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Brought to you by Stone World magazine January 29, 2008 |
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In This Issue ... 
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Industry Insight
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Fabrication beyond countertops
by Michael Reis, Editor
In looking at this edition of the Stone World Fabricator E-News, there is a common thread to the three fabrication shops covered in our "Inside the Shop" section. While the three shops are spread out among different regions of the country (Montana, Washington State and Connecticut), all three have become involved in stone fabrication work that goes beyond granite kitchen countertops. Click here to read more>>
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Inside the Shop
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Slabworks of Montana of Bozeman, MT, continues to grow
by Jennifer Adams, Managing Editor
Located just about 100 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, Slabworks of Montana in Bozeman, MT, has experienced significant growth since it first opened its doors in 1994. What began as a two-man operation has now blossomed to a staff of 18, and the company's facility has also expanded in terms of size and equipment. full article>>
Blue Horse Marble Inc. of Arlington, WA, explores unique sectors of the stone industry
by Michelle Stinnard
Working in the stone industry for the past 17 years has given Antonio Liberta a strong background in the trade, along with various opportunities for standing out among his competitors. Today, his company, Blue Horse Marble Inc. of Arlington, WA, has steered away from typical countertop installations, as it gears a vast amount of production towards stonework for yacht interiors. Liberta's newest and perhaps his most unique endeavor, however, is the fabrication of marble and granite guitars, which have been sold to several recording artists thus far, while others will be auctioned off for less fortunate children, according to Liberta.
full article>>
Art's of Stone of New Milford, CT emphasizes customer interaction
by Michael Reis, Editor
In September of 2006, Jose Lima founded Art's of Stone in New Milford, CT, with five different colors of natural stone slabs available. Today, the company has 110 colors of stone in its stockyard, and it has grown from doing a single kitchen per week to a current production rate of four kitchens per week. full article>>
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Fabricator Issue of the Month
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Taking a look at the Brazilian granite industry
by Michael Reis, Editor
For North American fabricators, Brazil is one of the most important stone producers in the world. In the granite sector, Brazil has by far had the greatest impact on the U.S. market. When examining the numbers, the increases in granite exports from Brazil to the U.S. are staggering. The dollar value of Brazilian granite exported to the U.S. in 1993 totaled $12.43 million, making Brazil the fourth leading granite exporter to America (representing 11.4% of all U.S. granite imports). By 2006, Brazilian granite exports to the U.S. reached $538,240,658, which easily made Brazil the leading exporter of granite to the U.S. For comparison, Brazil's granite export total to the U.S. was nearly 75%
greater than the second largest granite exporter, Italy, which reached a total of $308,354,302 in 2006. Click here to read more>>
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Project
Spotlight
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Private Residence, San Antonio, TX
by Alexis Fisher, Assistant Editor
To merge with the historic context of the King Williams District in San Antonio, TX, there was no question that Old Yellow limestone would be chosen for the exterior of a new private residence. And when it came time to extend the home some years later, stone once again would be the first and final decision for the exterior. Yet perfectly matching the existing structure would be a goal only achieved by the assistance of a skilled masonry team, according to Heather McKinney, AIA, LEED® AP, of McKinney Architects Inc in Austin, TX, who served as the lead architect for the project. For more, click here>>
Private Residence, Alpine, NJ
by Alexis Fisher, Assistant Editor
Seeking a casual, elegant look for the design of their interior space, the owners of an Alpine, NJ, home chose stone that would be reflective of their personal character. Therefore, when it came to selecting materials, they went with a familiar face to help them make a decision. "Since I knew the family, I made a special effort to make sure whatever I selected really suited them," said Anna Marie Fanelli of Floor & Décor in Tenafly, NJ, who supplied the stone for this project. Click here to read more>>
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Shop How-To
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Making true radius cuts
complied by Michael Reis, Editor
photos courtesy of Reuben Flax, SFA, Sinai Marble & Granite , Baltimore MD
Q: How do you make true radius cuts without a CNC machine? Right now, I use a grinder and get them close, but they are not near perfect. I explain this to my customers who want a radius before we go ahead. This is very time consuming, and we still get flat spots on it." Click here for responses>> |
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Industry Happenings
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Stone World fabricator classes adopt a new format for 2008
by Michael Reis, Editor
The need for industry education in the stone industry has been well documented, and to help fill that need, Stone World has been presenting its Stone Fabrication Workshops since 2005 -- hitting a total of 24 cities in all. These day-long sessions were extremely well received by fabricators of all sizes and experience levels, and based on the success of these original Workshops, Stone World will be offering a completely new educational series beginning in 2008. The "Fabrication Management Clinics" will be geared towards fabrication shop managers, supervisors and owners, with in-depth sessions on topics for operations of all sizes. full article>>
Dixie Cut Stone & Marble, Inc. ceases fabrication
After 48 years in the stone fabrication business, Dixie Cut Stone & Marble, Inc. of Bridgeport, MI, has shut down its stone-processing division. The company -- originally founded by John Hoffmann in 1960 -- was purchased by Oldcastle Architectural Products Inc. in 2002. Oldcastle, which is a global conglomerate of building product manufacturers and subsidiaries, provides architectural masonry and concrete products -- including the distribution of architectural block, glass, precast concrete, masonry and exterior hardscaping products -- throughout North and South America and Europe. 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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