Based in Charlottesville, VA, the owners of Albemarle Countertop Co. have placed an emphasis on processing quality stonework rather than focusing on volume.
Sistone Inc. of Van Nuys, CA, fabricates natural stone and CaesarStone quartz surfacing into countertops as well as architectural elements such as tub and shower surrounds, cladding and even furniture.
Just as there has been major advancement in equipment for cutting, shaping, polishing and edging stone products (as reported in the January 2009 issue of Stone World), there have also been significant developments in the tooling, accessories and other products for stone processing and countertop production.
As this downturn/recession/depression (pick
whichever term you like) wears on, we are hearing some ugly stories of fabrication
shops closing down, but I recently heard one of the worst ones yet. The
fabrication shop at issue is Rock Tops, which is based in Michigan and operated
in several states, and they apparently ceased fabrication in late December of
2008.
As expected in a volatile economic climate,
American stone
fabricators have a range of predictions for the coming year - according
to this exclusive Stone World fabricator survey - but investments
in machinery and other business necessities will continue.
New equipment for cutting, polishing and shaping stone is continually being introduced and updated, with an eye on increased production and efficiency.
Despite challenging times for many Brazilian stone suppliers, the Vitória Stone Fair is certain to feature the country’s leading producers, who will display the latest stone materials to an international audience.
Since 1990, Cajugram of Mimoso do Sul, Espírito Santo, Brazil, has been increasing its capacity, and its products are shipped to destinations around the world.
Operating high in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, a new onyx quarry is yielding several varieties of material, which are being processed into a range of finished products.