A machine combining wet and dry casting principles has begun to churn out specialty pavers from a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., plant opened earlier this year. European Paving Stone founder Harry TerHarutyunyan, whose background favors electronics over concrete, built the machine to produce pavers of a Mediterranean style he had seen in Armenia, from which he immigrated in 1990. The production line includes an auger-equipped mixer programmed for variable batches and continuous feed by U-Cart of America. European Paving had limited production in Los Angeles prior to choosing the hotbed of concrete paving stones, Florida, as a permanent home.

In this first year of full production, TerHarutyunyan is refining his machinery with the goal of total automation. He has introduced seven pavers in 12 colors formulated from Elementis Ferrispec PL liquid pigments. Most pavers (2⅜-in.-thick) are geared for vehicular loads, with one (1¾-in.-thick) suited to pedestrian installations. Early applications have been high-end residential, including one 9,000-sq.-ft. job. European Paving plans to distribute through dealers. In addition to Tampa-based Paver Systems, other Florida distribution is in the works through Rinker Materials and pool dealer Horner Express. — European Paving Stones, 954/327-1757; www.europeanpavingstone.com