Spearheading strategic direction, Gaurav Aggarwal is one of the three founding members and is responsible for the futuristic and chic outlook of Stonex. The brain behind many path-breaking innovations in the stone industry, Gaurav's passion for marble and stone goes a long way. Always having had an eye for the diverse variety of marble available across different shapes, colors, textures and patterns, he actively ventured to discover these. Intrigued by the process and creation of the natural design, Gaurav extensively explored some of the world's best stone collections and procured marble from the best of quarries. LITZ, in a special one-on-one interaction with Gaurav Aggarwal, delved in the voyage that Stonex India took to become one of the recognised marble businesses in the country, now making a mark on the global realm. Excerpts are here… How have you, along with other co- founders, evolved in these years? Do share, in brief, about your journey so far, your background, your struggle and ceremonies. Coming from a humble, modest background, I started very young. However, the family's strong value system, backed by support from my father and mother, led us onto the path of creating something for ourselves. With the idea passed down by my maternal uncle, who ran a marble company, we decided to get into the industry. The initial few years into this new area of business were the most challenging. Within a span T May 2023 There has been a conscious effort to show the versatility and strength of stone as a material. We used it structurally in the main factory building, in landscape, and cladding, as screen to cut off harsh sun in office building. - Urbanscape Architects or 7-8 months in 2001, my brothers joined in and set out to build the company with limited means of capital and infrastructure. High persistence and constant support from each other helped us create Stonex India. By 2006, we were importing marble as well. T May 2023 Tell us about your inspiration and ideas behind the inception of Stonex. Taking inspiration from an exhibition that centred on stones back in the day named 'Stone Ex', we decided to name our company Stonex with X being multiple aspects that define us- x-factor, experience, expertise and more. Vikas Aggarwal, Gaurav Aggarwal and Saurav Aggarwal Stonex was established in 2001 by three founding members Vikas Aggarwal, Gaurav Aggarwal and Saurav Aggarwal. Stonex India offers a collection of premium-grade marble, semi-precious stones, granite, travertino, onyx, limestone, and composites sourced mainly from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Namibia, Greece, Brazil, and Turkey. It has a range of over 500 varieties of marble and natural stones. The company imports the natural stones largely from Europe and processes them at Kishangarh in Rajasthan. Stonex is the largest importer of natural stones in India and the 10th largest in the world. T May 2023 David by Michelangelo T h i s i n s t a l l a t i o n i s a n o b v i o u s transformation of David which is one of Michelangelo's most-recognizable works. Michelangelo's chooses to depict David before the battle where he is tense and he caches him at the apex of his concentration. He stands relaxed, but alert, resting on a classical pose known as contrapposto. The slingshot he carries over his shoulder is almost invisible, emphasising that David's victory was one of cleverness, not sheer force. He transmits exceptional self- confidence and concentration, both values of the 'thinking man', considered perfection during the Renaissance. This is a figure that is focused on the future rather than one who is contemplating the past. I wanted to portray the exact same notion but in a much more metaphysical approach i.e being and non-being, presence and absence, the solid and the intangible. Every slit through the persona or the sculptor depicts the different personalities a soul has but has a very strong form to sustain all the personalities. But in the very centre of the body there is a heart which is extremely fragile and beats as one. The interlay with the solid form of the body which in marble and the fragility of the heart which is made in glass evokes the sense of metaphysical polarities. If a man in today's age knows how to balance those he is truly a "happy man". – Kiran Gala
Since the establishment of Stonex as a leading marble company, how has the company's strategy for the local and international market evolved over the years? Share the brand journey so far and the primary business philosophy of your company?
I believe a brand is like a credit card, not a visiting card. We have always been very careful about how we grow as a brand for the clients, regardless of the losses or redo. Our forward-looking, experimenting and client-centered Thru the depths It is with incessant and intense efforts that brilliance comes out. It is with unrelenting focus and passionate perseverance that the outcome gets magical. 'Thru the depths' is an ode to such passion, endeavour and intent... that results in a 'gem', a marvel of nature... delicately extracted from the depths of earth and finely crafted by the ones who care... – Vibhor Sogani business philosophy has helped us achieve momentum in the field. I am very happy to share with you that we are the first brand in the country to re- export imported marble after necessary processing of the product. Owing to the new technologies we have adapted at our centres, we stand in close competition to even Italian marble companies that work across the globe, not only in terms of economics and pricing but quality also. In addition to that, we are among the few marble companies who provide an assortment of more than 500 products. What gives Stonex an edge over other stone importers in the country? The few things that makes Stonex stand out is the quantum, promotional capabilities with architects, brave approach and all-inclusive thought process which lends us a priority and comfort with old and new suppliers. T May 2023 Vitruvian Man Sculpt doesn't mean digging a stone, but finding the breath of life that the stone reveals. This gallery goes the extra mile to A tribute to Da Vinci ensure that an already beautiful natural material when A union of perfect architecture and unconventional art, A combination of ideal symmetry and not so perfect showcased well oozes opulence. Careful selection of stone asymmetry both in colour, proportions and its location create awe in the My Vitruvian Man is a blending contrast of both space. Composition of stone, wood, aluminum create a My inspiration lies upon- Da Vinci, a noted artist, wonderful experience where this gallery creates a niche - it musician and philosopher. helps us identify the right mood board for our spaces. This sculpture further motivates me to be a multi-tasker. - Hiral Jobalia Studio – Rupesh Baid The Stonex Experience Centre, in the city of The facility's clean and elegant design language is a perfect Kishangarh, offers an immersive experience of the reflection of the company's commitment to excellence and world of stone craft. The Stonex Experience Centre is a innovation. The entire complex has been designed to provide a true marvel of modern architecture. The Centre's seamless and unforgettable experience to the visitors, as they take breathtaking design is a seamless blend of natural a journey through the various stages of stone processing. The beauty and sophisticated elegance. With its stunning interiors are impeccably styled, featuring plush furnishings, mood exterior and impeccable interiors, the Centre is a lighting, and premium finishes. Visitors are instantly transported to stunning testament to the company's unwavering a world of opulence and sophistication, where every detail is commitment to excellence and innovation. designed to offer a unique and enriching experience. T May 2023 How do your products help design professional in creating their dream designs? Since marble is a unique, naturally-occurring material, available in a plethora of designs and established at our MP facility which adds to the total electricity textures. Our team of professionals, located all produced via renewable resources to 75%. We have 10 water over the world, keeps on finding newer harvesting pits which lets us give back 345% of the water that we materials that makes us up-to-date with the consume in totality. We are also setting up an office space in Delhi incoming and outgoing trends. My brother and which is aiming for the LEED Platinum rating from IGBC. partner Saurav engages in conversations with architects and designers to hone a unique If you had to put an idea or message into the world of architecture design taste, giving an edge and freedom to the and interior design, what would it be? designers. This fosters a sense of partnership I really feel that it is time for Indian architecture to shine through. with the well-travelled customers. We work as Holding a rich history of design and craft, I believe India can dictate eyes and ears of the architects, present all new design statements throughout the world. It is the perfect across the world, always ready to deliver the moment to grab the opportunity and explore our distinct, capable required product. thoughts.
How do you cope-up with the evolving needs of architecture & design fraternity/industries?
Our R&D team keeps evolving our material portfolio with newer finishes and textures. This inspires and promotes better designs, while our inclusive nature connects us with the design industry at depths. What new products or innovations are you planning to introduce for the future? We are soon launching two new business units of Stonex- aesthetic art and functional art- for which we are collaborating with artists and designers from all over the globe to create art out of blocks of stone. We will be co-creating art pieces from all the seven realms of fine art using various other materials along with marble to give life to the story-telling, aesthetic imaginations of designers.
What is your vision for achieving sustainability in operations and applications of Stonex products?
Currently, we are producing around 45-50% of the electricity consumed by our unit through solar power. Moreover, a windmill unit was T May 2023