StoneDimensions

Day 2 of Quarry Tours Minnesota began at Granite Tops. This is the type of fabrication shop that many strive to be with fully integrated digital technology. This is an efficient a shop as we have seen. The group then proceeded Park Industries where Fred Jackson taught us about how the stone industry industry fits into the green movement. While at Park, they also enjoyed a presentation by Rod Sigman about the care and maintenance of stone. He cleared up some common questions about different types of sealers. After the presentations the group toured Park Industries. The technology they have developed is amazing. On top of all that, there was a demonstration about how all the machines are made and how they run.

The quarry tour started out day 1 learning what everyone needs to know about natural stone from MIA Technical Director, Chuck Muehlbauer. Armed with their new knowledge, the group departed from the hotel for Cold Spring Granite's Diamond Pink Quarry. It was an interesting experience where they got to see some traditional quarrying techniques. Terry Boerboom, geologist for the Minnesota Geological Survey was along for the ride to lecture about local geology. He highlighted the ages of the different granite deposits throughout the state of Minnesota.

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The 2012 MIA Quarry Tour & Stone Boot Camp kicked off last evening at the Holiday Inn Legend’s Bar & Grill in St. Cloud, MN. Participants gathered to network with stone industry colleagues over a drink, sponsored by Miles Supply. Jim Hieb said, “The reception was a big hit. Members had a great time getting to know each other.” In the next couple days participants will see firsthand the inner workings of the stone industry, from quarrying to tool manufacturing.

Tom Meyers of Miles Supply is presented a quarry tour sponsorship plaque by MIA's Jim Hieb.

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This 2 day training program is designed to expose stone professionals to facets of the industry only available in a fast-track boot camp environment. Attendees will be exposed to technical presentations, quarry tours, production facilities, tooling and equipment suppliers, slab distribution, sustainability, care & maintenance, and much more. A great blend of classroom instruction and facility tours!

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