Stone World articles from September 2008

Stone World archives from September 2008

What's lurking in our industry?(STONE COLUMN)(Column)
September 1, 2008... When I opened up my paper of choice, The New York Times, two weeks ago, I saw a headline in the Home Section entitled, "What's Lurking in Your Countertop?" By now, we all probably know much of what happened as a result of this article....

New StonExpo session addresses the attack on granite ...(NEWSLINE)
September 1, 2008... In an effort to fight misleading allegations and to promote the safety of granite in building and construction, StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, together with the Marble Institute of America (MIA), announced it will presenta session within the...

IMM lends financial support to defense of granite ...(NEWSLINE)(Internazionale Marmi e Macchine)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Following a meeting with leading Italian granite companies that expressed concern about the media attacks in the U.S. about the allegedly negative health affects of granite, the Board of Administrators of Internazionale Marmi e Macchine (IMM)...

Radon and silica covered in pollution policy ...(NEWSLINE)
September 1, 2008... Schechner Lifson Corp., a preferred provider of insurance and safety management services for the stone industry, in conjunction with ah A+ insurer, are introducing a pollution liability policy which includes coverage for radon and silica,...

IGM celebrates 60 years in the stone industry ...(NEWSLINE)
September 1, 2008... International Granite & Marble Corp. (IGM), a leading importer/distributor of natural stone, is celebrating its 60th anniversary in October of this year. John Weiss, President of IGM, stated IGM started in 1948 with one desk, a G.I. loan and...

GranQuartz acquires the stone divison of Sommer & Maca ...(NEWSLINE)
September 1, 2008... GranQuartz, L.P., a Harbour Group company based in Atlanta, GA, completed the acquisition of the stone division of Sommer & Maca Industries, Inc. from C.R. Laurence Co., Jeff Fox, Harbour Group's Chief Executive Officer, announced. Terms of the...

In response to the recent fears about granite and radon, Consumer Reports has done limited radon testing on granite counters.(ONE LINERS ...)
September 1, 2008... In response to the recent fears about granite and radon, Consumer Reports has done limited radon testing on granite counters. Using a radon meter in a room with the door closed, the group tested one sample of granite from two national companies...

Dakota Granite Co. would like to inform the stone industry that it has no affiliation with an Indian-based company that calls itself S. V. L Granites and "Dakota Granites.".(ONE LINERS ...)
September 1, 2008... Dakota Granite Co. would like to inform the stone industry that it has no affiliation with an Indian-based company that calls itself S. V. L Granites and "Dakota Granites." Dakota Granite Co.'s URLs on the internet are "dakgran.com" and...

Walker Zanger, a leading stone and tile company, received two 2008 ADEX Awards (Awards for Design Excellence) for the unique and contemporary designs featured in two of its newest collections.(ONE LINERS ...)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Walker Zanger, a leading stone and tile company, received two 2008 ADEX Awards (Awards for Design Excellence) for the unique and contemporary designs featured in two of its newest collections. The Studio Moderne Collection by Michael Berman,...

Jo Anne Martino, who has 30 years of professional experience in the stone and ceramic industry, is now Amazing Stones' direct U.S. product contact for the company's exclusive "Semi-Precious Collection.".(ONE LINERS ...)
September 1, 2008... Jo Anne Martino, who has 30 years of professional experience in the stone and ceramic industry, is now Amazing Stones' direct U.S. product contact for the company's exclusive "Semi-Precious Collection." Martino's extensive knowledge of the U.S....

For the second consecutive year, StonExpo has been named to Tradeshow Week's Fastest 50 list of the 50-fastest growing tradeshows in North America.(ONE LINERS ...)
September 1, 2008... For the second consecutive year, StonExpo has been named to Tradeshow Week's Fastest 50 list of the 50-fastest growing tradeshows in North America. This prestigious designation is based on total net square footage growth (50%) and percentage of...

May 2008 / imports to the U.S. customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight.(STATISTICS)
September 1, 2008... STATISTICS May 2008 | Imports to the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight COUNTRY GRANITE MARBLE * U.S. $ TONS EU.S. $ ...

May 2008 / exports from the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight.(STATISTICS)(Statistical table)
September 1, 2008... STATISTICS May 2008 | Exports from the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight. COUNTRY GRANITE MARBLE * U.S. $ TONS U.S. $...

EPA geochemistry researchers affirm granite's safety.(NEWS)
September 1, 2008... HOLLIS, NH -- The Natural Stone Council (NSC) recently announced their unequivocal support for granite as a safe, natural material for use indoors based on prior research and, most recently, both an independent study funded by NSC member, the...

Miracle Sealants' "Ride of a Lifetime Sweepstakes".(NEWS)
September 1, 2008... ARCADIA, CA -- As part of Miracle Sealants' "Ride of a Lifetime Sweepstakes," 10 lucky winners so far have been given the opportunity to experience the speed of a racecar. Miracle Sealants, along with its marketing alliance with Wayne Taylor...

Walker Zanger master of stone craftsman wins ultimate honor.(NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... SYLMAR, CA -- Pietro Milani, the director of Walker Zanger's Italian operations since 1971, was recently honored with the title of "Maestro del Lavoro" of "Master of Work" for the "Stella al Merito del Lavoro" or "Medal for Excellence in a...

GranQuartz Makita Truck Event a resounding success.(NEWS)
September 1, 2008... TUCKER, GA -- GranQuartz recently hosted a Makita Truck Event at the GranQuartz Denver Superstore. The on-site Makita Demo Truck was a visual and hands-on experience for fabricators and contractors, allowing them to check out new tools,...

Laticrete expands world headquarters.(NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... BETHANY, CT -- Laticrete, a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative systems for the installation of stone and ceramic tile, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new $24 million corporate campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in...

Developing a high-end customer base: with an impressive fabrication shop and a new upscale showroom designed to cater to the high-end residential market, MacLaren Fabrication, Inc. continues on its path to success in the stone industry.(RE-EMERGING U.S STONE INDUSTRY)(Company overview)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MacLaren Fabrication, Inc. of West Chester, PA, has come a long way since it first opened shop in 1986. Initially, the business, which was founded by Company President Andrew MacLaren, started out as a DuPont Corian...

Ohio company diversifies with stone fabrication: in addition to a full range of building materials, including cabinetry, laminate and solid surface countertops, Nisbet Brower of Cincinnati, OH, also has a division solely dedicated to stone fabrication.(Fabricator Case Study)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nisbet Brower, a full-service building materials company located in Cincinnati, OH, recently added a stone division to its business, and the 6,600-square-foot stone fabrication facility houses a variety of machinery...

An artistic approach to stone fabrication: Renaissance Stone of Mills River, NC, demonstrates creativity in the work its shop completes as well as in the way the company is run.(Fabricator Case Study)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Once a month, Keith and Betsy Klein, owners of Renaissance Stone in Mills River, NC, set aside a day to be creative, where they ask their employees to try something new--regardless of whether or not it will be...

European fabricator finds success in U.S.: Fernando Cantarilho has been working in the stone industry for the last 45 years, and his young adulthood experiences with marble led him to open a shop in Maryland a decade after immigrating to the U.S.(Fabricator Case Study)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Owner Fernando Cantarilho had his first stone-related experience in Portugal before immigrating to the U.S. and opening his own company, Fernando's Marble Shop, Inc., a family owned and operated fabrication operation...

Fabricating for a custom market: rather than focusing on mass countertop production, Stone Concepts of Eagle, CO, has found success by completing "ultra-custom" stone projects.(Fabricator Case Study)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Although Stone Concepts of Eagle, CO, may sometimes only complete one house a week, owner Mike Hamrick explained that the work his company performs is very unique. "This isn't your basic fabrication process--this is...

Countertop installation products: suppliers to the stone industry continue to offer new products to help with countertop installations--for use during transport and on the jobsite.
September 1, 2008... Just as stoneworking technology continues to evolve and advance, the products used for countertop installation are also on the rise. Products for transport, protection and sink installation are available from a number of recognized stone...

Adhering to campus tradition: in keeping with the flavor of the school's existing architecture, a range of local sandstone was utilized for the renovation and expansion of the business school building at the University of Colorado at Boulder.(INSTITUTIONAL ARCHITECTURE)(Cover story)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When the time arrived to renovate and expand the Koelbel Building, which houses the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business in Boulder, CO, the desire was to create a design that would stay true to the...

Renovation relies on new and reclaimed stone: IKM, Inc. recently renovated two major facilities at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA, and limestone and reused sandstone played an integral role in the design.(INSTITUTIONAL ARCHITECTURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA, recently renovated its Welcome Center and Tropical Forest Conservatory, both of which were designed by local architect, IKM, Inc. The first phase of...

Cultural center relies on traditional limestone: in keeping with the timeless feel of surrounding buildings, Indiana limestone was recently selected for exterior elements of the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg, SC.(INSTITUTIONAL ARCHITECTURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg, SC, was recently built to house eight independent organizations, including an Art Museum, a History Museum, a Music Foundation, a Science Center, an Arts Guild, the...

The world stone industry meets in Verona: The 43rd edition of Marmomacc, the leading international trade fair for the stone industry, will take place in Verona, Italy, from October 2 to 5, 2008.(Report from Europe)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Every October, the international stone industry turns its attention to the stoneworking region of Verona, Italy, for the Marmomacc trade fair, and this year's event is set for October 2 to 5, 2008. Already...

A study of Alpine architecture: among many initiatives connecting architecture and natural stone, the organizers of Marmomacc are conducting an analysis of the architecture in Switzerland's highlands--showcasing a range of historic stone projects.(Report from Europe)
September 1, 2008... The organizers of the Marmomacc stone fair in Verona, Italy, have traditionally conducted a number of programs for architects, with the goal of increasing awareness of the potential for natural stone in architecture and design. Among these is...

Positive results for "new" CarraraMarmotec: taking place in the historic stoneworking region of Carrara, Italy, the latest edition of the CarraraMarmotec trade fair connected the stone industry to the sectors of sculpture, architecture and design.(Report from Europe)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, the CarraraMarmotec trade fair in Carrara, Italy, has held a special connection with the nearby mountains of White Carrara marble--Michelangelo's material of choice--as well...

Piedra 2008 highlights the diversity of stone: the latest edition of Piedra 2008, which took place in Madrid, Spain, included a lively exhibition of stone and technology, as well as several architectural programs and large-scale exhibits of finished stone applications.(Report from Europe)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The seventh edition of Piedra, the biennial international stone fair, took place in Madrid, Spain, from May 7 to 10, and it featured a full agenda of stone exhibitions, conferences and events. The trade fair welcomed...

Spanish stone innovations on display in Madrid.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Suppliers from all regions of Spain relied on Piedra 2008 to introduce new innovations in natural stone. The followinq is a look at some of the new products on display at the event: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Arriaga: Designer sink in...

Theatre project receives top Piedra Architecture Award.
September 1, 2008... As part of the events at Piedra 2008, the 11th edition of its Architecture Awards were presented, and a total of 30 projects from around the world were entered for this year's competition. The winning project was the Theatre and Auditorium at...

"The Seduction of Natural Stone".(Spanish Foreign Trade Institute organized stone exhibition)
September 1, 2008... As part of the cultural events at Piedra 2008, the exhibit halls included a monographic exhibition entitled, "The Seduction of Natural Stone: Contemporary Architecture in Spain," organized by the Spanish Foreign Trade Institute (ICEX). This...

Stone in the furnishings sector.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Making its debut at Piedra 2008, the "Exhibition on Stone Design, Stone Laying and Stone Cutting" was well received by those in attendance at the event. Taking place on May 8 and 9, the program had several phases. In addition to demonstrations...

A look at the Spanish natural stone industry: the natural stone industry in Spain has continued to grow in international stature, according to various reports presented at Piedra 2008.(Report from Europe)(Company overview)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Among the presentations at Piedra 2008, the international trade fair that took place in Madrid, Spain, an overview of the Spanish natural stone industry was offered by the Market Observatory for Natural Stone. This...

Massive column project on the market: originally slated for a park in Madrid, Spain, a project involving 50 massive columns, bases and Corinthian capitals is available for purchase and delivery anywhere in the world.(Report from Europe)(Granitos Gomez Caceres, S.L.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Quarried and fabricated by Granitos Gomez Caceres, S.L. of Quintana De La Serena, Badajoz, Spain, a major architectural project--originally planned to be part of...

Portuguese supplier opens new factory: for almost three decades, Dimpomar-Rochas Portuguesas Lda. of Vila Vicosa, Portugal, has triumphed as a leading stone producer worldwide.(Report from Europe)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since it first opened its doors for business in 1980, Dimpomar-Rochas Portuguesas Lda. of Vila Vicosa, Portugal, has continually expanded its brand. Initially starting out with only eight workers, the company now...

Greek stone producer invests for the future: Over the past few years, L.B. Naxos marble has invested in new quarries for Greek marble as well as advanced technology for its factory near Athens, Greece.(Report from Europe)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Established as a quarrier of Greek marble in 1986, L.B. Naxos Marble, S.A. has shown steady expansion over the years, opening its first factory near Athens in 1992. Moreover, the last decade has been a time of growth...

Mass countertop production in Finland: located among its own quarries in Ylamaa, Finland, the Ylamaa Group mass produces kitchen countertops for the domestic market under the division of Ylamaan Graniitti Oy.(Report from Europe)(Company overview)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Finland-based Ylamaa Group dates back to the late 1950s, when Jaakko Tielinen began his career as a stone contractor. It was not until 1974 that the company purchased its first quarry in Ylamaa Hirvihauta,...

The Big 5 exhibition is set for Dubai: combining seven major exhibitions under one roof--including one for natural stone--The Big 5 exhibition will take place in the booming construction market of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 23 to 27, 2008.
September 1, 2008... Arguably the most important five days for the construction industry in the Middle East, The Big 5 exhibition will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 23 to 27, 2008. The event combines seven major exhibitions in the...

It's no longer about the price: we are entering a time where unless you can run a stone fabrication business and have a diverse offering, you may not survive.(FORUM)(Column)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The concept for this article began with a sales call to a well-qualified client. We had done the granite in his neighbor's house and came highly recommended. I had made two trips to the client's house and had...

Calendar.(Conference news)(Calendar)
September 1, 2008... September 15 to 18 2008 Stone World Fabrication Management Clinics, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (15th), Orlando, FL (16th), Atlanta, GA (18th). For more information, call 1-888-530-6714 or visit www.stoneworld. com/managementclinic. October 2...

MasterJetSaw 3200.(NEW EQUIPMENT)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Advanced Industrial Machinery, Inc. (AIM), a leading manufacturer of automated stone fabrication systems, has announced the debut of its new MasterJetSaw 3200. With its precision waterjet and powerful 20HP saw, the AIM MasterJetSaw 3200...

Master 43 Twin.(NEW EQUIPMENT)(Intermac America)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Intermac America, a leading provider of high-tech stone and glass systems, has introduced the Master 43 Twin, which will make its debut at StonExpo 2008 in Las Vegas. A four-axis work center, the Master 43 Twin features double...

Folding Kit upgrade.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
September 1, 2008... For owners of the Omni Cubed Pro-Cart AT1, available exclusively at GranQuartz, the Folding Kit upgrade provides additional versatility for storage and carrying of the unloaded cart. The kit enables the cart to be folded down to a slender 9...

Reference Manual.(NEW LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), the largest tile contractors association in the world, is offering an updated version of its Reference Manual in a brand new CD-ROM format that will be available for all NTCA members on an...

Great Northern Stone has just released a new publication to help in the fight against low-grade and improper commercial stone maintenance entitled, "How Much Are You Saving on YOUR Stone Maintenance?".(NEW LITERATURE)
September 1, 2008... Great Northern Stone has just released a new publication to help in the fight against low-grade and improper commercial stone maintenance entitled, "How Much Are You Saving on YOUR Stone Maintenance?" Written by world-renowned stone expert Tom...

Positano.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2008... Positano from Marcolini Marmi S.p.A. is a modern marble, elegant and refined, with intense dark blue reflections that evoke the sea depths of Positano, a location on the Amalfi coast, which gave it its name. Its technical qualities allow the...

Super White.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2008... Super White is available from Granitos Itapoama Ltda. of Rio Novo Do Sul, Espirito Santo, Brazil. This material is noted for its distinctive white coloring, and it can be classified as a dolomite marble. It has very low porosity (0.27%) and...

Moon Rock.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2008... Marmi Bruno Zanet is offering a new material named Moon Rock. This leather-colored quartzite is quarried in Brazil. Unique silver reflections make this material exclusive in its field, and its aesthetics are well suited for both interior and...

Revere Sink is expanding its line of stainless steel sinks and accessories with the introduction of seven new faucets, providing countertop fabricators with a complete, customized look for each of their customers.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2008... Revere Sink is expanding its line of stainless steel sinks and accessories with the introduction of seven new faucets, providing countertop fabricators with a complete, customized look for each of their customers. Until recently, very few...

CaesarStone, a leading quartz surface manufacturer, has introduced a new recycled CaesarStone quartz surface.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2008... CaesarStone, a leading quartz surface manufacturer, has introduced a new recycled CaesarStone quartz surface. The surfaces, which are just as durable as CaesarStone's other surfaces, are comprised of recycled CaesarStone materials, reports the...

GranQuartz is introducing the new Fab Quick[TM] TemplatePro[TM] Templating Clips for fast and accurate template layout.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2008... GranQuartz is introducing the new Fab Quick[TM] TemplatePro[TM] Templating Clips for fast and accurate template layout. These templating clips easily secure templating strips while providing the perfect overhang without measuring, GranQuartz...

Stone of the month.
September 1, 2008... Chocolate Brown Country of origin Brazil Apparent unit mass 2,645 kg/cu.m Absorption 4.015% Coefficient of...

Machine of the month.
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Fab Master from Edgemarc Tools can be used as edge profiler as well as to cut out any shape sink, olish, drill faucet holes, create drain boards, surface polish or hone and more, according to the manufacturer....