JOHN PLACE, the founder and CEO of American Slate Company, has his roots
in the Slate industry as his Grandfather was a quarrier in the Slate areas
of Cumbria, England.
John established the
comprehensive quarried natural slate roofing and tile business in the
United States in 1978. Prior to this, mainly domestic green, black and
purple slate was available in the United States market.
John has developed relationships leading to partnerships with the largest Quarries around the world to provide reliable supplies of top quality Slate products. With a background in engineering (John is a Mechanical Engineer and a qualified Machinist) he has designed equipment and machinery to produce Roofing Slates and even-thickness Slate Tiles for thinset mortar application as well as equipment to machine and produce even-thickness Quartzite Tiles. The results of his designs have been installed and are working in many of the slate quarries around the world. John is an expert in Slate production and application and regularly opens new Quarries for different, exciting materials.
"The People Factor" at ASC
John Place made a stand over 25 years ago, well before it became a matter
of general concern, that the Company would in real terms not tolerate
child labor or unfair labor practices in any of its Quarries, Mines or
Process Plants in any country including China and India. This stand has
been maintained with the full cooperation of management, together with
a commitment to producing only quality products at competitive prices.
John has been willing to pay more at the Quarries to use regular labor and not to exploit children. John Place sponsors two Homes for Girls in California as part of a plan to improve the community. Others are being planned.
The materials produced by American Slate Company are high-quality, natural surface, environmentally desirable slates that will enhance the beauty of any home. Costs of production are consequentially higher than in other uncontrolled operations but the Company is concerned about the people that process the products and their long-term welfare beyond the desire to increase profits regardless of "The People Factor".
