Stone Forensics to Hold Stone Inspector Training in Conjunction with StonExpo

Stone Forensics will be conducting a Stone Inspector training program from January 27 to 31, 2014, during StonExpo in Las Vegas. The program is designed to teach the basics of inspecting stone and ceramic tile installations. According to Fred Hueston, who will be conducting the training, “The amount of failures, poor installations and … Read more

Fabricator Profile: Billings Marble & Granite

Billings Marble & Granite was founded in 1996 when owner Kenny Roesch made a decision to buy the company that installed the natural stone countertops in his own kitchen. Because Billings, Mont., is in a fairly isolated location, he and his son, who is now also his business partner, worked … Read more

Elite Industry International Offers Granite, Marble Slabs

Elite Industry Group International Ltd., based in Xiamen, China, offers a variety of granite, marble and other natural stone slabs. They are available in both 2cm and 3cm thicknesses in such colors as Black Cosmic (pictured here), Kosmos, Costa Esmerelda, White Supreme, Andromeda White, Aran White and Leopard. The company also offers … Read more

MIA: ‘OSHA’s Proposed Silica Rule a Serious Concern for Construction Industry’

In response to a notice by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that it intends to reduce the current silica dust exposure rate by 50 percent, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) is urging OSHA to maintain current levels. According to a release from the MIA, the current silica … Read more

Granex Breaks Ground on New Manufacturing Facility in Tampa, Fla.

Granex Inc., a supplier of granite and other natural stone, broke ground on a new manufacturing facility in Tampa, Fla. in August. The $6 million development will process granite and marble slabs from imported raw materials and create up to 50 new jobs upon completion. “This facility will be a … Read more

The Hazards of Silica Exposure in the Countertop Fabrication Industry

With the recent proposed silica standard update from OSHA, new light is being shined on an old problem – silica exposure. It is important that anyone working with natural stone, concrete or quartz surfacing/engineered stone understands the risks of silica exposure and silicosis. This video, put out by the U.S. … Read more

OSHA Announces Proposed Decrease in Allowable Silica Exposure for Countertop Fabricators

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a proposed rule it says is “aimed at curbing lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers.” The proposal seeks to lower worker exposure to crystalline silica, which kills hundreds of workers and … Read more