CLEVELAND, OH -- The Marble Institute of America (MIA) has released its 2013 Fabricator Benchmarking Survey, which was sponsored by Cosentino NA and Kohler Co. The 2013 survey had a record number of participants, due largely to wide-spread industry support. Participation in the survey was available free to all fabricators in North America, and the resulting report allows fabrication companies to compare their firm with firms of similar size. The MIA is using the data derived from the survey to create a one-of-a-kind web portal that contains statistical data, design trends, housing information and more.

While the survey questions were posed to fabricators, the report offers relevant information for suppliers and international companies seeking information about the North American market. The report also highlights key differences between fabricators operating manual versus automated production facilities.

“I was truly amazed to see the variety within the stone industry; from small shops with one or two employees and no showroom, to larger operations with 80 employees and 10,000-square-foot showrooms,” said Stephanie Guilfoyle, who facilitated the survey for the MIA. “I’m excited for the upcoming 2014 survey with a few expanded questions to allow for further analysis about waste factor and salary comparisons.”

Chris Evans of Rock Solid Granite and Tile, Inc. found the survey results to be beneficial. “This information is very helpful and informative,” he said. “I plan to make participation in the MIA financial benchmarking survey an annual priority.”

“This survey helps us understand where we need to spend time and resources to increase profitability,” said Jon Lancto of Surface Products in Cornelius, NC.

“The number of participants was the best we’ve ever had,” said Mike Loflin, MIA Industry Research and Information Manager. “From the data they supplied, we were able to develop the charts and graphs in the Executive Summary available on our newly revised Stone Industry Statistical Data webpage at www.marble-institute.com/data.”

The results of this study, along with several other key industry trends/reports, are posted by the MIA’s Industry Research and Information Department on the MIA’s online industry statistics web portal. To learn more about upcoming studies, go online to www.marble-institute.com/data.