China's capital hosts stone exhibition

Stonetech 2003 Beijing, the 10th edition of the China International Stone Processing Machinery, Equipment and Products Exhibition, took place from March 12 to 15, with exhibitors coming from around the world.

The annual show, which alternates between Beijing and Shanghai, is organized by the CCPIT Building Materials Subcouncil, the China Stone Material Industry Association and CIEC Exhibition Co. Ltd.

A total of 400 exhibitors were on hand at the event, which covered a gross area of over 190,000 square feet at the China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing. Exhibitors displayed natural stone tiles, slabs, blocks and customized work such as mosaics. Additionally, there were companies showcasing equipment for stone quarrying and processing as well as stoneworking accessories and installation and maintenance products.

In addition to a broad range of exhibitors from China, Stonetech 2003 featured many international exhibitors, many of whom were organized in national pavilions. Delegations included Italy, which featured both stone producers and also many suppliers of equipment and accessories; Turkey, which offered a broad range of stone materials in blocks, tiles and slabs; Spain, which showcased natural stone in a variety of formats and finishes; Brazil, which offered primarily granite in blocks and finished products; and Israel, which had many formats of Jerusalem Stone.

Also of note, a group of Egyptian stone producers were also arranged in a national pavilion. These companies showcased a broad range of marble, travertine and granite varieties in many colors, all quarried within Egypt.

The target audience for the exhibition, which expected an attendance of 10,000 visitors, was members of the stone industry, such as fabricators, importer/exporters and distributors. It was also attended by architects and designers, engineers, builders, contractors and developers.