SPRINGFIELD, MO - A variety of natural stone from around the world is now available at the new Global Granite & Marble stone selection center in Nixa, MO. The St. Louis-based importer of fine imported stone opened the center in response to high demand from custom homebuilders and new commercial ventures in southwest Missouri.

The stone selection center represents the third location for Global Granite & Marble, which imports granite, marble, slate, travertine and a variety of other stone slabs from more than 30 countries, including Brazil, Italy, India and Spain. The firm's other locations are in St. Louis, MO, and Louisville, KY.

The general manager of the Nixa facility is David Brotherton. A Global Granite & Marble employee since 2004, Brotherton previously managed the company's St. Louis natural stone tile division. He holds a Master's degree in business administration from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor's degree in applied physics from Saint Louis University. Furthermore, industry assignments have taken him to Brazil and Egypt, where he worked with international stone suppliers.

“Based on Global Granite & Marble's existing customer relationships with many local fabricators, the Springfield area was a natural choice for a third company location,” said Brotherton. “Plus, southwest Missouri is a great strategic fit for expanding our Midwest distribution network.”

More than 1,000 slabs in more than 100 colors will eventually be showcased at the center, with current inventory totaling 500 granite slabs in 80 different colors. The choice jumps to 6,000 slabs in more than 300 different colors because of the extensive selection found only a few hours away at the St. Louis warehouse. Slab deliveries to the Springfield area can be made within days. The Nixa center also features stone tile, trim pieces and accessories such as custom sink basins and lazy Susans. A variety of natural stone cleaning and maintenance products also are for sale.