ISFA’s Fabrication Training Sessions Draw Attendees to Tennessee, Texas

ISFA members gathered in late February in Knoxville, Tennessee, for a mineral surfaces training event to participate in hands-on fabrication instruction and demonstrations. A rising category, mineral surfaces include porcelain, sintered and ultra-compact materials. Expert trainer Alexandre Stepanov was on hand to guide the course and provide best practices for successful fabrication.

To kick off the event, BB Industries hosted the group for strategy and informational sessions at their headquarters. The group also toured local fabricator Smokey Mountain Tops and got a firsthand look inside Crossville Tile’s automated manufacturing center in nearby Crossville, Tennessee.

At Crossville Tile, attendees were introduced to the porcelain tile manufacturing process, from combining the initial ingredients like sand and other materials to curing the raw tiles in a long, hot kiln, to how the product is packaged and stored. The tour group also learned about Crossville’s recycling process.

Mineral Surfaces Trainer Alexandre Stepanov leads the training course in Knoxville, Tenn.

“This hands-on learning and training opportunity was a creative way for fabricators to learn more about some of the most popular surfaces today,” said BB Industries CEO Rick Stimac. “We were glad to host the group and get to see both some familiar and new faces at our offices. Partnering with Smokey Mountain Tops and Crossville offered the group an educational and fun experience. We appreciate everyone involved, including trainer Alexandre Stepanov and ISFA, for including BB Industries in this great learning experience.”

“ISFA is dedicated to delivering the tools and resources fabricators need to find success,” added Nancy Busch, executive director of ISFA. “Providing opportunities to learn more about mineral surfaces, a rising category in terms of popularity, is just one of the ways we arm our members with ways to grow their businesses. Thanks to our partners, BBI and Crossville and Smokey Mountain Tops, for making this event a terrific success.”

In addition to mineral surfaces training in February, ISFA hosted a sold surface training event in March in San Antonio. Sponsored by Aristech Surfaces, the hands-on, two-day session provided attendees with the skills and knowledge in all facets of the fabrication process, including layout, templating, seaming, support, sanding, edges, cutouts, backsplashes, thermoforming, finishing and installation. Participants completed a vanity application which includes an integral bowl sink, built-up edge profile, edge inlay, and examples of coved and set-on style backsplash.

Students at a recent on-site solid surface fabrication training event work to complete their hands-on project.

Additional training events are scheduled for the following dates:

Solid Surface Fabrication Training

• June 6-7, Lakewood, Wash.

• August 8-9, San Antonio

Mineral Surfaces Fabrication Training

• September 13-14, Massillon, Ohio

ISFA also provides on-site training upon request for those fabrication companies seeking to train multiple staff members. ISFA will bring the trainer, materials and some tools to any fabrication company in North America that signs up for the on-site option. In 2023, ISFA has scheduled or completed more than 10 onsite sessions serving fabricators from California to Rhode Island.

Anyone interested in ISFA’s training program can find more information at www.ISFAnow.org.