Studies build case for stone industry in North.During the last 20 years a number of studies have been conducted in the potential development of granite granite, coarse-grained igneous rock of even texture and light color, composed chiefly of quartz and feldspars. It usually contains small quantities of mica or hornblende, and minor accessory minerals may be present. and marble quarries Quarries may refer to:
n. An obstacle or impediment. stumbling block Noun any obstacle that prevents something from taking place or progressing Noun 1. to the potential development of this abundant natural resource in this region. Given the recent changes in market trends and demands in North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. and internationally, vastly improved trade relations and regional contacts with the U.S. Midwest Midwest or Middle West, region of the United States centered on the western Great Lakes and the upper-middle Mississippi valley. It is a somewhat imprecise term that has been applied to the northern section of the land between the Appalachians , international growth in demand for specialty stone, advantageous currency rates vis-a-vis the Euro, and enhanced production/marketing capabilities in the region, an opportunity now exists to explore this untapped potential of the north western Ontario economy. This potential can be divided into the three key areas of supply, processing (or manufacturing) and demand. The first is to identify the supply of a wide range of quality stones to meet the demands of the market. A lot of work has already been done in this area and it should not be too difficult to get the latest information. It is also important to identify the development potential of extraction points with support facilities and supply recommendations and associated development cost for each location. There are presently three suppliers (producers) of granite (blocks) in northwestern Ontario. They are all located in the Dryden-Kenora area. These companies ship their larger blocks out of Ontario in order to have them processed (value added Value Added The enhancement a company gives its product or service before offering the product to customers. Notes: This can either increase the products price or value. ), except for one that operates a smaller plant for monuments MONUMENTS. Permanent landmarks established for the purpose of ascertaining boundaries. 2. Monuments may be either natural or artificial objects, as rivers, known streams, springs, or marked trees. 7 Wheat. R. 10; 6 Wheat. R. 582; 9 Cranch, 173; 6 Pet. 498; Pet. . We, in northwestern Ontario, could save all those transportation costs if a manufacturing operation (to cut the blocks into slabs) was built in this region. Most of the cutting (slabbing slab 1 n. 1. A broad, flat, thick piece, as of stone or cheese. 2. An outside piece cut from a log when squaring it for lumber. 3. Baseball The pitcher's rubber. tr.v. plant) is presently done in Quebec. There are no such operations in Ontario. This would be the second key area for development and probably the most critical in terms of cost savings by eliminating transportation costs. The third area that needs further development is the finishing and marketing component (demand side). We are already off to a good start in a local company right here in Thunder Bay Thunder Bay, city (1991 pop. 113,946), SW Ont., Canada, on Thunder Bay inlet of Lake Superior. The city was created in 1970 by the amalgamation of the twin cities of Fort William and Port Arthur and two adjoining townships. , doing polishing and finishing work on marble/granite tiles and countertops for kitchens. Unfortunately, the market requires a vast array of quality products and a range of colours, all of which are not produced locally, so some have to be imported. However, northwestern Ontario is ideally positioned to take advantage of one of the fastest growing markets in the world, right next door in the U.S. Midwest, and having what the market requires (at a competitive price) is also extremely important. Fully developing the range of potential quarries in this region would greatly enhance this supply to meet the demand for the product. In conclusion, we have some good quality raw materials some of it being extracted right now and shipped out unfinished, some of it still in the ground. We have some valued-added operations that are doing some finishing work and marketing it successfully into the U.S. Midwest. What seems to be missing is the second part of a three-step process. That's the manufacturing component through a slabbing plant that will cut the blocks into slabs to be finished, cut and polished into anything the market requires. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The challenge, and one that has eluded us for many years, is to be able to integrate the three into a unified, seamless process. As long as each part operates on its own, we will not see this industry develop to its full potential. I do not believe that any one group of people, government agency or industry will be able to bring it together. This worthwhile goal to create new job opportunities in the North will require the efforts of all the key players in the field, and the support of all three levels of government. We have what it takes to be successful, so let's start using it by realizing that we are only as strong as our weakest link. Finding the missing link is the key for solutions to many of the challenges we are facing in the North. Frank Pullia is the principal of Pullia Accounting & Consulting and a former city councilor coun·cil·or also coun·cil·lor n. A member of a council, as one convened to advise a governor. See Usage Note at council. coun in Thunder Bay. He can be reached via e-mail to frank@frankpullia.com. |
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