Retrospects 2005

SESSION - I - NEW HORIZONS FOR THE INDIAN DIMENSIONAL STONE SECTOR

Session Chairman - Mr. R. Veeramani Chairman Granite, Natural Stone & Product panel, CAPEXIL and Chairman, Gem Granites
Mr. Henry Lloyd Hudson Economic Group, USA
Dr. Sergeev, Germany Director, HSC Applications Consulting, Germany
Ms. Paola Blasi Director, IMM Carrara, Italy

 

Mr. Henry Lloyd of Hudson Economic Group, USA, pointed out that from the industry point of view the marketing of stones is still in primitive stages in India. According to Mr. Lloyd, USA market of natural stones accounts for over 12 Billion US $ and to tap such a vast market he gave a suggestion of advertising Indian stones directly to end user so that the dealers/traders in US or any where in world be more than eager to buy Indian stones. He asserts that aggressive marketing of China will not last long and if properly marketed, Indian stones can do wonders. He said 21st century global marketing demands 21st century marketing tools.

Dr. Sergeev, Director, HSC Applications Consulting, Germany informed about new processing technology of natural stones- dry high speed milling by which design stoneware using machines could be produced more effectively and at a very fast pace. By using the 5-axis drilling machine technology, almost anything in stones could be produced.

Ms. Paola Blassi introduced new standards and CE certification, which are going to be mandatory from August/September 2006. CE certification would be mandatory for almost all applications of stone be it cladding, fixing, flooring or stairs. It was informed that IMM Carrara would provide detailed guidelines for easy implementation of the norms. She further emphasized on changing the mindset so that the norms could be easily acceptable.