Stone+tec 2009, the biennial trade fair taking place in Nuremberg, Germany, opened its doors today, and it will take place throughout the week. Although holding a trade fair (or exhibiting at one) during an international economic crisis can be difficult, the companies at Stone+tec came prepared to do business.

In the materials sector, stone producers from Germany and around the world are on hand, and they are showing a range of new products. Included are a range of backlit stone products, such as onyx varieties in a range of tones, as well as other exotics from around the world, which were being offered by several of the Italian suppliers. Companies from Italy are also showcasing a broad collection of stone finishes, such as brushed, honed, leather and others. These could be found at Antolini Luigi and Campolonghi, among others.

Also of note are displays of backlit marble from Brazilian suppliers such as Santa Clara, which is showcasing a range of translucent white/blue marbles. Additionally, Michelangelo has several new Brazilian marble varieities on display at its stand. Of course, the classic granites of Brazil can be found in abundance at the Brazilian Pavilion.

Among Spanish stone producers, Areniscas de los Pinares was proudly displaying its Beige Pinar sandstone, which was recently used by renowned architect Frank Gehry for the Marques de Riscal winery hotel project. (Look for a full-length feature on this project in the July 2009 issue of Stone World).

Major Spanish stone producer, Cosentino, also has a broad display of products from Spain and around the world.

And while many companies are introducing new materials at Stone+tec, others are showcasing classic materials coming from new quarry sources. In just one example of this, Palin Granit Oy has a display of Baltic Brown granite from its new quarry site in Finland.

Of course, many German stone suppliers are also exhibiting at Stone+tec, including some from the Jura limestone region, less than an hour from Nuremberg. Among them, VM Kaldorf is showcasing Jura limestone in a range of colors (gray/blue and light or dark beige) and finishes, including polished, brushed, sandblasted, bushhammered, tooth-chiseled or various combinations. (Look for a full-length feature on VM Kaldorf in the September 2009 print edition of Stone World.)

On the technology end, several producers of stoneworking technolgy had new introductions, including completely new machines as well as updated versions of existing machines.

Look for continued reporting on Stone+tec at www.stoneworld.com as well as the September 2009 print edition.