Stone World articles from November 2008

Stone World archives from November 2008

Notes from StonExpo.(STONE COLUMN)
November 1, 2008... Last month, I made my annual trip to the StonExpo trade show in Las Vegas, NV. And while I don't think that trade shows provide a tell-all barometer on the state of a particular industry, I was curious to gauge the feelings and concerns of...

"Region of Sicily Stone Project" is held in Chicago ...(NEWSLINE)
November 1, 2008... The most recent trade mission for the "Region of Sicily Stone Project" occurred in Chicago, IL, from October 21 to 24, 2008. This overall project is aimed at finding new ways of presenting elements of the Sicilian economic/production industry...

CaesarStone now a proud member of the USGBC ...(NEWSLINE)
November 1, 2008... Less than two months after it received its GreenGuard Certification, CaesarStone, an original quartz surface manufacturer, is expanding its eco-friendly partnerships even further by joining and becoming a member of the U.S. Green Building...

Diamax Industries, Inc. introduces new director of sales ...(NEWSLINE)
November 1, 2008... Diamax President Justin Hong announced that the company has hired Lewis Anthony to manage the growth of the Diamax sales team. Anthony will be based out of Diamax headquarters in Atlanta, GA. "With the international growth of our Cyclone...

Moraware announces JobTracker Basic Edition ...(NEWSLINE)
November 1, 2008... Moraware announces the release of JobTracker Basic Edition, its most affordable and easy-to-use scheduling and job management software; designed for businesses that want to eliminate the time they waste scheduling and looking for paperwork. ...

Basalt carving event is set for Washington State ...(NEWSLINE)
November 1, 2008... During the spring of 2009, master basalt carvers will gather in Central Washington State, known for its rich geological history, for an extensive workshop. The event will take place from May 1 to 4, 2009, surrounded by columnar basalt that was...

New electronic countertop design module is introduced ...(NEWSLINE)
November 1, 2008... 20-20 Technologies Inc., a leading company in three-dimensional interior design and furniture manufacturing software, announced that it will integrate its 20-20 Countertop Design Module (20-20 CDM) with Global E-Sourcing, Inc.'s Web-based order...

Abrasive Technology opens new Learning Center ...(NEWSLINE)
November 1, 2008... Abrasive Technology has announced the development of a world-class Learning Center. The 8,000-square-foot center, housed at the company's world headquarters in Lewis Center, OH, is an extension of the company's focus on developing a "Learning...

StoneSafety, LLC has announced the launch of a new Web site--StoneSafety.com.(ONE LINERS ...)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... StoneSafety, LLC has announced the launch of a new Web site--StoneSafety.com. According to the group, the mission of the site is to assist stone fabricators to navigate through the various OSHA safety regulations. StoneSafety.com seeks to offer...

OMAX[R] Corp. announced its placement on the 2008 "Inc. 5000" list.(ONE LINERS ...)
November 1, 2008... OMAX[R] Corp. announced its placement on the 2008 "Inc. 5000" list. Regarded as a "comprehensive look at the entrepreneurial engine that drives the U.S. economy," the annual list recognizes and ranks the country's 5,000 fastest-growing private...

July 2008: imports to the U.S.(STATISTICS)
November 1, 2008... STATISTICS July 2008 | Imports to the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight GRANITE COUNTRY U.S. $ TONS ARAB EMIRATES ARGENTINA ...

July 2008: exports from the U.S.(STATISTICS)(Statistical table)
November 1, 2008... STATISTICS July 2008 | Exports from the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight GRANITE COUNTRY U.S. $ TONS ANTIGUA ...

MSI opens state-of-the-art distribution center in Baltimore.(NEWS)
November 1, 2008... BALTIMORE, MD -- M S International, Inc. (MSI), a leading North American importer and distributor of natural stone, has recently opened a new distribution center in Jessup, MD, to service Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia and the surrounding...

Laticrete donates materials for disabled veterans pavilion.(NEWS)(Company overview)
November 1, 2008... ST. CROIX, MN -- Laticrete International, a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative systems for the installation of stone and tile, donated Latapoxy[R] 310 Rapid Stone Adhesive and the Latapoxy 310 Cordless Mixer for a new open-air...

Mapei provides strong support for Marmomacc educational course.(NEWS)
November 1, 2008... DEERFIELD BEACH, FL -- Mapei, a global manufacturer of flooring installation systems and concrete restoration products, has partnered with VeronaFiere, one of Italy's leading trade fair companies and an American Institute of Architects...

Marmo Meccanica S.p.A makes distribution and service agreement.(NEWS)(Marmo Parts and Service LLC)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... FARMINGTON HILLS, MI -- Marmo Meccanica S.p.A. has recently entered into an exclusive agreement with Marmo Parts & Service LLC (M.P.S.) for the distribution of its original spare parts and for technical assistance of its products in North...

A producer of architectural limestone products: Fischer Stone & Materials, LLC, a quarrier and fabricator of limestone, began operations in Lanark, IL, in 2005 to meet the growing demand for architectural stone pieces in the commercial and residential sectors.(RE-EMERGING U.S. STONE INDUSTRY)(Company overview)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After only three years of operation, Fischer Stone & Materials, LLC is experiencing success and growth. Based in Lanark, IL, the business includes a 10,000-square-foot fabrication facility and 17 quarries in...

A model of efficiency: the owners of Cadenza Granite & Marble, Inc. of Concord, NC, have developed a structure for doing business that has resulted in optimal quality and organization.(Fabricator Case Study)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of the pioneer stone fabrication shops in the Charlotte area, Cadenza Granite & Marble, Inc. of Concord, NC, operates under a formal set of policies, protocols and procedures, which has allowed the company to...

Making its mark on the West Coast: with roots in Long Island, NY, Bill Kammerer of American Marble relocated to San Diego, CA, and started a company with his father that today includes a stone fabrication shop and showroom.(Fabricator Case Study)(American Marble and Tile)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bill Kammerer and his father, Bob, had more than 20 years of experience in the stone and tile industry when they left their homes in Long Island, NY, in 1986 and traveled across country to start a new company,...

Building on a family business: started more than 65 years ago as a stone and tile retailer, The Colucci Group of Companies in Pittsburgh, PA, has evolved to include a stone fabrication division.(Fabricator Case Study)(Company overview)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Now in its third generation, The Colucci Group of Companies in Pittsburgh, PA, has grown and diversified since its initial start in the 1940s. The company was originally founded by Ralph and Rocco Colucci as a retail...

How to make a sink template in six minutes: for less than $20, a template for sink cut-outs can be made with optimum speed and efficiency.(Fabricator ISSUES & SOLUTIONS)(Sinai Marble and Granite)
November 1, 2008... [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] Sinai Marble & Granite has continually been striving to fine tune our fabrication and develop systems that will make us more efficient, produce better quality and leave less room for error. As part of this search, we...

Part I: moving pieces in the shop: in this online forum--conducted at StoneAdvice.com--stoneworking professionals share their methods and equipment for maneuvering slabs and finished pieces around the fabrication shop.(MATERIAL HANDLING FORUM)
November 1, 2008... Q: How are you maneuvering slabs around your shop? Are you using overhead cranes? Forklifts? Vacuum lifters? Do you have different methods for slabs versus finished job pieces? Also, what is the process for training employees of proper...

Part II: delivering to the jobsite: in part II of this forum--conducted at StoneAdvice.com--stoneworking professionals discuss how they are delivering stone materials, and how their trucks are equipped.(MATERIAL HANDLING FORUM)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jack Ryals, Jackson Stoneworks, LLC, Gainesville, FL: I thought it would be interesting to read about how other companies set up their installation trucks. We use Isuzu NPR diesel trucks with a 15-foot box and a...

Environmentally friendly stone packaging: by using palletization packaging of natural stone tiles, M S International has reduced its use of wood by 70%, saving thousands of trees every year.
November 1, 2008... M S International, Inc. is deeply committed to caring for the environment by actively conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste. One major component of our commitment to the environment is to reduce wood used in the...

Historic landmark is highlighted with modern stone applications: the historic Park Shelton in Detroit, MI, was recently transformed into a luxury condominium complex, with modern interior stonework contrasting the building's traditional feel.(Interior Design)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Park Shelton, a classic rendition of 1920s beaux-arts revival architecture and a distinguished landmark in Detroit, MI, is emerging as the residence of choice for a new generation of academics, artists, doctors,...

Stone texture achieves a vintage look: as part of the classic aesthetics of a private residence in North Carolina, the kitchen features a large granite island with a textured "leather" finish.(Interior Design)
November 1, 2008... As a leading area real estate broker in the "triad" area of North Carolina, Deborah Proehl developed a feel for what she wanted in designing her own residence. Specifically, she sought to create a classic look for the residence--a goal achieved...

Stone palette enhances urban development: a variety of stone types and finishes used in the design of South of Market in Reston, VA, helped the new buildings maintain a modern look while still fitting the fabric of the town center.(Commercial Stonework)
November 1, 2008... South of Market, a mixed-use project in downtown Reston, VA, was designed to fit into the urban core of the Reston Town Center--one of the first modern planned communities in the U.S. Phase One of the development project involved building two...

Teak sandstone creates innovative office design: the Papago Gateway Center--the first mixed-use wet lab building in Tempe, AZ--applied stone in original ways to help support the structure and create landmarks for people who would use the building.(Commercial Stonework)(Papago Gateway Center)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Papago Gateway Center recently became the first mixed-use building in Tempe, AZ, providing green laboratory space to private biotech companies. The campus design utilizes two of its exterior walls with Teak...

Exploring the stone-carving traditions of India: in this first-person account, an Italian sculptor describes her experiences working in India, where she explored the use of several native materials.
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My evolution as an artist, which draws me towards the research, exploration and knowledge of materials--coupled with my endless interest in exploring new places and world cultures--has now brought me to the East. A...

Calendar.
November 1, 2008... For all seminars and a more complete calendar of stone industry events, visit www.stoneworld.com. November 23 to 27, 2008 Big 5 Exhibition (including the "Marble & Stone" event), Dubai Exhibition Centre, United Arab Emirates (UAE)....

Stonewood.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2008... Maestro Mosaics, a Chicago-based company by Granite & Marble Resources, Inc., has introduced "Stonewood." Made of real stone and marking its entrance into the U.S. for the first time, "Stonewood" combines an enhanced, luxurious look of rich...

Handcrafted solid copper and brass ink collection.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2008... Artisan Manufacturing has introduced its handcrafted solid copper and brass s ink collection. Nine model s are available in sizes that make good design sense, reports the manufacturer. With depths up to 6 1/2 inches and widths up to 19 1/2...

StoneFone software.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2008... StoneFone, LLC recently introduced StoneFone software, which debuted at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2008. The innovative and versatile StoneFone software provides modern day solutions for the stone industry by facilitating communication between...

Braxton-Bragg Corp.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2008... The E-Z Dishwasher Bracket is now being offered by Braxton-Bragg Corp. According to the company, the product was invented by a contractor based on his 30 years of experience and hundreds of kitchen remodels and installs. The product works with...

Granite City Tool.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2008... Granite City Tool has introduced GCT Industrial Grade 100% Silicone Sealant for commercial, industrial and residential use. This multi-purpose silicone sealant is designed for a wide variety of industrial sealing and adhesive applications. It...

PermaFlex[R] Lite 525.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2008... ProSpec, Bonsal American's brand of professionally specified products, has introduced PermaFlex[R] Lite 525--a lightweight thin- set mortar for natural stone and tile installations. The lightweight technology allows for the same coverage as a...

Granite City Tool has introduced two new wheels, including the Q4 Polishing Drum Wheels and the Alpha[TM] 4-inch Surfacer Grinding Cup Wheels.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
November 1, 2008... Granite City Tool has introduced two new wheels, including the Q4 Polishing Drum Wheels and the Alpha[TM] 4-inch Surfacer Grinding Cup Wheels. The Q4 Polishing Drum Wheels present a new concept for polishing sinkholes, as they will wear...

Anver E4000M16 Vacuum Lifter.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
November 1, 2008... The Anver E4000M16 Vacuum Lifter introduced by Anver Corp. of Hudson, MA, is a new, compact high-capacity vacuum lifter for stone, steel, granite and similar heavy lifting applications requiring a small footprint. The vacuum lifter...

Synergy Inventory software.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
November 1, 2008... Park Industries has introduced the Synergy Inventory software--a software database that allows fabricators to maximize their material inventory and yield by having an easy-to-use inventory management database. The Synergy Inventory...

The Multi-Seam Expansion Kit for the Automatic Seam Setter VC2.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
November 1, 2008... The Multi-Seam Expansion Kit for the Automatic Seam Setter VC2 by Omni Cubed has recently been introduced. The expansion kit includes two VC2 seam setters with a storage case and an accessory coil tube adapter. The kit enables installers to...

X-Treme Junior.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
November 1, 2008... The X-Treme Junior router from Granite City Tool features the Makita 9565CV with variable speed from 2,850 to 10,500 RPM. With its extended 5/8"-11 arbor it can accept standard diamond drumwheels for clean-up of sinkholes and the oscillating...

Premium natural quartz collection, also known as "Q.".(NEW LITERATURE)
November 1, 2008... M S International, Inc. (MSI) has released a brochure on its premium natural quartz collection, also known as "Q." Q is made of 93% quartz, does not require sealing, re-polishing or reconditioning, and it is unsuitable for bacteria and...

Translate the popular MIA Safety Meetings Toolkit into Spanish.(NEW LITERATURE)(Marble Institute of America)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Aqua Mix/Custom Building Products of Seal Beach, CA--a manufacturer of stone and tile care products--and the Marble Institute of America (MIA) have teamed up once more to translate the popular MIA Safety Meetings Toolkit into Spanish. ...

Machine of the month.
November 1, 2008... The Fusion[TM] 4000 CNC saw/ waterjet from Park Industries is designed and manufactured with a smaller footprint. The revolutionary design allows table access from the front or the sides. The Fusion has been engineered for faster cuts while...

Stone of the month.
November 1, 2008... Super White dolomite marble Country of origin Brazil Porosity 0.27% Water absorption 0.10% Compression strength 268.33 MPa This Stone of the Month supplied by Granitos Itapoama Ltda., Rio...