A rock-solid industry

Kootenay Granite Plus is making tremendous progress

The granite fabrication industry is a lucrative field. —

Keith Powell photo

When Rick Klassen started Kootenay Granite Plus three years ago, his research told him that Cranbrook, B.C., was just the right place to be.

“This was a type of business that hasn’t been done in Cranbrook, or even in this whole valley,” said Klassen.

The work that goes into granite construction is intensive, requiring both precision and skill. Kootenay Granite Plus maintains this profound level of workmanship, making it a valuable and necessary addition to the Cranbrook community.

“Our main product is granite, so we fabricate (it), cut it and polish it,” said Klassen. “The main things that we would fabricate would be kitchens and vanities, fireplaces, dining room tables—that sort of thing.”

Exotic materials

The material required to construct these stone masterpieces is not readily available in Canada. In most cases it has to be obtained from distant sources.

“The granite comes from all over the world,” said Klassen. “A little bit (is) from Ontario, but the majority is from Brazil, Italy (and) the Middle East. (Depending on where it’s sourced from) the colours and…the character of the stone changes.”

A worthwhile investment Klassen was excited to announce that he has just purchased new, leading-edge equipment.

“We got a CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machine,” he said. “It allows us to produce product a lot faster and more accurately. It was a pretty major investment, we definitely had to see if there was a need or not.”