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Pinnacle Stone Products, LLC of Parkesburg, PA, was recently formed as a collaborative effort between The H&K Group, based in Skippack, PA, and Brandywine Quarry of Parkesburg. The stoneworking facility was designed and equipped specifically to produce thin stone veneer.
Less than two years ago, Pinnacle Stone Products, LLC of Parkesburg, PA, was formed as a collaborative effort between The H&K Group, based in Skippack, PA, and Brandywine Quarry of Parkesburg. Sitting on nearly five acres of land, Pinnacle Stone Products has invested in modern equipment to exclusively produce thin stone veneer from a diverse lineup of materials.
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Stone is taken from the quarries of the two affiliated companies and delivered to the facility in Parkesburg, where it is processed.
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Pinnacle Stone Products selects blocks (small boulders) of a variety of different stone materials, including mica schist, granite, limestone, argillite, sandstone and quartzite, among others from its more than 50 quarry sites, which primarily produce crushed stone.
The majority of the stone processed by Pinnacle Stone Products comes from quarries in Pennsylvania - stretching from Harrisburg to east of the New Jersey line - and some materials also come from Maryland. In obtaining the raw materials for its thin stone, “picking crews” travel to the various quarry sites, which primarily produce crushed stone, where they select “blocks” (small boulders) to be processed into thin stone veneer. Extracted materials include mica schist, granite, limestone, argillite, sandstone and quartzite, among others.
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“We don’t rely on [traditional quarry] blocks,” said General Manager Stacy Jackson. “Our crew picks flatter, larger material, and then it gets sent here, where it is harvested.”
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Pinnacle Stone Products’ stoneworking operation in Parkesburg sits on five acres of land, and it features a range of modern equipment.
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The stone is first split on one of two splitters from Park Industries of St. Cloud, MN.
Processing the Stone
Once the materials are delivered to the stoneworking facility in Parkesburg, the majority of the processing is done using equipment from Park Industries of St. Cloud, MN. “There’s something about buying American,” said Jackson. “Park came out with some of the first [thin stone machinery] on the market. They’ve given us no reason to go with another company.”![](/SW/Home/Images/0409SW_reemerging07.jpg)
The other splitter, a Park Hydrasplit C-70, has especially been beneficial. “With the new hydraulic conveyors, it’s a lot easier to get material in and out,” said Production Manager John Hanaway.
After being split, the pieces are sawn to the proper size using two TSX Thin Stone Systems from Park Industries - the model 4500 and model 5500. “They work together to utilize material more efficiently,” said Jackson, adding that three different sizes are offered. Finished pieces are then stacked onto wooden pallets by hand, and the company uses new pallets every time to ensure quality packaging.
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The company enforces stringent safety measures, requiring those in the facility to wear safety goggles, ear protection and vests during production.
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After being split, the pieces are sawn to the proper size using two TSX Thin Stone Systems from Park Industries - the model 4500 and model 5500.
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The operation is equipped with a water recycling system as well as an air filtration system to help remove excess dust.
Perfecting the Process
Given the short timeframe that the company has been producing thin stone veneer, it is still developing materials to add efficiency while still maintaining a premium level of quality. One challenge for Pinnacle Stone Products is determining the optimum blade selection and processing methods for so many different materials.![](/SW/Home/Images/0409SW_reemerging011.jpg)
Finished pieces are then stacked onto wooden pallets by hand, and the company uses new pallets every time to ensure quality packaging.
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The home utilizes Brandywine thin stone veneer, extracted locally in the Parkesburg area.
Jackson went on to explain that most of the success has come so far without any substantial marketing and mostly through word of mouth.
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Crystal Creek, a mica fieldstone found in Maryland just south of the Pennsylvania border, makes up the majority of this home’s facade.
Expanding Markets
The company has recently, however, taken on a national marketing effort. “We’ve embarked on a campaign to obtain dealers nationwide,” said Steven Wagner, Marketing Coordinator of The H&K Group. “It’s taken off really well.”![](/SW/Home/Images/0409SW_reemerging014.jpg)
Glen Meadows is found on this residence, and Pinnacle Stone Products describes the material as “a very rich mix of buff and gray fieldstone with a hint of red and subtle black patina.”
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Heritage Mica, which makes up the facade of this home, is part of the architectural history of the “Main Line” area of Western Philadelphia, and it is making its mark throughout the East Coast, according to Pinnacle Stone Products.