https://www.stoneworld.com/rss/2232 en-us richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) The next SFA Workshop will bring fabricators together on June 4 and 5, 2026, for two days of learning, networking and viewing American Floor Coverings' state-of-the-art facility.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95652 Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95652-sfa-connecticut-workshop-to-showcase-innovation-in-fabrication American Floor Coverings In 2006, American Floor Coverings moved to a larger facility and began investing in equipment. Burkhardt Loeffler at American Floor Coverings "Burkhardt Loeffler machines are very innovative, and they can do anything you can think of doing," said Joe Durfee, American Floor Coverings production manager.   American Floor Coverings The company specializes in tile, stone and flooring installation for commercial, hospitality, corporate and multi-family residential projects across Metro New York and New England.  America Floor Coverings The decision to fabricate its own stonework gave the company direct control over quality, scheduling and coordination, and it has been a core part of its operation ever since. American Floor Coverings "The machinery and processes we have allow us to be able to be very flexible with our production schedule to meet our customers’ demands and deadlines," said Durfee. richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Stone Fabricators has steadily grown its business by concentrating on being a source of high-quality custom work and strengthening long-term relationships with builders, designers and homeowners.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95640 Wed, 13 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95640-building-a-reputation-on-strong-craftsmanship-and-customer-service richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Armina Stone founder Emre Basman shares insight into his company’s path for growth and his philosophy of upholding a high-quality standard for producing superior stone products.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95396 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95396-redefining-what-a-stone-fabrication-business-should-be richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) The family-run business outputs high-quality work with a lineup of state-of-the-art machinery from Donatoni.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95374 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95374-building-a-family-legacy richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Travis McDermott was recently named president of the family-run business, while is father, Ron McDermott, remains actively involved as CEO.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95320 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95320-mcdermott-top-shop-30-years-in-the-making McDermott Top Shop In addition to the company’s 65,000-square-foot fabrication area, the facility includes an adjacent showroom to promote customer engagement. McDermott Top Shop Leadership Founder Ron McDermott (left) with son Travis McDermott (right). McDermott Top Shop From the beginning, the company was built on strong family values and a belief that relationships and integrity matter just as much as craftsmanship. McDermott Top Shop Truck The company has grown into a trusted fabrication partner, servicing both trade and retail clients across the Midwest. In honor of her company's 30th anniversary, Sandya Dandamudi recognized her mother, Rani, for her hard work in establishing the business. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95084 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95084-gi-stone-celebrates-30-years-and-begins-next-chapter GI Stone 30th Anniversary Celebration Former 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. – and current Chicago Housing Authority CEO finalist – paid tribute to GI Stone founder Rani Dandamudi on the company’s 30th anniversary celebration at the IO Theater on August 20th. GI Stone 30th Anniversary Celebration U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joined GI Stone President Sandya Dandamudi (left) and her mother and firm founder, Rani Dandamudi (right), at the company’s 30th anniversary on August 20th.   GI Stone 30th Anniversary Celebration 1st Ward Alderman Daniel La Spata wished GI Stone President Sandya Dandamudi well at the firm’s 30th anniversary celebration on August 20th. In the heart of northern Utah, surrounded by open skies and rugged terrain, Valley View Granite stands as a quiet powerhouse in the stone fabrication world. What began in a modest shop in Tremonton, with dreams of doing a single kitchen a month has grown into a 90-employee operation producing upwards of 15 jobs a day. With locations stretching into Idaho and Wyoming, the company blends small-town values with modern fabrication precision. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94834 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:05:06 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94834-valley-view-granite-growth-and-strategy valley view granite Photo Courtesy of Jason Kamery Stone Machinery Photo Courtesy of Jason Kamery stoneMachinesandStones Photo Courtesy of Jason Kamery Stone Machinery Storage Photo Courtesy of Jason Kamery Stone Cutting Photo Courtesy of Jason Kamery stones Photo Courtesy of Jason Kamery Valley View Granite Photo Courtesy of Jason Kamery Stone Machines Photo Courtesy of Jason Kamery stone Photo Courtesy of Jason Kamery kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Laura Grandlienard, the head of ROCKin’teriors, has been named the 2024 Stone World Fabricator of the Year, a prestigious accolade that underscores her team’s dedication to excellence in stone fabrication and design. In a recent interview on the Stone World podcast, Grandlienard shared insights into her journey, the significance of the award and her perspective as a woman leader in the industry—fittingly timed with Women’s Month in March 2025.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94652 Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:46:50 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94652-laura-grandlienard-reflects-on-winning-fabricator-of-the-year-and-womens-month-in-the-stone-industry richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) The group from GI Stone shared a bonding experience that inspired awe and creativity.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94589 Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94589-fabricator-leads-team-on-an-african-safari The team from GI Stone in Chicago, IL, recently embarked on an adventure of a lifetime in Africa. The team from GI Stone in Chicago, IL, recently embarked on an adventure of a lifetime in Africa.Photos courtesy of GI Stone Sandya Dandamudi, president of GI Stone, viewed the trip as a bonding and learning experience for her staff. Sandya Dandamudi, president of GI Stone, viewed the trip as a bonding and learning experience for her staff.Photos courtesy of GI Stone The group flew from Nairobi to the Porini Camp located in the Maasai Mara. The group flew from Nairobi to the Porini Camp located in the Massai Mara. Photos courtesy of GI Stone Looking at wild animals in a natural habitat “Looking at wild animals in a natural habitat -- often just from few feet away -- was incredible,” said Dandamudi.Photos courtesy of GI Stone The group was impressed how the Maasai Mara tribe worked towards conserving their traditions and environment. The group was impressed how the Massai Mara tribe worked towards conserving their traditions and environment.Photos courtesy of GI Stone “I’m profoundly grateful to have this unbelievable experience, and I recommend that everyone try it,” said Dandamudi. “I’m profoundly grateful to have this unbelievable experience, and I recommend that everyone try it,” said Dandamudi. Photos courtesy of GI Stone Dandamudi hoped the trip would inspire creativity for her team. Dandamudi hoped the trip would inspire creativity for her team.Photos courtesy of GI Stone The GI Stone team had four days to view animals in their natural habitat. The GI Stone team had four days to view animals in their natural habitat.Photos courtesy of GI Stone giraffe Photos courtesy of GI Stone eland bull Photos courtesy of GI Stone lions Photos courtesy of GI Stone The GI Stone team will forever have a memorable shared experience of their African safari. The GI Stone team will forever have a memorable shared experience of their African safari.Photos courtesy of GI Stone Natives welcomed members of the group. Natives welcomed members of the group.Photos courtesy of GI Stone kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Laura Grandlienard, owner of ROCKin’teriors in Raleigh, NC, was awarded Stone World’s 2024 Fabricator of the Year Award at a ceremony on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 during The International Surface Event (tise), which took place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Grandlienard was among six nominees for the award, which was presented among a group of her peers. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94483 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94483-laura-grandlienard-named-2024-stone-world-fabricator-of-the-year Machinery from Park Industries has elevated production at Top Priority -- allowing the company to successfully cater to a large commercial market.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94322 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94322-increasing-productivity-and-capacity-in-the-fabrication-shop Top Priority Shop Top Priority Titans Top Priority Shop Park Javelin Top Priority richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) A newly built state-of-the-art fabrication shop in Florida, equipped with an assortment of machinery from Terzago, has led to the efficient mass production of porcelain slabs.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94176 Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94176-state-of-the-art-fabrication-machinery-ramps-up-porcelain-slab-production richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Colorado Custom Stone continues to expand and invest to stay on top of the commercial stone sector.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94125 Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94125-carving-a-niche-in-custom-stone-fabrication richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Machinery from BACA Systems, CMS North America and Northwood are among the lineup in CFC Fabrication’s state-of-the-art facility in Henderson, CO.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94026 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94026-implementing-systems-to-advance-a-fabrication-shop Glenn Kross of Coastal Stone Group has been named Stone World’s 2023 Fabricator of the Year. Watch Stone World’s interview to learn more about him and Coastal Stone Group.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93617 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93617-glenn-kross-named-2023-stone-world-fabricator-of-the-year Sandya Dandamudi and Evan Cohen discuss different perspectives of importing natural stone.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93301 Thu, 10 Aug 2023 01:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93301-podcast-importing-natural-stone-with-sandya-dandamudi-and-evan-cohen richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Roberto Contreras, CEO of Moderno Porcelain Works, shares his many years of experience working in the stone industry, and how he saw an opportunity to start a business cutting and installing porcelain slabs.  

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93282 Fri, 04 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93282-an-inside-look-into-a-porcelain-fabrication-business-part-one Primary-Bath.jpg Lobby-Floor-Wall.jpg Roberto_Contreras.jpg richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Sandya Dandamudi of GI Stone talks about shop efficiency, as well as investments in machinery and employees, which have led to the overall success of her fabrication business. To hear more of what Dandamudi had to say, watch the video here.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93218 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93218-fabricator-spotlight-gi-stone-increases-shop-efficiency-and-production Joe Duszka, president of Carolina Custom Surfaces (CCS) in Greensboro, NC and Stone World’s 2021 Fabricator of the Year, is laser-focused on growing and diversifying his business wherever he can.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93139 Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93139-a-successful-transition-into-stone-fabrication richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Celtic Marble & Granite experienced a part of history by templating and installing the longest permanent continuous bar of 518 feet at Humble Baron Bar in Shelbyville, TN – setting a new record for the Guinness World Records.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93091 Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93091-stone-installation-sets-new-world-record SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 01 Celtic Marble & Granite of Murfreesboro, TN, template and installed the longest permanent continuous bar in the world by Guinness World Records at Humble Baron Bar, which is located at Nearest Green Distillery. | Photos of courtesy of Celtic Marble & Granite SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 02 Liberty Black quartz from Daltile was chosen for its dramatic marble design and classic black-and-white color combination, as well as its ability to provide durability, hygienic benefits and consistency required for an application such as this. SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 03 The bar measures 518 feet long with 17 stations and 202 seats. SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 04 The job would not have been easy to do without LPI’s LT-2D3D digital templator with Raptor software, according to Joe Upshaw, general manager of Celtic Marble & Granite. SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 05 Templating was completed in five days. SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 06 “The Humble Baron Bar was a very special project to get to be a part of,” said Upshaw. “If it wasn’t for our good partnership with Daltile Nashville -- Corey Napper (right) and Jon Evans (left) played a huge part in making this happen -- I don’t know that this would have all happened as quickly as it did.” With a highly skilled team of fabricators and installers, ROCKin’teriors has built a reputation for high-end luxury stonework, backed by a shop with state-of-the-art machinery.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93045 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93045-advancing-a-stone-shop-with-top-of-the-line-equipment SW 0423 Women Spotlight ROCKin’teriors 01 SW 0423 Women Spotlight ROCKin’teriors 02 SW 0423 Women Spotlight ROCKin’teriors 03A SW 0423 Women Spotlight ROCKin’teriors 03B SW 0423 Women Spotlight ROCKin’teriors 04 SW 0423 Women Spotlight ROCKin’teriors 05 SW 0423 Women Spotlight ROCKin’teriors 06 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) How a family business has continued to progress to ensure it remains a successful stone operation.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92845 Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92845-the-evolution-of-a-family-stone-business richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Since 1988, Stone World has recognized a deserving stone industry member as its Fabricator of the Year. It has become a time-honored tradition distinguished by an award presentation during StonExpo. Find out who won the 2022 Fabricator of the Year!

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92872 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92872-the-2022-stone-world-fabricator-of-the-year-is As we close out 2022 and wait in anticipation for this year’s Stone World Fabricator of the Year, here is a roundup of the past winners during the last decade.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92851 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92851-stone-world-fabricator-of-the-year-award-winners-through-the-past-decade Stone World is excited for this year’s Fabricator of the Year competition. To further highlight our nominees and assist our followers in getting to know them a little better, we have asked each one to answer a few questions.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92830 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92830-stone-world-2022-fabricator-of-the-year-nominee-angela-conte-structural-stone Stone World is excited for this year’s Fabricator of the Year competition. To further highlight our nominees and assist our followers in getting to know them a little better, we have asked each one to answer a few questions.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92810 Mon, 12 Dec 2022 01:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92810-stone-world-2022-fabricator-of-the-year-nominee-laura-grandlienard-rockinteriors Stone World is excited for this year’s Fabricator of the Year competition. To further highlight our nominees and assist our followers in getting to know them a little better, we have asked each one to answer a few questions.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92802 Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92802-stone-world-2022-fabricator-of-the-year-nominee-gene-dejong-southern-stone-surfaces Stone World is excited for this year’s Fabricator of the Year competition. To further highlight our nominees and assist our followers in getting to know them a little better, we have asked each one to answer a few questions.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92793 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92793-stone-world-2022-fabricator-of-the-year-nominee-brad-burns-cutting-edge-countertops kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Using state-of-the-art equipment to expand your business.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92786 Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92786-inside-the-shop-expanding-with-technology Three state-of-the-art fabrication machines contribute to a tremendous increase in production and efficiency for Alaska Countertops

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92692 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92692-new-fabrication-machinery-increases-output-for-alaska-countertops SW 1022 Web Alaska Countertops Fabricator-Spotlight 01 First established in 1996 as a solid surface shop by his father, Blake Anderson now runs Alaska Countertops with his brother. Approximately 80% of the fabrication business is now stone and quartz surfacing. SW 1022 Web Alaska Countertops Fabricator-Spotlight 02 The Titan from Park Industries has provided Alaska Countertops incredible time and labor savings while delivering finished high-quality edges. SW 1022 Web Alaska Countertops Fabricator-Spotlight 03 “The Fastback II runs material through at 65 to 70 inches per minute to a perfect polish,” said Anderson. “You cannot get anywhere near that hand polishing. I’ve never seen a better polish in my life.” SW 1022 Web Alaska Countertops Fabricator-Spotlight 04 The HydroClear Pro 95 processes incredibly clear water, comparable to drinking water, according to Anderson.