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TRANSCRIPT
00:28 Intro
01:37 New U.S. Tariffs and Hard Surfaces
05:02 “Safeguard” Action to Limit Quartz-Surface Imports
08:12 A Word from Quantra
09:25 California Silicosis Legislation
11:48 Diagnosis Errors with Silicosis?
12:45 NSI, ISFA Actions on Silicosis Awareness
13:41 Federal Bill to Waive Silicosis Liability
14:42 2025 U.S. Hard-Surface Imports: Mixed Bag
18:04 Cosentino, Caesarstone Financial Results
19:53 Italian Stone Equipment Sales Dip in U.S.
20:48 U.S. Tile Consumption Declines
22:00 U.S. Trade Shows Up in 2025
26:19 Leadership Changes: Coldspring
27:06 Leadership Changes: Cosentino
27:48 Leadership Changes: Neolith
29:04 MSI Celebrates 50th Anniversary
29:56 All-Woman Exam for Certified Tile Installer
30:32 Dallas Company gets $12.4 Million Fine in Transhipping Case
31:30 Caesarstone Closes Last Company Quartz Factory
32:25 Outro
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00:28
K. SCHIPPER: Hi, I’m K. Schipper for Radio Stone Update. We like to take the end of the year to look back at where the industry has been over the past 12 months. And, I say “we” because joining me today will be Emerson Schwartzkopf, publisher and editor of Stone Update Magazine and Hard Surface Report.
In both 2023 and 2024, the big story in the industry was silicosis and efforts to clean up the shop. That certainly hasn’t gone away, but awareness has helped dampen the blaze. However, a California effort to regulate shops more closely didn’t include everything supporters had wanted. It’s definitely a story we’ll keep an eye on in 2026.
As important as protecting fabricators from silicosis is, in terms of press coverage it pales in comparison to talk about tariffs. Being a key component of Pres. Donald Trump’s economic policy, tariffs have fallen on a huge range of products well outside the hard surface industry. Still, if you’re buying slabs from Brazil or tile from India, it’s definitely on your radar. Fortunately, Emerson Schwartzkopf is here to try to make sense of it all. Emerson…
01:37
EMERSON SCHWARTZKOPF: Thanks, K.
Tariffs ended up being a central issue in two major stories on hard-surface imports in 2025. One involves new duties on a variety of products from different countries, and the other centers on what could be a large category of man-made surfaces.
The first tariff concern this year came in April – April 2nd to be exact – when U.S. President Donald Trump announced across-the-board additional duties on nearly all imports. In a move to even out what he called as “large and persistent” U.S. export trade deficits; the president declared a general 10% tariff and other country-specific rates.
Those specific rates targeted several countries with strong records of hard-surface shipments to the United States, including Vietnam at 46%, Thailand at 36%. China at 34%, South Africa at 30%, India at 26% and the European Union at 20%. The office of the U.S. Trade Representative later negotiated deals with several countries to lower the new rates, with Vietnam dropping to 20% and Thailand to 19%.
Later in the year, however, two major hard-surface trade partners saw tariff rates skyrocket. In August, the president added a 25% tariff on all goods from India, due to that country’s continuing imports of Russian petroleum products.
In July, the president slapped a 40% special tariff on all goods from Brazil for a variety of reasons, including that country’s social-media regulation, alleged unfair-trade practices, and the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsenaro over an abortive coup. U.S.-Brazil negotiations later exempted products including quartzite, although other natural stones remain under the high duty rates. (And, by the way, Bolsenaro was found guilty before the relaxation of some of the tariffs.)
At the end of June, the total of calculated duties on U.S. hard-surface imports totaled $167.8 million, or roughly double the amount collected by the same time last year. And that half-year increase came after only 10 weeks of collecting the new tariffs this spring.
The future of those tariffs continuing in 2026 may be in serious doubt, however. The president used the federal International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, to impose the new tariffs. Several federal court decisions found the president exceeded his authority, and arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court last month seemed to indicate President Trump will lose his appeal. Look for a final decision early next year.
That’s something being watched closely by foreign quartz- and other mineral-surfaces producers supplying the U.S. market. Without the new tariffs, those hard surfaces would continue to move through U.S. ports-of-entry duty free (except for imports under special unfair-trade duties from China, India, and Turkey).
05:02
A separate concern for those foreign producers, though, is another U.S. government action that could impose high tariffs, or a quota system for shipments … or both.
In September, three U.S. surface manufacturers – Cambria, DalTile and Guidoni USA – filed a Section 201 petition with the U.S. International Trade Commission, or USITC. It’s also commonly known as a safeguard action designed to protect U.S.-based industries threatened by foreign competition.
A safeguard action is much like an unfair-trade complaint against a country for subsidizing exports and promoting sales with below-market values in the United States. Since 2019, the USITC found “material harm” from quartz-surface imports from China, India, and Turkey, and set varying levels of special tariffs based on the amount of damage to U.S. producers.
With a safeguard action, however, the USITC only proposes a remedy, such as a tariff or quota, if it determines there’s a harm to domestic producers. The issue then goes to the U.S. president, who can use the USITC recommendation or craft a different solution.
The U.S. quartz-surface producers, in its petition, asked for a combination of a 50% tariff on all imported man-made silica-based surfaces, along with a country-by-country quota system to limit foreign shipments. It also offered a broad definition of minerals that would fall under the action.
Since September, Hyundai L&C USA joined the petitioning companies, and a few other companies indicated support for the action. One original petitioner – Architectural Surfaces Group – later opted to drop out of the action.
The petition met with opposition from one surface producer and statements sent to the USITC from more than 700 fabricators. Also among 42 interested parties in the action are other U.S. and foreign companies, and representatives from the governments of Canada, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
The USITC will hold a hearing February 24th on the petition, and the commision’s staff will issue a report recommending possible actions on March 18th. The USITC will vote April 1st on whether foreign imports are a serious injury to U.S. producers; if the answer is yes, a hearing on possible remedy actions would be on April 14.
The USITC would then send its recommendations to the president by May 1. The president, however, can use either the USTIC recommendations, or construct any combination of tariffs, quotas, and marketing agreements.
Safeguard actions can remain in force for up to four years, with the ability to extend them for an additional four years.
09:25
K. SCHIPPER: Silicosis made news as 2025 began, with a lot of that activity coming from California. With the start of a new legislative session, Golden State lawmakers opted to take another swing at toughening state laws regarding stone fabrication that could lead to silicosis.
Senate bill 20, the Silicosis Training, Outreach and Prevention or STOP Act, was introduced by Sen. Caroline Menjivar, whose San Fernando Valley district appeared to be the epicenter of cases in the state.
As initially proposed, the act would have adopted a training program on best practices related to fabrication; developed a certification process for fabrication shops, and; prohibited the distribution of natural- or manufactured-stone slabs for fabrication to non-certified businesses.
The measure was built on recommendations from the Los Angeles and California departments of public health and the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, which voted in late 2024 to make permanent emergency regulations that protect workers from respirable crystalline silica. The regulations were first approved on a temporary basis at the end of 2023.
Aimed particularly at those who work with man-made stone such as quartz surfaces, the regulations highlight the need to protect workers who fabricate countertops and similar products made from materials containing more than 10% crystalline silica.
As the year moved into fall, California’s STOP Act moved out of the state legislature and to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom, but without several key provisions that would have boosted both fabrication education and enforcement.
In its final form, it retained the definition of fabrication problems involving crystalline silica and prohibition of material dry-cutting. However, it took out provisions for the state to develop training on safe fabrication, and by July 2027, to certify shops that followed that training. The final version of the bill also removed any requirement that natural stone and engineered stone slabs could only be supplied to certified fabrication shops.
According to the state department of health, 447 cases of engineered-stone-based silicosis have been reported, with 25 confirmed deaths.
11:48
Part of the problem, according to a study presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual conference, is that more vigilance is needed in early diagnosis of silicosis. Dr. Sundus Lateef, a diagnostic radiological resident at UCLA and the study’s lead author, says only an increasing awareness of the disease process can avoid delays in treatment.
The study involved a large urban hospital outside Los Angeles that had seen few historic cases of the disease. A preliminary analysis of 21 workers showed all were symptomatic and commonly had atypical and advanced features of silicosis.
However, only four of the cases were recognized initially by the primary clinicians as silicosis, and only seven were recognized by the radiologists. The study pointed to the need for more awareness and better recognition of imaging features associated with silicosis.
12:45
In an effort to make both fabricators and their employees more aware of what can be done to implement health monitoring processes related to silica exposure, the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) and the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) collaborated on new medical surveillance guidance.
The NSI board of directors worked with the Yale University School of Medicine to further study silica safety best practices, and the industry association developed additional resources to enhance workplace safety, including a comprehensive document on air respirator selection and use.
Two other studies will evaluate the effectiveness of silica safety best practices through employee air sampling and medical surveillance data. ISFA is collaborating in the development of these resources because of its commitment to improving industry safety and education.
13:41
Meanwhile, Congress also got into the act, with legislation introduced in September that would exempt manufacturers and sellers of natural and man-made stone slabs from liability lawsuits involving silicosis, and other unspecified dangers.
H.R. 5437, sponsored by Rep. Tom McClintock, a Republican from California, would stop civil actions being filed in any federal or state court, and would also dismiss any pending lawsuits if the bill becomes a federal law. Specifically, it would stop civil actions against manufacturers and sellers of stone slab products for injuries caused during fabrication, including exposure to respirable silica.
A seller under the proposed legislation would include an importer, distributor, retailer, or supplier of such products. The bill is now before the House Judiciary Committee, but no hearing date has been set.
14:42
Another area presenting a combination of mixed results was the performance of materials and products used by the stone fabrication industry. While stone itself looked pretty solid – pardon the pun – some other aspects, including man-made materials and equipment, could have been more robust.
Last December’s import figures from the federal government show U.S. imports for the hard surfaces industry reached almost $5 billion in 2024. Leading the pack were gains in quartz-surfaces and the “Other Stone” sector.
Figures provided by our sister publication, Hard-Surface Report, show last year’s final tally of natural stone, quartz surfaces and porcelain at $4.98 billion in customs value. That’s a 7% increase from 2023, although less than 2021 and 2022, when the final figure topped $5 billion.
The biggest increase came from the Other Stone sector, which includes quartzite. That number grew by 19.7% from 2023. Brazil led all countries in shipments with a 41% increase from 2023. Quartz surfaces led all other sectors in value, with $1.6 billion in imports, a 13.9% year-over-year gain. India led the way with imports of that popular material.
Porcelain’s increase was more modest, at $1.2 billion. That’s a mere 1.8% increase from 2023. Granite was the only sector to finish below 2023 shipments. It dropped by a very small 0.4%, to $5.21 million in 2023.
Looking at stone another way, Brazilian natural stone exports showed a hefty 12.7% increase in 2024, compared with 2023. Total revenue for the year was $1.263 billion.
In December 2024, the sector sold $125.3 million, a 64.1% increase from December 2023, and the highest December sales in the country’s history. Those figures were still surpassed by 2021 and 2022 revenues, which reflect strong demand due to COVID.
The United States remains the primary destination for Brazilian natural stone, representing $711.1 million in U.S. sales in 2024.
Brazil has continued to roll along through 2025. Total sales from January through November equal $1.35 billion in U.S. dollars. That’s almost $84 million more than the 12-month total for last year, and it comes despite the 50% tariff applied to a large segment of Brazil’s natural stone output by the United States in late August.
The tariff is blamed for decreases in sales of both granite and marble. Quartzite is exempt under the order, and sales of that material grew by 39%. Brazil has made up some of its late-year losses in sales to the U.S. by increasing sales to both China and Italy, and by opening a new maritime route between Rio de Janeiro and Abu Dhabi in expectation of increasing sales to the Middle East.
18:04
Cosentino Group reported that it closed 2024 with revenues of $1.5 billion, down 6.7% from 2023, and an EBITDA of $259 million, off 14% from that year. Net company income reached $71 million. Company officials attributed the decline to the continuing normalization of the market following the COVID pandemic increase, and uncertainly in the global economy in 2024.
The company’s sales continue to come mostly from international markets, with 56% coming from North America, mainly the United States and Canada. Notable for growth in 2024 were the Middle East and Asia, where sales increased more than 30%.
Despite a lower cash flow, Cosentino saw real success with its Hybriq+® technology, which allowed the company to reach 100% of Silestone® production with a content of less than 40% silica last year. The Silestone® XM line also launched, featuring a greater presence of recycled raw material and between 0% and 10% silica in its composition.
The third quarter report from Caesarstone showed worldwide revenue down 5.7% year-over-year from 2024, mainly due to lower volume. This year’s third quarter showed the company generating $102.1 million.
Company officials attributed the decline to economic difficulties in its main markets creating lower demand, along with greater competitive pressures. In the United States, third quarter 2025 revenues were down 10.6% from the same time last year, while Canadian revenues showed an 11.7% decrease.
19:53
Italian sources have revealed that at least one aspect of the stone industry wasn’t good for them in 2024. Foreign sales of Italian stone processing equipment declined by 14% from 2023. The number comes from the Confindustria Marmomacchine Studies Center in Milan.
A large portion of the decline came from the United States, where customers cut spending on Italian stone-working machinery, installations, equipment, and tools. Exports of those products decreased from 1.12 billion euros in 2023 to 969.3 million euros in 2024.
Topping the pullback was the United States, with 2024’s equipment purchases showing a 22.2% decline from 2023, or 137.5 million euros. Approximately 75% of revenue for the stone-equipment sector comes from foreign sales.
20:48
Also, the Tile Council of North America – the TCNA – reports a third straight year of decline in ceramic tile consumption in the United States in 2024, with 2.7 billion ft2, showing a 5.1% decline from 2023.
India remained the top foreign supplier at 394 million ft2, although its shipments were down 2.7%. Of the top five exporters by volume, only Italy posted an increase, growing 29% to 308 million ft2. Italy also led all countries in shipment values, although its $707 million in 2024 reflects a 2.1% drop from 2023.
Total import values for ceramic tile declined by 5.6% to $2.4 billion. The TCNA reports a large disparity in per-square-foot import values. While Italian imports averaged $2.29 per square foot, India’s shipments came in at only 62 cents per square foot.
22:00
While some companies and markets struggled with numbers, one area that remained hot in 2025 was industry shows. Shows in this country reported good, solid numbers, both for attendees and exhibitors. At the same time, the number and quality of education and training programs continue to increase. And, for the first time in 15 years, an independent show has a late 2027 debut planned.
As always, The International Surface Event – or TISE – led off the year with its annual showcase of materials and flooring solutions held in Las Vegas Jan. 28-30. And TISE did things up proud, hosting more than 700 global brands from 25 countries.
New for 2025 was the Natural Stone Specialty Program providing tailored education and resources for stone professionals, and a tour of the quarry and processing plant of Las Vegas Rock. Discussions projected optimism that the market is slowly regaining momentum. The 2026 version of TISE is scheduled for Jan. 27-29 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Industry members were back in Las Vegas at the end of February, when the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show – KBIS – set another record, bringing in more than 43,000 attendees. Co-located with the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show, or IBS, the two events drew more than 124,000 people to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Officials and exhibitors involved with the show were pleased with the results. Bill Darcy, global president and CEO of the National Kitchen and Bath Association which owns KBIS, says he believes the show is evidence the industry is thriving.
KBIS, again co-located with IBS, will hold its 2026 show in mid-February at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
Orlando was the spot for Coverings 2025, which drew nearly 25,000 industry professionals. Organizers were particularly pleased with the year-over-year growth of attendees who either specify or approve purchase of materials. They estimated 75% of attendees fell into those two categories.
In total, Coverings included 1,000 exhibitors from 40 countries spread over 440,000 net ft2. Jamie Rich, Coverings’ show director, said the show demonstrates how the global tile and stone industry continues to thrive through shared innovation, craftmanship and collaboration.
Typifying that were hands-on learning opportunities with live demonstrations and discussions offered by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation and the Stone Fabricator’s Alliance. Coverings 2026 will take place March 30-April 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Hardscape North America saw the largest crowd in its history in October in Louisville, Ky. Nearly 30,000 people from all 50 states and 52 countries filled the Kentucky Exposition Center to see what’s new in products, equipment and technology at HNA and the co-located Equip Exposition.
By itself, HNA saw a 10% increase in attendance from 2024. More than 225 exhibitors filled more than 61,000 ft2 at the exposition center, while outdoors the Hardscape House and the 30-acre Outdoor Demonstration Yard provided attendees with a chance to learn new installation techniques and test-drive equipment. HNA 2026 will be Oct. 21-23 in Louisville.
And, the Stone Equipment and Supply Alliance – SESA – has announced it’s launching a new trade show for the industry. Called SurfEx, the event will debut Nov. 3-5, 2027, in Indianapolis. It will be the stone and surface fabrication industry’s first standalone trade show in more than 15 years and is aimed at fabricators of countertops and dimensional materials.
Organizers say it will showcase the latest in equipment, supplies and surface materials, and have a strong educational component. We’ll release more information on the show as it becomes available.
26:19
Change – any change – is a double-edged sword. It can bring new ideas and new ways of doing things, and a lot of uncertainty. Still change is inevitable, and some of the industry’s top companies saw changes at the top in 2025.
Late January saw the first significant announcement of a change at the helm when Pat Alexander, the chief executive officer at Coldspring for the past 41 years, announced he was stepping down from that role. Replacing him is his son-in-law, Mike O’Connor.
O’Connor joined Coldspring in 2019. The company has been family-owned and -operated since 1898 and currently operates 30 quarries and multiple fabrication facilities around the country. As part of the transition, Alexander is remaining with the company as chairman of the board.
27:06
In late April, Cosentino reported that it was revising its corporate structure and making a generational change in the process by naming 46-year-old Pilar Cosentino as CEO. She took over the job from 73-year-old Francisco Martinez-Cosentino who continues to serve as president in a management structure separating the two positions.
Pilar Cosentino has worked for the company for more than 20 years, and she has both a law degree and an MBA.
Eduardo Cosentino, 42, is now the company’s sole executive vice president, while continuing as CEO of Cosentino North America. And Alvaro de la Haza became the chief corporation officer.
27:48
April also saw the appointment of Walter Ceglia as the new global CEO for the Neolith Group. He has more than 20 years of experience leading projects in international industrial environments.
Most recently he served as executive chairman of HMY, a Franco-Spanish company, where he led a far-reaching strategic transformation, taking the company from being a specialist in the food market to a global player in retail.
With his presence, Ceglia is seen as addressing Neolith’s commitment to sustained growth in the sintered stone market, building on its 2024 growth in key markets such as the United States and Asia.
And, in November, Neolith announced the promotion of Michele Ballarin to the position of CEO, Americas. Ballarin joined Neolith in October 2022. Before his promotion, he served the company as chief revenue growth officer, and prior to that, as executive vice president for the West Coast of the United States and for Latin America.
Finally, in every year, there are a few events that deserve a little special recognition, either for good or for ill. Here are our selections.
29:04
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of M S International, Inc. Founded by Manu and Rika Shah in the basement of their home in Ft. Wayne, Ind., the couple initially imported blocks of granite to the natural stone industry on a part time basis.
Nine years later, the couple moved the operation to Southern California and began to grow MSI full time. Today, the Orange, Calif.-based company operates 50 branch locations, a company-owned truck fleet and serves most of North America.
With more than 3,000 employees, family continues to be one of the most important pillars of the company, which annually wins awards for its culture. Manu Shah continues to serve as CEO -Emeritus, and day-to-day operations are directed by the couple’s sons, Raj and Rup, as co-CEOs.
29:56
A dozen women tile installers celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 by gathering at Carpet and Tile Warehouse in Vero Beach, Fla., to take the first-ever all-women Certified Tile Installer or CTI hands-on exam.
When the day was over, six had passed the test, bringing the total number of women CTIs to 20. The groundbreaking event was organized by the National Tile Contractors Association’s Women in Tile. Women are still less than 1% of all CTIs.
30:32
A Dallas-based supplier of countertops and cabinets, along with its president, will pay more than $12 million to resolve a federal case involving alleged evasion of unfair-trade duties with quartz surfaces.
Allied Stone Inc., and its president, Jia “Jerry” Lim, agreed to pay $12.4 million to resolve a 2021 civil action claiming they violated the federal False Claims Act. The company and Lim are alleged to have knowingly evaded or conspired to evade duties on Chinese quartz surface products imported between late Sept. 2018 and early Feb. 2023.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations and there has been no determination of liability. The United States alleges that Allied Stone and Lim misrepresented the Chinese quartz surface products as other merchandise subject to lesser duties, such as marble or crystallized glass.
31:30
And Caesarstone Ltd. has announced it will outsource all its quartz-surface production while closing its last company-owned plant. Caesarstone was one of the earliest manufacturers of quartz surfaces.
The announcement came from CEO Yos Shiran in early November as part of the publicly traded company’s third-quarter financial report. The closing of the Bar-Lev plant is part of the company’s move to cut costs, with the goal of achieving a profitable third quarter next year.
Closing the plant is estimated to cost between $4 million and $8 million with non-cash impairment of up to $45 million through the next 12 months. This year’s third quarter saw Caesarstone report $102.1 million in revenue, down 5.7% from the same time last year.
32:25
Speaking personally, I would like to thank all our listeners and all our sponsors for making this a great year. For a transcript of this podcast, go to our website at www.radiostoneupdate.com. For Radio Stone Update, I’m K. Schipper, joining Emerson Schwartzkopf in wishing you a happy holiday season. And we’ll see you here again in 2026.
“This strategic action is intended to increase competitiveness, improve the company’s profitability and cash flows, enhance service and drive additional cost efficiencies through an optimized manufacturing footprint,” Shiran says.
Closing the Bar-Lev plant is estimated to cost between $4 million and $8 million, with non-cash impairment of up to $45 million through the next 12 months. Other costs could come in dealing with a non-cancellable lease through 2032, although that could be offset by subleasing the property.
In total, the moves are expected to generate annual savings of approximately $22 million and bring total savings since 2023 to more than $85 million, according to Shiran.
This year’s third quarter saw Caesarstone reporting $102.1 million in revenue, down 5.7% from the same time last year. The company attributed that to economic difficulties in its main markets creating lower demand, along with greater competitive pressures.
In the United States, third quarter 2025 revenues were down 10.6% from the same time last year, while in Canada, revenues showed an 11.7% decline. Ironically, sales in Australia were up 5.9%, despite that country banning quartz-surface importing and use. Companies such as Caesarstone now offer alternative-mix surfaces in Australia.
Caesarstone also reported its involvement in 514 individual lawsuits alleging injuries related to exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust, including 320 in the U.S. Caesarstone stock is traded on the NASDAQ with the ticker symbol CSTE.
04:15
The Brazilian natural stone sector is growing, despite tariffs imposed by the United States. The biggest drops were seen in exports of granite, marble and soapstone.
According to the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas), exports totaled $1.24 billion (U.S.) between January and October of this year, a 20.3% increase over the same months last year. However, Brazilian officials say the increase does not reflect a stable environment.
Projections indicate the sector could have achieved even stronger results if not for the steep decline in sales to the United States of materials impacted by the tariffs. Granite exports declined by 14.7%, marble by 9.8% and soapstone by 54.6%. All these products are subject to the U.S. government’s additional 50% tariff.
Brazilian natural stones appear on the list of critical non-metallic minerals for U.S. residential construction. However, only one tariff classification – that of quartzite – is exempt from the tariff. Quartzite has also seen significant growth, especially for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
The United States remains the primary destination for Brazilian natural stones, accounting for 53.9% of exports between January and October, followed by China and Italy. Both those countries made record purchases of stone from Brazil this year, particularly raw blocks.
05:47
Neolith announces the promotion of Michele Ballarin to the position of CEO, Americas. Most-recently, he served the company as chief revenue growth officer, and prior to that he was executive vice president for the West Coast of the United States and for Latin American distribution.
Ballarin joined the Carlstadt, N.J.-based sintered stone surfaces producer in October 2022. He brings more than two decades of experience in the building materials and industrial manufacturing sectors to his new role. Prior to joining Neolith, he held senior leadership positions at Florim, as well as positions at Lapitec SpA and Breton SpA.
In making the announcement, Ballarin was cited for his strong commercial vision and proven leadership in building high-performing teams, strengthening relationships with architects, designers, and fabricators, and scaling specifications across core markets.
In his new role, he will focus on customer experience, partner excellence, and local responsiveness to accelerate Neolith’s momentum. Ballarin replaces James Amendola.
07:31
The board of directors of the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) has approved its 2026 Budget and Strategic Framework.
The adoption, which came during the organization’s 2025 annual conference in Phoenix, marks a major step forward in ISFA’s efforts to serve as a voice of the countertop and surface fabrication industry.
The 2026-2028 Strategic Framework is built on a foundation of five key areas:
*Membership and Community Growth
*Safety, Health and Regulatory Compliance
*Education, Training and Workforce Development
*Advocacy and Standards, and
*Relations and Insight.
ISFA’s goal is to create a stronger countertop and surface fabrication community by championing quality craftmanship; growing a skilled workforce; elevating consumer awareness; sharing real-world know-how, and; promoting safety and professional standards.
Entering into its second year is the Fabricator Safety Initiative, an effort that aims to protect workers, strengthen shop operations and ensure the industry proactively drives policy rather than reacting to regulatory intervention.
A key element of that plan is the development of a national consensus-built standard for countertop and surface fabrication contractors and shop licensing. The new standard will outline safe and professional shop practices; give shops clarity on responsibilities; build confidence among manufacturers, distributors and consumers, and; provide the countertop and surface fabrication industry a seat at the table with government agencies.
Once the standard is completed, ISFA will finalize a shop accreditation program, following all ANSI/ISO standards for accreditation. Fabrication shops will then be independently evaluated to affirm that their operations meet the new national standard.
08:55
Last month’s Hardscape North America (HNA) show held in Louisville, Ky., saw the largest crowd in its history.
Nearly 30,000 people from all 50 states and 52 countries filled the Kentucky Exposition Center to see what’s new in products, equipment and technology at HNA and the co-located Equip Exposition.
By itself, HNA drew just under 3,700 attendees, a 10% increase from last year. They saw more than 225 exhibitors in more than 61,000 ft2 of the North and West Wings of the expo center. Outdoors, the 42,000 ft2 Hardscape House and the 30-acre Outdoor Demonstration Yard provided attendees with a chance to learn new installation techniques and test-drive equipment.
Building on its 2025 success, HNA has already opened its registration for the 2026 show, to be held next Oct. 21-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Registration is currently open for a limited time at $12.50. Education programs can be added after they are announced in March of next year.
HNA is produced by the Concrete Masonry and Hardscape Association and is endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and the Natural Stone Institute. For more information on the 2026 show, go to www.HardscapeNA.com.
The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) announced Will Richardet and Mark Christensen as winners of the 2025 NTCA Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year awards.
10:26
The annual awards recognize two outstanding professionals for their craftsmanship, leadership and commitment to the trade. The winners are:
*Richardet, the Commercial Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year, began his career at Richardet Floor Coverings while still in high school. Today, he has successfully managed hundreds of commercial projects, consistently meeting budgets and exceeding client expectations. Richardet is known for his creativity, attention to detail and problem-solving skills. He’s also a dedicated mentor, and an active supporter of local workforce development initiatives.
*Christensen, the Residential Craftsperson of the Year, has more than 25 years of tile setting experience, after initially entering the flooring industry to help his father install carpet. He shifted his focus exclusively to tile in 1999, founding Tarkus Tile Inc. Christensen is known for taking on the most-intricate projects with enthusiasm. His workmanship has earned him three Coverings Installation and Design (CID) Awards.
Both honorees will be formally recognized at the Ambassador Reception on Jan. 26, 2026, during The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas.
11:55
Two surface manufacturers have been recognized by Good Housekeeping with its 2026 Home Reno Awards.
Coral Gables, Fla.-based Cosentino was cited for its Le Chic Boheme surface, part of its Silestone XM collection. And, LX Hausys America in Atlanta was recognized for its Teracanto Onyx Pearl porcelain.
The Le Chic Boheme collection was particularly praised for its resistance to staining, scratching and heat. Health and safety experts also noted that Silestone is a low-silica formulation, containing less than 10% crystalline silica.
The recognition of Teracanto Onyx Pearl cites its ability to combine beauty and cutting-edge performance. Inspired by the luminous depth of natural onyx stone, the surface features a softly diffused base with a translucent appearance accented by coppery veining.
Beyond its visual appeal, Onyx Pearl exemplifies the durability and innovation that define Teracanto. Made from 100% natural raw materials, the porcelain surface is heat-, scratch- and UV-resistant. Its nonporous finish is also easy to maintain, and while it was recognized as being “Best for Bath,” the judges also called it suitable for other parts of the home.
Along with hosting the world’s largest show of stone and related products, the China-based Xiamen Stone Fair has been dedicated to exploring innovative design and revealing trends in cross-industry integration.
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Next March 16-19 at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center, the sixth edition of the Xiamen Habitat Design and Life Festival (XHDLF) will present a perceptual revolution under the theme of “The Sensory Theater of Stone.”
Co-hosted by the Xiamen Stone Fair and the International Habitat Interior Design Association (IHIDA), the festival aims to explore the ideal living space, facilitate industrial development by design and improve the aesthetics of urban life.
The festival features three parts: Habitat Interior Design Exhibition, Habitat Interior Design Development Forum and Study Tour.
XHDLF will unleash the sensory value of stone, infusing living spaces with various ways of perception and emotional warmth. Stone is transformed from a functional material into a vital choice for creating immersive multi-sensory experiences.
Along with that, the Habitat Interior Design Development Forum aims to deconstruct the narrow framework of traditional material narratives and shift toward multi-sensory expressions. It will explore how design can endow stone with greater expressions and how its physical properties can be transformed into sensory experiences.
The Study Tour is customized for designers to meet their needs though field trips to stone companies and processing centers in person. There, designers are able to get a comprehensive understanding of the stone industry from raw blocks through processing to finished product.
Over the past five years, the study tour has visited more than 40 stone companies in China and connected designers with stone manufacturers. For more information, go to www.stonefair.org.cn.
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Remember, Radio Stone Update will air only once in December, when Emerson Schwartzkopf and I take a look at the top news stories in the hard surfaces industry for 2025. For a transcript of this broadcast, go to www.radiostoneupdate.com. I’m K. Schipper for Radio Stone Update, and we’ll see you here again soon.
