U.S. fabricators have an optimistic for the stone industry in 2010 and beyond, according to a Fabricator Market Survey conduced by BNP Media (Stone World's parent company). The survey polled fabricators from all regions on the country, and the following is a brief summary of the results.

* 45% said the stone market will increase in 2010; 40% said it would stay the same; only 15% said there would be further declines

* Looking 5-10 years down the road: 83% said the stone market will increase; 11% said it would stay the same; only 6% said it would declines

Half of the fabricators polled said they are planning major equipment investments in 2010:

* One out of 10 fabricators will buy a CNC machine this coming year, expecting to spend close to $200,000.

* One out of 10 fabricators will buy a waterjet this coming year, expecting to spend close to $185,000.

* One out of 5 fabricators will buy a bridge saw this coming year, expecting to spend close to $80,000.

* One out of 5 fabricators will buy a polisher saw this coming year, expecting to spend close to $50,000.

* One out of 6 fabricators will invest in air/water treatment, expecting to spend more than $20,000.

* One out of 3 fabricators will invest in handling equipment, expecting to spend close to $35,000.

A full, detailed report Fabricator Market Survey will be in the January 2010 print and online editions of Stone World.