At around 8,000 square feet, Graniti Verbano’s stone-working shop in Gravelloni Toce, Italy, is certainly not the largest in the region. But its level of automation — particularly in its sawing operations — is comparable to any shop in the world. As a processor of slabwork as well as three-dimensional stone, Graniti Verbano’s stone production is used for monuments as well as architectural applications.

Equipment includes two GMM Litox bridge saws with different options. Both are CNC saws with a fully rotating and fully inclining (0 to 90 degrees) head.

The latest model of the Litox in place at Graniti Verbano features a vacuum-lifting device, which is used in conjunction with the machine’s software to reposition pieces during the cutting cycle, virtually eliminating the need for manual intervention mid-cycle. This increases safety in the workplace while also saving time and raw material.

Graniti Verbano also selected an optional MiniCAD system for the Litox, wherein the machine is equipped with a camera that takes a photo of the slab to be cut. DXF files are then simply dragged and dropped into place by the operator on the touch-screen, and the cuts are executed.

Because much of Graniti Verbano’s fabrication is custom, one-of-a-kind stonework, it has also invested in technology for surface finishing. A GMM Sirio is in place for quick, automated surface treatment of stone slabs. The machine can calibrate, polish, hone, antique or bushhammer all varieties of stone, and it is equipped with abrasives from Tenax.

With an eye on the environment, Graniti Verbano has an extensive water treatment system in place at its shop.