https://www.stoneworld.com/rss/3029-processing-plants en-us richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Stone World caught up with Sumit Gupta, managing director of Tab Surfaces, during Coverings 2022 to chat about what’s new at the India-based company.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92543 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92543-podcast-the-evolution-of-tab-surfaces kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Jeff Courtright, safety coordinator for Planet Granite, discusses safety for employees as well as the biggest issues OSHA finds during an inspection.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92161 Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92161-osha-inspections-and-safety-with-jeff-courtright richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Granisa, the Spanish stone producer, based in Porriño – Pontevedra, Spain, has been supplying granite slabs to national and regional distributors in North America for the past two decades. Stone World had the opportunity to talk with Granisa about its North American market.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92133 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92133-stone-producer-a-source-of-spanish-granite-in-north-america SW 1221 Spanish Stone Producer, Granisa Production Facility Operating as a granite producer for 20 years, Granisa runs a state-of-the-art production facility to meet the demands of its North American market. SW 1221 Spanish Stone Producer, Granisa Facility and Equipment Plans are underway to upgrade the company’s facility and equipment to further improve the quality of its products and services. SW 1221 Spanish Stone Producer, Granisa, North American Sales Map The map illustrates where Granisa has sold its products in North America over the past two years.  kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91974 Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91974-divine-surfaces-produces-cut-to-size-quartz-from-india SW August 2021 Divine01.jpg SW August 2021 Divine02.jpg SW August 2021 Divine03.jpg SW August 2021 Divine04.jpg SW August 2021 Divine5.jpg SW August 2021 Divine06.jpg SW August 2021 Divine07.jpg SW August 2021 Divine08.jpg SW August 2021 Divine09.jpg SW August 2021 Divine010.jpg richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Stone World had the opportunity to ask Elizabeth Margles, vice president of Caesarstone North America, some questions about the company’s commitment to the environment and its future plans.]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91903 Thu, 24 Jun 2021 18:24:38 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91903-caesarstones-commitment-to-the-environment SW June 2021 Caesarstone SW June 2021 Caesarstone 2 SW June 2021 Caesarstone 3 SW June 2021 Caesarstone 4 SW June 2021 Caesarstone 5 kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91871 Thu, 27 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91871-podcast-one-on-one-with-brothers-in-granite SW0521-BrothersGranite01.jpg SW0521-BrothersGranite02.jpg SW0521-BrothersGranite03.jpg SW0521-BrothersGranite04.jpg http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91760 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91760-machine-of-the-month-matec-water-filtration-system richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) In the last quarter of 2018, Dal-Tile Corporation, a subsidiary of Mohawk Industries, a global leader in the flooring industry, opened a new fac ility in Dickson, TN, to produce quartz surfacing products.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91604 Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91604-made-in-the-usa Dal-Tile Corporation Dal-Tile Corporation operates a state-of-the-art facility in Dickson, TN, to produce high-quality quartz surfacing. (Pictured: “Washington” from the American Reserve National Marble collection) quartz slabs The plant houses the latest technologically advanced equipment that allows the company to produce the most technically advanced quartz slabs. (Pictured: “Rushmore” from the American Reserve National Marble collection) Roy Viana, director natural stone & slab, Dal-Tile Corporation “The quartz slabs produced in our facility are made using the highest quality raw materials (quartz, resin and pigments), proprietary design technologies, the most advanced decorative capabilities, the highest levels of gloss and clarity, and exclusive colors and designs,” said Roy Viana, director natural stone & slab, Dal-Tile Corporation. (Pictured: “Liberty Calacatta” from from the American Reserve National Marble collection) richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91603 Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91603-a-high-tech-operation quartz surfacing facility Quantra was established in 2009, and has plans to open a second state-of-the-art quartz surfacing facility by the end of 2020. Bretonstone technologies The new facility will be equipped with the most advanced Bretonstone technologies and is spread over 160,000 square meters and has a built-up area of approximately 60,000 square meters. quartz surfacing The company relies on advanced equipment from Breton to produce the more than 100 designs of quartz surfacing that it currently has available to its customers. 44_Quantra03b.jpg The Louis Vuitton Foundation has been a center of art and culture in Paris since it opened in 2014. Funded by the luxury goods powerhouse LVMH Moët Hennessy–Louis Vuitton, the building, a museum and cultural center was designed by noted architect and king of amorphous design, Frank Gehry

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91552 Mon, 21 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91552-french-limestone-and-sustainability-go-hand-in-hand 66_LouisVuitton02.jpg 66_LouisVuitton03.jpg 66_LouisVuitton04a.jpg 66_LouisVuitton05.jpg 66_LouisVuitton06.jpg richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Headquartered in Vail, CO, Gallegos Corporation has been servicing the residential and commercial sector for 50 years. This year commemorates the company’s Silver Anniversary. Recently, Gary Woodworth, president and chief executive officer who has been with the company for over 25 years, shared with Stone World some of his thoughts on what has contributed to Gallegos’s success.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91441 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91441-colorado-company-celebrating-50-years-in-the-stone-industry Gallegos Corporation high-end residences and resorts Yellowstone Gallegos Corporation has crews that travel throughout the U.S., creating and completing high-end residences and resorts, such as this one at Yellowstone. Gallegos construction 450 employees A combined workforce that exceeds 450 employees in the peak summer/fall construction seasons allows the company to complete beautiful stone projects like the Yellowstone resort. Ralph L. Carr (RLC) Supreme Court Building in Denver, CO Gallegos considers the Ralph L. Carr (RLC) Supreme Court Building in Denver, CO, a legacy project. Gallegos installed the exterior granite cladding Designed to last for a century, Gallegos installed the exterior granite cladding and site paving for the RLC building. Kansas State University Bill Snyder West Stadium Renovation The Kansas State University Bill Snyder West Stadium Renovation in Manhattan, KS, was among other memorable projects for the company. http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91344 Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91344-gain-insight-into-the-extensive-measures-taken-to-source-premium-stones-from-brazil Brothers in Granite The search for exotic stone is not an easy task. Brothers in Granite devotes time and energy to sourcing premium stone products throughout Brazil to offer to its customers. Brazilian marbles, including Aurelius White The south of Espirito Santo, and in particular the city of Cachoeiro, is home to the quarries of the most popular Brazilian marbles, including Aurelius White. Classic granite varieties, such as Giallo Ornamental Classic granite varieties, such as Giallo Ornamental, are found in the north of Espirito Santo. Taj Mahal, a well sought-after quartzite Taj Mahal, a well sought-after quartzite among many North American homeowners, is located more than 1,300 miles away from Espirito Santo in the state of Ceara. The journey to the Taj Mahal Helicopter travel is often the best solution to reach quarries and make purchases. The journey to the Taj Mahal site requires a six-hour flight followed by a five-hour car ride. the ride to the quarry Often the ride to the quarry is bumpy due to rocky roads. very difficult to access quarries At certain times during the year, it can be very difficult to access quarries. Heavy rains can turn roads into rivers very quickly. 34_Brothers-07b.jpg Renato Furtado of Brothers in Granite “Every piece of natural stone is unique with millions of years of history to tell and adventure to be found,” said Renato Furtado of Brothers in Granite. Brazil has the greatest diversity of natural stone types Home to more than 1,500 active quarries, Brazil has the greatest diversity of natural stone types and colors in the world and is the world’s fifth-largest country by area, at over 3.2 million square miles. kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) World Wide Stone Corporation has changed its name to Durango Stone LLC, its brand recognition for the past 30 years. And along with its new name, the company is also experiencing other adjustments, including expansion, which will further strengthen its place in the global stone industry.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91074 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91074-transitioning-for-global-stone-production-industry-success Durango Stone maintains 14 quarries, Today, Durango Stone maintains 14 quarries, producing varieties such as Ashian, Autumn, Caldera, Classic, Cortez, Del Mar, Espresso, Gabanna, Ilano, Mocha, Omez, Perle Blanc, Picasso and Sienna. Durango Stone supplies for diverse range of applications Durango Stone provides its stone varieties to a diverse range of applications, including residential design. marble, limestone and travertine, onyx Among the stone types produced by the company are marble, limestone and travertine, and occasionally it will quarry onyx. stones are tested by independent laboratories “All our stones are tested by independent laboratories to insure proper specification and use,” said Cunningham. richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Recently, Stone World had the opportunity to tour this region, which remains a viable source of limestone. The quarries and mills that we visited were busy with activity – many working on multiple projects, including some high-profile ones.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90938 Fri, 06 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90938-touring-the-stone-belt kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) One year after building their own fireplace, Jeff and Candy commissioned their first fireplace using for the first time the Freshwater Stone name. In 1988, Freshwater Stone moved its offices from Jeff and Candy’s home in Ellsworth to its current location in Orland, ME.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90781 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 00:24:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90781-freshwater-stone-evolves-its-stone-business Jeff Gammelin of Freshwater Stone “We wanted to be physically active while also being creative,” said Jeff Gammelin of Freshwater Stone. “We built our own house, we used the materials that were on the land and we taught ourselves how to work with stone. It was a trial-and-error process.” In 1976 Jeff and Candy built their first fireplace in their own home, after catching the attention of another person, they were asked to build another for a customer. Freshwater Stone Orland, ME In 1988, Freshwater Stone moved its offices from Jeff and Candy’s home in Ellsworth to its current location in Orland, ME. We had to upgrade the fabrication shop “Sourcing stone yourself is half the battle,” said Gammelin. “We had to upgrade the shop to deal with the larger stones that we were now bringing in. We had to put in a bridge saw and wire saws that were big enough to handle it all. With all these large purchases, we knew we had to diversify the company.” Freshwater Stone has 59 full-time employees In total, Freshwater Stone has 59 full-time employees, along with several sub-contractors. According to Gammelin, the company allows its employees to be physical and creative, helping the process of retaining good employees. Maine has harsh environment conditions “Being in Maine, you have to deal with some pretty harsh environment conditions,” said Gammelin. “But being able to see what you can get out of a quarry, it’s the best, most durable material out there. It is a great material to use up here in Maine. Currently, the costs of stone are going down while the costs of other building materials are going up. Freshwater The company produces quarry blocks, slabs, architectural cut to size, veneer panels, tiles, hardscape, monuments, signage, custom interiors, pavers, steps/stairs, ramp and twist wall caps/copings, fire pits, fireplaces, carved sinks and tubs, water features, and finally custom countertops. Freshwater stone quarries For the stone quarries, there is the Freshwater Pearl Granite quarry on Mosquito Mountain in Frankfort, ME; the Hall Quarry granite quarry located in Mount Desert, ME; and finally the Cherry Fields granite quarry in Jonesboro, ME. It only takes a few minutes after stepping on to the premises of Stocchero Attilio & C. s.r.l. in Verona, Italy, to realize the company runs a top-notch operation.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90498 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90498-a-global-stone-operation richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90484 Mon, 03 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90484-a-leader-in-innovation Cereser warehouses as slab showrooms The company has positioned its warehouses as slab showrooms to inspire and educate its customers on the possibilities of designing with natural stone. Cereser Marmi partnered with Tenax Cereser Marmi partnered with Tenax to create countertops with a protective coat that does not cause harm when food comes in contact with it. Cereser Marmi S.p.A. of Verona, Italy Since 1965, Cereser Marmi S.p.A. of Verona, Italy, has dedicated time, energy and money to grow its stone supplier business into the success it is today. Cereser Marmi S.p.A. of Verona, Italy As a leading stone supplier, the company ships its stone products to markets worldwide. Cereser Marmi exclusive distributor of Santorini quartzite Recently Cereser Marmi became an exclusive distributor of Santorini quartzite for the European market. http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90460 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90460-polarstone-introduces-its-fourth-generation-quartz Polarstone's new 4th generation quartz surface designs In addition, Polarstone US will be upgrading many current popular colors to the new 4th generation quartz surface designs in the same popular 2 and 3cm thicknesses. Polarstone’s new technology Polarstone’s new technology provides higher performance properties like flex and impact strength which allows for use of thinner surfaces that enhance the design flexibility. http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90386 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90386-stonelite-creates-a-specialty-natural-stone-cladding-niche Coldspring formed Stone Panels International LLC (SPI) In late 2016, Coldspring formed Stone Panels International LLC (SPI) as a wholly owned subsidiary for the purpose of acquiring the assets of Stone Panels Inc. and then the company was subsequently moved to a new manufacturing complex in Marble Falls, TX. “Coldspring had an experienced and high-quality work force in Marble Falls and was able to add technology in the process while still satisfying customers even throughout the move,” said Mike Day, company president. SPI purchases natural stone SPI purchases natural stone from all over the world and is able to provide the A&D community with nearly any material. Its current demand is approximately 10,000 square feet per week with technology to support a significantly increased capacity. The StoneLite panels The StoneLite panels are primarily manufactured for exterior stone cladding and includes design, shop drawings, framing, training and, on select projects, installation. http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90319 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90319-exploring-the-stone-regions-of-brazil Vitória Stone Fair/Marmo+Mac Latin America The Natural Stone Institute (NSI) hosted a delegation of approximately 12 members to Vitória, Brazil, to attend Vitoría Stone Fair/Marmo+Mac Latin America, as well as to participate in several quarry and factory tours within the state of Espírito Santo (ES) beforehand. Brasigran Granitos First, the group toured the innovative showroom and factory of Brasigran Granitos, which is located about 15 miles north of Vitória in Serra. granite, marble and quartzite production The 35-year-old company originally began as a mining business, but now specializes in the production of granite, marble and quartzite. 88_NSI012.jpg 88_NSI013.jpg Brasigran Granitos First, the group toured the innovative showroom and factory of Brasigran Granitos, which is located about 15 miles north of Vitória in Serra. production of granite, marble and quartzite The 35-year-old company originally began as a mining business, but now specializes in the production of granite, marble and quartzite. Granitos Zucchi Granitos Zucchi, a 25-year-old company, is also starting to shift from primarily granites to quartzites, working with about 100 different quarries from various areas of the country. The delegation is shown above with only a couple of Zucchi’s offerings. Magban An ever-growing quarrier and producer of dolomite, marble, granite and quartzite, Magban currently operates 12 different sites throughout Brazil. Decolores imperfect blocks Representatives at Decolores explained how imperfect blocks that are quarried are still utilized to prevent as much waste as possible. Decolores’ facility Decolores’ facility utilizes top-of-the-line machinery to produce its stone products. kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90318 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90318-appreciating-a-passion-for-stone-fabrication kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90316 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90316-jms-jura-limestone-withstands-extreme-weather-conditions Talan Towers in Kazakhstan Jura Marble Suppliers (JMS) quarried and fabricated panels of JMS Jura Beige limestone for the new Talan Towers in Kazakhstan. “This project promises nothing less than pure luxury in the center of a city,” said Magdalena Schoenwetter, vice managing director of JMS. JMS Jura Beige limestone JMS Jura Beige limestone blends perfectly with the choice of glass and aluminum, accentuating the geometrical shapes of the building and adding to the light and filigree appearance. The Jura Beige limestone with honed finish The Jura Beige limestone used was given a honed finished. JMS supplied roughly 200,000 square feet in hundreds of various-sized pieces. Jura limestone tested for hot summers and cold winters “You have a really demanding climate in Astana,” said Stefanie Pfaller, the project manager for the job. “Hot summers and cold winters provide a rough surrounding and you need to have a very durable material. Jura limestone has been tested positive on these requirements.” richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90173 Fri, 15 Jun 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90173-the-natural-stone-institute-on-the-road-again The majority of the company’s work is for the commercial arena The majority of the company’s work is for the commercial arena. Xiamen Ally Stone Industrial Co. At Xiamen Ally Stone Industrial Co. the delegation took a moment to pose for a photograph. Xiamen Ally Stone Industrial Co. production process While at Xiamen Ally Stone Industrial Co., the group had time to walk through the company’s facility to watch the production process. inventory of exotic material for high-end residential customers The company maintains an inventory of exotic material to meet the demands of its high-end residential customers. the company’s products finished by hand To preserve the high quality of the company’s products, many pieces require personal attention and are finished by hand. Xiamen Ally Stone Industrial Co. Xiamen Ally Stone Industrial Co. specializes in producing customized stone pieces. Slabs at Xiamen Ally Stone Industrial Co. Slabs at Xiamen Ally Stone Industrial Co. are transferred manually around the facility. Zongyi Stone exporter of stone materials Zongyi Stone is an exporter of various stone materials. Xiamen Ally Stone Industrial Co. Casvino brand The company produces its own brand called Casvino. Casvino brand sold to the wholesale market in China Offering a diverse range of elegant patterns, sizes and finishes, products in the Casvino brand are sold to the wholesale market in China. Xiamen Factory Tour A delegation of Natural Stone Institute (NSI) members spent an entire day touring a stoneworking area outside of Xiamen, China, during their trip to the Xiamen Stone Fair. Each company visited on the factory tour gave a warm welcome to the group. Xiamen Stone Enterprise, Ltd Xiamen Stone Enterprise, Ltd. opened the doors of its stone-processing plant to permit the group to view its more than 200 varieties of granite. Xiamen Stone Enterprise post fabrication area A specific space in Xiamen Stone Enterprise, Ltd.’s facility is reserved for laying out stone projects after they have been fabricated. richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90129 Tue, 01 May 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90129-gramazini-a-top-brazilian-stone-exporter Pedrini VB400 resining line The factory houses top-of-the-line machinery, including a Pedrini VB400 resining line. Gramazini stocked with numerous stone varieties The company’s facility is stocked with numerous stone varieties to meet the diverse requests of its customers. Gramazini active quarries in Brazil Gramazini operates 28 active quarries throughout Brazil. granite, quartzite and marble exports The company produces a range of granite, quartzite and marble varieties, which are exported to countries worldwide. 140,000-square-foot production facility Based in Barra de São Francisco, Espírito Santo, Brazil, Gramazini has a nearly 140,000-square-foot production facility that employees 135 workers. kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Founded in 1992, Jianming Stone Group has set out on a course to improve its processes for stone production, including becoming "green." The company, located in Xiamen, China, has recently installed a new water filtration system at its plant to help improve operations and the environment.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/89516 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/89516-jianming-stone-group-promotes-good-practices-for-processing-stone SW0617_JMRising-A.jpg For 25 years, Jianming Stone Group has devoted itself to developing a reputable name in the international stone industry. SW0617_JMRising-B.jpg The company recently completed an expansion which included a new factory to store its extensive inventory. SW0617_JMRising-C.jpg The new facility also provides a space for job layouts. SW0617_JMRising-D.jpg Overhead cranes are in place to move slabs around the storage facility. SW0617_JMRising-E.jpg The company recently purchased two Gmm Intra CNC machines to make its production process more efficient. SW0617_JMRising-F.jpg Other state-of-the-art equipment at the stone production facility includes a Prussiani CNC stoneworking center. SW0617_JMRising-G.jpg Blocks are cut on site with five gangsaws. SW0617_JMRising-H.jpg A new water filtration system was recently installed at Jianming Stone Company’s facility to assist with improving operations and the environment. SW0617_JMRising-I.jpg Because of the perceptions of stone origin, Zhang has worked constantly with the MIA+BSI and is one of the biggest advocates to get other Chinese companies to join the association. SW0617_JMRising-J.jpg For the past two years, Jianming Stone Group has hosted the MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute, Stone World magazine and a delegate of fabricators to tour the facility and learn more about the company. richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) A delegation of 41 members of MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute attended the Xiamen Stone Fair, which was held from March 6 to 9, 2017 in Xiamen, China. This was the second year MIA+BSI participated at the exhibition, and participants were eager to experience the trade show, and Chinese culture.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/89512 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/89512-touring-the-shuitou-fujian-stone-region SW0617_FactoryTour-A.jpg In March, a delegation from MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute spent a day touring several large-scale production facilities in the Shuitou Fujian stone region of Xiamen, China. SW0617_FactoryTour-B.jpg The first stop on the study tour was to Wanli Stone Ltd., a company that specializes in hospitality projects. SW0617_FactoryTour-C.jpg Wanli Stone’s production plant is equipped with all the latest equipment so that it can offer a range of product sizes and finishes, including a flamed surface. SW0617_FactoryTour-D.jpg In total, the company employs 2,000 workers, who perform everything from running the machines to hand work, for its eight locations in China and Nicaragua. SW0617_FactoryTour-E.jpg At Jianming Rising Import & Export Ltd., the group saw the company’s new warehouse — built to house inventory and provide space for laying out projects. SW0617_FactoryTour-F.jpg Josh Zhang, general manager of Jianming Stone Group, led the group on a tour of Jianming Rising Import & Export Ltd.’s facility and explained the company primarily focuses on custom jobs in the commercial sector. SW0617_FactoryTour-G.jpg At the end of their visit, Duane Naquin of Stone Interiors East and MIA director for the Southeast, presented Zhang with a certificate of appreciation. SW0617_FactoryTour-H.jpg Xishi Group presented a company overview to the delegation at the start of its tour. SW0617_FactoryTour-I.jpg As the group toured Xishi Group’s plant, they learned the company specializes in custom stone work. SW0617_FactoryTour-J.jpg Xishi Group gave the MIA+BSI delegation a warm welcome at the entrance to its office. SW0617_FactoryTour-K.jpg Among Kangli Stone Group’s inventory are many exotic materials. SW0617_FactoryTour-L.jpg The study tour concluded with a stop at Kangli Stone Group. The company stocks more than 1,000 stone types at its expansive facility. SW0617_FactoryTour-M.jpg Kangli Stone Group showed members of the delegation current projects that it has in the works. kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/89159 Tue, 01 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/89159-stone-industry-members-toured-vermont-quarries-and-plants MIA+BSI Vermont tour From September 18 to 20, 2016 the MIA+BSI hosted a fall study tour in Vermont in conjunction with their newly formed New England Chapter. MIA+BSI Vermont tour The 80-plus tour group visited eight different locations around the Vermont area, which has been known for its rich stone heritage. Rock of Ages quarry In the past year and a half, Rock of Ages has expanded the quarry and has invested $5 million into it. Danby marble Danby marble has been used for a variety of buildings and national monuments, such as the Arlington National Amphitheatre, the Supreme Court and the Thomas Jefferson memorial. Camara’s quarries Camara’s quarries have been mined since the mid-1850s and the tour group was shown around by Shawn Camara. Vermont Verde Antique Vermont Verde Antique is a dark green serpentine stone quarried in the Green Mountains of Vermont. MIA+BSI Vermont tour The group was able to watch demonstrations of how the tools work and their abilities. Hope Cemetery Hope Cemetery, located in Barre, VT, was established in 1895 and originally contained 53 acres. Gherardi Gherardi walked the group around to show how the stones were polished and cut. They also toured the studio sections where sculptors hand carved stone designs. richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/89157 Tue, 01 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/89157-nande-quartz-stone-has-gradually-been-increasing-its-experorts-to-the-us-and-canada-since-its-2006-opening Nande Quartz Stone Nande Quartz Stone recently expanded its production facility in China so that it can better meet the demand for its quartz products. Zunlang The company manufactures its own brand of machinery, Zunlang, which is specifically designed for quartz manufacturing. Fluorescent lights Fluorescent lights are used to dry the quartz slabs. Nande Quartz Stone A dedicated staff of 250 employees is responsible for producing the quality material. Quality control Quality control is a top priority in the quartz production process. Nande Quartz Stone The expanded processing plant will allow the company to increase from shipping 200 to 400 containers per month. Nande Quartz Stone A total of 120 containers are exported to the U.S. White- and gray-colored quartz White- and gray-colored quartz is Nande Quartz Stone’s niche. high-end showroom A high-end showroom allows customers to peruse the company’s collection of more than 50 colors of quartz products. kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) The Stone Fabricator’s Alliance (SFA) put together for the sixth year an educational tour to give fabricators insight to areas of the industry they may not know about.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/89070 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/89070-the-annual-sfa-trip-provided-fabricators-with-insight-into-the-various-areas-of-italys-stone-industry Stone Fabricator’s Alliance For over seven days, more than a dozen fabricators from all over the U.S. traveled to Italy to learn more about the stone industry. Stone Fabricator’s Alliance By the end of day four, the fabricators in the group were discussing every aspect of their business. Whether it came to pricing, what machines to use, what tooling to use, they divulged all their secrets. Stone Fabricator’s Alliance By the end of day four, the fabricators in the group were discussing every aspect of their business. Whether it came to pricing, what machines to use, what tooling to use, they divulged all their secrets. Stone Fabricator’s Alliance “It is a completely different experience to go and see the tools running and touch and feel the stones and see the facilities, versus sitting in an office and watching videos and seeing pictures of the tools and stone,” said Josh Parker of Tenax. Stone Fabricator’s Alliance “I would love to list everything I learned from the SFA trip to Italy,” said Justin Zacherl, owner of Creekside Granite. “I just can’t do it. It is a learning experience from the minute you land.” Stone Fabricator’s Alliance “A few things I gained from this trip are the 18 new lifelong friends and the memories that we will all cherish for a lifetime,” said Chris Evans, owner and president of Rock Solid Granite. “I also had no idea the amount of stonework and the quality in which it was done. It is mind blowing, and I still cannot fully comprehend the things I had the opportunity to see and do.” Stone Fabricator’s Alliance “A few things I gained from this trip are the 18 new lifelong friends and the memories that we will all cherish for a lifetime,” said Chris Evans, owner and president of Rock Solid Granite. “I also had no idea the amount of stonework and the quality in which it was done. It is mind blowing, and I still cannot fully comprehend the things I had the opportunity to see and do.” Stone Fabricator’s Alliance “The trip went really well I think,” said Dan Riccolo, one of the SFA members that helped organize the tour. “We had a pretty diverse group of fabricators, not only geographically, but also from different-sized shops.” Stone Fabricator’s Alliance “The trip went really well I think,” said Dan Riccolo, one of the SFA members that helped organize the tour. “We had a pretty diverse group of fabricators, not only geographically, but also from different-sized shops.” Stone Fabricator’s Alliance The first day of visiting companies started with Henraux’s factory and quarry, located in Querceta, Italy. Stone Fabricator’s Alliance Henraux’s factory While walking through Henraux’s quarry and taking pictures, fabricators learned that the site produces 20,000 tons of material a year. Henraux’s factory While walking through Henraux’s quarry and taking pictures, fabricators learned that the site produces 20,000 tons of material a year. Comandulli’s facility The SFA trip also included a stop at Comandulli’s facility. Lapitec On the third day, the group went to Vedelago, Italy to see Lapitec’s state-of-the-art facility. Then the group went down the road to see Breton’s facility and how their machines were built. Lapitec On the third day, the group went to Vedelago, Italy to see Lapitec’s state-of-the-art facility. Then the group went down the road to see Breton’s facility and how their machines were built. Lapitec On the third day, the group went to Vedelago, Italy to see Lapitec’s state-of-the-art facility. Then the group went down the road to see Breton’s facility and how their machines were built. kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/88908 Wed, 01 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/88908-the-miabsi-featured-their-first-study-tour-in-china-in-conjunction-with-the-xiamen-stone-fair Xiamen Stone Fair Xiamen Stone Fair Xiamen Stone Fair Xiamen Stone Fair Xiamen Stone Fair