Manufacturer and Installers Collaborate on New Terrazzo System

Realizing that a product is as good as the people installing it, MAPEI, the manufacturer of an innovative terrazzo system, Terratop™, has joined forces with BAC and the International Masonry Institute (IMI) to conduct custom training and certification programs.

IMI began working with MAPEI, a world leader in floor installation systems, during the product development phase, conducting field tests at the IMI National Training Center, and designing custom training programs for Terratop™ installers. The product will be guaranteed when installed by BAC/IMI certified mechanics and finishers.

From left, standing, IMI NY Training Director Dennis Holloway, BAC Regional Director Gerard Scarano, BAC TMT Craft Director John Mason, Local 7 NY/NJ apprentices David Elam and Travis Braxton, Local 7 JATC coordinator and IMI instructor John Cosentini, apprentice Bobby Glavin and IMI Regional Training Director Robert Mion. From left, kneeling, Local 7 NY/NJ President Charlie Hill and apprentice Luis Mendoza. The plaque, which recognizes the contribution of BAC Local 7 NY/NJ, IMI, MAPEI and Pro Terrazzo, will be installed at the school.

“IMI believes in the importance of a strong designer/craftworker
partnership. These unique working relationships with material suppliers will help all three professions,” says IMI President Joan Calambokidis.

Celebrating the Terratop™ product launch and new terrazzo floor at Mount Saint Michael Academy in NY are Local 7 NY/NJ President Charlie Hill, MAPEI President Nick DiTempora, Mount Saint Michael’s President Brother John Bantz, and Pro Terrazzo CEO Lou Giannini.

The first large-scale field test of the product was a high school cafeteria at Mount Saint Michael Academy in Bronx, New York. The installation, valued at $100,000, was a collaborative donation from MAPEI, Pro Terrazzo, IMI, and the members of BAC Local 7 New York/New Jersey. It was officially launched December 2, 2004.

“Local 7’s efforts, along with that of BAC Tile/Marble/Terrazzo Craft Director John Mason, the IMI instructors and promotion staff, MAPEI and Pro Terrazzo, are truly commendable,” says BAC President John J. Flynn. “Anytime you introduce a new product or system, there will be hurdles to overcome, but each of our organizations rose to the challenge. As a result of their collaboration, we have a promising new product entering the market and new work opportunities for our members and signatory contractors.”

Members of Local 7 NY/NJ install a Terratop™ floor in the cafeteria of Mount Saint Michael Academy.

Terratop™ is a flowable terrazzo binder that can be poured or pumped over a special primer applied to the substrate, and then aggregate is broadcast in decorative patterns. The product is both cost-effective and user-friendly. It lets installers do most of their work from a standing rather than kneeling position. Terratop’s™ flowability and quick drying time allow for faster project completion times. Terratop™ is a water-based, LEEDS-compliant, low-VOC system.

Pro Terrazzo, Inc. of New York will distribute and support the system
in the northeastern United States. Its marketing arm, Pro Spec, will work with architects and designers, particularly those whose work includes educational, medical, and municipal facilities.