New Documentary Traces Incredible Relationship Between Man and Stone
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Marble Institute of America
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Cleveland, OH, January 21, 2013 — A new documentary that chronicles a 2.5 million-year love relationship between man and natural stone has been released by the Marble Institute of America, the leading source for information on the world’s oldest building material.
The History of Man and Stone. A Documentary is a 54-minute program that traces an interconnection that started when primitive man began creating tools and weapons from stone. Today, it continues as a $50 billion a year global industry, where stone is quarried and processed in more than four dozen countries around the world.
“This program really presents the definitive history of the stone industry and how one of nature’s true wonders has become affordable for almost any commercial, residential or renovation project anywhere,” said James A. Hieb, executive vice president and CEO of the MIA.
“Production would not have been possible without the generous support of M S International, the primary sponsor, and other organizations that contributed to the project -- Daltile, Marmomacc and StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas,” Hieb said.
With nearly 40 interviews conducted in the U.S. and around the world and remarkable footage from quarries, projects, and fabrication facilities, the documentary tells a compelling story of how the stone industry grew. From the days of handling and cutting massive blocks of stone by hand to automated processes which drastically reduced the cost of the material, the story of how the stone industry came of age is compelling and a tale of innovation.
The program shows how stone was originally used for primitive housing, then the key building material for the great pyramids of Egypt and some of the world’s most beautiful and enduring structures and eventually, a popular material for the home use.
“Once you see the documentary you will know why natural stone for the home, once thought to be affordable only by the wealthy, has literally become a staple for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and other applications in the home,” Hieb said. “The story of how stone morphed from being used almost exclusively in commercial construction to creating a booming residential business in the United States and other countries is a fascinating story,” he continued.
The History of Man and Stone. A Documentary was produced for the Marble Institute of America by Bill Levy Productions, Inc. of Beachwood, OH, which has chronicled the growth of the industry for the past decade.
The program, shot and edited in high definition, will premier at StonExpo/Marmomacc in Las Vegas, January 28-31,2013.
For information on how to purchase DVD copies of the “The History of Man and Stone. A Documentary, go to www.marble-institute.com and click on the “Documentary” link.
About the Marble Institute of America
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has served as the authoritative source of information on standards of natural stone workmanship and practice and the application of natural stone products for over 65 years.
Membership in the association is worldwide and includes nearly 1,500 natural stone producers, exporters/importers, distributors/wholesalers, fabricators, finishers, installers and industry suppliers committed to the highest standards of workmanship and ethics.
