In January,Stone World published its annual fabricator market forecast for 2014. This report is an excellent macro view and highlighted that fabricator optimism is at an all-time high since before the recession. Similarly, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) surveyed fabricators in November and December 2013 and found optimism within the North American fabrication community. A total of 92% of the survey participants expressed optimism about countertop sales increasing in 2014. The annual growth in both natural and engineered stone was forecasted in the 16 to 17% range.
For equipment and tooling suppliers, the MIA survey mirrored the Stone World report. Planned 2014 purchases included: