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Brought to you by Stone World magazine February 27, 2008
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In This Issue ... 
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Industry Insight
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Notes from Brazil
by Michael Reis, Editor
This past weekend, I returned home from my annual pilgrimage to Brazil and the Vitória Stone Fair. I have been visiting the stone-rich state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, for nearly a decade, and ever since the Vitória Stone Fair was established in 2003, the event has continued to grow in international interest as Brazil has become the leading exporter of granite to the U.S. For some time now, the Vitória Stone Fair has served as a platform for leading Brazilian suppliers to showcase their latest product introductions, and attendees at the fair -- including many Americans -- have also used the opportunity to visit the many stoneworking operations in the region. Click here to read more>>
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Inside the Shop
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Globe Marble & Granite Stone Fabrication, Inc. of Wood-Ridge, NJ, takes an analytical  approach to stone fabrication
by Michael Reis, Editor
Although a quick glance at the facilities of Globe Marble & Granite Stone Fabrication, Inc. in Wood-Ridge, NJ, reveals a traditional fabrication shop, a more in-depth look details the level of calculation that goes into the operation. By focusing on factors such as workflow, cost analysis and value-added services, the company operates on the principles of organization, practicality and efficiency. full article
Universal Stone of Charlotte, NC, capitalizes on a favorable market
by Michael Reis, Editor
Established three and a half years ago, Universal Stone of Charlotte, NC, has seen its sales rise steadily each year -- mostly by word of mouth as it has placed an emphasis on quality and customer service. Today, the shop has grown to a production rate of 25 to 30 kitchens per week. full article
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Fabricator Issue of the Month
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Stone fabricators offer REAL insight on today's business climate
moderated by Michael Reis, Editor
Q: What is the REAL situation out there for stone fabricators? I visit some shops that tell me they're as busy as can be, and yet there seems to be very little work going on. Others tell me they're "dead," and the shop seems to be bustling. I guess this is a two-part question:
A. How has the housing slowdown affected your business? Has it affected volume? Or have you simply leveled off?
B. How are you responding to the current business climate? Has it made you change your pricing? Are you still making machinery investments? Are you scaling back? Have you had to lay anyone off? click here to read the responses
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Project Spotlight
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Private Residence, Angel Fire, NM
by Michelle Stinnard
Sitting at an altitude of almost 10,000 feet on the mountainside of Angel Fire village in the Moreno Valley of New Mexico, is a 2,600-square-foot, rustic-looking stone house designed to blend in with its environment. For homeowner Scott Lardner, who is also the president of Rocky Mountain Stone Co. -- a stone supplier and installer located in Albuquerque, NM -- natural stone was an obvious material choice for the design of his family's second home. click here for full article>>
Private Residence, Newport Coast, CA
by Michelle Stinnard
For the design of his 3,500-square-foot private residence in Newport Coast, CA, Kap Malik, a Design Principal at Gensler, transformed the inwardly focused space into an indoor/outdoor environment that maximizes California-style living. And, in order to create a smooth transition from the interior to the exterior, over 7,000 square feet of natural stone from Southland Stone USA, Inc. of North Hollywood, CA, was implemented. click here for full article>>
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Shop How-To
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Fading issues with dark granite 
by Frederick M. Hueston
I have received numerous calls lately concerning the fading of dark granite countertops. The most common complaints seem to be on Absolute Black, Black Galaxy, Zimbabwe Black and a few others. I have heard many fabricators try to blame the fading on the misuse of cleaning chemicals, acids, etc. While one should not use inappropriate chemicals on granite surfaces, this is often not the reason for the increase in black granite fading. Click here to read more
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Industry Happenings
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Bath & Kitchen Pro launches new Web site
The new www.bathandkitchenpro.com Web site complements Bath & Kitchen Pro, the new publication that reaches an audience of 50,000+ bath-and-kitchen installers, distributors with showrooms and designers in plumbing, tile and countertops and related fields. To stay up to date between issues, please visit BathandKitchenPro.com often for industry news, product news and photos, and a blog written by Bath & Kitchen Pro staff members.
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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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