Stone World Aug 2010

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August 2010
Stone from India
Shop Ef ciency
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6 August 2010 | Stone World
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Stone World | August 2010 13
August 2010 Vol. 27, No. 8
www.stoneworld.com
DEPARTMENTS
16 Stone Column
19 Newsline
22 Statistics
26 News
96 Calendar
96 New Equipment
97 New Products
98 Stone of the Month
99 Marketplace
101 Classified
102 Ad Index
FEATURES
Fabricator Case Studies
34 Pennsylvania fabricator moves with the times
46 Canadian fabricator advances with CNC technology
62 Fabricator Forum: Increasing shop efficiency
Focus on Indian Stone
70 Celebrating 25 years of growth in India
76 Supplying Black Galaxy granite to a worldwide market
82 Award-winning airport renovation relies on Indian granite
84 Indian sandstone harmonizes with desert landscape
STONE WORLD Volume 27, Issue 8 (ISSN 1052-6994) is published 12 times annually, monthly, by BNP Media, 2401 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 700, Troy, MI 48084-4903. Telephone: (248) 362-3700, Fax: (248) 362-0317. No charge for subscriptions to qualied individuals. Annual rate
for subscriptions to nonqualied individuals in the U.S. A. : $104.00 USD. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualied individuals in Canada: $137.00 USD (includes GST & postage); all other countries: $154.00 (intl mail) payable in U.S. funds. Printed in the U.S. A. Copyright 2010, by
BNP Media. Periodicals Postage Paid at Troy, MI and at additional mailing of ces. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: STONE WORLD, P.O. Box 2144, Skokie, IL 60076. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. GST account: 131263923. Send returns (Canada) to Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON, N6C 6B2. Change of address:
Send old address label along with new address to STONE WORLD, P.O. Box 2144, Skokie, IL 60076. For single copies or back issues: contact Ann Kalb at (248) 244-6499 or KalbA@bnpmedia.com.
On the Cover: Teak sandstone from India is featured extensively throughout the
exterior and interior design of the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix,
AZ. The stone, which was quarried and fabricated by Tab India Inc. and supplied
by the companys U.S. office, Amsum & Ash of Minneapolis, MN, was chosen for
its rich tones that reflect the museums surrounding desert environment. Photo by
Bill Timmerman. Story begins on page 84.

Coming Next Month: In September, Stone World will present a focus on
Green Design. A series of articles will illustrate how natural stone is playing
a role in producing sustainable projects, as well as the eco-friendly practices
involved in stone fabrication. Additionally, the next addition will include a
Report from Europe taking a look at some of the large-sc ale stoneworking
operations overseas.
34
70
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e B l a c k
STONE COLUMN
INCREASED SHOP EFFICIENCY
= INCREASED PROFITS
With fabrication shops working on tighter margins than ever before, many shop managers and owners are
eliminating unnecessary cost by increasing efficiency. Recently, I conducted a roundtable on increasing shop ef-
ficiency with members of the Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA), which can be found on page 62 of this issue.
The participants in this discussion were very thorough in their responses, and they outlined some easy-to-
implement procedures that apply to large-scale production facilities as well as smaller fabrication shops.
Virtually all of the fabricators who participated in the forum said that focusing on basic material
staging was an immense help in increasing shop efficiency. And although this may seem to be a fun-
damental part of shop procedures, it can often be overlooked when things get busy or a shop owner/
manager is being pulled in another direction as is often the case.
Among the steps being taken by todays fabrication shops to increase efficiency, I noted a couple of
common threads. The first of these is material staging. Although it seems basic, I can tell you from ex-
perience that many stone fabrication shops have not been able to make material staging an integral part
of their operation. Staging materials in front of the saw can be a huge way to improve the efficiency
of the sawing process, explained Matt Lansing of Stone Innovations in Plover, WI. Take the jobs for
the day that need to be cut, and stack the slabs in reverse order on an A-frame next to the saw. When
the sawyer finishes a slab, he can grab the next one and keep moving throughout the day. Spending 10
minutes to go around the yard looking for the slab adds up very fast.
This thought was echoed by Eric Pate, Technical Director/Sales for Continental Diamond Prod-
ucts, Inc. Matts saw-staging suggestion is the best thing we did while at my previous shop. This saves so much
time not only in going back and forth pulling the slabs individually from outside or from a warehouse but
also in terms of paperwork. Any issues can be caught immediately during that phase for all jobs, instead of run-
ning back and forth for each job that might raise a question. All materials can be reviewed to the saw operator
as they are being pulled. Even though we would have what we thought were great notes for the saw man, he may
have had his own interpretation or even find issues we missed. This led to job staging and the review process
going hand-in-hand in the mornings.
Again, although it seems fundamental, the basic gist is to ensure that employees are spending most of their
cutting and polishing stone as opposed to walking around the shop. All the material, not just slabs, needs to be
in spots that make sense for the shop, said Joe Durfee, Production Manager of Great Lakes Granite & Marble in
Redford, MI. Why take 10 steps to get material when five steps will do? By having everything close to the ma-
chines, you will save a few steps and seconds for each job. It may not seem like much, but all those seconds
are pennies that add up at the end of the year. Efficiency comes down to making more money.
Another fundamental of shop efficiency is maintaining the proper material flow. However, as shops expand
and add equipment, this is often disrupted to the point where efficiency is compromised. Our production is
completely linear, explained Miles Crowe of Crowe Custom Countertops in Atlanta, GA. Although their shop
has made a number of technology investments over the years, it has continuously maintained this approach,
and when Crowe moved into a new facility earlier this year, he was able to ensure that material flow would be
maximized. Material comes in through one end of the shop and finished product goes out the other end, he
said. "Material handling has to be kept to a minimum. Work only flows in one direction. Slabs are staged for
cutting and then go to the SawJet. From there, pieces go onto the CNC router and then on to finish polish by
hand. Nothing is allowed to go backwards.
The concepts I mention above are only two of the many points that were discussed to increase shop ef-
ficiency. At a time when every business is looking for an edge, it may prove invaluable to take a moment and
examine the other insights that were shared in the full roundtable discussion on page 62.
Michael Reis, Editor/Associate Publisher
Prodim International BV
P.O. Box 107 - 5700 AC Helmond - The Netherlands
T: +31 (0)492 579 050 F: +31 (0)492 579 059
info@prodim.eu
P.O. Box 107
T: +31
www.prodimusa.com
a product of
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Sales oce
Mr. John Richerts
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T: (+1) 772 - 226 - 5580
888 - 229 - 3328 toll free
info@prodimusa.com
US A L L C
NEWSLINE
FREE ADMISSION TO MARMOMACC IN VERONA, ITALY . . .
Marmomacc, the leading international stone industry trade show taking place in Verona, Italy from September 29 to
Saturday, October 2, is offering free admission to trade visitors who pre-register online. By pre-registering before September
23 at www.marmomacc.com/freebadge2010, attendees can print their own entry badge, thereby saving over $40.
Held annually at Veronafiere in Verona, Marmomacc is the global showcase of stone materials and machinery. In 2009,
more than 1,500 exhibitors from 53 countries attracted over 53,000 trade visitors including 24,000 foreign visitors from
100 countries
Marmomacc is the ideal place to see, in a few busy days, the latest stone-related machinery and technologies, to directly
source stone for commercial projects and to view the full spectrum of stone materials available for residential applications.
Each year, the show features a number of architectural exhibits and conferences devoted to designing with dimensional
stone. For more information, visit www.marmomacc.com or contact the Consultants International Group by phone at
1-202-783-7000 or by E-mail at info@cig-dc.com.
Visit www.marmomacc.com/freebadge2010 to register for a free four-day pass (one entry per day). When registering,
users will be prompted to insert an ID Code and a Control Code. Please use the following codes:
ID Code: 201004
Control Code: 300453
Users will then receive a confirmation E-mail that will allow them to print their pass. Just bring this print-out to
Marmomacc to avoid long lines at the entrance to the show. There is a limit of a single registration per valid E-mail address
provided. Online registration ends September 23.
ARTISAN GROUP MEMBER IS FIRST IN OKLAHOMA TO BE MIA ACCREDITED . . .
Artisan Group member Hoffman Fixtures is the first stone fabricator in Oklahoma to be accredited by the Marble
Institute of America (MIA). Currently, only 47 natural stone fabricators in the U.S. have achieved accreditation, of which 19
are Artisan Group members.
Hoffman Fixtures is now able to proudly display the accreditation logo, which symbolizes that they both are among the
finest in the natural stone industry with respect to craftsmanship, safety and business practices, said Garen Distelhorst,
Accreditation Manager at the MIA.
Our product offering and customer service is unparalleled, and warranties are offered on all products, said Joe Hoffman,
CEO of Hoffman Fixtures. Achieving accreditation from the MIA is just one more step in offering our customers the best
possible finished products, while ensuring overall employee and shop safety. We are proud of this achievement because it is a
reflection of the pride and dedication our employees have to the Artisan Group of premier countertop fabricators.
From humble beginnings in 1949, Hoffman Fixtures has grown through four generations of leadership to become one of
the most complete, factory direct suppliers of kitchen and bath products and services for both residential and commercial
applications in the Tulsa area. The company also has recently acquired Phoenix Fabrication, expanding to Oklahoma City.
To become an Accredited Natural Stone Fabricator by the MIA, a company must have successfully completed three
phases of application. Phase One was the completion of a lengthy application that required the applicant company to
provide various documents and references which ensure that the company is in compliance with the 10 standards of
accreditation as laid out by the MIA Accreditation Commission. Phase Two required the companys qualifying agent (the
designated company representative responsible for filing and maintaining accreditation records for the applicant company)
to pass a 200-question multiple-choice test. The exam tested the applicants knowledge and application of material
usage, installation, fabrication, restoration, care and maintenance, administration, legal/contracts, and jobsite and shop
safety. Phase Three was a comprehensive site visit, which included a facility review, document review and one or more
installation site visits.
For more information about Hoffman Fixtures, visit www.hfcountertops.com. For more information about the MIA
Accreditation program, visit www.marble-institute.com/accreditation.
PREPARATIONS BEGIN FOR STONE+TEC NRNBERG 2011 IN GERMANY . . .
The key phase of preparations for Stone+tec Nrnberg 2011 has begun, and the event is set to take place at the Exhibition
Centre Nuremberg from June 22 to 25, 2011. The get-together for the natural stone sector in Central Europe welcomed more
than 34,000 trade visitors and 770 exhibitors from more than 40 countries at the last event in 2009.
Following the better performance of the 2009 exhibition compared with the event two years before, we are confident
that a further upward trend will be apparent in 2011, also due to the more positive signals finally coming from the world
economy again, said Willy Viethen, Exhibition Director of Stone+tec at NrnbergMesse.
The products and services of the exhibiting companies and a supporting program packed with information are the big
attractions of Stone+tec Nrnberg, which has always reflected the sector since it began in 1979.
Products on display at Stone+tec 2011 will include natural stone as well as products for the installation, maintenance and
restoration of natural stone. From the technology side, there will be machinery for stoneworking and quarrying as well as
accessories and diamond tooling. Another section will address monuments and funerary art.
Around half the visitors at Stone+tec 2009 came from the craft trades, 19% from the industry and 11% from the
wholesale trade. The share of architects and building planners was 4%.
According to surveys taken after the 2009 event, nine out of 10 exhibitors reached their most important target groups
and made new business connections. A total of 80% of the exhibiting companies made direct sales during the exhibition,
NEWSLINE
and 85% expected follow-up business 6% more than in 2007. Also, 95% of exhibitors welcomed visitors to their stand
from countries outside Germany.
Exhibitors who decide to exhibit in 2011 quickly not only profit from the quality of the event, but also qualify for the
early-bird discount on stand rental for applications received by September 24, 2010. Details are available on the Internet at
www.stone-tec.com or direct from the new Stone+tec exhibition team in Nrnberg, which smoothly continues the tradition
of personal service, or from the worldwide representatives of NrnbergMesse.
MARBLE INSTITUTE OF AMERICA ANNUAL LEADERSHIP
WORKSHOP SET FOR DALLAS, TX, IN OCTOBER . . .
The Marble Institute of America (MIA) announced that its annual Leadership Workshop will take place from October 18
to 19, 2010 in Dallas, TX. In just 10 hours, attendees will learn a years worth of proven strategies and ideas from the stone
industrys leading experts, MIA stated.
The MIA Leadership Workshop offers at least 15 practical, proven ideas to generate new business, improve efficiency
and prepare for the future. It also offers knowledge on critical topics to connect with members of the architecture and
design community.
This gathering for senior-level stone industry executives is timely as stone companies look to rebound and thrive in
todays economy, said Gary Distelhorst, Executive Vice President of the 1,700-member worldwide organization. This years
topics are timely for any stone company leadership team.
The event will kick-off with an evening reception on October 18, hosted by Walker Zanger.
Topics for the October 19 workshop include:
Positioning Natural Stone as an Environmentally Preferred Building Material
Natural Stone and the Economic Recovery
Perspectives Roundtable Discussion
Leading the Design, Development and Launch of a Unique Style Minder Brand
in the Highly Traditional Stone Industry
Branding Your Business Locally: What works, what doesnt and why
The morning program will feature the following speakers:
Stephanie Vierra, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, President of Vierra Design & Education Services, LLC, will share a close look
at how the industry is working to prove that natural stone is sustainable, and therefore environmentally preferred.
Vierra will draw upon her own body of research and study and also report on the current status of the industrys work
through the Natural Stone Council on the development of standards and certification.
Frank Anton, CEO of Hanley Wood LLC, will address natural stone and the economic recovery. Hanley Wood is one
of the countrys leading companies serving the construction industry in a wide variety of media, including trade
and professional magazines, trade shows (including StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas and AIA), economic and trend
research, and the firm provides an excellent vantage point from which to gauge the near future.
Mark Fernandes, Chief Leadership Officer at Luck Stone, will share perspectives about leading the design, development
and launch of a unique style-minded brand in the highly traditional stone industry. He will address how to
differentiate a company from others in the industry by seeking inspiration from best in class brands from the art,
fashion, retailing, hospitality and design industries. Fernandes describes the journey and the process.
The luncheon program will feature an industry panel, which will recap the highlights of the three morning sessions.
The afternoon session will focus on Branding Your Business Locally: What works, what doesnt and why. Marty Gould,
President of Focalize Now, will share that branding isnt just for major national companies. Every local business has the
chance to build itself into a trusted brand, he said But theres a lot more to branding than logos and slogans. Learn the
secrets top global and national companies use to build their brand identity and reputation and how to adapt those ideas to
your local market.
This workshop is a great venue to discuss strategic and visionary planning for the stone industry, said Brett Rugo, 2010
MIA President and Owner of Rugo Stone.
The MIA Board of Directors, volunteer committee chairs and other industry leaders will be attending this outstanding
leadership event. The event will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX.
A full agenda and registration information can be found online at www.marble-institute.com/leadership.
ONE LINERS . . .
Have you ever seen a 250-ton quarry face come down? Or seen a robotic saw in action at a fabrication shop? How about
seeing a large-scale exotic slab plant in operation in Brazil? The readers of Stone World now have the opportunity to do just
that, as Stone World has launched its own YouTube Channel. The channel can be reached at:
www.YouTube.com/user/StoneWorldMagazine
Video fans can also check out exclusive clips at www.stoneworld.com or www.stoneworld.com/Articles/Video_Archive
Any questions regarding Newsline, contact: Newsline Editor, Stone World, 210 Route 4 East, Suite 203, Paramus, NJ 07652;
Fax: 201-291-9002; E-mail: michael@stoneworld.com.
ARAB EMIRATES 127,828 209
ARGENTINA 92,650 756 88,061 64
AUSTRALIA 85,616 495
BELGIUM 48,933 39 5,838 17
BOLIVIA 10,033 2
BRAZIL 30,168,102 37,304 251,427 164 328,402 184,317 549
BULGARIA 15,644 27 84,607 82 4,578
CANADA 1,317,173 1,628 611,876 574 132,608 1,274,009 6,787
CHINA 14,318,506 33,882 5,381,214 4,850 1,595,034 75,028 634
COLOMBIA 9,251 51
CROATIA 101,047 56
DENMARK 4,337 1
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 85,075 198 158,919 931
ECUADOR 7,796 2
EGYPT 14,124 25 569,718 896
FRANCE 456,390 318 44,135 235,398 165
GERMANY 68,980 159 3,613 57,632 35
GREECE 320,941 183 15,120 34
HONDURAS 64,559 56
HONG KONG 34,188 46 24,069 15
INDIA 8,647,394 29,670 536,342 775 2,244,983 204,417 877
INDONESIA 464,139 484 6,480 6,825 3
IRELAND 8,901 6 8,084 2
ISRAEL 707,135 759 29,162 28
ITALY 9,162,671 41,770 6,023,404 3,352 54,131 276,942 2,488
JORDAN 11,295 24
KOREA 733,218 2,433
LEBANON 470,267 45,055
MALAYSIA 7,825 21
MEXICO 40,518 35 5,446,997 5,830 7,800 255,485 792
MOROCCO 32,969 26 3,120 5
NETHERLANDS 4,007 8
NEW ZEALAND 2,052 1
NORWAY 27,641 19 4,586 10
PAKISTAN 301,075 194
PERU 886,126 880
PHILIPPINES 14,260 34 243,492 417 5,650 7,324 22
PORTUGAL 5,080 4 931,788 696 26,598
SAUDI ARABIA 552,355 924
SINGAPORE 43,864 52
SPAIN 525,195 1,088 1,742,922 11,456 215,178 4,638 29
SWEDEN 12,732 7
TAIWAN 1,801,024 1,589 241,054 112 4,573 2,298 8
THAILAND 20,684 22,791 6
TOKELAU 46,523 72
TUNISIA 100,811 65
TURKEY 2,724 2 16,682,180 39,401 13,238 8,954 44
UNITED KINGDOM 42,004 9 53,739
VENEZUELA 3,100 2
OTHER 199,710 421 166,286 395 12,859 119,201 206
TOTAL APRIL 2010 67,046,255 149,433 43,527,055 118,740 4,774,283 3,620,003 15,669
TOTAL APRIL 2009 53,215,500 98,193 47,826,405 95,013 6,146,224 1,977,845 9,503
STATISTICS
April 2010 | Imports to the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight
*includes marble, travertine, alabaster and other calcareous stone, **tonnage figures not available, ***includes dolomite, sandstone, quartzite, basalt, porphyry and other non-specific
monumental or building stone SOURCE: U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. $ TONS U.S. $ U.S. $ TONS U.S. $ TONS
COUNTRY GRANITE MARBLE* SLATE** OTHER***
NEW!
The best performance and value
for high volume production
Excellent polish quality, the fastest feed rates and the longest tool life in the
stone industry. UHS tooling is the best choice for high volume production shops
and anyone who understands an investment in UHS tooling pays dividends in
the form of the lowest cost per linear meter and the finish quality of the job.
Available in 120 series, 80 series, 40 series & 20 series
Customized pre-set labels on each wheel
Precision balanced
Full water channel design
More water distribution points
Lowest cost per linear meter in the industry
ADI
certified reshaping service available
Toll-Free 1 (800) 458-6222 Fax: (770) 621-9771 www.granquartz.com

Locations in Anaheim, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Jose and Miami.
The polish quality of UHS with one

fewer step and a lower initial cost!
Veloce profile wheels are designed to match the polish quality and travel speed
of UHS tooling but do so with low up-front costs and a fast five step process.
Veloce wheels are perfect for profiles used less frequently, custom work, and
startup situations where the cost per linear meter is less important than the
initial expense.
Profile in just three metal positions
Available in 80 series
Customized pre-set labels on each wheel
Precision balanced
Patented through the borewater channel design
Low up-front cost
ADI
certified reshaping service available

Veloce
Profile Wheels
UHS
Ultra High Speed
More options for CNC fabrication!
WORLDS FASTEST
CNC TOOLING!
CALL FOR FREE CNC
TOOLING CATALOG!
GranQuartz is the exclusive US distributor for ADI
CNC tooling.
ANTIGUA 4,820 4
ARAB EMIRATES 2,537
AUSTRALIA 388,258 100
AUSTRIA 6,000
BAHAMAS 84,195 83 74,640 58
BARBADOS 7,744 3
BELGIUM 35,700 119
BERMUDA 10,046 3 5,590 1 2,556 125
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 3,816 1
CANADA 2,232,192 2,423 1,363,496 13,457 175,163 2,381,385 10,293
CAYMAN ISLANDS 3,831 1 40,148 35 3,150 1
CHINA 583,755 1,808 119,660 59 83,998 406
COLOMBIA 28,862 56
CZECH REPUBLIC 5,000 1
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2,625 2
ECUADOR 3,500 1
EGYPT 22,087 29
FINLAND 13,026 2 3,775 1
FRANCE 195,000 49
GERMANY 2,705 167,276 765
HONDURAS 21,900 8
HONG KONG 11,460
HUNGARY 3,372 6
INDIA 28,263 40 7,350 4
IRELAND 24,999 3
ISRAEL 3,721 1
ITALY 233,398 892
JAPAN 2,700 1 3,500 1 2,541 5
KOREA 63,700 77 148,171 154
MEXICO 117,021 98 96,060 70 2,600 31,459 44
N. ANTILLES 3,000 1 3,886 1
NEW ZEALAND 26,706 35
PANAMA 31,400 17 3,500 2 35,438 26,131 45
RUSSIA 3,945 1
SAUDI ARABIA 14,081 20
SINGAPORE 5,493 1 41,908 13
SWITZERLAND 20,954
TAIWAN 119,400 398
THAILAND 2,579 6
TURKEY 28,314 64
UNITED KINGDOM 535,925 101 6,161 2 7,795 1
OTHER 37,140 13 80,230 355 10,201 9,750 17
TOTAL APRIL 2010 4,746,797 6,260 1,921,905 14,154 267,058 2,976,928 11,969
TOTAL APRIL 2009 3,820,010 6,344 1,691,124 8,828 332,148 2,657,416 9,335
STATISTICS
April 2010 | Exports from the U.S. Customers value in dollars does not include insurance or freight
*includes marble, travertine, alabaster and other calcareous stone, **tonnage figures not available, ***includes dolomite, sandstone, quartzite, basalt, porphyry and other non-specific
monumental or building stone SOURCE: U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. $ TONS U.S. $ U.S. $ TONS U.S. $ TONS
COUNTRY GRANITE MARBLE* SLATE** OTHER***
PRODUCT SOURCING PRODU
Check out the 2010 Online Version
of Stone Worlds Stone Guide at
www.stoneworld.com/stoneguide
MADE EASY.
SEARCHABLE COMPREHENSI VE I NFORMATI VE
NEWS
BRANCHING OUT IN BRAZIL
MASSAPE, BRAZI L Richard
Sardel l i, owner of the renowned
Nacarado quartzite quarry, sold as
blocks and slabs around the world,
announced that it is now being oper-
ated under the name of Everest Export.
Sardelli has been operating the
quarry for four years, and the entire
quarry staff and structure remains
the same.
Under the Everest name, the com-
pany plans to expand further into
slab sales, while seeking additional
quartzite quarry sites. It also continues
operation of the Nougat quartzite quar-
ry in nearby Jordao, which is available
in blocks and slabs.
The companys phone numbers
+55-88-3614-5599 in Brazil and
973-714-6367 in the U.S. remain the
same, and the new Web site is www.
everestxport.com.br
SALEM STONE
APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT
WINSTON-SALEM, NC The 47
employee-owners of Salem Stone are
proud to announce
the appointment of
Michael Willard as
the companys new
President. Willard
brings 25 years of
glass sales manage-
ment experience
with the last 11
years as Salems
Michael Willard has
been appointed as
Salem Stones new
President.
Richard Sardelli (pictured in the center) continues
his ownership and operation of the Nacarado
quartzite quarry in Brazil. Now operating under the
name Everest Export, the entire quarry staff and
structure remains the name.
Known for its distinctive patterning and coloration,
Nacarado quartzite is sold as blocks and slabs
around the world.
PRODUCTS
L
A
S
E
R
industries
In an online forum entitled Templating Methods that was later published in Stone World
Magazines August, 2006 issue, fabricators from around the nation were asked how they tem-
plated their jobs. Of the 17 that were digital templators, 11 of them stated they used the LT-55.
That is an enormous 64%. The next closest digital templating system only had 3 users or 18%.
Why does the LT-55 (and newer LT-55 XL) Laser Templating system command a disproportionate
amount of the market? Because we listen to our customers. Over 90% of all features beyond
basic measuring were asked to be added to the system by customers. Who knows what you need
better than yourself? Why wouldnt you buy a system that is continually being developed by
industry leaders? Since that publication as far as we can tell, that percentage of LT-55/LT-55 XL
has only grown larger confirming that when people say Get the Laser they mean the LT-55 XL
Laser Templator and dont even consider anything else.
1335 Lakeside Dr.
Romeoville, IL 60446
Toll Free 866-539-0052
LaserProductsUS.com
World Leader In Digital Templating
When people say Get the Laser
They mean the LT-55
The LT-55 XL Precision Laser Templator lets you walk off any jobsite with a CAD
ready .dxf file. Produce estimates on the jobsite and have the customer sign off
on an estimate. You will improve your quality, accuracy and speed leading to
quicker installations, less errors and virtually no scrap.
Sales Opportunities Available
Laser Products Industries, the World Leader in Digital Templating for the countertop, millwork
and glass industries is looking for an area representative to cover the West Coast. Experience in
the stone and countertop industry is a requirement. Come build an empire with us. We only want
superstars who require $100k-$175k. Others need not apply. Young or old, if you have the stuff,
well know. Candidates would ideally be centrally located near the San Francisco/Oakland or
surrounding areas. Contact Roger at 866-539-6168.
NEWS
National Sales Manager and Executive
Vice President (EVP).
As EVP, Willard directed 23 field
sales people located throughout the
U.S. and Canada, and managed the
companys strategic diversification
t hroughout t he past decade. Hi s
ef forts as a member of the man-
agement team were i nstr umental
i n successf ul l y steer i ng Sal ems
transition from a privately owned
company to a 100% employee-owned
company. Salem showed exceptional
resilience through the recent finan-
cial events due to sound business
decisions coupled with a collective
employee- owners entrepreneurial
spirit, the company reports.
As president, Willard will focus on
nurturing the ESOP ownership culture
to harness the internal resourcefulness
and energy unique to an employee-
owned company in expanding existing
markets, developing new markets as
well as new products. Willard believes
the commitment of individual employ-
ee owners is vital to maximizing the
opportunities of the company for its
future success.
PLANETARY TECHNOLOGY FOR
COUNTERTOP PRODUCTION
AURORA, CO The Legend CT
from Samich USA was engineered as
a true planetary countertop produc-
tion machine. The machine builds
on the concept of using planetary
technology, as opposed to single-head
technology, for grinding and polish-
ing stone in a floor restoration and
maintenance setting.
According to the company, most
si ngle-head machi nes r un at 155
to 250 RPM, but when that same
machine is fitted with a planetary
gear box, the RPM at the diamond
can be increased 10 times. If that
technology can make a f loor work
better, then why cant it make work-
ing on countertops better too? said
Josh Huseby, President and CEO of
Samich USA.
Huseby explained that the Legend
CT planetary machine has an optimal
level of reliability because it was not
built by starting with a
traditional hand tool.
Rather than trying to
make a hand tool do
something it was not
meant to do, we took
the technology in our
larger floor machines
and scaled it down for
our new Legend CT,
he said.
The machine was
also engi neered for
a maximum level of
balance. The motor
for the three 5-inch
heads is mounted cen-
trally, rather than off
to the side of the gear
box, said Huseby.
The Legend CT
from Samich USA
has been built
on the concept of
using planetary
technology, as
opposed to single-
head technology,
for grinding and
polishing stone in
a floor restoration
and maintenance
setting.
NEWS
This allows the machine to maintain
perfect balance.
Samich has been manufact ur-
ing high-quality stone and concrete
grinding, polishing and preparation
equipment and accessories for nearly 30
years, and Samich USA is an extension
of that tradition. For more information,
visit www.samich-usa.com.
CTASC ANNOUNCES WINNERS
OF U.S. STONE SURVEY CONTEST
SAN DIEGO, CA Ceramic Tile
And Stone Consultants, Inc. (CTaSC), a
national company providing marketing
research and business planning servic-
es, has announced that Michele Aloe,
a Sales Manager at Walker Zangers
Las Vegas, NV, location, and Gasper
Naquin, owner of Stone Interiors, a
large stone fabricating company locat-
ed in Loxley, AL, are the raffle winners
of an Apple 16 GB iPhone4 for their
participation and completion of the
recent U.S. Stone Survey.
The winners were randomly cho-
sen from a record number of industry
members that completed the U. S.
Stone Survey conducted in April 2010
by CTaSC. Over 2,400 manufactur-
ers, quarries, exporters, importers,
distributors, fabricators and retailers
were invited to take the stone survey
developed by CTaSC using progres-
sive online technology that ensured
the confidentiality of all participants
by compi l i ng data anonymously.
Each person who completed the sur-
vey received a free summary of the
survey results.
Participants answered a series of
questions based on their business
category. Importers, distributors and
retailers were quizzed on the types
of stone they sell, slab and tile sizes,
sales by type of customers and sales
by types of applications. Fabricators
were asked to answer questions about
their fabrication business, includ-
ing shop size, equipment and tool
brands, purchase and selling price of
stone, annual sales and types of fin-
ished products and stone types that
are fabricated.
The 2010 U.S. Stone Survey results
wi l l be i ncluded i n t he upcom-
i ng Cat al i na 2010 Nat ur al and
Manufactured Stone Products Report
prepared by Catal i na Research, a
prominent research firm, and Ceramic
Tile and Stone Consultants industry
expert Donato Pompo, which were
purchased in July.
The survey results will be further
elaborated upon and integrated into
the 2010 Natural and Manufactured
Stone Product Report. This compre-
hensive publication, which is being
updated from 2006, will provide an
i n- depth analysis of the U. S. and
Canadian stone industry based on
U.S. government statistics and mar-
ket resources. Some of the topics that
are covered include trends and fore-
1-800-350-1901
www.miraclesealants.com
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Miracle Sealants will continue its industry
first Contractor Reward Program.
Terms & Conditions:
In order to receive rebate, contractors must
have a membership number for processing.
Go to: www.miraclesealants.com/contractor
A copy of all product receipts must be
marked with the membership number
and mailed within 30 days of purchase
to Miracle Sealants, c/o Marketing Dept.,
12318 Lower Azusa Road, Arcadia, CA 91006,
or e-mailed to receipts@miraclesealants.com
Contractors must purchase products from a
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Contractor will need to renew each year and
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Qualified contractors will
receive a year-end
10% CASH REBATE
on all Miracle Sealants
purchases made over
the course of the year.
NEWS
casts for the stone industry and the current state of the
economy, sales by type of stone, engineered stone, manu-
factured stone (made of concrete), end-use market trends
and demographics, economic factors effecting demand for
stone, imports and exports, installers, retailers, home cen-
ters, floor covering channels and Internet sales channels.
It will also have sections on quarries, processing plants and
fabricators operation costs and profitability, stone industry
cost structure and competitive environment, industry cap-
ital expenditures and machinery costs.
Donato Pompo, President of CTaSC, underscored the
importance of the information gathered from the survey
by stating, In-depth information about the stone indus-
try is very hard to come by. Its vital for all of us to know
whats going on in the market and understand how the
current state of the economy will affect our business and
our future opportunities.
This is the third time CTaSC has conducted a stone survey
(the first was in 2003, the second in 2006). For more infor-
mation and pricing on the 2010 Natural and Manufactured
Stone Product Report, contact CTaSC at 866-669-1550 or visit
its Web site at www.CTaSC.com.
CERAMIC TILES OF ITALY HONORS ARIZONA TILE
WITH NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTOR AWARD
TEMPE, AZ Arizona Tile has been awarded the 2010
Confindustria Ceramica North American Distributor Award
by Ceramic Tiles of Italy. One of the largest independently
owned importers of stone in the U.S., Arizona Tile has set
an unprecedented standard as the first company to receive
the recognition for a second time in the programs 20-year
history. The award is a badge of distinction among tile
distributors/importers.
Confindustria Ceramica, the association of Italian ceram-
ic tile and refractory material manufacturers, is responsible
for representing, supporting and communicating between
member companies. Ceramic Tiles of Italy is the collective
institutional trademark rep-
resenting and promoting
Confindustria Ceramicas
more than 200 members.
To be the f i rst di s-
tributor to win this award
for the second time is a
real honor, said Mark
Huarte, Arizona Tiles Vice
President of Operations.
At Arizona Tile, we credit
this award to the wonder-
ful relationships we have
built over the years with
Italian tile manufacturers,
in addition to our staffs
commitment to premium
material.
Arizona Tile was presented the North
American Distributor Award on
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 during
Aperitiva Italiana Ceramic Tiles
of Italys annual party at Coverings.
Pictured left to right: Franco Manfredini,
Confindustria Ceramica Chairman;
Mark Huarte, Arizona Tile Vice President
of Operations; Bob Traxler, Arizona
Tile President; and Vittorio Borelli,
Confindustria Ceramica Vice President
of Promotional Activities.
Pennsylvania fabricator
moves with the times
With a diverse production range that includes kitchen
countertops as well as elaborate commercial work, Akropolis Marble and
Granite Imports of Colmar, PA, has maintained a level of success over the years
by Michael Reis
F
or Andy Kamaratos, the path
to the foundation of Akropolis
Marble and Granite Imports
in Southeastern Pennsylvania was
somewhat of a circular route. Born in
Greece, he literally grew up around
the stone trade, as his father owned a
marble mine. However, upon coming
to the U.S., Kamaratos went into the
restaurant business, and it was this line
of work that ultimately led him back
into the stone industry.
We needed stone tabletops for our
restaurant, and I really wasnt happy
with the people in our area who were
selling them at the time, Kamaratos
said. Either they were raising their
prices, or they couldnt do what they
said they could do. So in 1996, I got
out of the restaurant business with a
plan to sell tabletops to the restaurant
Originally founded in 1996, Akropolis Marble & Granite Imports now operates out of a state-of-the-art
facility in Colmar, PA.
Fabricator
Case Study
Quality, Elegance, Durability
You Have Choices
with Artisan Sinks!
The new premium undermount Kitchen
Sink Collection is stylish, functional and
very affordable.
13 Premium kitchen styles
22 sizes with depths up to 10"
heavy 16 gauge, 304 stainless steel
reverse models available with many models
sink grids and faucets available
8 Vitreous China sinks
traditional white and biscuit
undermount and surface mount
www.ArtisanSinks.com
973.286.0080
Complies with
ASME A112.19.3-2000
Complies with
ASME A112.19.2-2008/CSA B45.1-08
industry. I saw a building for rent in
Norristown, PA, and decided to lease
it. Then I purchased a track saw and
started making tables. From there, we
moved into countertops for restaurants
and then kitchens.
We added machinery and made
a deal to do kitchens for the Home
Depot, Kamaratos continued. Then
in 1999, I went to Brazil looking for a
wholesale exporter of granite, and I
ended up starting a company there
to sell granite. We were doing Home
Depots all along the East Coast up until
2007. Then we got into commercial jobs,
and we did some casino work Dover
Downs in Delaware, Philadelphia Park
Casino, Harrahs and the Sands in
Atlantic City and others.
The commercial work has kept the
shop busy during the recession, and
today Akropolis Marble and Granite
Imports is based in Colmar, PA, where
it opened a new facility in July of 2008.
The building has a 10,000-square-foot
fabrication shop and 20,000 square feet
of space in all, which affords the com-
pany some room to grow over time.
Technology investments
One of the latest investments for
Akropolis has been a RoboCut twin-
table robotic saw/waterjet combination
from USG Robotics of Crystal Lake, IL,
which revolutionized the companys
production. We started running it in
January of 2009, and if we branched
out, we would buy another, said Tom
Shannon, who joined Akropolis six
years ago. Three different people
here can run the machine. One of our
employees went to USG Robotics facil-
ity in Chicago for training, but its not
tough to learn.
One of the latest investments for
Akropolis has been a RoboCut
twin-table robotic saw/waterjet
combination from USG Robotics
of Crystal Lake, IL.
The waterjet has allowed Akropolis to fabricate large-scale waterjet projects in natural
stone with an optimal degree of accuracy.
For straight cuts, the RoboCut can operate with a standard circular saw.
At an independent lab, the Hurricane Turbo Blade went up against more expensive blades and held its
own. At a much lower cost, this blade cuts at a competitive speed and provided clean, consistent cuts.
For .36 cents a linear foot, the Hurricane is an excellent value for your money. At the end of the day, you
can cut 56 Lft with every 5" Hurricane Blade. That's as tall as a 5 story building. Focus on performance
and value: go with the Hurricane Turbo Blade
More details available at www.diamaxinc.com/technology_bladetesting.php
(all blades were tested at Environ Labs on 3cm absolute black granite)
phone: 888.449.0502 | web: www.diamaxinc.com
DIAMAX INDUSTRIES INC.
The RoboCut utilizes a pump and
cutting nozzle from KMT Waterjet
Systems of Baxter Springs, KS, and it
also includes USG Robotics Vein-Match
system. This program allows workers
and customers to see the design of a
kitchen on PC and see how the pieces
will line up according to the veining of
the material.
Slabs are also cut to size using a
GMM Lexta 36 bridge saw, which is ser-
viced by Salem Stone of Winston-Salem,
NC. For straight edge processi ng,
Akropolis utilizes a Montresor Lola 40S
also serviced by Salem Stone and
this unit is also used for backsplashes.
Curved and complex edgework is done
by hand using Marmoelettromeccanica
Master 3500 hand routers.
Slabs and finished pieces are maneu-
vered around the shop using a Gorbel
The RoboCut utilizes a pump and
cutting nozzle from KMT Waterjet
Systems of Baxter Springs, KS.
Slabs are also cut to size using a GMM Lexta 36 bridge saw,
which is serviced by Salem Stone of Winston-Salem, NC.
For straight edge processing, Akropolis
utilizes a Montresor Lola 40S also
serviced by Salem Stone and this
unit is also used for backsplashes.
Hand finishing remains an
important component of the
overall production process.
crane system, which is equipped with vacuum
lifters from Woods Powr-Grip of Laurel, MT.
The vast majority of the companys projects
(90%) are templated using the Prodim Proliner
system from Prodim USA of Vero Beach, FL.
The company has two templaters on staff, one
of whom also completes other tasks as needed.
Jobs are tracked using a Web-based program
from Aegis Logistics, which allows customers to
check the status of a project online. The program
tracks templating, fabrication, installation and all
service calls.
Consistent high quality and immediate
availability of the nest raw material.
Huge inventory of precision-cut slabs.
Seven-day turnaround on all slab orders.
Fabrication and operational assistance.
Sales and marketing support for your
end customer.
To order call (800) 457-4026 or visit
IndianaLimestoneCompany.com
Indiana Limestone
I
N
N
O
V
A
T
I
O
N
S
I
N
S
T
O
N
E
.
SLABS
Join our Distributor or Fabricator Network today. Call (800) 457-4026 for more information.
Slabs and finished pieces are
maneuvered around the shop using
a Gorbel crane system, which is
equipped with vacuum lifters from
Woods Powr-Grip of Laurel, MT.
NACARADO
OWNED, OPERATED AND DISTRIBUTED
www.everestxport.com.br
Brasil - + 55.88.3614.5599 | USA - 973.714.6376 | Owner, Richard Sardelli (cell): + 55.88.9215.9499
Structure and marketing
The company has averaged 1,900
square feet of production per week
in recent times, an improvement over
earlier this year. There are currently
30 people working for the company,
which is down from its pre-recession
peak. New construction was one-third
of our business, and it just evaporated,
Shannon said. It is just coming back
now. We were able to get through on
large commercial jobs. We did hotels in
Manhattan, and the large casino job at
Dover Downs. At the time we got those
jobs, we thought they would be gravy,
but thats what helped us get through.
Akropolis role on the Dover Downs
project included a range of waterjet-cut
floor designs, including a 93-foot-diam-
eter with four different medallions,
each of which are 70 feet apart. All of
the points are only
1
/16 inch apart, and
Akropolis did the design and sizing
of the pieces on CAD prior to cutting.
A total of 4,000 pieces were fabricated
in all, and the project required no field
cutting. To enhance its services for the
commercial market, Akropolis has an
architect on staff specifically for high-
end, intricate projects.
In addition to ample indoor
space, the facilities at Akropolis
include a large slab yard for
inventory.
The vast majority of the companys
projects (90%) are templated using the
Prodim Proliner system from Prodim
USA of Vero Beach, FL (an example of
which is pictured).
In addition to kitchen countertops,
the company supplies vanities, tile-
work, thresholds and mosaics, among
other architectural features. It also sup-
plies large-scale waterjet-cut patterns,
such as the one found at Dover Downs.
The current breakdown of sales is
25% new construction, 50% residential
remodel, 10% large-scale commercial
and 15% fab-only for installers. In
terms of residential work, Akropolis
Marble sells to both kitchen and bath
dealers, cabinet dealers and the gen-
eral public. We have a full mix of
client types, from $6 million houses to
$199,000 houses, Shannon said.
A total of 80% of the companys proj-
ects come within 20 miles of its location
in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This
includes the Allentown and Bethelem
regions as well as Bucks County.
Prior to the recession, Akropolis
imported 75% of its material directly
in containers. But since the recession
hit, the distributors lowered their
prices, Shannon said. That has sta-
bilized a bit, and now we have more
containers on the water. We also send
our customers out to local slab yards
when they are looki ng for certai n
exotics. I would say that 15% of our
work right now is in exotics.
Among i t s market i ng t ool s,
Akropolis Marble & Granite Imports
has implemented an interactive Web
site www.akropolismarble.com
which has led to a consistent amount
of work.
Akropolis role on the Dover
Downs project included a range
of waterjet-cut floor designs,
including a 93-foot-diameter with
four different medallions, each
of which are 70 feet apart. All of
the points are only
1
/
16
inch apart,
and Akropolis did the design and
sizing of the pieces on CAD prior
to cutting. A total of 4,000 pieces
were fabricated in all, and the
project required no field cutting.
Akropolis Marble & Granite Imports
Colmar, PA
Type of work: kitchen countertops and commercial work, including intricate
medallions
Machinery: a RoboCut twin-table robotic saw/waterjet combination from
USG Robotics of Crystal Lake, IL, which utilizes a pump and cutting
nozzle from KMT Waterjet Systems of Baxter Springs, KS; a GMM Lexta
36 bridge saw and a Montresor Lola 40S straight edge-polishing machine,
both of which are serviced by Salem Stone of Winston-Salem, NC;
Marmoelettromeccanica Master 3500 hand routers; Gorbel overhead crane
system with vacuum lifters from Woods Powr-Grip of Laurel, MT; Prodim
Proliner templating systems from Prodim USA of Vero Beach, FL
Number of Employees: 30

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Canadian fabricator
advances with CNC
technology
Already possessing a CNC saw and a CNC router, Dauter Stone Inc.
of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, plans to acquire additional CNC
technology, while also adding square footage to its production facility
by Alexis Fisher
B
egi nni ng as a ti le busi ness,
Dauter Stone Inc. of Calgary,
Al bert a, Canada, i s now a
successful stone fabrication facility
specializing in residential countertops
as wel l as commerci al cl addi ng.
The evolution into stone fabrication
has called for investing in the latest
in technology, including two CNC
machines from CMS North America
of Caledonia, MI, and it now garners
room for more production space and a
possible third CNC.
Ther e ar e t hr ee owner s
Wol f gang, Manf red and Ul r i ch
Dauter, said Shop Manager Brian
Leschyshyn. They started out in the
tile business. Then they started doing
commercial work and got into granite.
It then progressed to kitchen counter-
tops as well as commercial work.
Currently housing a fabrication shop and showroom under a 6,000-square foot facility, Dauter Stone Inc. of Calgary,
Alberta, Canada, plans to expand its production area and equipment line. Owning multiple CNC machines from
CMS North America of Caledonia, MI, the company will likely purchase a third in the near future.
Fabricator
Case Study
The 6, 000 - s quar e- f oot f ac i l -
ity is equipped with a CMS Brembana
Falcon CNC saw, which was the com-
panys most recent investment. That
has vacuum manipulator arms that
come down and move pieces out of the
way, said Leschyshyn. That saves a
lot of time.
Purchasing the Falcon, which uses
the Konig Plus blade from GranQuartz
of Tucker, GA, has increased Dauter
Stone Inc.s production, according to
Leschyshyn. Its increased the cutting
capacity quite a bit, he said.
Additionally, the shop is equipped
with a CMS Brembana Maxima CNC
stoneworking center that utilizes tool-
ing from ADI, which is distributed by
GranQuartz, a T108 manual workcenter
from Thibaut of France, which features
radial arms running along its track
and a Fickert+Winterling saw that
can accommodate blades as large as 2
meters in diameter.
Templating in the shop is completed
with an LT-55 Laser Templator from
Laser Products of Romeoville, IL, and
Global StonePro software helps the
company maintain its job tracking.
In the past five years, Leschyshyn
explained that obtaining the CNC
stoneworking center and going to digi-
tal templating have been the shops
biggest advancements. When we
first got the Maxima, that basically
increased our production in the man-
ner of what the CNC is capable of doing
[compared to what] a human can do,
he said. That was the first step. And
then with the last investment of the
Falcon, and of course the templating
that all increases our ability as a
fabricator.
A CMS Brembana Falcon CNC
saw center was the companys
most recent investment.
Purchasing the Falcon, which uses a Konig Plus blade from GranQuartz of Tucker,
GA, has increased Dauter Stone Inc.s production, according to Shop Manager Brian
Leschyshyn. Its increased the cutting capacity quite a bit, he said.
Additionally, Leschysyn explained that the Falcon has vacuum manipulator arms that
come down and move pieces out of the way. That saves a lot of time.
(continued on page 56)
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Expecting to expand its produc-
tion, Dauter Stone Inc. is currently
constructing a 6,000-square-foot addi-
tion to its facility, where it has plans
to add another CNC stoneworking
center. Of course, we want to expand
the business on both sides kitchen
and commercial, said Leschyshyn.
Our cur rent 6, 000- square-f oot
building houses the showroom and
production facility. We have under
construction another 6,000-square-foot
facility that will be the new show-
The shop also operates a CMS
Brembana Maxima CNC
stoneworking center, which
utilizes tooling from ADI, which
is distributed by GranQuartz.
(continued from page 48)
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room and slab warehouse. Once that
has been completed, the old building
will be converted to all production,
and we will be adding another CNC
workcenter.
The shop currently produces an
average of four kitchens a day under
one shift in addition to commercial
work, and employees are divided into
departments with 15 in the kitch-
en department and around 25 in the
commercial department. Quite a few
workers can do every aspect, said
Leschyshyn. And then quite a few can
only do polishing, installing, etc.
Leschyshyn further explained that
the staff is usually hired without expe-
rience, and then Dauter Stone Inc. puts
them through its own in-house train-
ing program. Up here in Canada,
theres not much in the way of training
programs to send them to, he said.
The shops most recent work
involves some commercial and insti-
A T108 manual workcenter from Thibaut of France is used for surface finishing.
tutional projects. Were just finishing
up the Centennial Towers in down-
town [Calgary], said Leschyshyn. We
did the cladding and granite flooring,
stairs, etc.
About 95% of our countertop busi-
ness is done in and around Calgary,
and 5% of the business is in places like
Canmore, Banff and the interior of
British Columbia, such as Invermere,
he continued.
And although the company works
with natural stone approximately 90%
of the time, the other 10% features
work that utilizes engineered stone
such as CaesarStone quartz surfacing
and Quantra quartz surfacing from
Pokarna Ltd. of India.
Dauter Stone Inc.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Type of work: residential
countertops and commercial
cladding
Machinery/equipment: a Brembana
Falcon CNC saw and a
Brembana Maxima CNC
stoneworking center both
from CMS North America
of Caledonia, MI; a T108
manual workcenter from
Thibaut of Vire, France; a
Fickert+Winterling saw
from Germany; tooling from
ADI, which is distributed by
GranQuartz of Atlanta, GA;
blades from GranQuartz; an
LT-55 Laser Templator from
Laser Products of Romeoville,
IL; Global StonePro software for
job tracking
Number of employees: 15 in the
kitchen department, around 25
in the commercial department
Production capacity: four kitchens
a day, plus commercial and
institutional work
Templating is done using an LT-55 Laser Templator from Laser Products of
Romeoville, IL, (an example of which is pictured). Digital templating along with CNC
technology are all factors in what has helped Dauter Stone Inc. advance in the last five
years, according to Leschyshyn.
The shop currently produces an average of four kitchens a day under one shift plus
commercial work, and employees are divided into departments with 15 in the
kitchen department and around 25 in the commercial department. Quite a few
workers can do every aspect, said Leschyshyn. And then quite a few can only do
polishing, installing, etc.
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Increasing
shop efficiency
In this forum, members of the Stone Fabricators Alliance
discuss methods to increase efficiency within the stone fabrication shop
moderated by Michael Reis
W
hat a r e s ome of t he
changes that fabricators
a r e ma ki ng i n t he i r
shops to increase efficiency? Has
it been an adjustment in methods,
an i nvest ment i n equipment or
something else?
Matt Lansing, Stone Innovations,
Inc., Plover, WI: The topic of shop
efficiency is so vast that a book could
certainly be written about it, and sev-
eral have been regarding most other
industries.
I will start with materials and
material handling. First, you need to
determine how many slabs the project
is going to need. If you are going to be
tight with the materials on hand, then
call the supplier and see if they have
another slab from the lot available and
place a hold on it. If something bad
Among the factors involved in shop efficiency, production flow is key. Slabs are staged for cutting and then go to
the SawJet, explained Miles Crowe of Crowe Custom Countertops. From there, pieces go onto the CNC router and
then on to finish polish by hand. Nothing is allowed to go backwards.
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happens, then you will not have to
remake the entire job because you cant
find matching material.
Then staging materials in front of
the saw can be a huge way to improve
the efficiency of the sawing process.
Take the jobs for the day that need to
be cut, and stack the slabs in reverse
order on an A-frame next to the saw.
When the sawyer finishes a slab, he
can grab the next one and keep moving
throughout the day. Spending 10 min-
utes to go around the yard looking for
the slab adds up very fast.
Then during slab layout, always cut
the largest parts out of the first slab
cut. I cant even start to think about
how many jobs I have cut where the
corner breaks, chips, falls off, or what-
ever on that island, but because it was
the first piece I cut, I was able to save
the job by cutting several of the other
smaller parts out of it. Then I can take
the island out of one of the subsequent
slabs. Saving the island for last to cut is
just setting yourself up for trouble.
Another thing to think about is try-
ing to buy your materials in bundles.
When you complete a job, take the rem-
nants from that job almost no matter
how small and stack them back with
the rest of the slabs from that same lot.
Odds are you can reuse some of them
for the next job coming down the list in
the same material. Once you finish off
the bundle, you only wind up with one
or two remnants from six slabs. If you
purchase three different sets of two
slabs each, and you have two remnants
left over from each job, your mate-
rial efficiency is completely shot. Plus,
when you throw in the fact that you
can buy bundles at a reduced cost, you
are saving money again.
These are just the basics of material
efficiency. To step up to the next level,
you can start to discuss programma-
ble step-cutting saws, CNC saws with
rotating tables, CNC saws with rotating
heads and fixed tables, and then the
Holy Grail of combination CNC saws
with waterjetting heads with each
step being an improvement in produc-
tion capabilities and overall efficiency.
Decisions on these types of purchases
are not easy and involve several factors
that each need to be sorted out before
taking the plunge. I will leave some of
these for others to talk about.
Eric Pate, Technical Director/Sales,
Continental Diamond Products, Inc.:
Efficiency 101: First and foremost, the
customer must have all information to
the fabricator as soon as possible about
sink and faucet selections, edge profiles
and material choices, and for us, mate-
rial inspection and then signoff.
Then, for a smaller shop like we
had, Matts saw-staging suggestion is
the best thing we did while at my pre-
vious shop. This saves so much time
not only in going back and forth
pulling the slabs individually from out-
side or from a warehouse but also in
terms of paperwork. Any issues can be
caught immediately during that phase
The use of modern technology
for material handling can also
increase shop efficiency. We use
an overhead crane, job carts and a
jib crane to handle the material,
Crowe said. One man loads and
unloads the SawJet.
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other parts of India, which it inspects
and transports by road to the factory
for processing. Since we have leased
out facilities at Bangalore, Madurai
and Hyderabad, we process almost all
granite from Continental India, which
gives us a cutting edge in cost savings,
Bakhru said.
SRGM processes more than 40
popular shades of granite in its fully
automatic granite factory. The company
has all the facilities under one roof for
processing tiles, slabs, vertical panels,
cut-to-size pieces, countertops, steps,
risers, skirting and more.
The production process involves
a combination of imported machin-
ery from Italy and Germany as well as
equipment produced in India. SRGM has
a combined in-house production capac-
ity of 270,000 square feet (25,000 square
meters) of slabs and tiles per month.
The factory has an experienced
staff and rigorous quality-control pro-
tocols in place to ensure that the final
products will exceed client expecta-
tions. This has won SRGM wide
appreciation from leading distributors,
importers, exporters, architects and
major contractors, Bakhru said.
Additionally, SRGM is a five-time
recipient (2004 to 2008) of honors
from Capexl, a promotional organiza-
tion that is sponsored by the Indian
Governments Ministry of Commerce
and Industry.
SRGM markets its products at vari-
ous stone fairs, through government
initiatives, via its own warehouses and
online at www.granimarmo.com. In the
U.S., SRGM supplies material to whole-
sales across the country.
Among the colors of material processed at SRGM, stones include (from left): Antique Grey quartzite, Antique Yellow quartzite and
Forest Brown.
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Supplying Black
Galaxy granite to a
worldwide market
Since 1992, Krishna Sai Granites Group has concentrated its
efforts on being a top producer of Black Galaxy granite, and it is
currently focusing on expanding its fabrication capabilities as well
by Jennifer Adams
N
early 20 years ago, Krishna
Sai Granites (KSG) Group was
founded by Venkateswara
Rao Sidda, who worked diligently
to develop numerous quarries
particularly several for Black Galaxy
granite. Today, the company, which is
based in Andhra Pradesh, South India,
has grown to include more than 10
quarries, a state-of-the-art fabrication
facility and 1,400 employees.
The firm was started in a small
traditional family business profile, and
gradually expanded its wings in quar-
rying, processing and making steps
towards the execution of projects glob-
ally, explained Bharat Sidda, Executive
Director of KSG Group. Today, KSG
Group is known as the number one
producer, processor and exporter of
Black Galaxy granite.
After starting KSG Group in 1992,
Venkateswara Rao Sidda received
extended support from Hanumantha
Rao Sidda, who is a fellow member of
the Institute of Chartered Accountants
of India and has vast experience in the
Krishna Sai Granites (KSG) Group of Andhra Pradesh,
South India, began quarrying Black Galaxy granite in 1992.
Today, it has become a large producer of the material, with
six quarries in the village of Chimakurthy.
Focus on
Indian Stone
076-081 Krishna.indd 76 8/4/10 10:00 AM
granite industry. He has rich and varied
experience in the areas of capital mar-
ket, finance and general management,
said Sidda. He is well exposed to and
familiar with international business. He
believed raw material was the strength
of the industry. After consolidating the
quarrying activities, KSG went forward
into processing slabs under my close
surveillance. I support the various key
functions related to innovations, com-
munication and client relationship.
The quarries
Currently, KSG Group owns about
six Black Galaxy quarries that are
located in the village of Chimakurthy,
which is approximately 11 miles from
Ongole a small town that sits at
Chennai National Highway No. 5. The
closest airport is Vijayawada, which
is about 105 miles away. Among the
additional granite quarries owned and
operated by KSG Group are: Black
Pearl in Gurijepalli (V/M), Steel Grey in
Ballikurava (V/M), S.K. Blue in Dontha
(V/M) Srikakulam, Miracle White in
Sithampeta (V) Srikakulam and Tan
Brown in Karimnagar, which will be
operational in a month or two with 400
to 500 cubic meters per month.
Being one of the early promot-
ers of Galaxy, and now bei ng the
biggest source with unparal leled
excavation of granite in the region,
KSG prioritized in sticking to high-
end and latest technologies available,
and always ensured to match the cli-
ent requirements by catering to the
best-quality blocks, said Sidda. In the
quarries, the company utilizes an array
of equipment, including 30 excavators
from Hitachi, L & T and Caterpillar;
five 110 Commando drillers, three 120
Commando drillers and two Rangers
all from Tamrock (Sandvik Mining);
25 Chicago Pneumatic compressors
In the quarries, the company utilizes
an array of equipment, including 30
excavators from Hitachi, L&T and
Caterpillar; five 110 Commando drillers,
three 120 Commando drillers and two
Rangers all from Tamrock (Sandvik
Mining); 25 Chicago Pneumatic
compressors and 10 Atlas Capco
compressors; 25 dump trucks; four
derricks; 10 cranes; and 28 trailers for
transporting blocks.
In total, KSG produces approximately 45,000 cubic meters of rough material annually.
The company maintains two processing plants only 4 miles away from its Black
Galaxy sites where the blocks are cut into slabs and finished products.
A total of 250 workers are employed at the stone-cutting facilities.
and 10 Atlas Capco compressors; 25 dump trucks; four der-
ricks; 10 cranes; and 28 trailers for transporting blocks.
In total, KSG produces approximately 45,000 cubic meters
of rough material annually.
The processing plants
The company maintains two processing plants only 4
miles away from its Black Galaxy sites. A total of 250 work-
ers are employed at the stone-processing facilities.
After achieving its peak in quarrying, which was the pri-
mary focus, KSG started to widen its vision, and it started to
focus on reaching the international markets to provide cut-
to-size [products] and small slabs, said Sidda.
To execute this idea, Unit 1 was established in 2004 with
12 block cutters in place to process smaller blocks. This
Unit was the first of its kind in the Ongole region with
a production capacity of 120,00 square meters (1.3 million
square feet) of smaller slabs annually, said Sidda. It paved
footsteps to cater to the overseas requirements of the Middle
East, Europe and partially to the U.S.
The increased requirements in the world market, and
the necessity to deliver quality slabs, led KSG to establish
Unit 2 with state-of-the-art machinery from Breton,
Gaspari Menotti, Simec and GMM in 2009. The strategic
geographical location of our plant enhances proximity and
direct access to our quarries, said Sidda. The port is just
270 kilometers [168 miles] away.
Blocks are
processed into
raw slabs on
four Gaspari
Menotti Jumbo
480 series
gangsaws.
A fully automatic
resining line from
Simec S.p.A. of
Italy, which holds
up to 40 slabs at
one time, is used
in the production
process. KSG
uses epoxies from
Tenax of Italy on
the slabs.
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For slab production, the process
begins by trimming the blocks with
two Bideseimpianti wire saws from
Italy. They trim the blocks so as to
obtain the perfect size slabs, said
Sidda. Only high-quality diamond
wire is used in order to get regular
trimming. All the block trimmings are
carefully inspected by KSGs highly
experienced technicians.
After trimming, the blocks are pro-
cessed in a specialized plant housing
four Gaspari Menotti Jumbo 480 series
gangsaws. They are the best slab-cut-
ting machines in the world, said Sidda.
They are capable of cutting slabs in
thicknesses of 20, 30 and 40 mm. With
four gangsaws, KSG has the capacity to
produce a total of 300,000 square meters
(3.2 million square feet) of granite slabs
annually, the company reports.
Once the blocks are processed into
raw slabs, they move to the slab-produc-
tion line, where a fully automated and
computerized 22-head KG-3000 Ultrex
polishing machine from Breton S.p.A.
of Italy plays an important role in the
production process. Before polish-
ing the sides, the edges are trimmed
for perfect finishing, explained Sidda,
who added that tooling is supplied by
Nicolai Diamant and Abrasivi Metallici.
He added that the use of this tooling
has provided the company with out-
standing results in the final product.
For resin-treated material, KSG
operates a fully automatic resin line
from Simec S.p.A. of Italy, which has
two large-scale driers and holds a
combined 40 slabs at one time. The
company uses epoxies from Tenax of
Italy on the slabs. During the process,
the slabs are first preheated in one
of the drying units, then the resin is
applied, and a second drier allows for
optimal curing of the resin.
A GMM Eura automatic bridge saw-
ing machine is also in place at the plant
for cut-to-size work and other applica-
tions. This machine enables KSG to
make accurate cuts in the slabs as per
the specification, said Sidda.
The growth percentage of the sales
in the U.S., Europe and Middle East
brought us to the extent of establishing
one more processing plant, Unit 3,
which will be operational in the com-
ing year, Sidda went on to say. It will
not only cater to the requirements for
slabs, but also tiles, project execution
and even cut-to-size requirements.
Packaging Practices
According to Sidda, KSG places a
special emphasis on quality packing
and effective shipping. Crates and pal-
lets are made of expensive and quality
wood, he said. Wood packing mate-
rials (WPM) are as per USDA & ISO
standards. The WPM is marked with
an IPPC logo and ISO country code.
This authorizes and authenticates the
fumigation proceeds to International
Standards.
KSG also reports that it is equipped
to load four containers at any single
poi nt i n time. We can load both
closed-top and open-top 20-foot con-
t ai ners, said Sidda. Packagi ng
experts with the latest C clamps with
mechanized nailing guns make the
packaging division stand out. Slabs are
inter-packed with plastic and soft foam
sheets so as to reach the customers in
perfect condition. We have a record of
loading eight crates in a container, and
apart from pallets and crates, KSG also
does A-frame loading.
In 2009, a total of 11.43% of KSGs
granite products was exported to the
U.S., and the companys presence in
the market was bolstered by its invest-
ment in state-of-the-art production
machinery. This enhanced how to
focus on the U.S. market, especially,
said Sidda.
A fully automated and computerized 22-head
KG-3000 Ultrex polishing machine from Breton
S.p.A. of Italy also plays an important role in the
production process. Before polishing the sides, the
edges are trimmed for perfect finishing, explained
Bharat Sidda, Executive Director of KSG Group, who
added that tooling is supplied by Nicolai Diamant
and Abrasivi Metallici.
In 2009, 11.43% of KSGs granite products was exported to the U.S.
A GMM Eura automatic bridge sawing machine is
also in place at the plant. This machine enables
KSG to make accurate cuts in the slabs as per the
specification, said Sidda.
Award-winning
airport renovation relies
on Indian granite
Approximately 135,000 square feet of domestic granite
was used for the renovation of Terminal 1A at
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India
F
or merl y k nown as Sa ha r
I n t e r n a t i o n a l Ai r p o r t ,
Chhatrapati Shivaji International
Airport (CSIA) is the airport of Mumbai
(Bombay) in India. As part of a long-
range plan to expand and upgrade the
airport facilities within India, CSIA has
undergone a number of renovations
over the past few years. Among them,
CSIAs Termi nal 1A underwent a
transformation that features domestic
granite from Pokarna Li mited of
Secunderabad, India.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International
Airport covers an area of 1,450 acres
and is located in the Mumbai suburbs
of Santa Cruz and Sahar. The air-
port is Indias biggest International
and domest i c hub. The owner
of t he ai r port i s GVK, Ai r port s
Authority of India, while the opera-
Terminal 1A at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) in Mumbai, India,
recently underwent a renovation that included two varieties of domestic granite from
Pokarna Limited of Secunderabad, India.
Focus on
Indian Stone
082-083 Mumbai Airport.indd 82 8/4/10 10:01 AM
Rajasthan, India, and custom cut at
its fabrication facility in Jaipur, India.
The stone pieces, which have a honed
finish, clad the exterior facade of the
190,000-square-foot MIM. The sand-
stone was also used for interior walls,
including in a 299-seat music theater.
The articulated solid teak [sand-
stone] wall of the theater contrasts
with the landscaping of the perfor-
mance court yard, accordi ng to a
design statement. Protruding stone
slabs suggest musical notes and the
rhythms of music.
Duri ng t he sel ect ion process,
members of the design team visited
neighboring buildings that feature
the same material to get a feel for
the sandstones look and text ure.
This stone was used on other build-
ings in Phoenix, so we visited them,
said Varda. The spec called for a
specific veining direction and color
continuity.
With such an extensive amount
of stone bei ng used for the MIM,
communication was the key for a suc-
cessful project. According to Gupta, he
met often with representatives from
the design team to ensure accuracy
and address any concerns. Tab India
also provided many mock-ups for the
design team to view. Veining was a
challenge, he said.
Meeting the challenge
At first, meeting the timeframe and
request for the extensive amount of
stone in an abundance of sizes seemed
almost unobtainable, according to
Gupta. But Tab India rose to the occa-
sion, and dedicated many man-hours
to performing the task.
Tab India was given a schedule
which was very stringent, he said.
We added significant equipment to
the quarry, and thanks to many peo-
ple at Tab who took this challenge and
made it happen. At the end, the proj-
ect was a success not just because of
Tabs very extensive experience today
in cut-to-size and the plants, machin-
ery and infrastructure, but because
of Tabs people for understanding the
challenge and burning the midnight
oil to deliver.
In total, 29 containers of Teak sand-
stone in over 800 sizes were shipped
over a five-month period. The pieces
varied in five basic thicknesses
3
/8,
5
/8, 1, 1 and 2 inches. This was very
complex, said Gupta. For us, it was
a record. Most companies cannot
execute this. We had everything well
labeled and perfectly cut to sizes and
thicknesses.
Wit h so many di f ferent- si zed
pieces involved, Tab India had to care-
fully strategize how it could tackle
this project. Planning sizes with the
blocks and trying to optimize them to
minimize wastage would have been
a nightmare, said Gupta. However,
computer programs were used that
were designed in-house to figure out
how to do this, and of course, human
capabilities. We had to number these
pieces so no pieces were missing. Since
almost every piece size was different,
if a piece breaks, we would have had
to try to match the veining in this oth-
erwise very heavy veined material as
we have lost that piece in a middle of
a sequence. This was a logistical chal-
lenge, but we did it without a single
odd piece or complaint.
Installing the sandstone
An experienced installation crew
was also necessary with a project of this
magnitude. A team from Sun Valley
Masonry in Phoenix, AZ, which includ-
ed Don Voight, Business Development
The Teak sandstone was also used for walls inside the 299-seat music theater.
P
h
o
t
o

b
y

B
i
l
l

T
i
m
m
e
r
m
a
n
Manager; Danny Aukett, General
Superi ntendent; Ralph DIppolito,
Project Superintendent; and Tiffany
Howard, Project Manager, spent five
and a half months working on the
installation of the Teak sandstone for
the exterior and interior applications.
This project was the only one I
saw, and probably the only one in my
life like it, said DIppolito. It was
unique. It took a lot of teamwork to get
it together.
According to DIppolito, organiza-
tion was important on the jobsite. We
received many containers, he said.
The stone pieces were marked and cut
to size. We had to go through a process
to prepare each piece to go on the wall.
The first step was to install 8-foot
steel channels on top of the masonry
wall. Stainless steel clips fastened
the stone pieces to the steel channel,
explained DIppolito. It was quite a bit
of work involved to prepare the wall.
DIppolito went on to say that the
architects drawings were carefully
followed to make sure each stone
piece was being set in the correct spot.
Nothing was the same, he said. It
was a random layout. Each course was
different. We created more or less of an
assembly line. The pieces were prepped
on the ground and then placed on the
wall. If one was misplaced for any rea-
son, then we were in trouble.
Approximately six to eight work-
ers were on scaffolding, three were
on the ground prepping all the stone,
and another one was on the wall doing
the layout. We had two cranes on site
picking up the pieces from the ground
to put on the wall, said DIppolito.
The men on the scaffolding were
receiving the load.
Interior stonework
In addition to the Indian Teak
sandstone, other varieties of stone
and tile were used throughout the
MIMs i nterior spaces. A 450-foot-
long central corridor named El Rio
connects the museums two stories
and numerous galleries. The corridor
is described as a flowing, river-like
form that serves as the spine of the
museum connecting the exterior
atrium with the interior spaces. The
floor in this area is made of Italian
porcelain tile, which was supplied by
RBC Tile and Stone of Minneapolis,
MN. The field consists of tiles from
The articulated solid teak
[sandstone] wall of the theater
contrasts with the landscaping
of the performance courtyard,
according to a design statement.
Protruding stone slabs suggest
musical notes and the rhythms
of music.
Lea Ceramiches Tecnoquartz col-
l ect i on i n t he col or Doral . It i s
complemented by a border f rom
Ceramiche Caesars Glam collection
in the color Coffee.
A focal point of MIMs interior is
the World Stair featuring a stone
mosaic map of the world at the base
of a grand spiral staircase. The map,
which features a variety of stone types,
was designed by RSP Architects and
waterjet cut by Rock Hard Designs of
Phoenix, AZ. Bell Stone Co. of Phoenix
performed the installation of the map
as well as the majority of the interior
stone and tile work.
We did all of the interior flooring
and stair treads, said Joel Jensen of
Bell Stone Co., adding that the stairs
were made of Crema Marfil marble,
which were fabricated in his shop.
Crema Marfil was also used for the
floor surround of the map.
Jensen explained that the pieces
of the map were preassembled at the
shop. Rock Hard Designs worked
with us on it to get it all precise, he
said, adding that the installation took a
couple of weeks. We went down to the
shop and helped make the pieces fit.
In total, Bell Stone Co. had a crew
of 15 to 20 workers on site for about
six months. The company completed
numerous installations throughout
MIM, including stone window sills,
restroom vanity tops, the serving line
in the cafeteria and coffee bar.
The first floor of MIM features the
Orientation Gallery, which introduces
visitors to the rich diversity of inter-
national instruments; the hands-on
Experience Gallery that offers the
opportunity for guests to touch and
play instruments; the Artist Gallery,
f eat ur i ng musi cal i nst r ument s
and special items linked to world-
renowned musicians and innovators;
the Mechanical Music Gallery; and the
Target Gallery for special exhibitions.
Addi t i onal l y, t he f i r st f l oor
includes the Guest Service area, the
MIM Caf and Coffee Shop, a space
for group and educational program-
ming; and a state-of-the-art working
Conservation Lab.
The second floor is devoted to
MIMs extensive core collections
arranged in Geo-Galleries that focus
on five global regions: Africa and the
Middle East, Asia and Oceania, Europe,
Latin America and the Caribbean, and
the U.S. and Canada.
Grand Opening
In total, it took 26 months to complete
construction of the Musical Instrument
Museum. Groundbreaking commenced
on February 6, 2008, and the Grand
Opening was held on April 24, 2010.
The reviews and reactions to the
project have been extremely positive,
said Varda. It is quite extraordinary
to create an institution like this from
vision to completion in less than five
years. The attendance since opening in
April has been solid and increasing as
the word gets out.
Gupta is equally pleased with the
success of the project. Tab India has
done numerous prestigious projects
and not just plai n office build-
ings around the world, he said.
However, this one is special to me
because its a museum funded by a
Minnesota corporations ex-CEO, a
Mi nnesota man himself. And sec-
ondly, music is close to our hearts
and lifestyles, and now Americans
will celebrate this music monument in
which we supplied the stone. Almost
as if we composed a symphony of
stones for the project. Every time visi-
tors go to MIM, they will definitely
wonder about the stone.
Musical Instrument Museum
Phoenix, AZ
Architect: Richard Varda, FAIA, ASLA, in collaboration with RSP Architects
of Minneapolis, MN
General Contractor: Ryan Companies, Minneapolis, MN, and Phoenix, AZ
Stone Quarrier/Fabricator: Ta b India, Jaipur, India (Teak sandstone)
Stone Supplier: Amsum & Ash, Minneapolis, MN (Teak sandstone)
Stone Installer: Sun Valley Masonry, Phoenix, AZ (Teak sandstone)
Stone Fabricator/Installer: Bell Stone Co., Phoenix, AZ (interior flooring, stone
stair treads, stone countertops, window sills)
Waterjet Fabricator: Rock Hard Designs, Phoenix, AZ (World Map)
According to DIppolito,
approximately six to eight workers
were on scaffolding, three were on
the ground prepping all the stone
and another one was on the wall
doing the layout. We had two cranes
on site picking up the pieces from the
ground to put on the wall, he said.
The men on the scaffolding were
receiving the load.
Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Masonry
The World Stair
The map concept [for the World Stair ] was developed
by RSP Architects as part of the overall stair design, said
Design Principal Ted Davis, AIA, IIDA, of RSP Architects.
The original ideas focused on how the floor could add to the
visitor experience. The circular stair form seemed to suggest
a compass or world map. As the design developed, the idea
of repeating the gallery world map came forward. This is the
same map used throughout the galleries that depicts the vari-
ous geographic regions used to display the instruments.
The map design was waterjet cut by Rock Hard Designs of
Phoenix, AZ. An assortment of stone was chosen for various
continents and countries. These included:
Cairo Red North America
Calypso Gold Central and South Americas
Azul De Mar Europe and Greenland
Tazmanian Green West Africa
Onda Esmerelda South Africa
Starburst Russia
Inferno China
Costa Esmerelda Thailand
Nambia Blue Sodalite Australia
The actual execution of the map dealt with the physics
of the stone, explained Davis. The team had to find stone
that would represent the colors used in the museum map,
which proved to be an interesting challenge. The team literally
looked at over 1,000 stone options. Once stone color options
were narrowed down, selection depended on the visual char-
acteristics of the stone and how each cut of stone related to
the other stones being used. Some stone were not available
in the required thicknesses or had veining that wasnt accept-
able. Once finalized, specific stone slabs were scanned into
a computer, so that the team could study which area of the
slabs would be ideal for the floor map. For instance, each slab
was typically 4 x 8 feet in dimension, but the actual cut-out
was much smaller. The size of the map needed was moved
around the slab until an ideal piece was found. This final piece
was then cut with a waterjet. Some stone was not physically
conducive for small cuts, and shapes had to be smoothed out
to enable pieces to fit together. These factors led to the artis-
tic interpretation of the map.
Once the stone pieces were cut, they were brought to
the jobsite, and installed by Bell Stone Co. of Phoenix, AZ.
The pieces were fit together over a level bed of mortar, said
Davis. Much like putting a puzzle together, the pieces were
laid out following a full size template. The final result not only
shows the creativity and craftsmanship of the building team,
but emphasizes the importance of the world perspective for
the museum.
A focal point of MIMs interior is the World Stair featuring a stone mosaic map of the world at the base of a grand
spiral staircase. The map, which features a variety of stone types, was designed by RSP Architects and waterjet cut
by Rock Hard Designs of Phoenix, AZ. Bell Stone Co. of Phoenix performed the installation of the map as well as the
majority of the interior stone and tile work.
CALENDAR
For all seminars and a more complete calendar of stone industry events, visit www.stoneworld.com.
September 29 to October 2, 2010
Marmomacc 2010, the International Exhibition of Marble,
Stone and Technology and Building Materials Show, Verona,
Italy. Contact: Veronafiere at 39-045-829-8111 (phone); 39-
045-829-8288 (fax) or visit www.marmomacc.it/home_en.asp.
January 25 to 27, 2011
StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2011/Surfaces, Mandalay Bay
Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. Conference sessions be-
ginning on January 24. For more details on attending or ex-
hibiting at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, call (866) 550-
6808 or (972) 536-6440 or visit www.StonExpo.com. For
more information about Surfaces, contact 1-800-547-3477;
International calls contact: 1-972-536-6400; Fax: 1-972-536-
6401; Web site: www.SurfacesExpo.com.
February 15 to 18, 2011
The Vitria Stone Fair 2010, Carapina Expo Center, Ser-
ra, Esprito Santo, Brazil. Contact: Milanez & Milane-
ze, +55 27 3337-6855; Fax: +55 27 3337-4011; Web site:
ww w.feiradomarmore.com.br.
Ma rch 6 to 9, 2011
The 11th China Xiamen International Stone Fair, Xiamen Inter-
national Conference and Exhibition Center; Phone: 86-592-
5959616 / 5959618; Fax: 86-592-5959611; Web site: www.stone-
fair.org.cn; E-mail: info@cxisf.com, info@stonefair.org.cn.
March 14 to 17, 2011
Coverings 2011, Sands Exposition Center, Las Vegas, NV. Con-
tact: Coverings/National Trade Productions, 313 S. Patrick
St., Alexandria, VA 22314; Phone in the U.S.: (866) 285-3691
or International: +1-703-706-8257; Fax: (703) 836-4486; Web
site: www.coverings.com.
April 20 to 23, 2011
Stonetech, China International Exhibition Center, Bei-
jing, China. Organizer: CIEC Exhibition Co. Ltd., Shang-
hai, 1/F, No.6, E. Beisanhuan Rd., Beijing, China; Phone:
8610 84600802; 84600319; Fax: 8610 84600346; E-mail:
luyu@ciec.com.cn; Web site: www.stonetech.org.cn.
May 12 to 14, 2011
American Institute of Architects National Convention and Design
Expo, including the Stone and Tile Pavilion, New Orleans,
LA. For more information, visit: www.aia.org.
June 22 to 25, 2011
Stone+tec 2011, Exhibition Center Nuremberg, Nuremberg,
Germany. Contact: NrnbergMesse, GmbH, +49 (0) 9 11 86
06-81 08; Fax: +49 (0) 9 11 86 06-82 58; E-mail: stone-tec@
nuernbergmesse.de; Web site: www.stone-tec.com.
NEW EQUIPMENT
Granite City Tool has introduced the
FLEX PLW 923 S - Air Polisher and the
Husqvarna DMS 240 Core Drill. The
PLW 923 S Air Stone Sander/Polisher
features a central water feed with rear
exhaust and accepts 3-, 4- or 5-inch
discs. It comes with a 4-inch Velcro
pad, bail handle,
s i de ha ndl e ,
wrenches, hoses
for air, water and
exhaust along
with appropriate
fittings. Weighing 2.8
pounds, the polisher
has a
5
/8-inch-11 spindle
size and a maximum
s p e e d o f 3 , 6 0 0
RPM. It additionally
features 15.19 CFM air
consumption, -inch
air inlet and 90 PSI air
pressure.
T he Hus qva r na
DMS 240 Core Drill is
a complete core drilling system for a
huge variety of drilling applications.
The stand is tiltable and features a
convenient carry handle. It features a
twin gear carriage, electronic overload
protection and a strong and reliable
two-speed motor. Easy to transport, it
weighs 23.3 kg.
www.granitecitytool.com
Braxton-Bragg is now offering the
latest in a line of versatile and easy-to-
use home improvement tools the
Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool.
It presents both do-it-yourselfers and
professionals with an adaptable and
effective multi-tasking device. With fast
side-to-side motion, the Multi-Max
can take on a variety of projects that
involve repair, remodeling or restoration.
Its ergonomic grip and compact design
provide access to tight spaces, allowing
the Flush Cut Blade included in the
kit to perform precision work. Switch
to the Hook and Loop Pad using the
Quick Fit feature, and the Multi-Max
becomes a detail sander, able to get into
tight areas and corners.
For fabricators and tile installers, the
Wood and Drywall Saw Blade is useful
for removing grout and extracting
damaged tiles as well as making small
cuts i n the ti les
themselves. With
the wide range of
speed the Multi-
Ma x o f f e r s
(10,000 to 21,000
OPMs), the operator
has optimal control, and the electronic
feedback circuitry keeps the speed
consistent during use.
The kit Braxton-Bragg offers includes:
Dremel Multi-Max tool, -inch wood
flush cut blade, MM440, 3-inch wood
and drywall saw blade, MM450, hook
and loop pad, MM11, 60, 120 and 240
grit paper, wood, MM70W, storage case
and the Getting Started Booklet.
www.braxton-bragg.com
The FLEX PLW 923 S - Air
Polisher is now offered by
Granite City Tool
The Husqvarna
DMS 240 Core
Drill is also
available from
Granite City Tool
Braxton-Bragg is
now offering the
Dremel Multi-Max
Oscillating Tool
NEW PRODUCTS
Recent l y, GranQuar t z
i nt r oduce d t hr ee new
adhesives to the market,
which are only avai lable
exclusi vel y t hrough t he
company. I n an ef f or t
to of fer the best qual it y
adhesives in the industry,
Gr anQuar t z now of f er s
the new Legend Premium
Polyester Adhesives. These
are high-quality polyesters
available in knife grade and
flowing. Clear and smooth,
Legend easily fills, bonds
and laminates all types of
stone, reports GranQuartz.
These adhesives are designed
for outstanding performance
and can be tinted to match
any natural or engineered
stone.
A n o t h e r r e c e n t
introduction by GranQuartz
i s t he L e ge nd Hybr i d
Adhesive. This is a high-
quality adhesive blend that
gives the strength of an
epoxy with the speed and
ease of a polyester adhesive,
according to the company.
The Hybrid adhesive has a
unique viscosity that will
allow the fabricator/installer
to use it in any application.
The viscosity is thicker than
flowing, but thinner than
knife grade and can be used
to seam, laminate, rod or
any vertical appl ication.
The product is translucent/opaque and accepts GranQuartz
colors.
To meet market needs for cost savings, GranQuartz
has introduced Recon polyester adhesive. This polyester is
an economical adhesive for the fabricator focused on his
bottom line. Recon Polyester Adhesives come in economy
size 5-gallon drums in knife grade and now flowing. Recon
is fast setting, consistent and easy to use.
www.granquartz.com
The Multi-Seam Expansion Kit for the Automatic Seam
Setter VCA by Omni Cubed is now available. The expansion
kit includes two VCA seam setters with storage case, coil
tube, four thumb pump plungers and four cup covers. The kit
enables installers to simultaneously join and level two seams
(up to 14 feet apart with use of the
coil tube), saving valuable time
during the installation process.
Installers can also chain link
up to four seam setters together
for larger seams (i.e. longer island
seams). The kit utilizes pneumatic
quick-connect fittings, enabling
installers to quickly and easily
series seam setters together to
a single vacuum pump, reports
Omni Cubed.
www.omnicubed.com
Azul Imperial is a unique
blue material quarried i n
Brazil by Rossittis. The stones
technical characteristics are as
follows:
Bulk density: 2,678 kg/cu.m
Flexural strength:
23.77 N/sq.mm
Compressive strength:
116.76 N/sq. mm
Abrasion resistance: 0.19 mm
Water absorption: 0.12 %
www.rossittis.de
Braxton-Bragg has introduced a new concept in wall tile
adhesives to its extensive line of stone and tile equipment
and supplies with Spray & Set wall tile adhesive by
Homax making setting wall tiles as easy as spray.
A c c o r d i n g t o
Br a xt on- Br ag g ,
s e t t i n g a n d
grout i ng can be
done in one day
wi t h t hi s t i l e
adhesive. Rather
t h a n mi x i n g
a nd t r owe l i ng
a n a d h e s i v e ,
t i l e s et t er s can
now lay out their designs, spray on the adhesive and
start setting tiles. This truly no sag adhesive allows
the setter to see layout lines through the adhesive and
set the tiles accurately on the wall without a ledger and
without worrying about sagging. This means precision
work can be done on designs and features, and then the
surrounding field can be filled in with ease. Since less
adhesive is used, there is no cleaning of grout lines before
grouting. Grouting can begin one hour after setting tiles,
allowing most jobs to be completed in one day, reports
Braxton-Bragg.
www.braxton-bragg.com
Multi-Seam Expansion Kit for
the Automatic Seam Setter VCA
by Omni Cubed
Azul Imperial by Rossittis
Braxton-Bragg is now offering Spray & Set wall
tile adhesive by Homax to its product line.
Legend Premium Polyester Adhesives
Legend Hybrid Adhesive
Recon Polyester Adhesives
of the month
Stone
T
his Stone of the Month supplied by Stony Creek Quarry Corporation, Branford, CT. Technical details provide
a frame of reference only. Because stone is a product of nature, testing to determine specific physical qualities
should be repeated for each project. To submit your own Stone of the Month, send a high-resolution digital im-
age, along with the relevant technical data, to michael@stoneworld.com.
www.stonycreekquarry.com
Stony Creek granite
Country of origin ........................................................................................... U.S.
Water Absorption ........................................................................................0.19 %
Density .........................................................................163.1 pounds/square foot
Compressive Strength........................................................................... 23,124 psi
Modulus of Rupture ................................................................................1,686 psi
Flexural Strength ....................................................................................1,383 psi
of the month
098 SOTM.indd 183 7/22/10 9:28 AM
MARKETPLACE
1-866-656-7188
www.legacysink.com
LEGACY SINK INC.
BEST QUALITY.
LOWEST PRICES.
18 Gauge 304 Stainless steel
O
$
69
AS LOW AS
STONE TOOLS
www.qualitystonetool.com | 908.627.3688
Polishing pads, milling bits, cutting blades, stone edge processing
machines and much more. Good quality stone tools at whole sale prices
4 wet polish pad...$3.50/pc 5 turbo blade...$9.50/pc
and much more, please visit our website
RATES: $1175 per six month insertion, $1950 per twelve month insertion.
Call 734/340-5211, fax 734/340-5212 or e-mail: minghinej@bnpmedia.com for more information.
Your top source for high quality tool-holders for
Marble and Stone manufacturing. We carry all major
brands including: Breton, Northwood, Brembana,
Bavelloni, CMS, Intermac, Marmo, and Park. All our
tool-holders are corrosion resistant, hardened, and
precision ground. Ask for a quote today!
T-Tool USA, LLC
www.t-toolusa.com
2850 Glades Circle, Suite 11 Weston, FL 33327
Phone: 954-358-6071 Fax: 954-358-6073
sales@t-toolusa.com www.t-toolusa.com
Custom Display and
Sample Boards
www.danroc.com
330-262-0712
Get more customers!
THE FINEST PRODUCTS FOR STONE WORKING
STONE BOSS INDUSTRIES
15-01 Pollitt Dr. Unit #2
Fairlawn, NJ 07410

888-868-BOSS | www.stoneboss.com
C O R P O R A T E H E A D Q U A R T E R S
NEKA
www.nekainc.com
Cut to Size
Waterjet Cutting
Surface Finishes:
-Flamed
-Waterblast
-Brushed
-Honed
-Bushhammered
-Sand Blasted
22950 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
P: 703/661-2701 F: 703/661-2704
I MPORT EXPORT
1-800-350-1901 1-626-443-6433
www.miraclesealants.com
MARKETPLACE
Proliner, worlds leading digitizer in 2D & 3D measurement:
Measure stairs, bathrooms, swimming pool edges, formed
proles, renovation, sinks, countertops, backsplashes and
all your other 2D and 3D objects.
PRODIM USA - Sales ofce USA - Mr. John Richerts
M. +1 678 699 0732 | E. johnr@prodimusa.com | I. www.prodimusa.com
PRODIM INTERNATIONAL - Sales ofce Europe - Lage Dijk 26, 5705 BZ Helmond NL
T. +31 (0)492 579050 | F. +31 (0)492 579059 | E. info@prodim.eu | I. www.prodim.eu
Over many years we have learned what our customers need and
we provide it. They demand consistent product quality which
is our main goal. They want personalized person to person
service so we provide Regional Sales Manager dedicated to
your account. Finally we invest in a large and well stocked
inventory so we have the product when you need it.
Please call for our monthly Special.
AmeriSink Inc, s San Leandro, CA 94577
Tel: 877-500-SINK(7465) s Fax: 510-667-3775 s www.amerisink.com
Value for Life is our goal!
www.msistone.com
Farmers Branch, TX
Ph: 469-522-0300
Elk Grove Village, Il
Ph: 847-758-0556
Pompano Beach, FL
Ph: 954-977-8984
Austell, Ga
Ph: 678-803-0800
Braintree, MA
Ph: 781-794-0100
Orange, CA
Ph: 714-685-7500
Hayward , CA
Ph: 510-266-5200
Edison, NJ
Ph: 732-650-1815
Jessup, MD
Ph: 410-799-9631
Phoenix, AZ
Ph: 602-393-6330
Houston , TX
ph: 281-449-8822
MADE IN GERMANY
Own quarries! Own production!
Special for: Slabs, Floor tiles, Cut to size
www.vm-kaldorf.de

California Agent TriStone & Tile Inc., Van Nuys CA
info@tristoneandtile.com
1335 Lakeside Dr.
Romeoville, IL 60446
www.LaserProductsUS.com
Toll Free 866-539-0052
PRODUCTS
L
A
S
E
R
industries
The LT-55 Precision
Laser Templator - Visit
our website to watch
our full training video
so you can actually see
it working. We believe
in allowing our
coustomers to know
what they are buying.
G L A S S O S
CRYSTAL WHITE
SLABS TILES CUT-TO-SIZE
Available from stock or full containers direct
CCS Stone, INC
9-11 Caesar Place
Moonachie, NJ 07074 www.ccsstone.com
Looks like Thassos, harder t han granite Tel 201-933-1515
800-227-7785
Fax 201-933-5744
Call for a Free Catalog | T. 800.575.4401 | F. 800.915.5501
Braxton-Bragg will offer the lowest prices and the
best service, delivered by the friendliest people
for the tools and materials that you want.
MARKETPLACE
The leading nationwide distributor of natural stone
slabs and tiles is seeking a branch manager and
outside salespeople for the South Florida region.
Experience servicing the natural stone industry in
the region is required. MSI offers an environment for
growth, a team atmosphere, competitive compensation
and a full benets package. All candidates must be
hardworking, determined, enthusiastic, a team player
and very comfortable with computers.
Please email resumes to: recruit@msistone.com
M S International, Inc.
POSITIONS SERVICES
Granite Outlet & the Cabinet Design Centre
is seeking Sales Professionals for several
showrooms in the DC metro area. Applicants
should be highly motivated self starters that can
successfully close and are driven by the desire
to make money. An excellent communicator,
organized and have prior sales experience
selling natural and man made stone.
For the right individuals this is a $100k + plus
opportunity. Dental, health, 401K, strong support
system, paid training, all leads provided.
Sales professional only should send
their resumes to allezua@gmail.com
or fax them to (703)842-8952.
Reserve your space now
for the September Issue!
Call Janelle Minghine at 734/340.5211 or
minghinej@bnpmedia.com for more information
CLASSIFIEDS
TENAX: For more than 50 years the World Wide Leader in Stone
Consumables Products: Adhesives, Sealers, Epoxy, Waxes, Sealers,
Diamond Abrasives, Calibrators, Polishing Bricks, Cutting Tools.
Tenax USA
www.tenaxusa.com
1408 Center Park Dr.
tenaxusa@bellsouth.net
Charlotte, NC 28217
Ph. 704-583-1173
w w w . a n t o l i n i . i t
ONLY THE BEST
Tel. +39/045887 51 11 Fax +39/045887 51 55
www.granitex.it
Austin Counter Tops, the leading counter top provider in Central Texas, seeks a Manager to assist with the start-
up of their state-of-the-art stone counter top division and to grow and manage the division once established.
Qualied candidates will have demonstrated master level skills in automated stone countertop fabrication, sup-
ply chain and inventory management, production planning and operations, and team leadership. Proven track
record in business development required. Unwavering focus on quality product, customer service and safety
is essential. Strong computer skills in Excel, Word, Outlook, with ability to quickly learn a proprietary software
system required. Must successfully pass background screen, physical and drug test required.
Please submit resume to kareni @austincountertops.com or fax to 512-835-6022. Any resume submitted
electronically must include the words ACT-Stone in the subject line for consideration.
Stone Division Manager
stoneworld.com
YOUR AD COULD
BE SEEN HERE
Call for more information!
Janelle Minghine at 734/340.5211
or minghinej@bnpmedia.com
ADVERTISER INDEX
ADVERTISER PAGE NO INTERNET ADDRESS PROMO PHONE
ABC Stone Trading 26 www.abcworldwidestone.com 516-997-9412
AmeriSink 49 www.amerisink.com 877-500-7465
Antolini Luigi 103 www.antolini.it +39 045 6836611
Anver 56 www.anver.com 800-654-3500
Artisan 35 www.ArtisanSinks.com 973-286-0080
Blick Industries 63 www.blickindustries.com 949-499-5026
Braxton-Bragg 12 www.braxton-bragg.com 800-575-4401
Cactus Stone 51 www.cactusstone.com 602-914-2202
CaesarStone 4 www.CaesarStoneUS.com 877-978-2789
Carmel Stone 47 www.carmelimports.com 888-633-0669
Chemcore 42 www.chemcore.com 866-243-6267
Cosentino 57 www.cosentinonorthamerica.com 800-291-1311
Diamax 37,87 www.diamaxinc.com 888-449-0502
Domain Industries 74 www.FreeDomainCatalog.com 866-385-7775
Dry Treat 44,45 www.drytreat.com 866-667-5119
Everest Export 41 www.everestxport.com.br 973-714-6376
Gem Granites 29 www.gemgranites.com +91 44 2811 5190
Granite Depot 7 www.granitedepot.us 904-306-0036
Granitex S.p.A. 2 www.granitex.it +39 045 8875111
GranQuartz 17,23,85 www.granquartz.com 800-458-6222
Hindustan Granites 65 www.hgstones.com 866-877-0004
IGM-International Granite & Marble 104 www.igmcorp.com 800-446-2677
Indiana Limestone Co. 40 www.IndianaLimestoneCompany.com 800-457-4026
JMS 28 www.juramarble.com +49 (0) 8421 3061
Krishna Sai Granites 39 www.krishnasaigranites.com +91 8592 231452
Laser Products 27 www.LaserProductsUS.com 866-539-0052
Mackson Marble & Granite 21 www.macksonmarble.com 631-390-9490
Marble Institute of America 50 www.marble-institute.com 440-250-9222
Marmomacc/Verona Fair 89 www.marmomacc.com 011390 458 298 111
Master Wholesale 80 www.masterwholesale.com 800-938-7925
Miracle Sealants 30 www.miraclesealants.com 800-350-1901
Mirasol Soapstone LLC 6 www.mirasolsoapstone.com 801-437-3893
Moraware 71 www.moraware.com 866-312-9273
MS International 52,53 www.msistone.com 714-685-7500
Nicolai Diamant 31 www.nicolaidiamant.com 802-661-8731
Pokarna Limited 8,9 www.pokarna.com 91 40 2789 7722/6361
Polycor 11 www.polycor.com 819-652-2888
Primestone 25 www.primestone.ca 905-669-2999
Prodim 18 www.prodimusa.com 888-229-3328
P.R.P. Exports 32,33 www.prpexports.com +91 452 2420345
Red Sea Mining 75 www.redseamining.com 996-2-620-4749
Regent Stone Products 60,61 www.regentistore.com 800-624-8210
Resources Business Management 91 info@distcenter.com 781-706-6813
Rock of Ages 77 www.rockofages.com 802-476-3121
Saudi Marble & Granite 79 www.smg.com.sa +966 1 4735350
StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 55 www.stonexpo.com
Stone Fabricators Alliance 73 www.stonefabricatorsalliance.com
Tab India 14,15 www.tabindia.com 763-571-8400
Tekmar 3 www.tekmarble.com +90 212 3372800
Tenax U.S.A. 67 www.tenaxusa.com 800-341-0432
Terminator 54 www.ContinentalDIA.com 800-595-1237
VM Kaldorf 10 www.vm-kaldorf.de +49 8423/9911-0
Wilson Industrial Electric 58 www.wilsonsaws.com 706-213-6725
World Wide Stone Corp. 5 www.durangostone.com 602-438-1001
Zenesis 69 www.gtdiamond.com 949-261-2322
BROWN CHOCOLATE (Lether) I GRANITE
www.antolini.it
TM

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www.stoneworld.

Tel. +39 045 8875111 Fax +39 045 8875155

the worlds rst pattern-design surface. CaesarStone

for Enriching Natural Stone

Gold, Pint $20.95

Gold, Quart $33.95

Gold, Gallon $105.90

certified reshaping service available

Toll-Free 1 (800) 458-6222 Fax: (770) 621-9771 www.granquartz.com

The polish quality of UHS with one

certified reshaping service available

GranQuartz is the exclusive US distributor for ADI

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