Universal Stone’s President and CEO is Hemant Patel, who had previously worked for a smaller shop in Charlotte, processing two or three kitchens per week. “I wanted to establish a larger operation,” he said. At the time of Stone World’s visit, Universal operated out of a 22,000-square-foot space, but it also purchased a 17,000-square-foot building next to its existing facility. It also has a separate showroom facility, which includes displays of stone, finished vignettes, ceramic tile displays and cabinetry. “We are representing various cabinet companies from North Carolina. We really want to be a one-stop shop,” explained Patel.
Slabs are cut to size on one of two GMM Eura bridge saws, which were purchased from Salem Stone of Winston-Salem, NC. “They cut fast, and they have really increased production,” Patel said, adding that the saws are also simple to operate. “One worker can operate both saws at once.”