new member to its staff. David Peters will be filling the role of Marketing Associate under the watchful eye of Marketing Director, Joe Landsverk. David comes to...

Director of sales and marketing named.(NEWS)
March 1, 2007... WOBURN, MA -- GerrityStone, a large New England importer and fabricator of marble, granite and limestone, announced that Alan Weiner has been appointed sales and marketing director for the company. Weiner oversees all internal and external...

Cambria invests in Breton technology.(NEWS)
March 1, 2007... LE SUEUR, MN -- Cambria recently announced that it is expanding its capacity and will remain the exclusive processor of natural quartz surfaces in the U.S. Through an expanded partnership with Breton S.p.A., the Italian company that...

Granite Clinic assumes new management.(Rebecca Bertok )
March 1, 2007... COLUMBIA, SC -- Rebecca Bertok, formerly marketing manager for Stone Interiors East, a natural and engineered stone fabricator and Stone Interiors North America (S.I.N.A.) Co. has taken over the South Carolina franchise of the Granite Clinic,...

A union of Texas limestone producers: the result of a merger between two Texas limestone producers, RLF Salado Quarries, LLC produces 600 tons of limestone each day.(RE-EMERGING U.S. STONE INDUSTRY)(Company overview)
March 1, 2007... Combining the resources of two stone producers, RLF Salado Quarries, LLC, of Florence, TX, is the result of a recent merger between Salado Quarry and C&T Stone--two quarriers located only a few hundred yards from one another. Since the two...

CNC technology: in this Online Stone Fabricators Forum--conducted at www.stoneadvice.com--both users and non-users of CNC equipment offer their insight on the technology.(ONLINE FORUM)(computer numerically controlled)
March 1, 2007... Q: This is a two-part question for users and non-users of CNC technology: For those using CNC technology, what was the biggest challenge with the machine? What was the toughest thing to learn, and what remains a challenge to you today? Was...

New Hampshire fabricator undergoes steady expansion: since its foundation in 1986, Ripano Stoneworks of Nashua, NH, has grown on a consistent basis--upgrading its facilities as well as its stoneworking equipment.(Fabricator Case Study: CNC TECHNOLOGY)(Company overview)
March 1, 2007... For over 20 years, Ripano Stoneworks has fabricated stone in the greater metropolitan area of Boston, MA. Over that time, the company has steadily grown in terms of production and fabrication equipment, and today it has a facility in Nashua,...

Fabricator expands by adding a third CNC: Custom Stone Creations recently added a third CNC stoneworking center to its 26,000-square-foot facility in Longwood, FL.(Fabricator Case Study: CNC TECHNOLOGY)(Company overview)
March 1, 2007... Located in Longwood, FL, just outside of Orlando, Custom Stone Creations serves as a high-end stone fabricator and installer, and is currently one of the largest fabricators for Home Depot in the state of Florida. The company is continually...

Building a one-stop shop for stone and tilework: Jefco of Virginia, Inc. in Richmond, VA, specializes in high-quality production and installation of stone and tile applications for both interior and exterior designs.(Fabricator Case Study)(Company overview)
March 1, 2007... Before opening his own stone fabrication business, Jeffrey Stein was a tile installer. After many years of honing his trade, he eventually decided to expand his capabilities. His company, Jefco of Virginia, Inc. in Richmond, VA, now includes a...

Coverings 2007 has high expectations for Chicago: coverings 2007 "returns" to Chicago, IL, where it will be held from April 17 to 20, and show organizers are hoping for a record turnout.
March 1, 2007... After years of taking place at locales around the country--most recently Orlando, FL, where it was held for nine out of the last 10 years--Coverings is headed north to Chicago, IL, and the McCormick Place Convention Center from April 17 to 20,...

Coverings 2007 seminar schedule.(Calendar)
March 1, 2007... Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:30-10:00 a.m. Opening Keynote: NAHB Economic Forecast Where will the economy go in 2007? What can you expect in your region of the country? What are the issues and trends driving the building industry? How...

A mountain retreat defined in stone: the character of a private residence in Aspen, CO, is enriched with an extensive use of stone--including a massive stone wall that stretches 200 feet.(Stone in the Residence)
March 1, 2007... Nestled at an elevation of 9,200 feet along the crest of Wild Cat Ridge in Aspen, CO, is a private residence that stands as a testament to the beauty of stone. With its spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and innovative...

A grand expression in stone: for a high-end residence in northern New Jersey, an assortment of stone was employed throughout the expansive space--creating an elegant yet "livable" design.(Stone in the Residence)
March 1, 2007... The owners of a private residence located in the affluent community of Tammy Brook Estates in Cresskill, NJ, were seeking chic sophistication for the design of their new home. And they turned to a variety of natural stone products--among other...

Stone compass anchors residential design: the recent design of a private residence in Tennessee included the fabrication of a large 16-foot compass marble and granite medallion with surrounding accents of travertine.(Stone in the Residence)
March 1, 2007... During an informative presentation, Susan Sherry, a natural stone design consultant, discovered Accretia Flooring Accents (AFA), just the company she was looking for to design a large 16-foot marble and granite compass for a private residence...

Portuguese limestone relates new building to original campus: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently added a neuroscience research center to its Cambridge, MA-based campus, and Portuguese limestone was selected to create a timeless building that matched the surrounding facilities.(Designing with Limestone)
March 1, 2007... The 412,000-square-foot Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Cambridge, MA, campus is considered the world's largest neuroscience research center. The design team, comprising Goody Clancy of...

Limestone sets standard for future of campus: the new 195,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art College of Health and Human Services facility at Western Michigan University features Mankato Kasota limestone throughout portions of its interior and exterior design.(Designing with Limestone)
March 1, 2007... Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo, MI, recently opened a 195,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) facility on its Oakland Drive campus, and SmithGroup, Inc. was hired to carry out the...

Lueders limestone adds character to University sanctuary: honoring its original architecture, brick and Texas limestone were the materials of choice for the new Texas Hillel building, which provides a home away from home for Jewish students at the University of Texas at Austin.(Designing with Limestone)
March 1, 2007... Steeped in heritage, it was important that the new home for the Texas Hillel--also known as the Topfer Center for Jewish Life--would serve as a warm retreat for students at the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, the design also needed...

Local limestone enhances corporate expansion: using locally quarried Texas limestone as a special feature, Whole Foods Market has expanded its Austin-based location to include both a retail location as well as the company's headquarters.(Designing with Limestone)
March 1, 2007... Whole Foods Market, the world's largest natural and organic foods supermarket, has opened an 80,000-square-foot landmark store and a 200,000-squarefoot office tower in downtown Austin, TX. Locally quarried Antique Lueders limestone from Mezger...

Limestone palette dresses up residential lobby: for the interior lobby of a condominium complex in Austin, TX, three types of limestone with different finishes created a unique and inviting design for residents and guests.(Designing with Limestone)
March 1, 2007... Architect Dick Clark of Dick Clark Architecture in Austin, TX, recently utilized an innovative limestone design for a condominium complex lobby in Austin, TX. He created a two-sided wall of overlapping tiles that stirs interest and serves as...

Indian stone plays an historical role in Montenegro: coinciding with Montenegro's independence as its own republic, a new "Square of the Republic" was reconstructed in the Podgorica, and it features a range of stone materials from India.
March 1, 2007... As part of the revitalization of Podgorica, a major city in Montenegro, the city's main square--referred to as the "Square of the Republic"--was reconstructed using a range of natural stone, including several varieties of sandstone and...

What looks easier?(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... You already know how much time and effort it takes to template 4 or 5 jobs a day. Then you still have to transport these to the shop, digitize them for CNC's or trace them for manual fabrication and store the templates! Don't forget, all other...

Salvaged granite will help building earn LEED Gold certification: Pieces of Elberton granite--taken from the scrap heaps of the monument and mausoleums industry--were a key component in the construction of the new Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, the first "green" county-owned building in Gwinnett County, GA.
March 1, 2007... There are many reasons why the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (GEHC) is a one-of-a-kind project that should be recognized for its purpose and design. Built as an educational center to serve as a working model of ecologically...

Stone provides a common thread for corporate campus: the use of natural stone, including Broughton Moor slate from the U.K., has been a design element in multiple phases of the Barton Skyway office complex in Austin, TX.(Company overview)
March 1, 2007... As the corporate presence in Austin continues to rise, office complexes are rapidly being developed and expanded. One such example has been the Barton Skyway office complex, which has steadily grown in phases over the years. As the corporate...

The Natural Stone Council builds solid foundation for the future.(Genuine Stone)
March 1, 2007... Without a doubt, we've come a long way in a year. Time flies--that will never change--but I'm always amazed by what we're able to do in only 12 months. The Natural Stone Council (NSC) is on an incredible journey--one that inspires and...

Electric floor warming under stone flooring.
March 1, 2007... The use of stone in both residential and commercial flooring applications continues to expand, far outpacing the growth rate of ceramic tile and other hard surface coverings. This incredible growth can be attributable to the beauty and variety...

Calendar.(Calendar)
March 1, 2007... For all seminars and a more complete calendar of stone industry events, visit www.stoneworld.com. March 22 to 24, 2007 StonExpo East, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA. For more details on attending or exhibiting, call (866)...

Laticrete[R] Hydro Ban[TM] is a thin load-bearing waterproofing and anti-fracture membrane that combines optimum performance and unmatched productivity.(NEW PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2007... Laticrete[R] Hydro Ban[TM] is a thin load-bearing waterproofing and anti-fracture membrane that combines optimum performance and unmatched productivity. Laticrete Hydro Ban does not require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners, plus...

Global E-Sourcing, Inc. is proud to offer SeKon TOP and SeCAM.(NEW PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2007... Global E-Sourcing, Inc. is proud to offer SeKon TOP and SeCAM, machine automation software with advanced features such as automatic nesting and digitizing slab inventory, plus a new visualization module that previews the countertop from the cut...

Hard Rock Tool of Anaheim, CA, has introduced Ecotech--where economy and technology meet.(NEW PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2007... Hard Rock Tool of Anaheim, CA, has introduced Ecotech--where economy and technology meet. According to the company, Ecotech is the perfect balance of performance, price and technology. Furthermore, Ecotech router bits cut fast and are long...

Granite City Tool of Waite Park, MN, has recently introduced Euro Turbo Blade, one of the top-selling blades in Europe and the western U.S.(NEW PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2007... Granite City Tool of Waite Park, MN, has recently introduced Euro Turbo Blade, one of the top-selling blades in Europe and the western U.S. This blade is designed for fast cutting performance and has extruded diamond sides to prevent binding in...

Omax has introduced its Model 55100 JetMachining[R] Center, one of three large-footprint abrasivejet machines produced by the company.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
March 1, 2007... Omax has introduced its Model 55100 JetMachining[R] Center, one of three large-footprint abrasivejet machines produced by the company. Designed to accommodate the cutting of large parts, the 55100 is capable of handling sheets of material up to...

Gamma Zeta by Zonato has studied and achieved a new generation saw called "I-CUT" (ideal cut).(NEW EQUIPMENT)
March 1, 2007... Gamma Zeta by Zonato has studied and achieved a new generation saw called "I-CUT" (ideal cut). After in-depth studies on customers' requirements, the company created this machine to optimally satisfy customers' requests for a cutting saw that...

Marmoelettromeccanica produces full sets of wheels for the entire process--from fast grinding to brilliant polishing.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
March 1, 2007... Marmoelettromeccanica produces full sets of wheels for the entire process--from fast grinding to brilliant polishing. For every CNC machine, it produces both profiling and polishing wheels in-house, which has the following advantages: *...

Jet Edge, Inc. recently introduced its latest waterjet cutting technologies--a versatile High Rail Gantry precision waterjet system, and its new iP60-50 ultra-high pressure intensifier pump.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
March 1, 2007... Jet Edge, Inc. recently introduced its latest waterjet cutting technologies--a versatile High Rail Gantry precision waterjet system, and its new iP60-50 ultra-high pressure intensifier pump. Capable of producing complex parts out of...

W.F. Meyers Co. products seek to improve stone cutting, this time with their disposable LO-DI muffler and Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) End Mill.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
March 1, 2007... W.F. Meyers Co. products seek to improve stone cutting, this time with their disposable LO-DI muffler and Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) End Mill. Both products are designed to make stonework faster and quieter. "At W.F. Meyers, we're proud...

As part of its three-year-old safety initiative, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has developed Safety in the Stone Business.(NEW LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... As part of its three-year-old safety initiative, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has developed Safety in the Stone Business, a new technical guide that features a wide range of information on safety issues in the natural stone industry....

Vixtiles Marmores e Granitos is now distributing a 10-page colorful brochure highlighting some of its current products, including golden shades such as Santa Cecilia, Utopia, Copper Canyon and Delicatus Gold.(NEW LITERATURE)
March 1, 2007... Vixtiles Marmores e Granitos is now distributing a 10-page colorful brochure highlighting some of its current products, including golden shades such as Santa Cecilia, Utopia, Copper Canyon and Delicatus Gold, as well as stone with greener hues,...

Machine of the month.
March 1, 2007... The Storm+ from Regent Machine Corp. was specifically designed to provide rapid and accurate processing of slabs in the most demanding of stone fabrication shops. To increase production and maximize the ease of operation, the unit is delivered...