VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 4 • SINGLE ISSUE $14.95
Solid Surface in Russia Page14
Inbound Marketing Page 26
Fabricator Profile: KB Surfaces Page 28 Big Happenings at ISFA Page 32
A Surface Fit for a King Solid Surface Makes Royal Debut in Versailles Page 20
Circle RS#01 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
CREDITS Letters to the Editor
Photography
Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters, ISFA, 165 N. 1330 W Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057 or fax to (801) 341-7361 attention: Editor. Include a telephone number and address (preferably an email address). Letters may be edited for clarity or space. Because of the high volume of mail we receive, we cannot respond to all letters. Send queries about Countertops & Architectural Surfaces to editor@isfanow.org or mail to ISFA, 165 N. 1330 W. Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057 or fax to (801) 341-7361 attention: Editor.
Photography/graphics provided by: Chuck Sawyer, CREA Diffusion, Jacques Schneider, KB Surfaces, Russ Lee and Moraware.
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces welcomes Letters to the Editor. If you have questions about the magazine, or would like to make a comment, or voice an opinion about the magazine, ISFA, or the industry in general, please feel free to write to us.
Contacting ISFA
Phone: (801) 341-7360 Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 Fax: (801) 341-7361 editor@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org
About this Magazine
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is published quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), with a fifth “Buyers Guide” issue publishing in September. Individual copies of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces are available at the nonmember “newsstand” price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is also available by individual subscription at the following rates: ISFA nonmembers, one year (five issues) $30.00; ISFA members, one year free with every membership renewal. Special rates and charges apply for orders outside of the United States. Call for details. To subscribe, call (877) 464-7732. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without publisher’s written permission. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces and The International Surface Fabricators Association assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.
Photos in this publication may not depict proper safety procedures for creative purposes. ISFA and Countertops & Architectural Surfaces support the use of proper safety procedures in all cases and urge readers to take steps to institute such procedures.
Magazine Credits
Publisher & Editor: Kevin Cole Proofreader: Nancy Mueller-Truax Design: V2 Marketing Communications
ISFA Officers of the Board
Mike Langenderfer, President Dave Paxton, Vice President Michael Astill, Secretary Russ Berry, Immediate Past President
ISFA Directors
Erica Hussey, Director Mellisa Hill, Director Mark Anderson, Associate Member Representative
ISFA Staff
Chuck Sawyer, Executive Director Kevin Cole, Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor Mike Nolan, Education Director Paul Wisnefski, Account Representative Jennifer Plante, Administrative Assistant & Registrar
Cover Photo
French fabrication company CREA Diffusion took on a huge project at the Palace of Versailles, using 16,000 sq. ft. of DuPont Corian to clad 11 rooms. Read the full story on Page 20.
Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. For change of address, please include old label with new information, including both old and new zip codes. Allow 3-6 weeks for address change to take effect. Periodicals postage rate is paid at the Lehi, Utah, post office as well as others. Opinions expressed by writers in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces or the International Surface Fabricators Association, but rather those of the individual writers. Postmaster: Send address change to Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, 165 N. 1330 W. Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 3
CONTENTS
Features 14 Solid Surface in Russia
A look at fabrication in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
18 Management Matters
Answering architect’s frequently asked questions about solid surface.
20 A Surface Fit for a King
CREA Diffusion installs solid surface in the Palace of Versailles.
26 Inbound Marketing
14 20
What it means and why it is important to you, the countertop fabricator.
28 Fabricator Profile: KB Surfaces
Departments 5 From the Editor 6 Executive Director’s Letter 8 President’s Letter 9 Calendar of Events 10 Industry News 14 Education Connection 18 Management Matters
26
28
32 ISFA News 39 ISFA Fabricator Directory 44 Product News 49 Reader Service Form 50 Classifieds/Ad Index
4 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
From the Editor From the desk of Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher, and ISFA Communications Director
It’s a WWW World — Even More Years ago, I wrote an editorial titled “It’s a WWW
university. Everyone is plugged in and half of
your website rather than spending your valuable
becoming available online. It’s amazing how far
with them in their pockets in the form of their cell
your business can help set expectations for
World” in which I pointed out just how much was the Internet has advanced in just the years since I wrote that, let alone since its inception. And its presence just continues to grow.
Growing up in a somewhat traditional (and
conservative) blue collar family, the closest thing to a computer you would find in my boyhood
home was a hand-held football game where a
bunch of red blips were moved around on a small screen avoiding other red blips. We didn’t even
have an Atari until I was a teenager (and by that time, it was way outdated).
However, I was among the first generation of
pupils to get exposed to computers in school. I remember staying after so I could log time
on the Apple II computers, playing games like
Oregon Trail and Zork and even learning a little
the people I know seem to carry the ’net around phones.
So, fan or not, it’s an even more www world than ever and it’s not going away.
time in person. Providing good information about your customers before they ever visit you. And if you had someone wanting to buy a countertop from you, would you tell them you didn’t have
time? Once your website is created and posted,
That said, it continues to amaze me how many
depending upon the complexity, it may not take
advantage of what has become a very important
Of course, the more time you can dedicate to it,
run across a fabricator that doesn’t have even a
presence is better than no presence at all.
people and how many businesses fail to take
a lot of maintenance from you or, really, anyone.
tool for enterprise. It dumbfounds me when I
the better it will likely work for you. But, a limited
rudimentary website — zero, zilch, none — and believe me there are hundreds and hundreds of them out there. It’s even more shocking when I run across a supplier or a manufacturer that
doesn’t have a Web presence, although that is a relative rarity nowadays.
As for the cost, a domain name (the www.
whatever.com) and a place to host your site can cost you as little as $25 a year. Of course if your Web design skills are lacking, you may have
to pay someone with the know-how to put a
website together for you, but you don’t have to
If you don’t have a website, I can’t tell you in
hire the most expensive and advanced website
you get one, even if it is just a few pages with
that might be within your own family. The younger
offer, a few photos of your work sprinkled
Why not ask around for a niece or nephew or
information. I can say with almost complete
to kick things off? It is astonishing how many
basic programming.
strong enough words how important it is that
developer on the market. It is amazing the skills
When my best friend in junior high got a Vic-20
descriptions of the products and services you
generation eats, breathes and sleeps the Internet.
about, and your hours of operation and contact
some other family member that has the skill
surety that you are losing business if you don’t.
successful websites are built and run by those
Your customers, no matter whom you are selling
college or university for a design student. College
computer for Christmas, it was a huge deal.
In high school, computers started to be more
present, and a very basic modem was available, but even then I never imagined the impact it would have on the world.
By the time I got to college, the Internet had hit
like a bomb, and email and the Web were aspects of my coursework that were required to be
mastered. I remember taking out a $2,000 loan
to buy my first computer (which was more than I’d spent buying my first car), and delving into
to, and your potential customers are conducting business on the Web. Even if they never make a
purchase online, they are doing research, finding potential goods and services to buy, and most importantly places to buy them.
the online world. At that point, I began to suspect
Maybe you have good excuses why you don’t
change everyone’s life.
money, or the know-how to build a website. I hate
that this was a technology that was going to
Flash forward 20 years, and I wonder how the world managed to get anything done without email, websites and Internet searches. On a
daily basis I send and receive 100 to 200 emails personally! My children by 10 years old knew
nearly as much about computers and technology as I knew by the time I’d graduated from the
have a website? You don’t have the time, or the to say it, but in the end, those are just excuses.
In reality, you don’t have the time or money NOT
to get a website going for your business. And as
under 25. Or check with your local community
kids are always looking for a few extra bucks. Or with a little time, you (or someone on your staff)
may even be able to master the basic skills and
put together something. All in all, I’m confident in
saying a basic website can be developed for less than $250. And if you make even a single sale
because someone found you on the Web, isn’t the investment worth it?
As always, I look forward to your feedback. Sincerely,
for the know-how, there are plenty of people who can help, inexpensively.
Having a website can ultimately save you time.
Tire-kickers may be able to do their research on
Kevin Cole
Editor & Publisher
kevin@isfanow.org International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 5
From the Executive Director From the desk of Chuck Sawyer, Executve Director
Sharing Leads to Improvement I was working in the office recently when I
that can be achieved when we share our
mine who was quite active in ISFA years ago.
a catalyst for exchange between members.
received a phone call from an old friend of
He has since sold his business, but he still keeps in touch. We had a wonderful time
talking about the past as well as the future of ISFA. I was energized by the conversation, especially by his eagerness to help even though he is no longer in the industry.
knowledge with others. ISFA has always been Our fabricator training programs, seminars, educational offerings at trade shows and
personal interactions at national, regional
and local meetings have always resulted in a
sharing of information, the result of which has improved the whole industry.
owners with seasoned individuals who have a proven record of success in the industry.
And we will be energizing the grass roots of our organization by holding a series of gatherings around the country. Modeled after the very
successful events that were held during the early years of ISFA, these networking and educational opportunities will include manufacturing and shop tours, seminars, working groups and
Later, I mentioned the conversation to Mike
Over the coming year, a high priority of ISFA
social events, all geared to helping our member
Mike told me a story. Years ago he was at an
educational offerings. We will be rolling out
At ISFA we measure our success in terms
Langenderfer, the new president of ISFA, and ISFA event and was listening to a conversation
between my friend and another board member. The conversation was about some of the
methods they used to measure the productivity of their businesses, and it was a conversation he not only never forgot, but learned from.
Mike was impressed at what he could learn
from just listening to a conversation between his peers.
The story he told made me reflect on the power of our organization and the value
is to continue to improve and expand on our a program that brings our Total Fabricator
Training into the field, making state-of-the-art training available to our members regionally
and on-site through a group of ISFA Certified Trainers. In addition we will be launching a
Web-based training series aimed at middle
companies connect and succeed.
of assistance we are able to provide to our
members and the industry overall, but a key
ingredient is participation. I hope you will all join us and pitch in to make this coming year one of the best in ISFA’s history!
managers as well as a new program for
advanced education of senior managers. Our Million Dollar Mentor Program will get
Chuck Sawyer
improved curriculum that matches business
cksawyer@isfanow.org
a shot in the arm this year with a new and
ISFA Executive Director
New for 2013 ISFA Presents
The CEO Roundtable A forum for education, collaboration and enlightenment on the issues facing the leaders of our industry.
The first Roundtable event kicks off in Cincinnati, Ohio April 5 - 6
6 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
ISFA will present a new opportunity for the executive management of our fabricator companies to share experiences, common concerns and best practices regarding the process of running small businesses. Throughout the year we will also provide additional opportunities to present programs, information and courses specifically aimed at increasing the skill set of company senior management in order to insure that ISFA member companies can perform with world-class results. To find out more or to sign up for the ISFA CEO Roundtable contact Chuck Sawyer at cksawyer@isfanow.org.
Circle RS#02 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
From the President From the desk of Mike Langenderfer, ISFA 2012-2013 President
WOW, What a Year! My name is Mike Langenderfer and I’m the new
to the board Mr. Chuck Sawyer, my choice
We will be sending out emails announcing
Holland, Ohio, called The Countertop Shop. We
board unanimously approved him as the next
industry partners to promote these activities
president of ISFA for 2013. I own a business in do everything from laminate to solid surface to
granite countertops. I have been in business for nearly 25 years and in the countertop business for the last 11. This is my fifth year on the ISFA Board of Directors.
First off, I’d like to mention ISFA’s outgoing
president. All I can say about Russ Berry and 2012 is “WOW, what a year!” His leadership through the economic downturn was
to be the next voice and leader of ISFA. The
Executive Director. Welcome aboard, Chuck! We are going to have a very busy year.
This year ISFA is planning to hold numerous ISFA Gatherings around the country. These
are simply one-day events where we can get
together, learn a little more about our industry and network with fellow fabricators.
We are also planning Owner Round Table
the events and we will be working with our and events.
2013 is the year; now is the time. Believe me, you need to be involved in ISFA. You cannot
afford to miss these events. In today’s world
of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the Internet in general, there is nothing that compares to
looking someone in the eye, clinking glasses and discussing face-to-face with your peers
events. These will be events for owners and
yours and their plans and concerns for the
exemplary. I am lucky that throughout 2013 he
come together and hear some of the legends
you learn, and earn, from these meetings by
part of the board of directors, and available to
future. We will have leaders from manufacturers
won’t be able to measure what you missed if
great year.
industry information. These events are designed
I hope to see you all at an upcoming ISFA
I have been very vocal over the years about the
our industry and to keep you ahead of your
outstanding. His knowledge, expertise and
upper management at surfacing companies to
future. You will be able to measure how much
will be the Immediate Past President of ISFA, still
of our industry talk about the past, present and
watching your company improve, but you
give me advice and support. Thanks, Russ, for a
and suppliers on hand to give you the latest
you don’t attend. Get involved in ISFA now.
willingness to help others in our industry are
benefits of belonging to ISFA. I’m not a public speaker or a salesman; I’m a fabricator. And
because I’m a fabricator, I belong to ISFA. Many
to keep you informed on what’s happening in competition. Don’t stay home and let your competition get ahead of you.
of you have heard me say over and over that my
Plans are coming together for another Million
In the past I have attended ISFA’s Million Dollar
program that will teach the participants a
ISFA educational programs. I’m a firm believer
could make or break a company if you don’t
what you put into it and my company is thriving
fabricators with experienced mentors in the
it to get something out of it.
them along the path to growing their business.
company is where it is today because of ISFA.
Dollar Mentor Program. This is an educational
Mentor Program, ISFA gatherings and several
broad range of business-related subjects that
that you get out of an association more than
know what you’re doing. The program will pair
proof of that, but you have to put something into
industry who will be there side-by-side to help
It’s now my turn to lead as ISFA’s new president. My goal is to offer to all past, present and
future members the opportunity to succeed
and grow through ISFA. Starting last August
the next level. I would like to hear from you. My email address is mike@countertopshop.net. Your suggestions and opinions will help me lead your association through 2013.
This is my first letter in the magazine as
president of the association. I hope by the time I am writing my last letter as president, one
year from now, that many of you will be able to say the same thing I said about this past year: “WOW, what a year!”
businesses and can help new businesses avoid some of the pitfalls the mentors have already experienced.
This is only the beginning of what is to come in
board meeting in Philadelphia, I presented
in this and upcoming editions of this magazine.
8 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
how ISFA has helped me take my business to
The mentors have experienced growth in their
at the IWF show in Atlanta, I began my search for a new director for ISFA. At our November
event. Look me up and I’ll be glad to tell you
2013. You can read more about these events
Mike Langenderfer ISFA President
mike@countertopshop.net
Calendar of Events Buddy Rhodes Advanced 3-D Mold Making Workshop Jan. 15 – 18 San Francisco, Calif. (877) 706-5303
Cheng How to Make Concrete Countertops Training Jan. 25 Berkeley, Calif. (510) 849-3272
Stone Forensics Certified Stone & Tile Inspector Training Jan. 29 – Feb. 1 Las Vegas, Nev. (321) 514-6845
World Stone Congress Jan. 29 – 30 New Delhi, India +91 802-341-3001
StonExpo/Marmomacc/ Surfaces 2013
ISFA Solid Surface Total Fabricator Training Level I Feb. 18 - 21 Orem, Utah (877) 464-7732 www.isfanow.org
Cheng Decorative Fiber Reinforced Concrete Training Feb. 25 – 27 Berkeley, Calif. (510) 849-3272
CCI Precast & GFRC Countertop Training Feb. 25 – March 1 Sydney, Australia (888) 386-7711
Vitoria Stone Fair Feb. 26 – March 1 Vitoria, Brazil +55 273-434-0600
Xiamen Stone Fair 2013 March 6 – 13 Xiamen, China +86 592-595-9616
ISFA CEO Roundtable April 6 Cincinnati, Ohio (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org
ISFA Grassroots Regional Gathering
April 13 Los Angeles, Calif. (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org
Oct. 7 – 10 Las Vegas, Nev (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org
Coverings 2013 April 29 – May 2 Atlanta, Ga. (703) 683-8500
ISFA Grassroots Regional Gathering
Natural Show
Oct. 19 Seattle, Wash. (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org
IWF 2014
India Stonemart 2013
ISFA Grassroots Regional Gathering
World of Concrete
Cheng How to Make Concrete Countertops Training
Cevisama 2013 Feb. 5 – 8 Valencia, Spain +34 96-386-1100
Buddy Rhodes Comprehensive Workshop Feb. 6 – 8 Chattanooga, Tenn. (877) 706-5303
ISFA Stone/Quartz Total Fabricator Training Feb. 8 – 11 Oakland, N.J (877) 464-7732 www.isfanow.org
March 15 Berkeley, Calif. (510) 849-3272
Cheng Advanced Concrete Design Training March 18 – 22 Berkeley, Calif. (510) 849-3272
ISFA Grassroots Regional Gathering
March 23 Tampa, Fla. (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org
Cheng Wetcast & Fiber Reinforced Concrete Training April 3 – 5 Berkeley, Calif. (510) 849-3272
ISFA Grassroots Regional Gathering
ISFA Stone/Quartz Total Fabricator Training
April 19 – 22 New Orleans, La. (800) 933-8735
Concrete Decor Show
Feb. 5 – 8 Las Vegas, Nev. 972-536-6373
August 24 Chicago, Ill. (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org
KBIS 2013
April 18 – 21 Beijing, China +86 105-781-1660
April 30 – May 2 London, United Kingdom +01 30-385-6117
Jan. 31 Jaipur, Rajasthan, India +91 141-512-2610
ISFA CEO Roundtable
Sept. 21 Cincinnati, Ohio (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org
SFA Workshop
March 11 – 15 Charlotte, N.C. (541) 341-3390
Aug. 15 – 16 Thousand Palms, Calif
Stonetech 2013
Jan. 29 – 31 Las Vegas, Nev. (800) 547-3477
March 14 – 15 Rome, Ga.
SFA Workshop
May 11 Atlanta, Ga. (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org
Aug. 20 – 23 Atlanta, Ga. (404) 693-8333
Coverings 2014
Stone + Tec 2013
April 29 – May 2 Las Vegas, Nev. (703) 683-8500
SFA Workshop
Submit your event for consideration in our Calendar by emailing Editor Kevin Cole at kevin@isfanow.org.
May 29 – June 1 Nuremberg, Germany +499 118-606-8108 June 13 – 14 Shawnee, Okla.
AIA National Convention June 20 – 22 Denver, Colo. (202) 626-7300
ISFA Grassroots Regional Gathering
July 13 Boston, Mass. (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org
AWFS
July 24 – 27 Las Vegas, Nev. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 9
In the Industry EPA Confirms Cupron Enhanced Eos Solid Surface Kills Bacteria
Cupron and EOS Surfaces jointly developed
this material
Eos Surfaces Cupron-
enhanced solid surface product has been confirmed by the EPA
to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria, according to a joint release by Eos and Cupron. Cupron Enhanced
with a range of
performance characteristics that provides the
mechanical properties of nonporous solid surfaces, the aesthetics for design flexibility and high
EOS solid surface has received the Environmental
antimicrobial performance. Because the Cupron
Public Health Claim that the copper-enhanced
it will not lose its effectiveness over time and
negative and Gram positive bacteria within two
modified as needed.
Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval to make a
technology is embedded throughout the surface,
material can kill greater than 99.9 percent of Gram
wear-and-tear. It can be fabricated, polished and
hours of exposure. Testing demonstrates effective
Additionally, Eos is building a new facility in
antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus
aureus (ATCC 6538), Enterobacter aerogenes
(ATCC 13048), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA-ATCC 33592), Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 35150) and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa (ATCC 15442). Prior to this, only
elemental copper and certain copper alloys held this official distinction.
The approval is based on Cupron Enhanced
EOS Surfaces’ ability to kill specific disease-
causing bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is
one of the most common strains of antibiotic-
resistant bacteria and a well-recognized cause of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs).
In order to submit these claims to the EPA, the
surface first had to achieve a 100 percent pass rate of thousands of samples at an independent testing laboratory under the highest laboratory standards available. The samples were tested in various
environmental conditions, cleaning protocols and
for efficacy after repeated exposure. Eos Surfaces
also performed extensive ASTM testing to support mechanical performance claims.
“Our next goal is to establish a network of
distributors, fabricators and end-use partners to
get these materials in the field so that it can begin
saving lives, keeping people healthier and reducing
Norfolk, Va., for the large-scale manufacturing of Cupron Enhanced Eos. The facility is expected
to begin operation in early 2013. The new plant
will manufacture various thicknesses of Cupron Enhanced Eos cast slabs, perform finishing operations and will have the capability to
manufacture premade vanities and other ancillary surfacing products for microbial control.
NSF Working on Sustainability Standards for Countertops
fair value. In response to this preliminary ruling,
Chinese companies will be required to pay cash
deposits on drawn stainless steel sinks imported
into the United States in amounts ranging from 50
to 76 percent of the customs value of the imports. The investigation was initiated in March in
response to petitions filed by U.S.-based sink
company Elkay Manufacturing. Punitive duties would be imposed after both the Commerce Department and the U.S. International Trade
Commission (USITC) make affirmative final rulings. The USITC is expected to make a final decision over the issue in February.
In a separate investigation, the department
preliminarily determined in July that drawn stainless sinks from China received countervailing subsidies of 2.12 percent to 13.94 percent. Because of this
earlier ruling, Guangdong Yingao Kitchen Utensils Co. Ltd. of Foshan City faces a 2.15 percent
duty penalty. And sinks from Zhongshan Superte
Kitchenware Co. Ltd. of Zhongshan City (including those exported by Foshan Zhaosuhn Trade Co.
Ltd.) face a 13.94 percent additional duty. All other
Category Rule (PCR) for residential countertops
countervailing duty.
(NCSS), part of NSF, is developing a Product
Chinese producers will be hit with an 8.08 percent
in accordance with ISO 14025. The rule will cover
Caesarstone To Build U.S. Manufacturing Plant
natural stone, solid surface, engineered stone,
high pressure laminate and recycled materials. It
may also apply to concrete, stainless steel, glass and tile. PCRs define the parameters of a life
cycle assessment (LCA) for a particular product
group and what to include in the resulting report, called an Environmental Product Declaration.
LCAs measure inputs, outputs and environmental impacts of a product across its lifespan, from cradle to grave. The Environmental Product
Declaration is a third-party-verified report that may function like a nutrition label to explain the data generated from a life cycle assessment.
EOS Surfaces will set up a product stewardship
Preliminary Findings of Chinese Sink Dumping Issued
program to support the responsible use of the
The U.S. Commerce Department issued a
technology and obtain feedback from users of the
second preliminary anti-dumping decision in late
surface. Cupron and Eos, together with various
September regarding Chinese stainless steel
healthcare partners, will further evaluate the benefit of antimicrobial-protected surfaces (hard surfaces
drawn sinks. The determination was that Chinese
and textiles) in reducing the amount of disease-
manufacturers have been selling drawn stainless steel sinks in the United States at prices that are
10 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
that prices were 54.25 to 76.53 percent below the
The National Center for Sustainability Standards
costs,” said Ken Trinder, CEO. Cupron and
causing bacteria in medical facilities.
international trade rules. The determination was
well below fair value, in violation of U.S. law and
Caesarstone will be opening a U.S. quartz surfacing production facility in 2014. While a location has not yet been named, the $75 million facility will
eventually have two production lines for Caesarstone
products. The U.S. facility will expand the company’s production by 50 percent. The first line is slated to
be in production by late 2013, with the second line
to be added in the future.“We believe that expanding our manufacturing footprint into the United States will provide us with a number of competitive and
strategic benefits that will serve our long-term growth plans, most significantly the related improvement in delivery times,” said Yosef Shiran, CEO.
The company will also be installing manufacturing
equipment at its Israel plant, incorporating a major part of a fifth production line. This $13 million
addition will increase production capacity by 15 percent and is set for completion by October
2013. These expansions come on the back of the company going public; it began trading on the NASDAQ market in March.
Avonite Expands Distribution Avonite Surfaces expanded its distribution through new agreements with Atlantic Plywood and
DIXIEPLY. Atlantic Plywood was given distribution rights for New England, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and eastern Pennsylvania.
The full product line from Avonite became available Oct. 1 through Atlantic. In the Southeast and the Carribean, DIXIEPLY is now Avonite’s exclusive
distributor. Dixie’s locations in Nashville, Atlanta,
Charlotte, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Miami will inventory Avonite surfacing products and will service markets including Tennessee,
Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and the Caribbean.
Distelhorst to Retire as Head of MIA, Hieb to Take Over Role Garis “Gary” Distelhorst, CAE, executive vice
president & CEO of the
Marble Institute of America (MIA) since 2002, will retire Dec. 31, 2012, after an accomplished 43-year
career as a senior-level association executive.
The MIA Board of Directors has named James
Hieb, CAE, the association’s vice president, as his
successor. Hieb becomes the MIA’s executive vice president Jan. 1. “It’s been an extraordinary honor
and privilege to lead MIA during this time of growth,
challenge and change,” said Distelhorst. “The board
Silestone Partners with Poggenpohl Silestone by Cosentino partnered with Poggenpohl, a worldwide German kitchen brand, by becoming the exclusive quartz surfacing material on display at all Poggenpohl Corporate showrooms nationwide. To kick off the partnership, Poggenpohl’s top designers and showroom managers visited the Cosentino Group international headquarters in Almeria, Spain. There, they were given an exclusive look at the making of Silestone via a tour of the factory and a new product presentation. Zuckerman chief executive — laminates and
panels. Zuckerman’s role is to pursue synergies
between global operations in the areas of product development, manufacturing, technologies and systems. Formica also named Bryce Hartman national segment manager. Hartman will work
closely with operations, marketing, customer service and finance to develop the products, programs and service initiatives for the postform, partition and manufactured home business segments.
Wilsonart Majority Stake Bought from ITW Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) and Illinois Tool
Works Inc. (ITW) have formed an agreement under which ITW’s Decorative Surfaces business will
become a new, independent company operating
New Website Provides Countertop Industry Information A new website at www.CountertopResource.com seeks to promote expansion of knowledge in the
countertop industry. The site features information on new products and industry happenings and
events, as well as articles, a blog, a collection of videos and numerous industry links. It will also be launching an e-newsletter in January.
J&M Lifestyles Has New Website J&M Lifestyles, a full service concrete design and fabrication studio, has launced a new website at www.jmlifestyles.com. The site features
a member area for designers, builders and architects that offers useful design tools.
as Wilsonart International Holdings, LLC. A fund
Cambria to Expand Production Plant
new free standing business to acquire a majority
Cambria, producer of quartz surfacing, is
ownership stake. Wilsonart’s business units
The expansion will more than double the size
and other surfacing materials and components
completion in the spring of 2013, the expanded
operates under the Wilsonart, Resopal, Polyrey and
additional 220 employees. Combined with
Partner, assumes the role of interim CEO.
the company’s continued design palette
managed by CD&R is investing $395 million in the ownership stake. ITW will retain an ongoing
expanding its Le Sueur, Minn., production plant.
manufacture and distribute high pressure laminates
and production capacity of Cambria. Slated for
with 2011 revenue of $1.1 billion. The company
plant will total 750,000 sq. ft. and employ an
Beginning Nov. 1, Formica started selling its solid
Arborite brands. Paul Pressler, a CD&R Operating
new technology, this expansion will accelerate
areas. According to the company, fabricators in
NRF Helping Hurricane Victims
development.
has made a superb choice in selecting Jim Hieb
to be executive vice president. I look forward to a
successful transition and helping Jim take the reins of this wonderful organization.”
Formica Announces Changes surface material directly to fabricators in select
Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky, as well as parts of Pennsylvania and Illinois, were among those included in this direct distribution program. Dubbed
FSS2U, this new distribution model facilitates direct sales to fabricator partners.
Additionally, Fletcher Building’s Laminates & Panels Division, which consists of 20 manufacturing facilities around the globe — including the
Formica Group of companies — named Paul
The National Remodeling Foundation (NRF) has established a fund to help rebuild homes along
Samsung Expands Radianz Quartz Distribution Network
the East Coast devastated by Hurricane Sandy
Samsung added Atlas Stone Distribution and
and is accepting donations of money and building materials to assist in the relief effort. All of the
Prestale Inc. as authorized distributors of
contributions will go toward restoring damaged
Radianz Quartz. Atlas Stone will distribute in
the greater Chicago area as well as Columbus,
homes and/or community buildings. Contact Mimi Altman at mimialtman@sbcglobal.net to donate or for more information.
Ohio. Prestale will distribute in Quebec.
Radianz now has distribution in more than 34 states plus Canada.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 11
In the Industry Schultz Forming Products Offers New Brochures with information about its solid surface and high
C.H. Briggs Lights Up MODA with Chandelier Donation
brochure covers the company’s Shultzform Solid
Design Atlanta (MODA)
Schultz Forming Products offers three brochures pressure laminate forming equipment. The first
Surface Oven and includes photos, features and specifications for the clamshell thermoforming
Saint-Gobain Provides Grenite Engineered Stone Countertops To YouthBuild Programs
oven. The second full-color brochure has
information on the Schultzform Solid Surface
Vacuum Former. It provides photos, features and
specs for both the larger Model SSVF12 former and
When the Museum of kicked off its Fall
Exhibition, The South’s Next Wave: Design
Challenge, guests were
delighted by a one-of-a-
kind chandelier designed
In support of its green education and job
the smaller Model SSVF8 equipment. The final two-
Engineered Stone Countertops and green building
Slotformer. The brochures are available from the
School and the Akron Summit Community
Integra Adhesives Launches New Online Features
this work of art to share with the architect and
Integra Adhesives launched a unique interactive
exhibition, the chandelier will be auctioned
training program, Saint-Gobain provides Grenite
page brochure offers information on the company’s
expertise to YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter
company upon request.
Action, Inc. (ASCA) YouthBuild Program in Akron, Ohio. YouthBuild programs help low-income
young people work toward high school diplomas and learn job skills by building affordable and sustainable housing in their communities.
color chart web page that allows fabricators to
build a custom color chart based on what material (from quartz, natural stone, solid surface, glass,
YouthBuild Philadelphia rehabbed a formerly
marble, ceramic and concrete) and brands they
seeking LEED certification from the U.S. Green
color or adhesive color and even select specific
Birch Prada, was installed in both kitchens. In
include cartridge size availabilities for each color,
vacant property into a two-family home, which is
fabricate. They can then sort the chart by sheet
Building Council (USGBC). Grenite, in the color
sheet colors they are working with. The charts also
addition, Saint-Gobain donated countertops to
an ASCA rehab project, a split-level five-bedroom home, which is also seeking a Platinum LEED certification from the USGBC.
MSI Expands, Names New Co-presidents M S International (MSI) expanded its operations in the Northeast. A newly constructed addition
includes an additional 35,000 sq. ft. of warehouse
between the 100 ml, fitting in a regular caulking gun and designed for field seams, standard 250 ml and cost-effective 500 ml, ideal for large projects. The charts can be found at www.integra-adhesives. com/colour-charts.
through a course
collaboration with the Savannah College of Art
and Design. C.H. Briggs, a distributor of interior and specialty building products, commissioned design community the creative possibilities of DuPont Corian as a design material. After the
off as part of a MODA fundraiser. The 5-ft.-tall chandelier was fabricated by West Chester,
Pa.-based fabricator MacLaren Fabrication. The Corian Illumination Series was chosen because of its translucency and unique thermoforming
properties. Opened to the public in November, the exhibition runs through March 31.
TOTO Honored with ‘Best in Business Class’ Award TOTO was recently recognized by the
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper as “Best in
Business Class.” The award was for TOTO’s
Additionally, the company has launched an
“significant effort and firm commitment to
new Web page, at www.integra-adhesives.com/
business sector by partnering with local
online color match guide for natural stone. The
reduce water use within the greater Atlanta
stonecollection/, allows fabricators to see more
governments and businesses to upgrade
than 180 samples of natural stone, matched with
outdated plumbing fixtures.” This is the
space dedicated to slab inventory. The slab
one of the 15 Natural Stone adhesive colors that are
distribution facility now totals 110,000 sq. ft.
part of Integra Optics collection.
Additionally, the company appointed Rajesh
Cilio Integrates with Constant Contact
environment organization lauded TOTO with its
Manufacturers using the Cilio Partners Portal can
“bottom-line commitment to the efficient use of
and Rupesh Shah as co-presidents. Rajesh and Rupesh have been working as executive vice
presidents of MSI for almost 10 years. In their new
roles, they will be responsible for the growth of the company through strategic thinking, developing
leaders, managing and expanding the distribution network, improving the supply chain and
continuing to build MSI’s product portfolio. Both
brothers will also be responsible for evaluating and executing new opportunities in the marketplace.
12 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
now seamlessly integrate Constant Contact with
the retail process, better understand and support
second accolade TOTO received from the
Riverkeeper in 2012. Earlier in the year the
“River Sustainability Award” for the company’s our limited water supplies.”
their fabricator and dealer networks, and build
Michael Eisner to Keynote IBS
incentives and promotions. In effect, the integration
the 2013 NAHB International Builders Show (IBS)
engine” for the manufacturer to share leads with
the Las Vegas Convention Center and Eisner,
new and enhance existing sales channels through
Michael Eisner will be the keynote speaker for
with Constant Contact creates a virtual “marketing
in January. The show runs from Jan. 22 to 24 at
and manage promotions and incentives to its fabricator and dealer networks.
former chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company for 21 years, will speak on Jan. 22.
CoCan Surfaces to Open Office in Atlanta Cocan Surfaces, a Chinese supplier of solid surface and cultured marble, is opening a branch office in the Atlanta area in April. The new facility, located in LaGran, Ga., will have a warehouse for displaying and stocking some of the company’s products, including solid surface panels, cultured marble products and shower pans.
New Colors, Patterns Featured in Latest MóZ Metals Brochure MóZ Designs introduced new color collections and patterns in the latest MóZ Metals brochure, available free from the company. The brochure can also be viewed online as a PDF on the MóZ website. It spotlights the company’s collections of hand-etched
and painted decorative metals in aluminum, perforated aluminum, corrugated aluminum and stainless steel. The newest additions to the MóZ Metals color line, the Neutrals Collection and expanding Blendz Series, are presented in detail. The brochure showcases installations in commercial, hospitality, retail, transportation and other public areas.
Global Vacuum Presses Hires New Sales Manager Global Vacuum Presses appointed a new sales manager, Patrice Montignier. Montignier is responsible for the company’s national and international sales department.
Cosentino Sponsors ASID Activities Cosentino North America, supplier of quartz and natural stone surfaces, enhanced its alliance with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). The company has initiated a number of opportunities for students and professionals to help enrich their careers and education within the architecture and design community. Cosentino sponsored a trip for ASID members to its global headquarters in Almeria, Spain, where they toured the expansive facility to see how Silestone is made. Cosentino also launched the student-focused ASID internship program, is an industry partner at the ASID Real World Design Week, and served as an official sponsor of the second annual ASID Go PRO: NYC.
ACS Announces REVIT Families Catalog Release Advanced Cabinet Systems (ACS), an Indiana-based plastic laminate casework and store fixture manufacturer, launched a REVIT Families catalog. The catalog was made to meet the changing demands of technology in the architectural community. REVIT is building information modeling (BIM) software that encompasses both 3-D modeling and 2-D drafting capabilities. The models that REVIT produces are considered to be “intelligent” models, as they represent real physical, working building components. Essentially the building is built on-screen with all of the kinks worked out before the first brick is laid. Once built, all REVIT components from the drawing that are placed in the actual building can be tracked over time.“REVIT Families are similar to AutoCAD Blocks, only the capabilities of REVIT provide a much more realistic representation that will be active throughout the lifespan of a building,” said Kyle Rennaker, REVIT engineer at ACS. “With REVIT Families from ACS, Architects and Designers will be able to integrate our products directly into their drawings.”
Circle RS#03 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 13
Solid Surface in By Chuck Sawyer I recently had the opportunity to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg and explore the Russian world of solid surface. The weather was great, the people were awesome, and my trip was the experience of a lifetime. The objective of my visit was to conduct business with Akrilika, one of Russia’s leading providers of solid surface, and to explore the possibilities of starting a branch of ISFA in the region. The trip was prompted by a meeting with two executives from Akrilika, who had been in the United States earlier this year to visit fabricators and attend the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Chicago. While there, the representatives of Akrilika and I had the opportunity to meet with Mike Nolan, ISFA’s director of education, to discuss the concept and benefits of ISFA, especially in the area of fabricator training, and that resulted in an invitation to visit the company on its home turf. Akrilika Akrilika (www.akrilika.com) is one of the top three or four providers of solid surface in Russia. The company was started in 1993 as a supplier of automotive paint and began its experience in surfacing as a DuPont Corian distributor. About five years ago the company began offering its own brand of solid surfacing. Headquartered in Moscow, with branch offices in St. Petersburg and Kazan, Akrilika has an extensive network of dealers throughout Russia, claiming to provide material for 20,000 kitchens a year. The company has a full line of products with 150 colors, including the Kristall and Design groups providing unique aesthetics. Recently they have introduced the Deco brand of decorative relief panels with engineered solutions including
14 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
LED lighting packages, finished wood trim and mounting systems. In addition to solid surface, Akrilika also offers tools and tooling from Festool, Bessey and other major brands. Akrilika is proud of its 5-star approach to business with a particular emphasis on technology and training. Three full-time employees participate in the training process for the company’s fabricator customers. Along with certification training provided at central locations, Akrilika conducts training throughout Russia with the cooperation of its dealer network. As the provider of Festool products, Akrilika has forged an alliance with Festool that also allows them to offer training at Festool’s new state-of-the-art facility in Russia. Festool Festool’s (www.festool-usa.com) facility is located just outside of Moscow. The location is in an industrial park dedicated to German companies doing business in Russia. The facility contains a showroom, training rooms, a complete shop for demonstration and training, conference rooms, offices, service area and warehouse. While I was there, the site was the location of a full-day program in solid surface
tooling technology, attended by more than 30 fabricators. At the top of the agenda was a presentation on the benefits of membership in ISFA, and there was wide interest in developing a branch in Russia. Fabrication in Russia One of the aspects of Russian fabrication that is interesting is that, in general, there is a preference for finishes that are of a higher sheen than the common finishes in the United States. As an example, a typical “matte” finish in Russia might be accomplished with these grits: P80, P150, P220, P320, P400, P500, P800 and P1000. Part of the training at Festool was a demonstration and some hands-on experience with developing a gloss finish on dark solid surface products. My new friend, Sergei Rachkov, from Akrilika demonstrated his recommendations for finishing a black solid surface. His command of the process has led me to name him “Tsar of Finishing” in Russia! The fabrication shops that I visited are an interesting mix of old methods blended with a thirst
More than 30 fabricators turned out for the training sessions at the new Festool facility outside of Moscow. to integrate new processes and technologies. Virtually all shops had some capacity for thermoforming, from a basic jig utilizing a handheld heat gun to a state-of-the-art membrane vacuum press. Laser cut artwork/photos and LED features were prevalent. Shop facilities were usually located in industrial parks, many having been converted from Soviet-era government buildings. At one material warehouse I was amazed to look in one direction and see pallets of solid surfacing, while turning around to see some mothballed missiles and parts of the Soviet space shuttle in another. Unbelievable! There is still quite a bit of hand work as compared to the typical shop in the United States. The use of CNC equipment is rare; however, the rate of growth of the solid surface industry is accelerating to the point where the quest for efficiencies will likely drive more CNC use in the future. I see many similarities in the state of the countertop business in Russia with the way things were in the United States in the mid to late ’80s. One big difference is that many of the Russian
shops have developed business outside the boundaries of countertops. It will be interesting to see how the market for solid surface (they call it “artificial stone”) evolves over the next five to 10 years.
is a player in supplying the fast food industry. Not only do they fabricate solid surfacing, but they also have expertise in furniture, cabinetmaking, upholstery and metal working. Their scope of work is not unlike the typical “décor vendor” in the United States that supplies a variety of fast food related products to that industry. Many of the hand tools used at Askold are Festool products, including the circular saw and rail system (with Gecko suction clamps), routers, sanders and dust extractors. It uses Bessey PS55 solid surface seaming tools (suction seam clamps) for pulling seams. Bar clamps are commonly used for edge buildups. Typically in Russia, “Baltic birch” type plywood is used for support strips. It is actually a less expensive option than MDF! Located in a repurposed Soviet-era military facility, Stonecom (www.stonecom.ru) was the second shop we visited. One of its features was a shopbuilt thermoforming oven that is used for both residential and commercial business. The company was working on a large retail fixture project. It had also just completed a project using solid surface cabinets and tops for a fast food client.
Fabrication company Prima, like other Russian fabricators, manufactures standard and custom sinks from sheet material through a process of fabrication and thermoforming. The company’s bowl press is hand-operated. On its website Stonecom publishes standard countertop pricing for various products plus the cost for a number of accessories, delivery and installation. By the way, Stonecom accepts Master Card and Visa. Started in 1994, Storm (www.storm-spb.ru) is one of the oldest fabricators in Russia. From museums, theaters and casinos to residential kitchens and apartment projects, the designers and fabricators at Storm have quite a portfolio of completed projects. Along with the traditional countertop business, they have created various parts for equipment and electronics manufacturers, including a solid surface module for card readers that are used in turnstiles around the world. This shop in St. Petersburg is a bit larger than others I visited, but it still has that feeling of a U.S. shop in the ’80s or early ’90s. Storm does use a sliding table saw for cutting sheets. Since space
The Shops The first shop we visited was Askold (www.askold-a.ru), a 5-year-old company situated in a Moscow industrial area. Although the shop was small by U.S. standards, the company
Many fabricators in Russia also work outside of the countertop market. Restone’s interactive video monitor fixture is one of its showcase pieces. For the most part, it is fabricated using basic technology with hand tools and ingenuity.
One technique much more common in Russia than the United States is trimming excess material with a (Festool) circular saw and rail system. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 15
Prima highlights its intricate inlay capabilities in its showroom, which is inside of a larger furniture mart.
Quartz fabrication is largely done with hand tools, which is profitable because of the high price associated with the product, and material handling equipment is nearly nonexistent, as workers do all of the material manipulation by hand. monitor fixture is one of its showcase pieces.
Constructed of solid surface, it is both a piece
of sculpture and an engineering challenge. And, for the most part, it is fabricated using basic technology with hand tools and ingenuity.
The company uses all the normal hand tools, plus a sliding table saw for cutting full sheets. It has a
large metal lathe that is used for creating molds, a pin router for trimming custom-made bowls and a
molder outfitted with a saw blade for trimming the
thermoformed piece of the monitor fixture. Restone has also established a special finishing room for high-finish, polishing and other specialty work. ISFA in Russia Storm is one of the oldest fabricators in Russia and had one of the largest solid surface shops in St. Petersburg.
The solid surfacing industry in Russia has the
is at a premium, sheets are stored vertically, as in
development, there is a fabricator infrastructure
most shops I visited.
My first visit to Prima (www.spbprima.ru) was
at its showroom location within a large furniture
pieces. The 20 or so employees work in a number of small workrooms with standard hand tools.
Major cuts are made with a Festool rail system and circular saw.
potential to be huge. Although it is early in its ready to take advantage of the growth
opportunities that lie ahead. At training sessions in Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Festool
mart. The space featured routed carving and
Toward the rear of the facility is a quartz fabrication
Center, we presented the concepts and benefits
surfacing. Following some discussions about the
was routing and polishing a quartz kitchen top.
And the response was excellent.
inlays, vanity and countertop displays and quartz techniques they use for inlays, we drove to the company’s fabrication shop.
The first stop was their pride-and-joy CNC
machine, which was hard at work producing a drainboard in a kitchen countertop. Although
smaller than what we might see in the United States, this machine is a workhorse. I could
shop. Working with hand tools, a crew of three
of ISFA to a range of fabricators and suppliers.
In Russia, quartz is still very expensive so the
Over the next year, ISFA will be assisting the
labor-intensive process can still be profitable. The amazing part is that there is no material handling
equipment except for some small carts. The slabs are unloaded by hand and wheeled into the shop
area. From there, they are manhandled for the rest of the fabrication process.
also not help but notice a hand-operated press
Restone (www.restone.ru) is a company facing
other Russian fabricators, Prima manufactures
on the casino industry, but recent regulations
used for manufacturing bathroom sinks. Like standard and custom sinks from sheet
material through a process of fabrication and
thermoforming. The company had made their
own thermoforming oven, plus they use electric/ silicone heat strips for thermoforming edge
16 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
transition. Much of its previous work was focused
fabricators of Russia in becoming ISFA members and establishing a strong ISFA network in that
country. They are excited about sharing training
techniques and fabrication processes with other ISFA members worldwide. With the help of
Festool, Akrilika and other potential associate members, we believe that ISFA-Russia will
become a strong and active part of the ISFA family.
tops, but its history has given the company
The author would like to thank Basix International, Akrilika and Festool for their generous support, without which his trip to Russia would not have been possible.
thermoforming. Restone’s interactive video
For more information contact Chuck Sawyer at cksawyer@isfanow.org.
in Russia have all but eliminated that. Now it’s
involved with manufacturing kitchen and bathroom an advantage in creative use of materials and
Preview of Coming Attractions Coming soon to your neighborhood… ISFA is currently engaged in the development of a program to revolutionize our Total Fabrication Training! Under the leadership of ISFA Education Director Mike Nolan, a team of experienced educators is creating a new program that will result in a group of ISFA-approved trainers that will be able to provide fabrication training on a regional or local basis. With course modules developed by the ISFA team, we will be able to offer customized training at your shop. To participate in the development of this program or for questions about this program please contact: Mike Nolan, Education Director, mike@isfanow.org or INTERN ATION AL SURFACE FABRIC AT ORS ASSOCIATION
Chuck Sawyer, Executive Director, cksawyer@isfanow.org. Circle RS#31 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 17
Management Matters From the desk of Jon Olson
Answering Architect’s Frequently Asked Questions About Solid Surface Many architects are
becoming interested in using solid surface in their
designs. With this interest comes many questions, and providing answers is important. Architects need to know how solid surface will respond,
recognizing its properties and diversity of usage.
However, using it in an application that doesn’t fit its capabilities can lead to disastrous results.
What follows is a list of some of the questions
asked along with some starting points for accurate replies. Some questions will seem simple to a
fabricator because they work with the product day in and day out, but architects need to familiarize themselves thoroughly with solid surface before
3. Can solid surface be bent or shaped?
7. Can solid surface be joined to other
called thermoforming in which it is heated and then
All material expands and contracts at different
Yes solid surface can be shaped using a process bent or molded to a specific shape. However, all
solid surface is not created equal in this respect. Solid surface made with acrylic has greater
thermoforming ability. Solid surface with polyester
content can be thermoformed, but the capabilities are restricted.
4. Can I have a custom color made?
While there are hundreds of colors of solid surface when you look at products from a variety of
different manufacturers, sometimes the exact one
materials?
rates. The same is true of solid surface. Most
solid surfaces expand and contract 1/8 in. every 10 ft. The key to bonding solid surface to other
material is to know the limitations and choose the proper design and bonding agent. The adhesive
used should have good elasticity. This allows for movement. Some surfaces that bond well are
metal, glass and granite. With any design, looking
at the application is the first step to understanding if dissimilar materials can work together.
needed is not available, leading an architect to
8. Can solid surface be used outside?
Fabricators can also use these questions to
question is yes. Some manufacturers will go so
how solid surface has been used on building
architects.
Others require a minimum quantity before they will
playgrounds and other outdoor applications.
much higher for custom colors. And making just
be done outside, though there are a few points
much more expensive than 100 sheets.
Effects of the sun — There can be some fading
they can utilize it effectively.
tweak their sales presentations to better appeal to 1. What is solid surface made of?
Solid surface is most commonly a man-made
material consisting of an ATH (alumina trihydrate) filler bound together by resin, which is typically
want something custom. The short answer to this far as to make just one sheet of a custom color.
cladding, benches, countertops, signs, furniture,
go through this process. The cost will obviously be
Virtually anything that has been done indoors can
one sheet of a custom color will also typically be
worth considering:
acrylic, polyester or an acrylic/polyester blend. ATH
5. Can I get a solid surface sink in something
form of clay.
Manufacturers normally stick to solid colors for
is a derivative of bauxite ore, which is basically a 2. What are the standard sheet sizes and thicknesses of solid surface?
The standard sheet size in the industry is ½ in. thick by 30 in. wide by 145 in. long. Sheet thicknesses, though, do come in steps of ¼ in., 3/8 in., ½ in.,
¾ in., 2 cm (about 5/6 in.) and 3 cm (roughly 1 ¼
in.). It’s worth noting that when you leave the ½ in. thickness standard you will generally have fewer color choices.
Yes, it can. There are many case studies explaining
other than a solid color?
sinks. However, there are fabricators with the ability to thermoform vanity bowls into many different
colors. Other fabricators can custom make trough sinks, kitchen bowls, etc.
Another process used by some manufacturers is to pour the raw material in its liquid state into molds
for a particular bowl shape. This enables the use of different colors. If you want a mold made, though, the cost can be quite high.
similar to what you would find in other outdoor
materials. The key is to pick a color that will fade
minimally, based on the manufacturer’s accelerated weathering tests.
Hot to touch — Have you ever touched playground equipment on a hot summer day? On sunny days,
solid surface gets warm like other materials. Proper education to the end use is advised.
Maintaining integrity of the panels (cladding projects) — If not applied correctly serious
structural issues can result. A well-thought-out structural plan is needed for cladding projects. Solid surface is making headlines. Its ability to
6. What types of finishes can I get?
work well with so many different designs makes it
semigloss and high gloss. Any of the finishes
up to us, as fabricators, to make sure we have the
Many manufacturers will accommodate custom
thumb is the darker the color the more glossy the
About the Author:
cost-effective to do so, and some companies have
ways to achieve the finishes. All begin with using
can benefit from custom sheet sizes.
requires buffing pads.
Sheet sizes in ½ in., ¾ in., 2cm and 3cm can
generally range from 120 in. to 144 in. long. Sheet
sizes in ¼-in. stocks can range in size from widths of 30, 36, 48, and 60 in. wide by 96 in. long.
Generally there are three types of finishes: matte,
a perfect choice for architects and designers. It’s
can be applied to any color. The general rule of
answers architects may ask.
sizes if they see the project as desirable or it is
finish should be to enhance it. There are different
specific programs just for commercial projects that
sandpaper. A high gloss involves more work and
18 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Jon Olson is the online marketing, sales and communications manager at Sterling Surfaces/Kitchen Associates in Sterling, Mass. A solid surface fabricator for more than 30 years, he can be reached at jon@sterlingsurfaces.com.
Subscribe Today! Your subscription automatically starts the next time an issue is mailed out.
Personal Information Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: y providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax. B Email: q Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via email. About Your Business Order online at www.ISFANow.org
What type of material(s) do you work with? q Solid Surface
q Stone/Granite
q Tile
q Quartz/E-Stone
q Laminate
q Wood
q Concrete
q Recycled
q Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________
or fax this form back to ISFA at (801) 341-7361 or by mail: 165 N 1330 W #A3Orem, UT 84057
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 19
A SURFACE FIT FOR A
KING
The project of renovating a portion of Versailles into a history gallery was broken into three portions, all three of which involved solid surface. 20 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
CREA Diffusion Installs Solid Surface in the Palace of Versailles By Kevin Cole, Editor
When one thinks of the Palace of Versailles, royalty and opulence often come to mind. Over time it has not only been the seat of power in France, but also the home to several of France’s kings. However, “contemporary” is not a word traditionally associated with it — until perhaps now that a portion of it has been made over using DuPont Corian solid surface. Eleven rooms covering more than 7,500 sq. ft. were recently transformed into the new Palace of Versailles History Gallery, which focuses on the history of the palace from its beginnings in 1624 to its renovation by Louis-Philippe I, who founded the Museum of the History of France within Versailles in the 19th century. The design, which was developed by the Paris-based Projectiles Architectural Studio, is a unique blend of the classical and contemporary that mingles old-world style with cutting edge materials, technologies and techniques to create a stunning upgrade to this treasure of European art and history. Internationally renowned fabrication firm CREA Diffusion, based in Solgne, France, was hired to handle the fabrication and installation of the 16,000 sq. ft. of solid surfacing used in the venture. The project basically divided the rooms into three areas: the lower, middle and upper sections, each of which solid surface had a role (see Lead-in Photo). The Lower Section For the lower section of the rooms, the original wall paneling that dates back to the 1800s was repainted and remains in place. However unique solid surface boxes are attached to the panels in a variety of sizes based on the area of the paneling to which they are assigned (see Figure 1). These boxes house lighting that both illuminate
the paintings they are under and also backlight information inscribed in them about each of the exhibits. “All of the boxes are of different dimensions,” explained Thierry Delles, owner of CREA. “This gives an impression of volume and also prevents visitors from getting too close to the paintings. The Middle Section The main section of walls is now clad in 8-mm-thick (about 1/3-in.) Pearl Grey Corian that was engraved with a different pattern for each room corresponding to a different historical period, which replaces the tapestries that used to cover the walls. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 21
Figure 2 – All of the wall panels were engraved with different patterns corresponding to different historical periods based on what room they were in. The engraving began at the top of the wall and diminished in depth as it went lower.
Figure 1 – Solid surface light boxes were installed on the lower wall to accomplish 3 main objectives; Illuminate the paintings; offer information about the exhibits via backlit inscriptions; and serve to prevent the public from getting too close to the priceless works of art. The patterns have been slightly reinterpreted in order to create a sort of continuous wall painting, and a whole new style of engraving was created by the Change Is Good graphic studio just for this project. The engraving starts at the top, and both the depth of the engravings and the width of them diminish as it moves down the walls (see Figure 2). And while the engraving technique affords precise splendor, it makes for a very slow process for the fabricator.
Figure 3 – Installing panels with such intricate and exact patterning without damaging the engraving was a bit of a challenge. CREA Diffusion overcame that by cutting the panels into sections with “puzzle-shaped” edges. 22 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
To engrave a single linear meter of the wall (about 3 ¼ ft.) using CNC machinery took half a day. The time to engrave all of the wall material, if the process ran nonstop, would take four months. And beyond this, installing the paneling with such intricate and exact patterning also posed something of a challenge. “The engraving’s depth is not the same from the beginning to the end,”
explained Delles. “We started with a depth of 3 mm until the graphic disappears. So we had to find some technique to assemble the panel without destroying the engraving. To do that, we cut the panel into puzzle-shaped sections (see Figure 3).” Another challenge was to actually hang the 1- by 2-meter (about 3 ¼- by 6 ½-ft.) panels firmly on the walls once they were engraved and cut. Thankfully, CREA Diffusion has vast experience with exterior cladding, so came up with a solution by using a system of aluminum frames that were affixed to the palace walls (see Figure 4).
Figure 4 – A system of aluminum frames were affixed to the palace walls to hold the panels in place.
Figure 5 – One wall included an engraving of the family tree of the Burbons, which contained 15 portraits backlit to allow the faces of each to be seen in a sort of 3-D effect.
Figure 6 – Creating the engraved family tree took 165 hours, not counting sanding and installation time.
Fifteen portraits are engraved in Glacier Ice Corian and attached to a panel of Pearl Grey Corian. Backlighting behind the panels allows the faces of each to be seen in a sort of 3-D effect. After the solid surface panels were put in place and seamed
together, the paintings and other displays are then affixed directly
to them. One characteristic of solid surface that made it particularly
suited for the application was the ability to invisibly repair holes in it when paintings were to be replaced or rearranged.
One wall also included an engraving of the family tree of the
Burbons, which was even more complex, and significantly slower, than the patterns (see Figure 5). Fifteen portraits are engraved in Glacier Ice Corian and attached to a panel of Pearl Grey Corian.
Backlighting behind the panels allows the faces of each to be seen in a sort of 3-D effect. Thanks to a light put behind each portrayal we can see properly the face. “The time to program [the CNC
machine] to do just one portrait was very long,” said Delles. “We
needed five hours for the programming and another eight hours to perform the actual machining.”
That adds up to 45 hours of programming time and another 120 hours of machine time in total. And that doesn’t account for the time to sand and seam the engravings into the main panels or install them (see Figure 6). The Lighting The third and final section of the project was the creation of large
chandelier-like housing for the lighting in each room. These were also
made of Corian using the same pattern for the specific room in which they were to hang (see Figure 7A). “We used the same process to
engrave the lights, which hang in the center of the room by the aid
of four cables,” Delles explained. “But for the design of the lights we
used 6-mm-thick (about ¼-in.) solid surface, so it was more difficult to engrave.”
The lights are of different sizes, based on the size of the room in which they are hanging and the contents of that room, but on average weigh
Figure 7A – Large chandeliers made of solid surface engraved in the same patterns as the wall panels hang from each of the rooms. On average they weigh about 1,100 lbs. Figure 7B – The chandeliers not only house lighting, but in some cases also contain audio/video projectors and security equipment. Additionally, a portion of them is motorized to slide down and open up so that maintenance can be performed on them. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 23
“It was very strange to work alongside other work that was several centuries old. Our employees felt the history of their ancestor craftsmen.”
about 500 kg (about 1,100 lbs.) They are designed to allow more light to come from the top of the fixtures, roughly equivalent to daylight, while light flowing downward passes through a screen on the bottom softening it.
Figure 8 – The immense project used 16,000 sq. ft. of solid surface, which had to be hoisted into the building using a crane system. When completed, the solid surface portion of the project took more than 12,000 man-hours.
And while the chandeliers appear to be relatively simple boxes to the casual observer, there is much more to them than meets the eye. Not only is there lighting housed within the body of the chandelier; in some cases there are parts of the security system and, in the multimedia rooms, audio/video projectors. “These are not just simple lights,” said Delles. “Thanks to a motorized system, the interior portion of the light slides down to allow the maintenance of the parts located inside (see Figure 7B).” All of the lighting is wired into a central digital control unit that can allow them to be brightened or dimmed manually. However, thanks to a series of photovoltaic cells discreetly integrated into the facade, the lights also automatically adapt to the natural light variations entering the rooms through large windows overlooking the garden, keeping a constant level of illumination. Working Alongside History In June of 2012 the facility opened to the public, and millions are expected to visit in the years ahead. All in all, the entire project, not just the solid surface portion, cost 1.5 million euros (more than $1.9 million). In terms of just the solid surface work, 16,000 sq. ft. of solid surface was used, and it took 2,150 planning/study hours, 5,850 fabrication manpower hours and 4,200 installation manpower hours — an immense project for any fabricator (see Figure 8). But time and effort weren’t the only things that determined the immensity of this work; working in a place of such historical and cultural significance to the entire world also carried a lot of gravity. “It was very strange to work alongside other work that was several centuries old,” relayed Delles. “Our employees felt the history of their ancestor craftsmen. They thought if they had lived during the building of the castle maybe they could be chosen by the king….” For more information, visit www.crea-diffusion.com. Editor Kevin Cole can be reached at kevin@isfanow.org.
Circle RS#04 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. 24 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Grassroots
Gatherings The Classic ISFA Events for Participation & Networking The heartbeat of ISFA is the energy of our members. Mark your calendars—2013 will be a year to remember! ISFA is planning a series of gatherings filled with fellowship, education, networking and fun.
TAMPA – March 23 LOS ANGELES – April 13 ATLANTA – May 11 BOSTON – July 13 CINCINNATI – September 21 SEATTLE – October 19 Get Involved!
We need your help to make these events the best that they can be. For more information or to volunteer for the Grassroots Gathering Committee in your area, please contact ISFA at gatherings@isfanow.org. If you are an associate member interested in sponsoring or displaying at these events, please contact ISFA at support@isfanow.org.
Circle RS#32 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
Inbound Marketing
What it means and why it is important to you, the countertop fabricator By Russ Lee Have you heard of inbound marketing or permission marketing? They are relatively new terms because they are children of the Internet, and they
imply a new environment of resistance to intrusive sales messages getting
Companies that blog have 97% more inbound links.
beamed at us from all directions. It’s about drawing people into your circle
97%
of influence because they are interested in what you are doing and what
you are talking about. In very real terms, it’s the exact opposite of the “cold call.” And it has, potentially, direct application to anyone in the countertop industry.
“We think of it as getting people to talk about a topic that we care about,
without interrupting their day,” said Harry Hollander of Moraware, describing his company’s strategic foray into inbound marketing. “It’s like providing
something useful to them instead of just creating an ad or telling them to buy
our stuff. The guiding principle with all the content we produce is it should be
AVG. # OF LINKS WITH A BLOG
AVG. # OF LINKS WITHOUT A BLOG
something valuable so that when you read it you learn something.” When Moraware first entered the countertop industry in 2002, it
concentrated heavily on trade shows and print advertising to educate and
inform potential customers about its scheduling and estimating software. As recognition and adoption of the product grew, the company began to enjoy the benefits of word-of-mouth advertising.
“Now it appears to be a very strong upswing of people finding us by
searching on the Web [www.moraware.com],” Hollander explained. “We are
SOURCE: HUBSPOT, STATE OF INBOUND MARKETING LEAD GENERATION REPORT, 2010
70% of the links search users click on are organic—not paid. OTHER* 5%
getting people from places we didn’t know to look before. With traditional
marketing we know how to reach the people who read trade magazines and attend trade shows. But they only represent a small percentage of all the
countertop fabricators out there. And we want to hit that other, much bigger
group that is not as engaged in the industry. Those are the people who seem to be searching the Internet for information.”
PAID 25% ORGANIC 70%
A few years ago Moraware began to shift its marketing resources gradually into online activities, such as publishing a blog on its website, email
marketing, newsletters, converting help questions into useful content and setting up centers of information where fabricators were most likely to
congregate (i.e., RemnantSwap.com). All this online activity has a direct
influence on the major search engines, which then rank the company highly when people search for answers to questions unique to the countertop industry.
“What we have found with all the articles we have done on the blog, on
Facebook and on Twitter is those have ongoing value,” Hollander explained.
*INCLUDES NON-TRADITIONAL ORGANIC RESULTS, SUCH AS SHOPPING LINKS, LOCAL RESULTS, NEWS, ETC. SOURCE: MARKETINSHERPA
“I really think the concept applies to fabricators as well,” Hollander argued. “The problem is the payoff is long term and it’s hard to justify it at the
“As soon as someone searches for countertop fabricator software, we rank
beginning. But if you think about the fact that people are going to buy a
will continue to find us today from an article we published a year ago.”
remind them you are there and you are doing interesting things. You are
Applying Inbound Marketing To Your Fabrication Business
they know where they can go. If you have that kind of credibility — being the
really well in Google. That content stays on the Web basically forever. People
One might argue that Moraware’s marketing position is much different
from that of a typical fabricator’s because the software company is a B2B
countertop only once or twice in their lifetimes, you just need to constantly educating those consumers so that when they are ready to make a purchase, source of information — it really does make a huge difference.”
(business to business) company, whereas most fabricators sell to the public
Brian Halligan of HubSpot, credited with inventing the term “inbound
work for a fabricator. “Not so,” said Hollander.
businesses that deal with high-dollar products, long research cycles and
or to wholesale customers. Thus, what might work for Moraware might not 26 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
marketing,” argues that this type of marketing is especially effective for small
OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR Five Tips for •a FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR Successful Blog ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR Fabricator THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR knowledge-based products. Consumers of these products, such as countertops, are
much more likely to get informed and hire someone who demonstrates expertise in the field, than respond to an ad or direct mail piece.
In other words, when Mrs. Jones wants
to get a new countertop, she is going to
do research on that product — usually on the Web — before approaching a vendor for a quote. If your company already has content out there providing answers to her questions, and you are within her
geographic area, chances are very good the search engines will put your articles in front of Mrs. Jones because of the
topical nature of the content and your
geographical relevance. The net result is,
just by publishing some useful content for Mrs. Jones to do her research, you are
positioned as the authority on the subject.
Who wouldn’t want to walk into a sales call with that kind of background? Good News/Bad News
Content: Talk about what your customer wants to know. Material attributes, colors, wearability, design possibilities, back story (the “lore” of the materials) are all great — and interesting — fodder for blog posts. Be sure to make the connection between the features of your products and services and how they can benefit the end user in every article.
but you do it at your own pace. We
have just seen the more you do with
this stuff, the more people find you on the Web.”
Interestingly enough, the folks at
Moraware have come to find that
Keep it Short: 500 words is just about the upper end limit. If you find yourself going way over this limit, break the article into smaller posts and spread them out over time.
what most people might consider a
major thorn in the side for a software company, namely a help line, has
Keywords: Most likely you have optimized your website for certain specific keywords. Use those keywords often in the content of your posts. Keep in mind, however, that branded keywords, such as your company name, are less effective in a blog. By providing really good information without the ads, readers will come to trust what you have to say even more.
turned into a valuable source of
Use Good Photos: One or two high-quality photos are perfect.
we do it in video because video always
content for inbound marketing.
“People ask for help with a specific
technical problem,” Hollander explained. “But there is always a bigger picture. So we do a specific help article and
seems to rank really highly in Google, and it’s easier for a lot of people to
Link Content: You earn credibility with readers and points with the search engines when you insert text links within the body of your post to relevant content on your website or elsewhere. Don’t worry about giving someone else a little credit for content they have generated. Your readers will appreciate your even-handed treatment of the subject.
So, what to do? Most experts suggest
watch a video than to read an article.
We do a blog post that provides context around why the question is an issue in
the first place. So we have taken some random help question and turned it
into at least three kinds of content. That
same content also becomes part of our
the first step toward inbound marketing is
newsletter, Facebook and Twitter.”
word is “consistently.” That tells the search engines you are actively engaged
Do you see the connection? Countertop fabricators can turn some of their
With time, your organic rankings will rise, weighted by geographic relevance,
that your customers care about, those articles will surface one day on the
researching “Maintaining a Granite Countertop.” At the same time, your blog
You Are In The Education Business
publishing a blog that is updated consistently with new content. The key in the countertop business and that you are an authority on the subject.
most challenging issues into content for a blog. And because they are issues
and your content will soon be served up to all the Mrs. Joneses in your area
Web, and they will get read by a likely prospect.
should be supported with posts on Facebook and Twitter, which could be simply links to your latest blog articles.
As an inbound marketer you are really an educator. You provide community members with useful information about countertops they can use to help
That’s the bad news. Everyone knows it’s hard work to write a blog,
them make a decision or to resolve a problem. And, as the expert authority,
of very relevant comments to make, comments that hundreds of potential
providing the products and services people are researching.
especially when you have nothing to say. The good news is you have a lot
your company is much more likely to be viewed as the “go-to” resource for
customers in your area want to read, if you can only think in terms of what
“The ROI is there,” said Hollander, talking about his company’s investment
THEY want to know.
in inbound marketing. “I’m not sure how we measure it, but it feels right.
The truth is you do it every day in your showroom, in the customer’s living
We have done surveys with our customers, and the results confirm that a
attributes of each of your products, tips on how to care for a countertop, the
the Web than through traditional marketing channels. We are trying to find
etc., etc. And do it in a series of very short (about 500 words) blog posts at
Getting the word out to a much larger audience and education seems to be
room and on the phone. Tell the story of your technology, the amazing
much higher percentage of our clients are introduced to Moraware through
back story of exotic colors, how to select the right color combinations, etc.,
all those fabricators who are not in our current circle of people we talk to.
regular intervals.
the best way to do that. It makes it a lot more fun, too.”
“It’s hard to do a blog,” conceded Harry Hollander, “and it’s not free. You
Editor’s Note: An example of an inbound marketing article that ran on Moraware’s website immediately follows this article.
have to identify someone within your organization who has the talent and interest, or you have to hire it out. Our goal up until a couple months ago
was to do an article every week. We switched that to two times a week, and next year, hopefully, that will be daily. Without dipping our toes in the water, we wouldn’t have come to this realization. So we had to start somewhere,
About the Author:
Russ Lee is president of sitesNsolutions.com, which provides Internet solutions for the decorative surfacing industry — specializing in inbound marketing content generation and enhancing a company’s Web presence. He may be reached at (801) 735-7606 or russ@sitesNsolutions.com. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 27
OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
Fabricator Profile: KB
Surfaces
By Russ Lee Editor’s Note: The following article, originally published on Moraware.com, is an example of inbound marketing as discussed in the article immediately preceding this one.
Try to think of the least likely path to
co-ownership of a stone fabrication business and, chances are, Tracey Beck can top it.
Originally trained as a mobile services rep
specializing in routing 800 numbers for large companies, Beck quit her job several years
ago to be a stay-at-home mom. “That was the
intention,” she said. “But I started going crazy.” The family business, KB Laminates, was
purchased by Baer Supply, which began her trek
down the path that ultimately led to KB Surfaces. “Everyone in the family derived their income
from KB Laminates,” she explained. “We were all
wondering what we were going to do. Fortunately, my husband, Brian, signed a five-year contract with Baer, which meant we had a few years to
plan our future. So, we decided to open the first medical spa in Rhode Island.” Say what? It turns out the Becks had encountered the
concept of the medical spa while visiting the
West Coast, and they thought it a great idea for
This residential kitchen countertop project features Cambria’s “Victoria” engineered stone and a modern undermount stainless steel sink with bowls of differing sizes. their neck of the woods. So, it seems, did others — once the business was up and running, that is. At about the five year mark a local physician purchased the company.
That focus on customer service means everyone in the company is trained to think like the customer. Sharing product information is essential. Maintaining quality and delivering on time are critical. And, if there is a problem, they find a way to fix it. Into The Fire “On the day I sold the spa, my husband called and said, ‘Don’t panic, but I’m at an auction,’”
The serving counter at this ice cream business shows brightly in “White Carrerra” marble. 28 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Tracey recalled. “He called later and said, ‘Panic. I just bought a stone company.’”
This residential bathroom installation features a double vanity in “Giallo Ornamental” granite with a pencil edge.
OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICA
By this time Brian’s contract with Baer had been renewed, which meant the responsibility for
running the day-to-day operations of the new
company (which was in receivership when they
bought it, by the way) fell on Tracey’s shoulders. “At first I was just going to do sales and
marketing,” she said, “but since they kept
renewing my husband’s contract, there I was — running the business. But the reality is, all
businesses are similar. That said, we don’t run this like a typical stone fabrication shop: It is
a sales and marketing organization. We pay a
lot of attention to the financials. And, above all,
customer service is our most important activity.”
This commercial project at a public library features counters done in “Prairie” Corian solid surface.
Just about any skill can be taught, but you can’t teach good work ethic, good follow-up skills and good customer skills. That focus on customer service means
everyone in the company is trained to think
like the customer. Sharing product information is essential. Maintaining quality and delivering on time are critical. And, if there is a problem,
they find a way to fix it. “That’s when you find out how important your attitude for customer service really is,” Tracey explained. “Our
customers know when there is a problem we take care of it. When you build a long-term
relationship, there is an understanding. They
In this residential kitchen project, the countertop and island feature “Colonial Gold” granite with a 3/8-in. radius.
know we’ll make it right. If it’s their fault, we’ll work it out over several jobs. But, we have to
know whom we are dealing with. That’s why we choose our customers very carefully.” No Retail About 60 percent of KB Surface’s business
comes from wholesale customers — kitchen
and bath dealers, contractors and designers.
The other 40 percent is commercial. They don’t sell any retail. The company has 10 employees
and installs the equivalent of around 20 kitchens per week, plus commercial. They not only offer
natural stone, but also fabricate quartz surfacing, as the only certified Cambria fabricator in
Rhode Island. Located in the same building is Atlas Fabrication, a solid surface fabrication
shop owned by Ken Beck, Brian’s brother and
The Meadowlands bathroom reflects the glow in Caesarstone “Blizzard” with a pencil edge and a 4-in. apron. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 29
FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOHE FABRICATOR
This custom-made desk features a distressed look and full bullnose edge, and is fabricated out of “Antique Brown” granite. co-owner of KB Surfaces. Between the two companies, KB Surfaces offers virtually every kind of countertop solution to its customers. And, the company goes out of its way to partner with suppliers who are family-oriented and who believe in Green practices. “We really don’t promote ourselves,” Tracey said. “We don’t even have a sign on the building. Most of the business is word-ofmouth. We like to say we are the best kept secret in Rhode Island.” But, that is about to change. Consistent with their goal to step away from day-today running of the business, the Becks are systematically building an infrastructure upon which the company can run itself. That includes hiring outside sales reps, empowering their employees to take ownership of the business, keeping a strong focus on the financials and always looking for good people. “Just about any skill can be taught, but you can’t teach good work ethic, good follow-up skills and good customer skills,” Tracey said. So what is it like to be a female in a traditionally male-dominated industry? “Well, my nickname is The Stone Queen,” she responded. “I’m not sure if it is a compliment or not. Other than that, I haven’t noticed it affecting the business at all. If anything, I think people like the idea.” Circle RS#05 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
30 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
In this kitchen the countertop has a pencil edge and full front dropdown in “Alpina White” Silestone. For more information contact KB Surfaces, 775 Hartford Ave., Johnston, RI 02919, (401) 727-6792, www.kbsurfaces.com, info@kbsurfaces.com. About the Author: Russ Lee is president of sitesNsolutions.com, which provides Internet solutions for the decorative surfacing industry — specializing in inbound marketing content generation and enhancing a company’s Web presence. He may be reached at (801) 735-7606 or russ@sitesNsolutions.com.
Concrete Manufacturers...
Learn Something New. Stone Fabricators...
Create More Profit. Woodworkers...
Make More Money. Solid Surface Fabricators...
Give Your Company The Leading Edge. Whether it’s adopting a new material to offer more to your customers, or refreshing your staff on some of the best techniques and practices in the Solid Surface segment of the industry, there’s a reason for everyone to experience Total Fabrication Training of Solid Surface Material.
ffering Now O ced Advan raining T urface Solid S ne/Quartz o t S d ! an g Also Trainin
Find Out More & Watch Our YouTube Video! Visit www.ISFAnow.org/tft or call us at (877) 464-7732
Circle RS#33 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Here.Now.News. Upcoming ISFA Training & Events For more information or to sign up to attend any of these events, visit www.ISFAnow.com or contact Jennifer Plante at (877) 464-7732 or Jennifer@isfanow.org.
Solid Surface Total Fabricator Training Level I Feb. 18 – 21 • Orem, Utah
ISFA Happenings at IWF ISFA once again teamed up with the
In addition to ISFA and IWF, the event
was also sponsored by Laser Products
CEO Round Table April 5 – 6 • Cincinnati, Ohio
SolidSurface.com.
Stone/Quartz Total Fabricator Training Level I April 8 – 11 • Oakland, N.J.
Industries, Specialtytools.com, and
management behind IWF to host a
Annual Meeting
variety of events around the 2012 show.
Also during the show was ISFA’s annual
Among them were a full-day Countertops Symposium, ISFA’s annual member meeting and a networking event.
Countertops Symposium The full-day program had about three dozen attendees and provided a wealth of information on best practices for resourcing within the countertop market. The session covered residential and commercial operations, and encompassed information on a variety of countertop materials. It included discussions on materials, machinery, outsourcing vs. in-house fabrication and countertop trends. Speakers included Russ Berry, president of A.S.S.T, Mike Nolan, ISFA Director of Education and owner of Windbound Co., Dave Paxton, vice president of Paxton Countertops, and Kevin Cole, ISFA Communications Director.
Regional Grassroots Gathering March 23 • Tampa, Fla.
Regional Grassroots Gathering April 13 • Los Angeles, Calif.
member meeting, during which the ISFA Annual Awards were given out and the
Regional Grassroots Gathering May 11• Atlanta, Ga.
results from the board of director elections were revealed.
Regional Grassroots Gathering July 13 • Boston, Mass.
The ISFA awards are chosen by
CEO Round Table Aug. 24 • Chicago, Ill.
in the industry that stand out as the very
Regional Grassroots Gathering Sept. 21 • Cincinnati, Ohio
Award was presented to Jack Hussey of Jack’s Custom Woodworking (JCW), in
Stone/Quartz Total Fabricator Training Level I Oct. 7 – 10 • Las Vegas, Nev.
given to the individual, or individuals, who
Regional Grassroots Gathering Oct. 19 • Seattle, Wash.
association members, and given to those best. Taking top honors, the Hall of Fame
Woburn, Mass. The Hall of Fame Award is have in the course of their career made
significant contributions to the decorative surfacing industry, and demonstrated
Hussey has served as a past state coordinator for ISFA,
of ISFA. Hussey, an early adapter of solid
and was the 2001 winner of the ISFA Fabricator of the
leadership and commitment to the ideals
has always been an innovator in the surfacing industry,
surface, has run his business for more
Year Award.
than 40 years and was a member of
ISFA since its inception. He earned the award for being a strong advocate for
the association and leading by example.
32 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
The Fabricator of the Year is awarded to an individual of a fabricator member company that in the past year Continued on page 33
(Continued from page 32) has best exemplified the ISFA ideals of
quality, innovation, character and exemplary service to ISFA and/or the decorative
surfacing industry, with overall excellence. The winner for 2012 was Ted Sherritt, of
Floform in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada,
for his continued support of ISFA, even after finishing his many years of service on the
Board of Directors. He continually helps in adding to the goodwill of the fabrication
community and is a model leader with a proven business record.
in Holland, Ohio, was installed as president.
The Associate of the Year Award is given
A.S.S.T. in Hanover, Pa., who now takes on
to an associate member company that in
the past year has best exemplified the role
of servicing the needs of fabricator member companies, and who has best supported ISFA in all activities. This year’s winner is
Cosentino for its support of ISFA goals and
members. The company readily participates in all ISFA functions and supports the
association wherever needed, with time, goods, open access to facilities and funding.
The Innovator Award is for the member
Langenderfer replaces Russ Berry, of
the role of immediate past president. The former immediate past president, Hunter
Adams, of Trindco in Suffolk, Va., has now
Retaining his positions on the board as associate member representative is Mark Anderson of Cosentino USA in Stafford, Texas.
after fulfilling their terms are directors Joe
Networking Event
industry. Also stepping down from the board Hoffmann, of Hoffmann Fixtures in Tulsa,
Okla., Martin Funck, of Rosskopf & Partner in Hennersdorf, Germany, and Mike Nolan, of Windbound Co., in Glen Alpine, N.C. Rounding out the executive committee
enhances the life or elevates the role of the
Countertops in Grand Ledge, Mich., vice
surface fabricator. The winner for 2012 was Karran for pioneering the undermounted
sink for laminate, as well as its innovative
Edge Series of flush-mount stainless sinks for solid surface, which allows for near-
seamless integration of stainless steel sinks that helps eliminate bacteria growth points. The Envision Award is given to the ISFA member firm or individual that excels in
creating something imaginative and special for the surfacing industry. The winner for 2012 was Moraware’s Harry Hollander for producing a new and upgraded
countertop layout program that increases
the capabilities of fabricators while retaining the ease of use for the system, and also for creating the free Remnant Swap
service available to fabricators so they can repurpose their scrap, keeping it from the landfills.
New ISFA Board of Directors Installed Mike Langenderfer, of The Countertop Shop
Two new board members were also voted in: Erica Hussey of JCW in Woburn, Mass., and Mellisa Hill of Oldcastle Surfaces in Atlanta, Ga.
years of service to the association and the
retired from the board after many exemplary
firm or individual who goes outside the box to create a product or system that
president; and Michael Astill, of R.S. Hughes in Salt Lake City, Secretary.
The networking event, which followed the annual meeting and was sponsored by Eurosoft, had more than 50 in attendance and allowed industry professionals to mingle over dinner and drinks in an informal atmosphere.
of the board are Dave Paxton, of Paxton
Continued on page 34
ISFA Names Chuck Sawyer as Executive Director ISFA has named industry veteran Chuck Sawyer to the position of executive director. He has been part of the surfacing industry since 1974, originally owning fabrication shops in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. One of the first DuPont certified trainers, he pioneered some of the early fabricator training in the United States and South America and was one of the original faculty members of ISFA’s training center. He served as co-chair for the ISSFA Solid Surface Conferences and was selected Associate Member of the
Year in 2001. Additionally, he has extensive sales, marketing and product development experience at both the distributor and manufacturer levels. In 2009, he was one of the first individuals to be accredited as a LEED Green Associate by the USGBC. “We are very pleased to have Chuck working on advancing the association,” said Mike Langenderfer, ISFA president. “His knowledge, experience and industry contacts, along with the great ideas he brings to the table, will help us to revamp ISFA’s programming in the coming years.” “I am extremely pleased that I will have the honor of leading ISFA,” said Sawyer. “The industry as a whole has been through tough times in recent years, but things are starting to move in the right direction. ISFA has some amazing things in store over the next few years, and I can’t wait to launch the next generation of this outstanding organization.” International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 33
ISFANews (Continued from page 33)
New ISFA Staff Member
ISFA recently hired Jennifer Plante as the association’s new administrative
assistant. She is taking
over for Meg Pettingill, who after several years of service to the organization has stepped down to pursue other opportunities.
Born in North Attleboro, Mass., Plante relocated to Florida as a child and after graduating from
high school joined the U.S. Navy, serving in Pearl
Million Dollar Mentor Program
ISFA is bringing back its Million Dollar Mentor Program in which a seasoned industry veteran is paired up with an up-and-coming business to establish a relationship that will allow them to connect and share information designed to develop the mentee’s company. The experience includes business training on such topics as the break-even point, pricing strategies, how to hire and motivate employees, business planning strategies and employee benefits. But that’s just the beginning. Further development is based on the goals the mentee wants to reach in his business and how the mentor can assist. Those in the program will meet with their mentor at his/her place of business at least one time during the program, and regular phone contact with both the mentors and other mentor program enrollees is part of the process. The program is scheduled to kick off in the second quarter of 2013, so those interested in either role are encouraged to contact ISFA as soon as possible. Interested parties can contact ISFA Executive Director Chuck Sawyer at cksawyer@isfanow.org or by phone at (724) 612-9768.
Harbor, Hawaii, as a firefighter. After leaving the
Navy in 1997 she worked for North American Arms before pursing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She is also the mother of four
children and is currently working on her MBA.
A New Emphasis on Training
With the new year approaching and a new
executive director heading up the association,
ISFA will be revamping its training programs to better suit the needs of its members. This will
include the lauded hands-on training programs that have taught the ropes to so many in the industry over the years, as well as programs designed to help business managers. Total Fabricator Training New dates for both the Solid Surface and
Stone/Quartz Total Fabricator Training (TFT)
programs have tentatively been set for 2013: Solid Surface TFT Level I Feb. 18 – 21 Orem, Utah
Stone/Quartz TFT Level I April 8 – 11
Oakland, N.J. Stone/Quartz TFT Level I Oct. 7 – 10
Las Vegas, Nev. Additionally, in 2013 ISFA will also be taking its training on the road. ISFA is currently
engaged in the development of a program to revolutionize our Total Fabrication Training.
34 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Under the leadership of ISFA Education Director Mike Nolan, a team of experienced educators is creating a new program that will
result in a group of ISFA-approved trainers that will be able to provide fabrication training on a regional or local basis. With course modules developed by the ISFA team, we will be able to offer customized training at your shop. We are assembling a team in training experts to prepare a Trainthe-Trainer program. This program will allow us to train fabricators across the country to be “ISFA Certified Trainers” who will be capable of providing ISFA fabricator training on a regional and local basis. The team of industry all-stars currently includes Mike Nolan, ISFA Education Director; Steve Bace of Festool; Gilberto Crombe of Multilam (who will be working in Central & South America); Tony Basilio retired DuPont trainer and all-around guru on solid surface technical and training issues; and Chuck Sawyer, ISFA Executive Director. For more information on ISFA’s hands-on training programs or to participate in the development of this program, contact Mike Nolan at mike@isfanow.org or Chuck Sawyer at cksawyer@isfanow.org.
Increased Networking Opportunities
Networking has always been a valuable part of the ISFA experience. In 2013 we will bring some exciting regional and local opportunities for ISFA members to work, connect and learn together for the benefit of members and the industry as a whole.
CEO Round Table Events ISFA will present a new opportunity for the executive management of our fabricator
companies to share experiences, common concerns and best practices regarding
the process of running small businesses.
Throughout the year we will have opportunities to provide programs, information and courses specifically aimed at increasing the skill set of
company senior management in order to ensure that ISFA member companies can perform with world-class results. One new program that
is being developed is the CEO Round Table
Event, a forum for education, collaboration and enlightenment on the issues facing the leaders of our industry.
In addition ISFA will be offering online
opportunities in a variety of topics that will be of
interest for executive managers and their teams. More information on these online programs will be made available as the program progresses.
Tentative locations and dates for the CEO Round Table Events are as follows: CEO Round Table Event I Cincinnati, Ohio April 5-6
CEO Round Table Event II Chicago, Ill. Aug. 24-25
To find out more and to sign up for the ISFA CEO Round Table contact Chuck Sawyer at cksawyer@ isfanow.org.
Continued on page 35
(Continued from page 34) Regional Grassroots Gatherings We have tentatively scheduled six one-day Gatherings for 2013 to bring ISFA members (and potential members) together for networking, fellowship, education and fun. The heartbeat of ISFA is the energy of our members, so we are hoping you will participate. We need your help to make sure the events are the best that they can be. The tentative dates for the ISFA Regional Grassroots Gatherings are as follows:
ISFA Sets the Standards for Quality and Professionalism “To endeavor to raise to the highest
degree the standards, ethics and practices of decorative surfacing fabrication and manufacturing”
These words from the bylaws of the
Tampa, Fla. March 23
International Surface Fabricators Association
Los Angeles, Calif. April 13
functions, the development of standards for
set the stage for one of ISFA’s fundamental
the industry. As early as 1997, a core group
Atlanta, Ga. May 11
of ISFA members began work on the first standard document called, Classification
and Standards Publication of Solid Surfacing
Boston, Mass. July 13
Material, ISSFA-1-98. This document
contained descriptions and types of solid
Cincinnati, Ohio Sept. 21
surfacing, recommended testing methods
and values for performance properties and
Seattle, Wash. Oct. 19
a section describing applications for solid
surfacing. Under the leadership of Gus Blume,
For more information or to volunteer for the Grassroots Gathering Committee in your area, please contact ISFA at gatherings@isfanow.org. If you are an associate member interested in sponsoring or displaying at these events, please contact ISFA at support@isfanow.org.
ISFA at KBIS
ISFA’s very own communications director, Kevin Cole, will be part of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show’s (KBIS) Voices of the Industry Program, in which various members of the kitchen and bath industry present on a variety of topics. During KBIS, which is April 19 to 21 in New Orleans, Cole will be offering a presentation titled “Countertop Trends: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” The one-hour session will cover several areas: countertop trends, consumer preferences, industry conditions and statistics, and where the industry might be headed in the coming years. The information will help to paint a picture of the countertop industry, current marketplace and a bit about how the future of the industry may look. Attendees should leave this session with a good understanding of the Continued on page 36
members of the committee met, deliberated and arrived at a consensus document,
ISSFA-2-01 (200). This standard reviewed
and expanded the scope of the standard and
effort that reached 100,000 interested parties through our website, trade magazines and other avenues. The comments gained from this process were collated, reviewed and incorporated into the document. Our mission for 2013 will be to review and revise all our past efforts around standards, plus create a body of information around fabrication requirements and techniques. This effort will finalize with the publication of the following four documents: ISFA-2-01 (2013) Classification and
Standards for Solid Surfacing Material ISFA-2-02 (2013) Fabrication Standards for Solid Surfacing Material
ISFA-3-01 (2013) Classification and
Standards for Quartz Surfacing Material ISFA-3 -02 (2013) Fabrication Standards for Quartz Surfacing Material
added a section specifying testing methods
We have already begun work building the new
addition to the work of the ISFA committee,
working with these groups, please contact
specifically specific to solid surfacing. In
standards committees. Anyone interested in
public comment was solicited through an
Chuck Sawyer, cksawyer@isfanow.org.
FROM THE ISFA BYLAWS ■■ To promote through education of: (1)
■■ To preserve and encourage
remodelers, kitchen and bath dealers, industrial
standards by: (1) developing quality standards
architects, designers, specifiers, builders,
and OEM accounts, consumers, on the uses
and benefits of premium decorative surfacing and the fabricator’s role in the product; and (2) our members, on fabrication techniques
and methods, tools and equipment, on how
to run a shop, on how to run a business, from accounting through sales and marketing;
higher standards through improving industry and specifications for decorative surfacing fabrication and installation; (2) developing quality standards for decorative surfacing
products so as to safeguard the perception of premium decorative surfacing as quality
products; (3) establishing “solid surface” as its own stand-alone category in all relevant
■■ To educate through promotion of Association
governmental architectural, insurance or other
and professionalism in decorative surfacing
international standards and classifications (ISO,
members as a source of superior quality
codes and classification systems — including
fabrication/manufacturing worldwide;
etc.); and (4) establishing health and safety standards for fabrication shops.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 35
ISFANews (Continued from page 35) countertop segment of the kitchen and bath market and how it might look going forward. Attendees should leave with an understanding of the trends in both traditional and new countertop materials on the market; gain insight into the economic factors that affect the countertop market; and receive forecast information looking at the future of the industry. The session is scheduled for the morning of April 21. More information will soon be available at the KBIS website at www.kbis.com.
The ISFA Architectural Reference
An important part of further developing standards is to make them available to the industry. So, we are also working on an ISFA Architectural Reference, which will be a hard copy and online collection of standards and other information pertaining to the surfacing industry. It will be a useful “desk reference” for fabricators, architects, designers and other industry professionals. Contents of the ISFA Architectural Reference (late 2013): ISFA-2-01 (2013) Classification and Standards for Solid Surfacing Material ISFA-2-02 (2013) Fabrication Standards for Solid Surfacing Material ISFA-3-01 (2013) Classification and Standards for Quartz Surfacing Material ISFA-3 -02 (2013) Fabrication Standards for Quartz Materials ISFA Specification for Solid Surfacing ISFA Specification for Quartz Surfacing ISFA CAD Drawing Library ISFA Architectural Reference Disc (contains all of the above)
ISFA Members:
Enroll in the ISFA/UPS Savings Program and save on your package and freight shipments! ISFA Members can save: ■■ Up to 26% on UPS Next Day Air® and Worldwide Express® ■■ Up to 19% on UPS 2nd Day Air® and Worldwide Express® ■■ Up to 14% on UPS 3 Day Select® ■■ A minimum 70% on LTL freight over 150 lbs. Items to be added later (late 2014): ISFA-4-01 (2014) Classification and Standards for Alternative Surfaces* ISFA-4-02 (2014) Fabrication Standards for Alternative Surfaces ISFA-5-01 (2014) Classification and Standards for Sustainable Surfaces** ISFA-5-02 (2014) Fabrication Standards for Sustainable Surfaces ISFA Specifications for Alternative Surfaces ISFA Specifications for Sustainable Surfaces
Other Collaboration
ISFA is also involved in collaborations with other trade organizations in the development of various standards that pertain to our industry. We have prepared recommendations for both solid surfacing and quartz surfacing quality standards for the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI). The Architectural Woodwork Standards of the AWI are a comprehensive set of quality guidelines used by manufacturers and architects to define acceptable levels of quality for woodworking and millwork. Included in these standards is a chapter on countertops that contains the recommendations from ISFA.
*Alternative Surfaces include concrete, glass, metals and emerging technologies ** Sustainable Surfaces include products with recycled content, rapidly renewable resources and other attributes that contribute to a sustainable environment.
36 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Don’t miss out, enroll today and take advantage of your discounts with UPS. Phone: (866) 443-9303, ext. 4080 Email: associations@upsfreight.com Visit www.savewithups.com/isfa for more information.
ISFA is also represented on the NSF International PCR Residential Countertops Committee. This group will develop a Product Category Rules (PCR) document that is a set of specific rules, requirements and guidelines for developing environmental declarations for various categories of products. PCRs define the type of data, measuring and reporting on these products for use in a life cycle assessment. The PCR developed by the NFS International committee will cover high pressure laminate (HPL) bonded to particleboard, solid surface, natural stone, engineered stone and recycled materials. Other material types that may be captured by the PCR are concrete, tile, stainless steel and glass. Work on this standard begins in January. The ISFA Board of Directors is also conferring with the Marble Institute of America and the Stone Fabricators Alliance on possible areas of collaboration during 2013. The idea is that through the efforts of ISFA and ISFA members along with the collective efforts of ISFA and all of these other organizations, real good will come not only to our members, but also to the industry as a whole.
Board of Directors Mike Langenderfer
President The Countertop Shop 10406 Geiser Rd. Holland, OH 43528 Phone: (419) 868-9101 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net
Russ Berry
Immediate Past President A.S.S.T. 350 South St. McSherrystown, PA 17344 Phone: (717) 630-1251 Fax: (717) 630-1271 russberry@asst.com www.asst.com
Dave Paxton
Vice President Paxton Countertops PO Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 Phone: (517) 719-0146 paxtoncountertops@yahoo.com
Michael Astill
Secretary R. S. Hughes 3455 W. 1820 S. #1 Salt Lake City, UT 84104-4906 Phone: (801) 973-4211 mastill@rshughes.com www.rshughes.com
Erica Hussey
Director JCW Countertops 3 Aberjona Dr. Woburn, MA 01801 Phone 781-935-1907 ericamaria@jcwcountertops.com www.jcwcountertops.com
ISFA Contacts Main Office
165 N. 1330 W. #A3 Orem, UT 84057 Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 Direct: (801) 341-7360 Fax: (801) 341-7361 Email: info@isfanow.org Web: www.ISFAnow.org
Chuck Sawyer
Executive Director Email: cksawyer@isfanow.org Direct: (724) 612-9768
Kevin Cole
Communications Director Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor Email: kevin@isfanow.org Direct: (815) 721-1507
Mike Nolan
Education Director Email: mike@isfanow.org Direct: (828) 403-7386
Paul Wisnefski
Account Representative Email: wisnefski@sbcglobal.net Direct: (262) 498-4184
Jennifer Plante
Administrative Assistant & Registrar Email: jennifer@isfanow.org Office: (877) 464-7732
Mellisa Hill
Director Oldcastle Surfaces 1400 W. Marietta St. Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: (404) 355-3108 Mell.Hill@oldcastle.com www.oldcastlesurfaces.com
Mark Anderson
Director, Associate Member Representative Cosentino USA 13124 Trinity Dr. Stafford, TX 77477 Phone: (866) 268-6837 marka@cosentinousa.com www.cosentinousa.com International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 37
Specialty Surfaces Fabricators, Manufacturers and Experts
Membership Application Main: (877) 464-7732 • Fax: (801) 341-7361 • www.ISFANow.org
Renewal Instructions: To renew your membership with ISFA, simply fill out the Personal Information section, and Payment Method and that’s it! Fax it back to (801) 341-7361 and we’ll do the rest. Please allow 2-4 weeks for your membership renewal packet to be delivered. New Member Instructions: For Surfacing Experts wanting to become a new member, please fill out the entire form. Membership in ISFA is the industry endorsement of high quality. This endorsement cannot be purchased for the price of membership, but must be established by the company and upheld by each member of the organization. Fax this form back to (801) 341-7361 and we’ll do the rest.Your new membership packet will be in the mail shortly. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
Personal Information Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: y providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax. B Email: q Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via email. I Am: q Renewing My ISFA Membership
q Applying to Become a New Member
Method of Payment q I am faxing a copy of the check along with this form. (required if paying by check) Card Type:
q Visa
q Mastercard
q American Express
q Discover
Card Number: Print Name on Card: Expiration Date: Official Signature: If paying by check, fax copy along with this order form. You can also mail this form to: ISFA, 165 N 1330 W #A3, Orem, UT 84057
New Member Information Type of Membership: (please select one) q ISFA Membership: $400 — Any Specialty Surfaces
company that has been in business at least two years and carries appropriate liability insurance.
q Subscriber Membership: $400 — Applicant companies which meet all other qualifications, but have been in business for less than two years shall be eligible for Subscriber Membership in the Association.
q Branch Membership: $200 — Branch Membership is
available to companies having more than one location. Each location must fill out seperate membership applications. Branch Membership annual dues are one-half that of the headquarters location. Each location wlll be treated as a separate member in all respects, except only headquarter locations may vote in general elections.
Sponsorship Information: In order to become a member of ISFA, you need to provide information regarding an ISFA member or company willing to sponsor you. If you do not know what to put in this section, just leave it blank. We will help you with this. Sponsor Company: Contact Person: Telephone: Trade Reference: (Please provide a trade reference, generally your distributor of solid surface.) Trade Reference: Contact Person: Telephone: Proof of Insurance: A copy of your certificate of liability insurance must be attached to or faxed with this form to process this application.
q Monthly Membership: $35/Monthly Code of Ethics
(please sign below)
Each member of the International Surface Fabricators Association agrees to observe high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility in the conduct of their business. By adhering strictly to the highest quality standards of fabrication, manufacturing and installation. By promoting only those products and services that are proven quality and value. By writing contracts and warranties that are clear, honest and fair to all parties involved. By honoring all contractual obligations in a reasonably prompt manner. By quickly acting on and attempting to resolve all customer complaints, and in situations where complaints appear unreasonable and persistent, by encouraging the customer to initiate and approach third-party dispute settlement mechanisms. By being fiscally responsible and honoring all legitimate financial obligations, By maintaining all required licenses and insurances. I,_______________________________, do hereby certify that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and do agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of the International Surface Fabricators Association for as long as I hold an active membership therein.
38 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals ALABAMA
Carroll’s Contemporary Designs Inc. 23585 County Rd. 41 Addison, AL 35540 256-462-3540
Oldcastle Surfaces Inc.
112 David Green Rd. Birmingham, AL 35244-1648 205-988-3246 www.oldcastlesurfaces.com
Surface One
2421 Hwy. 11 Pelham, AL 35124 205-621-1125 www.surface1.com
ALASKA
Alaskan Counter Fitters 607 Old Steese Hwy. Ste. B PMB 354 Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-455-0247
Bicknell Inc.
PO Box 33517 Juneau, AK 99801 907-789-5727 www.bicknellinc.com
Cook Inlet Housing Authority
3510 Spenard Rd. Anchorage, AK 99503 907-793-3047 www.cookinlethousing.org
Mountain Tops LTD
6605 Arctic Spur Rd. Anchorage, AK 99518 907-272-8107 www.mountaintops.net
Panco Inc.
PO Box 210 Talkeetna, AK 99676 907-733-6600
ARIZONA Classy Kitchen and Bath
4320 W. Chandler Blvd. Ste. 7 Chandler, AZ 85226 480-731-1236 www.classykitchenandbath.com
Kirk’s Cabinets & Countertops (Kirk Construction)
4807 Hwy. 95 Parker, AZ 85344 928-667-7306 www.kirk-construction.com
Kitchen Bath & Beyond
Specializing In Solid Surface 1440 Corona Fort Mojave, AZ 86426 928-788-1000
CALIFORNIA
Block Tops Inc.
1560 Harris Ct. Anaheim, CA 92806 714-978-5080 www.blocktops.com
Buck, Jason (Superior Surface) 3609 Crow Ct. Antelope, CA 95843 916-344-3022
Duracite
2100 Huntington Dr. Fairfield, CA 94533 707-402-1600 www.duracite.com
European Artstone Inc.
7316 Bellaire Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91605 818-255-5585 www.europeanartstone.com
Fischer Tile & Marble 1800 23rd St. Sacramento, CA 95816 916-452-1426 www.fischertile.com
Humboldt Countertops
70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 707-442-5918 www.humtop.com
Integra Cabinets & Millwork
249 W. Baywood #B Orange, CA 92865 714-283-2890 www.integracmw.com
Lytle Construction Inc.
145 Otto Circle Sacramento, CA 95822 916-422-6639 www.lytleconstruction.com
Mio Metals
400 Western Ave. Petaluma, CA 94952 888-530-7630 www.miometals.com
Pacific Architectural Millwork 1031 Leslie St. LaHabra, CA 90631 www.pacmillwork.com 562-905-3200
RR Laminates
Distinctive Surfaces of Florida Inc.
1403 Nichols Dr. Rocklin, CA 95765 805-582-7497
Scantibodies
9336 Abraham Way Santee, CA 92071 619-258-9300 www.scantibodies.com
Southwest Carpenters Training Fund 533 S. Fremont Ave. #401 Los Angeles, CA 90071 213-739-9335
The Countertop Factory
12349 Telegraph Rd. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 562-944-2450 www.thecountertopfactory.net
COLORADO
8272 Vico Ct. Sarasota, FL 34240 941-377-7747 www.distinctivesurfaces offlorida.com
Natural Stone Motif Inc.
870 Sunshine Ln. Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 407-774-0676 www.naturalstonemotif.com
Reall Cabinetry
1985 Cattlemen Rd. Unit D Sarasota, FL 34232 941-377-2837
Surface Crafters
711 Commercial Dr. Holly Hill, FL 32117 386-253-0826 www.surface-crafters.com
GEORGIA
Arlun Inc.
Atlanta Kitchen Inc.
Paragon Granite & Marble
Countersync
6250 Corporate Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919 719-599-4175
196 Rio Circle Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3220 www.atlanta-kitchen.com
14136 Valley Dr. Longmont, CO 80504 970-535-0473
1296 Jones St. Augusta, GA 30901 706-828-7544 www.countersync.net
CONNECTICUT
Lovell Construction, Inc.
6 Tosun Rd. Wolcott, CT 06716 203-879-2835
Oldcastle Surfaces Inc.
Distinctive Countertops LLC
1400 W. Marietta St. Atlanta, GA 30318 404-355-3108 www.oldcastlesurfaces.com
DELAWARE
Troy Granite Inc.
711 Interchange Blvd. Newark, DE 19711 302-292-1750 www.troygranite.com
Top South
FLORIDA
Beverin Solid Surface 1108 Palmetto Ave. Lehigh Acres, FL 33972 239-368-9444 www.beverin.com
Carbide Industries
21880 Bradbury Rd. Grantville, GA 30220 770-253-0383
314 Crittenden St. Groveland, FL 34736 352-429-8840 www.carbideindustries.net
830 Pickens Industrial Dr. Marietta, GA 30062 770-422-4009 www.topsouth.com
HAWAII AMR llc
PO Box 1542 Aiea, HI 96701 808-652-0609
Gary’s Woodworking 60 Kaunaloa St. Hilo, HI 96720 808-936-4259
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 39
Fabricator Directory (continued) Companies in blue are Certified Professionals Hawaii Kitchen & Bath Inc.
PO Box 1857 Kailua, HI 96734 808-261-0357 www.hawaiikitchenandbath.com
Honolulu Tile & Marble Inc. 1602-B Auiki St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-3775
Jaco Builders Inc. 99-129B Waiua Way Aiea, HI 96701 808-486-6008
Pohaku Fabrication 1757 Haleukana St. Lihue, HI 96766 808-246-9480
Solid Surface Technologies 360 Mokauea St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-8677 www.ssthawaii.net
Superior Solid Surface
1620 Hau St. Honolulu, HI 96817 808-842-5556 www.hidanoconstruction.com
IDAHO
Bledsoe Cabinets
2990 Wise Way Boise, ID 83716 208-433-0033 www.thebledsoegroup.net
Candela Construction 4126 Couples Dr. Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83815 208-661-1398
Pierce Laminated Products Inc.
2430 N. Court St. Rockford, IL 61103 815-968-9651 www.piercelaminated.com
Precision Stone Design
981 Lunt Ave. Schaumburg, IL 60193 www.precisionstonedesigns.com 847-301-7171
Solid Surface Creations Inc. 403 S. Sycamore Villa Grove, IL 61956 217-832-8207 www.ssctops.com
Sprovieris Custom Cabinets 55 Laura Dr. Addison, IL 60101 630-917-4690 www.sprovieris.com
Stalwart Systems
7797 N. Caldwell Ave. Niles, IL 60714 847-972-8895
Stevens Industries Inc. 704 W. Main St. Teutopolis, IL 62427 217-540-3100 www.stevensinc.com
INDIANA
A. I. A. Countertops LLC 501 W. Railroad Ave. Syracuse, IN 46567 574-457-2018 www.aiacountertops.com
Bollock Industries Inc.
Custom Marble Inc.
900 Farabee Ct. Lafayette, IN 47905 765-448-6000 www.bollockstoptops.com
Dirk Foster
2369 Heinz Rd. Unit #J Iowa City, IA 52240 888-452-0714 www.granitecustomdesign.com
ILLINOIS
PO Box 306 Millstadt, IL 62260 618-476-1345 www.custommarble.net 802 S. 26th St. Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 206-898-8163
F-W-S Solid Surface Specialist Inc. 610 N. Illinois Ave. Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-2326 www.f-w-s.net
Maxwell Counters, Inc. PO Box 234 Farmer City, IL 61842 309-928-2848
New Age Surfaces 1237 Naperville Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 630-226-0011
Granite Custom Design
Hard Surface Fabrications, Inc./ Kormax 810 S. Beiger St. Mishawaka, IN 46544 574-259-4843
Laminated Tops of Central Indiana Inc.
711 E. Dillman Rd. Bloomington, IN 47401 812-824-6299 www.rakesolutions.com
M & W Countertops Inc. 11934 Witmer Rd. Grabill, IN 46741 260-627-3636 www.mwcountertops.com
40 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Michiana Laminated Products Inc.
7130 N. 050 E. Howe, IN 46746 260-562-2871 www.michianalaminated.com
Stone Tops
426 Forestwood Dr Valpairiso, IN 46385 219-669-7037
IOWA
Custom Countertops & More
LOUISIANA
Dan Solid Surfaces
2020 Dallas Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 225-216-3900 www.dansolidsurface.com
Top Distributors LLC 412 Post Oak Rd. Sulphur, LA 70663 337-625-5751
MAINE
Shad’s Custom Countertops Inc.
1801 E. Oak St. Algona, IA 50511 515-295-4835
11 Collins Pond Rd. Windham, ME 04062 207-893-3445 www.getshad.com
Solid Fabrications Inc.
Tasty Food
2515 Murray St. Sioux City, IA 51111 712-255-5319 www.solidfab.com
KANSAS
Countertop Shoppe
5855 S.W. 21st St. Topeka, KS 66604 785-271-8675 www.mycountertopshoppe.com
Fisher Lumber Co., Inc. P.O. Box 355 Garden Plain, KS 67050 316-531-2295
Kitchens Inc.
2301 W. Frontview Dodge City, KS 67801 620-225-0208
Mid-America Kitchens & Baths
1105 N. Industrial Marion, KS 66861 620-382-3390 www.midamericamarble products.com/
Parman Brothers LTD
PO Box 7 Johnson, KS 67855 620-492-6882 www.parmanbrothersltd.com
Top Master Inc.
2844 Roe Ln. Kansas City, KS 66103 913-492-3030 www.top-master.com
KENTUCKY
Surfaces Unlimited Inc.
1272 Hwy. 490 East Bernstadt, KY 40729 606-843-6891 www.surfaces-unlimited.com
232 Main St. P.O. Box 140 Van Buren, ME 04785 207-868-3011
MARYLAND
SolidTops LLC
505 South St. Easton, MD 21601 410-819-0770 www.solidtops.com
MASSACHUSETTS
Black Beauty Granite & Marble Inc. 74 Devon Rd. Norwood, MA 02062 781-762-5885
Jack’s CustomWoodworking/ JCW Countertop 3 Aberjona Dr. Woburn, MA 01801 781-935-1907 www.jcwcountertops.com
PADCO Countertop Co.
5 Springdale Ave. Canton, MA 02021 781-828-1177 www.padcocountertop.com
Sterling Surfaces
76 Leominster Rd. Sterling, MA 01564 978-422-3321 www.sterlingsurfaces.com
Sterling-Miller Designs Inc. 1079 N. Montello St. Brockton, MA 02301 508-894-6999 www.sterlingmillerdesigns.com
TWD Surfaces
75 Hale St. Bridgewater, MA 02324 508-279-2650 www.twdsurfaces.com
MICHIGAN
BMC
7343 Buell Rd. Vassar, MI 48768 989-871-5000 www.blasiusinc.com
Jim Shreve
Blasius Inc.
JC Tops Inc.
3156 Parker Dr. Royal Oak, MI 48073 248-733-8677 www.jctopsinc.com
Marbelite Corp.
22500 Heslip Dr. Novi, MI 48375 248-348-1900 www.marbelitecorp.com
Paxton Countertops PO Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 517-719-0146
Solid Surfaces Unlimited Inc.
6689 Sterling Dr. S. Sterling Heights, MI 48312 586-274-9668
3200 Hwy. 12 E. P.O. Box 5780 Helena, MT 59404 www.buildwithbmc.com P.O. Box 721 Florence, MT 59833 406-880-3566
The Flooring Place 1891 Boothill Ct. Bozeman, MT 59715 406-587-2320
Pyramid Cabinet Shop 1201 Fourth Ave. N. Billings, MT 59101 406-671-8329 www.pyramid-cabinet.com
Solid Surface Designs 233 Lambeth Rd. Billings, MT 65610 417-848-4446
VanSetten Walker Construction Co.
MINNESOTA
821 1st Ave. N.W. Great Falls, MT 59404 406-570-5283
515 Spiral Blvd. Hastings, MN 55033 651-437-1004
PO Box 30254 Billings, MT 59107 406-259-5177 www.woodcollc.com
Innovative Surfaces Inc.
The Pinske Edge
119 Main St. Plato, MN 55370 320-238-2196 www.pinske-edge.com
The Top Shop of Rochester Inc.
235 Woodlake Dr. S.E. Rochester, MN 55904 507-282-9129 www.topshoprochester.com
MISSISSIPPI
Countertop Creations of the Gulf Coast
1302 Live Oak Pascagoula, MS 39567 228-938-6484
MISSOURI Genistone
137 E. State Hwy. CC Nixa, MO 65714 417-725-0909 www.genistone.com
MONTANA Bevco
1627 Dickie Rd. Billings, MT 59101 406-248-2670
WoodCo LLC
NEBRASKA
Builders Warehouse 4600 N. Second Ave. Kearney, NE 68845 308-627-6702
Lincoln Laminating Inc. 5010 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 402-434-6009
Martin’s Counter Tops Inc. 9101 Military Rd. Omaha, NE 68134 402-572-4044 www.martinscountertops.com
NEVADA
B&H Interiors
4385 Wagon Trail Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-400-6547
Carpenters Int’l Training Fund
6801 Placid St. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-938-1111
Creative Surface Solutions 2855 Coleman St. N. Las Vegas, NV 89032 702-365-6444 www.creativesurface.com
K-C Maintenance
Evans & Paul LLC
4710 W. Post Rd. #145 Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-228-5552
NEW HAMPSHIRE
140 DuPont St. Plainview, NY 11803 516-576-0800 www.evansandpaul.com
Maui Solid Surface
Marker Systems Inc.
NEW JERSEY
Modern Home Distributing
940 River Rd. North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-695-1102
182 E. Dunstable Rd. Nashua, NH 03062 603-718-0014
Innovative Concrete Solutions
PO Box 395 Nunda, NY 14517 585-468-2523
28 Olympia Ln. Sicklerville, NJ 08081 215-983-9792
J. Dougherty & Son/ JDS Supply 337 N. Main St. Glassboro, NJ 08028 856-881-5444 www.JDSsupply.com
100 Bellport Ave. Yaphank, NY 11980 631-205-0282 www.penn4corian.com
Unico Special Products Inc. 25 Renwick St. Newburgh, NY 12550 845-562-9255 www.unicospecialproducts.com
J&M Lifestyles
215 Rte. 10 Building 3 Randolph, NJ 07869 973-668-5057 www.jmlifestyles.com
Wilbedone Inc.
Marvic Corp.
2450 Lorio St. Union, NJ 07083 908-686-4340 www.countertopsofnj.com
Spaulding Fabricators Inc. 1136 Industrial Pkwy. Brick, NJ 08724 732-840-4433 www.spauldingfabricators.com
NEW MEXICO
American Countertops 8013 Edith N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-897-3141
Elvis Custom Building 812 S. 4th Artesia, NM 88210 575-308-7850
OGB Architectural Millwork 3711 Paseo del Norte Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-998-0000 www.ogb-am.com
Rojo Enterprises LLC PO Box 429 Roswell, NM 88202 505-626-3553
1133 NYS Rte. 222 Cortland, NY 13045 800-734-8813 www.wilbedone.com
NORTH CAROLINA
Carolina Custom Surfaces
100 Landmark Dr. Greensboro, NC 27409 336-299-3030 www.carolinacustomsurfaces.com
Johnson Granite Inc. PO Box 511 589 Hiatt Rd. Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-719-2729
Meld USA Inc.
3001-103 Spring Forest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27616 919-790-1749 www.meldusa.com
Premier Plus Inc.
165 Wildwood Ave. Hamlet, NC 28345 910-995-5615 www.premierplusinc.net
Surface Matters
108 Forest Brook Dr. Cary, NC 27519 919-801-8021 www.surfacematters.net
NEW YORK
Dimensional Stone & Tile Designs, Inc
Penn Fabricators Inc.
146 E. Third St. Mount Vernon, NY 10550 www.dimensionalstone.net 914-664-1200
Windbound Co.
PO Box 817 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 828-438-0892 www.windboundsurfaces.com
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 41
Fabricator Directory (continued) Companies in blue are Certified ISFA Professionals OHIO
Bertke Countertops 9355 Amsterdam Rd. Anna, OH 45302 937-538-7024
Cabinets 2 Countertops
7142 Frank Ave. N.W. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-244-0221 www.cabinets2countertops.com
Top Shelf Laminated Products 400 Dietz Rd. Warren, OH 44483 330-393-1289
Tower Industries
PO Box 647 Massillon, OH 44648 330-837-2216 www.towersurfaces.com
OKLAHOMA
Countertop Shop LTD
Hoffman Fixtures Co.
Cutting Edge Countertops Inc.
OREGON
10406 Geiser Rd. Holland, OH 43528 419-868-9101 www.countertopshop.net
6031 S. 129th St. Ste. B Tulsa, OK 74134 918-252-0451 www.hfccountertops.com
Jon Hirt
258 Nichols St. Leesport, PA 19533 484-794-8263
John Kramer’s Fabrications Inc.
PO Box 41 Bernville, PA 19506 610-488-6213 www.kramershowerbases.com
Pence Countertops Inc.
124 Ellis Woods Rd. Pottstown, PA 19465 610-326-6609 www.pencecountertops.com
1300 Flagship Dr. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-873-9500 www.cectops.com
Countertops by Topsecret
RHODE ISLAND
Granex Industries
Douglas High School
PO Box F Pawtucket, RI 2861 508-761-7588
32400 Aurora Rd. Salon, OH 44139 440-248-4915 www.granexindustries.com
Helmart Co., Inc.
4960 Hillside Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45233 www.helmart.net 513-941-3095
6076 Washburn Way Klamath Falls, OR 97603 541-850-8677 1381 Douglas Blvd. Winston, OR 97496 541-643-9344
Grifform Innovations Inc. PO Box 258 Glide, OR 97443 541-496-0313 www.grifform.com
Heritage Marble Inc.
South Umpqa School District
Innovative Builders
PENNSYLVANIA
7086 Huntley Rd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-436-7465
6909 Engle Rd. Ste. 19 Middleburg Hts., OH 44130 800-936-4799
Korkan Granite
4561 Crystal Pkwy. Kent, OH 44240 330-677-1883 www.korkangranite.com
L. E. Smith Co.
1030 E. Wilson St. Bryan, OH 43506 888-537-6484 www.lesmith.com
Laminate Shop, Inc. PO Box 1218 Marietta, OH 45750 740-749-3536
Mark Dietz
7513 Bartholomew Dr. Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 440-476-9905
Solid Surfaces Plus
4640 Manufacturing Rd. Cleveland, OH 44135 216-267-7040 www.solidsurfacesplus.com
501 N.W. Chadwick Ln. Myrtle Creek, OR 97457 541-580-3750
A.S.S.T.
805 W. Elm Ave. Hanover, PA 17331 717-630-1251 www.asst.com
Advanced Surfaces Inc. 130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 814-663-0369
Blume’s Solid Surface Products 904 Freeport Rd. Freeport, PA 16229 724-294-3190 www.blumes.net
Chuck Sawyer
4802 Au Sable Dr. Gibsonia, PA 15044 412-213-0370
J.A. Kohlhepp Sons Inc.
PO Box 423 640 DuBois St. Dubois, PA 15801 814-371-5060
42 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
New England Counter Top
SOUTH CAROLINA Creative Counter Tops 1056 Hunley Sullivan Rd. Awendaw, SC 29429 843-881-8315
SOUTH DAKOTA
Dakotaland Woodwork & Cabinets LLC 41181 179th St. Raymond, SD 57258 605-532-4150
DFC-Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co. 45753 237th St. Madison, SD 57042 605-256-3707 www.soliddfc.com
Formatop Co.
101 S. Franklin Sioux Falls, SD 57103 605-332-3151
www.formatopcompany.com
TENNESSEE
Alexander Brothers Tile & Marble Inc.
1446 S. Cooper St. Ste. 101 Memphis, TN 38114 901-278-9626 www.alexandermarbleandgranite.com
Creative Countertop Solutions Inc.
300 Peabody St. Nashville, TN 37210 615-915-0718 www.creativecountersolutions.com
TEXAS
Classic Counter Tops
2325 Executive Dr. Garland, TX 75041 972-840-1234 www.classiccountertopsinc.com
Counterscapes, Inc. 2228 Deerbrook Dr. Tyler, TX 75703 903-581-5676
Countertop Solutions LLC
PO Box 820847 Houston, TX 77077 713-204-0080 www.ineedcountertops.com
R.L. Stephens Inc.
8916 Pepper Rock Dr. Austin, TX 78717 512-801-7105
Southwestern Counter Tops & Millwork 4100 Frankfort Ave. El Paso, TX 79903 915-562-1116 www.swcelpaso@elp.rr.co
University of North Texas
1155 Union Circle Denton, TX 76203 940-891-6853
Walter Crum Construction
PO Box 12359 Lubbock, TX 79452 806-748-1899
W R Watson Inc. 12902 Mula Ln. Stafford, TX 77477 281-495-2800
UTAH
Associated Fixture Mfg.
8975 W. 3500 S. Magna, Utah 84044 801-250-7620 www.associatedfixture.com
Bedrock Quartz
5996 Dannon Way West Jordan, UT 84081 801-282-3322 www.bedrockquartz.com
Quality Craft Wood Works HC 60 Box 703 Rocky Ridge, UT 84645 435-623-1707
SLC Corp
248 E. 600 S. Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Ty’s Cabinets
PO Box 295 Cleveland, UT 84518 435-749-2467
Utah Kitchen and Bath
2098 E. 2250 N. Layton, UT 84040 801-814-8847 www.utahkitchenandbath.com
VIRGINIA
Boeing Service Co. 14675 Lee Rd. Chantilly, VA 20151 703-808-2717
Five Star Fab & Fixture PO Box 1726 Salem, VA 24153 540-444-0456 www.fivestarfab.com
Metro Stone Works LLC 9115 Digital Dr. Unit 12 Manassas Park, VA 20111 703-396-866 www.metrostoneworks.com
Surface Link Corp.
4200 Lafayette Center Dr. Ste. A Chantilly, VA 20151 301-482-1717 www.surfacelinkcorp.com
The Wood Palace
4825 W. Norfolk Rd. Portsmouth, VA 23703 757-647-8130
TRINDCO
1004 Obici Industrial Blvd. Suffolk, VA 23434 757-539-0262 www.trindco.com
WASHINGTON
Absolute ConcreteWorks 5795 N.E. Minder Rd. Poulsbo, WA 98370 360-297-5055
Fine Line Pacific Inc. 22445 76th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 425-251-6177 www.finelinepacific.com
RD Wing
11809 N.E. 116th St. Kirkland, WA 98034 425-821-7222 www.blimages.com
Sheridan Woodworking LLC 2175 Frog Hollow Rd. Walla Walla, WA 99362 509-540-7799
Synsor Corp.
1920 Merrill Creek Pkwy. Everett, WA 98203 425-322-9604
Tommy T Cook
8202 St. Hwy. 104 Ste. 102 PMB 135 Kingston, WA 98346 206-349-6403 www.tommytcook.com
WEST VIRGINIA Alternative Building Concepts, Inc.
4341 Rt. 60 E. Ste. 187 Huntington, WV 25705 304-736-0494
WISCONSIN
Bisley Fabrication Inc. 700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 715-787-4410 www.bisfab.com
McDermott Top Shop LLC
200 A Main St. Sullivan, WI 53178 262-593-2456
Spectrum Surfaces Inc. 812 Marquis Way Green Bay, WI 54304 920-337-6575
WYOMING
Heritage Woods Inc. 1806 Pacific Ave. Ste. 4 Cheyenne, WY 82007 307-640-2445
J Booth Specialties PO Box 1152 Casper, WY 82602 307-258-2992
BERMUDA
Fabrications
10 Rosshire Ord Rd. Warwick, WK08 Bermuda 441-332-0042
Kitchen Installations Ltd. PO Box HM1876 Hamilton, HMHX Bermuda 441-292-1556
CANADA
Abet Laminati
50 Paxman Rd. Unit 10-11 Toronto, ON M9C 1B7 Canada 416-620-6556
Colonial Countertops Ltd.
609 Alpha St. Victoria, BC V8Z 1B2 Canada 250-383-1926 http://colonialcountertops.com
Coni-Marble Mfg. Inc.
MEXICO
Executive Millwork
Boulevard Hacienda Galindo 116 Villas del meson Juriquilla, 76230 Mexico 52-4422342743
PO Box 40 99 Harrison St. Thorndale, ON N0M 2P0 Canada 519-461-0100 #5 1212 38 Ave N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 6N2 Canada 403-291-0400
NIGERIA
FloForm Countertops 125 Hamelin St. Winnipeg, MB R3T 3Z1 Canada 204-474-2334 www.floform.com
19 Sule Abuka Crescent off Opebi Rd. Ikeja, Lagos 10011 Nigeria 234-7039707383
Venio Woodwork N.V
77 Industrielle Stanstead, QC J0B 3E0 Canada 819-564-7111 www.granitdesign.com
Guana Bay Rd. #1 Philipsburg Saint Martin 599-580-6348
KTC Construction
SINGAPORE
101-3905 Quadra St. Victoria, BC V8X 1J1 Canada 250-885-1524
Global-Allied Pte Ltd.
Paragon Surfacing Ltd.
6720 Graybar Rd. Unit 110 Richmond, BC V6W 1J1 Canada 604-278-2225 www.paragonsurfacing.com
SSC Countertops Ltd. 1253 W. 76 Ave. Vancouver, BC V6P 6M3 Canada 604-294-4071 www.ssccountertops.com
FRANCE
No. 18C Kranji Loop Singapore 739554 Singapore 65-63658781 www.global-group.com.sg
SOUTH AFRICA Techno Surfaces
Unit 2, 18 Losack Ave. Epping 2 Cape Town, Western Province 7806 South Africa 27-215340154 www.technosurfaces.co.za
THAILAND
Tiffany Decor Co., Ltd.
CREA Diffusion
ZA Le Cheval Blanc Solgne F-57420 France 38-764-6923 www.crea-diffusion.com
GERMANY
Rosskopf & Partner AG Bahnhofstrasse 16 D 09573 Augustusburg – Hennersdorf Germany www.rosskopf-partner.com 493-729-12524
Respond S.A.L.
Trioteknix Limited-Member NITP
SAINT MARTIN
Granit Design
LEBANON
Victor Coronado Services
6/2 m. 8 Klonghartawanook 29 Rd. Klonghar, Klongruang Patumtanee 12120 Thailand 66298-6446
UNITED KIINGDOM Interfab LTD
Unit 9 Willersey Business Park Willersey, Nr. Broadway Worcestershire WR12 7RR United Kingdom 441-386-858100 www.interfab.co.uk
1st Floor Missirian Bldg. Beirut, Lebanon 90076 961-150-1414 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 43
Product News Fishstone Offers New Line of Concrete Mixers Concrete
Countertop Supply
Eurosoft Upgrades TOPaz Countertop Production Software Eurosoft has upgraded its TOPaz Complete Countertop Production software by adding a new line of Elevation tools to the extensive Drawing Library. The Elevation tools provide users freedom to design components added in elevation such as backsplashes and wall panels in any size, shape and style. The software also allows users to invoice customers and output machine code or multilayered DXF files direct to CNC machines. Circle RS#13 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Vicostone Adds New Color to Quartz Surfacing Line
by Fishstone now
offers a new line of Imer mixers.
The line includes three Vertical Shaft Mixer
models: the Mini-Mix 60, the Mortarman 120 and the Mortarman 360. The Mini-Mix is a 14-gal.
vertical shaft mixer with a batch output of 12 gal. and features 3/4 hp, 110 volts, 10-amp power; a total machine weight of 64 lbs.; a paddle speed of 55 rpm; and a 24-in. drum diameter. The
quiet, portable Mortarman 120 4.5-cu.-ft. mixer
has an output of 2.2 cu. ft. and features 1 hp 110 volts, 12-amp power; a total machine weight of 200 lbs.; paddle speed of 32 rpm; and a 27-in. drum diameter. The Mortarman 360 12-cu.-ft.
mixer has a batch output of 9 cu. ft. The drum
bottom is generously sized to reduce wear, and the mixing blades have rubber inserts to clean
the mixing drum. The newly designed gearbox
helps ensure torque in difficult mixes. It features 5 hp, 220 volts or 3-phase electric motor; the
availability of an 11 hp Honda gas motor; a total machine weight of 800 lbs.; and adjustable Vicostone is adding a new color, Bianco Romano, to its Dallas
machine height.
Circle RS#15 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Karran Offers Seamless Waste Chutes
sia Abrasives Designs Flexible Handpad Abrasive The new 6711 siafleece flex handpads from sia Abrasives readily conform to curves or can be formed into a ball-like steel wool making it easier to sand irregular work areas. The new handpad exhibits a consistent scratch pattern due to its grit consistency. (The grit is actually impregnated throughout the entire structure, not just the surface.) It provides a matte finish, is able to be used moist or dry, does not clog and has an extended lifetime. Circle RS#17 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
New GranQuartz Legend Turbo Blades for Granite Available GranQuartz offers the new Legend Turbo Blades, designed to cut granite and other
a specially designed bond
surfacing.
matrix and narrow cutting flutes for a clean,
This new entry to the U.S. market is named
chip-free cut.
after a beautiful natural granite and has gray
According to the company, the blades are
and tan veining on a white surface, dotted with
among the fastest, most aggressive granite
burgundy garnets. The new color is a perfect
cutting blades on the market. They are
addition to the company’s Romance Series,
44 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Circle RS#16 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
premium diamonds,
Stone” quartz
Circle RS#14 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
and 9-in. internal diameters.
engineered with
“Natural Look
Alaska White, Safari and Bizana (Granite looks).
Karran’s seamless models (EW-07 and EW-09) prevent that problem. They are available in 7-
stone. They are
offering of its
Classic and Empire (marble looks), as well as
opportunity for them to trap dirt and bacteria.
hard natural
inventory
which includes Carrara, Calacatta, Botticino
shops and similar places. Most types are top-mounted into the surface, leaving an
available in 4-, 4-1/2-, 5-, 6- and 7-in. sizes. Karran now offers seamless waste chutes, also
They are manufactured with a high diamond
fit into countertops above trash cans, generally
used dry or wet.
known as trash rings. These stainless steel rings
concentration for extra-long life and can be
in restrooms, fast food restaurants, coffee
Circle RS#18 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
ISFA MEMBERSHIP It’s more than just learning how to be more profitable, saving money on the bottom line and getting great referrals and discounts. Call ISFA today and find out how to make your world a better place.
Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 www.ISFAnow.org Circle RS#34 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Product News Cambria Adds Two Colors to its Quartz Surfacing Line Cambria unveiled two new
designs in its line of quartz surfacing, Berkeley and
Colonial Saws Line of Vertical Panel Saws Now Has 5 Models Wilsonart Adds 2 HD Laminate Designs
Distributed solely by Colonial Saw Company
Wilsonart is adding two new designs inspired by
models. The saws offer efficient, seam-ready
Brazilian granite to its HD laminate collection. The new additions — Winter Carnival and Summer Carnival — include large-scale
elements, veining and striking colorations.
Summer Carnival features large-scale areas
of movement in golden ambers and browns with gray accents. Winter Carnival includes rich red-brown colors with accents in gray.
They are available in a 35-Mirage finish, which carries subtle variations in matte and gloss
that mimic natural finishes, and are made with
in North America, the line of Swiss-made
STRIEBIG vertical panel saws comes in five cut quality and durability for countertop fabrication, and standard models can
v-groove in both directions (X & Y axes)
and cove cut backsplashes. Colonial Saw
also offers a Certified Pre-owned STRIEBIG
Program in which the saws undergo extensive, multipoint inspections and testing processes
by the company’s highly experienced factorytrained technicians.
Circle RS#21 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
the company’s exclusive AEON Enhanced Performance Technology.
Circle RS#19 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
line comes in warm and
Cambria’s offerings
to 102 designs. The
Waterstone Collection is modeled after
marble and granite,
and the Jewel Collection features designs with
shimmering crystals deep within the surface to reflect light and create an iridescent, jeweled
surface. The new Berkeley color features hints of copper and a smattering of bronze that
swim amongst a sea of sandy tones. Rosslyn has striking metallic golds against a nuanced background of taupe and tans.
Circle RS#23 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
New Ravenna Mosaics Releases New Collection
Mosaics, Adams has incorporated additional opaque hues. The first collection includes
12 designs ranging from the continuous line mosaics inspired by Italian still life painter
Giorgio Morandi to African textile kente cloth.
Ozer-The Marble Group Supplies Bianco Dolomite
vibrant colors geared
Ozer-The Marble Group offers Bianco
children (and the kid
The company, which has 12 quarries and
bright, nonporous and
slabs, tiles, mosaics and accessories,
toward providing
Dolomite in both slabs and tiles.
inside all of us), a fun,
four factories, offers hundreds of stone
durable surfacing material. It comes
including granite, marble, travertine, onyx,
in 11 colors.
limestone and slate.
Circle RS#20 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#22 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
46 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Collections taking
jewel glass colors offered by New Ravenna
surfacing called Quartz
aggregates. This new
Waterstone and Jewel
collection. In addition to the core selection of
new line of its quartz
95 percent natural
palette expand the
product designer Erin Adams to release a new
Empatico launched a
manufactured using
to Cambria’s design
New Ravenna Mosaics collaborated with
Empatico Launches Quartz Surfacing Line Geared for Children
for Kidz, which is
Rosslyn. These new additions
Adams has playfully reproduced venerable
Italian smalti in stained glass, replicating the shape of the legendary material in a riot of
colors. Pop plays significantly in her treatment of objects from the natural world — flowers, coral, clouds, fish, and hearts. Adams turns drops of water into mod cartoons using black and
white stone, artfully allowing the grout to play a significant role. The collection in stone can be installed on floors and walls both indoors and out. The jewel glass mosaics are suitable for interior vertical installations.
Circle RS#24 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Product News Global Offers New Preheating Oven
constantly monitored
quickly create
Global’s convection oven
sensors. This oven can be used for preheating
templates, tool
by temperature control
GET-S is the standard model
of the Ecotherm product line. This unique
preheating oven has been developed as an
economical solution for all sizes of companies to obtain the best possible results during
preheating. For ease of use, material to be
preheated is placed onto a manually operated,
roller-mounted tray. In order to ensure both fast
solid surface material,
lines and favorite manufacturing parameters take
material thickness; a working height of 950mm,
automatically.
minutes to set, and nested G-Code is generated
a working tempeerature of ±130 to 170 C; and a
Circle RS#26 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#25 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
MóZ Introduces Woven Wall Surfacing
maximum temperature 200 C.
top and bottom heating elements and powerful
KCD Software introduces a complete line of
adjustable timer with a signal light to indicate
set preheating times have been accomplished. A digital electronic temperature control unit, mounted on the oven’s front panel, allows
for precise temperature adjustment, which is
with the SMART Template Generator. Product
a preheating time of two minutes per millimeter
KCD Software Offers Drawer/Door Software
fans. The standard equipment includes an
paths and details,
thermoplastics and other similar materials. It has
heat distribution and uniform heating of the
material, the oven is equipped with long-lasting
new custom
Weave Wall, a series of undulating metal ribbons
comprehensive design and manufacturing
software especially for door and drawer box
manufacturers. Created for both traditional and
CNC manufacturing, Doors Plus new technology allows for streamlined order entry, product entry and specifications. CNC design engineers can
Circle RS#06 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
in a versatile array of sizes, patterns and colors, is now part of MóZ Designs’ new ETA (Easy to
Assemble) Series of artful installations. It is pre-
engineered to meet a site’s spatial requirements and shipped ready to install with no special tools required. Fabricated from 80 percent
post-industrial recycled aluminum, it earns LEED
credits (2.0 MR Credit 4 – Recycled Content) and
Circle RS#07 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • 47
Product News Modono Glass Offers New Line of Sinks Modono Glass, manufacturer of the Modono Glass Tile Collection, offers a new and distinctive line of glass sinks called the Modono Glass Sink Collection. Utilizing their unique and proprietary dichroic (color changing) thin-film
is available in four standard widths from 20 to 36 in. wide and in four standard lengths from 42 to 144 in. long. The woven panels are fabricated from 0.063-in. aluminum and can be placed in either vertical or horizontal installations. The metal cross bars are clear finished aluminum. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and finishes include polycoat gloss or matte. Circle RS#27 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
coating process to create distinctive colors and
The product facilitates router registration
shades, the company has created new sinks
without a camera. It prompts the operator to
that are vibrant and come in several popular shapes, installed as vessels, ž recessed or as undermounts. Circle RS#28 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
MultiCam Offers New Router Registration System Focusing on economy, MultiCam Inc. offers
the manual Value Vision system for low-volume
the laser pointer. Then it extrapolates the position of the remaining fiducials based on the orientation and distances between the initial few. The image of the cut file appears on the graphical keypad before the operator starts the cutting sequence. With the proper mechanical setup, the system can make registration
digital finishing without the cost of registration
available to all MultiCam router operators.
equipment designed for major industrial users.
Circle RS#29 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#08 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. 48 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
locate at least the first two fiducials, using
Circle RS#09 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Free Product Information Form Or visit www.ISFANow.org/info to fill out our online form
Main: (877) 464-7732 • Fax: (801) 341-7361 • www.ISFANow.org • 165 N. 1330 W. Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057
Volume 5 / Issue 4 Get Your Free Product Information Today: For more facts on products and services, please fill out all the information below and circle the product referral numbers that are found in the magazine. Product referral numbers can be found below each advertisement. Your request will be immediately forwarded to the proper manufacturer. You can submit this form via mail, fax, email (editor@isfanow.org) or visit us online at www.ISFAnow.org/info. Personal Information Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: y providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax. B Email: q Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via email. About Your Business What category best describes your business classification? q Fabricator
q Manufacturer
q Raw Materials Supplier
q Woodworker/Cabinetmaker
q Builder/Remodeler
q Architect
q Distributor/Manufacturer of Sheet Goods q Other (please specify) ________________________
Which one category best describes your job title/function? q Owner/Partner/Corporate Management and Related Personnel q Production/Plant Management and Related Personnel q Design (includes staff designer/architect and related personnel)
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
C20 Training
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
C22 Other Materials
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
C12 Sealers/Polishes
C02 Adhesives
C13 Seaming Equipment
C03 Air Quality Equipment
C14 Sinks
C09 Prefabricated Accessories C10 Quartz Surfacing C11 Saws
Free Product Information Please circle below all of the referral numbers found in the magazine, or the category numbers found on this page that you would like more information on. Your request will be immediately forwarded to the proper manufacturer. 05
C01 Abrasives
C08 Material Handling Equipment
____________________________________________________________
04
Information By Category If you want more information from several advertisers in a category, circle the category number that matches up with the category below.
C07 Laminate
____________________________________________________________
03
q Other (please specify)
C06 Hand/Power Tools
____________________________________________________________
02
q Marketing & Sales Management and Related Personnel
C05 Concrete Materials & Supplies
____________________________________________________________
01
q Purchasing/Specifier and Related Personnel
C04 CNC Machinery
What surfacing materials do you work with?
C15 Software
C16 Solid Surface C17 Stone
C18 Templating Equipment C19 Tooling
C21 Waterjet Equipment
Classifieds Attention Fabricators
ISFA Fabricators, do you have used equipment taking up space in your shop that you would like to sell? Are you looking to fill a key position in your operations? Our readers might be interested. Why not submit a FREE classified ad? That’s right, relevant classifieds in this publication are free to ISFA fabricator members! Just send us the text you’d like to run and we’ll do the rest. Email us today at editor@ isfanow.org.
Circle RS#30 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
To place a paid classified ad, for those of you who are not fabricator members, email kevin@isfanow.org or call (815) 721-1507.
Ad Index Referral Page Number Number
08 06 05 07 03 32 31 34 33 12 30 01 11 02 09 04
Axiom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Beckart Environmental, Inc.. . . . . 47 Chemcore Industries, Inc.. . . . . . 30 ETemplate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Eurosoft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 ISFA Grassroots Gatherings . . . . 25 ISFA Coming Events . . . . . . . . . . 17 ISFA Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . 45 ISFA Fabrication Training. . . . . . . 31 Integra Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Kormax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 ITW TACC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Laser Products Industries. . . . . . 51 Park Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Performance Abrasives. . . . . . . . 48 Sites N Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
50 • Vol. 5 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Pass it along! Share this copy with a colleague or friend. Better yet, have them subscribe at isfanow.org/magazine.
Circle RS#11 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#12 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.