GMS Field Trip June 2024

GMS Field Trip
Plant Tour and Various Rocks in Georgia
Friday, June 7, 2024

Decked out in our matching GMS safety vests, we started the plant tour by perusing racks of big slabs. While the many colors and patterns were intriguing, we became really excited when members began pointing out faults, metamorphic folding, and sedimentary features, as well as minerals including garnets and manganese dendrites. The plant manager enjoyed our enthusiasm and appreciated having a geological view of the materials in addition to his business perspective. The plant uses sophisticated robotic arms that are capable of using either water jets or traditional blades to cut slabs. We saw both methods in action. So, not only did we see garnets in slabs, but we also saw garnet sand in high-pressure water jets cutting slabs. At one point, we watched an employee use an overhead crane to move a large slab across the plant and place it on a cutting table. Later, when we were passing by the area, we could see the process was programmed to cut a particular pattern.

One of the highlights of the trip was watching an enormous saw using a 10-foot blade to cut a massive block of granite. Members were mesmerized by the saw’s almost pendulum-like motion as it moved back and forth over the block, cutting deeper and deeper with each pass. After we left the plant floor, we relaxed and cooled off in the company’s showroom where we chatted with the plant manager and saw examples of the materials they process, then we went outside to collect bits and pieces from a pile of scraps. The variety of materials available made it easy for everyone to find plenty of things to take home. After collecting, some members went to a granite museum nearby to learn more about granite and the history of granite quarrying in Georgia.

Many thanks to the plant manager and employees who graciously showed us their processes and answered our questions. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip, especially the juniors, and we are looking forward to another trip to see some new equipment that is currently being installed. Thank you to members who shared their knowledge and enthusiasm, and of course, thank you to Charles for arranging this great trip!

Lori Carter on behalf of Charles Carter
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