Marmomac 2024 will take place from September 24 to 27 at Veronafiere in Italy. The event is one of the most important for the natural stone industry, bringing together more than 1,500 exhibitors from around the world. With a focus on technological and creative innovation, the fair offers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in stone products and processing tools. This year’s edition…
Logistics remain a challenge for natural stone exporters in Espírito Santo. Approximately 1,900 stone containers that have already been sold are currently stuck in the state, waiting for space for export, representing over R$280 million (US$50 million) in sales yet to be shipped. Tales Machado, president of Centrorochas, highlights that efforts are underway to find solutions, but the situation persists. He projects that with…
CRUZZTO Tests Innovative Solution for Shipping Stones Without Containers Capixaba company CRUZZTO is testing StoneLift, an innovative solution that allows stones to be shipped without containers. With this technology, CRUZZTO aims to reduce loading times by up to 60% and cut costs for end consumers by up to 15%. The first practical test of StoneLift will take place this month, with four units…
During my recent visit to the U.S. to meet with clients and partners, a growing trend became evident: a 20% average increase in natural stone sales. This growth has been driven by three main factors: These factors suggest a growing market for natural stone, with significant opportunities to meet the evolving consumer demands. Source: Leandro Uchoa conversations with clients and visits…
A suburban-area fabricator is facing more than $1 million in federal penalties for dozens of violations tied to the failure to protect workers from silica dust. 300 OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced Monday that it took action against Florenza Marble & Granite Corp. in Buffalo Grove, Ill. An OSHA inspection of Florenza this past February found…
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union, which represents 45,000 workers at major container ports, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are currently in negotiations as the union’s contract expires September 30. In a report from Reuters, the groups have not yet reached an agreement on “pay, terminal automation, healthcare coverage and retirement benefits.” Last week, the ILA delegates unanimously agreed to a…
The housing market, dogged in recent years by high prices and interest rates, is expected to get good news on the rate front soon. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower interest rates at its next meeting on September 17 and September 18. The federal funds rate currently stands at a 5.25% to 5.50% range, and there are expectations that the…
After a modest downturn, homeowner expenditures for improvements and repairs are expected to trend up through the first half of 2025, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released today by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The LIRA projects that declines in annual spending for renovations and maintenance to owner-occupied homes…
