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Inside the Shop
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Bailes Granite, Charleston, WV

by Michelle Stinnard, Associate Editor

What began as a glass company in 1955 has since evolved into a stone fabrication business now in its fourth generation of family employees. Bailes Granite of Charleston, WV, currently owned and operated by Sue and John Carper, switched from the glass industry to stone production in 2001, when the company was averaging just one kitchen a week. Today, the company puts out about 15 to 20 kitchens a week, and it is looking to expand its business territory to include all areas of West Virginia within the next few years. full article

Paragon Granite, Fresno, CA

by Michelle Stinnard, Associate Editor

For Russ Owens and Jeff Hanning, current owners of Paragon Granite in Fresno, CA, a mid-life career change meant making the leap into stone fabrication. And while the market has slowed quite substantially since the company first began in 2001, the company has developed creative programs to increase market share and continue to grow the success of their business, which now produces an average of 10 to 12 kitchen a week. full article

Granite Tops, Mt. Vernon, NY

by Michelle Stinnard, Associate Editor

Focusing on what President Chris Sanzaro refers to as the "ultra high-end market," Granite Tops, Inc. of Mount Vernon, NY, fabricates an average of 2,500 square feet of stone per week. The company was founded 11 years ago based on the attitude that "if the machine can cut it, we will make it, as long as we can have a high-quality product in the end," Sanzaro explained.  full article

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Fabricator Issue of the Month
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In many cases in the past, the method of setting up a granite or stone processing shop was to simply place equipment in any available open space -- with no thought given to material flow. Usually, the material slab would be loaded onto the bridge saw for initial shaping, cut to size and then unloaded from the same side and transferred to the next operation for edging, profiling, polishing, etc., wherever the next processing operation was located in the shop. Click here to read more

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Project Spotlight
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Sprint Headquarters Building, Overland Park, KS

by Michelle Stinnard, Associate Editor

In order to consolidate Sprint's operations, which were situated in more than 60 separate locations across Kansas City, into one central facility, the Sprint World Headquarters campus was designed in Overland Park, KS. And of the 18 new facilities, the Headquarters Building features more than 10,000 pieces of limestone and marble for flooring and columns. Click here to read more

Private Residence, Monument, CO

by Michelle Stinnard, Associate Editor

In order to take advantage of the breathtaking views surrounding a private residence in Monument, CO, the kitchen of the home was designed with an open concept, featuring a large bay window and a free-flowing design, and granite played an integral role. Click here to read more

Park Shelton, Detroit, MI

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, attorneys, judges and other homeowners seeking a sophisticated, upscale urban lifestyle. And as part of the $15 million renovation, a range of contemporary stonework can be found in the new condominium interiors. Click here to read more

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Shop How-To
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Industry Happenings
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Marble Institute of America and OSHA renew alliance

by Michael Reis, Editor

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Marble Institute of America (MIA) renewed their alliance to provide MIA members and others with information and training resources that will help them continue to protect employees' safety and health. For more information, click here

David Allen Co. MS Golf Tournament is set for May 23

by Michael Reis, Editor

The 14th David Allen Co. MS Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, May 23 at Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club in Gainesville, VA -- 40 minutes outside of the Nation's capital. Registration, which begins at 10 a.m., is $300 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, click here

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