New cut-to-size division boosts Brazilian supplier

Michelangelo of Curitiba in the south of Brazil recently established a division for cut-to-size work, which is equipped to complete projects for the international market.

Skilled workers at Michelangelo are involved in a broad range of operations by hand.

Spurred by increased bids for custom-cut projects, Michelangelo of Brazil recently completed its new cut-to-size division. The company, which also has an existing tile and slab line, made extensive investments to improve its production capacity for finished products.

Located in Curitiba, in the south of Brazil, Michelangelo had been previously focused on cut-to-size jobs for the local market. However, when the export department began receiving bids for projects on a weekly basis, the owners were encouraged to invest in the custom stoneworking operation.

The cut-to-size division is housed in a 1,500-square-meter facility and includes a broad range of advanced machinery. Equipment includes a Tecnovema center for cut-to-size pieces; Marmoelettromeccanica Master 3000 portable edging machines; Marmoelettromeccanica Laser 4000 portable curve cutting machines; two Pedrini bridge saws; and a Comandulli Synthesis automated edging machine.

The cut-to-size operation operates alongside MichelangeloÂ¿s state-of-the-art facility for cutting tiles and slabs, which has a production capacity of 50,000 square meters per month. With the cut-to-size expansion in place, MichelangeloÂ¿s owners report that the company is able to offer its customer a full package of tiles, slabs and cut-to-size work all produced in one integrated factory, with the same consistency in shade and pattern for every stone.

Cut-to-size products include exterior and interior wall claddings, vanities, countertops, fireplace surrounds, thresholds, bases, window sills, trims and other pieces. The company has a color range of 40 different Brazilian stones, which can be given a broad range of finishes, including polished, thermal, sandblasted, bushhammered and honed.

In addition to the U.S. market, MichelangeloÂ¿s primary export targets are Australia, Mexico, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, the Middle East and the Far East. Last year, MichelangeloÂ¿s accomplishments in foreign trade were recognized with the award, "Export Company of Parana State" by the Parana Chamber of Commerce.