As this downturn/recession/depression (pick whichever term you like) wears on, we are hearing some ugly stories of fabrication shops closing down, but I recently heard one of the worst ones yet. The fabrication shop at issue is Rock Tops, which is based in Michigan and operated in several states, and they apparently ceased fabrication in late December of 2008.
Every year, Stone World’s parent company, BNP Media, conducts an in-depth survey among U.S. stone fabricators. This survey gauges their short-term and long-term market predictions and their capital outlay and purchasing plans for the future.
Although it took place during uncertain financial times on the international front, the 43rd edition of Marmomacc, which was held in Verona, Italy, from October 2 to 5, 2008, was deemed a success.
U.S. imports of stone from India have practically doubled over the last five years -- despite a slight decline in 2007 -- and the material is being used extensively for residential and commercial applications.
Last month, I made my annual trip to the
StonExpo trade show in Las Vegas,
NV. And while I don’t think that
trade shows provide a tell-all barometer on the state of a particular industry,
I was curious to gauge the feelings and concerns of those in attendance.
In this online forum stoneworking professionals share their methods and equipment for maneuvering slabs and finished pieces around the fabrication shop.
The owners of Cadenza Granite & Marble, Inc. of Concord, NC, have developed a structure for doing business that has resulted in optimal quality and organization.
As part of the classic aesthetics of a private residence in North Carolina, the kitchen features a large granite island with a textured “leather” finish.
I
really thought that The New York Times was better than this. When my publisher
walked into my office and showed me their article entitled “What’s Lurking in
Your Countertop?” it reminded me of the sort of sensationalistic nonsense one
might find in the tabloids - right next to the latest gossip on Lindsay Lohan.
