VOLUME 13 / ISSUE 2 • QUARTER 2, 2020 • SINGLE ISSUE $14.95
Best Shop Practice Recommendations During the Pandemic Page 16
Industry Outlook Update Page 19 The Hygienic Properties of Solid Surface Page 20
Fabricator Q&A on Dealing with COVID-19 Page 24
Recession Survival Tips Page 26
A Look at Resin-based Recycled Glass Surfaces Page 28 Insurance Lessons Related to the Coronavirus Page 31 Fabricator Profile: Onslow Stoneworks Page 32 Cutting & Sawing Solutions Spotlight Page 36
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CREDITS Letters to the Editor
Photography
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.
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.
Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters, ISFA, PO Box 627, Ingomar, PA 15127, 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, PO Box 627, Ingomar, PA 15127, attention: Editor.
Photography/graphics provided by: Curava, Hyundai/Hanex Solid Surface, MR Walls, Aristech Surfaces, KRION, DuPont Corian, Onslow Stoneworks, LivingStone, Durasein Solid Surface, Rick Wing, ASST, Arume Photography and Paulo Setubal van Deursen.
Contacting ISFA Phone: (888) 599-ISFA editor@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org
About This Magazine Countertops & Architectural Surfaces (ISSN 2372-983X) is published quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), with a fifth “Buyers Guide” issue publishing in October. 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 (888) 599-ISFA. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces and The International Surface Fabricators Association assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. 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 Ingomar, Pa., 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 changes to LSC Communications, Care of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, 3401 Heartland Drive Liberty, MO 64068.
4 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Magazine Credits Publisher & Editor: Kevin Cole Proofreader: Nancy Mueller-Truax Design: V2 Marketing Communications
ISFA Officers of the Board Augie Chavez, President Steve Mast, Vice president Kelley Montana, Treasurer Austin Maxwell, Secretary Jill Callaghan, Associate Member Representative
ISFA Directors Mike Langenderfer, Director Joe Duszka, Director Laura Grandlienard, Director Rodrigo Valazquez, Director Eric Tryon, Director Joe Connolly, Associate Member Representative Paul “Max” Le Pera, Associate Member Representative
ISFA Staff Amy Miller, Executive Director Kevin Cole, Director of Communications and Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor Carol Wilhite, Operations Manager Paul Wisnefski, Account Representative Amy Kyriazis, Program Manager Chris Pappenfort, Trainer Fred Hueston, Trainer
Cover Photo The cover photo features a striking bar top at the Thirsty Moose Taphouse in Portsmouth, N.H. This bold recycled glass surface is Curava’s Arctic, with crisp blues reminiscent of the depths of the frozen ocean. Curava offers a recycled glass surface requiring no additional equipment to fabricate. Bound by resin, these surfaces deliver exceptional durability. These nonporous surfaces follow the same fabrication guidelines as quartz, and are heat, scratch and stain resistant. Curava offers high product quality, durability and sustainable surfaces with glass recycled from 100 percent post-consumer, post-industrial sources. Learn more about Curava at https://curava.com/fabricators.
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CONTENTS Features
16 20
16 Best Shop Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic A look at a variety of recommended safety measures 19 The Pandemic’s Effect on the Industry Outlook An addendum to the countertop forecast 20 The Case for Solid Surface A solid choice for a clean surface
24 Fabricator Q&A How five fabricators are dealing with the impact of COVID-19 26 Recession Survival Tips Advice on getting through the downturn
31
28 Beyond Beauty: A Deeper Look at Resin-based Recycled Glass Surfaces Examining this sustainable surfacing option 31 Lessons Learned in an Insurance Context Action items related to COVID-19
32 ISFA Fabricator Profile: Onslow Stoneworks Success through interaction and innovation
36 Cutting and Sawing Solutions Spotlight The latest and greatest in cutting machinery and blades
28 32
D epartments 8 From the Editor
10 Calendar of Events
12 Education Connection 13 Industry News
38 From the Executive Director 39 ISFA News
42 ISFA Fabricator Directory 47 Product News
49 Classifieds/Ad Index 50 From the President
36 6 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
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From the Editor From the desk of Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher, and ISFA Communications Director
Unforeseen Events and the Value of Interaction When I was putting together the first quarter
That aside, in the same previous issue, my
the idea of a pandemic was just a distant
now for 11 years and it offered ideas on
issue of this magazine for publication,
editorial was about having worked for ISFA
possibility emerging. I, like most of us, didn’t
employee retention. Once again, by the time
At that point, I certainly didn’t know anyone
swing and a miss. You were already starting
this crisis, or just how much it could affect us
could afford to retain your employees without
even really consider what was about to come.
the issue reached you, our readers, it was a
who gave the type of real contemplation to
to face tough decisions about just how you
on so many levels.
causing major economic damage to your
For the most part, we were all looking forward to another busy summer approaching, and
many of us had never given much thought to
business, and many of you have been faced with the possibility of having to furlough employees.
the nebulous idea of the coronavirus, let alone
Without a doubt I have thought a lot about it
on just about every aspect of our daily lives. It
painful situation we are all experiencing has
with our friends and families to our health
I have little doubt I will get it wrong.
fact that we can’t spend personal time with the rest of our family members and loved ones. Even the simple pleasures we enjoyed that
were commonplace, like an occasional dinner out, entertaining friends or face-to-face
fellowship with our church congregation,
disappeared seemingly overnight. However,
while these things are missed and important,
the overall safety of everyone is the real worry. And in the meantime, we have found ways
to interact with one another while also trying to keep each other safe. Even if we can’t be
believed it would have such a negative impact
in the past couple of months. This shared and
together, we can all work together and stay
has affected everything from our relationships
been a big catalyst for introspection. This time,
Like most of us, over the last couple of
and the health of our careers, businesses and
It has become very obvious to me how
of this digital age and sent more emails,
In early February, I had just put the finishing
human contact really are. I have become
discussions and webinars, watched videos
that I write for this publication every year, and
granted and how easily they can be snatched
forced to adapt to a new way of keeping the
just a little slower in 2020, we had a decent
As I write this from my home office in Illinois,
economy.
connected.
months, I have taken even more advantage
valuable personal relationships and direct
made more phone calls, participated in online
touches on the annual industry outlook article
acutely aware of many of the things I took for
and worked harder than ever. We’ve all be
all indications were that while things might be
from your grasp.
information flowing, including using newly
year ahead of us. In the entirety of the outlook article, there were two brief mentions of the
current pandemic as distant possibilities among a list of a few potential catastrophes that could have had a major impact on the economy. Of
course, two weeks after the magazine went to
the printer and just as the issue was hitting the streets, everything changed.
So, in this issue, I have written an addendum to the outlook article that takes a look at the shorter term and what has changed in the
past three months that is going to affect at
least the rest of the year, and likely into 2021 (see Page 19).
8 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
they are preparing to start opening “non-
essential” businesses in phases, but many, if not most businesses, were either shuttered
emerging online expos. These actions allowed us to help ourselves and those who count on
us, both professionally and personally, to hold it together while we work to overcome.
or severely limited for nearly three months,
Even if many of us are apart from one another,
been “sheltering in place” for more than two
in this together.
and being one of the worst hit states, we have months.
That said, my wife, one son still living at home and I have really made it a point to spend
our continued interaction proves that we are all As always, I look forward to your feedback. Sincerely,
time together, as close human contact has
been a rarity. Of course, at the same time, we
have also been each other’s sounding boards when we needed to vent about the ongoing
problems that have arisen or lament over the
Kevin Cole, Publisher & Editor kevin@isfanow.org
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Special Section
CALENDAR OF EVENTS ISFA Online Maker’s Monday Meetings Zoom Conference Every Monday 2 p.m. EST www.isfanow.org/makersmonday-meetings Cloud Xiamen Stone Fair Online June 6 – 9 www.stonefair.org.cn NSI Stone Summit July 16 Tualatin, Ore. (440) 250-9222 ISFA Industry Roundtable Hosted by Hard Rock StoneWorks and BACA Systems Sponsored by BACA Systems Aug. 4 – 6 Detroit, Mich. (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org
Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Repair Training Sponsored by ISFA Sept. 24 – 25 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com ISFA Gen 2 Event Hosted by Countertops of Memphis Sponsored by Moraware and BACA Systems Sept. 29 – 30 Memphis, Tenn. (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org Marmomac 2020 Sept. 30 – Oct. 3 Verona, Italy +39 045 829-8561
ISFA Large Format Porcelain/ Sintered Surface Fabrication Training & Certification Event Hosted by Park Industries ISFA Solid Surface Countertops Training Center Symposium Sponsored by Park Industries, Hosted by IWF LPI (Laser Products), Crossville, Aug. 25 Dekton, Infinity Surfaces, Atlanta, Ga. LAMINAM, Lapitec and MSI (888) 599-ISFA Fall www.iwfatlanta.com St. Cloud, Minn. (888) 599-ISFA IWF 2020 www.ISFAnow.org Aug. 25 – 28 Atlanta, Ga. Solid Surface Training (404) 693-8333 Hosted by Gecko SSS www.iwfatlanta.com Sponsored by SASSO Fall ISFA Industry Roundtable San Antonio, Texas Hosted by Front Range Stone (888) 599-ISFA Sponsored by Park Industries, www.ISFAnow.org Cosentino, Moraware and KOHLER NSI Stone Summit Sept. 8 – 10 Oct. 8 Denver, Colo. Birmingham, Ala. (888) 599-ISFA (440) 250-9222 www.ISFAnow.org Canada Woodworking EAST NSI Stone Summit Oct. 22 – 23 Sept. 17 Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec Chicago, Ill. Canada (440) 250-9222 (888) 454-7469 Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Fabrication Training Sponsored by ISFA Sept. 22 – 23 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com
Greenbuild 2020 Nov. 4 – 7 San Diego, Calif. (866) 815-9824
10 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
NSI Stone Summit Nov. 5 Austin, Texas (440) 250-9222 Cersaie 2020 Nov. 28 – Dec. 2 Bologna, Italy +39 053-681-8111 ISFA Annual Conference Sponsored by Park Industries, GranQuartz, Regent Stone, Integra Adhesives, Crossville and Infinity Surfaces Winter San Antonio, Texas (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Fabrication Training Sponsored by ISFA Dec. 1 – 2 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Repair Training Sponsored by ISFA Dec. 3 – 4 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com The International Surface Event (TISE) Jan. 26 – 28, 2021 Las Vegas, Nev. (972) 536-6440 KBIS 2021 Feb. 9 – 11, 2021 Orlando, Fla. (800) 465-5514 NAHB International Builder Show Feb. 9 – 11, 2021 Orlando, Fla. (202) 266-8184
Submit your event for consideration in Calendar of Events by emailing Editor Kevin Cole at kevin@isfanow.org.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #6
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
Education Connection
The Coronavirus and Your Stone Countertops By Frederick M. Hueston The world is in alarm over COVID-19, and as a stone expert, my phone is ringing off the hook with questions. Can the coronavirus survive on my stone countertop? If so, for how long? What do I use on my stone to properly kill the virus? As of this writing, there are many unknowns
how to properly use these sanitizing solutions.
many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once
are several studies that have looked at these
disinfectant. This method will not kill the virus.
your eyes, nose or mouth where it can enter
surrounding the coronavirus; however, there
Many people will spray and immediately wipe a
questions in the past. One such study was recently
The disinfectant should be allowed to dwell on the
titled “Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate
can also make your own disinfectant by mixing
published in The Journal of Hospital Infections
countertop for 3 to 5 minutes to be effective. You
surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents.” seven parts rubbing alcohol with three parts water. Spray the disinfectant on the countertop and Following is a brief summary of this research. How long can the coronavirus survive on stone surfaces?
The short answer is, “We don’t know.” However, similar viruses, such as SARS and MERS, can
potentially survive for up to nine days. The common
thoroughly wet the surface. Allow the solution to sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse with clean water and then dry with a microfiber cloth.
The best advice to keep a stone countertop clean is by following these simple steps:
flu virus can last up to 48 hours on a stone surface.
To keep granite in tip-top condition, a few simple
last for over a week but seems to have a shorter
results, they should be followed very closely.
Additional studies have shown that the virus can
maintenance procedures are necessary. For best
lifespan at temperatures over 86 F. Of course,
1. Clean the countertop daily with a soft white
stone surfaces would rarely reach those high
temperatures in an average kitchen environment. Can you get the coronavirus by touching a contaminated stone countertop?
cloth and a neutral cleaner or stone soap. These products are available at most stone and tile suppliers.
2. It may be necessary to buff granite countertop
Again, there is not much information to completely
with a clean white terry cloth towel if streaking
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say
3. Once a week, granite should be cleaned with a
confirm or deny it, but experts at the Centers
touching a surface is not believed to be the main way the virus is transferred. The most likely way
it is spread is from person to person from coughs
and sneezing. That said, studies are showing that the virus can be killed with standard household
occurs.
disinfectant.
4. All granite countertops should be sealed. 5. If the countertop becomes stained, immediately blot the spill with a clean paper towel.
disinfectants. One study showed that disinfectants
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), with 62 to 71 percent ethanol, 0.5 percent hydrogen the best way to avoid the coronavirus is to: peroxide or 0.1 percent sodium hypochlorite ■■ Wash your hands frequently. Regularly and (bleach) can inactivate the coronavirus within minutes.
thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-
How do you properly disinfect your stone
warm water for at least 20 seconds.
surface to kill the coronavirus?
based hand rub or wash them with soap and ■■ Maintain social distancing. Maintain at
contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your body and can make you sick.
■■ Practice respiratory hygiene. Make sure you and the people around you follow good
respiratory hygiene. This means covering your
mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue
when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
■■ If you have fever, cough or difficulty
breathing, seek medical care early. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough
or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of
your local health authority. Many places have
established free testing stations if you believe
you are sick. Call and follow correct procedures. A Final Word As the coronavirus spreads, there is sure to be
misinformation on how it spreads. The best sources of correct information are the CDC (www.cdc.gov)
and WHO (www.who.int) websites, as well as your local health department.
About the Author Frederick M. Hueston is an internationally recognized stone and tile consultant and the author of more than 27 books and numerous articles on stone and tile. He holds several degrees and certifications and has served in numerous prestigious government and private advisory posts. He can be reached at fhueston@gmail.com. The following references were used in the development of this article: The Journal of Hospital Infection; “Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents”; G. Kampfa, Correspondence information about the author G. Kampf; D. Todtb; S. Pfaenderb; E. Steinmannb www.journalofhospitalinfection. com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext
Currently, it is believed that most household
least 6 ft. distance between yourself and all
World Health Organization (www.who.int/emergencies/ diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public)
discovered that many people do not know
■■ Avoid touching your face. Hands touch
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)
disinfectants can kill the virus; however, I have
others.
12 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
In the Industry Atlantic Plywood Expands in Southeast United States Atlantic Plywood, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Parksite, expanded its business into the Southeast and will be the exclusive Formica distributor in
these markets. Atlanta and Charlotte represent
Atlantic’s 11th and 12th locations and exemplify
the company’s focused growth model. “Customers can expect fully stocked warehouses with every
color of Formica laminate, next-day delivery, highly knowledgeable customer service and sales teams, combined with best-in-class operations and
logistics teams,” said Parksite Vice President of Sales Tony Millhouse.
Caesarstone Introduces Master of Stone Program Caesarstone launched a Master of Stone program
for fabricators that focuses on issues of health and
safety in the workplace with a special emphasis on creating a space free of the dangers of potentially hazardous respirable crystalline silica dust, the
root cause of silicosis. The program, launched in
February, is free and available for use by anyone in the industry. It includes a website and e-learning modules, and is available in English, French,
Portuguese, Spanish and Hebrew. The program is the result of many years of research and
development to help fabricators learn about health
and safety and professional know-how in the most efficient way across various platforms with added value content for fabrication plant managers. The
training center website at https://mos.caesarstone. com has responsive design for mobile/tablet
platforms, offers safety and professional content, which enables the presentation of complex
material as user-friendly content. Information,
guidelines, methods and collateral will be provided
Freedonia Group Releases Countertops Study with Projections through 2024 The Freedonia Group released a research report
through 2024. However, laminates, which have
countertop demand in the United States through
United States for decades, are expected to
in February titled “Countertops” that projects
2024. The company is one of few researchers that regularly studies the countertop industry.
The report was developed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, so short-term predictions are likely to differ from the current economic state. The
report predicts countertop demand in the United
States is expected to rise 2.8 percent per year to 932 million sq. ft. valued at $42 billion in 2024. Despite heavy Chinese tariffs and increasing
been the leading countertop material in the
continue to lose market share through 2024. The study analyzes the U.S. market for countertops
by surface material, area of installation, market, application and region. Demand is measured
at the fabricator level for all surface materials,
including edging and backsplashes. The study also provides a comprehensive corporate
analysis of the leading industry players, including market share by material. It is available from the
silica concerns, engineered stone is forecast
company for a fee. More information is available
to be the fastest growing countertop material
at www.freedoniagroup.com.
regulatory tests that measured characteristics
expanding its van fleet and hiring experienced
resistance, fastening integrity and resistance
Antonio, Austin and Dallas markets. Alvarez,
such as noncombustibility, wind and water
sales consultant Al Alvarez to service the San
performance of the StrongFix system.
an army veteran, has nearly 20 years of sales
to all who enroll in the program. The website also
Braxton-Bragg Expands Sales Presence
experience, including eight years at Makita.
Neolith Receives Strong Seal of Approval
Braxton-Bragg has hired stone industry veteran
four new outside sales consultants, strengthening
features silica safety guideline videos.
Furthermore, at a time when many companies are reducing staff, Braxton-Bragg is expanding with
and big-hitter Shawn Rice to manage its
its footprint and adding serious CNC experience
Neolith Sintered Stone received certification
outside sales efforts. Rice has more than 25
its StrongFix System for ventilated façades
strong market and product development skills.
2012 and 2009 International Building Codes® (IBC)
Lackmond Stone, and previously worked in sales
recognition represents a significant validation of
will manage the rapidly-growing outside sales
specify solution for exterior cladding applications surfaces had to undergo a number of structural
®
to grow that sector of its business. The company
from ICC Evaluation Service LLC (ICC-ES) that
years of experience in strategy and sales with
complies with the provisions of the 2018, 2015,
Most recently, Rice directed national sales at
and International Residential Codes® (IRC). The
at Granite City Tool and at GranQuartz. Rice
and efficiency.
Neolith as a safe, robust, sustainable and easy-to-
team, adding sales associates and vans in new regions, while working hand-in-hand with the
NBMDA Announces 2020 Board of Directors
in North America. To achieve certification, the
company’s inside sales and audit teams. The
company also increased its presence in Texas by
The North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA) announced its 2020 board
has also brought an operations expert onboard to manage the company’s new free shop
analysis program, helping fabricators streamline operations and inventory for increased profit
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 13
In the Industry Wurth Line Craft North America, Vernon Hills, Ill.,
LG Hausys Expands Viatera Operations
Mass., president-elect; Matt Huber of Allegheny
LG Hausys expanded its North American
Wayne Moriarty of Atlantic Plywood, Woburn,
addition of a new manufacturing line at its
Inc., Charlotte, N.C., immediate past president.
with a new warehouse and showroom in
Plywood, Savannah, Ga.; Lynn Hill of Compi
the growing demand for the company’s
Group, Mississauga, Ontario; and Don Plunkett
line is the third plant now in operation at LG
directors are Davis Edwards of Timber Products,
Supporting the manufacturing expansion
of directors. Officers include: Tom O’Neill of
president; Emily Vella of Atlantic Plywood, Woburn, Plywood, Pittsburgh, Penn., vice president;
Viatera® quartz brand operations with the
Mass., treasurer; and Missy O’Daniel of Web-Don,
industrial campus in Adairsville, Ga., along
Distributor directors are Danny Bachman of Dixie
Orange County, Calif. The initiatives meet
Distributors, Arnold, Mo.; Mark Mah of UCS Forest
quartz surface product. The new Viatera
of Plunkett Distributing, Fort Smith, Ark. Supplier
Hausys’ Georgia manufacturing location.
Germantown, Tenn.; Rick Ehrsam of Panolam
is the addition of a new 48,000-sq.-ft.
warehouse and showroom in Southern California. The warehouse will serve as the primary distribution hub for Viatera and LG Hausys’ solid surface product brand, HI-MACS.
Surface Systems, Shelton, Conn.; Carl Gaynor of Axalta Coating Systems, High Point, N.C.;
Brian Joyce of Blum, Inc., Stanley, N.C.; Chris
Schlabach of VT Industries, Holstein, Iowa; and
Tom Wardach of Roseburg Forest Products, Johns Creek, Ga.
Coverings Connected Reveals CID, Rock Star Award Winners The online digital experience Coverings
Connected, which took place April 20 to 23, was the first of its kind and provided nearly 4,000
industry professionals with four days of valuable educational webinars and online networking
opportunities. The event included webinars, CEUs, live chats and podcast interviews with industry
leaders. In addition, the popular demonstration stage experience was recreated online as well as trends tours provided through videos and webinars. Most of the Coverings Connected
content and handouts will be made available
on-demand and can be accessed through the Coverings website. Attendees of Coverings
Connected, and those who were not able to
attend, can engage with 900+ exhibitors through organized online Exhibitor Galleries and the New Product Showcase. Announced as part of the
event were the 2020 CID and Rock Star Award Winners.
The CID winners were as follows: Commercial Stone Design, Materials Marketing, Chicago,
Ill.; Commercial Tile Design for Hospitality, Juli
Capella, New York, N.Y.; Commercial Tile Design, Architecture Design Collaborative, Bakersfield, Calif.; Residential Stone Design, Small, Angela
Todd Studios, Hood River, Ore.; Residential Stone Design, Large, Materials Marketing, Madison, Va.; Residential Tile Design, Large, Armina Interiors, Ocean Reef Club, Fla.; Residential Tile Design,
Small, Details Tile and Remodeling, McKinney, Texas; Residential Tile & Stone Design, Empire Kitchen & Bath, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Commercial Stone Installation, Carnevale & Lohr, Inc., Garden Grove, Calif.; Commercial Tile Installation, David Allen Company, Charleston, S.C.; Residential Stone Installation, Columbia River Tile & Stone Inc., Portland, Ore.; and Residential Tile Installation, Heritage Marble & Tile Inc., Corte Madera, Calif.
Crossville Announces 2019 Recycling Program Milestones
The Rock Star Awards, which recognizes emerging leaders in the tile and stone industry, were awarded as follows: Designer, Brennan Broome, Designer, EoA Group, Miami, Fla.; Distributor, Kristin Scholemer, Owner, Calia Stone, Chicago, Ill.; Fabricator, Michaela Steinbach, General Manager, Mario & Son, Liberty Lake, Wash.; Installer, Illisha Harris, Owner, Lead Designer and Installer, Coastal Custom Tile and Design, Swansboro, N.C.; Janice Hill, Project Manager, DW Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting, Inc., Marietta, Ga.; Ulas Maris, Stone and Tile Installer, Maris Tile Pro, East Moriches, N.Y.; Joseph Mattice, Owner and Installer, On the Level, Simpsonville, S.C.; Trey Toca, President, Toca Flooring, Metairie, La. Manufacturer, Arturo Duarte, USA Commercial Manager, CREST, Monterrey, Mexico; Brittany Storm, Sustainability Manager, MAPEI, Deerfield Beach, Fla.; Other (PR Firm): Kristin Coleman, Vice President, Novità Communications, New York, N.Y.; Other (Technology): Raj Katta, Technology/ Functionality Specialist, Stone Grid, LLC, Windermere, Fla.; Retailer, Jimmy Bellew, Owner, Bellew Tile, Sandwich, Mass.; Trade Association, Ryan Marino, Standards, Development and Research Manager, Tile Council of North America, Anderson, S.C.
for recycling fired porcelain products, including
14 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Domestic tile manufacturer Crossville Inc.
announced the company recycled 7,951,271 lbs.
of fired porcelain in 2019, bringing the company’s cumulative recycling total to nearly 134 million lbs. since the 2009 launch of the Tile Take-
Back® program and subsequent TOTO USA
recycling partnership. These recycling initiatives
are based on the company’s proprietary process post-consumer materials. The company is able
to recycle previously installed tile collected from its distribution network, as well as scraps that
result from tile cutting during installation, sizing or sample creation. Through its TOTO partnership,
Crossville receives pre-consumer fired porcelain
toilets that do not meet quality standards; prior to
the partnership, these cast-offs were being sent to landfills for disposal, but now they are recycled for use in manufacturing new tile.
IPS Adhesives Establishes Center of Excellence IPS Adhesives established a manufacturing
Center of Excellence in its North Carolina, ISO
9001:2015 Certified facility. This coincides with
the company’s recent investments in production as well as the centralization of the R&D and
customer service activities for North America at
the Durham facility. It is designed to enhance ontime delivery and faster response times through
new, more agile processes. Part of this includes an established standard stocking of 165 of the
company’s best-selling colors along with the ability to quickly produce another 100+ made-to-order
colors. With these upgrades, the transition of the
manufacturing of surfacing adhesives under the Integra Adhesives brand from Abbotsford, Canada to Durham will be complete. This move allows production and customer support teams to be geographically closer to the majority of the market, thereby boosting service.
PSI Tops Named Best of State for Residential Subcontractor PSI Tops, a leader in Utah commercial and residential countertop and cabinet fabrication, was named Utah’s 2020 Best of State winner for Residential Subcontractor. The Best of State Awards recognize outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses in Utah. An awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in July. Family-owned and operated, PSI Tops has more than 50 years providing exceptional work and commitment to jobs ranging from Vivint Smart Home Arena, dozens of Utah schools and hospitals, to hundreds of top-quality residential installations and remodels in homes across Utah.
Cosentino Announces Cosentino Center Virtual Visits To showcase its continued support to its customers during these unprecedented times, Cosentino announced the Cosentino Center Virtual Visit Experience, allowing customers to select material remotely. These virtual assistance video calls are now available in all Cosentino U.S. showrooms on weekdays. Customers can schedule their virtual visit appointment via https://cosentinogroup.secure.force.com/ bookappointment. Appointment availability may vary according to city mandates.
Commerce assigned a final subsidy rate of 2.17 percent to all other producers and exporters. In the Turkey AD investigation, Commerce calculated a final dumping rate of 5.17 percent for mandatory respondents Belenco dis Tikaret A.Ş. and Peker Yüzey Tasarımları Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., and 0.0 percent for mandatory respondent Ermaş Madencilik Turizm Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi. Commerce assigned a final dumping rate of 5.17 percent to all other Turkish producers and exporters. In the Turkey CVD investigation, Commerce calculated a final subsidy rate of 2.43 percent for the mandatory respondent Belenco Dis Ticaret A.S. and Peker Yüzey Tasarıları Sanayi ve Tic. A.Ş. Commerce assigned a final subsidy rate of 2.43 percent to all other producers and exporters. In 2018, imports of quartz surface products from India and Turkey were valued at an estimated $69.5 million and $28 million, respectively. The ITC is scheduled to make its final determinations on or about June 11, 2020. If the ITC makes affirmative final determinations that imports of quartz surface products from India and/or Turkey materially injure, or threaten material injury to, the domestic industry, Commerce will issue AD and CVD orders. If the ITC makes negative determinations of injury, the investigations will be terminated.
Large Anti-Dumping, Countervailing Duties on Chinese Ceramic Tile Expected; Minor Tariffs Expected on Quartz Imports from India, Turkey The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of ceramic tile from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value. As a result, anti-dumping (AD) duties from 229 to 256 percent and countervailing duties (CVD) of an additional 358.8 percent have been issued. While the commission decided the tariffs on Chinese ceramic tile imports will not be retroactive, the combined fees will range from 587 to 715 percent. The investigation was initiated by a petition filed by the Coalition for Fair Trade in Ceramic Tile, which is made up of eight U.S. ceramic tile producers: American Wonder Porcelain; Crossville Inc.; DalTile Corp.; Del Conca USA Inc.; Florida Tile Inc.; Florim USA; Landmark Ceramics; and StonePeak Ceramics. On April 28, Commerce announced its affirmative final determinations in the AD and CVD investigations of imports of quartz surface products from India and Turkey. In the India AD investigation, Commerce calculated a final dumping rate of 5.15 percent for mandatory respondents Antique Marbonite Private Limited, India (Antique Marbonite), Shivam Enterprises, and Prism Johnson Limited (collectively, Antique Group), and 2.67 percent for mandatory respondent Pokarna Engineered Stone Limited (Pokarna). Commerce assigned a final dumping rate of 3.19 percent to all other Indian producers and exporters. In the India CVD investigation, Commerce calculated final subsidy rates of 1.57 percent and 2.34 percent for mandatory respondents Antique Marbonite and Pokarna, respectively.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #7 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 15
DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Best Shop Practice Recommendations Editor’s Note: The following is an edited excerpt of a 15-page article by the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC) titled “COVID-19 Exposure Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Plan for Construction.” The complete document is a “template” contractors can review and tailor to their own work and jobsites. The full document is available on the ISFA website’s COVID-19 Resource Page at www.isfanow.org/covid-19-resources. The plan outlines steps every employer and
employee can take to reduce risk of exposure
to COVID-19. It describes how to prevent worker exposure to coronavirus; protective measures to take on jobsites; personal protective equipment
(PPE) and work practice controls to use; cleaning and disinfecting procedures; and what to do if a worker becomes sick.
This plan was based on information from the CDC
aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, nausea/ vomiting and runny nose. If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, DO NOT GO TO WORK and call your healthcare provider immediately. Do the same thing if you come into close contact with someone showing these symptoms. Employer Responsibilities:
and OSHA, and is subject to change based on
■■ Develop a COVID-19 Exposure Action Plan.
and other public officials.
phone if possible. If not, instruct employees to
further information provided by the CDC, OSHA All managers and supervisors should be familiar
■■ Conduct safety meetings (toolbox talks) by maintain 6 ft. between each other. The foreman/
with this or a similar plan and be ready to
supervisor should track attendance verbally
and supervisors should set a good example by
sheet.
good personal hygiene and jobsite safety
be limited to only those necessary for the work.
answer questions from employees. Managers
rather than having employees sign an attendance
following it at all times. This involves practicing
■■ Access to the jobsite and work trailer should
practices to prevent the spread of the virus.
Managers and supervisors should encourage this same behavior from all employees.
In order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 at
jobsites, everyone must participate while at work.
Companies should institute various housekeeping, social distancing and other best practices at
jobsites that employees must follow. In addition, employees are expected to report to their
managers or supervisors if they are experiencing signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Questions
about the plan should be directed to a manager or supervisor.
OSHA and the CDC have provided control and
preventative guidance to all workers, regardless of exposure risks that are examined in greater detail in the full CISC document. The full document also provides a checklist for employers and employees.
COVID-19 Checklist for
Employers and Employees Know the Symptoms of COVID-19: ■■ Coughing, fever, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
■■ Early symptoms may include chills, body
■■ All visitors should be prescreened to ensure they are not exhibiting symptoms. ■■ Employees, contractors and visitors should be asked to leave the jobsite and return home if they are showing symptoms. ■■ Provide hand sanitizer and maintain Safety Data Sheets of all disinfectants used on site. ■■ Provide personal protective equipment to any employees assigned cleaning/disinfecting tasks. ■■ Talk with business partners about your
Cleaning/Disinfecting Jobsites and Other Protective Measures
■■ Clean and disinfect frequently used tools and equipment on a regular basis, as well as other elements of the jobsite where possible.
■■ Clean shared spaces such as trailers and break/lunchrooms at least once per day.
■■ Disinfect shared surfaces (door handles,
machinery controls, etc.) on a regular basis.
■■ Avoid sharing tools with co-workers. If not possible, disinfect before and after each use.
■■ Arrange for any portable jobsite toilets to be cleaned by the leasing company at least twice per week and disinfected on the inside.
■■ Trash containers with trash from the jobsite
must be emptied frequently by someone wearing gloves.
Protective Equipment and Alternate Work Practice Controls
■■ Provide and wear the proper PPE. ■■ Keep dust down by using engineering and work practice controls, specifically through
the use of water delivery and dust collection systems.
OSHA and the CDC have provided control
and preventative guidance to all workers as
to prevention and work practice controls that
are examined in greater detail in the full CISC
document. The full document also provides a condensed list.
COVID-19 Prevention and Work Practice Controls
response plans. Share best practices with other
Worker Responsibilities:
businesses in your communities (especially those
■■ Always wash hands that are visibly soiled.
in your supply chain), chambers of commerce and associations to improve community response efforts.
■■ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Employee Responsibilities:
■■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with
■■ Become familiar with the Exposure Action
■■ Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Plan and follow all elements of the plan. ■■ Practice good hygiene. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If these are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your face, eyes, food, etc. with unwashed hands.
16 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
unwashed hands.
■■ Employees who have symptoms (i.e., fever,
cough or shortness of breath) should notify their supervisor and stay home — DO NOT GO TO WORK.
■■ Sick employees should follow CDC-
recommended steps. Employees should not
return to work until the criteria to discontinue
home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments. General Office Practices: ■■ Clean AND disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails and doorknobs. Dirty surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, use products that meet Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, the cause of COVID-19, and are appropriate for the surface. ■■ Avoid using other employees’ phones, desks, offices or other work tools and equipment, when possible. If necessary, clean and disinfect them before and after use. ■■ Clean and disinfect frequently used tools and equipment on a regular basis as well as other elements of the office where possible. Employees should regularly do the same in their assigned work areas. ■■ Clean shared spaces such as break/lunchrooms at least once per day. ■■ Disinfect shared surfaces (door handles, machinery controls, etc.) on a regular basis. Jobsite Exposure Situations If an employee exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, the employee must remain at home until he or she is symptom free for 72 hours (three full days) without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g., cough suppressants). The company should similarly require an employee that reports to work with symptoms to return home until they are symptom free for 72 hours. To the extent practical, employees are required to obtain a doctor’s note clearing them to return to work. An employee that tests positive for COVID-19 should be directed to selfquarantine away from work. Employees that test positive and are symptom free may return to work when at least seven days have passed since the date of his or her first positive test, and have not had a subsequent illness. Employees that test positive and are directed to care for themselves at home may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since recovery AND at least seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Employees that test positive and have been hospitalized may return to work when directed to do so by their medical care provider. The company should require an employee to provide documentation clearing their return to work. Individual employees that have come into close contact with a confirmedpositive COVID-19 individual (co-worker or otherwise) should be directed to self-quarantine for 14 days from the last date of close contact with the carrier. Close contact is defined as 6 ft. for a prolonged period of time. If the company learns that an employee has tested positive, the company will conduct an investigation into co-workers that may have had close contact with the confirmed-positive employee in the prior 14 days and direct those individuals to self-quarantine for 14 days from the last date of close contact with the carrier. If an employee learns that he or she has come into close contact with a confirmed-positive individual outside of the workplace, he/ she must alert a manager or supervisor of the close contact and also selfquarantine for 14 days from the last date of close contact with the carrier. OSHA Recordkeeping If a confirmed case of COVID-19 is reported, the company should determine if it meets the criteria for recordability and reportability under OSHA’s recordkeeping rule. OSHA requires construction employers to record workrelated injuries and illnesses that meet certain severity criteria on the OSHA 300 Log, as well as complete the OSHA Form 301 (or equivalent) upon
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #8
the occurrence of these injuries. For purposes
solely from an exposure outside of the work
to report to OSHA any work-related illness that
thus not recordable. The company’s assessment
of COVID-19, OSHA also requires employers
results in a fatality or in the hospitalization (formal admission to the in-patient service of a hospital or clinic) of one or more employee. OSHA has
determined that COVID-19, unlike the common
cold or the seasonal flu, is an “illness.” However, OSHA has stated that only confirmed cases of
COVID-19 should be considered an illness under the rule. Thus, if an employee simply comes to
work with symptoms consistent with COVID-19
(but not a confirmed diagnosis), the recordability
analysis would not necessarily be triggered at that
environment, it would not be work-related, and must consider the work environment itself;
the type of work performed; risk of person-to-
person transmission given the work environment; and other factors such as community spread. Further, if an employee has a confirmed case
of COVID-19 that is considered work-related,
the company must report the case to OSHA if it
results in a fatality within 30 days or an in-patient hospitalization within 24 hours of the exposure incident occurring.
time.
‘Essential’ Industry
If an employee has a confirmed case of
Some states and localities issued orders that
assessment of any workplace exposures to
businesses. In general, construction work has
relatedness is presumed for illnesses that
from the worksite, an employee is stopped by
environment, unless it meets certain exceptions.
indicating they are employed in an “essential”
COVID-19, the company must conduct an
prohibit work and travel, except for essential
determine if the case is work-related. Work-
been deemed essential. If upon travel to and
result from events or exposures in the work
authorities, employees should be provided a letter
One of those exceptions is that the illness involves
industry and are commuting to and from work.
signs or symptoms that surface at work but result solely from a non-work-related event or exposure that occurs outside of the work environment. Thus, if an employee develops COVID-19
Confidentiality/Privacy Except for circumstances in which the company is legally required to report workplace occurrences
of communicable disease, the confidentiality of all medical conditions should be maintained in accordance with applicable law and to the extent practical under the circumstances. When required, the number of persons informed of an employee’s condition will be kept at the minimum needed not only to comply with legally required reporting, but also to assure proper care of the employee and to detect situations where the potential for transmission may increase. A notice to employees should be issued, and the company should reserve the right to inform other employees that a co-worker (without disclosing the person’s name) has been diagnosed with COVID-19. This is so co-workers that might have been exposed may take measures to protect their own health.
About the Author The Construction Industry Safety Coalition comprises 27 trade associations, representing all sectors of the construction industry, including commercial building, heavy industrial production, home building, road repair, specialty trade contractors and material suppliers. Workplace health/safety is a priority for all members, and each is committed to helping create safer jobsites for workers. For more information visit www. buildingsafely.org.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #9 • ISFA Members since 2004 18 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
THE PANDEMIC’S EFFECT ON THE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK By Kevin Cole, Editor In the Q1 issue, we looked at the previous years’ trends in various segments of the economy and reviewed numerous expert forecasts. The idea was to paint a picture of what 2020 (and beyond) would look like for the countertop/ surfacing industry. Indicators showed the year would continue to grow, albeit a bit slower than the previous years, barring catastrophic events. However, the COVID-19 pandemic certainly qualifies as such, and has affected the economy and may do so into 2021. However, most experts believe the developing recession will be V- or U-shaped instead of long-term. General Economy According to the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, GDP dropped from 2.1 percent in 2019 to a negative 4.8 percent in Q1 of 2020, and that was on the back of two successful months of growth in January and February. A forecast released May 22 by financial adviser Kiplinger (www.kiplinger.com) states, “Business reopenings have started, but expect second quarter GDP to still drop by 30 to 40 percent at an annualized rate. Even with a pretty good rebound in the second half of the year, expect 2020 GDP to decline 5.7 percent. Full recovery is likely to take until the end of 2021.” With numerous businesses temporarily closed in an effort to constrain the spread of the virus, unemployment rose from near record lows to 14.7 percent in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with more than 20 million layoffs, most of which were classified as temporary. From March to mid-May, there were more than 38.6 million unemployment claims. Housing Housing starts fell more than 30 percent in April according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with singlefamily starts decreasing 25.4 percent to the lowest rate since 2015 and multi-family starts falling by 40.5 percent. However, sales of newly-built homes rose 0.6 percent in that same time period. In spite of the April housing start numbers, Dean Mon, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB – www.nahb.org), said, “There is an undercurrent of long-term positivity in the housing market that will likely allow for a strong rebound. Our builder confidence index has already shown signs of a turnaround. Housing was showing signs of momentum before the pandemic
and is poised to lead the economic recovery as virus mitigation efforts take hold.” May 19 the NAHB and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) forecast, which ranges from 0 to 100 based on NAHB member surveys, showed significant drops drops between March and April from 72 to 30. However, that same forecast showed a preliminary increase of 7 points to 37 in May, a small move, but in the right direction. In February, experts predicted around a 3 percent growth in housing starts for 2020, but Kiplinger’s forecast now has housing starts pegged at negative 2 percent for the year. Nonresidential Construction The American Institute of Architects (AIA – www. aia.org) Consensus Construction forecast, which takes into account the opinions of eight leading industry forecasters, had previously predicted a gain in nonresidential construction of 1.5 percent for 2020. When the same eight were re-surveyed in April, they predicted non-residential construction would drop 11 percent this year. Six of the eight forecasters predicted retail and hotel construction would be hardest hit, while five predicted the healthcare sector would perform best. There was no consensus in any other category, although two of the eight predicted education would do better than the rest, largely because schools were closed and projects could begin early. Remodeling/Home Improvement Home improvement/remodeling may also be problematic in 2020 and into 2021 according to the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (www.jchs.harvard.edu). “After almost a decade of sustained growth in spending for home improvement projects, remodeling activity is likely to decline during the pandemic-induced economic downturn,” stated Senior Research Fellow Kermit Baker. “In the Farnsworth Group’s first quarter 2020 Contractor Index Survey conducted in late March, many remodeling contractors already had experienced delayed or cancelled projects. On average, contractors projected a 10 percent decline in revenue over the coming 12 months.” Associate Project Director Abbe Will added spending for improvements is projected to turn negative by the third quarter, with expenditures expected to fall by $4 billion by early 2021 and
potential for larger declines depending on how the housing market fairs in 2020. Kitchen & Bath Overall Cabinetry, countertops, and the kitchen & bath industry are inextricably tied together. While there’s little specific research on cabinetry or countertops released after March, in mid-May the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA – www.nkba. org) released the Q1 2020 NKBA/John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI), a surveybased gauge of kitchen & bath industry conditions. The KBMI’s executive summary indicates the industry started contracting in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “Our survey shows clear signs of slowing demand and declining optimism as current and future business conditions both rate below the prior four quarters.” The KBMI also shows: ■■ The kitchen & bath industry contracting in Q1 2020, as the KBMI rated a 41.0 on a scale of 0 to 100, with 50 being flat sales growth. That’s more than a 40 percent drop over Q4 2019’s rating of 69.8. ■■ A pessimistic future outlook with an expected 13.7 percent full-year sales decline in 2020, down from 10.8 percent expected growth by NKBA members in Q4 2019. ■■ Concerns over remodeling demand and fear the pandemic will deter consumers from undertaking major new projects. ■■ Members expect COVID-19 related shutdowns/ social distancing measures to reduce Q2 2020 sales by more than 50 percent among builders, dealers and consumer-facing segments of the market, while manufacturing firms expect a 40 percent sales drop. ■■ More than half of design firms temporarily closed their offices and 75 percent report lower demand for bids/proposals. ■■ Construction companies report widespread project delays and cancellations, but are more optimistic than designers about resuming activity. ■■ Retail sales companies cited showroom closures causing major declines to their 2020 sales revenues and saw declines in remodeling expenditures caused by pandemic-related uncertainty and fear. ■■ Many reported supply chain disruptions, particularly for cabinetry sourced from manufacturers that had COVID-related shutdowns. Overall, 2020 is going to be a tricky one with uncertainty that could spill over into 2021. However, it doesn’t appear to have near the longevity of the Great Recession in the late 2000s. Editor & Publisher Kevin Cole can be reached at kevin@isfanow.org. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 19
Solid surface, such as this bathroom fabricated in Hanex Grenicio color, can be used in numerous applications both horizontal and vertical and is particularly well suited for projects where hygiene is an important factor. PHOTO COURTESY OF HYUNDAI L & C
A SOLID CHOICE FOR A CLEAN SURFACE:
The Case for Solid Surface By The International Surface Fabricators Association Solid surface has been around for more than
poured, most typically, into continuous sheets
choice for healthcare, restaurant and hospitality
which have the same color throughout (hence
Cleanliness and good hygiene are on pretty
other thicknesses depending on the application
getting into why solid surface is an intelligent
around the world).
50 years now and is increasingly becoming the
that are cut to a standard size. The sheets,
applications because of its hygienic properties.
solid), are most commonly ½ in., but can be
much everyone’s minds these days, but before
and manufacturer (of which there are now many
choice for sanitary applications, just what is it?
Once the sheets are sized, most commonly 30 by
Even with more than 50 years of development
144 in. (although there are several manufacturers
or business owners, or even architects and
are sanded and then sent out through various
and refinement under its belt, many typical home
that offer alternative and custom sizes), they
designers, really have little idea of what solid
distribution methods. Fabricators then purchase
surface is.
What Is Solid Surface?
the sheets and use tools similar to woodworking equipment, to cut, route, sand and form them into countertops, wall cladding, furniture,
Qualities of Solid Surface One key quality of solid surface is that it is nonporous. This quality alone carries a lot of weight. It means that it does not need to be sealed and repels waters and most substances, such as wine, mustard, grease, “permanent” markers, hair dye, shoe polish, blood and other damaging materials that might potentially stain other surfaces, fabrics or any number of items. As such it is very low maintenance, easy to clean and does not harbor bacteria, mold or other fungus. The fact that it is nonporous also makes it resistant to a variety of chemicals. Solid surface
Solid surface, first invented in 1964 by Don
signs and a variety of other products for use in
under the brand name Corian®, solid surface
In addition to being workable similar to wood,
found in numerous household cleaners. It can
into curved and molded shapes. It can also be
guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease
that deposit the ink just below the surface so the
concentrated or acidic chemicals can produce
it can likely be created from solid surface.
easily with the use of a wet Scotchbrite® pad.
Slocum of Dupont™ and released in 1967
is a manmade material generally composed of alumina trihydrate (ATH), which is a derivative
of natural bauxite, and is mixed with acrylic or polyester resin binders (or some combination of the two) and pigments. It is then heated to
typically between 140 and 160 degrees F and
residential, commercial and OEM applications.
is not impacted by chemicals like ammonia, mild acids and trisodium phosphates, which are
solid surface can be heated and thermoformed
also be safely cleaned with a bleach solution, per
printed on using dye-sublimation techniques
Control (CDC) to kill viruses. While some highly
image becomes permanent. If it can be imagined,
a hazing effect, this can be removed relatively
20 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
This parquet-like island made from KRION Solid Surface illustrates the seamless nature when joined, leaving no cracks or crevices for dirt, grime or germ build-up. This leads to another common quality of solid surface — it is renewable and repairable.
While durable and scratch-resistant, it can be scratched or broken with heavy or improper use. However, because of the homogenous color, in almost all cases scratches can be
polished out by trained fabricators and even if broken, it can be repaired so that it looks and performs just like new. Most manufacturers even offer a minimum 10-year installed warranty.
Another quality of solid surface is that it
comes in hundreds if not thousands of color and pattern options. It can be made to look
like granite, quartz, solid colors, wood grains, veined stones, translucent colors and many others. Many manufacturers also will create
custom colors for particular applications or to match logos, etc.
Solid surface can be joined nearly invisibly by
a trained craftsman. That allows long stretches of material to appear as one piece and also
unlocks the potential for integral sinks as well as coves. Coved solid surface means the material, even when in a butt seam, can be made so
that there is a continuous flow with no cracks,
crevices or seam visibility. The material can even be designed to perfectly follow the contours of a wall “seamlessly” and without gaps.
Typically manufactured in sheet form, solid surface can also be cast into a variety of
shapes, including sinks, shower pans and even bathtubs. Sheet goods can also be
thermoformed, which is when it is heated to a
certain temperature and bent into 3-D shapes. When the material cools, the shape is retained
(Middle photo) Solid surface, like the Glacier White Corian used in this bathroom, are suitable for numerous uses. Not only can integral sinks be a great hygienic use, but it can be used for cabinetry, wall cladding, tubs, shower caddies and even ceilings and floors. (Bottom photo) This operating room at University Hospital in A Coruña, Spain, is one of 18 at the facility clad in KRION K-Life solid surface designed by Casa Solo Architecture. The architects, which specialize exclusively in the healthcare industry, chose solid surface because of its durability, easy cleaning, antibacterial properties, chemical resistance and seamless joints.
PHOTO BY ARUME PHOTOGRAPHY International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 21
(Above) Solid surface, such as Aristech’s Avonite, can be thermoformed for near limitless design capability, while also retaining its hygienic and seamless properties.
(Left) These beautiful shower walls with striking intricate patterns produced by MR Walls allow for seamless, coved corners for easy maintenance and even a shower bench and matching integral shower caddy.
permanently, which greatly adds to the flexibility and versatility of the product, both in terms of application and design. Uses for Solid Surface While countertops are the most common use for solid surface, because of its aforementioned properties, it can be used in many ways.
When it comes to horizontal applications, countertops are just the tip
of the iceberg. Tables, benches, furniture, commercial food prep areas,
desktops, window sills, bar tops and even flooring are all potential uses for this material.
It is also suitable for numerous vertical applications. Among these are
bathroom partitions, shower/wet walls, interior wall cladding, wainscoting, signs and even exterior cladding.
Another area for use of this material is OEM, custom or unique creations. Custom sinks, bathtubs, shower pans, switch plates, shelving, unique
furniture, lighting applications, cabinetry, door pulls and both functional
based and aesthetically pleasing art are all possible, as well as many things
beyond. The possibilities are pretty much limited only to the imagination and skill set of the craftsman working with the material. Solid Surface for Safety With at least a basic understanding of the material, its properties, fabrication techniques and popular uses, it begins to be easily seen why solid surface
is highly suitable and growing in usage for healthcare, commercial kitchens and other places that can be potentially risky in terms of exposure to
These thermoformed solid surface benches were fabricated by Rick Wing for Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Portland, Ore. They illustrate that using hygienic material doesn’t mean sacrificing design capability. 22 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
This nurses’ station at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Pennsylvania uses two colors of LivingStone solid surface - Mink on the top and Nutmeg in the completer-assisted carved design on the front. LivingStone, like many brands of solid surface, is LEED, NSF and GREENGUARD certified. PHOTO BY LIVINGSTONE®
This waiting room designed by Casa Mata Architecture at the São Paulo Health Clinic in Brazil is fabricated from Durasein solid surface. Designed not only for hygiene, this project includes soft, warm lighting that pairs with the warmth of solid surface to be an inviting space. PHOTO BY PAULO SETUBAL VAN DEURSEN
harmful, illness causing agents and must be able to stand up against heavy use.
Once a solid understanding of the product is
Antimicrobial – Solid surface is antimicrobial,
achieved that includes the numerous hygienic
mold or other fungus, which makes it highly
product continues to grow in popularity in the
doctors’ offices, hospices and retirement homes.
fit it is for restaurants and commercial kitchens,
kitchens and bathrooms, which commonly come
traffic or potentially harmful contaminants.
in that it will not support the growth of bacteria,
benefits, it becomes easy to see why the
suitable for healthcare settings like hospitals,
healthcare industry. It also shows what a great
This also makes it desirable for commercial
as well as any other application subject to high
in contact with germs, and it goes without saying
With growing fears regarding cleanliness, it can
that these qualities are also great for household kitchens and baths.
Seamless – A major appeal of solid surface is its seamless nature. Because it can be joined with no gaps and coved connections, surgical room
help to provide peace of mind to clients, but with good reason. However, because of the
vast amount of color options and near-endless
design possibilities, they don’t have to sacrifice looks for good hygiene.
walls, ceilings and floors, showers/wet walls,
Looking forward, with an aging Baby Boomer
cracks, crevices and other areas for dirt, water,
continue to grow, further driving growth of solid
coved backsplashes and integral sinks eliminate humidity, pathogens and other contaminants that build up and allow for bacterial growth.
NSF/ANSI Standard 51 Certified – Many, if not most, solid surface brands carry a certification that means it has been tested and is safe for
food contact for all types of food. This is another reason why it is considered a safe product for use in commercial or residential kitchens.
Greenguard NSF Indoor Air Quality Certified – Another healthy certification that most solid This bathroom at Inova Louden Hospital in Virginia, was fabricated by ASST from LG HI-MACS Moon Haze colored solid surface. It shows the both the versatility and innovation inherent in the material.
Tying It All Together
surface brands have earned, this one means
that it does not emit any of 300 gases that are
considered harmful by Greenguard and does not pollute indoor air quality. This is just another of
the factors that make solid surface a safe choice.
population, healthcare demands are expected to surface. As such, manufacturers, distributors,
fabricators, architects, designers and all of the
various entities involved in the creation and use
of the product should make sure the potential of
the material is understood. As always, this starts with educating the customer at all levels.
By doing this, the case for solid surface as a clean, durable, renewable and aesthetically pleasing option pretty much makes itself.
The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) represents professionals in the premium surfaces industry. ISFA exists to help members increase profitability, quality, safety, and professionalism by facilitating education, standards, and camaraderie within the premium surfaces industry. For more information contact info@ isfanow.org. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 23
5
Fabricator Q & A: How Five Fabricators
Are Dealing with the Impact of COVID-19 COVID-19? It has been a challenge. Business
Sometimes the best way to understand and
deal with unforeseeable problems such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is to learn from peers and find out how others are responding. As
such, ISFA reached out to several fabricator members to find out how they have been
impacted and what they are doing to work
1
through it. The following are responses from five of them:
Brad Pierce of Front Range Stone Inc. in Englewood (Denver), Co.
What surfaces do you fabricate and what
has dipped, but we are working through it.
What actions have you taken to “survive &
3
markets do you serve? We fabricate laminate, solid surface, quartz, granite, marble and
compact surfaces. We serve all markets from big box stores and residential to commercial work and new construction.
How has your business been affected by
COVID-19? Initially we were most impacted on the big box retail front. I expect new
construction to fall off (hopefully temporarily) as we move through summer, and most commercial work to be in a down trend
through 2021. I think retail will improve as we enter the summer, and anticipate residential
construction improving in the fourth quarter. What actions have you taken to “survive &
thrive” through the pandemic? We evaluated all positions within the organization to ensure they add value to the business, and made
several adjustments. We also eliminated all overtime, which has been beneficial to our
margins and bottom line. Additionally, we are
2
updating our website to increase our online and retail presence.
Scott Byers of Majestic Kitchen & Bath Creations with locations in Raleigh,
Greensboro, Charlotte and Wilmington,
N.C., and Greenville and Charleston, S.C. What surfaces do you fabricate and what
markets do you serve? We fabricate granite, quartz, porcelain, solid surface and laminate. We work within the residential home builder,
commercial, rehabilitation and some big box store markets.
How has your business been affected by 24 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
thrive” through the pandemic? We have taken some improvement steps to ensure we are lean in both our processes and our team.
Kevin Maxwell of Maxwell Counters Inc. in
everyone wants to remain safe. We created
scripts for our staff member who sets up all
field appointments as well as our crews who
call ahead to ensure everyone is on the same
page before arriving at the jobsite. Commercial business appears to be the most affected. We were pressed to maintain delivery schedules
early on, then were told to cancel deliveries until
Central Illinois
further notice. We’ve restarted shipments on
What surfaces do you fabricate and what
term issues within education and healthcare
markets do you serve? We fabricate laminate,
solid surface, quartz, sintered stone and natural stone. The residential market is the biggest
current projects, but are concerned with longbusiness that have been our consistent commercial segments.
part of our business, with sales driven from a
We strive to communicate consistently with
from our selection center. We also sell direct to
We’re diligent in following up on all proposals/
and have some direct general contractor sales.
projects are important to us and we need
How has your business been affected by
communicating with staff working different
wholesale model to dealers and direct sales
business partners, customers and suppliers.
builders, provide millworkers commercial work
quotes and candid with customers – their
COVID-19? The immediate impact was that
many of our wholesale customers were shut
down, so our sales were dramatically affected. We had recently hired on several employees who were training for what we expected to be a busy summer that we had to release.
Commercial work deliveries were suspended until mid-May. Managers shifted attention to
PPP loan applications and staff management with remote workers.
their business. The biggest challenge is
shifts or from home. We provide email updates, sharing what our sales trends look like, our key benchmarks for returning to normal
schedule and policy regarding cleaning, social distancing and mask use. We are evaluating
new opportunities, realizing there are going to be lasting economic impacts to work through for some time. There is a tremendous effort
being put forth by many professionals to help
all businesses increase their odds of surviving
What actions have you taken to “survive &
this mess. We take advantage of these learning
split shifts in each work area with three- to four-
crucial time. Most importantly, we try to
thrive” through the pandemic? We created
people crews working 12-hour days Monday through Wednesday, and a second group
Thursday through Saturday (paying them for 40
hours). We designated an area for installers only, and stagger shifts so only one crew is loading up at a time. It’s inefficient, but necessary to
try to prevent one positive test from shutting
down the entire business. It was survival mode in production, trying to keep money flowing in while keeping everyone as safe as possible.
Administratively we worked to have equipment
opportunities that might help us during this
4
remember the old adage — when a door closes, a window opens, and keep looking for the window!
Laura Grandlienard, Owner of ROCKin’teriors in Raleigh, N.C.
What surfaces do you fabricate and what
markets do you serve? We fabricate granite,
marble, soapstone, onyx, limestone, quartzite, and semi-precious stones, as well as Dekton, Neolith and Lapitec compact surfaces. We
available for our office staff to work from
provide fabrication and installation for residential
than expected. Our selection center is “by
sustainability, eco-friendly technologies and a
home. This worked well and more efficiently appointment,” which also works well.
Customers have been very good with distancing policy at both measure and installation, as
and commercial building, with a focus on dust-free workplace.
How has your business been affected by COVID-19? During this unique situation we
How has your business been affected by
continuously look at the impact it might have
impact, we are continuously monitoring and
covering everything from how the virus affects
appropriate. We are surviving and being cautious.
on our clients, team members and industry,
making adjustments to our operating plan, as
jobs to what the future outlook is among
general contractors whose work is considered
“essential” under our state and local government restrictions. The health and safety of our clients and staff is top priority. Some of the areas we have been confronted with are homeowners
concerned about money/finances; homeowners
who do not feel comfortable for contractors to be in their homes; and contractor’s ability to pay for services rendered.
What actions have you taken to “survive & thrive” through the pandemic? We
established protocols to ensure team members in our showroom, workshop and on jobsites are healthy. We immediately enforced daily temperature monitoring. We created a
COVID-19 Safety Precaution Certification for
our teams regarding entry into jobsites. Name and signatures of our team members and
a short questionnaire are submitted to our
general contractor clients. With the situation still developing and having local and global
and we feel very fortunate to have been an
science, not politics; we put employee health
serves in subcontractor roles to many area
like much of the rest of the country with decreased sales, they have been coming back
We made the following decisions: We trust
homeowners and contractors. Our team
COVID-19? Although we have been impacted
first – no one is safe until we are all safe; we
essential business and allowed to keep running
to trust leaders, so we show them empathy and
consistently following our governor’s orders and
equitable, treating everyone equally with fairness;
safe.
work to strengthen trust – team members need
throughout this time period. We have been
engage them in the decision process; we are
CDC guidelines to keep employees healthy and
we redesigned the workplace to practice
What actions have you taken to “survive &
social distancing and require anyone ill to stay
thrive” through the pandemic? We frequently
home; and we mandated protective equipment,
update our employees and customers as to best
providing masks, gloves and hand sanitizer,
practices for health and safety, the positive flow
along with encouraging frequent hand washing
5
of our raw materials and consistent delivery of
and giving each individual a zone in the shop
our products. We have also distributed a plan
they are responsible to keep clean.
in response to our governor’s orders to keep
Chris Kennedy, president and CEO of
employees, customers and suppliers healthy
Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Co., Inc. with
and safe.
headquarters in Marion, Ind., and plants in Gulfport, Miss., and Macon, Ga.
We’re all in this together, and ISFA is here
What surfaces do you fabricate and what
to help. Check out both our Maker Meeting
and Thinscape. We serve the commercial,
with your peers every Monday at 2 p.m. EST
residence markets.
website at www.isfanow.org.
markets do you serve? We fabricate laminate
Mondays online conferencing to discuss ideas
residential, big box store, builder and multifamily
and the COVID-19 resources page on our
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #10 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 25
By Kevin Cole, ISFA Director of Communications For the most part, countertop/surfacing
businesses were declared “essential” as part of the construction industry, but there’s no doubt the overall economy is already in a recession.
Recession
Survival
Knowing for how long is difficult to answer.
Thankfully, with a mild winter, the first two months of the year fared well. However, in March, things
stalled out, with many states going into lock-down mode and people being forced to focus on their health instead of their economic welfare.
Most economists have said that barring further
T I PS would likely rather you stay
at a lower payment than have to try to find a new renter.
disasters we’re facing a short-term recession,
Seek to extend terms on other payables, or
and much healthier by the end of 2021. That
to your vendors, who may also be struggling,
strategic approach to staying stable during
cash on hand could be key to survival. If they’re
and things will be better by the end of the year
negotiate discounts on faster payments. Talk
said, it’s critical businesses take a level and
to see if they can extend your terms. The extra
challenging times.
not able to extend payment terms, maybe they’ll
Now that most states are beginning to reopen,
more people are returning to work, which will put money back into the economy and shorten the
length of the downturn. But, there are some critical things to do to ensure a solid future. Cash Flow During a recession, cash flow is critical to
longevity. A business must have more coming in than it has going out. That means reducing
monthly expenses while also trying to increase incoming funds. Monitoring cash flow and
calculating monthly expenses vs. expenditures
may help gains outweigh losses. Look ahead two
to four months, to get a good handle on where you will be going forward.
Focus on core competencies and what your business does best to carry you through a
recession. Stick to these products and services,
and scale back on less profitable, weaker areas. Wasting money on areas with lower margins or
lesser demand puts you at risk for lowering cash on hand to outlast a downturn.
Focusing on what you do best can also lower
inventory costs. Don’t tie up cash in inventory on products that don’t align with the biggest
share of your business. Lower your inventory so you have what you need when it comes to best
sellers, but don’t overstock less used products. Also look at increasing the number of deliveries
so your operation is based more on just-in-time shipments.
If you’re leasing your building, talk to your
landlord to see if you can get a lower payment. This may require signing a longer lease, but
could be worth it. During a recession, a landlord 26 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
give you a discount for paying quicker. Even 2 to 4 percent can add up to significant savings
over a year. If your vendors won’t work with you, talk to alternative suppliers to see if they’ll offer
incentives. At the very least, avoid paying until the due date to keep more cash on hand.
Talk to utility companies to see if there are
discounts available. Sometimes a call is all it
takes. For those companies that won’t work with you, talk to their competitors to see if they have
incentives for switching service. Many companies will offer discounts for the first year, which can
make a big difference when it comes to outlasting a downturn.
After cutting expenses, work to increase the speed of receivables. When business is good, collections often become lax, so become more aggressive
collecting, while avoiding hostile techniques that could kill good business. Being the squeaky
wheel, albeit friendly and understanding, can help keep you a top priority for them.
You may also want to consider small (1 or 2
percent) discounts for customers that pay within 10 days to keep inflows steady. While you may be giving up a small bit of profit, if your team is spending more time trying to collect, it likely is
Employees People are an expensive part of running a business, but also provide a lot of the value. Increasing productivity while cutting labor costs is tricky. After coming off of record lows in unemployment, the last thing you want to do is get rid of employees you worked so hard to get and train, so if possible avoid layoffs. Be honest with your staff, let them know they are important and you are in this together. Transparency with the financial overview of the business can go a long way in developing a team culture and motivating them to work harder. No one wants to lose their job in uncertain times. Also, make sure to involve them when developing solutions to problems that arise. This helps emphasize their importance and creates a team spirit. You may find you have some previously undiscovered and creative leaders. Also, it keeps you away from overly authoritative management styles and encourages workers to contribute their expertise, becoming part of the solution. The knowledge of their roles in the company may lead to innovations that can’t be seen by higher level managers, and acknowledging their value can improve both morale and productivity. Employees should be involved in policy choices, tactics and implementation. If work cutbacks are unavoidable, having employees take a role in developing a solution will make it easier for them to accept and may yield alternatives you hadn’t considered. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to reduce hours before cutting pay. This should start with overtime. Beyond that, if you ask employees to work the same hours for less pay, they will likely feel shorted and it could lessen their productivity. If you cut their hours instead, you’ll save the same amount of money, but have a better chance to keep their productivity up. Another thing to consider is cutting your own salary before cutting those of your staff. When you are sacrificing as much as they are, they are less likely to focus on their losses and more impressed that you are doing everything you can to keep them employed.
costing you more than you lose.
Marketing
While you may want to strengthen your
Many companies cut advertising budgets rather than fixed costs during downturns. However, studies show that those who maintain or even increase marketing during slowdowns end up outselling rivals who cut back. During a recession, it’s critical to stay in front of customers. If competitors are cutting marketing, seriously consider increasing yours to capture a larger market share.
relationships with lenders, most experts agree
that you should avoid asking for additional credit unless absolutely necessary. Instead show your bank the changes you’ve made to improve
your financial position, just in case. Overall, you are better off taking advantage of government
assistance programs (the sooner the better) or applying for small business grants.
Consumers spend differently in a recession. They want more value out of their purchases. Position
yourself as a great value, but remember that value does not equal lowering prices, which is not a
sustainable practice. Someone else will always
be willing to undercut you in a race to the bottom. Instead, market the advantages of your quality
products/services to convince potential customers you are a smart investment. Networking Connecting with peers, and clients is critical during downturns. Other businesses facing the same problems as you can offer insight as to how they are overcoming issues. This is particularly critical during times such as the current pandemic when the entire industry is threatened. Turn to associations and trade groups as well as expert sources to make these connections Reducing training is another mistake often made during downturns. Slow times offer opportunities for cross training employees to be more versatile, and currently there are numerous free or low-cost training programs available online. Companies often go too far in cutting spending during recessions which makes it even more difficult to land new customers. That’s why it is so critical to invest in the customers you already have,
Remember the lessons of the past. Recessions
which is less expensive than new client acquisition
happen regularly. While few had a pandemic in
Take time to build real relationships with your customers and show them you value their patronage. Helping customers push through difficult times can build real loyalty, so come up with ways to positively impact their businesses.
mind as the thing that would kick off a recession,
the cause isn’t as important as understanding that ups and downs are going to happen. When you
get to the other side, you can’t rest on your laurels
and go back to “business as usual.” Don’t let things
Now is the time to remind clients why they chose your company. Reinforce the value you offer, and keep in mind that it’s not always about the price, even during a recession.
slide into complacency, or you set yourself up to
face problems the next time there is a slowdown. Think long-term and put together plans for future problems. Planning ahead can help to eliminate
Make sure your best customers know you appreciate their loyalty and patronage. Spend personal time with them and find out if they have any concerns, then be willing to make changes to keep their business. It is much more difficult for clients to pull away their business when they feel you are a concerned partner and not just another bill they are receiving.
future unknowns. Give your team the necessary
skills, particularly in terms of communication and training, to see problems coming and deal with them well before they are crippling.
Understanding the metrics needed to measure
the health of your business and checking them
regularly will allow you build a plan to take on future challenges. This means developing efficient teams
Planning
and promoting good leadership that are proactive
While you may have your hands full adjusting your business, you should make time to plan for the future. If you’ve been holding off on a new product or service, make sure you are ready to launch it when the market stabilizes. Coming out of the gate at just the right time can be a quick way to offset losses you may have taken during the downturn.
rather than reactive. Investment in measuring
and planning will help your business and your employees over the long term.
By looking at the possibilities and having a plan to deal with a variety of problems, you can take the thought of giving up completely off the table.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #11 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 27
Beyond Beauty:
A DEEPER LOOK AT RESIN-BASED RECYCLED GLASS SURFACES By Paolo Bilotta, Principal, Curava
One look at a recycled glass countertop and there’s no question it’s a bold and beautiful surface that elevates any room with a wow factor. The translucent quality of striking glass particulates makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for kitchens, baths, bars and other applications. While some recycled glass surfaces have a cementitious base, for the purpose of this article, we will only look at those that are resin-based. These surfaces have a number of qualities that make them a good choice for both fabricators and consumers. A Niche within the Engineered Stone
as a binder, and many also contain a small
Category
percentage of quartz particulates.
Recycled glass surfaces that are bound with
These resin-based surfaces offer similar
resin are technically categorized within the
advantages to many of today’s modern
engineered stone category and are akin to the
hard surfaces. First, the material uses the
quartz surfacing segment of the market. They
same equipment and guidelines as those for
generally have a similar synthetic resin matrix
fabricating quartz, which is relatively common
28 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
these days. Additionally, resin-based recycled glass surfaces are nonporous and, therefore easy to maintain, require no sealing and can be cleaned using hot water and a pH neutral cleaner. They are also durable, not subject to etching, and are heat-, scratch- and stainresistant. Because they are nonporous, they are resistant to penetration by microbes, making them easy to disinfect. Answering the Demand for Sustainable Solutions
In today’s society, many people have began embracing the idea of “going green” and are including glass among their recyclables. And while the United States is trailing behind much of Europe in the percentage of glass recycled,
Handling – One of the most important activities
Resin-based recycled glass surfaces make aesthetically pleasing countertops, such as this one in Curava’s “Wheat” color, while also offering a durable and sustainable option. They fabricate very similarly to quartz or granite and are nonporous making them stain-resistant and easy to clean as well.
related to working with recycled glass surfaces
involves the handling of the slabs and the finished product. Clamp lifters with white rubber padding (to avoid black marks) may be used to lift and
move slabs. Slabs should always have the clamp positioned in the center to avoid unbalanced
movement upon lifting. Vacuum lifting equipment
collection of hundreds of tons of discarded glass,
may be used only to move finished products, not
sourced every month from landfills (discarded
entire slabs.
glass bottles), glass factory waste (window and
Storage – Slabs should be stored vertically on
shower) and discarded safety glass. Reusing tons
A-frames or slab racks, making sure the vertical
of refuse glass removes it from landfills and adds
beams of the A-frames are on the same plane.
more green power to homes. Some recycled
The bottom and top of the slabs should
glass surfaces use 25 bottles to produce a single
completely touch the bottom and top of the slabs
square foot! Many are manufactured using other
behind them along the entire length. Slabs should
green-friendly methods to create the product,
always be stored indoors and without the polished
including zero water waste manufacturing
face exposed to sunlight.
processes.
Drilling/routing – Faucet hole drilling follows the
Fabricators are seeing that sustainability is
same process used for quartz and granite. Wet
becoming more critical to today’s buying
diamond core bits are used applying constant
audiences, and Millennials in particular, who often
moderate pressure to obtain a smooth hole all
choose products because they’re good for the
the way through the slab. The piece being drilled
planet. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s
or cored must be supported on an even, flat
most recent estimates, Millennials began to
surface to minimize blowout. Edges are profiled
outnumber Baby Boomers in the last census
with a router or CNC machine, following the
and there are now more than 80 million. Various
same process used for nature stone or quartz.
surveys show that this up and coming generation
An additional recommendation is the use of
now account for an estimated $1 trillion of current
continuous diamond bits to keep any chipping to
U.S. consumer spending and growing. These
same studies, such as Nielson’s Global Corporate
Sustainability Report (www.nielson.com), show 73
Cutting – A bridge saw with blades for granite
for sustainable offerings. Recycled glass surfaces
into countertop dimensions. The same is true for
appeal to this discerning buying audience, who
again, these activities should always be done
percent of this generation is willing to pay extra
or quartz should always be used to cut slabs
are an example of the type of product that would
blades when cutting with a hand grinder. Once
put their money where their values are.
using water.
Fabricating Recycled Glass Surfaces
Sinks – It is mandatory to support all sink cutouts
Before discussing the actual process, one thing according to Chemical & Engineering News, in
to take into consideration is that with resin-based
metric tons of glass. However, only a third of that
diminished factor because the small percentage
years to naturally degrade in the environment.
an amorphous silica, a noncrystalline solid that
Recycled glass surfaces are one such use that not
should still be taken, even with a lesser risk than
provides the aforementioned properties.
meaning cutting and fabricating it should be done
2019, Americans disposed of around 10 million
recycled glass surfaces, silicosis is a greatly
was recycled, and it can take glass up to 1 million
of quartz in them means they are classified as
This makes it even more critical to find uses for it.
does not emit silica dust. However, precautions
only diverts glass from the waste stream, but also
materials with larger amounts of crystalline silica,
One of the most outstanding features of recycled
a minimum.
using wet processes.
glass surfaces is that it is a naturally sustainable
To ensure the utmost safety when fabricating
the most eco-friendly on the market today,
closely follow OSHA, local, state and federal
are 100 percent recycled from post-consumer
are wearing the proper personal protective
developing these surfaces typically starts with the
for equipment and machinery used.
product. Recycled glass surfaces are among
recycled glass surfaces, fabricators should
with many incorporating glass particulates that
regulations. Among those safety guidelines
and post-industrial sources. The process of
equipment (PPE) and following safety procedures
in the front and back if the distance from the sink cutout edge to finished edge is less than 4 in.
Undermount sinks may be installed with the same process used for granite or engineered stone.
Silicone should be used to adhere the sink edge
to the back of the cut material, along with clips to
secure the sink to the threaded anchor embedded into the material.
Patching – Occasionally glass chipping may
occur, which is very simple to remedy by patching
with either clear epoxy glue, clear polyester mastic or a UV-light stone repair kit (the latter is preferred as patching is transparent). Knife grade polyester
mastic is an easy patching material if the voids are small because it spreads well and is the easiest to match with the slab color.
If an epoxy or polyester mastic is used for
patching, use only resins that are neutral, clear International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 29
Recycled glass surfaces, such as Curava, take used sources of glass, such as beer bottles, window glass and others that might otherwise enter landfills, crushes them and uses them to manufacture a beautiful and functional product. or those that can be colored. Fabricators can either color the resin to match the color of glass in the surface or leave the resin clear. Fabricators can decide which patching material will give the best visual result and should test options first. Once tested, the selected resin should be applied with a spatula until the void is filled completely and the excess shaved off with a razor blade after it is cured. Edge polishing – As with granite or quartz edges, use diamond pads and water. Do not apply wax to the surface as that will dull the glass and reduce
the quality of the polish. The recommended polishing sequence is as follows, by grit: 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 3000, buffing pad. It should always be wet polished, never dry polished. The Whole Package Recycled glass surfaces offer a host of benefits that make it a suitable choice for fabricators and consumers alike. Fabricating very similar to quartz/stone, it is a durable and low-maintenance option. And, because it was excluded from the tariffs placed over the past couple of years on Chinese imports, manufacturers and distributors can maintain affordable pricing. This allows the material to fall in the cost area of mid-range granite. These qualities, along with its eye-catching beauty and sustainable makeup, allow today’s consumers who want to embrace both aesthetics and the green movement a great opportunity to do so. As such, fabricators who want this business have a good option to capture it by offering this category of products.
About the Author Paolo Bilotta is the principal of Curava Corporation, a family-owned and operated manufacturer and distributor of recycled glass surfaces. He shares his family’s entrepreneurial spirit and craftsmanship to offer this line of beautiful, high-quality and eco-friendly surfaces. For more information visit www.curava.com, call (603) 262-1487 or email info@curava.com.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #12 ISFA Member since 2013 30 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
While coming in numerous colors, such as Curava’s “Arctic,” recycled glass surfacing can have numerous edge treatments, layouts and design options, just as with other engineered stone surfaces.
Lessons Learned in an Insurance Context:
Action Items Related To COVID-19 By Russ Davies and Scott Loy
Virtually every business across the United States and globally has now had “the
What can you do about it now?
Cyber Policy – Cyber liability insurance might
Turn In the Claim – While not creating false
be the most important piece of insurance
to submit the claim to your insurance carrier
designed to protect you from cyberattacks like
insurance coverage addresses the situation.
Market data shows that a cyberattack is much
insurance is for?” “Isn’t insurance supposed
a synopsis of financial information both pre-
attacks do not discriminate when it comes to
situation that could happen to MY BUSINESS?”
situation impacted your business.
small to medium companies could be more
conversation” with their risk manager/insurance
hope, the recommended action right now is
any business owner purchases. It is a policy
and have them determine exactly how your
ransomware, phishing and social engineering.
Common frustrations include: “Isn’t this what
Helpful information to submit would include
more likely in this day and age than a fire. These
to be there for the unexpected, unthinkable
and post-virus, and a description of how the
large and small companies. In some cases,
“I have paid and paid for this coverage, and the
Review Your Liability Exposures – Have
agent and learned that novel coronavirus (or any other pandemic situations for that matter) is not
a covered cause of loss in their insurance policy.
first time I go to use it – nope, not covered.”
a conversation with your agent about your
These frustrations are certainly relatable and
revised business forecast. Does it make sense
following is not to defend the insurance industry,
payroll? Reducing these exposures you could
in a frustrating situation.
not keep the money in your pocket rather than
■■ This is not actually what insurance is
premium?
understandable. The intention in sharing the
to change your anticipated annual sales and
but to provide potentially unconsidered context
lower your estimated liability premium. Why
for: Insurance is about spreading risk – not
handling a catastrophic and nearly universal loss like a pandemic.
■■ Businesses did not pay for the coverage: Because the potential negative economic
impact with a pandemic is so catastrophic and
wait for the annual audit to return unearned Review Your Auto Fleet – Are there idle vehicles that could be reduced down to
comprehensive coverage only? It’s important to note that this action would remove the liability coverage from the vehicle, so it is equally
vulnerable to an attack than larger corporations. This is because in many cases there are less stringent securities and protocols within the
company when it comes to its IT. This cyber exposure is even more of a risk with many companies moving to a remote workforce in response to COVID-19. A remote work
force can open the door for cyber criminals
by way of home internet. These connections
are less secure and not monitored like robust commercial networks.
Lastly, we are all trying to navigate uncharted waters to the “new norm.” Protect your
business from unexpected Liability or Workers
important that coverage be put back on when
Compensation claims by following state/federal
consider placing a sign on the steering wheel
personal protective equipment issues seriously.
reinstate the insurance before driving.
not allow symptomatic employees to return
Premium to cover this risk would have been
It is hard to acknowledge that few saw this
in advance a communication plan to calmly
would have likely rejected it.
chance you or your agent never considered the
universal, polices were not designed to provide coverage for them, nor was premium collected for the risk. According to industry journals, the estimated monthly price tag for these losses is between $220 and $389 billion monthly.
insanely expensive and, if offered, the market ■■ Insurance covers the expected, thinkable situations: If forced to cover business
interruption losses, many insurance carriers wouldn’t have the funds/premium to meet
the monthly responsibilities and obligations to cover losses that are clearly stated in
their policies (for example, fire, theft, auto
accidents and negligent damages). Within a
matter of weeks, and potentially quite messily, the insurance industry would find itself in an insolvent situation.
the vehicle is returned to service. You might
issued guidelines. Take social distancing and
of the vehicle informing the would-be driver to
Monitor your workforce for symptoms, and do
reality coming. There is probably a 99 percent
outcomes of COVID-19 as a realistic possibility. Hindsight is always 20/20 in situations like this.
until cleared by a medical provider. Establish communicate if and when an employee tests
positive. The “new norm” may be years away. While we are running and learning a lot in the
initial sprint, consider what may need to change
Moving forward, the best thing we can do is
to survive the marathon.
a good conversation with your insurance
About the Authors
learn from our shared situation. Are you having adviser? Are you listening to the counsel your
agent is giving you in other risk areas? While a
pandemic threat seemed unrealistic just months ago, there are known and emerging threats
we’ve been talking about for years like cyber liability.
Russ Davies and Scott Loy are insurance consultants with Andres O’Neil & Lowe, a leading insurance and risk management firm focused on commercial and cyber liability. For more information contact Russ Davies at russd@andresoneilandlowe.com or Scott Loy at scottl@andresoneilandlowe.com or visit www. andresoneilandlowe.com. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 31
ISFA FABRICATOR PROFILE: Onslow Stoneworks Inc.
Onslow Stoneworks was officially founded by Mike Schott in North Carolina in the late ’90s, but its interesting and unique history is intertwined with the granite industry going back to the 1800s. Family Foundations In September of 1988, Schott had completed his duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. “When I left Camp LeJeune in North Carolina for the last
time, I realized I did not have a plan for the rest of my life,” he explained. “However, I literally went to work for a local glass company that same afternoon, still wearing my fatigue pants and a t-shirt.” He had grown up in New Jersey, where his grandfather ran a glass company, and Schott’s earliest memories were working at that shop. “While growing up, everyone worked at the glass shop, so I never had to look for a job. If you weren’t in school, you were working for Grandpa at the glass shop.” After about a year of working for the glass company in North Carolina, Schott decided to start his own business, using the knowledge he had grown up learning. “In September of 1989 I started a little glass company in Swansboro, N.C.,” he
By Kevin Cole, Editor
About 65 percent of the material flowing through Onslow Stoneworks f is natural stone, and the company focuses on highly custom, full service installations, such as this kitchen done in 3cm Titanium granite with a polished finish and ogee edges.
explained. “I remember going to the dump and salvaging scrap lumber to build a glass cutting
table. I made some business cards and off I went.” He developed that business for several years,
relying on the discipline he’d developed during his years in the service. Then, in 1996, it really took
off. Two hurricanes, Bertha and Fran, hit the North Carolina coast nearly back to back, something
which hadn’t happened since 1955. As the only glass company within 30 miles of the coastal
resort town of Emerald Isle, as Schott puts it, “Even I couldn’t help being successful.”
In 1998 things really changed. Schott was
approached by an acquaintance who wanted help working with some prefabricated granite
slabs. “He wanted me to fabricate some pieces
for him,” said Schott. “So true to form I said yes, and then figured it out.”
He admits that nostalgia had some part in his
decision to try his hand at stone. In the 1870s his ancestors emigrated from Italy to New Jersey
32 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Founder of Onslow Stoneworks Mike Schott has made his business a family endeavor, with his son Max serving as VP and director of sales. Numerous other family members are also involved in daily operations, establishing them as the future of the company.
As the company has grown, it has a need to increase capacity by utilizing CNC machinery such as this Construal CNC FA Router. Onslow plans on adding a Park Industries’ Titan CNC machine to its machinery mix this year to expand capacity. where they operated a granite quarry on the cliffs of the Palisades overlooking the Hudson River and New York City. Schott’s grandfather Emil
Scioli, who worked at the quarry as a boy and
later went into the glass business, took the time to pass on the family’s heritage. “As a boy my
grandfather taught me how to cut granite with a hammer and chisel,” recalled Schott. “I was
fascinated how he made his tools look like an extension of his hands.”
With history calling him, and after taking on the
stone fabrication project, he ultimately decided to leave the glass business and start Onslow
Stoneworks. “Cutting and handling techniques for
stone are similar to glass, which really paid off,” he
In years past, the company’s business was about
and I started Onslow Stoneworks utilizing some
spare capacity. And while Schott said he’s seen
proud to show my grandfather many years later
feel it was a good fit for Onslow, which always had
said. “My brother took over the glass company,
15 percent big box stores, which it took on to fill
labor from the glass company for installs. I was so
some companies do well in that arena, he didn’t
that the family was back in the stone business.”
a custom, full-service approach.
By that time, Schott was married to his wife Dawn,
“I like having a one-stop shop where customers
his own. Family was always an important part of
glass shower doors and even Granite Gold
joined him at the company. Realizing his business
efficient at these things and until we opened our
him on to operate and grow the business more
much we relied on asking an expert right behind
now of 35 years, and was developing a family of
can select their counters, sinks, faucets, tile,
his life, so when his children got old enough they
Protection Plans,” he relayed. “It took time to get
was the legacy he would leave his family spurred
first satellite location, we never realized how
intelligently, purposefully and efficiently.
you. Having remote locations really exposes any
A Growing Company Onslow Stoneworks has grown from a small two-man operation to a company with 32
employees and three locations in eastern North
Carolina – Swansboro, a 14,000-sq.-ft fabrication facility, and New Bern and Morehead city which serve as satellite showrooms.
The company currently processes 1,500 to 1,700 sq. ft. of installed countertops a week, with 90 percent being residential and 10 percent
commercial. Residential work comes through two main channels, builders (about 30 percent) and
direct retail (about 70 percent). However, Onslow
Stoneworks identified commercial installations as an area of growth. “We finally have a competent
in-house commercial estimator,” explained Schott, “and that area is working out to be a really nice increase to our business.”
voids in training and company processes.”
Because of Schott’s family history and love of
granite, the company focused largely on natural stone, but over time quartz and now sintered
materials are part of the company’s offerings. Currently granite/natural stone makes up 65
percent of countertop sales, with quartz and
sintered products equating to 29 and 6 percent respectively.
“Having a background working with glass really helped our understanding of sintered material,
which in many aspects is like glass,” explained Schott. “With modern machinery, especially
tooling, dealing with all of the different materials is not as challenging as in the past. Our installers
love it because we get to carry some ‘thin stuff’ once in a while.”
The company’s philosophy with material vendors
Residential work makes up 90 percent of the company’s business, but it recently hired an inhouse commercial estimator and is working to expand more into the commercial arena. takes into account pricing, but emphasizes
service and relationships. Buying from a limited
number of sources allows Onslow Stoneworks to
focus on communicating needs and expectations, which pays off.
“For stone that we don’t directly import, we have fantastic relationships with CRS and Cosmos distributors, both out of Raleigh, N.C.,” said
Schott. “They really helped us in product offerings and inventory when we started to grow. I
especially value my relationships with Sunny and Vandanna Surana of CRS, who believed in me and became very close friends.”
With sintered materials, Onslow focuses on Neolith International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 33
With nearly 30 percent of the company’s business in quartz, as with all materials, it focuses on a few suppliers that meet its needs and expectations. Their quartz products include Cambria (pictured here), LG Viatera, Q and Spectrum Quartz. of thoughts and practices we developed that stood up to the scrutiny of others.
“There have been a few individuals who have
influenced me professionally such as Geoffrey
Gran of The Countertop Factory Midwest, who has a way of putting things in simple terms. I tend to make things complicated and he’s helped our
company to be ‘easy to buy from,’” continued Schott. “And Joe Duszka of Carolina Custom and Lapitec. “While Neolith has been in
much that we purchased the very first Construal
Lapitec has come on strong. Customers like the
sight unseen.”
commercial play for a while for building cladding, finish options we offer instead of the same old looks,” explained Schott. “Caragreen, who
specializes in distributing green products, is a great teammate, making customers aware of
Lapitec and welcoming input from their partners.” The focused vendor philosophy is especially
important with quartz which has so many brands. The company chose to offer what Schott
described as “tried and true performers” in the form of Cambria, LG Viatera, Q and Spectrum.
Recently while developing a self-quoting tool on
its website, Onslow made the decision to offer a limited selection of Spectrum quartz sold by the
square foot. “This meant investment in inventory to keep material costs low and inventory control measures to maximize material efficiency,” said Schott. “Kevin Obrien and Chase Barnes of
Spectrum showed us the value of the program over the long term.”
The company went paperless in 2010 and
developed its own digital operating system, so it took the next step to digital templating, utilizing
the 2D3D Laser Templator from Laser Products. Digital templates are good, but having machinery
to fully utilize them is better so Onslow leveraged its relationship with Joe Feist of Feist Machine
who had introduced the company to Construal
CNC router ever to be sold in the United States
The company is running two CNC 5-axis saws and a CNC FA Router from Construal, and prior to the pandemic started making room for another CNC router to increase capacity. This time Onslow is looking at Park Industries, from which they just purchased a Pathfinder slab digitizing station
utilizing Slabsmith technology. “Park is a great
American company and I’ve seen their Titan CNC
router in action at many shops,” said Schott. “The Titan can bring a lot of value, and with Park’s
customer support, it was not a difficult decision to
add one to our operations. Barring the unforeseen, we intend to place that order this year.”
The company was also having growing pains
from a management perspective, so it turned to Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS)
Worldwide, which organizes the way a
management team solves any and all issues. “We hired Dan Rose, a professional EOS integrator to help us implement the operating system that showed us how to structure the company to grow,” Schott explained. “It’s an expensive
two-year effort for us, but after going through our first six months, nothing has had a bigger impact
on me as a businessman. It’s literally the greatest tool I can leave the company and family.” Critical Connections and the Future
equipment. “Over the past several years we
“Until recent years, we never sought outside
and an air scrubber from them. When it was time
through my relationships with industry
purchased all of our saws, cranes, vacuum lifters to step up into a CNC router, we made the call to Joe,” explained Schott. “He helped us
understand the digital world. We trust him so
help, knowledge or other best practices. Now, organizations like ISFA, we have discovered
things we didn’t know that we didn’t know,” said Schott. “But more satisfying was the validation
34 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Surfaces has become a good friend and a
sounding board for ideas. Joe’s company is the
size we have our sights set on and I constantly tell him, ‘I can see your tracks.’
“More than anyone, Xavier Douwes of Vendome
Partners International has helped me understand how and what we are measuring as a company,” added Schott. “He’s helped us establish new
sets of metrics that are a big part of measuring our success.”
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Onslow also invested in professional marketing company,
Marqet Group, as well. Schott expounded, “I told
them in the beginning how bad I was at marketing and how I hated it, but this team of real
professionals were up to the challenge and really push me to think about it.”
Schott also has a close relationship with Rich
Katzman of Stone Services Group (SSG), which
has helped the Onslow team pull together different technology platforms and integrate them into a
sleek operating system. “This has not only opened up commercial opportunities, but also showed us
how Quote Countertops, Slabsmith, StoneApp and our accounting software can all seamlessly
integrate,” said Schott. “These types of innovations are what separate us from other companies.”
In the next month Onslow is rolling out its new ERP, StoneApp by Stonegrid that integrates
everything into one process. Generating leads utilizing Quote Countertops combined with
customer interactive kiosks in all showrooms and all CRM and job information, scheduling and production controls will now run through
StoneApp. Customers will have the option to view
the entire inventory, 1,000 slabs, on the company’s website, a valuable sales tool.
reality will inevitably hit. Those that are physically
Its new website will allow customers to go online and use kitchen and bath 3-D visualizers and
and mentally prepared for discomfort will be
quoting tools. When a customer comes in
better situated to not be overcome by it.
holding a quote they generated from the
You learn more from listening than you do
website, it will help shorten the selection time.
talking. Be a great listener and observer.
Philosophy and Advice
Everything that has ever been learned and
When asked about his philosophy behind the
taught is all around you. Let that be part of your
company, Schott said, “There is no substitute for
higher education.
passion. A lot of people want things – not things you can buy, but experience. Few people
Schott speaks his mind and has a desire to
body and soul to achieve lofty goals. Even less
growth are great examples of his hard work and
real cost.”
considering his family history, few could doubt
experience the complete and total immersion of
succeed. Onslow Stoneworks’ successes and
are willing to proceed when they understand the
dedication. Looking forward, while also the business will be around a long time even
And when asked what advice he might offer Sintered stone, such as the Neolith installation pictured here, and Lapitec, has made its way into Onslow’s product offerings. The transition has been easier because of he company’s background working with glass, which has similarities to compact surfaces.
after it passes into the hands of his offspring.
other up and coming businesses, he offered three suggestions:
For more information about Onslow Stoneworks, visit www.onslowstoneworks.com, or contact the company at (252) 3993-2350 or email mike.schott@ onslowstoneworks.com.
Don’t do Stupid things. More people should try it. Practice both physical and mental
discomfort. Like this coronavirus outbreak,
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #14 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 35
Cutting and Sawing Solutions Spotlight
BACA Systems has a solution for every
in. touch screen, and industrial PC, controls almost all functions of the machine. Electronic positioning is standard in the Y-axis for setting horizontal rip cuts and is especially fast and accurate for repeat rip cuts. Virtually all of the everyday setup functions of the saw are either semi- or fully automatic. The Control can also have “screen to machine” capability with the new “ExpertCut” optimization package. The STRIEBIG is known for its excellent use on solid surface. For more information visit www. csaw.com.
latest technological advances and wants to
See our ad on Page 17
countertop industry and is a leader in robotic cutting technology. With more than 4,000 robots implemented over 30 years, and
more than 400 Robotic SawJets installed, the company has plenty of expertise in
robotic automation, waterjet technology
and countertop fabrication. Its mission is to
provide customers in the industry with flexible manufacturing systems that are productive, reliable and operate at a low cost, while
also giving them superior customer service. fabricator, is continuously implementing the
AccuGlide Saws AccuGlide Saws offers a miter cutting workstation for fabricators looking to increase miter cut quality. The system clamps directly to the stone material for more stability and less vibration. It has a quick-adjust design for fast setup and a cutting length capacity of up to 11 ft. AccuGlide developed this workstation as a companion to a bridge saw and addressed the issue of curved miter cuts. When cutting at 45 degrees, it is easy to get a curve whenever the slab is dished or crowned. In comparison, this system relies on cutting straight first with a bridge or rail saw followed by a miter cut with the AccuGlide. This special “feather miter” technique can produce clean and straight miter cuts that do not require the traditional hand grinding and re-straightening prior to lamination. It’s made for 2cm to 3cm material including quartz, sintered porcelain, granite, marble and quartzite. More information is available at https://accuglidesaws.com/ accuglide-miter-cutting-station.
revolutionize the stone industry. For more information visit www.bacasystems.com.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #51
Braxton-Bragg New Viper Extended Life
Ultra Compact Surface Blades offered by Braxton-Bragg have a mesh
pattern on a 10mm segment that
cuts through ultra
compact surfaces
such as porcelain
with ease. They offer a extended
blade life and have a reinforced blade hub.
Features of these blades include: an extended blade life; a 10mm segment, specific design just for porcelain; a thin blade design; a
reinforced blade hub; and arbor knock-out. To find out more visit www.braxton-bragg.com.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #52
See our Ad on Page 25
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #50
Colonial Saw The latest Control Model of the STREIBIG panel saw offered by Colonial saw is the
BACA Systems
sixth generation of automatic traveling and
BACA Systems is focused on developing innovative fabrication solutions for the
not the least of which is a 30 percent faster
36 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #53
boasts a laundry list of features and benefits, production than a manual saw. The new 12-
Ghines Group SYSTAR XL, offered by Ghines Group, is a stone fab center, stone cutting machine and miter saw in one. The machines have high-end linear guides and a nonvibrating steel frame designed to perform accurate straight and miter cuts. The highly precise V cut allows the edges to appear as a natural continuity of the veins. Fabricators will be able to create and finish big islands or L-shaped worktops out of one piece, without moving the slab. Other applications include: arches, architectural elements, backsplashes, fireplaces, L-shaped islands, sills, stairs and worktops. Stone processing types include: stone cutting four sides at 90 or 45 degrees; shaping and polishing (internal and external); cutting out sink holes (also by blade); recessed drainer/ drain grooves; slots on edges; and edge polishing (on straight and inclined edges). It also allows for large work strokes because of the open frame with no limits for the length of the slab. It includes nine spindle positions and fast tool changer. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #54
GranQuartz GranQuartz carries the 16-in. Cyclone Ultra Bridge Saw Blade, Porcelain/UCA with a 50/60mm arbor. Cyclone’s Ultra UCS/Porcelain blade is an extremely versatile blade, made for cutting ultra compact surfaces and porcelain. It
has a proprietary segment design to allow for clean, fast cutting. Its thick center hub adds stability when cutting to provide long life, and its ultra-thin mesh turbo rim cuts fast and chip-free. The blade works wet or dry. For more information, visit www.granquartz.com
these are RYE-Corp’s work center stations and
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #55
See our ad on Page 7
Park Industries Park Industries introduced the new TITAN® 3000 CNC Router Series. It has been redesigned to dominate at high-speed polishing, and is packed with operator-friendly upgrades and maintenance automation. TITAN 3000 is designed to route, shape and polish stone with lower costs and maximum uptime. New features of the TITAN 3000 Series include: refinement for high-speed tooling; faster movements and tool changes; maintenance automation and reduced labor; operatorfriendly upgrades; and additional protection on the rails and spindle. Two models are available: TITAN® 3700 and TITAN® 3800. For more information visit www.parkindustries.com. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #56
bridge saws (such as the Husky Gantry Bridge Saw shown here). RYE-Corp is a company based in east Tennessee that designs and
All machines are made in the United States
with readily available common parts. Regent
Stone also offers the most popular blades and tooling available for each machine, as well as video demonstrations on its website at www. regentstoneproducts.com.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #58
Terminator For more than 25 years, Terminator has
continued to innovate to provide efficient
products for its customers. The company’s Nano Q3 blade has been designed, tested
and re-tested to yield fast, reliable results on
quartzite materials. On 3cm Taj Mahal quartzite, it achieves pass cutting parameters of 120 IPM for standard 90-degree cuts and 45 IPM for
45-degree miter cuts. The ability of the Q3 to cut freely on a hard material makes it a great cross-
over blade to cut other materials such as granite and engineered stone. Savings can be realized
Weha The Weha Puma product line offers a variety of cutting solutions. Designed with air cool holes to stay cool for continuous cutting, quad holes to be used with Quad Adapters, and a very close turbo style rim for fast and clean cuts, the Weha Puma Granite Turbo Blade is an excellent all around blade for stone fabrication. The Weha Puma Diamond Bridge Saw Blade is a 25mm segment height blade for cutting quartz, granite and engineered stone. This layered Arix diamond segment design provides fast, clean cutting to achieve optimum performance from the bridge saws. The Puma 5-in. Contour blade has an extremely rigid core that does not flex with diamonds coming through the core body on both sides of the contour blade, giving full side cutting from both the inside and outside of the blade. This feature is designed to drastically help in cutting out vanity bowls of all sizes, as well as making as small of holes as possible for trash bins, etc. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #61
on not purchasing multiple blades as well as blade change-out times.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #59
TYROLIT TYROLIT now
offers the GT2 EVO: a single
saw blade with high cutting
performance
that is capable
of cutting many
different materials. The main objective in the
Regent Stone Products offers a full line of stone cutting saws and wet saws, including rail saws, bridge saws and work centers for the fabrication of stone countertops. Among
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #60
manufactures equipment for the stone industry.
See our Ad on Page 2
Regent Stone Products
countertops. The blades are available from a 350mm to a 600mm diameter with 15mm high segments and a normal or silent steel core.
development of the GT2 EVO saw blade was
to maintain sharpness even when cutting hard
granite, quartzite and most new ceramic slabs.
ZENESIS Delivering fast and clean cuts at an affordable price, the new ZENESIS™ Z‐Turbo Blade is designed to give hard surface fabricators maximum value. The blade’s narrow turbo design effectively reduces chipping. It comes with flush cut holes and a unique bond that maximizes performance on granite and engineered stone. The narrow turbo design reduces chipping. It features an 8mm segment height. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #62
The GT2-EVO blade is very versatile and can
be used in almost all machines from low to high
power and in many different applications, such as bridge saws used for cutting made-to-measure
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 37
Here.Now.News. From the Desk of Amy Miller, Executive Director
You Are Not Alone I recently heard this story, and I thought it was
incredibly timely given the conditions that we are currently living in …
Late one Friday evening, a salesman driving home fell asleep at the wheel and drove his car into a ditch. The man crawled out and
looked around. All he could see was one lone
farmhouse. The man walked to the farmhouse and knocked on the door. An old farmer
opened the door. The salesman asked the
farmer if he had a tractor, and if he could pull
surfacing needs of the world have not. ISFA has always consisted of members helping members. Sharing best practices, connections and advice have long been the norm, but this recent challenge, this horrific coronavirus pandemic, has exemplified our shared commitment to serving one another.
Almost instantaneously, ISFA members shifted from working on their own businesses, within their own four walls, to working virtually, and
his car out of the ditch.
openly collaborating with regard to things like
The old farmer said, “I don’t have a tractor, but
whether or not to keep fabricating in the midst of
I have an old blind plow horse named Bo. I will hitch him to your car and see if he can pull it
how to apply for PPP and EIDL loans, and this world health crisis.
out of the ditch.”
As the natural connecting point, ISFA shifted
The farmer attached the old blind plow horse
fabrication training to collecting, posting and
to the car and then stood behind the horse and yelled “Pull Buster, pull!” Old Bo didn’t move.
A second time the old farmer stood behind the horse and yelled “Pull Sugarcube, pull!” Again,
old Bo didn’t move. A third time the farmer got behind the horse and yelled “Pull Bo, pull!!”
from planning and executing live events and
educating on all things COVID-19. Recognizing
the need to bring fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers together to collaborate and share, we established “Makers Monday Meetings” online
events each week as an avenue for bringing the supply chain together to share and collaborate.
With that the old blind plow horse pulled the
These meetings have proven to be an invaluable
man was grateful, but asked the old farmer,
we intend to keep these conversations going in
car out of the ditch and onto the road. The
point of connection, and well beyond COVID-19,
“Why didn’t you call the horse by the right
service of our members.
name the first time? Why did you try with the wrong names?”
The old farmer said, “Son that old plow horse is blind, not deaf. If he had known he was the
only one pulling, he wouldn’t have even tried!” Despite the isolation you may be feeling during these times of “social distancing,” you are not
This pandemic has created a shift in how we communicate, but it has not changed one
common denominator: We are in this together. No matter what you are facing right now,
personally or professionally, ISFA is here for you. You are not alone.
alone! As an industry, we are fighting this battle together. We have weathered many storms,
and we will get through this current health and economic crisis as well.
While our expectations for 2020 have
Amy Miller
our commitment as an industry serving the
AmyM@isfanow.org
dramatically changed over the past few months,
ISFA Executive Director
38 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
ISFA Events & Training
For additional information and registration options, please visit www.isfanow.org, or email amym@isfanow.org. Personalized training options are also available. Email carol@isfanow.org for more information. Maker’s Monday Meetings Zoom Conference Every Monday 2 p.m. EST www.isfanow.org/makers-mondaymeetings Industry Roundtable Hosted by Hard Rock Stone Works & BACA Systems Sponsored by BACA Systems Aug. 4 – 6 Detroit, Mich. Solid Surface Countertop Symposium Hosted by IWF Aug. 25 Atlanta, Ga. Industry Roundtable Hosted by Front Range Stone Sponsored by Park Industries, Cosentino, Moraware and KOHLER Sept. 8 – 10 Denver, Colo. Gen 2 Event Hosted by Countertops of Memphis Sponsored by Moraware and BACA Systems Sept. 29 – 30 Memphis, Tenn. Porcelain/Sintered Stone Fabrication Training & Certification Event Hosted by Park Industries Training Center Sponsored by Park Industries and LPI (Laser Products), Crossville, Dekton, Infinity Surfaces, Laminam, Lapitec and MSI Fall 2020 St. Cloud, Minn. Solid Surface Training Hosted and Gecko SSS Sponsored by SASSO Fall 2020 San Antonio, Texas ISFA Annual Conference Sponsored by Park Industries, GranQuartz, Regent Stone, Integra Adhesives, Crossville and Infinity Surfaces TBD San Antonio, Texas
ISFANews ISFA Offers Numerous COVID-19 Resources for Fabricators In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic troubles that have followed, ISFA has put together a variety of resources to assist businesses in the countertop/surfacing industry. Not only has the association been distributing information via email and assisting with webinars and helping to promote a variety of interactive events put on by members and various organizations to assist in dealing with the current climate, it has been developing additional outlets to assist. At www.isfanow.org/covid-19-resources/ there is an entire list of articles and resources that those in the industry can use to help them manage the current crisis. The plethora of sources available includes everything from government application information and guidelines to sample checklists and forms being used by a variety of fabricators to links to webinars and other resources for creating action plans and getting shops and jobsites in proper order to succeed. Additionally, every Monday at 2 p.m. EST, ISFA has been hosting its Maker’s Monday Meeting online conferencing, in which peers and experts are connected to assist one another. The meeting has featured networking discussions on how fabricators are dealing with the issues that have arisen from the pandemic, expert presentations regarding various way of handling problems the industry faces, and even virtual shop tours expressly demonstrating exactly how industry associates are directly confronting and overcoming a number of challenges.
ISFA, NSI, Daltile Partnering To Bring Silica Training Program To Fabricators Daltile sponsors gathering and delivery of program
■■ Silicosis: An Industry Guide to Awareness and Prevention
ISFA is teaming up with the Natural Stone
Institute in 2020 in an effort to improve safety
■■ Silica Exposure Standard and OSHA
in fabricating products that contain silica
Compliance
year, all ISFA Fabricator Members (new or
■■ Toolbox Talk: Crystalline Silica Exposure
for everyone in the surfacing industry. This
■■ Toolbox Talk: What is Crystalline Silica?
renewing) will receive Silica Training Kits
Prevention
sponsored by Daltile and courtesy of ISFA
and NSI which highlight OSHA recommended
■■ Implementing a Silica Exposure Control
of the potential dangers facing fabricators,
■■ How To Use the OSHA Voluntary
best practices. Because of the critical nature the two organizations are teaming up for
Plan for Your Company Inspection Program to Monitor Silica
the betterment of the entire industry and all
Exposure
those working in it, and Daltile has agreed to help with the costs involved in creating and
■■ A Sample Silica Exposure Control Plan for
distributing the programming.
General Industry
Workers involved in manufacturing, finishing
■■ An OSHA Inspection Planning Checklist
countertop products in fabrication shops and
Start
and installing natural and manufactured stone during in-home finishing/installation are at risk of exposure to hazardous airborne crystalline silica and lifelong health consequences.
OSHA’s new Respirable Crystalline Silica
regulations have stringent requirements for protecting the 2.3 million workers who are exposed to this hazard at work.
The training kits that all ISFA Fabricator
Members will receive, will have flash drives
with downloadable documents and training that includes the following programs:
■■ Creating a Safety Program – Where To ■■ Basics of OSHA Compliance ■■ No Place for Complacency ■■ Onsite OSHA Consultation ■■ Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment For more information contact ISFA Executive Director Amy Miller at amym@ISFAnow.org. To join ISFA or renew your membership, visit www. ISFAnow.org or call the ISFA office at (888) 599-ISFA.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR
To learn how to get involved with fellow fabricators and other members of the industry or sign up to participate via our Maker’s Monday Meeting, visit our website at www.isfanow.org. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 39
ISFANews ISFA Alters Live Event Schedule To Ensure Safety ISFA had put in place a number of live events for the year, but because of the COVID-19 outbreak, it was forced to reschedule or even cancel some events to ensure the safety of attendees. The Gen2 Event hosted by Countertops of Memphis and sponsored by Moraware and BACA systems originally scheduled for mid-March, has been rescheduled for Sept. 29 – 30. The Industry Roundtable to be held at GECKO SSS in San Antonio, Texas, in late March/early April has been combined with the ISFA Annual Meeting, which will now be held in San Antonio at a date to be decided in the near future. The Solid Surface Industry Roundtable scheduled for Farmington Hills, Mich., in May has been cancelled.
The ISFA Annual Conference sponsored by Park Industries, GranQuartz, Regent Stone, Integra Adhesives, Crossville and Infinity Surfaces originally to be held in Cancun, Mexico, in late October has been rescheduled for late fall/early winter in San Antonio, Texas, with a date to be decided in the near future.
Now Taking Applications for Mike Nolan Scholarship Each year, ISFA awards the Mike Nolan
Scholarship to an individual seeking education
For more information about these and other events, visit www.isfanow.org, email info@ isfanow.org or call the ISFA office at (888) 599ISFA. You can also watch for future updates in this publication, in our newsletter and on our social media sites.
for a career in the skilled trades dealing with the
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS
The deadline for applications has been extended
decorative surfacing industry, cabinetry and/or
general carpentry. The scholarship is awarded in honor of Mike Nolan, one of ISFA’s dear friends,
a multiterm board member and former fabrication trainer and ISFA Education Director.
because of the closing of college and trade
schools during the time of pandemic and the uncertainty of the reopening schedules.
Those interested should apply at their earliest
convenience. A winner of the $1,200 scholarship
The Solid Surface Fabrication Training Course to be held at GECKO SSS in San Antonio, Texas, sponsored by GranQuartz/ Regent Stone in May has been moved to the fall with a date to be decided in the near future.
will be awarded before the end of the year, and
The Large Format Porcelain/Sintered Surface Fabrication Training & Certification Event, hosted by Park Industries Training Center and sponsored by Park Industries, LPI (Laser Products), Crossville, Dekton by Cosentino, Infinity Surfaces, LAMINAM, Lapitec and MSI, originally scheduled for July, has been moved to the fall with a date to be decided in the near future.
Additional information and the application can be found on the ISFA website at www.ISFAnow.org. The website also offers information on how interested parties can donate to this worthy cause.
The Industry Roundtable to be held at Hard Rock Stone Works and BACA Systems in Detroit, Mich., and sponsored by BACA Systems will still be held Aug. 4 – 8. The Solid Surface Symposium will still be held at IWF in Atlanta, Ga., on Aug. 25. The Industry Roundtable to be held at Front Range Stone in Denver, Colo., and sponsored by Park Industries, Cosentino, Moraware and KOHLER will still be held Sept. 8 – 10.
40 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
the person awarded will be able to use the money to help pay for any expenses involved with the cost of education related to the skilled trades.
Additionally, the award winner will also receive a one-year membership in ISFA.
ISFA Contacts ISFA PO Box 627 Ingomar, PA 15127 (888) 599-ISFA www.isfanow.org Executive Director Amy Miller (567) 239-2102 amym@isfanow.org Director of Communications Kevin Cole Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor (815) 721-1507 kevin@isfanow.org Operations Manager Carol Wilhite (412) 487-3207 carol@isfanow.org Account Representative Paul Wisnefski (262) 498-4184 wisnefski@sbcglobal.net
Program Coordinator Amy Kyriazis (412) 487-3207 amy@isfanow.org Solid Surface Fabrication Trainer Chris Pappenfort (417) 598-2390 chris@isfanow.org Quartz/Stone Fabrication Trainer Fred Hueston (321) 514-6845 fred@isfanow.org
ISFANews Preparations for 2020 ISFA Award Nominations Are Beginning Nominations for the 2020 ISFA Awards will soon be open, so now is the time to take a look around and see who is leading the pack when it comes to numerous areas of valuable expertise. These annual awards are given to those in the industry that stand out as the very best. Only ISFA members are eligible for nomination except for the ISFA Hall of Fame. The award categories are as follows: The Fabricator of the Year Award is awarded to an individual of a fabricator member company that in the past year 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 Innovator Award is for the member firm or individual who goes outside the box to create a product or system that enhances the life or elevates the role of the surface fabricator. The Associate of the Year Award is given 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. The Envision Award is given to the manufacturer member that excels in creating something imaginative and special for the surfacing industry.
ISFA Board of Directors Augie Chavez President GECKO SSS 4630 Sinclair Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222 (210) 227-3100 augie@geckosss.com www.geckosss.com
Steve Mast Vice President Precision Countertops 26200 S.W. 95th Ave. Ste. 303 Wilsonville, OR 97070 (503) 660-3023 Steve.m@precisioncountertops. com www.precisioncountertops.com Kelley Montana Treasurer Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing 70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 442-5918 kmontana@humtop.com www.humtop.com
Austin Maxwell Secretary Maxwell Countertops 324 S. Plum St. Farmer City, IL 61842 (309) 928-2848 austin@maxwellcounters.com www.maxwellcounters.com
Jim Callaghan Associate Member Representative and Executive Committee Member GranQuartz 3950 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, GA 30093 (248) 660-3291 jcallaghan@granquartz.com www.granquartz.com Mike Langenderfer Director The Countertop Shop 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net
Joe Duszka Director Carolina Custom Surfaces 100 Landmark Dr. Greensboro, NC 27409 (336) 215-5518 Joe@carolinacustom surfaces. com Laura Grandlienard Director ROCKin’teriors 230 Hampton Woods Ln., Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 577-0207 laura@rockinteriors.com
Rodrigo Velazquez Director INDEKO Blvd los charros 1500 Col. Belenes Industrial Nte Zapopan 45150 Mexico 52 331-028-7863 rodrigo@weareindeko.com
Eric Tryon Director Founding Member of Rockheads Group 845 McFarland Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 (678) 614-7111 tryonea@gmail.com www.rockheadsusa.com
Joe Connolly Associate Member Representative SASSO 220 N. Smith St. Ste. 414 Palatine, IL 60067 (224) 200-8004 jconnollysassousa@ gmail.com www.sassousa.com Paul “Max” Le Pera Associate Member Representative Global Surfacing Alliance 106 Melrich Rd. Cranbury, NJ 08512 (908) 358-5252 pmlp33@gmail.com
ISFA Booster Club The ISFA Booster Club is a program comprised of ISFA members committed to growing ISFA membership, benefits and programs. Each club member makes a financial contribution and participates in a quarterly conference call led by Executive Director Amy Miller and President Augie Chavez. During the calls new ideas for projects and programs to benefit ISFA members and the industry are discussed, as well as timelines for implementation. Those interested in joining can contact amym@isfanow. org for more information.
The ISFA Hall of Fame Award is given to the individual who has, in the course of his/ her career, made significant contributions to the decorative surfacing industry, and has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the ideals of ISFA. More information on the ISFA Annual Awards as well as nomination forms will soon be available. Watch for more details in the near future, and make your voice heard as to who has shown the kind of leadership in the industry that deserves recognition.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 41
Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. ALABAMA
Cutstone Co.
117 Cloverdale Dr. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-624-3538 www.cutstoneco.com
ALASKA
Cook Inlet Housing Authority 3510 Spenard Rd. Anchorage, AK 99503 907-793-3047 www.cookinlethousing.org
Vision Construction 17 Adak Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-479-0380 www.visionunited.com
ARIZONA
Classy Closets Etc. Inc. 7073 W. Linda Lane Chandler, AZ 85226 480-710-1190 www.classyclosets.com
ARKANSAS Qualserv
7400 S. 28th St. Ft. Smith, AR 72908 479-459-5892 www.qualservsolutions.com
American Epoxy Scientific 500 E. 16th St. Mountain Home, AR 72653 870-701-5015 www.stichco.com
CALIFORNIA
America’s Dream HomeWorks 7115 Watt Ave. Ste. 100 North Highlights, CA 95660 916-502-7789 www.dreamhomeworks.com
American Stone Fabrications 9489 Opal Ave. Mentone, CA 92359 909-918-5528 www.americanstonefabricator.com
Carrara Marble Company of America Inc. 15939 Phoenix Dr. Industry, CA 91745 626-961-6010 www.carrara.com
Fischer Tile & Marble 1800 23rd St. Sacramento, CA 95816 916-452-1426 www.fischertile.com
Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing 70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 707-442-5918 www.humtop.com
Naresh Tammabatula
Mill-Rite Woodworking Co.
Montage Decor LLC
Pacifica Wholesale Tile and Stone
NSM Florida Enterprises, LLC
ILLINOIS
1750 Stokes St. 71 San Jose, CA 95126 510-324-6588
620 E. Ball Rd. Anaheim, CA 92805 310-497-3511 www.pacificastone.com
Plastic Tops, Inc.
521 E. Jamie Ave. La Habra, CA 90631 714-738-8128 www.plastictops.com
Quarry House Inc.
217 San Anselmo Ave. San Anselmo, CA 90205 415-482-9094 www.quarryhouseinc.com
The Countertop Factory
2470 E. Coronado St. Anaheim, CA 92806 562-944-2450 www.thecountertopfactory.net
COLORADO
Front Range Stone
2195 S. Raritan St. Englewood, CO 80110 303-761-4257 www.frontrangestone.com
The Top Shop Inc. 3300 E. 43rd Ave. Denver, CO 80216 303-996-6026 www.tshopinc.com
DELAWARE
Troy Granite Inc.
711 Interchange Blvd. Newark, DE 19711 302-292-1750 www.troygranite.com
FLORIDA
Beverin Solid Surface 1108 Palmetto Ave. Lehigh Acres, FL 33972 239-368-9444 www.beverin.com
Delorie Countertops & Doors Inc.
6401 47th St. N. Pinellas Park, FL 33781 727-528-6305 www.mill-rite.com 1050 Central Park Dr. Sanford, FL 32771 407-774-0676 www.nsmotif.com
Sterling Mfg.
8293 Consumer Circle Sarasota, FL 34240 941-955-8787 www.sterlingmfg.com
GEORGIA
Atlanta Kitchen Inc.
196 Rio Circle Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3220 www.atlanta-kitchen.com
Counter Fitters LLC
1026 Lynes Ave. Savannah, GA 31415 912-231-0103 www.counterfitterssav.com
Countersync
2014 Westside Ct. Augusta, GA 30907 706-828-7544 www.countersync.net
Craftmark Solid Surfaces Inc. 2772 Simpson Circle Norcross, GA 30071 770-242-8469 craftmarkcountertops.com
Heft Enterprises
9138 Wheat St. Covington, GA 30014 678-342-9400 www.heftcabinets.com
Premier Surfaces
845 McFarland Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-614-7111 www.premiersurfaces.com
Stone Center
1325 Oakbrook Dr. Ste. C Norcross, GA 30093 770-446-5155 www.stonecenteratlanta.com
2140 N.W. 18th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-970-7661 www.deloriectd.com
HAWAII
11111 S.E. 72nd Gainsville, FL 32641 352-372-6600 www.jacksonllc.com
Honolulu Tile & Marble Inc.
Jackson Stoneworks
42 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Firerock Fabrication 59-518A Alapio Rd. Haleiwa HI 96712 607-243-8618 1602-B Auiki St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-3775
94-117 Malakeke Pl. Unit 102 Waipahu, HI 96797 808-200-7868 www.montage-decor.com
4-D Construction of IL, Inc. 1107 E. Cemetery Ave. Chenoa, IL 61726 815-867-2196 www.4-Dconstruction.com
Custom Marble Inc.*** PO Box 306 Millstadt, IL 62260 618-476-1345 www.custommarble.net
Maxwell Counters Inc.
PO Box 234 Farmer City, IL 61824 309-928-2848 www.maxwellcounters.com
New Age Surfaces 1237 Naperville Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 630-226-0011
Pierce Laminated Products Inc. 2430 N. Court St. Rockford, IL 61103 815-968-9651 www.piercelaminated.com
Ravenswood Studio Inc. 6900 N. Central Park Ave. Lincolnwood, IL 60712 707-334-6851 www.ravenswoodstudio.com
Solid Surface Creations Inc. 403 S. Sycamore Villa Grove, IL 61956 217-832-8207 www.ssctops.com
Stalwart Systems
7797 N. Caldwell Ave. Niles, IL 60714 847-972-1193 www.stalwartsystemsusa.com
Stonecrafters
430 W. Wegner Rd. Lakemoor, IL 60051 815-363-8730 www.stonecrafters.com
The Countertop Factory Midwest*** 869 S. Rte. 53 Addison, IL 60101 630-606-8055 www.tcfmidwest.com
INDIANA
A. I. A. Countertops LLC 201 S. Huntington St. Syracuse, IN 46567 574-457-2018 www.aiacountertops.com
Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Co., Inc.
MARYLAND
Laminated Tops of Central Indiana Inc.
Carefree Kitchens Inc.
522 W. 22nd St. Marion, IN 46953 800-388-8144 www.hartson-kennedy.com
711 E. Dillman Rd. Bloomington, IN 47401 812-824-6299 www.rakesolutions.com
IOWA
Solid Fabrications Inc. 2515 Murray St. Sioux City, IA 51111 712-255-5319 www.solidfab.com
ASSI Fabricators LLC 11270 Old Baltimore Pike Beltsville, MD 20705 301-937-2800 www.assifab.com
2910 Strickland St. Baltimore, MD 21223 410-233-4900 www.carefreeindustries.com
Modular Concepts Inc.
Granite America
1121 St. Louis Ave. Louisville, KY 40241 502-419-0713
Louisville Lumber & Millwork 1400 Lincoln Ave. Louisville, KY 40213 502-459-8710 www.louisvillelumber.com https://graniteamericausa.com/ louisville/
StoneMark Granite LLC 989 Logan St. Louisville, KY 40204 502-315-5100 www.stonemarkgranite.com
Surfaces Unlimited Inc.
1272 Hwy. 490 E. Bernstadt, KY 40729 606-843-6891 www.surfaces-unlimited.com
MAINE
Bangor Wholesale Laminates 355 Target Industrial Circle Bangor, ME 04401 207-945-5928 www.bangorwholesale laminates.com
Shad’s Custom Countertops Inc.
11 Collins Pond Rd. Windham, ME 04062 207-893-3445 www.getshad.com
12876 23 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48315 586-254-1234 www.tilenstone.com
MINNESOTA
Elegant Creations
1371 S. State St. Waseca, MN 56093 507-469-9692 www.elegantcreations.com
54 Wilmon St. Chesapeake City, MD 20705 410-885-5960 www.modcoinc.com
Innovative Surfaces Inc.
SolidTops LLC
The Pinske Edge
505 South St. Easton, MD 21601 StoneHouse Quartz & Granite 410-819-0770 www.solidtops.com 3901 100th St. Urbandale, IA 50322 MASSACHUSETTS 515-512-5188 Discover Marble & Granite www.stonehousegranite.com 4 Latti Farm Rd. Millbury MA 01527 VT Industries 508-438-6900 1000 Industrial Park www.discovermarble.com Holstein, IA 51025 712-368-4381 Jack’s Custom Woodworking/ www.vtindustries.com JCW Countertops
KENTUCKY
Tile & Stone Works
3 Aberjona Dr. Woburn, MA 01801 781-935-1907 www.jcwcountertops.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
MICHIGAN
Hard Rock Stone Works
44038 Phoenix Dr. Lake Orion, MI 48362 586-532-7763 www.hardrocstoneworks.com
Innovative Surface Works 23206 Commerce Dr. Farmington, MI 48335 734-261-3010 www.ISWrocksnow.com
MKD
106 E. Oliver Dr. Marshall, MI 49068 269-209-8198 www.mkdkitchens.com
Paxton Countertops & Showers
PO Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 517-719-0146 www.paxtonsurfaces.com
515 Spiral Blvd. Hastings, MN 55033 651-437-1004
NEW HAMPSHIRE Rumford Stone Inc.
278 River Rd. Bow, NH 03304 603-224-9876 www.rumfordstone.com
NEW JERSEY Marvic Corp.
2450 Lorio St. Union, NJ 07083 908-686-4340 www.countertopsofnj.com
New Jersey Stone***
44 Fadem Rd. Springfield, NJ 07081 973-491-5454 https://newjerseystone.com
119 Main St. Plato, MN 55370 320-238-2196 www.pinske-edge.com
Spaulding Fabricators Inc.
MISSISSIPPI
Alexander Counterwrights 3803 Old Mobile Ave. Pascagoula, MS 39581 228-938-6484 www.alexandercounter wrights.com
1136 Industrial Pkwy. Brick, NJ 08724 732-840-4433 www.spauldingfabricators.com
NEW MEXICO
American Countertops
PO Box 10482 Albuquerque, NM 87184 505-897-3141 www.americancountertopsonline.com
MISSOURI
Premier Surfaces
Jaynes Structures
MONTANA
OGB Architectural Millwork
4525 N.W. 41st St. Ste. 400 Kansas City, MO 64150 816-767-2075 www.premiersurfaces.com
BMC
3200 Hwy. 12 E. Helena, MT 59602 406-444-8721 www.buildwithBMC.com
NEBRASKA
Lincoln Laminating Inc. 5633 S. 49th St. Lincoln, NE 68516 402-434-6009 www.lincolnlaminating.com
Lycos, Inc.
2906 Broadway N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-344-8589 www.jaynescorp.com 3711 Paseo del Norte Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-998-0000 www.ogb-am.com
NEW YORK
Granite and Marble Works Inc.
8 Commercial Park Dr. Wilton, NY 12831 518-857-9720 www.graniteandmarbleworks.com
Marker Systems Inc.
940 River Rd. North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-695-1102 www.markersys.com
2445 Deer Park Blvd. Omaha, NE 68105 402-201-2283 www.lycosfinish.com
Stone Concepts, Inc.
10802 Sapp Brothers Dr. Omaha, NE 68138 865-523-0967 www.stoneconceptsomaha.com
Modern Home Distributing
NEVADA
PO Box 395 Nunda, NY 14517 585-468-2523 www.modernhomekitchen andbath.com
6801 Placid St. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-938-1111
30 Platinum Ct. Medford, NY 11763 631-205-0282 www.pennforcorian.com
Carpenters Int’l. Training Fund
Penn Fabricators Inc.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 43
Fabricator Directory
Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. Whispering Pines Woodcraft LLC 4150 State Rte. 14 A Penn Yan, NY 14527 607-243-8618
NORTH CAROLINA Atlantic Countertops
4250 Old Wake Forrest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27613 919-981-0163 www.atlanticcountertops.com
A Top Above The Rest 121 Wilkie St. Forest City, NC 28043 828-382-0174
BloomDay Granite & Marble
OHIO
PENNSYLVANIA
5372 Bedford St. Unit C Bedford Heights, OH 44146 216-314-8654
350 South St. McSherrystown, PA 17344 717-630-1251 www.asst.com
Countertops by Nate
Cutting Edge Countertops Inc.
1300 Flagship Dr. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-873-9500 www.cectops.com
L. E. Smith Co.*** 1030 E. Wilson St. Bryan, OH 43506 888-537-6484 www.lesmith.com
3810 Indiana Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 336-414-0842 www.bloomdaygranite.com
Laminate Shop, Inc.
Carolina Custom Surfaces***
The Countertop Shop LTD***
100 Landmark Dr. Greensboro, NC 27409 336-215-5518 www.carolinacustom surfaces.com
Carolina Stoneworx LLC 8313 Poole Rd. Knightdale, NC 27545 919-266-1011 www.carolinastoneworx.com
Coastal Countertops & Tile
1117 N. 20th St. Morehead City, NC 28557 252-247-0015 www.coastalcountertopsnc.com
Majestic Kitchen & Bath 104 Jeffrey Way Youngsville, NC 27596 919-376-5941 www.gomajestic.com
Metro Woodcrafters of NC, Inc.
PO Box 669488 Charlotte, NC 28266-9488 704-394-9622 www.metrowoodcrafter.com
Onslow Stoneworks
1661 Hwy. 58 PO Box 1239 Swansboro, NC 28584 252-393-2457 www.onslowstoneworks.com
ROCKin’teriors
230 Hampton Woods Ln. Ste. 100 Raleigh, NC 27607 919-577-0207 www.rockinteriors.com
Stoneworks
18623 Northline Dr. Cornelius, NC 28031 704-936-8340 www.stoneworksltd.com
PO Box 1218 Marietta, OH 45750 740-749-3536
9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 419-868-9101 www.countertopshop.net
Top Advantage Surfaces Inc. 12989 Market Ave. N. Hartville, OH 44632 330-877-2138 www.topadvantage.com
Top Designs Inc.
1700 Wall Rd. Wadsworth, OH 44281 330-334-5677 www.topdesignsinc.com
Top Shelf Laminated Products 400 Dietz Rd. Warren, OH 44483 330-393-1289
Tower Industries
2101 Ninth St. S.W. Massillon, OH 44647 330-837-2216 www.towersurfaces.com
OREGON
Crowley’s Granite & Quartz 10100 S.W. Herman Rd. Tualatin, OR 97062 503-850-2496
Nelson Tile and Stone
1875 N.E. Division St. Bend, OR 977701 503-943-9046 www.nelsontileandstone.com
Oregon State University 601 S.W. 35th St. Corvallis, OR 97333 www.oregonstate.edu
Precision Countertops Inc.*** PO Box 387 Wilsonville, OR 97070 503-692-6660 www.precisioncountertops.com
44 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
ASST
Advanced Surfaces Inc. 130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 814-663-0369
Eastern Surfaces
601 S. 10th St. Allentown, PA 18103 610-266-3121 www.easternsurfaces.com
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories
2425 New Holland Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-656-2300
Indoor City Granite and Marble 1284 Loop Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 717-368-5604 www.indoorcity.com
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
Pittsburgh Troy Granite 1060 484 Lowries Run Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-446-1060 www.troygranite.com
SOUTH CAROLINA
Custom Architectural Solutions LLC (CAS) 218 Willowgreen Way Greer, SC 29651 864-501-9555 www.casgroups.com
SOUTH DAKOTA
DFC-Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co. 45753 237th St. Madison, SD 57042 605-256-3707 www.soliddfc.com
Granite Accents, Inc. 2821 W. 6th St. PO Box 1111 Sioux Falls, SD 57109 605-338-4088 www.graniteacents.com
TENNESSEE
Alexander Brothers Tile & Marble Inc.
1446 S. Cooper St. Ste. 101 Memphis, TN 38114 901-278-9626 www.alexandermarble andgranite.com
Countertops of Memphis
301 W. Olive Ave. Memphis TN 38106 901-602-7115 www.countertopsofmemphis.com
Creative Countertop Solutions Inc. 919 4th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 615-915-0718 www.creativecounter solutions.com
IntelliStone, LLC
115 Carr Ave. Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-4833 www.intellistone.com
Kitchen Tops Inc.
1300 Ault Rd. Knoxville, TN 37914 865-523-0967 www.kitchentops.net
TEXAS
Alpha Granite
915 W. Howard Ln. Austin, TX 78753 505-814-5354 www.alphagraniteaustin.com
Cirrus Asset Management
5347 Spring Valley Rd. Dallas, TX 75254 661-857-0722 www.cirrusami.com
Classic Counter Tops 2325 Executive Dr. Garland, TX 75041 972-840-1234
Counterscapes, Inc.
2228 Deerbrook Dr. Tyler, TX 75703 903-581-5676 www.counterscapes.com
Countertop Solutions LLC
PO Box 82087 Houston, TX 77282 713-204-0080
Dirk Foster
921 Morton St. Mineral Wells, TX 76067 206-898-8163
Durcon
206 Allison Dr. Taylor, TX 76574 512-595-8054 www.durcon.com
Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. Eframe Asrat
VERMONT
Gecko Solid Surface Solutions***
PO Box 602 852 Portland St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-535-4986 www.vermontsolidsurface.com
6807 Miller Shadow Sugarland, TX 77479 713-530-3673
4630 Sinclair Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222 210-227-3100 www.geckosss.com
Gunckel Architectural Stoneworks, LLC 5085 Elm Creek Rd. Seguin, TX 78155 830-303-0688 www.gastonework.com
Legacy Granite and Marble 6214 Keyko St. Houston, TX 77041 832-834-7459
Legacy Stone
210 James St. Roanoke, Texas 76262 817-345-7044 www.legacystonetx.com
New Stone Concepts
11311 Conroy Ln. Manchaca, TX 78652 512-851-3185 www.newstoneconcepts.com
Off Grid Builds
PO Box 22 Barksdale, TX 78828 830-834-9878 offgridbuilds.lilserengeti.com
True Blue Granite
3626 Binz Engleman Rd. San Antonio, TX 78219 210-281-5520 www.tbgranite.com
Uppercut Granite
1235 JC Ln. Pilot Point, Texas 76258 940-765-3525
W.R. Watson Inc.
12902 Mula Ln. Stafford, TX 77477 281-495-3664 www.wrwatson.com
UTAH
Accent Countertops
4103 S. 500 W. Murray, UT 84123 801-867-9133 www.accentcountertops.com
Plastic Specialties Inc. 1640 S. Redwood Rd. Salt Lake City, UT 84104 801-746-1212 www.psitops.com
Valley View Granite
905 N. 2000 W. Tremont, UT 84337 435-452-1570 www.valleyviewgranite.com
Vermont Solid Surface
VIRGINIA
Ellis Page Co., LLC 10481 Colonel Ct. Manassas, VA 20110 703-346-9404 www.ellispageco.com
Metro Stone Works LLC 9115 Digital Dr. Unit 12 Manassas Park, VA 20111 703-396-866 www.metrostoneworks.com
Mid Atlantic Surfaces
2559 Turkey Creek Rd. Oilville, VA 23129 804-798-7462 www.midatlanticsurfaces.com
Surface Link Corp.
4200 Lafayette Center Dr. Ste. A Chantilly, VA 20151 301-482-1717 www.surfacelinkcorp.com
WASHINGTON
FloForm Countertops 22445 76th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 253-639-4567 www.floform.com
Italstone Marble & Granite 2301 Ahtanum Rd. Yakima, WA 98903 509-469-8678 www.italstone-us.com
King County Library System 960 Newport Way N.W. Issaqua, WA 98027 425-369-3300 www.kcls.org
WISCONSIN
Bisley Fabrication Inc.*** 700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 800-424-7539 www.bisleyfabrication.com
Counter-Form LLC
2001 E. 29th St. Marshfield, WI 54449 715-384-2131 www.counter-form.com
K.G. Stevents
11100 W. Silver Springs Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53225 262-432-8711 www.kgstevens.com
The Kopfmann Co. Inc. 3142 W. Mill Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209 414-352-7870 www.kopfmanntops.com
McDermott Top Shop LLC
INDIA
AFRICA
1805, 18th Floor, Gundecha Premier, Thakur Village Borivali East Mumbai Maharashtra 400066 India 91-9136229909 www.infinihybrid.com
420 Generac Way Jefferson, WI 53549 262-593-2456 www.mcdermotttopshop.com
AMCO-CDA
Long St. Tiko B.P. 378 Camaroon Africa +237677192762
ITALY
Legnopan SPA (Starkryl Solid Surface)
CANADA
Elite Food Equipment 4 Fielding Ct. Ajax, ON L1T 4W5 Canada
FloForm Countertops 125 Hamelin St. Winnipeg, MB R3T 3Z1 Canada 204-474-2334 www.floform.com
FloForm Countertops 10-710 Cynthia St. Saskatoon, SK S7l 6A2 Canada 306-665-7733 www.floform.com
Via Dell’Industria 13-15 Piovene Rocchette, VI, 36013 Italy 39-0445-551500 www.legnopan.com
MEXICO
INDEKO***
Boulevard de los Charros 1500 Col. Belenes Ind. Nte. Zapopan, Jalisco Mexico 45150 52-3310287863 www.indeko.com.mx
QATAR
Closet World LLC
FloForm Countertops 7630 Yellowhead Trail Edmonton, AB T5B 1G3 Canada 780-474-7999 www.floform.com
PF Custom Countertops Ltd.
14017 174 St. N.W. Edmonton, AB T5S 1H1 Canada 780-484-0831 www.pfcustom countertops.com
Shape Industries
10 McPhillips St. Winnipeg, MB R3E 2J7 Canada 204-947-0409 www.shapeinc.com
Salwa Rd. next to Ansar City PO Box 91692 Qatar +974 44516311 www.closetworld-qatar.net
RUSSIA
AKRILIKA HOLDING Svobody St. 29 Moscow Russia 125362 +7(495)782-84-75 http://akrilika.com/en
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Alubond Solid Surfaces
PO Box 42642 Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah U.A.E +971 6 526 2202 www.alubondsolidsurface.com
Bond Interiors
Summum Granit Inc.
460 Principale St. Saint-Sebastien, QC G0Y 1M0 Canada 819-625-2333 www.summumgranit.com
CHINA
G. M. Jurohue Fabrication Co. Ltd. China +86 1861 173 7199
PO Box 15758 Dubai U.A.E. 04 2711727, 06 5343222 www.bondinteriors.com
UNITED KINGDOM Interfab LTD
Unit 9 Willersey Business Park Willersey, Nr. Broadway Worcestershire WR12 7RR United Kingdom 441-386-858100 www.interfab.co.uk
Sheridan Fabrications Limited
FRANCE
CREA Diffusion
Western Fabrications
ZA Le Cheval Blanc Solgne F-57420 France 38-764-6923 www.crea-diffusion.com
New Sheridan House, Don Pedro Ave. Normanton, West Yorkshire WF6 1TD United Kingdom 448-456-182800 www.sheridan-uk.com
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 45
JOINING WILL CROSS THE OTHER ITEMS OFF YOUR LIST. ACCESS COVID-19 RESOURCES ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.ISFANOW.ORG/COVID-19
FOUNDED BY FABRICATORS FOR FABRICATORS To JOIN ISFA and find out more, go to www.isfanow.org IN T ER N AT ION A L SU R FAC E FAB R I C AT O R S ASSO C I AT I O N
International Surface Fabricators Association SERVING OUR MEMBERSHIP SINCE 1997 For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #13
Product News same characteristics found in all LivingStone Solid Surfaces — it is nonporous so germs
and odors do not penetrate, is easy to clean
and maintain, and is impact-resistant. Two of the directional-veined patterns in this series, Calacatta Milan and Calacatta Amalfi, are
available in book-match sheets to extend its installation flexibility.
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #31
before cutting the material (up to two slabs),
utilizing common line cutting to optimize material yield and the ability to communicate with
Dekton by Cosentino Launches Two New Series
multiple cameras (great for twin table machines). For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #33
Dekton® by Cosentino, the ultra-compact
architectural surface with advanced technical properties for both interior and exterior
application, has introduced two new series:
Avant-Garde and Portfolio. The Dekton AvantGarde series draws inspiration from coveted
natural stone materials found around the world and offers a bold, contemporary personality.
LOTTE Chemical Expands Staron Solid Surface and Radianz Quartz Lines
NEOLITH Launches New Calacatta Luxe Slabs, Ultrasoft Finish
Dekton Avant-Garde features: Laurent, a
Staron Solid Surface, offered by LOTTE,
with veins of gold; Helena, with a translucent
of Evermoin. Ultra-hygienic Evermoin solid
onyx. Khalo (pictured here) inspired by Patagonia
invisible seams, can be applied anywhere. This
Building on NEOLITH’s popular Calacatta slabs
gold and coffee brown. The Dekton Portfolio
suppressing microbial growth. The material
Luxe takes the pattern to the next level,
elegance and intricate detail for residential and
dramatic dark brown background crisscrossed
has added to its line with the introduction
appearance of white and gray hues, inspired by
surfaces, which are nonporous and has virtually
natural stone, with subtle spots of black, pale
helps ensure clean and safe everyday life by
inspired by Italian Carrara marble, Calacatta
Series includes three dark matte shades offering
remains fresh and pristine in its look and value
turning up the contrast for dramatic effect. It
without extra care.
incorporates elements of Calacatta Crema and
commercial applications. The three new colors
Additionally, LOTTE added 11 new colors and
and UV resistance, durable and ultra-hygienic
include: Bromo, a dark blue shade is inspired by slate; Milar, with shining stippled detail and dark tones inspired by rusty and eroded materials; and Rem, inspired by Calacatta Lincoln,
featuring a design of brown and gray veining with touches of gold.
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #30
patterns to the Cirrus Collection of Radianz
quartz surfaces. The new colors expand the collection to 34 beautiful options. They are
Alluring, Andes, Annapuruna, Calacatta Classic, Calacatta Dolce, Calacatta Ice, Calacatta
Veneto, Marquina Lavagna, Pristine, Splendor (pictured here) and Statuario Massa.
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #32
Park Industries Introduces Slab Imaging System LivingStone Adds Marble Series to Solid Surface Line LivingStone Surfaces added the Marble Series to its surface collection. Inspired by natural stone, the series consists of three organicveined patterns including Calacatta Milan
(pictured), Calacatta Amalfi and Carrara Rinato. This expands the company’s total offering to
97 robust colors.The Marble Series boasts the
The all new SIDE-SHOT™ by Park Industries® provides fabricators the tool to capture slab
images right at the machine with an extremely small footprint requirement. It incorporates
Slabsmith™ Lite software for vein matching and 3-D rendering with the option to upgrade to the full Slabsmith™ Basic Bundle at any time. SIDE-SHOT allows fabricators to capture
high dimensional accuracy of digital slabs.
It also features vein-matched project preview
Calacatta Oro and embodies all the stain, heat
qualities inherent in all NEOLITH’s surfaces. It is available in Polished finish, as well as the new
Ultrasoft finish launched for 2020. The new finish has been developed to mimic the true feel of
clean-cut, unpolished natural marble. Calcatta Luxe comes in 6mm and 12mm thicknesses
and is available in 3,200mm by 1,600mm and 3,200mm by 1,500mm formats.
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #34
Oneida Air Systems Introduces Super Dust Deputy Oneida Air Systems introduced the
Super Dust Deputy 4-in. Cyclone
for use with single-stage dust collectors and 4-in. piping. It
eliminates filter clogging, suction
loss and messy dust bags by removing more International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 47
Product News than 99 percent of fine dust and debris from
the airstream, containing it safely in a customer supplied container, before it reaches the dust collector.
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #35
Wilsonart Offers Wide-Sheet Solid Surface, New Laminate Designs
Durasein Adds New Gray Solid Surfaces Durasein introduced its newest collection of five gray solid surface colorways in the Charming Collection. These calm, cool decors are for
Caesarstone Releases New Dark Quartz Shades Caesarstone introduced four dark shades quartz surfaces to add to its collections. Oxidian and Black Tempal (pictured) join the industrial-inspired Metropolitan Collection, while Empira Black joins the Supernatural Collection.
Sixteen of the most popular Wilsonart®
those who understand style doesn’t have to be
particulates, translucent and movement
charcoal gray; Harmony, a coexistence of brown
sheet format. Already enjoyed for its natural
a combination of gray, sand and white; and
Each of these colors comes in the new Natural
low-maintenance durability, this new solid
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #38
Polished Finish.
Additionally, Piatto Black is now part of the
Solid Surface designs — including solids,
overstated. The collection includes: Eventide, a
designs — are now available in a 60-in.-wide
and gray; Luna, a luminous gray; Naturally,
to urban residences and hospitality installations.
appearance, nonporous performance and
Serenity, a gray color that elicits inner calm.
Finish, and Empira Black will also be available in
Classico Collection. These surfaces are suited
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #40
surface sizing option yields better material and
fabrication costs for larger spaces, in addition to installation upgrades.
Wilsonart’s also released its first laminate collection of the year, Localism, which
showcases 14 cross-generational, relatable
designs inspired by familiar scenes, symbols
or surroundings that develop our sense of self,
Atlantic Machinery Offers Fravol RAPID Edgebanders
togetherness and oneness. The collection
features a select sampling of color palettes, material, textures and graphics that offer
The Fravol RAPID Series automatic straight
and tactile variations like matte and silky
LG Hausys Introduces New Quartz, Solid Surface Colors
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #36
LG Hausys introduced 10 new colors, and a
many available custom options. The models
within its Viatera quartz Masterpiece and
featuring touch screens with PLC electronic
soothing neutrals and calming hues, the new
rounding unit for both end trimming and corner
baths into serene spaces.
unit, edge scraping unit, glue scraping unit,
unchartered design enhanced through visual smooth, to soft grain and rustic.
Federal Brace Unveils New Countertop, Vanity Support Technology Federal Brace has unveiled its Stud Brace™
Technology used on the new Edisto Countertop
edgebanders offered from Atlantic Machinery are suitable for industrial applications, with
new brushed finish option for select colors,
range from compact to custom lengths,
Musica Collections. Featuring an array of
controls for rapid setups, and patented corner
additions are designed to transform kitchens or
rounding. Standard features include a pre-mill two motor end-trim, Eco mode system, and a
Support Brackets and the Mackinac Vanity
Additionally, 10 new HI-MACS solid surface
of the highest carrying capacities available in
Aurora Collection and Terrazzo Collection
Available options include an auto-reverse glue
by natural wonder and nostalgic patterns
spraying system, NC-controlled infeed guide,
Supports in the Atlas line. They provide some counter and vanity support. The patent pending fastening configuration allows for ease in
installation and a clamping format that supports floating surfaces securely and seamlessly.
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #37 48 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
colors in two collections were introduced:
sound-proof booth with LED interior lighting.
(Terrazzo Moderna shown here). Inspired
tank, heated glue roller, IR lamp, cleaning agent
respectively, these two collections can add
Industry 4.0 package, polishing brush unit and
fresh visual texture.
heated infeed fence.
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #39
For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #41
TAKE NOTE! ISFA Events & Training
For additional information and registration options, please visit www.isfanow.org, or email amym@isfanow.org. Personalized training options are also available. Email carol@ isfanow.org for more information.
Classifieds YOUR AD [could be here]
Maker’s Monday Meetings Zoom Conference Every Monday 2 p.m. EST www.isfanow.org/makers-monday-meetings Industry Roundtable Hosted by Hard Rock Stone Works & BACA Systems Sponsored by BACA Systems Aug. 4 – 6 Detroit, Mich. Solid Surface Countertop Symposium Hosted by IWF Aug. 25 Atlanta, Ga. Industry Roundtable Hosted by Front Range Stone Sponsored by Park Industries, Cosentino, Moraware and KOHLER Sept. 8 – 10 Denver, Colo. Gen 2 Event Hosted by Countertops of Memphis Sponsored by Moraware and BACA Systems Sept. 29 – 30 Memphis, Tenn. Porcelain/Sintered Stone Fabrication Training & Certification Event Hosted by Park Industries Training Center Sponsored by Park Industries and LPI (Laser Products), Crossville, Dekton, Infinity Surfaces, Laminam, Lapitec and MSI Fall 2020 St. Cloud, Minn.
FABRICATORS! ISFA Fabricators, do you have used equipment you would like to sell?
Looking to fill a key position? Why not submit a FREE classified ad?
HELP WANTED
ASST (pronounced ASSIST) is an industry leader in commercial architectural surfacing fabrications. We provide surfacing solutions coordinating a wide variety of materials. Our headquarters are located in beautiful McSherrystown (near Gettysburg) Pennsylvania. ASST is presently seeking an energetic Installer as well as a Fabrication Team Members for our growing, ambitious company. ASST specializes in complex surface fabrications utilizing solid surface, translucent resins and other materials. Cabinetmaking, woodworking skills and/or experience with sheet materials such as 3Form® or DuPont Corian® are a definite plus. Experience with thermoforming solid surface, and resin materials are also a definite plus. You will be expected to coordinate and communicate with your direct supervisor to ensure Work Orders are properly fulfilled with the goal of a successfully completed project.
Fabricator
publication are free to ISFA fabricator
The successful candidate will have experience with solid surface fabrication and/or commercial architectural millwork in a busy shop environment.
like to run and we’ll do the rest.
Installer
Email us today at editor@isfanow.org.
The successful candidate will have installation experience with solid surface fabrication and/ or commercial architectural millwork in a busy construction site environment.
That’s right, relevant classifieds in this
members! Just send us the text you’d
For those of you who are not fabricator members, email kevin@isfanow.org or call (815) 721-1507 to get a quote.
If qualified for either of these positions, please forward your resume in confidence to: stevenstoddard@asst.com
Ad Index Referral Page Number Number
Referral Page Number Number
Referral Page Number Number
07 Beckart Environmental, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
16 Integra Adhesives. . . Back Cover
11 Natural Stone Institute. . . . . . . . 27
14 Betterley Industries. . . . . . . . . 35
13 ISFA Membership. . . . . . . 46, 50 06 IWF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
03 Neolith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
10 Braxton-Bragg . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 08 Colonial Saw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
15 Karran USA. . Inside Back Cover
05 Cosentino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
09 LPI Laser Products Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12 CountertopResource.com. . . 30
02 MSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
01 Park Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 04 Regent Stone Products . . . . . . 7
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • 49
From the President From the Desk of Augie Chavez, ISFA President
Making Our Way through the World Today The world we knew last year has changed.
Everyone has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another. We have been forced to adapt to a new
way of life. There are strict social distancing protocols to follow, lines at almost every
place you go to stand in and face masks to
be worn in public places. These are certainly historic and crazy times we’re living in.
As I write this, I am hoping that by the time you read it, the world is in a much better place.
I hope that all our ISFA members and their
families, as well as everyone in or out of the
industry, are pulling through these hard times in good health and bright spirits. Coming out
community alive. Together we can help each other get back on our feet.
Also, during these turbulent times it is important not to forget to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Most are spending more time at
home with their families than usual. This is a great time to do things that you find comfort in. Work on projects around the house, and spend time going for walks or playing with your children.
These days are certainly going to be remembered for years to come, so try to make some good memories. Also don’t forget to take time for
yourself. Read a book, exercise or do anything
that will help keep your stress levels down. This is good for your health and will make any downtime more bearable.
of this situation is going to require a lot of
Also, any downtime doesn’t have to be wasteful.
us to get back to some form of normalcy.
companies. You can perform maintenance on
patience and solidarity. It’s going to take all of I am proud to say that ISFA is working to try to help as much as possible by providing information and resources. ISFA and a
variety of other organizations are working to provide regular phone conversations, text
chats and webinar meetings to help keep the
Use the time to reevaluate and improve your
let them know you are there for them and will be there for them when this crisis has passed. You can even make follow-up calls to get work for the future in the pipeline that might not be possible to get started now. It’s going to take some time to get to the new norm and to get used to it. Making a game plan with your bank and vendors will also be important. Staying solvent until your business regains its traction is critical for your future. We must stay both calm and informed to help us get through this. Don’t forget to reach out for help when you need it, and to lend a helping hand to others where you can. It can make all the difference in making our way in the world today. I hope to see you all on the other side of this. Take care and be safe,
your equipment, organize the shop, freshen up
your showroom, or put effort toward any number of other things that we never seem to find the time to do.
Also, make sure to reach out to customers and
vendors to make sure they’re doing alright, and
Augie Chavez, ISFA President augie@geckosss.com
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. (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #13
50 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #15 ISFA Member since 1998
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #16 ISFA Member since 2003
