ISFA's Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Vol. 14, Issue 2

CREDITS

Editor:

Sarah Peiper

Contributors:

Matthew Bodoff

John Topic

Rick Wing

Paul “Max” Le Pera

Nancy Busch

Steve Mast

Proofreader:

Nancy Mueller-Truax

Design:

V2 Marketing & Management

Printing and Distribution: LSC Communications

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE

Countertops & Architectural Surfaces (ISSN 2372-9821) is published quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), with a fifth edition, a Buyers Guide, publishing in October.

Individual copies of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine are available at the nonmember newsstand price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine is also available by annual subscription (five issues) for $30.00. ISFA members receive a complimentary annual subscription with every membership renewal. Special rates and charges apply for orders outside of the United States. To subscribe, call (888) 599-ISFA.

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.

Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine is proudly printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’s written content.

Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine and the International Surface Fabricators Association assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Opinions expressed by contributors in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine or the International Surface Fabricators Association, but rather those of the individual writers.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos in this publication may not depict proper safety procedures for creative purposes. ISFA and Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine support the use of proper safety procedures in all cases and urge readers to take steps to institute such procedures.

Photography/graphics provided by:

Aristech Surfaces

Artistic Tile

ASST

BACA Systems

Caesarstone

Cambria

Chemical Concepts

Corian

Crossville

Dekton

Formica

Granquartz

Karran

Laminam

Lapitec

Laser Products Industries

Meganite

Moraware

MSI

Park Industries

SA International

Southco

surfaceLAB

Willis

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

LSC Communications

c/o Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine 3401 Heartland Drive Liberty, MO 64068

FEATURES

12 Dedicated to Craftsmanship: The Academy at Cambria

Quartz giant stays on the cutting edge with education program 16

Tools and Cutting Solutions

The latest and greatest in tooling solutions that will help you stay a cut above the rest

25

Supply Chain Challenges Persist

From chemical production shortages to shipping delays and what it means for your business 32 Refor ming Sustainability and the Infinite Economy

The divergent path of the infinite economy affords opportunity within sustainable practices 34 ISFA Fabricator Profile: ASST Goes Above and Beyond

Core values, innovation and technology lead ASST to new heights

DEPARTMENTS

COVER PHOTO

Cambria's Dan Mithun fabricates an island with two water gables, which features striking Skara Brae quartz.

Photo Credit: Guido Marcaccini

Making Big Moves

Just over a year ago, my husband, who is a fabricator—specifically a woodworker and master craftsman—was offered a job on the beautiful island of Maui in Hawaii. Wow!

What an opportunity had unfolded before us.

We had built a comfortable life in Kansas City for nearly twenty years—our friends, our family, our home. Could we really make this huge leap to paradise, to one of the most remote places on the planet? We’d both lived in the Midwest almost our whole lives. Landlocked.

The answer is yes. Yes, we could. And we did.

We sold our house and everything that didn’t fit in a 20-foot shipping container, and we made a big move. Life is short, and if this past year has taught us anything, it’s that being brave and living life to the fullest is, in fact, our charge as humans. The clock is always ticking.

One year in, we know this was the right thing for us. We’re healthier, happier and having a blast renovating our new (old) home. We have simplified, reorganized, recalibrated our perspective on what’s important, and learned to appreciate a slower pace. (Island time is real!)

In a way, it all led me right here to you. Sometimes you have to make big moves, embrace change, find the opportunity and reap the rewards. Say yes more often.

And now you know I am not afraid to shake things up. I hope you’ll appreciate a few changes in this edition that aim to engage and inspire. We have some new fonts at play and new approaches to creative elements and design. The pages are lighter, but more impactful and accessible.

But after poring over previous editions, it was apparent that some things are perfect just as they are. Particularly, this magazine’s mission to support and develop the manufactured surface industry—our community—is spot on. It is clear that our contributors, our advertisers and our readers are fervent about the work, and it’s the foundation from which we can all benefit.

I look forward to serving this community on behalf of the International Surface Fabricators Association. As you can imagine, I’m passionate about the doers, makers, fabricators, craftsmen, designers, artists, and all the people from every corner of a project who make ideas, concepts and designs come to life through piles of plans and clouds of dust.

If you’ve got a story idea, a cool project in the works, a fabricator who deserves the limelight, a new product—whatever it is—I’d love to hear from you. Reach me any time at Sarah@ISFAnow.org. Let’s build something amazing together.

Aloha, Sarah

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The International Surface Event (TISE)

June 16-18

Las Vegas 972-536-6440 www.intlsurfaceevent.com

ISFA Mixer

(last Thursday of every month)

Online

June 24, 7 p.m. ET 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Coverings 2021

July 7-9 Orlando, Fla. 571-313-5801 www.coverings.com

Rise and Shine with ISFA Booster Club

July 14

Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers Fair (AWFS)

July 20-23

Las Vegas 800-946-2937 www.awfsfair.org

Countertop Market Trends Webinar Presented by Park Industries Online

July 28, 1 p.m. CT Register at www.parkindustries.com/trends

ISFA Mixer

(last Thursday of every month) Online

July 29, 7 p.m. ET 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Virtual Shop Tour

Sponsored by Park Industries TBD SHOP Online

August 11, 1-2 p.m. ET 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Solid Surface Fabrication Training

August 10-12

GECKO SSS

San Antonio, Texas

HD Expo & Conference

August 24-25 Las Vegas 888-769-7861 www.hdexpo.com

ISFA Mixer (last Thursday of every month) Online

August 26, 7 p.m. ET 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Virtual Shop Tours (held monthly)

Sponsored by Park Industries TBD SHOP Online

September 8, 1-2 p.m. ET 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

POLYCON

September 13-15

Salt Lake City www.polyconevent.com

Rise and Shine with ISFA Booster Club

September 15

The International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings (Cersaie) September 27-October 1 Bologna, Italy (39 05) 3681-8111 www.cersaie.it

ISFA Mixer

(last Thursday of every month) Online

September 30, 7 p.m. ET 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Marmomac 2021

September 29-October 2

Verona, Italy (39 04) 5829-8561 www.marmomac.com

NeoCon

October 4-6 Chicago 312-527-7583 www.neocon.com

ISFA Virtual Shop Tours (held monthly) Sponsored by Park Industries TBD SHOP Online

October 6, 1-2 p.m. ET 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Annual Conference & Meeting Sponsored by GranQuartz, Park Industries, Infinity Surface, Crossville, and Integra Adhesives October 18-20 Rancho de los Caballeros Wickenburg, Ariz. 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Mixer (last Thursday of every month) Online

Oct. 28, 7 p.m. ET 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo (WMS) November 4-6 Mississauga, Ontario Canada 319-389-3352 www.woodworkingnetwork.com/ events/woodworking-machinerysupply-conference-and-expo

EDUCATION CONNECTION

DEDICATED TO CRAFTSMANSHIP:

The Academy at Cambria

By Sarah Peiper

As a quartz manufacturer, Cambria is dedicated to quality. As a fabricator, Cambria is dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship.

Headquartered in Minnesota, Cambria operates five fabrication shops across the country, and along the way, the company has developed best practices that keep those shops running with outstanding efficiency and precision. This knowledge is offered as coursework via the Academy at Cambria. What began in 2004 now includes a full catalog of resources and customizable classes all led by a team of five instructors who represent over 90 years of experience in the industry.

“We are fabricators,” said Emily Kanz, field marketing specialist for Cambria. “We implemented vertical integration. Not only do we own the mine where we source our quartz, but we manufacture the product, fabricate it, install it, and offer the service to maintain the material. Taking that a step further, we offer learning opportunities for partners who want to expand their knowledge of fabrication and installation.”

“We learn from the market just like the market learns from us,” said Cory Eccles, field training manager for Cambria. “That’s collaboration. The

only way you can stay on top of the industry is by listening and responding.”

When a shop signs up for the academy, Cambria will do what they call a deep dive. “We’ll take a look at what you want to learn about and work with you to make sure we’re covering all the bases,” said Eccles. “Then we layer in our experience to see where you are at and help you get to where you want to be. It’s specific to your business needs.”

The Academy at Cambria is always evolving based on the needs of the industry. But there are a few things that are consistent best practices. Preinspection, layout detail, cutting guidelines and finish work are some common points of interest.

Preinspection

Cambria believes that the process of preinspecting slabs is crucial. The time you invest reviewing your material can help you yield the most out of your slabs.

Since the material can have natural variation, review your slabs with your layout in mind before you cut. If you’re cutting slabs that come with any kind of protection, make sure it’s removed before you inspect.

Layout Detail

Whether you use digital programs or physical templates, it’s important to take the time to nest your pieces on the slab and consider how and where those pieces will seam. Determine how the vein flow will appear in the finished product. This can help you maximize the yield of your slabs.

Cambria realizes that every shop is different, and some will perform layouts manually and some digitally. Cambria is always working toward making their partners’ job easier. “A new program we offer to our fabrication partners is our layout service,” said Kanz. “If they don’t have Slabsmith or Taglio and they have a big project coming, they can contact us, we’ll lay it out for them and send them the CAD files.”

Cutting Guidelines

When cutting any quartz product, the Academy at Cambria team points out four main areas to consider: making relief cuts, ordering cuts, bed maintenance, and blade speed and feed.

For example, relief cuts need to be started off the slab and run through the slab. No plunge cuts. Ordering and numbering cuts maximizes the efficiency of your machines.

Bed maintenance and machine maintenance shouldn’t be ignored. If tools are off, so is the finished product. Blade speed and feed has many factors depending on the size and shape of the machine, horsepower, size or even brand of blade, thickness of the material, and more. It’s a unique approach to each situation, so be aware of the variables.

EDUCATION CONNECTION

Final Inspection & Finish Work

Final inspection is an important part of the production process, and it shouldn't be ignored. The Academy at Cambria team urges fabricators to dry fit miters and take one last look at the product prior to it leaving the shop. This ensures that you catch any imperfections, and you can perform any finish work prior to installation. Making this a required part of your production process increases the overall quality of your finished product.

Unique Applications: Challenge Accepted

So what happens when you get a project that requires applications you’ve never attempted before? Architects and designers can dream up things that often defy reality such as unique approaches to shower surrounds, backlighting, fireplaces, stair treads and risers, and more.

Cambria is here to help. Their team will provide technical assistance for digital templating, miter edge assembly and other unique applications. The Cambria website is a treasure trove of information including product guides, CAD/BIM design files, CSI guidelines and installation guides, just to name a few.

“Having the academy at Cambria is a collaborative learning experience between our partners and Cambria. This is important to us because we prioritize our partners,” added Kanz. “We are building a community around fabrication.”

Interested in the Academy at Cambria? Call (507) 931-3160 to speak with a member of the Academy team or visit www.cambriausa.com/ professionals for more information.

Caesarstone as expanded its partnership with the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) by offering its Master of Stone training free to ISFA members.

The renewed relationship will help the manufacturer continue its commitment to leading the industry in health and safety standards as IFSA recommends its members take full advantage of Caesarstone’s Master of Stone training platform, a one-of-a-kind training designed to address health and safety issues, including silica dust, in the workplace.

“Fabricators are a vital part of Caesarstone’s success, so joining ISFA in their work to help members succeed makes good business sense, but it also goes beyond that,” said Elizabeth Margles, vice president of marketing for Caesarstone North America. “It’s about working together to increase the entire industry’s understanding of how to protect all fabricators from the health and safety risks posed in the industry and to strengthen its future.”

The free Master of Stone training, launched last year, is a short series of online modules that provides a certificate upon completion. The website also offers additional helpful resources, including a safety data sheet and a 48-page updated version of the Good Practice Guide. The Good Practice Guide covers safety measures relating to occupational health and safety in a respirable crystalline silica dust (RCS) environment, including monitoring airborne dust, reducing RCS particles, personal protective equipment recommendations, cleaning and maintenance, hygiene, and other procedures.

EDUCATION CONNECTION

Become a with Caesarstone

By Sarah Peiper

Crystalline silica commonly occurs in nature as the mineral quartz, and it is found in granite, sandstone, quartzite and other rocks and sand. It is comprised of two chemical elements: silicon and oxygen. It is a component of many manufactured products in daily use such as glass, pottery and quartz surfaces as well as construction materials such as bricks, blocks, tiles, slabs, cement, ceramic and concrete.

The RCS dust created by the fabrication and manufacturing processes is hazardous, and it must be taken seriously. RCS particles are tiny enough to enter the lungs which can cause irreparable damage and can result in silicosis, an incurable, progressively disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease. Unprotected workers are also at risk for lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, and auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (according to certain schools of thought).

However, these diseases are 100 percent preventable, provided use of appropriate personal protective equipment and with the correct safety measures in place.

More than 600 fabricators in Canada and the United States have already earned their Master of Stone certificates.

“We hope every ISFA member will take Caesarstone’s Master of Stone training modules and provide access to all applicable employees so the best practices shared within the training platform become the industry standard across the globe,” said Margles.

For more information, visit mos.caesarstoneus.com.

Tools and Cut ting Solutions: NEW AND NOTABLE

Revolutionary Robotic Sawjet Technology by BACA Systems

Robolution Pro is the only robotic sawjet solution that performs miter cuts with both the saw blade and the waterjet, allowing fabricators to complete miter cuts with ease. Robolution Pro can cut inside miters, drop edge miters, and complex arc miter cuts, allowing the system to provide the flexibility to meet any design challenge. The mitering capability dramatically reduces downstream labor and manual finishing. All the miter cuts can be performed during the sawjet process resulting in accurate edges.

The Robolution Pro also compensates for variations in material thickness and warpage with BACA’s adaptive cutting technology, to produce perfect miter joints with tight glue lines.

Equipped with a powerful 26-hp saw and standard variable frequency drive (VFD), Robolution Pro excels at processing materials such as quartzite, ultra-compact slabs and porcelains. The VFD provides the ability to control the rpm of the saw blade, allowing cut parameters to be optimized for each material type that is processed.

For more information visit www.bacasystems.com

Miter X by BACA Systems

Shops all over the country are choosing the No. 1 sold dedicated mitering solution, the Miter X, to meet their needs of creating mitered edges on Dekton, Porcelain, Quartzite, and Granite. With the robust 25-hp motor, the dedicated Miter X saw makes precise mitered edges faster than any other miter saw on the market without slowing down your other production saws. By putting the polished side down on the perfectly flat table, any thickness variation in the stone will not affect the finished piece. Because the pieces are clamped down and the blade is perfectly calibrated, it minimizes chipping from blade vibration and misalignment. The Miter X is easy to use and does not require a skilled operator allowing anyone in the shop to create perfect miters.

For more information visit www.bacasystems.com.

Farnese TECHNICUT 5-Axis CNC Saw Bridge Saw from GranQuartz

The TECHNICUT CNC Saw is the latest in Top Bridge Saw Design. It is a full 5-axis CNC controlled saw fitted with side vacuum manipulators for ease of movement of the material with thickness measuring probe. It’s a fully automatic, highproducing, reliable Bridge Saw used for cutting slabs, holes for sinks, miter cuts, and it features a 360-degree rotating head.

The easy-to-use Farnese software supplied with the TECHNICUT allows for any 2-D shapes to be produced manually or by using DXF files. The spindle uses a half-inch gas connection; a rubber cutting table feature allows for reduced vibration; and the TECHNICUT is equipped with a side vacuum pad for positioning pieces while performing blind or curved cuts. An advanced digital camera makes positioning the slab easy. A standard Internet connection allows for technical service remote access for quick troubleshooting and additional online training. The TECHNICUT Saw can be ordered in either Gantry Style (side legs) or Mono Block Style. For more information visit www.granquartz.com

LT-2D3D Laser Templator from LPI

Whether it’s labor, capacity or operational costs, businesses face many challenges with growth or even keeping pace with demand and competition. The emergence of digital templating and fabrication offers several benefits and solutions to those challenges. The same fundamentals and experience from manual templating still apply with digital, just executed in a different and more efficient way allowing you to complete more jobs per week or even expand your services.

LPI’s digital templating software is designed to be extremely intuitive; CAD experience is not required. Quickly shoot any horizontal and vertical job, and then finish your file with overhangs, edge and corner profiles, sink and appliance cutouts, backsplashes, and much more—all on-site. Send jobsite photos, estimates, customer sign-offs and even CNC-ready files back to the shop directly from the jobsite to expedite the process.

For more information, visit www.laserproductsus.com.

SABERjet XP by Park Industries

Expand your productivity with the SABERjet XP, now available in a two-table option. The SABERjet XP features Hypertherm Echion 50-hp waterjet system. This, paired with 24-hp blade cutting and a 5-axis waterjet, provides unbeaten power that doubles production. The XP introduction also comes standard with an automated programming, specifically designed to cut ultra-compact, quartzite and porcelain materials with increased speed, precision and reliability.

The SABERjet’s optional VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) increases the saw’s efficiency when cutting ultra-compact surfaces and materials. This VFD option operates at a range of 1,200 to 2,500 rpm.

The small footprint, single-pick, monoblock design of the SABERjet is ideal, offering true unitized design with no bolt-on extensions resulting in extreme rigidity. The compact sawjet design requires minimal floor space and works well with low ceiling heights—only 11 ft. tall with a no-whip waterjet design.

With one of the largest mitering work envelopes in the stone industry—up to 7' x 12" slab coverage—the SABERjet XP can achieve any miter with its precision mitering blade or use its MiterJet (optional upgrade). The accuracy of the blade and jet produces flawless miter cuts allowing for tightly nested, clean, accurate parts. Arc miters? No problem. The SABERjet XP quickly and easily performs mitered cuts with its waterjet on nonlinear features or sharp 90-degree inside mitered corners in a single pass.

The SABERjet™ XP’s orthogonal cutting mode allows the machine’s blade to cut manually in any direction at

any desired angle, with a laser line guide. This cutting style allows for simple manual cuts without generating a program.

With a focus on increasing programming speed, precision and simplicity, the SABERjet XP comes with automated programming features designed specifically for cutting ultra-compact, quartzite and porcelain materials. Positioning of the machine can be controlled by using manual joysticks on the HMI or a remote pendant, which allows operators to move freely around the sawjet.

For more information, visit www.parkindustries.com

SAi Releases New EnRoute 7 CAD/CAM Software

SA International announced the newest version of EnRoute, EnRoute 7. The new software is packed with all the features of SAi’s previous version but now includes a 64-bit engine, making it faster and more productive than ever before.

It has a new, modern user interface to make workflows easier, and it includes right-click how-to videos providing instant access to training videos. SAi has also included a Cloud window in the new interface that allows customers to easily manage their account and access support along with the new EnRoute knowledge base.

Other efficiency-enhancing tools available are improved fill logistics with a no-lift option to help Z travel time as well as advanced editing tools. Additionally, EnRoute 7 now includes the flatbed distortion tool that cuts based on the location of printed fiducials, so no camera systems are needed.

For more information visit www.thinksai.com/product/ enroute

Corian Design Shares 2021 Design Trends To Make Public Spaces Private

From offices and restaurants to hotels and airports, designers are taking a close look at ways to bring privacy and comfort to public spaces.

Corian Design revealed the top 2021 design trends for making public spaces private to help create cleaner and safer spaces. Creating more comfortable, multifunctional and hygienic spaces has become a top priority, and new technologies, materials and approaches have emerged that will help reshape the face of public spaces.

Airports: The travel industry was hit hard in 2020, and people will be hesitant to travel again until these spaces are considered safe — even well after the pandemic is contained. Airport cleanliness will be paramount, especially the restrooms. For example, restrooms that include Privacy Plus

Partitions, made with Corian Solid Surface in the LaGuardia Airport have provided patrons with peace of mind through custom-designed restroom stalls that boast privacy, cleanability and elegance. While things like bathrooms may seem trivial, they are often the first stop at an airport for passengers and will continue to be one of the most important spaces to keep clean and comfortable.

Offices: Building barriers between workers, capitalizing on outdoor spaces, and choosing the right surface materials are just a few ways architects and designers are creating new office spaces that keep employees safe, comfortable and productive. Surfaces with high cleanability will continue to grow

in popularity, including nonporous materials, like Corian Solid Surface that dramatically helps improve hygiene with far fewer spots for germs and bacteria to hide. In addition to choosing the right materials, diligent cleaning of frequently touched surfaces in the office, such as desks, office kitchens and restrooms, has become a major consideration when it comes to the long-term durability of materials.

Restaurants: Many companies have implemented full rebranding efforts that harken back to a 70s retro feel. These rebranding efforts extend into their physical spaces and ensure form is matching function by increasing drive-through capacity, enhancing digital and online ordering experiences, and creating additional outdoor seating spaces. Businesses with tables that are spaced 6 ft. apart or leverage drive-through, delivery, take-out, or curbside pickup, foster a secure environment and establish trust with customers.

Hotels: From creating social suites for people to take private meetings in the lobby, to increased cleaning and maintenance protocols to ensure each room is sanitized before guests arrive, hotels need to reimagine shared spaces. For 2021, architects and designers are looking to heavily index on the human health aspects of their hotel designs. Some hotels have introduced disinfectant sprays that require the room to be left untouched for a minimum of three hours. Others are requiring rooms stay vacant for 24 hours after guests leave to allow for the correct cleaning procedures to be followed.

“Where open concept floor plans and communal spaces once reigned supreme, architects and designers are now looking at how to redefine privacy,” said Katie Congress, commercial marketing leader, Corian Design. “Creating safe, private and clean places that offer peace of mind for people will play a significant role in how we reopen public spaces.”

For more information, visit www.corian.com.

IN THE INDUSTRY

Coverings Announces Program Highlights for Orlando Event

Coverings, the largest international tile and stone exhibition and conference in North America, announced programs that will take place during the tile and stone showcase, which will be held July 7-9, in Orlando, Fla., at the North Hall of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).

Features returning to Coverings for 2021 include international pavilions, tile and stone exhibits from around the globe, live installation demonstrations, Coverings Installation and Design (CID) Awards, Rock Stars and complimentary educational opportunities.

Complimentary educational opportunities will include Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and feature sessions, demonstrations, roundtables, live interviews with industry thought-leaders, and industry forums. Coverings’ top-rated education is geared to provide attendees with the knowledge, solutions and business-building resources required to excel in the tile and stone industry in 2021 and beyond.

“We are mindfully and actively planning a full tile and stone on-site experience that will supply those who attend Coverings 2021 in person with the products, knowledge and connections they need to advance their businesses and sales,” said Jennifer Hoff, president of Taffy Event Strategies, the event planning company for Coverings.

The always popular Coverings 2021 Installation Demonstration Stage will return to offer attendees the opportunity to observe live, interactive showcases

A Living, Breathing … Building?

In Santiago, Chile, architect Ricardo Stein designed a hotel that could not only visually reproduce a forest inside a city but could also function like a forest by purifying the air—an artificial living organism. This building produces as much oxygen as 1.5 hectares of forest and was the first building to actively combat South America’s pollution in Chile’s capital.

Laminam’s bioactive surfaces were selected by Stein, who specializes in eco-sustainable buildings. He

of cutting-edge tile installation techniques. This experiential programming will engage attendees representing all professional trade segments and deliver a holistic view of the tile industry’s standards and best practices.

“We have received feedback from many of our members that they are extremely excited about attending Coverings 2021 in Orlando this year,” said Rick Church, executive director of the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA). “They are looking forward to seeing the event’s incredible products, connecting with national and international suppliers, and discovering ground-breaking trends, techniques and tips they can use to grow their businesses.”

Coverings 2021 and NWFA’s 2021 Wood Flooring Expo, for the first time, will be co-located at the OCCC. Coverings 2021 will be held in the OCCC’s North Hall, and NWFA’s Wood Flooring Expo will be held in the South Hall. Attendees who register for either event will have access to both exhibit halls.

Coverings’ organizers, the OCCC and the event’s vendor partners are fastidiously considering and planning health, cleaning and safety measures for Coverings 2021. A webpage on the Coverings website has been dedicated to address the health and safety of exhibitors and attendees, and the page will continue to be updated leading to the event. For more information, visit www.coverings.com

wanted an architectural element that could aesthetically evoke nature in an artificial area while actively fighting pollution. Laminam’s ceramic claddings have a cutting-edge feature that allows them to sanitize the environment and purify the air wherever they are installed. This feature can be used with additional products for antibacterial and self-cleaning properties. Find out more at www.laminam.com.

IPS Adhesives Reduces Lead Times in Response to Increased Customer Demand

IPS Adhesives announced a reduction in lead times for their North America Integra Adhesives and SCIGRIP structural lines of business. Integra Adhesive brand products are returning to a twoweek lead time on new orders. SCIGRIP bulk adhesives in drums and pails will be at three-week lead time, while cartridges remain on a four-week lead time.

Both Integra and SCIGRIP lead times were negatively affected in 2020 due to consolidation efforts between two facilities in North America. The operation and customer service teams have worked diligently to make internal changes to improve

response and manage customer expectations.

IPS Adhesives is aware of several shortages and supply chain issues occurring in early 2021. In an effort to minimize these disruptions to customers, they have strategically procured ahead in key areas of raw materials.

Scott McDowell, president of IPS Adhesives, said, “Delivery and fulfillment of quality adhesives are a top priority for us. We understand how critical it is for our customers to reliably receive IPS Adhesives products on time with good quality. We are excited to be able to serve our customer with quicker delivery times again.”

Lotte Chemical To Commercialize Carbon Capture Technology by 2023

Lotte Chemical has become the first Korean petrochemical company to launch a project to develop carbon dioxide capture and utilization technology (CCU) using gas separation membranes. The move is aimed at responding to regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the cost of purchasing carbon emission rights.

Lotte Chemical announced that it installed a CCU verification facility that uses gas separation membranes at its first plant in Yeosu, South Korea,

in March 2021. The company aims to complete commercialization facilities by 2023 after collecting and analyzing data and evaluating NOx effects.

After commercialization, the company plans to collect more than 60,000 tons of carbon dioxide a year, use it as a production material for polycarbonate products, and make dry ice and raw materials for semiconductor cleaning liquid and sell them to nearby small and medium-sized chemical companies.

Natural Stone Institute Donates to Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. Program

The Natural Stone Institute was proud to make a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation in support of its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program. The R.I.S.E. program builds 100 percent mortgage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. This donation was made possible by Salado.

Funds were raised via an online survey for the design community. The goal of the survey was to gain a better understanding of how design professionals prefer to access information about natural stone. Tying the survey to a charitable cause provided participants with an opportunity to give back.

Byron Davis, chief marketing officer for Salado,

commented: “Salado has a deep respect and appreciation for those who serve our country. We are honored to be able to recognize their service and sacrifices by providing monetary contributions and natural stone for two homes (so far) through our membership in the Natural Stone Institute in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program.”

Jane Bennett, Natural Stone Institute executive vice president, added: “We are grateful to Salado for helping make this donation possible. The information from this survey will be used to further our education efforts to the design community. The fact that we were able to give back through this effort makes it even more meaningful.”

IN THE INDUSTRY

The International Surface Event Opens Registration for June Event

Online registration is now open for The International Surface Event (TISE): SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomac | TileExpo 2021, occurring at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, June 16-18.

The International Surface Event (TISE) is the largest North American floor covering, stone and tile industry event and is the premier industry marketplace for buyers, specifiers and influencers to purchase products, gain design

and trend inspiration, and develop business strategies.

New inside TISE registration for 2021, the TISE exhibits pass offers complete access to the full education program occurring on the TISE Live Main Stage on the exhibit hall floor. Also available is the 2021 + 2022 Frequent Buyers Pass which automatically registers attendees for both events and provides the benefit of additional event perks.

Find out more at www.intlsurfaceevent.com.

SolidSurface.com has launched The Corian Outlet. The new platform provides customers access to premium discounted material classified as discontinued, overstock and custom colors of Corian Solid Surface.

SolidSurface.com is recognized by industry

leader Corian Design as a channel to move aging inventory, in addition to the full lines of in production colors, while also keeping it out of landfills. This is an easy way to gain access to Corian Solid Surface discontinued designs that are still in demand.

Corian Outlet Now Available at Online Decorative Surface Marketplace

IN THE INDUSTRY

Supply hain Persist

By Matthew Bodoff

In early March, ISFA released an industry news update around supply chain issues from winter storm Uri and how it has affected the North American petrochemical supply chain, and in turn, affecting the surfacing industry. The hope was these changes would be a contained, short-lived blip in the supply chain.

In mid-March, Tecnon OrbiChem, a chemical industry research firm, published an update to show how the effects of winter storm Uri will continue to affect supply chains for months to come.

Global benzene and styrene markets continue to be affected by the shutdowns in the Gulf Coast region, and many factories have been slow to get back online. US Styrene values have increased by more than $500 per ton since the end of February. Ethlyene production saw offline rates hit at least 70 percent through February, and as much as 50 percent production capacity was still offline as of early March. Prices have risen over $300 per ton.

Glycol and other derivatives were already in short supply following the 2020 hurricane season, and this year’s winter storms have made things worse. By mid-March, almost 50 percent of the nation’s ethylene capacity was still offline.

But even before the storm, raw material prices have been steadily increasing since the fall of 2020 due to labor shortages and the COVID-19 crunch. Many suppliers haven’t returned to pre-COVID production rates.

And this isn’t just a U.S. problem. In late March, CompositesUK, a major resin industry trade association, released an updated statement highlighting the European challenges to chemical supply. They highlight that 32 chemical suppliers are on Force Majeure affecting availability in the marketplace. A normal supply of imported raw materials from China and East Asia hasn’t been available to European and North American customers because of a strong demand in China.

Exacerbating the problem is a global logistics strain with a lack of shipping containers, which are increasing freight costs and creating sea freight delays. Container freight rates have increased up to 90 percent for some shipping lanes.

Oh, and perhaps you heard about that little traffic jam in the Suez Canal in late March. Yes, that one very big ship, Ever Given, held up nearly $60 billion in global trade in just six days. By the time Ever Given was freed from its awkward position, there were more than 350 container ships queued up waiting to pass. Receiving ports and terminals will now have to work overtime to deal with the surge.

Be prepared for tight inventories, short supply and the eventual rise in prices as these supply problems ripple through the chain. Spring is the busy season for the composites, coatings and related industries, so demand has continued to be extremely strong despite shortened supplies.

So many challenges, so little time.

Willis, proud sponsor of Modernism Week 2021, features co-sponsors Corian Design and Lapitec Sintered Stone

By John Topic

Over the past four consecutive years, Willis has been proud to support the celebration and preservation of mid-century design across North America and specifically in Palm Springs, Calif. Modernism Week’s signature event is an annual celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. This exciting festival takes place in February in the Palm Springs area of Southern California.

Our partners for Modernism Week 2021 include Corian Design and Lapitec Sintered Stone.

This year we were excited to work with our two show home partners which allowed us the opportunity to showcase and assist designers and homeowners with premium decorative material solutions in various applications.

detail in the living and media room. Walls of glass all along the back of the house open out to the pool, framing brilliant views of the San Jacinto mountains.

Lapitec Sintered Stone was chosen for the kitchen countertops with full-height backsplash, buffet countertop with integrated desk, as well as the outdoor bar which continues from the kitchen countertop. The decision to use Bianco Vittoria was made due to its subtle veining aesthetics as well as Lapitec’s versatility for indoor and outdoor use.

"Sunburst Palms" featuring Corian Design

Designers Kevin Kemper and Howard Hawkes of H3K Design fully remodeled this quintessentially mid-century modern home designed by Lawrence Lapham and built for Academy Award Winner Edward “Bud” Furer in 1956. One of the most noteworthy attributes of the home is the eye-catching goldenrod yellow St. Charles kitchen, which remains fully intact and was installed by previous homeowners as part of an early 1970s renovation.

Interior designers Michael Ostrow and Roger Stoker of Grace Home Furnishings worked on a stunning 1975 Palm Springs residence by noted architect Stan Sackley. The home features a signature see-through fireplace with stacked stone

While designing this home, Kevin and Howard immediately started incorporating Corian® Design materials. Corian® Quartz was used for the kitchen countertops and vanities as well as Corian Solid Surface for a unique custom vanity in the Casita which featured a Corian® Solid Surface integrated sink. Corian® Endura™ was chosen for the outdoor kitchen countertops for its durability and UV resistance — a must have for its location and exposure to the sun.

TAKE THE TOUR

Want to see more of these projects?

Seventies Sackley: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v= T3yutGBgxoQ

Sunburst Palms: https://youtu.be/ TxHrqyWL54k

"Seventies Sackley" featuring Lapitec Sintered Stone

IN THE INDUSTRY

A complexTHERMOFORMED Curtain Wall in a Sacred Place

By Rick Wing

When JVC Architects in Las Vegas contacted the design team at surfaceLAB to help determine if their complex concept for a solid surface curtain wall could be thermoformed and seamlessly installed at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church located in North Las Vegas, it was a substantial project to design and fulfill.

surfaceLAB began by creating a 3-D printed scale model of the component panels to determine feasibility, fit and function of the panels. Once they established constructability, which employed their proprietary solid surface thermoforming process called complexTHERMOFORM, they submitted samples for review. The final material selected for this project was Porcelanosa’s Krion solid surface. complexTHERMOFORM employs state-ofthe-art 5-axis CNC modeling and machining of compound tooling and thermoformed solid surface component pieces, many times creating multiple thermoformed segments requires precise nesting and fitment. These compound curved surfaces are expertly CNC cut, then seamlessly bonded, and finally surface blended with expert craftmanship to fulfill the clients design requirements.

Before the complexTHERMOFORMED panels were installed, a mounting system was supplied by Dave Sommer of Modfacade. The Nvelope NV3 Mounting System, typically used for exterior façade applications, was applied for this interior installation.

surfaceLAB provided over 90 30" x 72" complexTHERMOFORMED panels which were installed from the floor base up in a bricklayer pattern. Every vertical and horizontal seam needed to be matched by contour perfectly to complete a seamlessly bonded joint in both directions.

Once these panels were installed and all seaming was complete, surfaceLAB began the arduous two-week process of sanding and blending every

seam to a matte-finished detail. This entire process was completed for both the right and left sides of the Curtain Wall.

The intent from the beginning was for surfaceLAB to provide a smooth, seamless, contoured surface that was monolithic by design. They created this amazing feature on time and within budget alongside the team at Bentar Construction in Las Vegas.

Meeting their goal and purpose of the installation, surfaceLAB was able to provide an aesthetically pleasing feature wall that is an extraordinary example of a very complex solid surface application. As the focal point for the church, this Curtain Wall provides a beautiful eye-catching aesthetic in this peaceful and inspiring environment.

For more information on this project, surfaceLAB’s complexTHERMOFORMING capabilities or other advanced technologies in Solid Surface, visit www.surfacelab.us. surfaceLAB and complexTHERMOFORM (and its variations) are trademarked.

Crossville’s Commitment to Sustainability

By Sarah Peiper

When it comes to sustainability, the challenge for any manufacturer starts with understanding how they affect the environment and how they can address those issues. With current conversations around climate change, environmental impact in processes and products, waste and natural resource conservation, manufacturers realize they have an obligation to do something about it and grow in a positive direction.

Crossville has a long history of sustainable practices dating all the way back to when the company first launched its operations in 1986. The leadership team has always known that responsible manufacturing is as much about good business as it is about being green. Recycling and reusing resources saves money and helps the

environment; it’s a true win-win approach.

In 2009, Crossville launched the Tile Take-Back program, which helps collect and recycle millions of pounds of fired, postconsumer porcelain tile every year in the United States.

Through Tile Take-Back, Crossville recycles previously installed tile collected from its distribution network, as well as scraps that result from cutting during installation, sizing or sample creation. The program expanded in 2011 to include a partnership with TOTO USA to recycle pre-consumer fired porcelain toilets that do not meet quality standards. Prior to the partnership, these cast-offs were being sent to landfills for disposal, but now they have been recycled to manufacture new tile.

By March of 2011, Crossville became a net consumer of waste, meaning they recycle more waste into new products than they generate through their

IN THE INDUSTRY

manufacturing processes—a giant leap in the right direction.

In 2018, Crossville launched the product series, Retro Active 2.0, which was the first tile to be certified as environmentally friendly. One step further, it was the recipient of the Living Product Challenge Petal Certification, a recognition program led by the International Living Future Institute.

The Living Product Certification Program includes 20 different imperatives, called petals, and this program has been adopted by a variety of leading manufacturers across all industries. The application process alone is quite an achievement, and the overall result emphasizes how committed Crossville is to make a positive impact on the environment.

Crossville sees that manufacturing sustainable materials is an opportunity to grow the business and get ahead of consumer trends—to be a relevant source for responsible products. Using the Living Product Challenge framework, consumers can choose products that are free of toxins and created in a conscientious way. For Crossville, the Living Product Challenge was about finding the balance between doing the right thing and delivering on what the market is asking for.

Every piece of tile Crossville produces contains recycled material. Each tile is produced with clean, recycled water to lessen the demand of new materials and water supply. As a matter of fact, Crossville reuses more than 99 percent of water used in manufacturing processes.

In addition, Crossville has earned Green Squared certification from the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) for its entire U.S.-manufactured porcelain product lineup as well as its manufacturing processes. The company is one of the first recipients of this certification standard for the tile industry. TCNA developed the Green Squared certification under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process.

Crossville constantly monitors Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards to ensure their sustainable products and practices meet or exceed requirements set by the U.S. Green Building Council.

In 2020, Crossville recycled 4,939,251 lbs. of fired porcelain, bringing the company’s cumulative recycling total to more than 139 million lbs. since the launch of the Tile Take-Back program and subsequent TOTO USA recycling partnership.

All 139 million lbs. of the recycled material Crossville has diverted from landfills have been or will be introduced into the tile production process. This use of recycled material during

manufacturing results in Crossville maintaining its status as a net consumer of waste for a ninth consecutive year.

And it doesn’t stop there. In 2020, Crossville removed 2,421,873 lbs. of filtrate solids from dirty water and recycled it back into tile production.

Now floating around in Washington is the CLEAN Future Act, which will continue to drive momentum in sustainability efforts. But regardless of federal legislation, change is happening at the state level across the country where local governments are setting limits for carbon footprints and encouraging the development of products that reduce environmental impact. You can be certain Crossville aims to stay at the forefront of environmentally friendly manufacturing and product development.

For more information about all of Crossville’s sustainability practices, visit www.crossvilleinc.com/Resources/Sustainability.

Reforming Sustainability & the Infinite Economy

By Paul “Max” Le Pera

When we think of infinity, it conjures up thoughts of the size of the universe, the series of never-ending numbers in Pi, and time—all values that seem to have no limits or bounds. In science and mathematics, infinities are fatal in theory derivation and signify an error in logic and, well, it’s back to the drawing board. However, there is another aspect of infinity where approaching—not reaching—its efficacy is the goal. This aspect is perpetual motion—a seemingly uninterrupted flow that can be self-sustaining. This presents the Holy Grail for Sustainability.

Increasing in popularity in both concept and graphic use is the circular economy. The circle is a wonderful depiction of reduce, reuse and recycle— the three central pillars of sustainability. The shape supports a closed loop life cycle of products and resources, which is (theoretically) exponentially more environmentally friendly than the current linear model we see today: buy/make, use, discard, indefinitely linger and pollute.

So why then might the notion of an infinite economy be better aligned with the evolution and

projected future of sustainability? The answer is simple, and it rests in both theory and advancing technology. In theory, the infinity shape and circular shape both depict a continuum. However, the infinity shape is merely a twist of the current model which allows for a divergence of path. It suggests nonlinear velocity whereas the circular shape connotes a return to where you started as well as a linear velocity that follows a constant shape. After all, it’s not the infinity shape but just a circle, pinched at its diameter and given a 180-degree twist; even metaphorically, it’s a perfect fit.

Regarding technology, there are efforts focused on waste conversion, a sort of alchemical process to convert or upcycle waste into a valuable asset form. We see some of this today. For example, waste is burned, and the resulting heat turns water to steam, which then turns the blades of a turbine generator and voila, electricity. There are other technologies deployed, and ones soon to be, that will dramatically increase the processing capacity of waste conversion and, more importantly, in increasingly eco-friendly and economically viable process designs.

Therefore, the divergent path the infinite economy affords the future of sustainability is a model in which we add the term reform to the model. Reduce, recycle, reuse and reform. Is this semantics? Marketing? No, not at all. In fact, without the reform element woven into sustainable economic theories, the current circular model does not directly address both the energy and potential emissions/contamination hazards associated with reducing, recycling and reusing. These variables are critical to the validity and integrity of the entire sustainability framework; left unaddressed, it could be the coup de grâce to a seemingly workable model devoid of its apparent integration.

By diverting or upcycling some of the waste in the model, we can make the energy we need to fuel the model and eliminate an incessant and growing demand for virgin energy. We can make other process assets in the reforming phase that will be used to incite and or accelerate growth and prosperity of myriad businesses and industries. In fact, the reform piece can be used to address water conservation and stewardship, as potable H2O is potentially a byproduct of the mass reformation processes.

Technologies are being formulated to realize all the aforementioned; however, focus on the totality of the process paradigm and to what extent the technology and execution processes operate in and support the integrity of the model is ultimately what matters. Creating a larger carbon footprint as a result of the process execution, solving one issue but equally raising another (byproducts/ emissions), and using more energy than we’re saving are just some of the major flaws of what we are experiencing today. They are preventing a fully integrated model that is self-sustaining.

Stay tuned. The next 12 to 36 months will see some deliverance in this area. Strategies on how all our strategic partners—manufacturers, distributors, fabricators and more—can synergize efforts in a cooperative way to support and benefit

from the infinite economic model will also be systematically unveiled.

It is evident that the sustainability movement is gaining global momentum. There’s a new administration that has championed the Green New Deal; a pandemic that has created an ultra-heightened awareness around health and safety; increased initiatives around resolving natural resource devastation; a growing wave of increased social and consumer consciousness toward wanting to do the right thing for the planet; and sustainable innovation in product and process alternatives are entering the market at an increasing rate. These dynamics all work together to turn cacophony into symphony when it comes to the harmony of sustainability.

In 2021, Countertops and Architectural Surfaces magazine began to include dedicated focus around sustainability in the building materials industry with specific focus around surfacing and related raw materials. We breached the notion of the sustainable fabricator and how ISFA will continue development on our special designation, LEEF, which will elucidate how fabricators can embrace and execute on sustainability in their operations. This is a work in progress, in which growth and refinement will be highly encouraged by our manufacturer and supplier partners as they delve further into research and development in this area. It will be up to the fabricating partner to align with not only the products but also with the values of sustainability.

Something near and dear to many and at the very heart of my own personal dedication to sustainability rests in what I deem the bull’s-eye of sustainability: protecting and preserving the rights of future generations. It’s about how we can thrive and survive today without compromising the lifestyle, environment and ability for future generations to meet their needs and have a world at least as good, if not better, than we had. I do hope you will join us in this endeavor and every step, no matter how small, will contribute to the movement.

Author

Paul “Max” Le Pera is president and founder of Global Surfacing Alliance LLC, a global consortium of partnerships and ventures primarily devoted to sourcing and launching both proprietary products and disruptive technologies. He is both a member of the board and vice president of Global Standards for ISFA. He can be reached at PMaxGlobalSurfacing Alliance.com

The original content herein belongs to Paul “Max” Le Pera and shall not be reprinted without his permission.

ASST Goes Above and Beyond

Inova Loudon Hospital in Leesburg, Va., featuring Corian Cameo White and Formica Cherry. As with any large project, there are many trades working simultaneously. ASST relies on project managers to keep things moving through what can be everchanging circumstances.

Like all great success stories, it starts with an idea, a spark of something promising. Such an opportunity unfolded for Russ Berry, president and founder of ASST Beyond Surface Level Solutions. In the 1990s, he was serving as executive vice president for Allegheny Millwork. With his foresight and leadership, Allegheny diversified their custom business and eventually Berry partnered with them and started ASST in 1998. Opportunity knocked, and Berry opened the door to what is now two facilities, over 50 employees and a remarkable project portfolio that spans nationwide.

“I was lucky to work with some folks who believed in me, and believed in what we could accomplish together,” said Berry. “They allowed me to come up with a business plan to start a business … It was a gift.”

Berry uses his unique blend of proven experience in fine arts (he has an MFA in

sculpture from the University of Pennsylvania) and millwork manufacturing. Capable of understanding the complex array of components that contribute to success, Berry attracts talent with can-do attitudes, inspires a culture of accountability and innovation, and commits the ASST team to go above and beyond to meet the needs of their customers.

Berry champions the company’s core values as the root of their success. “Our values are what bond us together: integrity, customer focus, innovation and perseverance,” he said. It’s the enthusiasm they have to work as a team that builds a strong foundation upon which all areas of the business flourish.

Now over 20 years later, that business has grown to an award-winning fabrication and manufacturing outfit spanning several markets including education, retail, corporate and public spaces with a specialization in complex surface

fabrication and full architectural casework packages for the healthcare industry. They’ve developed an impressive portfolio of successful projects with highprofile contractors, architects, interior designers, and end users. Known for their innovative, patented thermoforming technologies and product designs, ASST loves to tackle what some might deem impossible.

Building a Reputation

“Our history, our expertise and probably a great deal of our reputation is principally in architectural millwork, and specifically architectural millwork made from engineered materials,” said Berry.

ASST fabricates thousands of sheets and slabs of material every month. Working with multiple surfaces enables them to diversify and offer a wider scope, certainly more than some of their competitors. Being a reliable resource for multiple scopes of work gives ASST a competitive advantage.

In 2020, healthcare accounted for 50 percent of

FABRICATOR PROFILE

their sales. Corporate/public space accounted for 31 percent, education accounted for 18 percent, while retail is less than 1 percent. (Retail took a hit last year because of the pandemic.)

Solid surfaces remain popular in healthcare because of the nonporous nature of the material. It is easy to clean and resistant to heat, chemicals and impacts. ASST is also seeing more solid surfaces in education and casework. The majority of their business is done with general contractors. There are some exceptions where they will work directly for an architect or owner. Since it’s the responsibility of the general contractor to keep costs down, the most common way to do that is minimize subcontractor fees. “Architects and Designers don’t really like that their best work is being doled out to the cheapest subcontractor,” explained Kevin Casterline, director of communications, ASST. “We are helping them realize that they have a say in who does their work by specifying ASST as their fabricator of choice.”

Embracing Technology

The ASST facilities, approximately 90,000 sq. ft. of shop space, are home to three axis CNC machines, a five axis CNC, multiple thermoforming

Ian Webb, fabricator, works second shift at ASST.

MGM National Harbor in Fort Washington, Md., featuring Corian Glacier White. This reception desk is compound thermoformed, which requires a skillful approach.

FABRICATOR PROFILE

A

Peek

Inside the ASST Trophy Case

• Washington Building Congress Craftsmanship Award. Project: Chevy Chase Pavilion Atrium, Washington, D.C.

• National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers Special Merit Award for Outstanding Store Fixture for Sony Store, New York City.

• Global Shop Award, DuPont Corian booth.

• 2020 ISFA Hall of Fame Award, Russ Berry.

tables, commercial ovens, CNC wet saws and more. Their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are developed in-house. “We don’t use our technology to say we are using the latest and greatest tech,” said Casterline. “We use technology to assist our customers and employees, for success and profitability.”

“Our IT folks are not sitting in a corner,” added Berry. “They’re an integral part of the team. They’re involved in sales, they’re involved in project management, and they know how we do the work. They understand our business and they’re part of the process.”

All ASST employees have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, and everything in the shop is QR coded. “Materials are tracked; projects are tracked. We try to maximize efficiency. It’s a streamlined operation,” said Casterline. “All of our processes are defined by our Critical Operating Events and Tasks (COET). Because of our ERP/CRM and processes, we can track our projects from the time a client was initially contacted to receiving final payment and closing the project.” Since the ERP/CRM is developed in-house, ASST has the ability to make changes to their systems and customize it to their needs. “While we embrace technology, we are not in love with it,” clarified

Casterline. “Technology is like spices and cooking— the right amount at the right time will bring everyone to the table.”

What Casterline is getting at is that technology doesn’t assume success in every application. When considering technological upgrades and software solutions, there’s a lot to consider. Will this technology bring in more customers? How will you pay for it? What is your maintenance plan? How long will it be before you need to invest in upgrades? What team members will be using it? How much training will they need? Casterline recommends a goal setting process. Everyone should understand that this technology is being deployed for specific reasons, all of which should enable better business: assisting customers, increase profitability, streamline invoicing, material supply and more. “Get feedback.

Bobbi McIntyre, fabricator and finisher, smiles through first shifts at ASST.

Binney Spiral Staircase in Boston featuring Krion Fire Red. This staircase was done for a pharmaceutical company, and it represents the helix within DNA.

FABRICATOR PROFILE

Ask your end users what they think about it and how it is working for them. Getting buy-in from your team is imperative,” added Casterline. “If you come to the realization that you cannot reach your goals with this solution, stop and re-evaluate.”

Supporting Sustainability and the Community

ASST has taken the initiative to implement recycling efforts to reduce the amount of solid surface and resin material scrap sent to the landfill. They’ve partnered with a local high school, which reuses the discarded scrap material in a meaningful and educational way. The Gettysburg Area High School Technical Education Department uses ASST offal in a variety of interesting student projects. From gears and pulleys to creating CNC machined cutting boards and signs, the students get some real hands-on experience with materials they might not be familiar with.

While many wouldn’t find a lot of use for offal or even deem it worth exploring when they consider the time it takes to repurpose, ASST is motivated to think outside the box. With a vertical seaming table that enables quick seaming and reusability, they find it saves time and money while making a meaningful impact on the environment by decreasing the amount of material that is sent to a landfill.

Staying Connected

Being involved in the industry is paramount for ASST’s success,” explained Casterline. “Sharing our experiences with other professionals helps grow the industry and helps us stay in touch with what is

UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital in Harrisburg, Pa., featuring 3 Form, Corian and Formica. From the trees to the benches to the thermoformed sinks, everything in this children’s play area was custom. ASST was proud to create a fun and healing space for children.

Philadelphia Modular Benches featuring Corian Platinum. The original benches were made from granite. A nearby skate park draws riders to the area, which can be a detriment to the benches as they grind along them. The city needed a durable material that is easily repaired.

Southfork Dental offices in Plano, Texas, featuring Porcelanosa Imperial Yellow and Corian Glacier White. The curves and lines of this unique reception desk give everyone something to smile about.

ASST’s Solid Surface Production Line in McSherrystown, Pa., is where large-capacity projects are fabricated.

Find out more about ASST at ASST.com or contact Kevin Casterline at kevincasterline@asst.com.

going on with surfaces. Pre-COVID, ASST offered shop tours for general contractors and architects. We held events where we opened our doors to competitors. Our goal is to share our experiences, learn from others and keep our brand in front of customers.” In January 2021, ASST welcomed ISFA members with a terrific virtual shop tour. Find the recorded tour on www.ISFAnow.org.

In addition, they’ve participated in roundtable events where industry professionals can discuss go-

to-market strategies, growth opportunities, design processes, fabricator education and training, shop layouts and procedures, AWI specifications and quality control standards, and more. Collaboration is key at ASST both within its walls and beyond. “It’s a great place to work when you can go out to the shop and ask, ‘Hey, how does this work?’ and everyone in the shop is willing to share their knowledge with you,” said Casterline. “There’s always something unique going on.” C

Click, Click,

By Nancy Busch, ISFA Executive Director

When you look up “Click Click Boom!” in Urban Dictionary, the first definition offered is “an expression of joy.” The second definition is “the noise a shotgun makes.” For those attending ISFA’s annual conference in October at Rancho del los Caballeros, Ariz., it just might mean both if your aim is true on the shooting range.

communication takes time and thoughtfulness to be effective. It’s about planning and listening and curating relevant content. It also means that our membership is more engaged than ever.

“Data

is what you need to do analytics. Information is what you need to do business.”

– John Owen

But there is another kind of click that seems to be taking over when it comes to doing business digitally in today’s world, and that is the almighty click of engagement.

Campaign Monitor’s research suggests the average click-through rate (CTR) for email campaigns in 2020 for all industries was 2.6 percent. According to Constant Contact, the home and building services industry has an average CTR of 7.7 percent, as of March 2021.

Maybe you’re wondering: What is a CTR? How does this work? A CTR is that singular touch that transforms a one-way piece of communication, an email message, into a two-way interactive connection. There’s some math involved. It’s calculated by taking the number of unique clicks and dividing them by the total recipients of an email and multiplying by 100. Glory be to percentages!

Using this formula and applying to our last five weekly newsletters, our average CTR is 25.4 percent. Wow! And to think our CTR one year ago averaged just over 7 percent.

Data aside, this tells me that our consistent

While having data is super helpful for developing programs and initiatives, gathering and analyzing it takes time. Taking a different approach in how we interpret the CTR data from the weekly member updates, we could start to understand what programs and events are of the most interest in real time, as members click through for more information.

Now I can’t take all the credit for figuring this out. Thanks to volunteers such as Quote & Granite Gold’s Frank Sciarrino and Cambria’s Emily Kanz. Both serve on our Events Committee and have been very generous by offering tips and communication strategies to our team. We’ve also received great feedback from sponsors like Aristech’s Jana Bartlett and Moraware’s Katherine Gifford, too. Indeed, it does take a village sometimes.

Ultimately, though, it all comes down to you and your clicks. If you see something you like, something that resonates, please give it a click. We’re listening for that meaningful metric. It matters, just like you.

Data points aside, I’m always looking for ways to increase, improve and engage. If you have feedback, suggestions or concerns, reach me any time at Nancy@ ISFAnow.org. I look forward to hearing from you.

International Surface Fabricators Association Hires New Content Manager, Editor of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Magazine

The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) has hired Sarah Peiper to lead communications and content management for the association. In addition, Peiper will serve as editor of ISFA’s flagship publication, Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine.

Peiper brings with her 20 years of experience in editorial, sales, marketing and communications with specialization in publishing. She has worked with both consumer and trade publications ranging from magazines, newspapers and books, as well as digital platforms. Peiper holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.

Prior to joining ISFA, Peiper was the director of marketing for an independent publisher and content syndication company. She began her career in editorial and page design and then branched out to sales and marketing. She has an impressive portfolio of works that spans hundreds of mastheads.

“We’re very excited to have Sarah onboard,” said Nancy

Busch, executive director of ISFA. “Her depth of experience, knowledge and content creation capabilities will complement our growing team.”

Peiper’s responsibilities include the editorial development, creation and delivery of the quarterly publication, Countertops & Architectural Surface magazine, as well as the management of all communications on behalf of ISFA. The association will lean on Peiper to create and execute communication strategies that aim to improve engagement and increase membership of what is a vital association within the manufactured surface industry.

Any press releases or related industry news can be directed to Sarah at Sarah@ ISFAnow.org. She can be reached by phone at (808) 599-ISFA ext. 3.

For more information about the International Surface Fabricators Association and Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, visit www.ISFAnow.org.

2O21

EA RLY BIRD REGISTRA September 202 ATTENTION ISFA MEMBERS!

Please join the ICPA at POLYCON 2021 September 13-15th in Salt Lake City

The Cast Polymer Industry’s PREMIER event features:

• Business development & networking opportunities

• Vendor exhibits & presentations

• Breakout sessions

• Round-table discussions

• Hands-on demonstrations

• Manufacturing plant tours

• And so much more!

ISFA members can register at the ICPA member rate! www.POLYCONevent.com

ISFA NEWS

ISFA Events & Training

Because of the ongoing uncertainty created by the pandemic and the instruction by federal, state and local officials to avoid travel where possible, ISFA’s first live event will be its Solid Surface Fabrication Training in May. All participants will be required to wear proper protective gear and social distance per COVID-19 guidelines.

ISFA Virtual Shop Tour (held monthly)

Sponsored by Park Industries TBD SHOP

Online

June 9, 1-2 p.m. ET 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Virtual Shop Tour

Sponsored by Park Industries TBD SHOP

Online

August 11, 1-2 p.m. ET 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Annual Conference & Meeting

Sponsored by GranQuartz, Park Industries, Infinity Surface, Crossville and Integra Adhesives October 18-20 Rancho de los Caballeros Wickenburg, Ariz. 888-599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Did you miss the Modern Surfaces Training Series? You can still access the recorded sessions online!

For additional information and registration options, please visit www.ISFAnow.org or email Nancy@ ISFAnow.org

Thank

You and Welcome

NEW FABRICATOR MEMBERS

5280 Stone Company, LLC

Frederick, Colo.

Arthur Luna

Montgomery, Texas

Best Home Christiansted, USVI

Bob’s Woodworking Specialties and Credit River Granite Burnsville, Minn.

RENEWING FABRICATOR MEMBERS

Bangor Wholesale Laminates

Bangor, Maine

Bisley Fabrication, Inc. Gresham, Wis.

Carefree Kitchens, Inc.

Baltimore, Md.

Carolina Stoneworx

Knightdale, N.C.

Counterscapes, Inc.

Tyler, Texas

D12 Interiors Athens, Ga.

Delorie Countertops & Doors Inc.

Pompano Beach, Fla.

RENEWING ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Aetna Plywood Inc. Maywood, Ill.

Al-Badaha Company for Modern Industries

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Aristech Surfaces, Florence, Ky.

Chintan

Ahmedabad, India

Colonial Saw Kingston, Mass.

Cosentino USA

Coral Gables, Fla.

Duda Consulting Portland, Ore.

ISFA Members

The Cabinet Depot V.I.

Charlotte Amalie, USVI

Colorado Custom Stone

Denver

Distinctive Cabinet Design

Foley, Minn.

Dustin Dreier Services Crowley, Texas

The Granite Place Inc. Burlington, Mass.

Great Lakes Stone Superior, Wis.

FLOFORM Countertops

Edmonton, AB Canada

Granite Accents, Inc. Sioux Falls, S.D.

Heft Enterprises, Inc. Covington, Ga.

INDEKO Henderson, Nev.

Indoor City Granite and Marble Lancaster, Pa.

Innovative Surfaces, Inc. Hastings, Minn.

IntelliStone, LLC

Franklin, Tenn.

Lincoln Laminating Lincoln, Neb.

Maxwell Counters, Inc. Farmer City, Ill.

DuPont

Wilmington, Del.

Durcon

Taylor, Texas

Federal Brace Belmont, N.C.

Gemstone

Elkhart, Ind.

Gluewarehouse.com Compton, Calif.

IPS Adhesives LLC Compton, Calif.

Jaeckle Distributors Madison, Wis.

Marble & Granite, Inc. Westwood, Mass.

Meganite, Inc. Ontario, Calif.

(In Alphabetical Order)

Henry H. Ross & Son, Inc.

Lititz, Pa.

Heritage Cabinets Winslow, Ind.

Lone Star Surface LLC

Texline, Texas

Patrick Industries Fontana. Calif.

Redding Countertops Inc. Redding, Calif.

Stone Concepts Inc. Omaha, Neb.

McDermott Top Shop LLC Jefferson, Wis.

MKD

Marshall, Mich.

Pierce Laminated Products, Inc. Rockford, Ill.

Precision Countertops, Inc. Wilsonville, Ore.

Rumford Stone, Inc. Bow, N.H.

The Countertop Shop Ltd. Monclova, Ohio

Top Shelf Manufacturing, Inc. Warren, Ohio

Moraware, Inc.

Reno, Nev.

MSI Surfaces

Orange, Calif.

Siom Marble & Granite Factory LLC

Sharjah, U.A.E.

Stone Cloud

Tenafly, N.J.

The Stone Collection

Dallas, Texas

Willis

Ontario, Calif.

Wilsonart

Temple, Texas

ISFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Steve Mast, President Precision Countertops (503) 660-3023

Steve.m@precisioncountertops.com www.precisioncountertops.com

Augie Chavez, Immediate Past President GECKO SSS augie@geckosss www.geckosss.com

Joe Duszka, Vice President Carolina Custom Surfaces (336) 215-5518

Joe@carolinacustomsurfaces.com www.carolinacustomsurfaces.com

Ted Sherritt, Treasurer FLOFORM Countertops (204) 474-2334

tsherritt@floform.com www.floform.com

Mike Langenderfer, Co-Treasurer

The Countertop Shop (419) 868-9101 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net

Austin Maxwell, Secretary Maxwell Countertops (309) 928-2848 austin@maxwellcounters.com www.maxwellcounters.com

Kelley Montana, Director Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing (707) 442-5918 kmontana@humtop.com www.humtop.com

ISFA CONTACTS

ISFA PO Box 627

Ingomar, PA 15127 (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Executive Director

Nancy Busch (253) 691-0169 nancy@ ISFAnow.org

Content Manager | Editor

Sarah Peiper (913) 449-2280

Sarah@ ISFAnow.org

Paul “Max” Le Pera, Director Global Surfacing Alliance (908) 358-5252 pmlp33@gmail.com

Laura Grandlienard, Director ROCKin’teriors (919) 577-0207 laura@rockinteriors.com

Rodrigo Velazquez, Director INDEKO 52 331-028-7863 rodrigo@weareindeko.com

Eric Tryon, Director Founding Member of Rockheads Group (678) 614-7111 tryonea@gmail.com www.rockheadsusa.com

Kimberly Homs, Director Great in Counters (401) 233-0666 kimberly@greatincounters.com www.greatincounters.com

Jim Callaghan, Associate Member Representative and Executive Committee Member GranQuartz (248) 660-3291 jcallaghan@granquartz.com www.granquartz.com

Joe Connolly, Associate Member Representative SASSO7 (224) 200-8004 Jconnollysassousa@gmail.com www.sassousa.com

Operations Manager

Carol Wilhite (412) 487-3207 Carol@ ISFAnow.org

Membership Administrator

Samantha Winslow (888) 599-ISFA

Samantha@ ISFAnow.org

Account Representative

Paul Wisnefski (262) 498-4184 Wisnefski@sbcglobal.net

Web/Database Administrator

Amy Kyriazis (412) 487-3207

Amy@ ISFAnow.org

Solid Surface Fabrication Trainer

Chris Pappenfort (417) 598-2390

Chris@ ISFAnow.org

Quartz/Stone Fabrication Trainer

Fred Hueston (321) 514-6845

Fred@ ISFAnow.org

ISFA Booster Club

The ISFA Booster Club is a program comprised of ISFA members committed to growing ISFA membership, benefits and programs. Each club member makes a financial contribution and participates in a quarterly conference call led by Executive Director Nancy Busch and President Steve Mast. During the calls new ideas for projects and programs to benefit ISFA members and the industry are discussed, as well as timelines for implementation. Those interested in joining can contact Nancy@ ISFAnow.org for more information.

AAA Adhesive

1226 79th St. S.

St. Petersburg, FL 33707-2719 520-954-0534

ACS International 4775 S. 3rd Ave. Tucson, AZ 85714 520-889-1933 www.acstone.com

Aetna Plywood Inc. 1401 St. Charles Rd. Maywood, IL 60153 708-343-1515 www.aetnaplywood.com

Akrilika Svobody Str., 29 Moscow 125362 Russian Federation 79119451961 www.akrilika.com

Al-Badaha Company for Modern Industries P.O. Box 126444 Jeddah 23643 Saudi Arabia 966920002964 www.albadaha.com

Alf Noon for Modern Kitchen Co. P.O. Box 54210

Al Raboua, Sari Street Beside the Municipal Airport Jeddah 21514 Saudi Arabia 966 12 275 2309

Andres O'Neil & Lowe

212 N. Defiance St. Archbold, OH 43502 419-636-5050 www.andresoneilandlowe.com

Aristech Surfaces 7350 Empire Dr. Florence, KY 41042 859-283-1501 www.aristechsurfaces.com

BACA Systems

101 Premier Dr. Orion Township, MI 48359 248-791-3060 www.bacasystems.com

BB Industries, LLC

4100 Appalachian Way Knoxville, TN 37918 800-575-4401 www.bbindustriesllc.com

Bill Barton 6131 Long Meadow Rd. McLean, VA 22101 703-624-1191

BNP Media

210 Rte. 4 E. Ste. 203 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-291-9001 www.bnpmedia.com

Breton S.p.A. Via Garibaldi 27 Castello di Godego 31030 Italy 3904237691 www.breton.it

Caesarstone US 1401 W. Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28208 818-378-2667 www.caesarstoneus.com

Cambria USA 31496 Cambria Ave. Le Sueur, MN 56058 507-665-5003 www.cambriausa.com

CaraGreen, Inc. 1406 Transport Dr. Raleigh, NC 27603 919-929-3009 www.caragreen.com

CH Briggs Co. 2047 Kutztown Rd. Reading, PA 19605 800-355-1000 www.chbriggs.com

Chemcore Industries, Inc. 5311 Fleming Ct. Austin, TX 78744 512-243-6823 or 866-243-6267 www.chemcore.com

Chemical Concepts, Inc. 410 Pike Rd. Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 800-220-1966 www.chemical-concepts.com

Chintan Corp.

901, Mauryansh Elanza, Nr. Parekh Hospital Shaymal Cross Rd.s, Satelite Rd. Ahmedabad 380 015 India 9825023859 www.neonnex.in

Chuck Sawyer 4802 Au Sable Dr. Gibsonia, PA 15044 412-213-0370

Colonial Saw 122 Pembroke St. Kingston, MA 2364 781-585-4364

www.csaw.com

Cosentino USA

355 Alhambra Cir. 10th Floor Coral Gables, FL 33134 786-812-0509 www.cosentino.com

CountertopResource.com 4904 S.E. 34th Ave. Portland, OR 97202 971-274-0403 www.countertopresource.com

Crossville Inc.

349 Sweeney Dr. Crossville, TN 38555 931-456-2110 www.crossvilleinc.com

Dal-Tile Corp. 7834 CF Hawn Frwy. Dallas, TX 75217 214-309-3162 www.daltile.com

Dixie Plywood & Lumber P.O. Box 2328 Savannah, GA 31402 912-447-7000 www.dixieply.com

Dongguan Kongder

Industrial Materials Co. Room 3006-3007, G1 Building, Hongtu Rd. Nacheng District, Dongguan Guangdong 523071 China 8613925574811 www.dgkongder.com

Duda Consulting 3601 S.W. River Pkwy. Portland, OR 97239 503-949-7738

DuPont 200 Powder Mill Rd. Wilmington, DE 19803 314-941-5179 www.dupont.com

Durasein USA

7030 Quad Ave. Ste. 3 Rosedale, MD 21237 877-771-7712 www.durasein.com

Durcon 206 Allison Dr. Taylor, TX 76574 512-595-8000 www.durcon.com

Dwyer Marble & Stone Supply 23177 Commerce Dr. Farmington Hills, MI 48335 248-476-4944 www.dwyermarble.com

Dwyer Marble & Stone Supply 5300 Broadmoor Ave. S.E. Ste. E Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-583-7025 www.dwyermarble.com

Etemplate Systems, Div of Tri-Tech 106 Wind Chime Ct. Raleigh, NC 27615 919-676-2244 www.etemplatesystem.com

Evans Midwest 11441 E. Lakewood Blvd. Holland, MI 49424 616-546-8225 www.evansmidwest.com

Evolv Surfaces 1313 Armstrong Ave. San Francisco, CA 94124 415-767-4600 www.evolvsurfaces.com

Federal Brace

710 E. Catawba St. Ste. A Belmont, NC 28012 877-353-8899 www.federalbrace.com

GEM Industries 5030 N. Hiatus Rd. Sunrise, FL 33351 954-749-1228 www.gem-industries.com

Gemstone 2040 Industrial Pkwy. Elkhart, IN 46516-5411 574-294-8899 www.gemstonesinks.com

Gluewarehouse.com

455 W. Victoria St. Compton, CA 90220 www.gluewarehouse.com

Granite Gold Inc.

12780 Danielson Ct. Ste. A Poway, CA 92064

858-499-8934 www.granitegold.com

GranQuartz

3950 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, GA 30093 800-458-6222 granquartz.com

Groves Inc.

818 Trakk Ln. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-337-9780

www.groves.com

Hallmark Building Supplies

901 Northview Rd., Ste. 100 Waukesha, WI 53188

800-642-2246 www.hllmark.com

Hey Remodelers

402 Pequot Ave. #772 Southport, CT 06890 203-993-6676

www.heyremodelers.com

Hyundai L&C USA

2839 Paces Ferry Rd. Ste. 1100 Atlanta, GA 30339

888-426-9421 www.hyundailncusa.com

IceStone LLC

63 Flushing Ave. Unit 283 Building 12 Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-624-4900 www.icestoneusa.com

Ignite Consulting Group

450 N. Addison Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126

630-606-8055 www.hotsauceyourtops.com

INEOS Composites

5200 Blazer Pkwy. Dublin, OH 43017

614-790-2078 www.ashland.com

InnoChem/Akemi

160 Candlewyck Dr. Avondale, PA 19311 www.akemi.com

IPS Adhesives LLC

455 W. Victoria St. Compton, CA 90220 604-850-1321 www.integra-adhesives.com

Jaeckle Distributors

4101 Owl Creek Dr. Madison, WI 53718 608-838-5400 www.jaeckledistributors.com

Joanna Duggan

47 E. Lock Ln., Unit 7 Richmond, VA 23226

Karran USA - Plexicor USA

P.O. Box 667 1291 East Ramsey Rd. Vincennes, IN 47591 410-975-0128 www.karran.com

Kohler Co. P.O. Box 899 Kohler, WI 50344 920-457-4441 www.kohler.com

Krion Solid Surface Ctra. Villarreal-Puebla De Arenoso Km 1 12540 Villarreal Spain 34964506464 www.krion.com/en/

Laminam 156 State St. Boston, MA 02109 289-924-0394 www.laminamusa.com

Lapitec Via Bassanese 6 Vedelago 310503 Italy www.lapitec.com

Laser Products Industries, Inc. 1344 Enterprise Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 630-755-5402 www.laserproductsus.com

LG Hausys America Inc. 900 Circle 75 Pkwy. Ste. 1500 Atlanta, GA 30339 678-535-4113 us.lghausys.com

LOTTE Chemical 6 Centerpointe Ste. 100 La Palma, CA 90623 714-443-0964 www.lottechem.com

Marble & Granite, Inc. 270 University Ave. Westwood, MA 02090 781-915-1250 www.marbleandgranite.com

Meganite, Inc. 1461 S. Balboa Ave. Ontario, CA 91761 909-391-8886 meganite.com

Mirage Granito Ceramico s.p.a DBA Infinity Via Giardini Nord 225 Pavullo Nel Frignano Modena 41026 Italy 39 0536 329322 www.infinitysurfaces.it

Moksh Tech #1204, Pushpak Landmark Bldg., Near Titanium City Center, Anand Nagar Rd. Prahlad Nagar Ahmedabad - 380 015 India 3012522673 www.mokshcad.com

Moraware Inc. 13125 Welcome Way Reno, NV 89511 866-312-9273 www.moraware.com

MSI Surfaces 2095 N. Batavia St. Orange, CA 92865 www.msisurfaces.com

Natural Stone Institute

380 E. Lorain St. Oberlin, OH 44074 440-250-9222 naturalstoneinstitute.org

Ollin Stone 301 E. Ball Rd. Anaheim, CA 92805 714-535-0800 www.ollinstone.com

Pacific Shore Stones 10220 Metropolitian Dr. Ste. A Austin, TX 78758 512-568-0649 www.pacificshorestones.com

Park Industries P.O. Box 188 St. Cloud, MN 56302 320-251-5077 www.parkindustries.com

Parson Adhesives Inc. 3345 Auburn Rd. Ste. 107 Rochester Hills, MI 48309 248-299-5585 www.chromalok.com

Princeton Chemical Company 7030 Quad Ave. Ste. 3 Rosedale, MD 21237 877-778-6878 www.princetonchemical.com

Pure Surfaces/Basix Surfaces West 16411 Carmenita Rd. Cerritos, CA 90703 704-702-0441 www.pure-surfaces.com

PWI

7930 W. 1000 N. Nappanee, IN 46550 574-646-2015 www.pwiworks.com

Quote Countertops

11811 N. Tatum Blvd. #3078 Phoenix, AZ 85028 619-726-7660 www.quotecountertops.com

Regent Stone Products

2656 Quality Ct. Virginia Beach, VA 23454 800-624-8210 www.regentstoneproducts.com

Relang International, LLC, Durasein USA

7030 Quad Ave. Ste. 3 Rosedale, MD 21237 877-771-7712 www.durasein.com

ISFA ASSOCIATE MEMBER DIRECTORY

RouterBitsNow

1226 79th St. S.

St. Petersburg, FL 33707-2719 520-954-0534 www.routerbitsnow.com

Sasso USA

220 N. Smith St. Ste. 414 Palatine, IL 60067 224-200-8004 www.sassousa.com

Schechner Lifson Corp. 4 Chatham Rd. Summit, NJ 07901 908-598-7813 www.saferocks.com

Siom Marble & Granite Factory LLC

Sector 5, Emirates Industrial City P.O. Box 22149

Sharjah 22149 United Arab Emirates 97165422240 www.siommarble.com

SolidSurface.com

6641 N. Cibola Ave. Tucson, AZ 85718

520-247-3304

www.solidsurface.com

Stone Cloud 125 Walnut Dr. Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-776-6478

www.stonecloud.us

Stone Services Group

10308 S. Keeler Ave. Oak Lawn, IL 60453 815-210-1006

www.stoneservicesgroup.com

Swan Surfaces

200 Swan Ave. Centralia, IL 62801 800-325-7008 www.swanstone.com

Synchronous Solutions

3405 Rainbow Dr. Waxhaw, NC 28173

704-560-1536

www.synchronoussolutions.com

The Stone Collection 11935 N. Stemmons Fwy. #100 Dallas, TX 75206 972-488-5700 www.thestonecollection.com

TotalHousehold Pro 65A Walnut Hill Rd. Bethel, CT 06801 203-733-1276

www.pro.totalhousehold.com

US Surfaces

4601 Spicewood Springs Rd. Building 1 Ste. 100 Austin TX 78759 512-454-2229 www.ussurfaces.com

Vicostone USA 11620 Goodnight Ln. Ste. 100 Dallas, TX 75229 972-243-2325 www.us.vicostone.com

Water Treatment Solutions 6 Merrill Industrial Dr. Hampton, NH 03842 603-758-1900 www.watertreatmentonline.com

Welnest

350 South St. McSherrystown, PA 17344 844-935-6378 www.welnest.net

Willis 1149 Pioneer Rd. Burlington, ON L7M 1K5 Canada 289-775-5814 www.4willis.com

Wilsonart 2501 Wilsonart Dr. P.O. Box 6110 Temple, TX 76503-6110 800-433-3222 www.wilsonart.com

Wood Stock Supply Inc. 4705 S. I-90 Service Rd. Rapid City, SD 57703 605-341-6900 www.woodstocksupply.com

ZOLLER Inc.

3900 Research Park Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734-332-4851 www.zoller.info/us/home

Aristech Surfaces Brings Excellence to the Surface

Fifty years of rich history, customer-centric focus and a journey of innovation has defined Aristech Surfaces as an organization. Offering a full portfolio of surfacing solutions under flagship brands Avonite Surfaces, STUDIO Collection, and Aristech Acrylics, their family of brands continues to endure.

network, and a driven global sales force to meet the needs of customers worldwide.

As a customer-centric organization built around a single vision, “we bring excellence to the surface,” and five core values that provide guidance to operate safely and responsibly, and act honestly and ethically. Aristech Surfaces is driven by the success of their customers!

Artistech Surfaces’ Philosophy for Success

• Do the right thing, always

Whether creating a higher impact formulation to withstand environmental extremes, inventing new shipping methods to maximize space or constructing a natural stone-like texture that you would swear was from Mother Earth, they focus on the success of their customers by developing effective partnerships and innovative solutions.

Aristech Surfaces produces and markets a broad range of surface and design materials to provide quality, cost-conscious and high-end aesthetic solutions sought by OEMs, architects, designers and fabricators for industries around the globe.

Aristech Surfaces corporate headquarters is located in Florence, Ky., and is home to multiple manufacturing facilities, an extensive distribution

Aristech Surfaces knows the need for clean is now. Nonporous, hygienic, bacteriostatic materials that will not support the growth of pathogens is being looked at through a new lens. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new light and appreciation to the surfacing industry, and a new inherent value. Unique, maybe under-glamorized, fabrication methods are gaining appreciation, and in some cases required. Fortunately, Aristech Surfaces is well-positioned to meet demand for these materials as they are already in the hygienic materials industry. Aristech is focusing on building awareness of their current portfolio and its inherent qualities. Along the same lines, Aristech recently released a new product they developed as part of the partitions program, providing designer solutions for separating spaces.

• Focus on the success of customers by developing effective partnerships and innovative solutions

• Care about one another and emphasize the importance of teamwork with seamless collaboration

• Respect and listen to each other; communicate openly and honestly to build trust

• Continually improve and strive to deliver the best in everything we do

What’s next? Aristech is in development for a revolutionary product that will be a new surface category entirely. It’s a product that will benefit the trifecta: OEM manufacturers, fabricators and installers. Stay tuned to www.artistechsurfaces.com for details.

STUDIO Collection Amber Glass 8560 partition, design by Atelier Aida

PRODUCT NEWS

Karran Workstation Sinks

Karran workstation sinks are engineered with an integrated ledge front and back of the bowl to support a suite of accessories. Streamline kitchen tasks from meal preparation to cleanup with the useful colanders, cutting board and drying rack included with the sink. These workstation sinks are the complete package and include a professional style stainless steel faucet. Currently two options in stainless steel are available with additional models arriving midyear in both stainless steel and quartz composite. For more information, visit www.karran.com.

Infinity Surfaces: Ocean Blue

Ocean Blue takes its inspiration from a rare variant of the many types of natural quartzite. Formed in nature through a process of sedimentation of colored pigments, the distinctive feature of the Infinity variant is the performance offered by the high-tech surface, which allows for effective solutions that can also be applied to major architecture projects. It offers a touch of character for any use from wall coverings to eclectic furnishing accessories. For more information, visit www.infinitysurfaces.it.

Corian Endura is a high-performance large format porcelain made from a recipe of natural minerals and cutting-edge technology. The innovative material offers top-of-the-line durability, superior resistance to heat, scratches and stains, as well as UV stability. This makes it the perfect solution for outdoor applications that see the light every day. Thanks to its solid structure, it can also withstand constant wear and tear while still maintaining its exquisite composition and color. Colors and patterns will not discolor, and it won't burn or melt in temperatures up to 1,000 F, making it a smart choice for decorative fire surrounds and outdoor kitchens. For more information, visit www.endura.corian.com.

Everform by Formica

This acrylic solid-surface collection by Formica has been expanded with eight new designs ranging from modern to minimalist—think terrazzo in a black-to-white spectrum—some with larger highcontrast flecks. The through-color material is seamless and nonporous for horizontal or vertical applications. For more information, visit www.formica.com.

Lapitec Sintered Stone

Lapitec sintered stone is an innovative “full-body” material that has exceptional properties of strength.

Manufactured with 100 percent natural minerals, and without man-made binders, the material is completely nonporous and unaffected by UV rays. So, whether used for pools, outdoor flooring or outdoor kitchens, it maintains ideal performance properties when exposed to sunlight. What’s more, Lapitec sintered stone is resistant to moisture and mold/bacteria growth as well as extremely resistant to high temperatures, freezing and extreme weather conditions. Together, these properties make Lapitec the undisputed choice for exterior applications. For more information, visit www.lapitec.com

Corian Endura

PRODUCT NEWS

Artistic Tile’s Invisible Blue

Artistic Tile’s latest slab offering is a variegated marble with gray veins on a pale blue background. Intermittent swaths of taupe and graphite add visual interest. The stone has a polished surface, and each piece measures about 4' x 8' and ¾ in. thick. Named Invisible Blue, it is well suited to fireplace surrounds, interior walls and countertops. To find out more, visit www.artisictile.com

True Terrazzo by Meganite

Meganite celebrates the renaissance of the popular 15th century Venetian trend with an all-new collection of Terrazzoinspired solid surface patterns. With seven new colors now available, these 100 percent acrylic solid surface designs capture the classic true look of natural terrazzo in modern aesthetics that reveal extraordinary potential and unprecedented versatility in daily use. Suitable for installations in environments from healthcare to food service to residential spaces, Meganite’s key advantages are its nonporous and seamless functionalities. Hygienic properties limit bacteria or mildew growth and enable stain resistance. Find out more at www.meganite.com.

CounterGo from Moraware

CounterGo is a straightforward drawing and estimating solution that allows fabricators to become more efficient, accurate and professional. This industry-leading software makes it possible to quote countertops in as little as three minutes while taking the business side of a countertop shop to the next level. With clear communication, accurate and consistent pricing, and easy accounting using the QuickBooks Integration, fabricators quickly see an increase in bid output and countertop sales.

For more information on this and other products from Moraware, visit www.moraware.com.

Caesarstone’s Whitelight Collection: Adamina

Three shades of sand compose Adamina’s earthy complexion, translating the beautiful serenity of the desert into a soft neutral that gently reflects light and brings tenderness into a room. Paler touches of taupe veil the surface and add dimension, like undulating waves carrying the eye across the surface. Its natural finish has a slight texture one can feel while maintaining the durability and easy care synonymous with all Caesarstone products.

Also in the Whitelight Collection is Calacatta Maximus, which is Caesarstone’s quartz take on a “bossy marble” look. To round out the collection of whites/ neutrals with existing surfaces are Empira White, White Attica, Vivid White and Statuario Maximus, which complete the collection of eight colors in total. For more information, visit www.caesarstone.com

Kohler Sensate

The Kohler Sensate faucet offers a touchless sink experience, thanks to its intuitive Response technology. It prevents the spread of germs with its state-of-the-art sensor. Responding in 20 milliseconds, it provides reliable, touchless on/off operation, meaning you can turn the faucet on and off with a simple wave of a hand, kitchen pan or utensil. The sensor is precision-designed to prevent false activations when you’re working in the sink area and, because it is AC-powered, you never have to worry about replacing batteries. The pull-down spout also features Sweep spray, which creates a wide, forceful blade of water for superior cleaning. These innovative features allow for speed through cooking and cleanup tasks and a more hygienic kitchen environment. For more information, visit www.kohler.com.

PRODUCT NEWS

CounterBalance Float Frame Brackets

Chemical Concepts has released two new float frame brackets, one for islands and one for various counters and ledges. These low-profile brackets provide a clean, floating look for vanities, benches, mantles, reception areas and other applications. The brackets mount on half walls or stud walls to enable extended overhangs on islands, peninsulas and other countertops. The heavy-duty 12-gauge steel construction supports load limits of 750 lbs. per bracket. Available in black in various lengths, this innovative design supports a safe application and a smart aesthetic. For more information, visit www. chemical-concepts.com

Dekton’s Craftizen

Coming next month, Dekton’s Craftizen collection channels Venetian stucco textures—only these sintered-particle panels are a lot quicker to install and easier to maintain. The large-format panels will launch with five colors: tan, dark gray, dusty white, salmon pink and a silvery gray. Craftizen features high resistance to weather, abrasion, UV rays and staining. Find more information about this and other Dekton products at www.dekton.com.

Calacatta Miraggio and Calacutta Miraggio Gold by MSI

A cool white marble look with a glossy polished finish, Calacatta Miraggio adds class to any space. Calacatta Miraggio quartz is simple to maintain and perfect for elevating kitchen or bathroom design details. Inspired by authentic Calacatta Gold marble, Calacatta Miraggio Gold is a premium natural quartz. The vein structure is organic with movement from thick to thin including warm tonal variety against the much-desired white backdrop. Both are a premium American-made product with a patented engineering process. LumaLuxe, an exclusive MSI formulation that enhances how light interacts with the countertop surface, providing realism with increased depth, dramatic veining and more immersive colors, delivers a beautiful finishing touch. For more information on Calacatta Miraggio and Calacatta Miraggio Gold, including residential and commercial warranties, visit www.msisurfaces.com.

Counterbalance Support Hinge from Southco

Southco’s CB Counterbalance Support Hinge is designed to be used in tandem with the CB Counterbalance Hinge, in applications where the Counterbalance Hinge can support the full torque requirements of the panel or lid on its own. Southco’s CB Counterbalance Support Hinge enables ergonomic lifting and position control when combined with a CB Counterbalance Hinge by using stored energy to balance the weight distribution of a lid or panel. The hinges are fully adjustable, allowing the panel to be tailored to a unique application. With robust, all-aluminum construction, CB Hinges offer improved corrosion resistance and consistent performance in hot and cold temperatures. Additionally, the CB Counterbalance Support Hinge provides an increased life cycle, reducing the need for maintenance over time. For more information about Southco’s complete line of CB Counterbalance Hinges, visit www.southco.com.

Combat Fishing and the Labor Market

By Steve Mast, ISFA President

I hear from many people across the industry that business is booming. Shops are busier than ever. But with that success comes challenges, and one of the biggest is trying to find good people to hire.

Even though unemployment went up during the pandemic, the construction sector stayed strong. Slab suppliers are having trouble keeping up with demand. Machinery manufacturers are backordered for months. And for fabricators, this means we need additional staff. There was already a shortage of skilled labor, but with the increase in business, it seems nearly impossible to lure a good catch. There are fewer fish and more lines in the water.

For our shop, this means getting creative on how we find and attract good talent. It’s almost like the hiring process has turned into a full-blown sales and marketing campaign.

I was speaking with fellow ISFA member Russ Berry about a related situation. Russ’ shop, ASST,

1. Make sure you have a careers page on your website. Add a quick video that shows your team and the kind of work you do. Check out this great example from Tate Ornamental (www.tateornamental.com/ jobs-at-tate-ornamental).

2. Add signage. Use door magnets for your fleet that say NOW HIRING with a QR code that can be scanned with any cellphone. Make it big and bold. When someone scans the QR code, it takes them right to the careers page of your website.

3. Consider the calendar. Flexible or alternative schedules are, in some cases, more valuable to your prospective employees than the paycheck itself. Determine if your shop can convert to four 10-hour days instead of the traditional five-day work week, for example. If you are so busy that you are looking to add a second shift, look at weekends instead of evenings. One idea is to run four 10-hour days Monday through Thursday and then three 12-hour days Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For those working the three 12s, pay them for a full 40 hours.

is looking for a project manager. After a healthy search, they find a candidate, do the interview, and his team says the person seems to be a good fit.

Russ asks his team, “Did you offer him the job?”

“No, we wanted to think about it,” they say.

Russ knows that time is not in their favor. He tells his team to offer the job ASAP, or the candidate may have another job by the end of the day. Better hook ’em before they swim toward someone else’s line.

A survey done last year by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that builders’ top concern is labor, with 85 percent expecting future cost and availability problems. And that was before COVID.

Finding good help is much harder than ever before, but we can’t grow our businesses without the support of a strong team. It’s likely you will need to take a creative approach when you’re angling for your next hire. Check your bait and keep casting.

4. Use Facebook to recruit. Around seven out of 10 U.S. adults use Facebook, according to the Pew Research Center. If you don’t have a company Facebook page, consider creating one. Ask your staff to repost job openings on their Facebook pages. Facebook makes it easy for someone to apply for a position right on-site.

5. Re-evaluate your incentives. Some fabricators are offering signing bonuses for high-value positions. If you are looking for an experienced CNC operator or installer, maybe a signing bonus will help. This is usually tied to a performance-based evaluation and kicks in after they’ve been on staff for a period of time.

6. Implement a referral program. Existing employees can provide excellent leads on a new hire. They understand your business, they want good people working next to them, and they probably wouldn’t recommend a flop since that could reflect poorly on themselves. Incentivize your team to participate in filling your talent pool by offering a bonus of some kind. It’s up to you how you structure it, but the point is to enable everyone on your team to recruit.