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Brought to you by Stone World
magazine November 29, 2007 |
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In This Issue ...
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Industry Insight
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Transitioning from craftsman to businessman
by Michael Reis, Editor
The past few years (prior to this one) have seen astounding growth in the U.S. stone industry -- particularly in the granite countertop sector. And with this being the case, many American stone fabricators placed their priority on meeting customer demands while maintaining a level of craftsmanship that would make them stand out among increasing competition. This made perfect sense, because even though granite countertops weren't exactly selling themselves, the market seemed to defy all construction industry trends in terms of growth rate.
click here for full article |
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Inside the Shop
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Tabernacle Granite & Marble, Inc. of Tabernacle, NJ, and Harbinger, NC, manages to escape the competition
by Jennifer Adams, Managing Editor
Twenty-five years ago, Guy Baptiste, president of Tabernacle Granite & Marble, Inc., ventured into the stone fabrication business with only $300. Although production was slow at first, today his company has grown to not only include a facility in Tabernacle, NJ, where he initially opened a shop, but also a second location in Harbinger, NC. Click here for full article
Artelye Marble & Granite of Beltsville, MD; Manassas, VA; and Richmond, VA, emphasizes quality as it continues to grow
by Michael Reis, Editor
Walking through Artelye Marble & Granite's main facility in Beltsville, MD, overhead signs within the shop boldly display three words: "Service," "Quality" and "Craftsmanship." And upon closer examination of the operation, it is clear that these signs are not merely decoration, as the company places a great deal of priority on quality and efficiency -- even as it continues to grow at a rapid pace.
Click here for full article
Robert J. Arseneau (RJA) Tile & Stone of Lenoxdale, MA, offers a complete stone package
by Michael Reis, Editor
With a background in both tilesetting and stone countertop fabrication and installation, Robert J. Arseneau (RJA) Tile & Stone of Lenoxdale, MA, is able to provide full-scale services for its client base, which covers the Berkshire Mountains region of Massachusetts. Arseneau started in the stone fabrication business in 1990, and worked on a mix of residential and commercial work for 13 years. Ultimately, he went into business on his own as an installer, working with tile and an increasing amount of slab materials. "Most of my jobs required stone slabs, and the local shops couldn't keep up with the work," he explained.
Click here for full article |
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Fabricator Issue of the Month
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OSHA compliance and shop safety
by Michael Reis, Editor
In an industry first, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has entered into a formal alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Among several initiatives being taken by the two organizationsis a series of seminars for stone fabricators. These one-day sessions educate stoneworking professionals on OSHA standards, and they are specifically geared towards the stone industry. In addition to classroom instruction, a shop "walk-through" educates participants on specific hazards within a stoneworking facility that can be cited by OSHA. Earlier this year, Stone World
documented one of these OSHA/MIA presentations, which took place at the facilities of Alpha Professional Tools in Oakland, NJ. Click here to read more
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Project Spotlight
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Private Residence, Austin, TX
by Jennifer Adams, Managing Editor
Photos by Greg Hursley / Courtesy of Through the Lens Mgt., Inc.
Being a geologist by profession, it was only logical that a homeowner and his wife chose a selection of natural stone for the remodel design of the kitchen in their Austin, TX, home. Various types of travertine and granite were combined to create an elegant yet warm dining/living environment that reflects the residence's Southwestern surroundings. Click here to read more.
Plate Restaurant in Wyncote, PA
by Michelle Stinnard, Associate Editor
Natural stone was extensively utilized for Plate Restaurant in Wyncote, PA, which was designed by JK Roller Architects of Philadelphia. As part of the overall transformation of the Cedarbrook Hills apartment complex, the 180-seat restaurant was designed to appeal to new young professional residents. Natural light, a sense of openness and casual, yet sophisticated dining were three main goals the architects had in mind when establishing the commercial space.
Click here to read more.
Private Residence, Hollywood Hills, CA
by Michelle Stinnard, Associate Editor
Arch-Interiors Design Group, Inc. recently redesigned a kitchen and two bathrooms for a post-and-beam house, located in the Hollywood Hills of California, where the goal was to incorporate and coordinate each of the homeowner's personal tastes into various elements of the home. To enhance the space, the designers added a complementary backsplash featuring 1- x 1-inch white mosaic tiles from Daltile. "It is a great product, very reminiscent of post-and-beam case study homes," said Grubb, adding that the material was used behind the hood and around the window, creating a clean cohesive spot.
Click here to read more |
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Shop How-To
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Fabricating soapstone countertops 
transcribed by Michael Reis, Editor
In this online forum, conducted at www.stoneadvice.com, stone fabricators from around the country share their experiences in working with soapstone for residential countertop applications. click here to read full article
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Industry Happenings
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Stone World presents "Fabricator of the Year" Award
by Michael Reis, Editor
Since 1987, a committee of stone industry veterans has worked together to select the winners of the Stone World Magazine "Fabricator of the Year" Award (formerly the Technological Achievement Award). The award, which is given to a North American stone producer, is based on the following criteria: cooperativeness in sharing technology with the industry, willingness to pioneer the use of new technology, fostering educational programs for the training of stoneworkers in industry methods and promoting technological progress through association work.
Click here to read about the 2007 winner.
Northwood sponsors first annual Open House and Stone Fabrication Seminar
by Michael Reis, Editor
Northwood Machine Manufacturing Co. sponsored its first annual Open House and Stone Fabrication Seminar in Louisville, KY, from September 12 to 15, 2007. Over 100 individuals from throughout the U.S. and Canada attended. Over the three-day event, participants learned about the latest technological developments by Northwood for the stone fabrication industry. full article
StonExpo 2007/MIA Convention takes place in Las Vegas
by Michael Reis, Editor
StonExpo 2007 was held from October 18 to 20 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, and although attendance was slightly down from last year, exhibitors reported quality visitors, according to Hanley Wood, the show's organizer. The show floor was filled with a broad range of exhibits of machinery, tools and accessories, stone displays and stone installation and maintenance products. In addition to the exhibition itself, the event also included an educational program, which offered a number of seminars related to issues specifically relevant to the stone industry.
full article |
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This edition of Stone World Fabricator e-News was sent to you because of your expressed interest in natural stone and ceramic tile. This monthly e-newsletter offers industry updates, application features, practical tips, and commentary on stone and tile design, sent directly to your inbox. We welcome you to a readership of architects, interior designers, specifiers and consumers.
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