
Neka, Inc., a large-scale stone fabrication business in Dulles, VA, was started by Nevzat Kansu in 1989.
With a background in construction, Nevzat Kansu decided to use his experience and know-how to open Neka, Inc., a large-scale stone fabrication business, in Dulles, VA, in 1989. And to aid the company in reaching the level of success that it reaps today, Kansu has equipped the 60,000-square-foot shop with an assortment of top-of-the-line machinery over the past 20 years, including three Bavelloni Egar CNC stoneworking centers.

The 60,000-square-foot facility sits on 6 acres just outside of the Dulles International Airport, and it is filled with an array of state-of-the-art fabrication equipment.
Ozdag explained that the company first invested in only one CNC machine, but eventually purchased two additional ones. “It worked great, so we decided to get more,” he said. “Now we have three. After the learning curve, the CNC gave us more speed.”

Among the key components of the production process are three CNC stoneworking centers - a Bavelloni Egar 250-4 “N,” a Bavelloni Egar 323-4 “N” and a Bavelloni Egar 450-4”N” - all supplied by Bavelloni - Glaston Italy S.p.A.’s U.S. office, which is Glaston North America (USA), Inc. in Greensboro, NC.

“After the learning curve, the CNC gave us more speed,” said Ayhan Ozdag, the company’s Vice President, who is an architect by trade and oversees Neka’s entire operation.

“The main reason [for getting a CNC machine] was to follow the latest technology and increase the quality of our products, although our quality was already up there,” said Ozdag.

Tooling for the CNCs are purchased from companies such as Braxton-Bragg of Knoxville, TN, and GranQuartz of Tucker, GA.
The majority of Neka’s tools and accessories are purchased from companies such as Braxton-Bragg of Knoxville, TN, and GranQuartz of Tucker, GA. Additionally, the shop is equipped with an assortment of handling equipment, including Dal Forno vacuum lifters from International Machine Corp. (IMC) of Holbrook, NY, ATA vacuum lifters, six overhead cranes, more than 12 jib crane workstations, a 12-ton Sard crane and a truck-mounted Atlas boom crane.

Neka uses a Pellegrini WTS + F220 from Pellegrini Meccanica S.p.A. of Verona, Italy, to create a unique waterjet-textured surface as well as traditional finishes, such as flamed, on stone. The machine uses a high-pressure waterjet directed at the surface, which produces cavities of variable depth, depending on the structure and composition of the material being processed.
Utilizing digital templating
In addition to a staff of 14 that works in the fabrication facility, other important members of the staff include Ekrem Kaya, who is a civil engineer by trade and works as Ozdag’s “right-hand man,” as well as Tulin K. Demirci and Elif Kaya of the purchasing department. And to complete installations, the company employs four installation crews. It has invested in a Stealth 7200 Digitizer to provide precise measurements.
A Flying Bridge 6012 waterjet from Flow International Corp. of Kent, WA, is used to produce detailed custom stone pieces.

Dal Forno vacuum lifters from International Machine Corp. (IMC) of Holbrook, NY, as well as ATA vacuum lifters are used to maneuver slabs around the shop.

The fabrication area also houses four Bisso E350 bridge saws.

Additionally, two Comandulli PNC Synthesis edge polishers are used in the production process.

The Thibaut T108S multi-purpose machine is used for bowl cut-outs, edging and face polishing of marble or granite. It can also be used for honing, antiquing, drilling, drain-boards, grooving, calibrating and other functions.
Providing high-quality service
At this time, approximately 60% of Neka’s stone production is commercial, while the other 40% is for the residential sector. On average, the company produces about 2,000 square feet per week, although this number can vary quite a bit, said Ozdag, adding that the company also caters to the retail and glass markets.
A total of 14 workers are on staff in the fabrication shop - each focusing on specific areas of the operation, such as reinforcing edges.

The Thibaut T 500 flat polisher was designed as a rigid and accurate polishing machine with a cast iron beam. It is capable of polishing, surfacing, roughing and bushhammering.

Hand tools are used to put finishing touches on pieces such as countertops.

The company’s most recent investment is a “Blast Room” from industrial Blast Facilities by Clemco. “We can make different kinds of finishes, such as flaming, which makes us different from other granite fabricators,” said Ozdag.
Sidebar: Neka, Inc.
Dulles, VAType of work: 60% commercial, 40% residential

Number of Employees: 14 in the fabrication shop, 4 installation crews
Production Rate: approximately 2,000 square feet per week

At this time, 60% of Neka’s stone production is commercial work, while the other 40% is for the residential sector. The company makes a variety of stone products, including large countertops.
Additional Photos
