Namibian Stone Goes Direct U.S.

WINDHOEK, Namibia – Bridgewater Marble and Granite Works of Bound Brook, N.J., signed an agreement in late August with Namibia Stone Processing (NSP) to directly import Namibian stone to the United States.
According to a report in The Namibian, the deal could increase revenues for Omaruru, Namibia-based NSP by $5.5 million, and also give it an international marketing presence for finished products. Currently, most of Namibia’s marble and granite is exported in blocks to South African and European finishers and distributors.
Bob Foster, Bridgewater’s managing partner, stated at a Windhoek press conference that he welcomed working directly with NSP for finished products, such as marble tiles.
“I came to see (the NSP) plant, and I was very favorably impressed,” Foster said, adding that problems experienced so far by NSP were part of “normal teething problems.”
Foster said that Namibia’s colorful stone products would sell well in his East Coast market. Yellow-golden colors, such as those found in Namibia, are popular.
BMG imports and distributes stone; it also fabricates and installs marble and granite for residential and commercial locations, Foster said.
The New Era in Windhoek reported that Namibian President Hifikpeunye Pohamba officially opened the NSP plant last July 20, and the company has been seeking new marketing partners for exporting products.
The New Era also noted that NSP would finish and export granite slabs to the United States on a trial basis.