Quartz Manufacturing Workers Urge Government Action to Protect 100,000 U.S. Jobs
In a significant call to action, the Quartz Manufacturers Alliance for America (QMAA) has released a compelling video that brings to light the struggles faced by quartz manufacturing workers throughout the United States. These workers, representing various companies including LX Hausys, Guidoni USA, and the Cambria Company, are sounding the alarm over the dire state of the quartz industry, which is on the brink of collapse due to an influx of inexpensive foreign imports. With a staggering 100,000 manufacturing jobs at risk, QMAA is pushing for immediate government intervention to establish fair trade policies that will restore and protect American jobs in this sector.
The QMAA's video features personal testimonials from workers like Raymond Mack, a production operator at Guidoni USA, who reminisces about a time when over 1,000 people were employed at a facility previously operated by Husqvarna. Mack highlights the fear and uncertainty that has gripped the workforce as they watch history potentially repeat itself: "I’m worried I may see the same thing take place again." Such sentiments echo across the nation as workers express growing concerns about job security in the face of unfair competition from countries like China and Malaysia.
Daniel Vas de Melo, a Business Development Manager for Guidoni USA, underscores this point, stating that foreign manufacturers are circumventing trade regulations to flood the American market with cheap products, decimating local job opportunities. "We just want to level the playing field," he insists. The call for fairness is echoed by Mike Morici, Vice President at LX Hausys, who argues that a robust tariff and import cap on quartz surfaces are crucial for ensuring that American workers can compete effectively.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has acknowledged the threat posed by the rising tide of quartz imports, which surged by 78.3% over the last five years, resulting in a nearly 20% decrease in domestic production and widespread job losses. Andrew Eich, President and COO of Cambria, points out the dire consequences of the surge: "It's taken prices down to unsustainably low levels for any domestic supplier." He emphasizes that without action, many companies won't be able to hire or invest in growth, endangering the livelihoods of thousands of Americans.
The QMAA has already taken steps to address these challenges; in September 2025, they filed a Global Safeguard petition under Section 201 of the U.S. Trade Act, hoping to secure protective measures against the influx of foreign goods. The ITC's strong recommendation for safeguards has led to a growing chorus of voices advocating for decisive action from the U.S. government, including calls for a 50% tariff and an import cap of 141 million square feet on quartz surface products.
As the final decisions are anticipated by August 1, 2026, the urgency for action cannot be understated. Jack Sundry, Senior Vice President at Cambria, emphasizes the potential loss of over 100,000 jobs if these issues are not effectively addressed, stating: "As these foreign imports flood the market, we lose the ability to create and sustain jobs that ensure good paying conditions for manufacturing workers."
The QMAA remains steadfast in its mission to protect not only American jobs but the future of the industry itself. Through targeted advocacy, they strive to ensure that the market remains competitive and fair, providing opportunities for American slab manufacturers and their employees. As the industry faces one of its toughest challenges yet, the question remains: will the government take the necessary steps to protect these vital jobs? The future of quartz manufacturing in America hangs in the balance, and the time for protective action is now.