Stone World articles from November 2006

Stone World archives from November 2006

Learning from your peers.(STONE COLUMN)(Editorial)
November 1, 2006... Earlier this year, Stone World began conducting and publishing Online Forums with veteran stone fabricators at www.StoneAdvice.com. Our topics have ranged from templating to countertop and sink installation, and our latest forum on sawing...

Custom Building Products acquires Aqua Mix Inc.(NEWSLINE)
November 1, 2006... Custom[R] Building Products, a leading manufacturer of tile and stone installation systems, announced its acquisition of Aqua Mix[R] Inc., a leader in tile and stone care and maintenance products headquartered in Corona, CA. Terms of the...

Miracle Sealants Co. opens state-of-the-art plant in Phoenix.(NEWSLINE)
November 1, 2006... Miracle Sealants Co., a leading manufacturer of tile, stone and masonry protection and care products, opened a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Phoenix, AZ, on October 15. Miracle Sealants will manufacture all of its penetrating...

CaesarStone opens Northwestern Division in Kent, WA.(NEWSLINE)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... CaesarStone has announced the opening of its Northwest Division in Kent, WA. Opened to serve the greater Washington and Oregon areas, the facility will feature a complete offering of the CaesarStone product line. This expansion follows the...

New look marks Xiamen Stone Fair.(NEWSLINE)
November 1, 2006... The 7th China Xiamen International Stone Fair will be held at the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center in Xiamen, P.R. China from March 8 to 11, 2007. In order to meet the growth of stone industry in China, as well as promote...

One liners.(NEWSLINE)(Axson North America appointed Mike Moerman)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Axson North America has announced the addition of Mike Moerman as sales manager for the Wood & Stone Co. Moerman has been the top salesperson in his field over the past several years, and can be reached at 800-365-8191. Any questions...

Statistics.(United States marble and granite import)(Statistical table)
November 1, 2006... July 2006 | Imports to the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight GRANITE MARBLE* COUNTRY U.S. $ TONS U.S. $ TONS ARAB EMIRATES ...

New Web site launched.(NEWS)(Company overview)
November 1, 2006... KNOXVILLE, TN -- Braxton-Bragg was founded in 1995 with the philosophy of offering customers excellent service, quality products, good values, in-stock availability, the latest technology, fabrication techniques and improvements, reports the...

Honoring September 11th.(NEWS)(Innovative Stone gave honor to those people who lost their lives)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... HAUPPAUGE, NY -- On Friday, September 8th and Monday, September 11th, Innovative Stone held appointments for public viewing of the Freedom Tower Cornerstone to commemorate the five-year anniversary of September 11th. The event was held to honor...

Caesarstone earns Good Housekeeping Seal.(NEWS)
November 1, 2006... SUN VALLEY, CA -- CaesarStone recently announced that it has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping magazine. The prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal is a highly recognized statement of the magazine's renowned consumer policy....

Awarding Salem Distributing Co.(NEWS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- Salem Distributing Co., a Winston-Salem, NC-based, employee-owned company, has been recognized as one of the Triad area's FAST 50. The Business Journal's FAST 50 Awards Program is the premier business-growth...

New hire.(NEWS)(Global Granite and Marble appointed Traci Langston)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... NIXA, MO -- Global Granite and Marble has added Traci Langston to its staff as an administrative assistant. In her new position, Langston is Global Granite and Marble's first contact with clients and is responsible for several key business...

Technician appointed.(NEWS)(Marmo Machinery USA appointed Mike Johnson)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... SOUTHFIELD, MI -- Marmo Machinery USA, a leading distributor of precision machinery to process marble and granite, recently announced the appointment of Mike Johnson as service technician. Johnson, who was appointed by company president Phil...

Offering the full spectrum of stonework: O & G Industries has invested in state-of-the-art technology to create a broad range of finished stonework--from granite countertops to ornately carved limestone and landscape materials.(RE-EMERGING U.S. STONE INDUSTRY)
November 1, 2006... Long established as a leading supplier of masonry products in Connecticut, O & G Industries, Inc. took a bold step in June of 2003 when its Masonry Division opened a state-of-the-art stone fabrication plant in Beacon Falls, CT. And the move has...

Marketing to an elite beach community: Artisan Marble and Tile Inc. of Kill Devil Hills, NC, recently upgraded its fabrication shop with state-of-the-art machinery to become a leading producer of upscale residential kitchens.(Fabricator Case Study)
November 1, 2006... Nestled between sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean on North Carolina's Outer Banks, Artisan Marble and Tile, Inc. primarily caters to a high-end residential market. With expansive homes being built on prime oceanfront real estate as well as...

A model business for slab fabrication: after running a successful slab fabrication operation in Sacramento, CA, for nearly four years, the owners of US Granite decided to open a second shop in Reno, NV, to further expand its production capacity.(Fabricator Case Study)
November 1, 2006... Teamwork has proven the key to success for Mike and Kathy Simonelli of US Granite in Sacramento, CA. The husband and wife team, who first met as teenagers, launched their slab fabrication business in November 2002. After experiencing pleasing...

Tapping an expanding marketplace: a new facility--Stone Interiors, Inc. in Boonton, NJ--has been established in the ever-growing New York metropolitan area.(Fabricator Case Study)
November 1, 2006... As metropolitan areas around the country continue to expand, new markets are developing further and further away from the city center. And with this development comes solid opportunity for stone suppliers to cater to both the new construction...

Establishing a stone division: with over 40 years of experience in residential flooring construction, Leonard's Carpet Service, Inc. now fabricates and installs countertops for the Southern California market.(Fabricator Case Study)
November 1, 2006... Owned by Leonard Nagel, Leonard's Carpet Service, Inc. of Southern California recently developed a stone division and began fabricating countertops after solely focusing on flooring installations for four decades. Today, the company's stone...

Tips for sawing efficiency.
November 1, 2006... The backbone of your countertop fabrication operation is your bridge saw. Since it is typically at the beginning of your fabrication process, a bridge saw that is a bottleneck in your shop likely causes other downstream machinery and labor to...

Sawing techniques: in this online stone fabricators forum--conducted at www.StoneAdvice.com--stoneworking professionals from around the country discuss their methods and equipment for cutting slabs.(ONLINE FORUM)(Discussion)
November 1, 2006... Q: What are people doing in their shops to maximize their sawing efficiency? How are you loading slabs onto the saw? Have you made any improvements in this area? Have you invested in new technology in terms of blades and machinery? Has it been...

Considerations for purchasing a new bridge saw: from the worktable to the horsepower, size and options, there are many factors to consider when investing in a bridge saw.
November 1, 2006... So you're ready to buy a saw. Before getting started, there are a few fundamental questions you should ask yourself. First, identify the needs of your business. Is most of your business custom fabrication or commercial fabrication? Do you deal...

An urban environment reflected with stone: in designing his Manhattan loft, architect Adam Kushner of Kushner Studios utilized various stone types--as well as other unique elements--to subtly bring the feel of New York City into his home.(Interior Stone Applications)
November 1, 2006... Adam Kushner devoted a great amount of time to planning and details when designing the interior of his Manhattan loft. Although the architect--who is the principal of Kushner Studios--has many residential and commercial projects in his...

Landmark expansion relies on natural stone: The Headquarters 2 Project for the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, included extensive use of limestone and granite.(Interior Stone Applications)
November 1, 2006... The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Headquarters 2 Building in Washington, DC, included the extensive use of stone throughout the building. Pei Cobb Freed & Partners Architects LLP of New York, NY, was responsible for the design of the...

Stone pieces create island retreat: an artistic couple utilized tons of "scrap" stone and a flow waterjet--among other things--to build their dream retirement home in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.(Interior Stone Applications)
November 1, 2006... The house built by Steffen Larsen and his wife, Jan Mitchell, is a labor of love that has been in the works for approximately eight years. Located in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, the residence is a reflection of the couple's heritage and...

Collaborating on a landmark project: after more than 100 years, the Motherhouse in Nashville, TN, received a much-needed renovation, including the addition of a new chapel that featured two varieties of marble in its design.(Interior Stone Applications)(Motherhouse)
November 1, 2006... The Motherhouse--home to the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation--has stood as a prominent landmark in Nashville, TN, since 1860. While the structure was originally built to house a private girls' academy, today it is home to more...

Split-faced limestone creates primal space: architect Gary Chandler designed his own residence using Windsor Grey limestone for both interior and exterior features, in order to tie the two spaces together.(Interior Stone Applications)
November 1, 2006... When designing his own 4,200-square-foot home, Gary Chandler of Gary R. Chandler Architecture and Interiors of Houston, TX, utilized limestone for both interior and exterior features, which worked to transition the two spaces. "I wanted the...

Personalizing a living space with stone: the owner of a private residence in Eugene, OR, carefully hand picked the stone products used in her home's interior design--creating a warm environment that is reflective of her and her husband's taste and personality.(Interior Stone Applications)
November 1, 2006... When it came time for Shirley and Bob Schmeltz to build their new home in Eugene, OR, the homeowners chose colors and materials that are unique and vibrant. Featuring an open and airy layout, the contemporary house includes a variety of stone...

Granite adds to farmhouse charm: Dynamic Blue granite with a honed finish completes the look of rustic elegance for a kitchen addition to a private residence in Basking Ridge, NJ.(Interior Stone Applications)
November 1, 2006... Granite was chosen as countertop material for a new kitchen in a private residence in Basking Ridge, NJ. The house, dating back over 200 years, was once a part of a larger farm parcel; and now sits upon two acres. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Travertine bathroom design conveys Old World charm: by using travertine tiles in a range of geometric shapes, a timeless look was achieved for a residential bathroom design in Scottsdale, AZ.(Interior Stone Applications)
November 1, 2006... For the design of a residential bathroom in Scottsdale, AZ, Jean Claude Canestrelli, Allied ASID, of Canestrelli Design created a unique space using Castello travertine tiles, quarried in Italy. The material was used in a broad range of...

Granite and travertine upgrade kitchen design: natural stone was a must for the homeowners of a private residence in Upland, CA, when choosing materials for their new upscale kitchen.(Interior Stone Applications)
November 1, 2006... Arenovation and expansion of a private residence in Upland, CA, included the creation of a high-end gourmet kitchen--complete with granite countertops. The stone, combined with the rich woodwork and stainless steel appliances, made an elegant...

An outdoor expression in stone: stone architecture was implemented in the design of the Segundo Dining Commons plaza on the campus of the University of California at Davis to dress up the area and provide an inviting place for students to gather and socialize.
November 1, 2006... With several thousand students passing daily through the plaza at the entrance to the Segundo Dining Commons on the campus of the University of California at Davis, school officials desired to create an environment that would facilitate social...

A signature design in travertine: the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History in New Mexico recently underwent an extensive expansion, which included the addition of native and Turkish travertine.(Cover story)
November 1, 2006... Through permanent displays and special exhibitions, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History features art of the Southwest and 400 years of the city's history. A recent 45,000-square-foot expansion to the museum, which was originally designed...

Limestone creates timeless building: the First Citizens Bank headquarters in Columbia, SC, is clad in Portuguese limestone, and granite and marble were added for interior elements.
November 1, 2006... Sitting on a prestigious location, across the street from the state capitol building, the First Citizens Bank headquarters office complex in Columbia, SC, features 83,000 square feet of exterior wall comprised of glass and Golden Beach...

Stone provides a modern feel in Scotland: located in Glasgow, Scotland, the new Sentinel building's design relies on natural stone--along with a structural glazing system--for a sleek, contemporary look.
November 1, 2006... Natural stone cladding from England serves to enhance the visibility and integrity of Sentinel, a new 10-story commercial office development in Glasgow, Scotland, which supports the City Council's new lighting strategy and "Public Art in the...

"Going Green" can mean more green in your pocket: there are several steps that can be taken in the stone fabrication sector to market natural stone as an environmentally friendly building material.(Stone and the Environment)
November 1, 2006... Unless you have been living under a rock the last 10 years (no pun intended), "Going Green" is something you have at least heard of. Over the years, most of us that have been running a stone fabrication shop have rarely thought of going green...

The need for environmental safeguards.(Stone and the Environment)
November 1, 2006... While the rapid growth of the granite industry in recent years has been an economic boon for a host of new fabricating shops, it has also placed many of these operations at risk of severe economic penalties if they fail to invest in proper...

Using stone and ceramic tile for a healthy building environment.(Stone and the Environment)
November 1, 2006... A young student has problems breathing when he is in school. He experiences itchy eyes, a runny nose and a constant headache. When he is not in school, he does not experience any of these symptoms. A young mother goes to work everyday and comes...

Calendar.(stone industry)(Calendar)
November 1, 2006... February 6 to 9, 2007 The 23rd International Marble and Granite Fair -- Brazil Vitoria Stone Fair 2007, Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil. Contact: Milanez & Milaneze, +55 27 3337-6855; Fax: +55 27 3337-4011; Web site:...

GoldenLook International, Inc.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... GoldenLook International, Inc. has announced an exclusive distribution agreement to include a newly patented engineered binder system called Vortex[R] in its GoldenLook Technology system offerings. The formulation's technology allows the...

Dry Treat.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... Dry Treat's Acid-Proof for polished surfaces, an acid-resistant sealer that will not substantially change the appearance of polished stone surfaces, is expected to be available for purchase by December. Calcium-based stone, such as...

Blanco America.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... Blanco America has recently introduced its SteelArt line of kitchen sinks, which is dedicated to celebrating the aesthetic brilliance and enduring quality of stainless steel, according to its manufacturer. The company designed the line to...

GranQuartz.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
November 1, 2006... The Diarex EZ Sink--a new sink undermounting clamp available exclusively from GranQuartz of Tucker, GA--enables installers to install sinks more efficiently and faster. Diarex EZ Sink is a streamlined aluminum frame cushioned with rubber to...

Global Granite & Marble.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
November 1, 2006... Fabricators seeking versatility, ease of use and affordability should check out two precision instruments--the Global Vanity Master[TM] and the Global Easy Edger[TM]. Marketed by Global Granite & Marble, a St. Louis, MO-based wholesale importer...

Marmo Machinery USA.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
November 1, 2006... Marmo Machinery USA, a leader in stone, marble and granite fabrication equipment, has announced the availability of the HTO-GARBI bridge saw, capable of performing precision cutting of marble and granite. The HTO-GARBI is a medium-duty bridge...

Thibaut.(NEW LITERATURE)
November 1, 2006... Thibaut is now distributing a new leaflet highlighting the company's T 818 Access 1. Throughout its 22 pages, readers will discover Thibaut's latest technology and know-how for stone processing in the CNC field. Today, with the solution T...

International Granite & Marble Corp.(NEW LITERATURE)
November 1, 2006... International Granite & Marble Corp. (IGM) recently distributed a product catalog, featuring images of the company's materials, including varieties of granite, marble, limestone and travertine. The catalog also highlights several of the...

Calypso Waterjet Systems.(NEW LITERATURE)
November 1, 2006... A pamphlet highlighting integrated water recycling and abrasive removal systems is now available from Calypso Waterjet Systems of Dallas, TX. It explains how users can make the Calypso Waterjet System more efficient by adding the Calypso...

AGM.(Machine of the month)
November 1, 2006... The AIM MasterJetSaw, available from AGM, is a combination 20-hp saw and 50-hp waterjet. Engineered to be compact and efficient--open from the front and both sides--the MasterJetSaw systems offer easy loading with work areas that are free of...

Nordic black granite.(Stone of the month)
November 1, 2006... This Stone of the Month supplied by Polycor, Inc., Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Technical details provide a frame of reference only. Because stone is a product of nature, testing to determine specific physical qualities should be repeated for...