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Brought to you by Stone World magazine June 4, 2009 |
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Industry Insight
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We hit bottom in February 
by Michael Reis, Editor
This past February, I made my annual business trip to Brazil, where I visited the stoneworking facilities of many major suppliers. And to be perfectly honest, I was astounded at the amount of inventory on hand at many of the plants I saw. There literally were rows of slabs in place as far as the eye can see, as shown in the attached photo (and I should note this was taken at one of the busiest plants I visited). The producers were (are?) clearly in an unenviable position. While stopping production would be a disaster, how do you justify running at even half capacity when the majority of the slabs won't be going much further than the warehouse?
Click here to read more |
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Inside the Shop
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The Granite Shop, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
by Michael Reis, Editor
In 2004, Stuart Young left the residential construction field to start his own stoneworking company -- "The Granite Shop" -- in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. And during the four-plus years that the company has been in business, it has established itself as a pioneer in the use of technologically advanced stoneworking equipment. Full article
Select Granite, Birmingham, AL
by Alexis Fisher, Associate Editor
With a background in commercial real estate, Michael and Suzanne Flanagan started Select Granite in 2002 with a 5,000-square-foot facility in Pelham, AL. Today, the company is also marketing itself as Design Center South, and company growth has led the owners to acquire 6 acres of land with a stoneworking facility now measuring nearly
20,000 square feet. Among the machinery investments, the addition of a dual-table Northwood SawJet from Northwood Machine Manufacturing Co. of Louisville, KY, has specifically changed the face of its business, according to Scott Spector, General Manager of Select Granite, Inc. Full article |
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Fabricator Issue of the Month
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When will positive signs = positive results?
by Michael Reis, Editor
Q: When I was at Coverings in Chicago this past April, many of the fabricators I spoke with said they are starting to see some positive signs in the stone industry. They said they are seeing things pick up in terms of inquiries and interest.
My question is this: As a fabricator, when will these positive signs turn into actual increased activity in the stone trade (when I will consistently be visiting busy shops like the one pictured)? When do you see yourselves investing again -- purchasing technology, increasing technology, bringing back laid-off staff, etc.?
Click here to read responses from industry professionals
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Project Spotlight
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Guanajuato State Library, León, Guanajuato, Mexico
by Jennifer Adams, Managing Editor
The Guanajuato State Library not only represents the contemporary architecture of the world-renowned Pei Partnership Architects, but it is also a building that is tied to its Mexican roots. Located in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, the new library was the first of several new cultural buildings completed in the Centro Cultural Guanajuato that was master-planned by Pei Partnership Architects in 2003. And to link the library's design to the historic architecture of León, White Cantera -- a local stone -- was selected for the walls of its exterior facade.
Full article
Private Residence, Chicago, IL
by Michael Reis, Editor
In designing a private residence outside of Chicago, IL, OKW architects employed a classic Victorian style, with multiple gables and a circular "tower" near the entrance. And in addition to using rough-textured stone for the walls, the design includes a slate roof to bring home the residence's traditional style. Full article |
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Shop How-To
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Waterjet user roundup
by Michael Reis, Editor
Across North America, fabrication shops are investing in waterjet technology to maximize efficiency in their operations. Whether they are using standard waterjets or combination waterjet/bridge saws, shops are reporting that this technology has allowed them to streamline operations and worth with a higher level of accuracy. They have also been able to synergize the CNC capabilities of these machines with digital templating systems.
Click here to see a roundup of waterjet users in North America, with a description of the technology in use at each shop
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Industry Happenings
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An open letter to the industry from the NSC regarding the Check-Off Program
Dear Industry Member:
Now that the political scene is becoming somewhat established in Washington, DC, work has begun in earnest to investigate the feasibility of establishing a Check-Off program for the natural stone industry. A prominent Washington government relations and lobbying firm with success in establishing and advising Check-Off boards has been hired to assist us in the process. This firm also has relationships with key decision makers in the Congress and the Executive Branch who will be important in authorizing and administering any natural stone check off program. We have had several meetings with leading members of Congress and their staffs to determine their willingness to
work with us. Although there are still many unknowns, we are encouraged by the progress made to date. Click here to read the rest of the letter
Frequently Asked Questions about the industry Check-Off Program
The Natural Stone Council (NSC) and the entire industry will need to have support in Congress to introduce and enact legislation to authorize a Check-Off Program to generate funds to promote the use of natural stone. To better understand the program, the organization has developed a list of frequently asked questions.
Click here to read the FAQs regarding the stone industry Check-Off Program |
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AEC Store Corner
Stone Color Book 
$125.00
The MIA's Stone Color Book offers the widest range of natural stone images - approximately 1000 different samples from all over the world. This 172 page hard-cover has a unique look and measures 6-3/4" x 12-3/4". The stone color book features 373 marbles, 18 travertines, 38 onyxes, 28 limestones, 17 rough stone, 23 quartzites, and 439 granites. Each corresponding page includes the country quarry location and a variety of technical data on each stone.
CLICK HERE to purchase!
Visit AECStore.com to view all of our tools for the Stone Industry! |
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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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Stone World/BNP Media
210 Route 4 East, Suite 203
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U.S.A. |
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For Additional Information
Contact Our Editorial Staff:
Stone World
phone: 201-291-9001
fax: 201-291-9002
e-mail: info@stoneworld.com |
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