Stone World Magazine

June 2017

www.stoneworld.com

U.S. Quarried Stone
Report from China

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June 2017 • Vol. 34, No. 6
www.stoneworld.com

FEATURES 38

38 Tennessee Stone Summit

U.S. Quarried Stone
42 Continuing to prosper
56 The resurrection of an historic stone
62 Reviving a quarry

Report from China
66 Improving a cultural image
74 Touring the Shuitou Fujian stone region

DEPARTMENTS 56
74
14 Stone Column
17 Newsline
20 Statistics
26 News
80 New Products
81 Calendar
82 Machine of the Month
84 Technology Update
85 Marketplace
87 Classified
88 Ad Index

On the Cover: Recently, Michels Stone of Fond du Lac, WI, a division of Michels Corp.,
obtained the ANSI/NSC 373 Sustainable Dimension Stone Certification. Read more about
the company and the process it went through beginning on page 42. Michels Stone is one of
several stone producers featured in the U.S. Quarried Stone focus of this issue of Stone World.

Coming Next Month: In July, Stone World will cover Stone in Architecture, including a
roundtable where several architects discuss the benefits of designing with natural stone,
trends they are noticing when it comes to working with the material and how they go
about finding new stone varieties. The next edition will also take a look at the latest
applications for compact/ultrathin slabs, detailing why materials such as Neolith, Lapitec
and Dekton are becoming popular among the design community, and what fabricators
are saying about cutting these materials. The issue will round out with a product section
showcasing the most recent innovations for fabricators, including equipment, tools and
accessories that assist in running an efficient stone shop.

STONE WORLD (ISSN: Print 1052-6994 and Digital 2329-2822) is published 12 times annually, monthly, by BNP Media, Inc., 2401 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 700, Troy, MI 48084-4903. Telephone: (248) 362-3700,
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new address to STONE WORLD, P.O. Box 2144, Skokie, IL 60076. For subscription information or service, please contact Customer Service at: Phone: (800) 652-8994 Fax: (847) 763-9538.

Stone World | June 2017 13

STONE COLUMN

STEPPING OUTSIDE THE SHOP

As I sit down to write this Stone Column, I feel like I can finally take a breath. It’s been a busy first
half of the year for myself and the Stone World staff — filled with a great deal of traveling, both do-
mestically and abroad, to trade shows, workshops and other stone industry events. This is in no way
a complaint, as we always learn something new, meet a new industry member or reunite with an old
friend. It might make it difficult sometimes to balance being out of the office while still putting the
magazine together, but it always works out in the end and is definitely worth our time. I do apologize
though for anyone who might have received a delayed response from me in the past few months.

Talking with Jason Kamery, who you know is our managing editor, it seems the one common de-
nominator we have been noticing when attending these events is the willingness to share
ideas and experiences. The majority of the stone industry is sincere about wanting to help
and teach one another. Whether I am at a fabricator forum during TISE or Coverings or
one of the workshops Stone World holds with the MIA+BSI, I can more often than not feel
the energy in the room and the comradery many share when discussing issues that affect
them as fabricators.
Jason recently returned from the SFA Italy Tour, where he spent a little over a week with
about 14 fabricators visiting stone-processing plants, machinery and tooling manufactur-
ers and even a quarry. He said enthusiasm was high and communication within the group
was continuous. I have also been privileged to have the opportunity to experience this
trip, and it was the same way back then. With many hours together on a bus and one fine
dinner after another to socialize over, it is amazing how even after a long week participants
are still eagerly talking shop by the end of the trip. In my opinion, this is a testament to

our industry. While it isn’t always easy at times, many of those who are in it for the long haul try to
take a minute to step outside of their shop and network with others who are experiencing similar
situations and issues — even if they are in different regions of the country.

In the past month, I was in Memphis, TN, and then Chicago, IL, for the Stone World / MIA+BSI
workshops. And at some point during both sessions I overheard a fabricator telling another that it
was difficult to leave work, but he was happy he came. As I mentioned earlier, at times I find it dif-
ficult to juggle my day-to-day workload when traveling, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. To
attend one of our workshops, or one of the several organized by the SFA throughout the year, only
requires leaving your shop for a day or two. If you go to a trade show, or lucky enough to be invited
on the SFA tour and accept, you would have to allot more time for your absence. If you are a small
shop, in particular, I understand how even leaving for a day might not be the easiest thing to do.
Every person and shop is different, so it is understandable to weigh the pros and cons. But in the end,
my guess would be that the majority of those who decided to attend one of the many types of indus-
try events would agree they came away with something beneficial — whether it be a new method to
try when dealing with employee or production issues or meeting a friendly competitor in your area.

And what I enjoy most about attending various industry events is meeting new people and receiv-
ing feedback on our magazine. I met many new friends along my travels this year so far, and I hope
to meet more in the months to come. Some are good sources for fabricator case studies and others
offered other story ideas. Myself and the Stone World staff are always open to suggestions. We strive
to continually to improve our publication, and your input is invaluable.

Jennifer Richinelli, Editor

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NEWS

CLIO HOLDINGS PURCHASES organization’s nearly 1,000 employees development of the Clio family.”
PREMIER SURFACES in 17 locations. Premier Surfaces was founded

HOUSTON, TX — Eric Tryon, owner “After our first meeting, our shared in 2002 with one location north
and founder of Premier Surfaces, vision for the industry quickly became of Atlanta, GA, before acquiring
recently announced the sale of his apparent,” said Tryon. “I am proud of operations in Birmingham, AL, and
business to Clio Holdings. As part of the business that I built with Premier Chattanooga, TN, and opening a new
the transaction, Tryon became the Surfaces and how it was well positioned location in Huntsville, AL. Following
appointed CEO of Clio and will con- for this next step, but now I’m looking the acquisitions, Tryon and his team
tinue supporting the efforts of the forward to championing the successful
Clio Holdings
PSG-125 PSG-125 acquires Premier
Surfaces, and its
HIGH-PERFORMANCE INQDUUASLTIRTYIAL company founder
PNEUMATIC GRINDER Eric Tryon has been
appointed CEO of
eCaroglumobmnopiodnamyuctmic WSOeLtDcSuEtPtAinRAgTkELitY Clio Holdings.

Powerful 1.4 HP Built-in oil were successful in transforming each
motor with speed port for daily business by sharing best practices and
control governor maintenance implementing a teamwork mentality
for all associates.
Adjustable
rotating “Our industry continues to evolve
exhaust and we are at a critical point where
information sharing is key for con-
tinued growth,” said Tryon. “The
Rockhead Group, and all of its compa-
ny-members, which include individual
fabricator businesses, manufacturers,
tooling and service providers, are a
great example of how our industry is
joining forces to elevate the way in
which we do business. I am very
thankful for my network of peer stone
fabricators that have allowed me to
not only professionalize my individual
business but also now give me the abili-
ty to run Clio Holdings and its multiple
operations. The entrepreneurial spirit
and vive of the Rockheads is certainly
one of a kind and one that has added
tremendous value in my career.”

Reversible ARTISAN GROUP CELEBRATES
safety lever 10TH ANNIVERSARY
throttle
AUSTIN, TX — The Artisan Group
Two celebrated its 10-year anniversary with
auxiliary the largest turnout of members and
handle exhibitors for its fifth annual Artisan
positions Group Meeting & Industry showcase
in Austin, TX. The show featured 27
103 Bauer Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436 • 800-648-7229 Fax: 800-286-0114 countertop-related exhibitors and 34
www.alpha-tools.com Artisan Group member companies,
including new exhibitors: Braxton-
Copyright © 2017 Alpha Professional Tools. All rights reserved. Bragg, Comandulli, Weha, Marmo
Meccanica, Intermac, Sasso, Regent
Stone, GranQuartz, GMA Garnet,

26 June 2017 | Stone World

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NEWS

The Artisan Group celebrates its 10-year anniversary. 2018 Tucker Design Awards are now
open. Both awards programs are spon-
Augusta Surfaces and Affinipay. The of exhibitors, met with some prospec- sored by MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone
group meeting also included a pre- tive members, solidified plans for the Institute.
sentation by Casey Brown, owner of remainder of this year and 2018, and
Precision Pricing, a firm that helps had a great best practices meeting with The Pinnacle Awards recognize nat-
companies improve profits through Jon Lancto, MIA president, & Artisan ural stone industry companies whose
better pricing. Best Practices Facilitator.” works exemplify professional mastery
in the use of natural stone. Awards are
“It has been amazing to see how the MIA+BSI ANNOUNCES PINNACLE given in six categories:
industry has responded to our annual AND TUCKER DESIGN AWARDS • Commercial Interior (sponsored
showcase and has helped us to grow CALL FOR ENTRIES . . .
this networking event,” said Chad by Mapei)
Seiders, Artisan Group executive direc- The submission periods for both • Commercial Exterior (sponsored
tor. “This year we doubled the number the 2017 Pinnacle Awards and the
by Mapei)
• Residential Interior/Exterior

(sponsored by GranQuartz)
• Renovation/Restoration (sponsored

by Coldspring)
• Kitchen of the Year (sponsored

by Vitoría Stone Fair/Marmomac
Latin America)
• Bath of the Year (sponsored by
Vitoría Stone Fair/Marmomac Latin
America)

A Grande Pinnacle Award (spon-
sored by Marmomac) will be presented

GETTING YOU COVERED

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28 June 2017 | Stone World

ALL WATERJETS CUT STONE. THE BEST CUT COSTS TOO.

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PLASMA I LASE R I WATE RJ ET I SOFTWAR E I AUTOMATION I CONSU MAB LES

NEWS

to the best overall project. The 2017 Pinnacle Awards are
open to MIA+BSI members only and will be presented at
TISE 2018 in Las Vegas, NV.

The Tucker Design Awards recognize design profession-
als whose projects achieve excellence in the use of natural
stone in design and construction. No project categories are
required. The Tucker Design Awards are open to any design
professional or natural stone industry member on behalf of
the design team. The 2018 Tucker Design Awards will be pre-
sented in February 2018 in San Antonio, TX.

To access entry forms and submission guidelines for the
2017 Pinnacle Awards, 2018 Tucker Design Awards, or to
learn more about the MIA+BSI Awards Program, visit www.
naturalstoneinstitute.org/awards.

BLANCO WINS RED DOT DESIGN AWARD

LUMBERTON, NJ — Blanco’s “Blanco Artona” was named

a 2017 Red Dot award winner in the Product Design cate-

gory. Manufacturers and designers from around the world

were invited to enter their products to be judged by a jury

of 40 independent designers, design professors and special

journalists. The 2017 competition received more than 5,500

entries from a total of 54 countries.

“The launch of Artona was an extremely iconic moment

for Blanco and to see it receive such astounding recognition

with the Red Dot

award is a great

honor,” said Tim

Maicher, market-

ing director for

Blanco. “Liveable

faucets like the

Artona are such

an essential addi-

For Indoor and Outdoor The Blanco Artona was chosen among 5,500 tion to kitchen
entries as the 2017 Red Dot award winner in the design and to win
• Also for Natural Stone, Quartz and Glass Product Design category. an award within a
• Strongest bond in the industry competition that is

• UV stable, no yellowing or bleeding so heavily focused on design and innovation shows just how

[email protected] 1.888.862.6665 special the Blanco Artona really is.”
www.integra-adhesives.com
The Artona faucet with pull-down spray is offered in a
30 June 2017 | Stone World
variety of dual finishes to coordinate with Blanco’s Silgranit

colors, as well as full chrome and stainless models. It also

offers both kitchen and bar/prep models and has different

spray models for water conservation.

INDIANA LIMESTONE COMPANY LAUNCHES
MAJOR WEBSITE UPGRADE

BLOOMINGTON, IN — A comprehensive website upgrade
from the Indiana Limestone Company combines eye-catching
design, user-friendly navigation, exceptional photography,
indispensable technical material through the company’s
online library and easy access to premier customer service. The
new site launched on May 1, 2017. The web address remains
unchanged: www.indianalimestonecompany.com.













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Tennessee
Stone Summit

Fabricators in the southeast gathered at Pacific Shore Stones’
facility in Memphis, TN, to discuss pertinent topics to the stone industry
— ranging from the most effective way to cut quartzite and ultra-compact
material to handling negative online reviews and employee management

by Jennifer Richinelli

The 2017 stone education series 2017 marked the first time MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute stone industry
— organized by MIA+BSI: The education series, which is done in partnership with Stone World, was held in
Natural Stone Institute and Stone Memphis, TN.
World — made a stop in Memphis, TN,
for the first time and the results were with running this type of business, importance of knowing the average
extremely positive. The all-day event, Naquin asked attendees to introduce of what it costs to fabricate a job. “It’s
which was hosted by Pacific Shore themselves, give a brief description the bottom line — the cost to fabricate,
Stones, drew 28 fabricators from 18 of their company and explain his or measure and install,” he said. “It’s
different companies. her expectations of the workshop. He the sustainability of your company. If
encouraged audience participation and your company fails, it’s not only you,
According to Aaron Danke of told attendees not to hesitate to ask but everyone’s job goes out the door.
MIA+BSI, Memphis was an ideal loca- questions. They will get out of the ses- It’s your responsibility to keep every-
tion because of it close proximity to other sion what they put into it. one employed.”
states, such as Mississippi, Arkansas and
Missouri. Additionally, Memphis itself Know your expenses Naquin asked the audience if they
has quite a few fabrication facilities and know what their overhead is. “It should
those MIA+BSI spoke with expressed The morning discussion kicked off be around 20%,” he explained. “When
gratitude about a Stone Summit coming with metrics. Naquin emphasized the you shoot for your profits, you should
to their region.

The educational session was led by
GK Naquin of Stone Interiors North
America, a large fabrication company
with four locations in the Southeast —
two of which have received the MIA
accreditation credential. Naquin won the
2005 Stone World Fabricator of the Year
Award and served as the 2011 president
of the MIA and Board of Directors.

Before getting into the nitty grit-
ty of stone fabrication, as well as the
management issues that come along

38 June 2017 | Stone World

The all-day event, which
proved successful, was led by
industry veteran, GK Naquin of
Stone Interiors North America.

be around 35 to 45% gross — before Breaks throughout the day allowed participants to learn about products offered by
overhead. It’s material cost, labor cost; sponsors.
it includes depreciation on your CNC,
pick-up truck — anything related direct- Appreciation was shown to the group at Pacific Shore Stones, who hosted the
ly to fabrication/installation. If you are educational workshop.
hitting 35%, then you are pretty much in
a range you can make 6 to 10% net profit
a year. Then you want to shoot for a 10%
net profit. That’s what I consider sustain-
able. 6% is the minimal, otherwise you
are spinning your wheels. Those not
making that, you need to start looking at
why you aren’t making that.”

Naquin also stressed the impor-
tance of educating your sales staff.
“Sales people have to know it takes
twice the time to run quartzite through
a machine than granite,” he said. “They
have to know that is why it is priced
higher. They need to know an under-
mount sink in a Dekton or Lapitec
countertop will cost a whole lot more
than a surface cut out.”

The discussion then led to working
with home builders. “My sweet spot
is my builder because I don’t have to
have the service component behind the
builder as I do with the retailer,” said
Naquin. “I have a builder program for
custom home builders in our region.
Builders are never as loyal as they pre-
tend they are. Their purpose is to build
it cheaper. The builder market is one of
my lowest-priced markets because they
do bring me repeat business.

“I layer my price structures based
on my clientele,” Naquin continued.
“My miter edge for a builder is differ-
ent than my miter edge for a retailer.
We offer a ‘package.’ You can minutely
tweak prices to get a little more money
out of the job. With retail, I am involved
in the job more. There’s more detail. An
ogee edge on a CNC costs nothing, so
charge a little more than a flat edge.

Stone World | June 2017 39

Don’t sell ogee edges though if you There was some rustling in the audi- and want to rectify the situation.
don’t have a CNC because then it takes ence during this talk. One participant Moreover, Google ad words were
you a lot more time than a flat edge.” said she doesn’t like other fabricators the
area and wouldn’t trust them. Naquin talked about. Some of the fabricators
Hiring and reiterated members of the stone industry think they are a good way to reach out
retaining employees need to learn from each other. “The reali- and get detailed feedback. The group
ty is to be friends,” he said. “Understand, also discussed community efforts.
When a group of fabricators gather, they are in business like you.” Potentially sponsoring little league
lately it is not uncommon for the topic teams is a nice way to let people know
of employees to surface. “In 2008, we Breakout groups who you are. They also thought blogs
lost a whole lot of people in our indus- are a good way to reach out and edu-
try,” said Naquin. “In our Alabama After lunch, participants were sepa- cate consumers.
shop, we had 75 and we went down to rated into several breakout groups to
18 in each location. We are now start- discuss topics of specific interest to On the administration side, the
ing to grow again. The guys we had let them. In the “technology” group, fab- group discussed the importance of
communication within your organiza-

In the afternoon session, attendees were divided into smaller groups to discuss specific topics relating to technology, sales and
marketing, and administration.

go have repositioned themselves with ricators wanted to know what blades tion. If you have forms your employees
oil companies, etc. because they were each other were using to cut quartzite
talented people. We are now trying to and ultra-compact surfaces. They also aren’t filling out, it falls on the shop
find people.” discussed ways for sharpening blades
to prolong their life. owner. The group believes it is neces-
One participant suggested the three
things to look for when hiring a new Another topic that rose during the sary to communicate your expectations
worker include assessing if they can discussion was how to handle working
physically do the job, if they can learn with faucets. The fabricators asked each as an employer. Make your employees
and can they show up on time. The other if they are drilling faucet holes
conversation then turned to who do with a CNC or on the jobsite? Most understand they need to do what you
you turn to in times of a crisis. “What agreed it is better to do it in the shop,
do you do if you are all digital and your but make sure to get the specific details need them to do.
machines go down?” asked an attendee. about the faucet from the homeowner.
“You still need to get it done.” Several in the group said they
Those who got together to talk about
Naquin explained you do need to sales and marketing shared experiences receive a great deal of applicants
plan for emergencies. “You need to and frustrations with online reviews.
have someone in your area you respect While positive reviews are beneficial, through Facebook. They also discussed
and can help you out — someone who how do you handle the negative ones?
would cut during their night shift,” he The consensus was to respond imme- implementing a program to reward
said. “I still have a bridge saw in our diately. This will demonstrate that you
shop. I’m just saying it’s not necessary.” care that your customer wasn’t satisfied employees for not having a callback.

Following the Memphis Stone

Summit, there were sessions held in

Chicago, IL, and Baltimore, MD. The

next one will be held in Livermore,

CA, on Thursday, June 22. To learn

details about this event or see if there

will be one coming soon in your

neighborhood, visit www.stoneindus-

tryeducation.com. q

40 June 2017 | Stone World

















GET THE BEST!

FORGET STICK TEMPLATES,

MISTAKES AND EXPENSIVE WASTE.

DIGITAL TEMPLATING WITH
THE PROLINER IS FASTER, MORE
CONVENIENT, CUSTOMER FRIENDLY,

ECO FRIENDLY,

AND THE ONLY
ONE PROVIDING YOU
WITH A PERFECT FIT!

STAY COMPETITIVE, GO DIGITAL

Prodim USA Phone: 888-229-3328 Part of the Prodim Group
7454 Commercial Cir. Fort Pierce, FL 34951, USA
Prodim International BV Phone: +31 492 579050
Lagedijk 26, 5705 BZ Helmond, The Netherlands

www.prodim-systems.com

Most stones quarried by Michels are suitable
for indoor and outdoor applications.

Core Values of Safety, Environmental true benefactor of the certification is
Stewardship, and Sustainable Business
Practices,” said Schumacher. “Pursuit of the design community and the end
the certification shows our commitment
to these values as well as the communi- user, according to Schumacher. “One
ties in which we live and work. Going
through the certification process helped of the biggest challenges facing the
us take a closer look at what we could do
as an organization to improve on what specifying community and their cli-
we currently have in place. The result-
ing efficiencies that were discovered ents today is selecting products and
will make us a stronger organization as
we continue to grow our operations and methods that truly align with green/
reach new markets. Expansion, for an
organization, is very easy. The growth sustainable practices,” he said of the
of an organization must be much more
strategic if it is going to be sustainable in only certification for natural stone
the long term.”
that is recognized by both the U.S.
With this new certification, there
are advantages for Michels as both a Green Building Council’s LEED (v4)
fabricator and quarrier, though the
and the Living Building Challenge

(v3.1). “Selecting stone that carries

the 373 designation will help clients

attain the credits needed to achieve

their sustainability goals. In a market

that is full of options, our clients can

be confident that they are selecting a

Different-sized stone pieces laid in ashlar natural stone that was produced in an
patterns help create a unique look for
many of the company’s projects. environmentally and socially respon-

sible manner.” q

50 June 2017 | Stone World