Mapei announces Florida expansion with new facility

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL -- Mapei Corporation announced the expansion of its existing Wildwood, FL, facility with the groundbreaking ceremony for the addition of a new 260,000-square-foot powder production and distribution facility. “The existing facility has proven to be such a tremendous asset as a distribution center that the construction of additional distribution space, along with four powder production lines, will greatly increase our ability to meet our customers’ demands,” said Luigi Di Geso, president and CEO of Mapei North America. “Now we will be even better able to bring product and services to our customers in the surrounding states, as well as throughout North America, with the increased powder production.”

Mapei has contracted with Geis Construction, one of the nation’s leading technical design builders that is focused on highly complex, fast-track, sustainable industrial and commercial projects, for the expansion. “We are thrilled to have been selected for this exciting and challenging project where we are once again able to demonstrate the strength of our team,” said Jeffrey Martin, president of Geis Construction. “Mapei will continue to operate and not be affected by our construction activities as we prepare space inside existing buildings for support areas and add the foundations, utilities and infrastructure to support the 75-foot-tall powder-line systems.”

Not only will the expanded powder-line facility increase production, it will also increase Mapei’s need for various roles and positions from the local area. Currently, there are 14 full-time Mapei employees working at the existing facility. However, “when the expansion is complete and the four powder lines are up and running, we anticipate the need for 160 full-time employees,” said Di Geso. “This is not counting the truck drivers and other staff who also service the facility.”

Stone Services Group commits to donate to the Natural Stone Foundation with every square foot installed

Chicago, IL – Stone Services Group (SSG) has announced it will support the Natural Stone Foundation by donating money with every installation project they complete. The Natural Stone Foundation is the charitable arm of the Natural Stone Institute and serves to provide funding for important stone industry programs and initiatives.

SSG had two distinct divisions, industry software sales and integration, and commercial services. The commercial services division works with fabricators who have won or want to bid on commercial projects, but either do not have the resources to install or template them or want to allocate their own resources elsewhere. SSG’s network of stone and solid surface field professionals complete projects all over the U.S. and focus on multi-family, hospitality, schools/universities and hospitals.

Starting April 1st, SSG will make quarterly donations to the Natural Stone Foundation based on each and every square foot its team installs across the country. SSG is also developing a tracker to place on its website and digital communications to show a running total of contributions. The goal is to raise $1,000 in 2021, which allows SSG and their field professionals to directly give back to the industry providing their livelihoods and feel good about where their donation is going.

“I have worked with NSI for many years and am proud to support this new effort with both my time on the Foundation Board and financially through Stone Services Group.” said Rich Katzmann, CEO at SSG. “The value provided by this initiative to our industry is exactly the type of program we want to be associated with. We sincerely hope that our fabricators also consider implementing a similar program.”

“All proceeds from this fundraiser helps the Natural Stone Foundation underwrite important stone industry programs produced by the Natural Stone Institute,” said Jim Heib, CEO of Natural Stone Institute. “This is another way stone industry professionals can give back and help make a difference that will positively impact the industry and its employees.”

Stone Equipment & Supply Alliance formed

Minneapolis, MN -- A group of 37 U.S.- and European-based companies in the stone equipment and supply industry have formed the Stone Equipment and Supply Alliance with the purpose of communicating a unified voice regarding industry events and tradeshows. A board of directors has been created and is composed of the following industry leaders:

• President: Mike Schlough, Park Industries

• Vice President: Rick Stimac, BB Industries

• Treasurer: Ivano Tirapelle, Comandulli NA

• Secretary: Nick Wadenstorer, BACA Systems

• Member at Large: Michele Ragno, Biesse America

“This is a great opportunity for stone equipment and supply companies to make the trade show experience better for both exhibitors and fabricators," said Nick Wadenstorer of BACA Industries.

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