Within the past year, GCI Surfaces of Clearwater, FL, increased production, downsized its footprint, and began to cut intricate stone pieces — all with its new Baca Robo SawJet
dba GCI Surfaces, located in Clearwater, FL, decided he needed to speed up his production rate in the shop. In September of 2014, he purchased a Baca Robo SawJet, which he believed would help him achieve this goal.
“We needed a faster way to cut our slabs, a small footprint because the shop space was becoming limited, and the ability to do intricate cuts as well as maximize yield we could get from a slab,” explained Gladstone. “This machine does that. The software is fast and easy to learn and use. The accuracy of the cuts is exact. If calibration is required, it is easy to do. The safety features are second to none.”
The waterjet feature of the Robo SawJet has also sped up the fabrication process on the CNC. “We cut all radial and sinks out with it,” said Gladstone. “This has taken the fingerbit cycle completely out. I put a new fingerbit on the CNC in September 2013, and it has been used maybe four times to date.” The reason is that the Robo SawJet is a high-production dual-table SawJet that integrates both a high-pressure abrasive waterjet and a 20 HP direct-drive saw. It can produce a slab every 20 minutes.
In 2005, he moved to Florida and was enlisted by one of his accounts to make a laminate countertop for a job they had contracted him to do. That was the start of his countertop business. “We moved from laminate to solid surface and then to quartz and natural stone,” said Gladstone. “My wife, Debra, joined the business full-time in 2002. Our mission was to grow the business. The growth strategy that we envisioned was to gain strength of critical mass, but to carry and sustain the business without losing sight of our original ‘mom and pop’ service philosophy.”
Since its beginning, GCI Surfaces has fabricated granite, marble, onyx, limestone, soapstone, quartz, stainless steel, laminate, solid surface, and composite marble. Residential is a primary market for the company, with the average kitchen measuring 55-75 square feet. Additional markets include commercial, healthcare, and federal. Some recent projects GCI Surfaces has supplied stone for are the St. Joseph Children’s Hospital addition, Sarasota Fire Station #16, Lakeland Automall, Cannon Subaru, and numerous GTE Financial offices and Suntrust banks.
The fabrication facility also houses a Northwood Fabcenter, a Comandulli Omega 60 polishing line, a Farnese Miter saw, and an Aqua Pro water treatment system. GCI uses Vincent Tyrolit tooling as well as ADI tooling from GranQuartz. Additionally, the company’s saws are equipped with Terminator blades, and it buys other tools and accessories from Omni Cubed, Braxton Bragg, Salem Stone, and Regent.
“Baca Systems continues to make upgrades, and they ensure you get them,” he said. “Support is excellent. If we have any issues we can’t resolve on our own, we call them, and they log in to your computer and resolve them. We like to show our customers the technology that is used to make their countertops, and when they see that the Robo SawJet is in operation, the ‘wow’ factor is priceless.”
Of the 8,500-square-foot facility, 1,000 square feet is allotted for the showroom. The company runs one shift with six employees, all of whom are cross-trained to fabricate and install. Templating is done with a Faro Digital Template and a Laser Products LT-2D3D Templator.
“We are currently in negotiations to acquire the second half of our building, which will allow us to move our solid surface division and give me an area for indoor storage for our quartz slabs and remnants,” said Gladstone. “We measure our success by the lasting relationships we have built with our customers, vendors, and employees. We will always be personally involved in the project — from material selection to design to installation. The countertop choices available today can be overwhelming. We believe that we best serve the customer by being straightforward and honest, presenting the facts so you can make informed decisions, thus creating a satisfying and enjoyable experience.”
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