ISFA's Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Vol. 12, Issue 4- Q4 2019

VOLUME 12 / ISSUE 4 • QUARTER 4, 2019 • SINGLE ISSUE $14.95

Sink Spotlight Page 20

Methods for Cutting Compact Surfacing Page 24

Fabricator Profile: Lycos Page 28 OSHA’s Focus in Surface Fabrication Shops Page 32

INTERN ATION AL SURFACE FABRIC AT ORS ASSOCIATION

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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: Monty & Ramirez LLP, Lycos, Park Industries, MSI and TechneTrain.

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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.

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Call for details. To subscribe, call (888) 599-ISFA. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2019. 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.

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4 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 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 Kate Dillenburg, Immediate Past President and Secretary Paul “Max” Le Pera, Vice President Mike Langenderfer, Treasurer

ISFA Directors Adam Albee, Director Matt Kraft, Director Steve Mast, Director Austin Maxwell, Director Kelly Montana, Director Steve Stoddard, Director Eric Tryon, Director Jim Callaghan, Associate Member Representative Joe Connolly, Associate Member Representative

ISFA Staff Amy Miller, Executive Director Kevin Cole, Communications Director 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 countertop made of Wilsonart THINSCAPE Performance Tops in the Italian Carrara design. THINSCAPE, which won the 2019 ISFA Envision Award, have a ½-in.thick profile, can be safely fabricated with dry tools and are suitable for horizontal residential or commercial applications. Manufactured in the United States, THINSCAPE is easy to clean, impact-, scratch- and moisture-resistant, and is UL GREENGUARD Gold Certified for indoor air quality. More information is available at www.wilsonart.com/thinscape/.

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CONTENTS 12

Features 12 Successfully Employing the Hispanic Workforce Tips for effectively utilizing this key work segment 20 Sink Spotlight The latest and greatest in sinks, vanities and lavatories 24 Cutting Through the Surface Methods for cutting compact surfacing 28 ISFA Fabricator Profile: Lycos Driving growth through vertical integration

20

32 OSHA’s Focus on Safety in Surface Fabrication Shops A look at the OSHA’s most cited violations of the last year

Departments

8 From the Editor 10 Calendar of Events 12 Education Connection

24

14 Industry News 36 From the Executive Director 36 ISFA News 41 ISFA Fabricator Directory 45 Product News 49 Classifieds/Ad Index 50 From the President

28

32 6 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

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From the Editor From the desk of Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher, and ISFA Communications Director

Taking Time for Yourself Benefits Others Many of us take great pride in our work ethic.

we should be taking advantage of it. There’s

if we work hard and push for it, we will get

time with the family or take that vacation you’ve

keeping our nose to the grindstone certainly

environment that requires tough decisions and

Most have probably heard all of our lives that

always tomorrow to take a day off or to spend

ahead. And we know that being industrious and

been looking forward to, right? In a fast-paced

provides us numerous benefits.

proper timing, there’s always more to do, and

There’s nothing wrong with pushing ourselves to be our best and taking pride in our work.

Successfully completing a tough project or

in extreme cases, shortened lifespans! Certainly those things aren’t good for your career. Few of us can be our best without rest and downtime.

Not only does getting away from the work for a while diminish the stress we may be facing,

we grow older, our families grow older and the

but it also gives us opportunities to develop

around long after we are gone.

to just do nothing. Doing nothing may sound

work just keeps on piling up. Work will likely be

hobbies that combat stress, or even allows us unproductive, but if you think about it, idle time

perhaps a task in a difficult environment or

Now before I go lecturing anyone about putting

feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

my family and friends have been known to call

There’s no shame in a job well done. That said,

drive in humans to work — to create things and

myself to work hard, but also, for the benefit

helps lead to a meaningful life, it can’t satisfy all

and myself, I’m going to try to remember to

under a demanding timeline brings me a great

many people feel like they must power through

an entire project, crossing every “t” and dotting every “i” before they can slow down and take a break. But, we all know how the jobs can

just keep piling up and it’s not unheard of, or even uncommon, to be constantly juggling

the next thing and the next, and the next, etc.

And as long as the economy holds out, which will hopefully be for a long time, it will likely continue to be the case.

However, one of the key elements of all of the

time and effort that goes into a job well done is

that it comes with rewards. While certainly there are a number of benefits – financial security, a feeling of satisfaction, social status, etc., one

of the rewards should be time for yourself. And that is often the one thing we sacrifice when

8 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

too much emphasis on work, I will admit that

allows us to process and make sense of what we’ve recently experienced or learned.

me a bit of a workaholic. I feel there’s an inner

So, in the new year, I’m going to challenge

to feel useful. And while making yourself useful

of my work, as well as my family, my friends

your human needs, and that is something that we all must learn, myself included.

Taking breaks from the everyday stress of work, even if it is fulfilling work, is critical to prevent burnout. According to experts, a person

suffering from work burnout is less productive, even if working more hours. And lessening the stress in our lives, also helps promote health, wellness and happiness. We’ve all heard the

old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a

take time for the other important things in life as well.

And while I’m certainly not suggesting we give less than our best to our jobs, sometimes giving our best means taking time away from work so that we have our best to give.

As always, I look forward to your feedback.

Sincerely,

pound of cure,” and when it comes to stress, that may be an understatement. According to WebMD, stress leads to low energy,

headaches, upset stomachs, aches and pains,

insomnia, a compromised immune system, and

Kevin Cole, Publisher & Editor kevin@isfanow.org

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Special Section

CALENDAR OF EVENTS NAHB International Builder Show Jan. 21 – 23, 2020 Las Vegas, Nev. (202) 266- 8109 KBIS 2020 Jan. 21 – 23, 2020 Las Vegas, Nev. (877) 267- 4662 TISE 2020 Jan. 28 – 30, 2020 Las Vegas, Nev. (866) 860-1975 www.intlsurfaceevent.com Vitoria Stone Fair 2020 Feb. 11 – 14, 2020 Espirito Santo Brazil +55 27 3337-6855 Park Industries Digital Stoneworking Expo Feb. 20, 2020 Mesa, Ariz.

(800) 328-2309 NBMDA Compliance Training for Wood Products Distributors Feb. 24 – 27, 2020 Nashville, Tenn.

(888) 747-7862 Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Fabrication Training Sponsored by ISFA Feb. 25 – 26, 2020 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Repair Training Sponsored by ISFA Feb. 27 – 28, 2020 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com NSI Stone Summit Feb. 27, 2020 Mabelvale, Ark. (440) 250-9222 ISFA Industry Roundtable Hosted by Carrara Marble Company of America Sponsored by GranQuartz/ Regent Stone and Cosentino March 3 – 5, 2020 Los Angeles, Calif.

(888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Solid Surface Training Hosted by GECKO SSS Sponsored by GranQuartz/Regent Stone March 3 – 5, 2020 San Antonio, Texas (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org CMA 2020 National Conference March 4 – 6, 2020 St. Louis, Mo. (616) 930-4610 NSI Stone Summit March 12, 2020 Orange, Calif.

(440) 250-9222 Xiamen International Stone Fair March 16 – 19, 2020 Xiamen, Fujian China +86 592-595-9691 ISFA Gen 2 Event Hosted by Countertops of Memphis Sponsored by Moraware March 17 – 18, 2020 Memphis, Tenn.

(888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org ASID WELL Conference March 29 – April 1, 2020 Scottsdale, Ariz.

(202) 546-3480 NSI Stone Summit April 7, 2020 Denver, Colo.

(440) 250-9222 ISFA Industry Roundtable Hosted by GECKO SSS April 8 – 10, 2020 San Antonio, Texas (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org Coverings 2020 April 20 – 23, 2020 New Orleans, La. (571) 313-5801 www.coverings.com ISFA Solid Surface Roundtable & Bonus All Surface Update Hosted by Innovative Surface Works and Dwyer Marble & Granite May 12 – 13, 2020 Farmington Hills, Mich.

(888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Fabrication Training Sponsored by ISFA May 19 – 20, 2020 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Repair Training Sponsored by ISFA May 21 – 22, 2020 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com NSI Stone Summit June 4, 2020 Albuquerque, N.M. (440) 250-9222 Stone+tec 2020 June 17 – 20 Nuremberg, Germany (440) 250-9222 +49 9 11 86 06-49 96 NSI Stone Summit July 16, 2020 Tualatin, Ore. (440) 250-9222 ISFA Porcelain/Sintered Fabrication Training & Certification Event Hosted and sponsored by Park Industries July 21 – 22, 202 St. Cloud, Minn.

(888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Fabrication Training Sponsored by ISFA Sept. 22 – 23, 2020 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Repair Training Sponsored by ISFA Sept. 24 – 25, 2020 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com Marmomac 2020 Sept. 30 – Oct. 3, 2020 Verona, Italy +045 829 8111 NSI Stone Summit Oct. 8, 2020 Birmingham, Ala. (440) 250-9222 ISFA Annual Conference Sponsored by Park Industries, GranQuartz/Regent Stone and Integra Adhesives Oct. 20 – 23, 2020 Cancun, Mexico (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Canada Woodworking EAST Oct. 22 – 23, 2020 ISFA Industry Roundtable Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec Hosted by Hard Rock Stone Works Canada and BACA Systems (888) 454-7469 Sponsored by BACA Systems NSI Stone Summit Aug. 2020 Nov. 5, 2020 Detroit, Mich.

Austin, Texas (888) 599-ISFA (440) 250-9222 www.ISFAnow.org ISFA Solid Surface Countertops Symposium at IWF August 25, 2020 Atlanta, Ga. (888) 599-ISFA www.iwfatlanta.com ISFA Industry Roundtable Hosted by Front Range Stone Sponsored by Park Industries and Cosentino Sept. 8 – 10, 2020 Denver, Colo.

(888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Submit your event for consideration in Calendar of Events by emailing Editor Kevin Cole at kevin@isfanow.org.

10 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

NSI Stone Summit Sept. 17, 2020 Chicago, Ill. (440) 250-9222

Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Fabrication Training Sponsored by ISFA Dec. 1 – 2, 2020 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Repair Training Sponsored by ISFA Dec. 3 – 4, 2020 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com

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Education Connection

Successfully Employing the Hispanic Workforce

By Jacob M. Monty In legally representing employers with large Hispanic workforces, many of the errors I have seen have been perpetrated by good-hearted employers who did not acknowledge the unique background features, social norms and histories of their Latino workers. The right knowledge helps employers recruit and hire Hispanic employees efficiently; treat Hispanic employees appropriately; maintain their workforce; prevent costly mistakes; remain in compliance with regulations; and obtain a competitive advantage.

In 2017, the growth in the Hispanic population in the United States reached 58.9 million, constituting 18.1 percent of the total population. Hispanic workers make up approximately 17 percent of the 150 million U.S. employees. That number skyrockets when it comes to construction-related industry, where nearly 30 percent of workers are Hispanic.

Hiring Hispanic employees can give businesses competitive advantages beyond their hardworking work ethic. However, the differences in culture and language present significant barriers. If these barriers are not adequately addressed, employers can expect persistent problems with safety, quality and productivity, which could negatively affect any other competitive advantage.

Cultural Factors Employers should note that “Hispanic” is not a race, but an ethnic distinction, referring to a person or descendant of a family from a Spanish-speaking culture. Hispanics share a common language, but their cultures, values and beliefs are unique.

To assume all Hispanic cultures are the same, or lumping them all into one demographic, is a critical mistake. Notably, this workforce group places a high value on family and culture, and they have a strong desire for self-improvement.

As such, these values should be considered foundational points when a company is developing its recruitment and retention strategies. Understanding the varied Hispanic cultures and labor laws helps employers capitalize on the great value these employees can bring to the workplace. The differences are important and need not be divisive.

According to latpro.com, employers can inform themselves about Hispanic workers’ cultural preferences, as they pertain to:

Degree of intimacy — Many Hispanics want to establish a personal connection, including a close relationship with co-workers.

available in Spanish:

and cultural practices are the currencies with which people define their identities and establish social capital. Something as simple as sharing a meal with Hispanic employees is a big deal.

Preparation and Planning Ahead

Communication Is Key

■■ Understand and value the cultures of all employees

■■ Does federal or state law require written communication to be in Spanish? Some Social harmony — Hispanic employees generally do administrative agencies, such as the Department of not like to rock the boat and have a need to maintain Labor Wage and Hour Division and OSHA, require smooth and pleasant relationships. certain communications and training documents be made available to employees in the language the Personal contact — In social situations, Hispanics employee understands best. find physical contact with others quite normal.

■■ Non-mandatory translation into Spanish Respect for authority — Hispanic employees tend to typically involves handbooks and other directives treat those in positions of authority with a great deal to employees. Putting these company materials in of respect.

Spanish demonstrates that the employer made an honest effort to help workers, who do not primarily Employers should use universally common ground to unite a diverse workforce. Language, music, style speak English, understand.

Language barriers pose a significant legal risk for employers and safety risks for employees if not remedied. For employees who likely learned English as their second language, it may be difficult to understand safety instructions being given if instructions are given only in English. Employers may want to consider asking employees about their language preferences and have important communications translated into Spanish, if necessary (see below).

Additionally, English-only policies could get an employer sued for discrimination and soil its reputation. In September 2018, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed suit against a resort in San Antonio for discrimination and retaliation. Court documents stated, among other complaints, that at least two dozen Spanish speakers were barred from speaking Spanish, while employees of other nationalities were allowed to speak their native languages. When workers complained about the discriminatory behavior, they were punished.

Maintaining Compliance Federal and state laws require employers to post certain notices to employees in both English and Spanish. Government-issued and other official employment notices are the first things an investigator will verify when conducting an on-site workplace investigation.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether your company’s written material must be

12 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Employers can attract and retain a strong Hispanic workforce by making an effort to:

■■ Present solid opportunities for advancement ■■ Provide training and employee resources in English and Spanish ■■ Offer competitive salaries and benefits Employers can remain in compliance with federal and state laws by incorporating a few of the following strategies concerning their Hispanic workforce: ■■ Learning about these laws regarding employment notices and communication ■■ Training management to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination and harassment laws ■■ Having an audit protocol in place ■■ Making copies of all I-9s and crucial documents ■■ Developing an immigration-compliance plan Following these strategies will help to successfully employ Hispanic workers to the benefit of all.

About the Author Jacob M. Monty is founder and managing partner of the Houston, Texas-based employment, labor, and immigration law firm, Monty & Ramirez LLP. With more than 20 years of experience providing representation and counsel to employers, Monty is board certified and leads a diverse team of attorneys that represent a broad array of clients, including Fortune 500 corporations, private businesses (small and large), and government entities. He serves on various local, state and national advisory councils, and is a regular commentator on issues pertaining to immigration and employment law in national media. For the past 10 consecutive years, Monty has been named a Texas Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine. He can be reached at (281) 493-5529 or jmonty@montyramirezlaw.com.

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In the Industry Preliminary Decision Made on Duties for India and Turkish Quartz Surfacing Imports, Chinese Cabinet Imports Also Facing Tariffs In response to quartz manufacturer Cambria’s petition, similar to the anti-dumping and

countervailing duties imposed on Chinese quartz imports, the U.S. Department of

Commerce recently issued an affirmative

preliminary determination in its countervailing

duty investigation of imports of quartz surface products from India and Turkey. However, the fees that will be paid by importers are significantly lower. Commerce found that exporters from those countries received

subsidies ranging from 4.32 percent for India

to 3.81 percent for Turkey. In 2018 imports of

quartz surface products from Turkey and India

were valued at more than $87 million total. Final

Braxton-Bragg Participates in the St. Jude Walk/Run Knoxville

2020. If affirmed, the ITC will make final injury

In keeping with its pledge of completing 25

duty determinations are due in mid-February, determinations in early April 2020.

good deeds to celebrate 25 years in business,

In related news, after complaints by a coalition

Brodka, represented the company during this

of U.S. cabinet suppliers in October, Commerce issued an affirmative preliminary determination of antidumping by Chinese wooden cabinet, vanities and components exporters. The preliminary duties were determined at

between 4.49 and 262.18 percent on imports valued last year at $4.4 billion. Commerce is

expected to issue a final determination in mid-

February, 2020, with the ITC making final injury determination around the end of March 2020.

ASST Acquires Hard Surfacing Equipment from Advanced Surfaces

Braxton-Bragg’s Marketing Manager, Derek

year’s St. Jude Walk/Run To End Childhood Cancer in September, at World’s Fair Park

in downtown Knoxville, Tenn. Thousands of walkers and runners across the country are

kids that are befallen with any illness is heartbreaking, especially one as unforgiving as cancer,” said Brodka. “My donation and participation in these sorts of local events is just a very small contribution to the massive effort of finding a cure for cancer. No

raising the funds to support the children of

child should ever have to suffer with these

St. Jude. Thanks to this effort, families never

diseases, and it was great seeing that many

receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment,

local people turn out for the event.”

PORCELANOSA Celebrates Opening of Brooklyn Showroom

Cosentino Sponsors CASACOR Miami 2019 and the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach 2020

PORCELANOSA, a global manufacturer

World-class solid surface fabricator ASST, based

and distributor of kitchen & bath products

surfacing related assets of Advanced Surfaces,

Industry City, N.Y., near Brooklyn. The new

Stoddard, owner of Advanced Surfaces, will

space and has full lifestyle vignettes including

continue to operate its solid surface business.

that display some of the company’s newest

product offerings to include hard surfaces, such

PORCELANOSA showroom in the state of

serve its clients. “We are excited to combine the

the United States, which also include another

quartz surfaces in commercial applications,”

renovated showroom in Miami. Customers and

consummate craftsman and will be a significant

and interact with the extensive on-site product

in McSherrystown, Pa., has acquired the hard

and luxury tile, opened a new showroom in

based in Corry, Pa. Veteran Fabricator Steve

showroom features 6,000 sq. ft. of exhibition

now work for ASST. Advanced Surfaces will

a bar, kitchen, outdoor area and bathrooms

This equipment acquisition expands ASST’s

product lines. The showroom is the third

as quartz, to improve ASST’s ability to best

New York and the newest of 30 showrooms in

experience and talent of our teams to pursue

new showroom in Denver and a recently

said Owner Russ Berry. “Steve Stoddard is a

professionals visiting the new facility can view

addition to ASST.”

library that features more than 1,000 products.

14 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

travel, housing or food. “As a dad, seeing

Cosentino returned as a presenting sponsor

of CASACOR Miami 2019, a North American

architecture, interior and landscaping design

exhibition. The architectural surfacing brand’s partnership with CASACOR Miami ties back to its longstanding support of CASACOR in Latin America, which for 20 years has been

an international purveyor of innovative design and world-class craftsmanship in the home design space.

Additionally, Cosentino announced its

sponsorship of the third annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach, a

stunning and creative showcase as told by

leading interior designers across the country

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In the Industry and best-in-class brands — all benefiting the

the NBMDA President’s Award is Missy O’Daniel,

and the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. This

as president of NBMDA from 2018 to 2019.

of Web-Don, Inc. in Charlotte, N.C., who served

Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County

“Missy’s dedication, energy and enthusiasm have

marks the first time Cosentino has sponsored

all contributed to the many accomplishments that

the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm

took place this year,” said Tom O’Neill, NBMDA’s

Beach, following previous participation in the

president-elect. “On behalf of the association,

celebrated Kips Bay Decorator Show House

thank you for all your hard work, commitment and

New York. From February 1 to March 1, 2020,

friendship.”

a plantation-style home in the South End

neighborhood of West Palm Beach designed

LPI Strengthens Its Corporate Training Team, Honors Its Longest-tenured Employees

by famed interior designer Lars Bolander

will serve as the canvas for this year’s Show House. The 8,751-sq.-ft. residence will be

completely transformed by 19 award-winning

LPI has announced the

showcase the very latest from Cosentino’s

Alexander from corporate

design firms. The kitchen and bathrooms will

promotion of Aaron

ultra-compact Dekton and Silestone® quartz

trainer to corporate

®

surfaces.

Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces Sells Asia Business, Completes Acquisition of Technistone Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Wilsonart Asia business to Aica Kogyo Co., Ltd., a

major manufacturer of chemicals and building materials in Asia, and the Development Bank

of Japan Inc., a co-investor in the transaction.

The transaction was expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to the

satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The acquisition price is $150 million, subject to certain adjustments.

Additionally, Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces recently completed the acquisition of

Technistone, a.s., headquartered just outside

of Prague in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.

Technistone is a leading manufacturer of

quartz surfacing that has specialized in the

industry for more than 20 years and exports quartz slabs to more than 75 countries

worldwide on five continents. “This acquisition represents a significant commitment to our

NEOLITH won a number of prestigious

awards in 2019, including a Red Dot Award, Architectural Digest Award, Plus X Award,

hiring of Dan Lafser to the role of corporate trainer.

Aaron Alexander

Serving as a lead trainer for LPI for more than

German Design Award, A’ Design Award,

four years, Alexander

IDEA Award. These recognitions emphasize

customers throughout

manufacturing with its HYDRO NDD-2.0

on the LT-2D3D Laser

Edison Award, MIAW by MUUUZ Award and

has trained hundreds of

the company’s commitment to sustainable

the country and Canada

decoration technology, which is designed

Templator. He will now

manage the company’s

to deliver high-quality patterns with greatly

Dan Lafser

eco-friendly innovations, the awards did not

including enhancing the on-site and online

designs, especially for one of its most recent

robust training experience. Alexander will manage

Mar del Plata. The uniquely designed color

promoted to the role in May, and new addition,

reduced pollutant output. Apart from the

training department,

miss NEOLITH’s skills in developing original

programs to provide customers with an even more

introductions, inspired by exotic granite,

corporate trainers Vince Strelow, who was

received three prestigious acknowledgements

Dan Lafser. A native of Naperville, Ill., Lafser spent

for its wide variety of interior and exterior applications.

NBMDA Announces 2019 Award Winners The North American Building Material Distribution

Wilsonart® Quartz program and supports our

Association (NBMDA) recently recognized 2019

with service they can count on,” commented

NBMDA Growth Award is Jeff Takac of Milesi

of product management for engineered solid

Growth Award recognizes an NBMDA member

Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces portfolio of

furthering NBMDA growth from increasing

collectively serving our customers with a

support from industry partners and exceptional

mission to create surfaces our customers love,

NBMDA award recipients. The recipient of the

Andrew Korzen, Wilsonart’s vice president

Wood Coatings in Charlotte, N.C. The NBMDA

surfaces. “We welcome Technistone to the

who has made outstanding contributions in

brands and products, and look forward to

engagement with current members, growing

world-class quartz program.”

efforts in member recruitment. The recipient of

16 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

training manager and the

NEOLITH Wins Multiple Awards

most of his career in residential construction and landscaping. He has worked exclusively in the

stone industry this year, digital templating up to 10 jobs per day with the LT-2D3D.

In addition, the company celebrated its 25th anniversary, by recognizing individuals who

have been a part of the team for more than 10

years. These team members, along with multiple

generations of families, have helped LPI become the success it is today. Those recognized

included: Erik Louis (executive vice president,

engineering and operations) — 19 years; Brian

Stoiber (director, information technology) — 19 years; Jim Hoffmann (sales manager) — 19 years; Tammy Rehbock (director, human

resources/office manager) — 18 years; Joellyn Novaski (purchasing manager) — 17 years;

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In the Industry Matt Flake (production manager) – 15 years;

Mike Garcia (production) – 14 years; Lisa Voice (inside sales support) – 12 years; John Nelson (technical support) – 12 years; JT Hoffmann

(regional sales manager) – 11 years; and Tom Esposito (production) – 10 years.

Masco Sells Cabinetry Division to ACPI for $1 billion Masco entered into an agreement to sell its

cabinetry division, which includes the KraftMaid, Merillat, QualityCabinets and Cardell Cabinetry

brands, to ACProducts Inc. (ACPI) for $1 billion.

ACPI, whose four divisions include the wholly-

owned subsidiary Master WoodCraft Cabinetry, Smart Cabinetry, Cabinets 2000, and ACPI,

Two New Artisan Group Members Welcomed at Lakeside Surfaces Shop Tour This year’s Artisan Group Shop Tour was a

blend of welcoming new members and touring a top-notch fabrication facility in Muskegon, Mich.

New group members Harlan and Patty Bost

who own and operate Florida Custom Marble in Jacksonville, along with Charles McLaughlin of

Fox Marble in San Francisco, were welcomed by

those in attendance. The Artisan shop tour event, hosted by Rob Riegler and his team at Lakeside Surfaces, included a two-day meeting attended by 22 members who shared best practices, metrics and new products and services.

Echelon Cabinetry and Serenade Cabinetry

EPA Regulations on Formaldehyde in Composite Panel Also Applies to Imports

Partners (AIP). ACPI will provide $850 million in

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

which markets under the Advanta Cabinets, brands, is owned by American Industrial

cash at closing and preferred stock issued by a

holding company of the buyer with a liquidation preference of $150 million, according to a news release. The closing of the sale is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2020, subject

to customary closing conditions and regulatory review. Masco stated the cabinetry division will

be accounted for as discontinued operations for

the fourth quarter and its decision to sell resulted

(EPA) published in the Federal Register the final

technical amendments to TSCA Title VI last week, related to formaldehyde in composite panels.

at the end of August. The EPA noted the final

rule assigned formaldehyde emissions ranges of

to zero in on its “less cyclical” plumbing and

up to 0.15 ppm for the intermediate range, and

decorative architectural products businesses.

formaldehyde emissions greater than 0.15 ppm

TISE Names Celebrity Designer as 2020 Design Visionary

deviates from the previous guidance under the

for the upper range. The change to the low range CARB ATCM Phase II program. California informed the EPA it intends to update its emission ranges

debuting a dramatic new design show feature at

to be the same as the EPA’s in the future. The

The DISH, and sought out a design visionary to

TSCA Title VI emission standard for hardwood

designer and television host Jennifer Farrell will

will add clarity for regulated entities, stated the

at TISE 2020 will be able to dive into four

streamline compliance programs and help to

Style Hub at The DISH. The four fully produced

chains to comply with the requirements associated

— each style pod exemplifying one of her jaw-

the upcoming January event, The Style Hub at

amended low emission range corresponds to the

develop this wildly imaginative space. Celebrity

plywood. Addressing these technical issues

be the face of this new event feature. Attendees

EPA. These revisions to the existing rule will also

visionary design worlds, or style pods, at The

ensure continued smooth transitions for supply

spaces are being artfully developed by Farrell

with regulated composite wood products.

dropping design themes. Working in conjunction

Natural Stone Council Updates Sustainability Standard

reimagine the future of surfaces and design.

18 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

management, land reclamation and adaptive use, corporate governance, management of excess

process materials, and innovation. Updates to the standard also address a wider range in variability

of operations, natural stone dimensional deposits and regulatory requirements across the country.

The ANSI/NSC 373 joint committee, made up of members within and outside of the stone

industry, worked to update the standard with

input from task groups. First issued in 2014, the

Natural Stone Sustainability Standard establishes criteria and methods for tracking, measuring

and improving sustainability in the production of

natural stone, long regarded for its durability and

resiliency. The standard aligns with materials and resource credits for LEED v.4 and Living Building Challenge projects. It applies to all processors

of natural stone, from quarry operators to stone fabricators.

Coldspring®, a quarrier and fabricator of natural

(ATCM) 93120. The amendments became effective

formaldehyde emissions greater than 0.05 ppm

at The DISH seeks to inspire the industry to

a broad scope of issues including water, site

Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measure

it more closely with the California Air Resources

new construction market. The company hopes

furniture and accessories brands, the Style Hub

the updated standard. The 2019 updates address

Coldspring Receives Recognition of Excellence

less than or equal to 0.05 ppm for the low range,

with a full lineup of incredible surfacing, lighting,

development, including revisions, and published

The amendments clarify the regulation and align

from wanting to minimize its exposure to the

The International Surface Event (TISE) is

Sustainability Standards facilitated the standard’s

The Natural Stone Council updated its Natural

Stone Sustainability Standard (ANSI/NSC 373).

NSF International’s National Center for

stone, was recognized by Xcel Energy for its

outstanding achievements in energy efficiency.

The Recognition of Excellence awards honor Xcel Energy’s Minnesota business customers that

have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to energy efficiency. Six organizations received awards for their efforts completed in 2018 and 2019 using Xcel Energy’s portfolio of energy

solutions, long-term strategies and leadership.

In 2008, Coldspring implemented a long-term

plan to reduce energy usage by 2 percent every year, and to date their annual average energy reduction has exceeded that goal with an

anticipated 10 percent reduction for 2019. These achievements are a result of the completion of a

wide variety of innovative projects including widescale custom equipment upgrades and energy-

efficient LED lighting. Coldspring also added new processes to save energy, including renewable wind through Xcel’s WIndsource program, and installed more than 3,000 solar electric panels

at its Minnesota headquarters. The 1-megawatt ground array system covers approximately 5

acres and, along with renewable wind energy, is helping Coldspring achieve an estimated

reduction in energy consumption of 12 percent each year.

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2019

SINK

SPOTLIGHT Barclay Lowell, a 36-in. double-bowl farmer sink from Barclay Products, is fashioned in Italy from fine fire clay. It has an 80/20 double-bowl split, suitable for vegetable prep on one side and a sizable space for dish washing on the other. It is finished on all four sides and has a distinctive banded apron front.

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seamless surfaces offer easy maintenance and high durability. Integral sinks create a beautiful seamless design.

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Chemcore Industries Chemcore Industries launched the Intrepid

Braxton-Bragg Braxton-Bragg’s Envy sinks are made of 18-gauge Type-304 grade steel, comprised of no more than 0.8 percent carbon and at least 50 percent iron. Envy sinks are acid- and foodresistant, soundproofed, have reinforced bowls, come in an attractive brushed steel finish, and are of good quality that will last a lifetime.

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Caragreen Durat, available from Caragreen, is a unique solid surface material that can be used to create seamless surfaces for projects including sinks, countertops, furniture, bathtubs, shower trays and more. Durat is made with up to 28 percent recycled plastics and is 100 percent recyclable. It is available in more than 70 vibrant colors with options for custom colors, and its 20 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Series, a 16-gauge upscale alternative to its

Domain Industries Domain Industries’ line of Lexicon™ Quartz Kitchen Sinks expanded to include a Quartz Vanity Sink Collection. Combining cuttingedge design with modern styling, featuring deep bowls and rear drain placement, Lexicon Quartz Sinks fit any decor. Constructed from 80 percent natural quartz, the sinks are incredibly durable and offer a hygienic, food-safe surface that is easy to clean. These quartz sinks have superb sound-absorption and offer maximum protection against heat, scratches and stains.

Lexicon vanity sinks are available in three new models, each offered in five different colors and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

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popular Lancer line of 18-gauge stainless steel sinks. Made of 304-grade surgical stainless steel, the 11 Intrepid models all match cutout templates to their corresponding Lancer models, making for an easy drop-in upgrade.

All the popular bowl styles are available: 50/50; 60/40; 70/30; two sizes of Large Single (30 and 32 in.); Medium Single; “D” Bowl; and two Bar/Prep sinks, one square and one tall.

The 60/40 and 70/30 are also available in a reverse configuration. Chemcore Industries, a nationwide wholesale-only sink, faucet and accessories provider, has six convenient warehouse/showrooms in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Austin, New England and southern Florida.

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See our ads on Pages 46 and 48

Elkay The Elkay Crosstown stainless steel farmhouse sink with Interchangeable Apron™ is designed to provide homeowners the ability to easily switch out aprons. An industry first, this fashion forward sink has the ability for personalization without the time, investment, expense or stress of a full kitchen renovation. Made with the high-quality

16- or 18-gauge Type 304 stainless steel, it also features sound-deadening pads to minimize sound and vibration. It can be installed as a dropin or undermount. The ultra-thin, flat rim on select models virtually eliminates the barrier between sink and counter for a clean look.

Polar White, Ivory, Cream, Biscuit, Antique and Pearl Grey. All of these new sink options are also ADA-compliant and offer high-quality design, function and performance.

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KOHLER Karran

Gemstone The latest offerings of acrylic sinks from Gemstone include six new vanity options: 1014-V (VO); OCT1215-V(VO); 1215-V(VO); C1316-V; 1514-VR(VOR); and 2112-V(VO). They are all available in the company’s popular color options:

New to the market is Karran’s first quartz composite vanity bowl. This stunning bowl is available in six standard colors, and with its machined top rim, it can be seamlessly integrated into laminate, solid surface and stone countertops. Those looking for a quartz composite vanity bowl for a commercial project in a specific color will have no problem with Karran because the vanity bowls have a wide array of custom color options that could allow for the perfect color for a particular project.

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See our ad on Inside Back Cover

KOHLER offers sinks featuring Neoroc composite material designed for durability and functionality. Neoroc is a proprietary material that is colored all the way through and is resistant to scratches and stains, and is impact- and heat-resistant to 750 F. It has UV inhibitors to prevent fading, and the matte finish is a great complement to any countertop. The sinks are available in various configurations, including bar sinks, and both large and small single- and double-bowl sinks.

Some designs come with a sink rack for added protection. The variety of designs makes it very versatile, and there are both top-mount and undermount options with these highly durable

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sinks. They are manufactured to the highest standards, and most have limited lifetime warranties.

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See our ad on Page 23

and contemporary appearance. The collection includes 10 popular models available in three coordinated colors: Bright White, Ivory and Pearl.

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MTI Baths

Kuartz Surfaces Kuartz Surfaces has established a North American manufacturing line for its quartz surfacing slabs used in its fabricated vanity tops. The quartz is high performance in terms of resistance to scratches, stains and dirt, water and moisture, as well as hygienic. The vanities come with poured, composite bowls. More information is available at www.kuartzsurfaces.com.

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Legacy Sink The LS-H29 Single Bowl Zero Radius Kitchen Sink from Legacy Sink is made of heavyduty 18-gauge 304 stainless steel.

Features of the sink include: Premium Curve Corner (Radius: R10), Brushed Satin Finish and undermount installation. The 20- by 17- by 9-in. single-compartment sink comes with a cardboard template and hardware.

As part of MTI’s Boutique Collection, the new Metropolis wall-mount sink is constructed using the company’s proprietary SculptureStone material that is approximately 75 percent organic materials and completely solid throughout.

The nonporous surface is durable, resistant to stains and scratches, and is easy to clean and maintain. It is available in white or biscuit in both matte and a hand-polished deep gloss finish.

The exterior height of the sink is fixed to conceal the bottom of the bowl and overflow plumbing.

The ADA-compliant Metropolis measures 51.75 in. long by 20 in. deep and 4.5 in. high, providing plenty of space for toiletries and a deck-mount faucet. An integrated overflow and 1-in. carrier arms are included.

needs. New sizes are available to fit different spaces, allowing designers to choose from a large 33-in. model to a compact 13-in. design. The sinks include a variety of standard features, such as a deep basket strainer that traps refuse for simple removal; a decorative stainless-steel cover to conceal the drain while still allowing wastewater to flow through; and a bottom-rinse grid that protects the sink from scratches and can be used as a drying rack. Gravena sinks are crafted from premium 16-gauge 304 stainless steel, and the undermount installation and gently curved inside corners and edges allow for easy cleaning.

They have slanted bottoms and drain grooves to channel water toward the drain, which is located near the rear of the sink for efficient water flow and increased hygienic qualities. The sinks are made with heavy-duty sound guard padding and NoiseDefend undercoating for effective noise baffling and thermal insulation.

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LOTTE Advanced Materials LOTTE Advanced Materials introduced two new sink models to its sinks collection of Staron® Solid Surfaces. B3150 and B3190 are rectangular integral sinks that are designed to maximize the seamless design of Staron and improve the hygienic qualities of any kitchen or bath area. The collection’s design allows for creative installation of Staron materials as part of a continuous countertop surface featuring imperceptible seams for a smooth 22 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Native Trails

Shaws

Native Trails’ Rhapsody hammered copper farmhouse sink offers a blend of functionality and artistry. Its ample basin is suitable for kitchen tasks, while the sink’s curved apron front makes a statement with its striking, hammered finish. Master artisans handcraft each sink from recycled and sustainable materials. Available in two finishes, antique and brushed nickel, they can be paired with the company’s bottom grid for maximum protection. The grids are designed to fit perfectly with the curve of the sink.

The Shaws Classic Shaker Modern Single Bowl Apron Front Fireclay Kitchen Sink is a contemporary take on the traditional farmhouse sink form. Measuring 30 by 18 in., the sinks feature acid- and alkali-resistant glazed surfaces.

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Ruvati The Gravena Series of kitchen sinks by Ruvati includes new size options suitable for various

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Stone Forest Stone Forest has added the Ventus Wall Hung Sink to its Elemental collection. The sink is integrated and defined by its geometric shape translated into stone, in contrast to industrialinspired exposed hardware. Expertly carved from a solid block of stone, the sink is honed into a thin-walled basin with linear horizontal surfaces.

The ADA-compliant sinks are available in antique

stain- and corrosion-resistant, making them not only iconic, but also durable to last for years.

Designed to meet the desire of homeowners to coordinate materials and finishes with appliances, these sinks are also made of durable, lightweight material that retains their finish through recommended care. gray limestone or classic Carrara marble and are supported by matte black, aged brass or polished nickel hardware with knurled fittings.

However, the material is made to have nearly double the tensile strength of traditional fireclay.

The new Kiwami Rectangular Lavatory features CeFiONTect glaze, TOTO’s nano-technology glaze to prevent debris from sticking to surfaces and ensuring easy cleaning. CeFiONTect also offers durability for long-term use. The sink is available in two sizes: 23 ⅝ in. and 19 11/16 in.

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TOTO Thompson Traders Thompson Traders expanded its handcrafted sinks to include a stainless steel collection, with seven kitchen and pre/bar sinks. Made from 18-gauge, high-grade 18/8 stainless steel, this latest collection of hand-hammered sinks offers both performance and durability. They are

Wilsonart

TOTO’s new Kiwami Rectangular Lavatory with LinearCeram technology exemplifies its innovative prowess in materials science. By designing a thin-walled, yet highly functional lavatory, TOTO enhances the elegance of the bathroom. Eye-catching and thin-walled, the new rectangular lavatory is extremely strong.

Along the thinnest part of the lavatory’s frame, the LinearCeram is approximately half the thickness of many other conventional basin walls.

Wilsonart’s sleek, acrylic sinks are beautiful and hard-working. Maintenance is simple with no lip or ledge to catch debris. Wilsonart® Solid Surface sinks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including ADA-compliant options. With more than 20 sinks to choose from, they are sure to fit any project. More information is available at www.wilsonart.com/solid-surface/sinks.

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Cutting through the Surface

Methods for processing compact surfacing

By Chad Nichols & Jeff Evans

Ultra-compact surfacing is becoming more popular, particularly porcelain. Cutting and fabricating it is not a simple prospect. However, it can be mastered over time by using the proper strategies and equipment.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSI 24 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

TIMES ARE CHANGING. And if

and that creates the risk of chipping, cracking

Porcelain and blade manufacturers will have

likely noticed the changes coming for a while

is critical in producing an exceptional finished

the size of the blade that is being used. For

decide how you feel about it, and, if you’re like

Lastly, safety must be kept in mind. When

you are a fabricator of hard surfaces, you’ve

or breaking the slab. With porcelain, cut quality

now. You have also probably had some time to

product.

some, you may not like it. But not liking it won’t change your customers’ demand for ultra-

compact materials. So the better question is, what are you going to do about it?

handling porcelain, fabricators have to be

cognizant of how sharp the cut edges can be.

Porcelain can cut a person as easily as glass, so proper personal protective equipment is a

Ultra-compact materials are not new. Porcelain,

must. Safety glasses, steel toe boots, hearing

Europe, for some time, and, while relatively

at all times when handling and sawing porcelain.

in particular, has been around, particularly in

new in the United States, it has been gaining popularity as a countertop and cladding

material. Similar to the transition from natural stone to quartz, the demand for porcelain is growing. If you don’t embrace the coming

change and modify your business to be able to fabricate this material, there is a strong

possibility you will miss market opportunities and your business will lag. Conversely, to

protection and cut-proof gloves should be worn Cutting Porcelain There is a variety of strategies that can be

employed to fabricate porcelain. Worth noting, more horsepower won’t help you in any of

them. Fabricators are not going to be powering

through a slab of porcelain because it will cause a considerable amount of rework and waste because of chipping and breakage.

embrace the notion that porcelain is here

In all cases, a good strategy is to start slower,

business as its popularly grows.

the equipment exits the cut. Cutting as slow as

to stay could mean a huge upside for your So what do you need to know?

Material Characteristics Porcelain is typically thinner than most

other slabs, whether natural stone or quartz surfacing. Generally, you’re going to be

working with material that is only 6mm, 12mm and 2cm versus a more standard 2cm or

3cm thicknesses common in natural stone

and quartz slabs. This is important for a few reasons.

ramp to a higher cut rate and then slow again as 15 inches per minute (IPM) as when entering and exiting the cut will improve the quality and help

avoid breakage. Additionally, varying feed rates

in this way will help keep the blade from glazing.

A variable frequency drive (VFD) also helps,

allowing you to adjust the RPM of the blade

while you cut. Some machines are equipped

recommendations on arbor speeds based on example, with a 14-in. blade, an arbor speed of 1,900 to 2,500 RPMs and a feed rate of 30 to

100 IPM works well for straight cuts, whereas an arbor speed of 1,900 RPM and a feed rate

of 25 IPM is more suitable for miter cuts. These recommendations are very close to the many

manufacturers’ recommendations, although just a bit slower, which tends to yield higher quality

cuts. This also assumes the use of a VFD. If using a machine that doesn’t have a VFD, a fabricator

will be locked into an arbor speed (typically 1,700 to 1,750 RPMs), and may have to play with the

feed rates, or try different blade sizes to get the

same quality of cut. In either case, it is important to remember that cutting too fast or too slowly will cause the blade to glaze. When becoming

accustomed to cutting with porcelain, it is critical

to pay close attention to what RPM and feed rate works best for a particular setup and machine

configuration. Remember, shorter cuts require

slower speeds — fabricators may not be able to

increase to the speed they’d like before having to start slowing for the exit cut.

Also worth noting, unless otherwise indicated by the slab manufacturer, porcelain does not have

tension bands like other ultra-compact materials.

There should not be a need for cutting to relieve stress, nor should blade pinching be a problem.

with pre-programmed cut sequences designed

Finally, any time material is being cut, it’s smart

automatically adjust parameters on the machine

already do this, likely without thinking about it,

specifically for ultra-compact materials that will while it cuts.

to listen to the blade. More seasoned fabricators and will hear what’s happening in the cut. If the

First, porcelain edge profiles are typically mitered. The material is not intended to

apply an edge profile other than a miter edge because the color generally is not consistent

with the surface through the entire material (not yet, anyway). A side-view of the cut edge will

typically show a white cross section below the printed pattern. Because of this, as well as to

improve the overall appearance of the installed porcelain, fabricators will generally be creating

a mitered edge with a drop apron for thickness and consistency of grain.

Second, the material is light and more brittle than many fabricators are used to, and so it

will require great care when cutting. To avoid

damaging slabs and cut parts, the saw/sawjet feed rate should be varied. The blade may

glaze if the material is cut too slow or too fast

With a 14-inch blade, an arbor speed of 1,900 to 2,500 RPMs and a feed rate of 30 to 100 IPM works well for straight cuts.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 25

The majority of porcelain projects include a drop mitered edge. An arbor speed of 1,900 RPM and a feed rate of 25 IPM will produce quality miter cuts.

blade starts to glaze, it will definitely be apparent by the sound the blade is making.

Blade vs Waterjet Both traditional saws and waterjet equipment

perform well in cutting porcelain, much as they

do with natural stone and quartz, and both have specific applications for which they are best

suited. With blade cutting, operators can plunge wherever they’d like, and the porcelain on either side of cut will still be usable. A good feed rate for plunging is 5 to 7 IPM. However, it is key to

be aware that plunging with the blade for several consecutive cuts will increase the risk that the blade will glaze.

The best plan when using a waterjet is to pierce an inch or so from the good material to avoid popping. For those who haven’t experienced popping, it’s when a small, circular chip gets

knocked out of the surface of a slab. Obviously that is not something anyone wants happening to their parts. Having some room when first

piercing, particularly when adjusting to cutting porcelain, is a good thing. Once an operator

becomes more proficient, the distance needed for the pierce will be able to be reduced. As far as pressure, 20,000 PSI is a good pressure for piercing, and cutting at 25 IPM will provide a

quality cut for both straight and miters. However,

the waterjet can cut as fast as 100 IPM, adjusting for the quality of edge that is desired.

A sawjet combines a CNC saw and a waterjet, and is a great solution in cutting porcelain.

Generally speaking, a ratio of 85 percent to 15

percent blade to jet works well to ensure quality cuts while balancing the cost of consumables.

Once again, it cannot be stressed enough

when cutting porcelain, the feed rate is critical

Tools and Table Support Another important consideration is tooling.

Continuous rim blades were initially thought

to be the preferred blade for cutting porcelain,

straight cuts second and finish with the jet.

It is best to cut the smaller pieces first, then

finish cutting the larger pieces. This will help

the blades allow more water into the teeth of

moves forward. Another good approach is to

blades will overheat and glaze. Several blades

In all cases, it is a good idea to try to keep the

to experiment with which ones work best with

will reduce the chances that they will move,

blades seem to perform better. The gaps in

maintain the stability of cut parts as the process

the blades, and reduce the likelihood that the

“onion cut” slabs, cutting from the outside in.

performed well, and we encourage fabricators

pieces connected as long as possible, which

their machine settings and configuration.

chip or break. Most importantly, as pieces begin

The importance of ample water on the blade

Cutting too fast will increase the likelihood that

can’t be overstated. Not only is it important to

have an adequate water supply, but also good hose placement that covers the whole blade

as it cuts is key. A blade will get hot as it cuts porcelain, and lots of water, hose placement,

and a segmented blade are good strategies to keep your blade cool.

to become free from one another, go slowly.

pieces shift, thereby increasing the chances of costly breakage.

Embrace Change Your overall opinion of porcelain may vary, but there’s no ignoring that it’s here and here to

stay. It’s also safe to say that it will likely gain

With regard to the table, there are several

in popularity among designers, so your only

to make sure the table is perfectly level. Working

to this growing trend. It seems logical that

afford the rigidity of thicker materials. For tables

later could be a solid plan. Remember, when

good condition is essential. Tables with cement

experience with the material, your confidence

sheet is fresh and similarly in good condition.

can ramp up. The discomfort of learning will

in. rigid foam board on top of them will help

successful future with porcelain.

options for support. In all cases, it is important

decision now is how (and when) you will react

with thinner, more fragile materials does not

embracing the inevitable sooner rather than

that have rubber slats, making sure they are in

you’re first starting out, take it slow. As you gain

board should be checked to make sure the

and ability will likewise increase, and then you

For poured concrete tables, using a 1- to 1½-

pass, and you will be well on your way to a

reduce vibration and the likelihood that parts

About the Authors

or foam board may add to the hight of a table,

Chad Nichols and Jeff Evans are experts on stoneworking equipment with Park Industries, North America’s largest stoneworking equipment manufacturer. Nichols is the Executive Coordinator at Park, and has been in the industry for more than 15 years. Evans is a Product Manager and worked as a trainer and installer prior to moving to his current role.

For more information about the company, contact Park Industries at (800) 328-2309 or visit www. parkindustries.com.

will move. Keep in mind that adding cement

meaning adjusting machine parameters will also be required.

Order of Cuts Working with thinner materials poses a

application will dictate which one will work best.

can easily be remedied. As the material is cut,

26 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

a good practice is to make miter cuts first,

but we’ve actually found that segmented

regardless of whether a blade, a waterjet or a

sawjet is being used. Machine capabilities and the

it may shift — porcelain is very light. Therefore,

challenge in the order of cuts as well, but this

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ISFA FABRICATOR PROFILE: LYCOS

By Kevin Cole, Editor

Many fabricators have learned the value of diversification in their operations, but Lycos took the idea in a significantly different direction than what may come to mind. The branching out of the company has put it in a somewhat uniquely successful position, but before examining how Lycos, Inc. took its business to a whole new level, an understanding of the company’s history is critical.

Building the Foundation Owner Jon Taylor first came across solid surface in 2004 when he was installing countertops on a spec home he was building. Instantly intrigued, he decided to attend various fabrication training programs around the country to learn how to work with the material and learn more about the surfacing industry. Soon after, he was fabricating solid surface countertops for the residential market. When the housing market crashed in the mid-2000s, he decided he no longer wanted to work in residential. In 2007, he started Lycos, Inc. “From my garage in Carson, Iowa, I started bidding public work and even went as far as knocking on people’s doors just trying to get my name out there,” said Taylor. “Eventually, that led to landing a huge deal to fabricate and

Missouri. This deal really helped catapult Lycos and opened doors for us to start fabricating solid surface for nationally known franchises across the Midwest.”

Lycos focuses only on commercial work and provides in-house estimating, project management and installation to all clients interested in improving their space with solid surface. All of the company’s solid surface work is gained through public bidding with general contractors in the commercial arena.

Through the years, the company branched out into fast food and retail markets and then to service pretty much all other industries including healthcare, hospitality, education, government and office facilities. This led to the development of a solid reputation for the company, which in turn gave Taylor both the

install solid surface countertops for a large

inspiration and the opportunity to branch out

gas station chain across Iowa, Nebraska and

into other areas.

28 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Lycos focuses exclusively on commercial fabrication of solid surface, such as this unique reception desk at University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Nursing.

Jon Taylor was first introduced to solid surface in 2004, and since has built a large, reputable commercial solid surface company as well as four additional offshoot businesses over the past 15 years.

The hygienic properties of solid surface, including the ability to include seamless integral sinks, have driven its increased use in the healthcare projects handled by Lycos.

Branching Out

primarily being fabricated out of its 20,000-sq.-

“In 2013, we decided to start offering finish

ft. manufacturing facility in Treynor, Iowa.

off into two divisions: Lycos Finish, for finish

company recently started fabricating solid

surface fabrication,” explained Taylor. “Lycos

facility in Omaha, Neb.

a separate entity from Lycos Manufacturing,

In addition to these two locations, the

including most of the major brands, such

carpentry services and broke Lycos, Inc.,

However, to help with production flow, the

carpentry, and Lycos Manufacturing, for solid

surface out of its 25,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing

Finish initially started to help our solid surface

installation lead-times, but quickly took off into

its own entity, offering a full scope of installation services, including architectural woodwork,

casework, accessories, doors and hardware.”

Both Lycos Finish and Lycos Manufacturing work across Nebraska and Iowa, primarily

company also has a 50,000-sq.-ft. facility for its cabinet door manufacturing and a corporate office in Omaha that works as a headquarters for office staff to coordinate all of the operations.

Although Ruck Surfaces (www.rucksurfaces.

com), which Taylor started in 2019, is a direct provider of quartz and granite materials primarily for apartments, assisted living

facilities and other multifamily dwellings, it is which works exclusively with solid surface, as DuPont Corian, Formica Solid Surface,

Wilsonart Solid Surface, LG HI-MACS and a variety of others. On average, the company

fabricates between 3,000 and 4,000 sq. ft. of solid surface every month.

focused in Omaha, Kearney and Lincoln, Neb., as well as Des Moines, Iowa. However, the

company has done work in Kansas, Missouri,

South Dakota, Oklahoma, Minnesota and, most recently, New Mexico.

The synergies between Lycos Finish and Lycos Manufacturing later led to the launch of three additional companies that all align with its

origins in solid surface fabrication. The three

other companies, which operate as separate

businesses, but work closely with Lycos, Inc., are Ruck Specialties, an interior construction specialties provider; Ruck Cabinet Doors, a

cabinet door manufacturer; and Ruck Surfaces, a direct provider of granite and quartz cut-to-

size countertops for multi-family communities.

“In the last five years, we have experienced

tremendous growth,” said Taylor. “In 2014, we

had five employees, and today, in 2019, we now have about 90 across all of the companies.”

Lycos and its sister companies currently

have four locations, with its solid surface

Lycos utilizes some of the top advanced equipment for solid surface fabrication such as Anderson America CNC machines; AXYZ CNC Routers; Festool power tools; a variety of equipment from The Pinske Edge made just for solid surface fabrication; thermoforming equipment and more.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 29

LYCOS With four locations between Lycos Manufacturing and its complementary sister companies, the business exclusively focuses on, often large, commercial solid surface work that is fabricated out of its 20,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Treynor, Iowa, and more recently its 25,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Omaha, Neb.

When it comes to its solid surface fabrication, Lycos relies on advanced technologies and

high-end equipment from a variety of suppliers including Anderson America CNC Machines; an AXYZ CNC Router; Timesavers sanders;

Powermatic cove shapers; Festool sanders; and a variety of equipment from The Pinske Edge, in addition to numerous other cutting

We were thinking of ways to be more efficient with our solid surface installs and noticed that our schedule was being delayed because we were waiting for casework to be set before we got on-site.

and routing equipment required for high-quality fabrication. “With our equipment, we can

heat, bend, thermoform and create seamless solid surface countertops, window sills, wall

cladding and more,” explained Taylor. “We also have the capability to laser etch and engrave on the solid surface with our machinery.”

The Reasons behind the Expansions

in 2013, Lycos Finish has taken off and has become one of the company’s most successful divisions and makes up about 50 percent of the total projects the company handles.

Ruck Specialties (www.ruckspecialties.com) was the next addition to the related business group and once again arose out of a need

protection; doors and windows; and other ‘specialties, equipment and furnishings’].”

Last but not least, Taylor founded Ruck

Cabinet Doors (www.ruckdoors.com). “In

March of 2019, I was on the hunt for new

machinery and equipment and came across a cabinet manufacturer in Omaha that had

recently shut down,” said Taylor. “When I found out more than 40 employees lost their jobs, I

knew I needed to do something. I purchased the assets of the shop and hired back the

employees who had been out of work for three

weeks. We renamed it Ruck Cabinet Doors and have been fully operating since April, creating custom, made-to-order cabinet doors using high-grade select wood for cabinet shops,

“We were thinking of ways to be more efficient

for better organization. “After starting Lycos

cabinet refacers and remodelers.”

with our solid surface installs and noticed that

Finish, we started to notice a few inefficiencies

our schedule was being delayed because we

that were delaying us from getting on site and

When the company runs into a project that

were waiting for casework to be set before

starting our installations,” explained Taylor. “A

we got on-site,” explained Taylor when asked

lot of specialty items – bathroom accessories,

about the reason behind Lycos Finish, the

toilet partitions, lockers, display cases, etc.

company’s first expansion. “So now, instead

– that were supplied by brokers were not

of waiting for another crew to install, we can

getting to the job on time. Or, they would be

get on-site sooner and install the casework

delivered too early and ended up being lost or

and solid surface countertops at the same

misplaced, resulting in back charges. So, at the

time. It ends up taking three weeks out of

beginning of 2018, we decided to start Ruck

the schedule, making it more efficient for us

Specialties, a direct supplier of Division 6, 7, 8,

and more accommodating for the general

10, 11, and 12 construction specialty products

contractor’s schedule.” Since establishing it

[wood and plastics; thermal and moisture

30 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

involves more than one of the companies,

it aims to do negotiated work, which allows it to work directly with its clients and help

identify potential problems before they occur,

provide viable solutions, and create a smooth process from start to finish. Having all of

these businesses that can work together in

collaboration and cooperation to the benefit of

Taylor’s client base provides numerous ways to improve output and add value, but managing and coordinating all of the various arms also has its downsides.

The ability of Lycos, with a total of five related businesses, moves well beyond the typical countertop application, with the various arms of the company supplying just about any product for interior applications needed.

“With all these companies and services, it can

given project, we are here to handle it all.

simply by planning and being open and

when asked about potential negatives. “That’s

companies are constantly collaborating and

importantly, the challenges establish trust and

leave a lot of room for error,” explained Taylor why hiring the best employees and creating the right positions is crucial for me. I need

trustworthy people in place who understand

the industry, take initiative and help wherever and however they can. There are a lot of

moving parts and sometimes fires that need to be put out, and it makes it a lot easier when I have people I can rely on to help me.”

They know we’re all working together, and our communicating with each other. They can trust us with scheduling, coordinating, planning

and problem-solving all aspects of a project.

On top of that, we are known for our service,

transparent communication, flexible scheduling and quick lead times.”

transparent about the good things, and more builds relationships.”

When asked what guidance he might offer to others in the surfacing fabrication industry,

Taylor replied, “My advice would be to invest

in good drafting and engineering teams. Invest

in the machinery that reduces your liability and

Certainly everything didn’t just fall into place

workers’ compensation. Focus first on service,

hard work on the part of everyone involved,

people will always gravitate toward good

for the company. It took a lot of time, effort and

and second on business profitability, because

Looking at trends, Lycos reports noticing a

including Taylor and those who had earned

service, not the price.”

sector because of its antibacterial quality.

explained that at the root of the company’s

demand – they’re seamless and don’t support

our clients’ lives easier?” When that is the

makes them perfect for healthcare facilities,”

and the discovery of new ways of approaching

seeing a continuous rise in waterfall legs and

problems. And that is something the business

pleasing addition to any space. When it comes

that this type of forward thinking not only

And it is for this reason, the company is poised

Now and the Future rise in solid surface products in the healthcare

his trust and proven their competencies. He

“Our integral sinks and backsplashes are high

success is the question, “How can we make

the growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria, which

focus of the business, it leads to innovation

said Taylor. “In the business sector, we are

the industry to help solve customers’ largest

solid surface wall cladding for an aesthetically

tries to instill in all of its employees and feels

to color palettes, gray and white are our most

improves the industry, but is also where great

popular.”

ideas begin.

and face the future with a confidence and

As for what separates Lycos from its

“Through the years I’ve realized

solid path forward.

stop shop for its customers is no doubt a

reiterated Taylor. “Communicating with your

we can simplify projects for our clients,”

communicating with your employees and

For more information about Lycos, visit www. lycosfinish.com, call (866) 573-6861 or email info@ lycosfinish.com.

different subcontractor for each part of a

is critical. So many problems can be solved

Editor Kevin Cole can be reached at kevin@isfanow. org or (815) 721-1507.

competition, its vertical integration as a one-

communication is key for success,”

big selling point. “With all of our companies,

client, communicating with your vendors,

explained Taylor. “Instead of them hiring a

making sure everyone is on the same page

When all is said and done, Taylor has built a diverse group of companies that solves

problems within the construction industry.

“Whatever the problem may be, we are here to solve it,” he said.” From solid surface to

various other installation, we are here to make, create, design and do whatever we need to help the contractors.”

to continue to grow, seek out new challenges

group of competencies that set it up to forge a

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 31

Key Provisions ■■ Reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift; ■■ Require employers to use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL; ■■ Provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure; ■■ Limit worker access to high exposure areas; ■■ Develop a written exposure control plan;

OSHA’s Focus on Safety in Hard Surface Fabrication Shops A look at the top 10 safety citations over the past year

by Mary Malotke Every autumn the Occupational Safety and Health

1 – Crystalline

Administration (OSHA) publishes its list of the

Silica

top 10 most frequently cited safety and health

Enforcement of the new Airborne Crystalline Silica regulations began on September 23, 2018. In this case, 20 percent of new citations this past year were for violations of the Crystalline Silica Standard. Surface fabricators are at high risk of exposure. It is time to ensure that your silica safety and respirator programs are fully compliant with the new regulations.

violations. This list is a great starting point to evaluate safety programs and ensure compliance.

The government began enforcing stronger crystalline silica regulations last year, and as such, it has topped the list of citations. Recent headlines in Texas, California and other states have illustrated the dangers of breathing silica particles, and regulating bodies have been focusing on compliance education in recent months. Hard surface shops are wise to take note of this, and all of the areas of compliance.

Here are the most frequently cited standards in the Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing industry (NAICS Code 327991) for last fiscal year (October 2018 through September 2019): 1. Crystalline Silica 2. Respiratory Protection 3. Hazard Communication 4. Powered Industrial Vehicles 5. Noise 6. Lockout Tagout 7. Machine Guarding 8. Personal Protective Equipment 9. Electrical 10. General Duty Clause

This rule requires engineering controls to keep workers from breathing silica dust.

OSHA has issued a final rule to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The rule is comprised of two standards, one for Construction, and one for General Industry and Maritime.

About 2.3 million workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in their workplaces, including 2 million construction workers who drill, cut, crush or grind silica-containing materials such as concrete and stone, and 300,000 workers in general industry operations such as brick manufacturing and foundries. Responsible employers have been protecting workers from harmful exposure to respirable crystalline silica for years, using widely available equipment that controls dust with water or a vacuum system.

32 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

■■ Offer medical exams to highly exposed workers; ■■ Train workers about silica risks and how to limit exposures; ■■ Provide medical exams to monitor highly exposed workers and give them information about their lung health; and ■■ Provide flexibility to help employers protect workers from silica exposure.

2 – Respiratory Protection The Respiratory Protection Standard was cited far more frequently than any other regulation. Surface fabricators may be required to use respirators to protect themselves from inhaling grit and dust that results when dry-cutting quartz, stone or masonry, and from exposure to chemicals released when sawing, routing, drilling or sanding synthetic sheet goods. Adhesives and other chemicals used in surfacing shops may produce hazardous fumes. Employers must establish and implement a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures, and update this program as necessary to reflect any changes in workplace conditions that affect respirator use.

■■ Employers must determine the employee exposure for each chemical in the workplace, and select a NIOSH-certified respirator with a protection level based on the respiratory hazard(s) to which the worker is exposed and workplace and user factors that affect respirator performance and reliability.

■■ Before using a respirator, a physician must determine that it is safe for the employee to use one. Using a respirator may place a physiological burden on employees that varies with the type of respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions in which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the employee.

■■ Each employee must be fit tested and you must select a respirator that is acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.

■■ Each employee must be trained on the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed, the proper use of their respirator, any limitations on their use, and procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining their respirator.

■■ You must designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness.

3 – Hazard Communication Trailing closely behind in frequency were violations of the Hazard Communication Standard. All chemicals that are used and stored must be included in a comprehensive “Right-toKnow” program. In 2012, OSHA updated the Hazard Communication Standard by adopting the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. GHS is an internationally agreed upon system that replaces the various classification and labeling standards used in different countries.

Chemical safety program must include the following: ■■ A written program that includes a list of all chemicals used and stored at the workplace ■■ Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and GHS labels for all chemicals ■■ Safe handling and storage procedures for each chemical ■■ Adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ■■ Comprehensive training program for employees

■■ Quick drench showers and eye wash stations (as required) Citations of the Air Contaminants regulations were also significant. OSHA requires you to determine which chemicals are released in the air at your workplace and to recognize the safe limit for each. Then you must use all feasible engineering controls, such as ventilation and water delivery systems, along with administrative controls, regulated areas and safe housekeeping procedures, to reduce levels as much as possible. When these controls don’t achieve compliance, protective equipment must also be used to keep the exposure of employees to air contaminants within safe limits. Whenever respirators are used, you must have a full Respiratory Protection Program.

4 – Powered Industrial Trucks The fourth most frequently cited standard was the Powered Industrial Trucks regulation. The use of powered industrial trucks for handling of materials and finished products is critical to the successful operation of most surface fabrication shops. The majority of fork truck accidents can be attributed to lack of safe operating procedures and safetyrule enforcement, as well as inadequate training.

In addition to training and education, applying

general safety principles — such as proper work practices, equipment and controls — can help to reduce such workplace incidents. ALL personnel who work with or around forklifts must be trained on potential hazards and safe work practices.

Operators must be trained specifically on the type of truck they will use and the working conditions encountered. Refresher training, including evaluation of operator’s performance, must be conducted at least every three years.

5 – Occupational Noise Exposure Much of the work performed in surface fabrication shops generates significant noise. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and irreversible, but is also 100 percent preventable. OSHA requires employers to assess noise levels and to take action when safe limits are exceeded.

OSHA’s hearing conservation program has these components: ■■ Monitoring must be performed on an ongoing basis to assess noise levels.

■■ All employees who are at risk of noiseinduced hearing loss must be trained on their risks and how your program protects them.

■■ Audiometric testing must be done to measure any changes in hearing capability. A baseline audiogram must be done within one year of first

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #14 • ISFA Member since 1998 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 33

exposure. Additional tests must be done annually to show if there is any loss of hearing ability at any frequency.

■■ When engineering and administrative controls cannot reduce sound levels to acceptable limits, hearing protectors must also be used. Hearing protector’s attenuation levels vary, so employers must ensure that each employee’s protector reduces their noise exposure.

to the employee’s duties or assignment. Employee training must be documented. Training must cover pneumatic, chemical, thermal and other energy sources. All employers must develop a site-specific energy control program for their workplace and their machines and equipment being maintained or serviced. This is generally done by affixing the appropriate lockout or tagout devices to energy-isolating devices and by de-energizing machines and equipment. A formal written procedure for shutting down and locking/tagging out each point is needed.

6 – Lockout/Tagout

7 – Guarding of Equipment, Machines and Tools

The purpose of a lockout/tagout program is to control the release of hazardous energy when servicing or maintaining equipment. Proper lockout/ tagout procedures safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases including electrical, chemical, kinetic and similar energy sources.

Surface fabricators cut, grind and polish natural stone, engineered stone and other materials, as well as create supporting wood structures. These work processes typically involve electrical powered tools, pneumatic power tools and woodworking tools, each of which has their own specific OSHA requirements with respect to guarding.

■■ All feasible noise controls, such as isolation or insulation, must be implemented when necessary to reduce sound levels as much as possible.

■■ Use lockout/tagout devices authorized for the particular equipment or machinery and ensure that they identify the individual users.

■■ Use lockout devices for all equipment that can be locked out. Lock out plug-connected equipment by enclosing the plug. Ensure that any new equipment can be locked out.

■■ If machines or equipment are not capable of being locked out, tags may be used instead. The tagout program must provide protection equivalent to a lockout program.

■■ Only the employee who applied a lockout/tagout device is permitted to remove it, except in special circumstances.

■■ Update and install energy control procedures at least annually.

■■ Training must include elements of the energy control procedure relevant

Each tool and machine used must be assed to ensure they all have proper guards. New equipment comes with adequate guards. Older equipment must also be assessed to ensure that it is properly guarded. If it is not properly guarded, adequate guards must be provided, or the equipment must be discarded.

Employees must be trained on how the guards protect them and to leave the guards on at all times. Employees who remove or bypass guards should be disciplined.

8 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) In the surface fabrication industry, hazards that require PPE likely include heat exposure, sharp edges, noise, vibration, dangerous equipment, dust and chemicals. When exposure to hazards cannot be completely eliminated through safe work practices and engineering controls, adequate protective clothing and equipment must be provided at no cost to each employee. This may include gloves, goggles, hearing protection, face shields, steel-toed shoes, respirators and hard hats, depending upon where an individual works and what tasks he/she performs.

Employees must be trained how to use and maintain their PPE. When employees provide their own protective equipment, it is the employer’s responsibility to assure its adequacy, maintenance and sanitation. PPE must be reasonably comfortable, must have the proper fit and must not overly interfere with the movements of the wearer. It must be durable and easily cleanable. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that PPE is worn when required and is kept clean and in good repair.

9 – Electrical Safety Electrical hazards were another frequently cited area. On average, one worker dies from electrocution on the job every day. Even low voltage or low current can cause serious harm or death. Electric power-operated tools must either be of the approved double-insulated type, or grounded in accordance with OSHA regulations. Never use electric cords for hoisting or lowering tools.

Electrical safety citations for last year include the following, in order of frequency: ■■ Wiring methods components and equipment for general use; ■■ General requirements; ■■ Use of equipment; ■■ Wiring design and protection; ■■ Hazardous (classified) locations;

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #17 ISFA Member since 2013 34 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

■■ Selection and use of work practices; and ■■ Safeguards for personnel protection.

10 – General Duty Clause The OSHA General Duty Clause is a “catch-all” that states employers must provide employees with a workplace free of recognized hazards – even when there is no specific regulation for those hazards.

It is important to note that each employer is responsible for determining all risks in the workplace and taking measures to prevent accidents. Slab handling is one example for which there is no specific OSHA regulation, but where it is especially critical to determine safe work practices and ensure that employees understand and use these procedures.

The main goal of safety and health programs is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths, as well as the suffering and financial hardship these events can cause for workers, their families and employers.

In addition, an effective safety program also reduces costs, including significant reductions in workers’

compensation premiums, engages workers, increases productivity and enhances overall business operations.

Developing a safety program may seem like a daunting and expensive task, but studies have shown a $4 to $6 return on every $1 spent on safety and health.

Employers that keep in mind these more common areas of safety citation, and all of the required safety regulations, ultimately benefit from a more cost-effective workplace and safer and healthier workforce.

About the Author Mary Malotke is Senior Engineering Manager for TechneTrain, Inc. TechneTrain has a full line of safety training programs and reference manuals designed for the surface fabrication industry, including a turnkey employee training program for the airborne crystalline silica regulations.

These products are available from ISFA at discounted prices. For further information visit www.technetrain.net or call (800) 852-8314.

Help with Your Silica Protection Program Is Within Reach Did you know that, in conjunction with TechneTrain, ISFA offers a full suite of Safety Training videos and Manuals for meeting OSHA Requirements? Everything from a full Federal OSHA Compliance Manual to a specialized video on Silica Requirements, which was the No. 1 most OSHA cited violation in hard surface shops over the last year, is available.

With several cases of silicosis and silica-related illnesses occurring in 2018 and 2019 at countertop fabrication facilities in at least four states — California, Colorado, Texas and California, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have issued warnings. The report put out by the CDC on Sept. 27 goes into detail on the dangers and the particular cases that occurred, which included the deaths of several workers. Most of the injured workers predominately worked with engineered stone. So, for the safety of your facility, it is critical you meet the crystalline silica regulation.

The Silica Requirement video, as well as all video options, also include handouts, a quiz and a certificate of completion document.

Prices range from $90 to $150 depending on the content provided.

If you are interested in learning more or obtaining a copy for your facility, email info@isfanow.org for a full list of safety product offerings to review.

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #15 • ISFA Member since 2013 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 35

Here.Now.News.

From the Desk of Amy Miller, Executive Director

Just Show Up Tuesday mornings at 7am(ish) we gather at our local coffee shop. Together we talk about life, we study God’s word, and we pray together.

The group looks different from week to week.

Some weeks, we’re all there, some weeks

only two can make it, and some weeks we opt for an evening out. Regardless of the number present, or the day of the week, one thing is for certain: we show up.

This group didn’t assemble itself. It took conscious effort from a dear friend that recognized she needed a group to be

accountable to, and so did her friends. For her action and wisdom, I am incredibly grateful.

“... it is the principle through which you may borrow and use the education, the experience, the influence and, perhaps, the capital of other people in carrying out your own plans in life. It is the principle through which you can accomplish in one year, more than you could accomplish without it in a lifetime if you depended entirely on your own efforts for success.”

As you prepare for 2020, I encourage you to utilize ISFA as your mastermind group. ISFA was formed by a small group of fabricators interested in learning best practices from one another. When they “showed up” they found

This group that I show up for, and that show

that they all benefited. Out of that initial idea,

They provide a shoulder to lean in when times

into an international fellowship. The group

up for me, are my people. My tribe. My posse. are tough, and a kick in the pants when I need to be tough. Having this group to show up for has increased my faith, my productivity and my happiness.

When we lack accountability to another, it’s

easy to slow down, make excuses and, quite frankly, be lazy. On the contrary, when we

know others are counting on us, and that we

can count on them, magic happens. We both up our game.

they turned a group of would-be competitors found that when they worked together, they pushed the envelope on quality, precision, productivity, solidarity and fellowship. These same values govern ISFA today.

Along the side of this article, you’ll see a list of events scheduled for 2020. These dates and locations are now open for registration at www.isfanow.org, and additional events will be made available throughout the year.

As an added bonus, out of these events, in

Napoleon Hill, one of America’s great,

2020, we’ll be forming small “mastermind

acclaimed book, Think and Grow Rich, was

accountability and growth for all. Best of all,

influential thinkers and the author of the

groups” for deeper relationship development,

an extreme advocate for “showing up.” He

you’re already invited. All you have to do is just

wrote and taught extensively on the need to create and cultivate “Mastermind Groups.”

show up.

Hill described the mastermind group as, “A friendly alliance with one or more persons

who encourage one to follow through with

both plan and purpose.” During a television mini-series he recorded on the subject of mastermind groups, he said:

36 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Amy Miller ISFA Executive Director AmyM@isfanow.org

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.

Industry Roundtable Hosted by Carrara Marble Company of America Sponsored by GranQuartz/Regent Stone and Cosentino March 3 – 5 Los Angeles, Calif.

Solid Surface Training Hosted by GECKO SSS Sponsored by GranQuartz/Regent Stone March 3 – 5 San Antonio, Texas Gen 2 Event Hosted by Countertops of Memphis Sponsored by Moraware March 17 – 18 Memphis, Tenn.

Industry Roundtable Hosted by GECKO SSS April 8 – 10 San Antonio, Texas

Solid Surface Industry Roundtable Hosted by Innovative Surface Works May 12 – 13 Farmington Hills, Mich.

Solid Surface Roundtable & Bonus All Surface Update Hosted by Innovative Surface Works and Dwyer Marble & Granite May 12 – 13 Farmington Hills, Mich.

Porcelain/Sintered Fabrication Training & Certification Event Hosted and sponsored by Park Industries July 21 – 22, 2020 St. Cloud, Minn.

Industry Roundtable Hosted by Hard Rock Stone Works & BACA Systems Sponsored by BACA Systems August Detroit, Mich.

Solid Surface Countertops Symposium at IWF August 25 Atlanta, Ga.

Industry Roundtable Hosted by Front Range Stone Sponsored by Park Industries and Cosentino Sept. 8 – 10 Denver, Colo.

ISFA Annual Conference Sponsored by Park Industries, GranQuartz/Regent Stone and Integra Adhesives Oct. 20 – 23 Cancun, Mexico

ISFANews ISFA Wraps Up Successful Year with Annual Conference

ISFA held its 2019 Annual

Speakers and presenters included

Corian. From a young age, she took

Mountain Shadows Resort in

“Manufacturing Engagement” and

and learning fabrication and sales

numerous educational sessions

shared his years of experience as

Conference Oct. 20 to 23 at

Scottsdale, Ariz, which included and networking events, along with its fourth quarter board of directors meeting, annual member meeting and

The results from the 2019 ISFA Board of Directors Election were also announced at the event.

“This was an opportunity for businesspeople and professionals in all areas of the surfacing industry to learn and share ideas as well as best practices,” said ISFA Executive

discussed “The Future of Digital

with a variety of key manufacturers talked about “Modern Surfaces.”

Rup Shaw, president of MSI, shared the latest news and updates on

“Quartz Tariffs and Duties.” Group discussions also took place on

such topics as fabrication tooling, equipment and applications for

increasing productivity; new products for fabricators; and best practices for measuring and maximizing profits.

ISFA Annual Award Winners

Director Amy Miller. “Some of the

Announced

best and brightest people in the

At the Annual Conference, ISFA

industry came together and really got to know each other and spend some productive time further educating themselves in an enjoyable atmosphere.”

continuing to excel in solid surface fabrication with an emphasis on

Famed designer and advocate

Fabrication.” A panel discussion

both formal and informal discussions.

and embracing green surfaces, while

“Leading a Fabrication Company.”

Around 50 industry professionals

participating in presentations and

business with a focus on the future

CEO of Clio Holdings, discussing

awards dinner.

interacting, sharing ideas,

techniques. Today, Hussey leads the

how to keep top talent. Eric Tryon,

for solid surface Mario Romano

spent the better part of a week

to the business sweeping floors

Lisa Ryan, CSP, who spoke on

announced the 2019 ISFA Awards

winners. The ISFA awards are chosen by association members, and given

to those in the industry that stand out as the very best.

commercial work. She has served Erica Hussey, of J.C.W. Countertops in Woburn, Mass., was given the ISFA Hall of Fame Award by ISFA President Augie Chavez (left) and ISFA Executive Director Amy Miller (right).

ISFA through numerous ISFA Board

Past ISFA Board Member Erica Hussey, of J.C.W. Countertops in Woburn, Mass., was inducted into the ISFA Hall of Fame, joining a long list of esteemed industry professionals. The 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. Hussey is a second generation owner of a 35-year-old fabrication business, proud to have been among the first in New England to fabricate DuPont

and she is dedicated to ISFA.

of Director positions including in the roles of treasurer and secretary, and she has also hosted events at her

shop. Hussey is committed to the

industry, continuous improvement, The other honored winners are: The Fabricator of the Year Award was given to ROCKin’teriors, a

world-class fabricator of a variety of hard surfacing products located in

Raleigh, N.C. This is the second time

the company has won the award. The Fabricator of the Year is awarded to 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.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 37

ISFANews

ROCKin’teriors continues to push the envelope

member that excels in creating something

surface industry. Laura Grandlienard has diversified

industry. The 2019 winner is Wilsonart for its

on quality, craftsmanship and service within the

her business to cover the spectrum from high-end residential and custom builder work, to ventilated and direct adhere facades. The company excels

across both residential and commercial work, and

no job, no matter the difficulty or technicality, scares this company.

imaginative and special for the surfacing

new THINSCAPE Performance Tops, which are

unlike anything in the marketplace. With a sleek, ½-in.-thick profile, THINSCAPE Performance Tops are suitable for horizontal residential or

commercial applications. The material is easy to work with and fabricates with dry tools.

ISFA and AWI Announce Partnership on

Updated Universal Fabrication Standards Plans are now in place for ISFA to work directly

with the AWI to generate the upcoming AWI/ISFA 0661 – Cast Polymer Fabrications Standard. The

AWI Standards Development Team will be working alongside members of ISFA to develop these universal standards.

The Associate of the Year Award is given to an

Manufactured in the United States, THINSCAPE

ISFA is the only trade association with published

has best exemplified the role of servicing the needs

impact-, scratch- and moisture-resistant. They

the widely accepted global leader in architectural

supported ISFA in all activities. This year’s winner is

air quality.

Performance Tops are easy to clean and also

standards for solid surface fabrication. AWI is

of fabricator member companies, and who has best

are UL GREENGUARD Gold Certified for indoor

woodwork standards.

Caragreen, which embodies professional prowess,

2019 and Beyond

associate member company that in the past year

innovation and leadership in surfacing. The company

AWI is enlisting the help of Subject Expert

Review Teams (SERT) to ensure the standards

Also at the annual meeting, Executive Director

will best meet the needs of the architectural

training and certifying new fabricators in New

ISFA will also be giving direct input on the AWI

In 2019, Caragreen hosted a Roundtable event in

Idaho; putting on six successful regional Industry

implementation of solid surface. Furthermore,

to the association.

CEU presentations; took a group of fabricators to

of requirements for solid surface within other

The Innovator Award is for the member firm or

Nolan Scholarship to a future tradesman; held a

The AWI team will begin recruiting members for

has led the charge for sustainable materials, and

is a true champion for the environment. Under the

leadership of Jessica McNaughton, Caragreen has

actively engaged in, and been an advocate for ISFA. Raleigh, N.C., and introduced several new members

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 2019 Winner is INDEKO, founded by

Rodrigo Velazquez. Among the first premium surface companies in Mexico, INDEKO has

accelerated the standards for its peers through

its commitment to continuous improvement and

its embrace of best practices across all products and surfaces. In a unique move, the company

brought together various ISFA members to create beautiful solid surface installations in 460 rooms

in a Playa Mujeres hotel in Cancun. INDEKO has established itself among the best fabricators in

the world through professionalism, excellence in fabrication and ethical business practices.

The Envision Award is given to the manufacturer 38 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Amy Miller reviewed the year in ISFA, including

woodwork community as a whole. Members of

Mexico, Illinois, South Carolina, Texas and

1236 – Countertops Standard with regard to the

Roundtable Events; presenting more than 110

ISFA will be assisting AWI with the development

Spain, courtesy of Cosentino; awarded the Mike

standards for applications other than countertops.

Gen 2 event for next-generation shop owners/

managers; added a variety of new discounts to the ISFA Member Advantage Program; putting out this quarterly publication, Countertops &

Architectural Surfaces, plus our annual Buyers’ Guide and five issues of our Surfacing News

email newsletters; and added 46 new members.

ISFA President Augie Chavez also discussed the future of ISFA, including the return of the

Million Dollar Mentor program; some of the future

the SERT segments to assist in the development of these upcoming standards, beginning in

January 2020. Volunteer participants in the SERT from ISFA are as follows: Russ Berry, of ASST; Gary Bohr, of Innovative Surface Works; Rico

Conde, of Wilsonart; ISFA Solid Surface Trainer

Chris Pappenfort; Keith Haight, of Durasein; and

Chuck Sawyer, retired ISFA Executive Director and industry veteran.

meetings and events coming up in the new year,

The SERTs will be responsible for vetting the

Conference in Cancun, Mexico from Oct. 20

consistency within the documents, as they relate

the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) to

surface standards are finalized, ISFA and AWI

standards.

standards via a similar process.

including the location of the 2020 ISFA Annual

standards’ content to ensure accuracy and

to 23; and ISFA’s upcoming collaboration with

to each team’s area of expertise. Once the solid

put together universal solid surface fabrication

will begin work on quartz surfacing fabrication

ISFANews 2020 ISFA Board of Directors Election Results

Finally, at the 2019 ISFA Annual Conference and Meeting, the results for the 2020

ISFA Board of Directors were announced.

Fabricator Member Directors are chosen

by association members for a term of three

years, with the option to renew for a second consecutive three-year term. Associate

Member Directors are elected by association members for a term of two years, with the option to renew for a second consecutive

two-year term. Board officers are elected by members of the full board of directors.

Augie Chavez of GECKO Solid Surface

Solutions in San Antonio, Texas, was re-

elected by the full board to serve as ISFA

President again in 2020. As such, for 2020 the position of Immediate Past President will remain open. To fill the empty spot

thus created on the Executive Committee, Associate Member Representative Jim Callaghan of GranQuartz will serve as Executive Committee Member.

Steve Mast, of Precision Countertops in

Wilsonville, Ore., will serve as Vice President; Kelley Montana of Humboldt Countertops

in Eureka, Calif. will serve as Treasurer; and, rounding out the Executive Committee,

Austin Maxwell of Maxwell Countertops

in Farmer City, Ill., will hold the position of Secretary.

Leaving the board having fulfilled their service periods are: Adam Albee of

Counter Culture in Lincoln, Neb., a past

ISFA President; Kate Dillenburg of Bisley

Fabrication in Gresham, Wis., also a past

ISFA President; Matt Kraft of Custom Marble in Millstadt, Ill.; and Steve Stoddard of Advanced Surfaces in Corry, Pa.

New to the board are Joe Duszka of Carolina Custom Surfaces in Greensboro, N.C.; Laura Grandlienard of ROCKin’teriors in Raleigh,

N.C.; and Rodrigo Velazquez of INDEKO in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. All of them will serve as directors in 2020.

“We are so thankful for the great work Adam, Kate, Matt and Steve put in on the board,”

said ISFA President Augie Chavez. “We will

miss their insight, but are confident that the new board members will also bring great

perspectives and enthusiasm to the group.”

Retaining their positions as Directors are

Mike Langenderfer of The Countertop Shop in Monclova, Ohio, who has held several officer positions in the past including

Treasurer, President, Vice President and

Immediate Past President; and Eric Tryon of Clio Holdings in Alpharetta, Ga. Also continuing their positions as Associate

Member Representatives on the board are Paul “Max” Le Pera of Global Surfacing

Alliance in Cranbury, N.J., and Joe Connolly of SASSO USA in Palatine, Ill.

Thanks To All of Our 2019 Annual Conference Sponsors:

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

Kate Dillenburg Immediate Past President and Secretary Bisley Fabrication 7000 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 (715) 787-4410 kdillenburg@bisfab.com www.bisfab.com Paul “Max” Le Pera Vice President Global Surfacing Alliance 106 Melrich Rd. Cranbury, NJ 08512 (908) 358-5252 pmlp33@gmail.com

Mike Langenderfer Treasurer The Countertop Shop 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 (419) 868-9101 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net Adam Albee Director Counter Culture 5012 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 (500) 531-5078 adam@thetopculture.com www.thetopculture.com

Matt Kraft Director Custom Marble Inc. 850 S. Mulberry Millstadt, IL 62260 matt.kraft@custommarble.net www.custommarble.net Steve Stoddard Director Advanced Surfaces, Inc. 130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 (814) 663-0369

sstoddard@advanced surfacespa.com www.advancedsurfacespa.com Kelley Montana Director Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing 70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 442-5918 kmontana@humtop.com www.humtop.com

Steve Mast Director Precision Countertops 26200 S.W. 95th Ave. Ste. 303 Wilsonville, OR 97070 (503) 660-3023 Steve.m@precisioncountertops.com www.precisioncountertops.com Austin Maxwell Director Maxwell Countertops 324 S. Plum St. Farmer City, IL 61842 (309) 928-2848 austin@maxwellcounters.com www.maxwellcounters.com

Eric Tryon Director Clio Holdings/Premier Surfaces 845 McFarland Pkwy.

Alpharetta, GA 30004 (470) 419-4555 tryonea@gmail.com www.clioholdings.com

Jim Callaghan Associate Member Representative GranQuartz 3950 Steve Reynolds Blvd.

Norcross, GA 30093 (248) 660-3291 jcallaghan@granquartz.com www.granquartz.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

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 Communications Director Kevin Cole Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor (815) 721-1507 kevin@isfanow.org Operations Manager Carol Wilhite (888) 599-ISFA carol@isfanow.org

Account Representative Paul Wisnefski (262) 498-4184 wisnefski@sbcglobal.net Program Coordinator Amy Kyriazis (888) 599-ISFA 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

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 39

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #13

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

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

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

Quarry House Inc.

217 San Anselmo Ave. San Anselmo, CA 90205 415-482-9094 www.quarryhouseinc.com

The Countertop Factory

196 Rio Circle Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3220 www.atlanta-kitchen.com

Counter Fitters LLC

Front Range Stone

Countersync

The Top Shop Inc.

Craftmark Solid Surfaces Inc.

COLORADO

2195 S. Raritan St. Englewood, CO 80110 303-761-4257 www.frontrangestone.com 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.

1026 Lynes Ave. Savannah, GA 31415 912-231-0103 www.counterfitterssav.com 2014 Westside Ct. Augusta, GA 30907 706-828-7544 www.countersync.net 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

Pacifica Wholesale Tile and Stone

Sterling Mfg.

1050 Central Park Dr. Sanford, FL 32771 407-774-0676 www.nsmotif.com 8293 Consumer Circle Sarasota, FL 34240 941-955-8787 www.sterlingmfg.com

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 North 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

The Countertop Factory Midwest***

Honolulu Tile & Marble Inc.

6401 47th St. N. Pinellas Park, FL 33781 727-528-6305 www.mill-rite.com

New Age Surfaces

Firerock Fabrication

11111 S.E. 72nd Gainsville, FL 32641 352-372-6600 www.jacksonllc.com

Mill-Rite Woodworking Co.

PO Box 234 Farmer City, IL 61824 309-928-2848 www.maxwellcounters.com

Stonecrafters

HAWAII

Jackson Stoneworks

Maxwell Counters Inc.

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

Naresh Tammabatula

620 E. Ball Rd. Anaheim, CA 92805 310-497-3511 www.pacificastone.com

Atlanta Kitchen Inc.

2470 E. Coronado St. Anaheim, CA 92806 562-944-2450 www.thecountertopfactory.net

NSM Florida Enterprises, LLC

1750 Stokes St. 71 San Jose, CA 95126 510-324-6588

GEORGIA

59-518A Alapio Rd. Haleiwa HI 96712 607-243-8618 1602-B Auiki St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-3775

430 W. Wegner Rd. Lakemoor, IL 60051 815-363-8730 www.stonecrafters.com

869 S. Rte. 53 Addison, IL 60101 630-606-8055 www.tcfmidwest.com

INDIANA

Montage Decor LLC

94-117 Malakeke Pl. Unit 102 Waipahu, HI 96797 808-200-7868 www.montage-decor.com

ILLINOIS

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

A. I. A. Countertops LLC 201 S. Huntington St. Syracuse, IN 46567 574-457-2018 www.aiacountertops.com

Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Co., Inc.

522 W. 22nd St. Marion, IN 46953 800-388-8144 www.hartson-kennedy.com

Laminated Tops of Central Indiana Inc.

711 E. Dillman Rd. Bloomington, IN 47401 812-824-6299 www.rakesolutions.com

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 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.

IOWA

Solid Fabrications Inc. 2515 Murray St. Sioux City, IA 51111 712-255-5319 www.solidfab.com

SolidTops LLC

MISSISSIPPI

NEW MEXICO

MASSACHUSETTS

3803 Old Mobile Ave. Pascagoula, MS 39581 228-938-6484 www.alexandercounter wrights.com

PO Box 10482 Albuquerque, NM 87184 505-897-3141 www.americancountertopsonline.com

505 South St. Easton, MD 21601 410-819-0770 www.solidtops.com

StoneHouse Quartz & Granite Discover Marble & Granite 3901 100th St. Urbandale, IA 50322 515-512-5188 www.stonehousegranite.com

VT Industries

1000 Industrial Park Holstein, IA 51025 712-368-4381 www.vtindustries.com

KENTUCKY

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

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

Shad’s Custom Countertops Inc.

11 Collins Pond Rd. Windham, ME 04062 207-893-3445 www.getshad.com

MARYLAND

ASSI Fabricators LLC 11270 Old Baltimore Pike Beltsville, MD 20705 301-937-2800 www.assifab.com

Carefree Kitchens Inc.

2910 Strickland St. Baltimore, MD 21223 410-233-4900 www.carefreeindustries.com

Modular Concepts Inc.

54 Wilmon St. Chesapeake City, MD 20705 410-885-5960 www.modcoinc.com

4 Latti Farm Rd. Millbury MA 01527 508-438-6900 www.discovermarble.com

Alexander Counterwrights

MISSOURI

Premier Surfaces

4525 N.W. 41st St. Ste. 400 Kansas City, MO 64150 816-767-2075 Jack’s Custom Woodworking/ www.premiersurfaces.com

JCW Countertops

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

MONTANA BMC

3200 Hwy. 12 E. Helena, MT 59602 406-444-8721 www.buildwithBMC.com

NEBRASKA

Counter Culture

5012 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 500-531-5078 www.thetopculture.com

Lincoln Laminating Inc. 5633 S. 49th St. Lincoln, NE 68516 402-434-6009 www.lincolnlaminating.com

Lycos, Inc.

2445 Deer Park Blvd.

Omaha, NE 68105 402-201-2283 www.lycosfinish.com

Stone Concepts, Inc.

23206 Commerce Dr. Farmington, MI 48335 734-261-3010 www.ISWrocksnow.com

10802 Sapp Brothers Dr. Omaha, NE 68138 865-523-0967 www.stoneconceptsomaha.com

MKD

Carpenters Int’l.

Training Fund

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

NEVADA

6801 Placid St. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-938-1111

NEW HAMPSHIRE Rumford Stone Inc.

278 River Rd. Bow, NH 03304 603-224-9876 www.rumfordstone.com

MINNESOTA

NEW JERSEY

515 Spiral Blvd.

Hastings, MN 55033 651-437-1004

2450 Lorio St. Union, NJ 07083 908-686-4340 www.countertopsofnj.com

Innovative Surfaces Inc.

The Pinske Edge

119 Main St. Plato, MN 55370 320-238-2196 www.pinske-edge.com

42 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Marvic Corp.

Spaulding Fabricators Inc. 1136 Industrial Pkwy.

Brick, NJ 08724 732-840-4433 www.spauldingfabricators.com

American Countertops

Jaynes Structures

2906 Broadway N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-344-8589 www.jaynescorp.com

OGB Architectural Millwork 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

JG Associates

PO Box 14 Pt. Lookout, NY 11569 516-897-9200

Marker Systems Inc.

940 River Rd. North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-695-1102

Modern Home Distributing PO Box 395 Nunda, NY 14517 585-468-2523

Penn Fabricators Inc. 30 Platinum Ct. Medford, NY 11763 631-205-0282 www.pennforcorian.com

Whispering Pines Woodcraft LLC

4150 State Route 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 3810 Indiana Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 336-414-0842 www.bloomdaygranite.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.

Carolina Custom Surfaces*** 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

The Countertop Shop LTD*** 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

Pence Countertops Inc.

Top Shelf Laminated Products

124 Ellis Woods Rd. Pottstown, PA 19465 610-326-6609 www.pencecountertops.com

2325 Executive Dr. Garland, TX 75041 972-840-1234

1700 Wall Rd. Wadsworth, OH 44281 330-334-5677 www.topdesignsinc.com 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

PO Box 387 Wilsonville, OR 97070 503-692-6660 www.precisioncountertops.com

5372 Bedford St. Unit C Bedford Heights, OH 44146 216-314-8654

601 S.W. 35th St. Corvallis, OR 97333 www.oregonstate.edu

Precision Countertops Inc.***

PENNSYLVANIA ASST

350 South St. McSherrystown, PA 17344 717-630-1251 www.asst.com

Cutting Edge Countertops Inc. Advanced Surfaces 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

Laminate Shop, Inc. PO Box 1218 Marietta, OH 45750 740-749-3536

Cirrus Asset Management

915 W. Howard Ln. Austin, TX 78753 505-814-5354 www.alphagraniteaustin.com

Top Designs Inc.

Stoneworks

Countertops by Nate

Kramer’s Fabrications Inc.

Alpha Granite

1284 Loop Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 717-368-5604 www.indoorcity.com

5347 Spring Valley Rd. Dallas, TX 75254 661-857-0722 www.cirrusami.com

Oregon State University

OHIO

TEXAS

PO Box 41 Bernville, PA 19506 610-488-6213 www.kramershowerbases.com

230 Hampton Woods Ln. Ste. 100 Raleigh, NC 27607 919-577-0207 www.rockinteriors.com 18623 Northline Dr. Cornelius, NC 28031 704-936-8340 www.stoneworksltd.com

Indoor City Granite and Marble

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

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

DFC-Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co. 45753 237th St. Madison, SD 57042 605-256-3707 www.soliddfc.com

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.

1300 Ault Rd. Knoxville, TN 37914 865-523-0967 www.kitchentops.net

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 206 Allison Dr. Taylor, TX 76574 512-595-8054 www.durcon.com

Eframe Asrat

6807 Miller Shadow Sugarland, TX 77479 713-530-3673

Gecko Solid Surface Solutions***

TENNESSEE

Kitchen Tops Inc.

Counterscapes, Inc.

Durcon

SOUTH DAKOTA

919 4th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 615-915-0718 www.creativecounter solutions.com

Classic Counter Tops

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

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 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 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.

True Blue Granite

WISCONSIN

CHINA

W.R. Watson Inc.

700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 800-424-7539 www.bisleyfabrication.com

China +86 1861 173 7199

3626 Binz Engleman Rd. San Antonio, TX 78219 210-281-5520 www.tbgranite.com 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

Vermont Solid Surface

PO Box 602 852 Portland St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-535-4986 www.vermontsolidsurface.com

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

King County Library System 960 Newport Way N.W. Issaqua, WA 98027 425-369-3300 www.kcls.org

Bisley Fabrication Inc.***

Counter-Form LLC

2001 E. 29th St. Marshfield, WI 54449 715-384-2131 www.counter-form.com

The Kopfmann Co. Inc. 3142 W. Mill Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209 414-352-7870 www.kopfmanntops.com

McDermott Top Shop LLC 420 Generac Way Jefferson, WI 53549 262-593-2456 www.mcdermotttopshop.com

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

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

Summum Granit Inc.

460 Principale St. Saint-Sebastien, QC G0Y 1M0 Canada 819-625-2333 www.summumgranit.com

44 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

G. M. Jurohue Fabrication Co. Ltd.

FRANCE

CREA Diffusion

ZA Le Cheval Blanc Solgne F-57420 France 38-764-6923 www.crea-diffusion.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

New Sheridan House, Don Pedro Ave. Normanton, West Yorkshire INDIA WF6 1TD Western Fabrications 1805, 18th Floor, Gundecha Premier, United Kingdom 448-456-182800 Thakur Village www.sheridan-uk.com Borivali East Mumbai Maharashtra 400066 India 91-9136229909 www.infinihybrid.com

All ISFA Fabricator Members

ITALY

Directory of every issue of

Legnopan SPA (Starkryl Solid Surface)

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

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

PO Box 15758 Dubai U.A.E. 04 2711727, 06 5343222 www.bondinteriors.com

are listed in the Fabricator Countertops & Architectural Surfaces.

Visit www.ISFAnow.org for more information or to sign up for membership.

Product News Alpha Professional Tools Introduces Wet Blade Cutting Kit

stains and sudden changes in temperature. Its durability and low maintenance give it a long useful life regardless of its application. Dekton is available in large-format slabs and in various thicknesses, allowing for a large range of creative possibilities for architects and designers for commercial and residential projects alike.

2-D/3-D. Templators and fabricators can design

Alpha Professional Tools® introduced a new addition to its Wet Blade Cutting Kit lineup.

The WBC9KIT is designed for the easy conversion of large grinders into a wet cutting tool with a water feed system. The Alpha WBC9KIT fits on most 7- and 9-in. high-speed angle grinders. It saves money by converting an existing dry angle grinder into a wet tool, without the expense of a second tool. It keeps the dust down while cutting, grinding and profiling any surfacing materials with water.

According to the company, this is a simple way to be in compliance with the OSHA silica rules with a minimal investment. The kit comes with multiple connectors for most of the popular grinders on the market today, as well as a safety guard, Loc-Line Assembly, plastic tie, 15-ft.

(4.5m) water hose assembly, 3-ft. (1m) memory wrap, quick connect adapter, GFCI plug and hook & loop ties. Assembly is required.

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #31

AcryMed by Meganite is an advanced antimicrobial acrylic solid surface material designed for use in healthcare environments. It has antimicrobial protection integrated into the solid surface sheet during production, protecting the product itself against stain and odor causing bacteria.

Regent Stone Offers New Nitro One Shot Adhesive

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #30

AcryMed is certified in accordance with ISO 22196 and JIS Z 2801. It offers integrated hygienic surface protection with a significant impact that works effectively against bacteria.

The material is easy to fabricate, easily repaired and maintained, stain-resistant, thermoformable and may qualify for LEED points. Its versatility, durability and design aesthetic make the solid surface highly suitable for a number of applications in healthcare environments.

AcryMed can withstand high traffic in public areas and improve hygiene of surfaces, which makes it great for food service and public facilities applications as well.

offering in adhesives: Nitro

Dekton by Cosentino Launches New Collecction Dekton by Cosentino launched a new collection in collaboration with architect and designer Daniel Germani. The Chromica Collection is comprised of two deeply saturated hues with a sleek matte finish that exudes drama and sophistication. The intense character of the Baltic blue and Feroe green colorways draws inspiration directly from nature’s wildest and most remote places, reflecting Mother Nature’s force and determination. According to the company, the new Dekton Chromica collection offers superior resistance to UV rays, scratches,

their projects while making use of simplified views of reality in 2-D and 3-D. This enables operators to create perfect alignments and visually check their design and calculations, according to the company. The software will help prevent mistakes by alerting the operator when problems occur, like the collision of solids.

Prodim Factory Draw Advanced is a new means

Meganite Creates AcryMed Antimicrobial Solid Surface

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #32

Prodim Introduces New Factory Draw Advanced Software for Templating Prodim Factory Draw Advanced is a new software module launched by Prodim at Marmomac. The software module features easy-to-use design functionalities for creating solids and the modeling of multiple planes in

to create digital templates for production.

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #33

Regent Stone Products, a division of GranQuartz, recently introduced its newest One Shot. It is semi-dripless (not too thick, not too thin) and allows for production of tighter joints with less waste. Features of the new adhesive include: more UV stability; stronger adhesion to stone, quartz, porcelain, marble and solid surfaces; rodding and clip adhesive use with the same tip and gun; increased shelf life; short lead times on colors; the ability to drop-ship single tubes; next day air eligibility; a convenient SKU to SKU trifold color match chart; and more color matches with fewer cartridges. Additionally, Dekton approval is in process. There are 200 colors available with 38 of the fastest moving, most requested SKUs stocked. Nitro One Shot adhesives are GreenGuard Certified, and qualify for LEED projects. According to the company, the adhesive provides a solution to color-matched seaming for simple, accurate fabrication. A fully cross-referenced color-matching guide is available at www.NitroOneShot.com.

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #34 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 45

Product News Wilsonart Releases Latest Virtual Design Library Laminate Colors

Sapphire Jewel also offer mysteriously faceted smoky tones with geometric complexity. And, Washington Slab, Seasoned Maple and Sunken Oak join existing pattern Cocoa Marquetry, to add sophistication and variety to Wilsonart’s wide collection of wood grains.

counter support. This bracket can be utilized for

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #35

install of fascia so that only the support is

Grape Jelly, Green Tourmaline and Lolite. These join existing patterns Quince, Kale Leaf, Blue Curacao and Radiant Brass as bold, exotic hues that derive depth from the graphic Crossweave pattern. Emerald Jewel, Amethyst Jewel and

mounted to the side of studs and allows for the

hotel, hospital, school or other applications.

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #36

Federal Brace Debuts Versa Bracket Countertop/Work Surface Supports Federal Brace debuted the newest addition for the mounting of commercial work surfaces, countertops and reception areas. The Versa Bracket has a wide variety of commercial

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #17 46 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

wall applications, the Versa Bracket can be

provide long-lasting service in residential, office,

Wilsonart’s latest Virtual Design Library release,

include: Fruit Punch, Waterspout, Blue Yonder,

For a nearly invisible installation on open stud

provides solid support and is designed to

when white light diverges through a prism,

wide-ranging differences. New introductions

through the down flange into the front of studs.

exposed under the work counter. The Versa

Inspired by the broad spectrum of colors created

“Color Me Intrigued,” celebrates life’s subtle and

retrofit over pre-existing fascia by mounting

NEW IceStone Now Includes Permanent Sealing Technology NEW IceStone incorporates a permanently

treated sealing technology that enhances the traditional recycled glass IceStone surfacing material, making it a high-level performing

surface. NEW IceStone has been tested on the toughest staining agents, including: mustard,

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #18

waterproofing on the walls, it eliminates many time-consuming steps that traditional methods may require. In addition to being customizable, additional features of the shower base include a curb or curbless option and the ability to use any grate style or tile insert.

Infinity Drain Offers Custom Stainless Steel Shower Bases coffee, vinegar, black markers and lemons, and it has withstood all of them. It is now UV-protected, has superior stain resistance, is highly heat resistant, and can be installed outdoors. In addition, it will no longer require yearly maintenance and will save fabricators time and money by not having to reseal. Once it’s been sealed, it will never need to be sealed again. NEW IceStone also has increased recycled content, reducing its carbon footprint by 21 lbs. of carbon dioxide. IceStone is Cradle to Cradle certified, provides LEED credits and is NSF-certified.

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #37

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #38

Infinity Drain, a manufacturer of architectural and decorative drains, is now offering its new Custom Stainless Steel Shower Base, designed to be a game-changing option for commercial bathroom installation. The Custom Stainless Steel Shower Base is guaranteed for life against waterproofing failure. If the product should develop a leak, Infinity Drain will bear the cost of labor, removal and replacement, as well as will restore the installation with the same “like and kind” materials originally used. The new shower base also reduces the amount of time required to install a bathroom shower and decreases the need for trade coordination. Because it is ready to tile, pre-sloped and does not require additional

Kuartz Surfaces Introduces New Quartz Line, Vanity Tops Kuartz Surfaces has established a North American manufacturing line for its quartz surfacing slabs and fabricated vanity tops. Manufactured in Monterrey, Mexico, the quartz slabs come in eight colors: Calacatta Vienna, Calacatta Black, Pure White, Iced White, Galaxy Gray, Galaxy White,

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #19 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 47

Product News Snow White and Carrara. The vanities come with poured, composite bowls. More information is available at www.kuartzsurfaces.com.

world. The hues in the Fluidity palette are designed to integrate nature and technology into the human experience.

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #39

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #40

Hot Sauce Software Launched

by Ignite Consulting Group

Formica Introduces New Brushed-Metal Laminate Designs Aluminum and Stainless are two new realistic brushed-metal designs from Formica. They are paired with the reflective Brush finish and are now part of the Fluidity palette of SurfaceSet® 2020. As physical and digital lines blur, the company believes these colors allow technology to enhance experiences derived from the natural

Ignite Consulting Group (ICG), designer and developer of Hot Sauce, the comprehensive, easy-to-use software system that can boost profit immediately, has partnered with Stone Services Group (SSG) to officially launch what it considers to be a revolutionary product. The idea is to make upselling in countertop/surfacing businesses easier. The system is entirely turnkey with pre-set software built for customer interaction and purchase. It also includes more than 50 unique upsell items collected over the years to immediately add profit. More than 75 percent of the items in the collection have no cost of goods and generate pure earnings.

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #41

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #20 48 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Antolini Offers New Elegant Brown Natural Stone Bright red brush strokes alternate between gray, green, and black in a coil of colors in Elegant Brown from Antolini. Because of the scenographic effect created by the alternation of chromatic elements, this extraordinary quartzite can be used as a decorative piece of art or to bring a defined elegance to the home. This exclusive stone is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications because of its sturdy and compact nature.

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #42

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #21

Classifieds YOUR AD [could be here]

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?

That’s right, relevant classifieds in this

publication are free to ISFA fabricator members! Just send us the text you’d like to run and we’ll do the rest.

Email us today at editor@isfanow.org.

For those of you who are not fabricator members, email kevin@isfanow.org or call (815) 721-1507 to get a quote.

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS#22 ISFA Member since 2015

Ad Index Referral Page Number Number

Referral Page Number Number

Referral Page Number Number

08 BACA Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . 15

03 ConfiAd Adhesives. . . . . . . . . . 5

11 LPI Laser Products

17 Beckart Environmental, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

17 CountertopResource.com. . . 34

Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

01 GlueWarehouse.com

. . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover

02 MSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

19 Betterley Industries. . . . . . . . . 47

04 Park Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

20 BVC Group (Better Vacuum Cups) . . . . . . 48

07 HanStone Quartz . . . . . . . . . . 13

18 Chemcore Industries . . . . . . . 46

13 ISFA Membership. . . . . . . . . . 40

21 Chemcore Industries . . . . . . . 48

25 IWF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

06 TISE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

22 Cohui. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

23 Karran USA. . Inside Back Cover

15 Water Treatment Solutions. . . 35

14 Colonial Saw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

12 Kohler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

05 Wilsonart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

24 Integra Adhesives. . . Back Cover

09 Regent Stone Products . . . . . 17 10 Sasso USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • 49

From the President From the Desk of Augie Chavez, ISFA President

Approaching the Future Together And just like that another year has come to a

they will bring to the table. That said, I want to

and on to the ’20s.

board for their time, effort and input in making

close. We are out of the “teens” of this century When I was in my 20s is when I entered

thank each and every member of this year’s this a truly successful year.

this industry, taking on a part-time job while

For those board members that will be leaving us

become my career. Thirty some years later I still

I want them to know that we are all truly grateful

attending college. I had no idea that it would

after having served the association so diligently,

enjoy making counters and being involved in

for their shared knowledge and experience, and

projects.

they will certainly be missed.

Being president of ISFA this past year has

Although our departing board members

great people along the way and have visited

is the constant influx of different points of view,

amazing work. I am humbled and honored to

the industry that light the path toward continued

president again for 2020.

take a greater part in the future of ISFA and be

Through the efforts of our dedicated board of

free to contact any of the current directors. Or,

been a wonderful experience. I have met many

deserve our thanks, we must remember that it

with numerous fabricators that are doing

ideas, backgrounds, skills and understanding of

be re-elected by the ISFA Board of Directors as

progress. So, if any member would like to

directors, executive director and staff, ISFA

has really turned a page and is definitely on the rise. Over the course of the year, once

again our membership has grown. Additionally, we’ve held more educational events than last year, trained plenty of new fabricators and

have continued to be a solid source of relevant

information to the industry, which are all integral pieces of our mission as an organization.

Looking ahead, we have already begun to fill up the 2020 calendar with events and programs to provide many opportunities to make it an even better year than 2019.

We have new members on the ISFA Board of

Directors and look forward to the fresh outlook

50 • Vol. 12 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association

considered for a post on the board, please feel better yet, it would be great to discuss it faceto-face at one of our events.

As has been said many times by many people, the more you put into your association, the

more you will get from it. Attending our events around the country, or even the international

experience. Now is the time to get things in order. ISFA is a great resource to help businesses prepare for the possible hard times to come.

The industry roundtable meetings we hold address topics that are relevant to all, big or small, and are a place to compare notes and best practices. Training classes are also available to bring employees up to speed on fabricating techniques. Our Gen2 roundtable meetings help in making the transition for second (or third) generation companies.

Additionally, next year we will also be having more tailored roundtables for specific topics, and we are bringing back our Million Dollar Mentor program to help newer businesses pair up with veterans to bolster their capabilities and increase access to information. We can take solace in knowing that together we can weather any potential storm.

I wish continued success to all of our members in the upcoming years, and the industry as a whole. I hope to see you at an upcoming event, or receive your thoughts in my inbox.

events we have been regularly holding, is a

great way to truly understand the benefits as well as help to improve the industry to the benefit of us all.

And while things are going well right now, some experts have been forecasting a potentially dark economic cloud on the horizon. This is all the more reason to get involved and

take advantage of the group knowledge and

Augie Chavez, ISFA President augie@geckosss.com

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #23 ISFA Member since 1998

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #24

ISFA Member since 2003