PEORIA, IL -- A variety of natural stone from around the world is now available at the new Global Granite & Marble stone selection center in Peoria, IL. The stone selection center represents the fourth 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 and Springfield, MO, and Louisville, KY. The general manager of the Peoria facility is David Brotherton. A Global Granite & Marble employee since 2004, Brotherton previously managed the company's stone selection center in Springfield and the natural stone tile division in St. Louis. 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. Industry assignments have taken him to Brazil and Egypt, where he worked with international stone suppliers. "We have a strong business base in central Illinois," said Brotherton. "By opening a stone selection center in Peoria, we can better serve the Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin markets." More than 600 slabs in more than 140 colors eventually will be showcased at the 10,000-square-foot center. 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. The Peoria center also features natural stone tile, trims and accessories. While Global Granite & Marble caters to fabricators, builders and architects, Brotherton said homeowners and consumers are welcome to browse the center. If consumers are not already working with a builder, architect or interior designer, Global Granite & Marble can provide a list of fabricators in the area. A fabricator can then purchase slabs and create templates to begin custom cutting and installation of natural stone applications for residential or commercial projects.