VOLUME 13 / ISSUE 1 • QUARTER 1, 2020 • SINGLE ISSUE $14.95
Helping Customers Choose the Best Countertop Options Page 12 Industry Outlook Page 20
New Colors & Materials Spotlight Page 26
Fabricator Profile: Alpha Granite & Tile Page 32
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CREDITS Letters to the Editor
Photography
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces welcomes Letters to the Editor. If you have questions about the magazine, or would like to make a comment, or voice an opinion about the magazine, ISFA or the industry in general, please feel free to write to us.
Photos in this publication may not depict proper safety procedures for creative purposes. ISFA and Countertops & Architectural Surfaces support the use of proper safety procedures in all cases and urge readers to take steps to institute such procedures.
Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters, ISFA, PO Box 627, Ingomar, PA 15127, attention: Editor. Include a telephone number and address (preferably an email address). Letters may be edited for clarity or space. Because of the high volume of mail we receive, we cannot respond to all letters. Send queries about Countertops & Architectural Surfaces to editor@isfanow.org or mail to ISFA, PO Box 627, Ingomar, PA 15127, attention: Editor.
Photography/graphics provided by: Hyundai/Hanex Solid Surface, Caragreen, IceStone, Durat Solid Surface, Lapitec, Paperstone and Alpha Granite & Tile.
Contacting ISFA Phone: (888) 599-ISFA editor@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org
About This Magazine Countertops & Architectural Surfaces (ISSN 2372-983X) is published quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), with a fifth “Buyers Guide” issue publishing in October. Individual copies of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces are available at the nonmember “newsstand” price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is also available by individual subscription at the following rates: ISFA nonmembers, one year (five issues) $30.00; ISFA members, one year free with every membership renewal. Special rates and charges apply for orders outside of the United States. Call for details. To subscribe, call (888) 599-ISFA. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces and The International Surface Fabricators Association assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. For change of address, please include old label with new information, including both old and new zip codes. Allow 3-6 weeks for address change to take effect. Periodicals postage rate is paid at the Ingomar, Pa., post office as well as others. Opinions expressed by writers in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces or the International Surface Fabricators Association, but rather those of the individual writers. Postmaster: Send address changes to LSC Communications, Care of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, 121 Matthews Drive, Senatobia, MS 38668.
4 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Magazine Credits Publisher & Editor: Kevin Cole Proofreader: Nancy Mueller-Truax Design: V2 Marketing Communications
ISFA Officers of the Board Augie Chavez, President Steve Mast, Vice president Kelley Montana, Treasurer Austin Maxwell, Secretary Jill Callaghan, Associate Member Representative
ISFA Directors Mike Langenderfer, Director Joe Duszka, Director Laura Grandlienard, Director Rodrigo Valazquez, Director Eric Tryon, Director Joe Connolly, Associate Member Representative Paul “Max” Le Pera, Associate Member Representative
ISFA Staff Amy Miller, Executive Director Kevin Cole, Director of Communications and Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor Carol Wilhite, Operations Manager Paul Wisnefski, Account Representative Amy Kyriazis, Program Manager Chris Pappenfort, Trainer Fred Hueston, Trainer
Cover Photo The cover photo features an installation of Hyundai’s Hanex Solid Surfaces in the Neo White design at the Lotte World Mall in Seoul, Korea. The architect was KPF, who describes the interior design was inspired by New York’s Rockefeller Center. Fluidity of circulation, continuity of space and constant connections, both physical and visual, are the most important characteristics of the design. More information about Hanex Solid Surfaces is available at www.hanexsolidsurfaces.com.
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CONTENTS 12
Features 12 Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Helping customers choose the best countertop option 20 Industry Outlook A forecast of 2020 and beyond 26 New Colors & Materials Spotlight The latest in new surfacing options on the market
IMAGE CREATED BY KJPARGETER
32 ISFA Fabricator Profile: Alpha Granite & Tile Pushing forward by focusing on people, processes and innovation
Departments
8 From the Editor
20
10 Calendar of Events 12 Education Connection 16 Industry News 38 From the Executive Director 39 ISFA News 42 ISFA Fabricator Directory 47 Product News
26
32 6 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
49 Classifieds/Ad Index 50 From the President
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From the Editor From the desk of Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher, and ISFA Communications Director
A Labor of Love Why do we have our current jobs? Certainly
there is a lot of weight in that question, and it is something I have thought about lately, having
just had my 11th anniversary working for ISFA. The obvious answer is to support our lifestyles, whether that is handling the fundamentals
like simply paying the bills, or supporting our
hobbies and doing things that make us happy, or even more critical things like taking care of our families. Likely, as it is for me, it is some combination of all of those.
However, that is just the answer on the surface. We could choose from a variety of occupations
Most of us would probably say we need a combination of other things to make us happy with our jobs. There are many potential factors, such as being recognized and appreciated for our work, being trusted and listened to, having a fair work/life balance, working toward accomplishable goals, feeling we are
ISFA. These are things businesses need to recognize if they want to retain employees. Just as we
Answering that question is a bit more difficult
customers, with employees there is no one-
work alongside of have other options.
Hopefully the answer for all of us is because we love what we do, find our work rewarding both
mentally and fiscally, and we have chosen to be where we are — not it’s because we have to.
I know my 11 years serving the membership of ISFA has been rewarding, and at times a little
tough, but overall a labor of love. I have found a home in this industry and like the feeling of helping all of the great people I have met, or have yet to meet.
We’ve probably all read articles on employee satisfaction that consistently tell us the No.
1 factor for employees when surveyed about
what makes them happy with their jobs is NOT the pay. Of course a fair wage is important — it’s a fact of life that we need money to live. But, it is not the only fact of life.
8 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
assets in place may not be the best plan.
Focus on the benefits that employees place
importance on. Hone in on what they want, and Then make sure to regularly follow up.
things have played a role in my longevity with
However, it’s key to realize that people are
unemployment is low and we and those we
doing the right thing to keep your valuable
or being respected. I know a variety of those
lives?
and important to our businesses when
specific retention policy. Just hoping that you’re
remove the guesswork.
want to be happy with our work, we need to
for most of us. And, it is particularly relevant
feedback, it’s a smart move to put together a
contributing to something important and/
that would afford us those things. Why have we chosen the specific path we are on in our work
Once you’ve gotten your employees’ honest
understand it’s important to employees as well. motivated by different things. Just as with your size-fits-all way to deal with them. Finding out what motivates and keeps employees happy
Communication is critical. Is there something that is going wrong that you should know
about? Can you help to answer questions or
quell concerns? You have to not only keep your finger on the pulse of your workplace, but also continue to follow through in the long term. Having solid, open communication with
consistent feedback, and a retention program
that addresses their needs is likely to not only establish trust with your current staff, but
also make your business attractive to new
requires good communication.
employees. How many of your workers were
It may be more difficult to gather the
it’s a good place to work that values them and
information if you have a large number of people on your team, but the value of treating them like a team is not to be underestimated. A feeling of belonging can be another one of those motivating factors. Having spent five years working for a very large company, I can attest to that from experience. Management should make it a point to specifically ask employees at all levels what is most important to them, face-to-face if
referred by other employees? If your team feels that they can be vested in, they’re likely to refer
friends or family members to fill open positions. In this competitive environment, if you don’t
have a plan to keep your employees happy, it’s likely someone else would love the opportunity to do so. Be proactive and don’t give them the chance.
As always, I look forward to your feedback. Sincerely,
possible. Showing that you personally care and are willing to give your time and to truly listen to those who contribute to the success of your businesses can mean a lot. Chances are, this process will yield a variety of different answers.
Kevin Cole, Publisher & Editor kevin@isfanow.org
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Special Section
CALENDAR OF EVENTS ISFA Industry Roundtable Hosted by Carrara Marble Company of America Sponsored by GranQuartz, Cosentino and Moraware March 3 – 5 Los Angeles, Calif. (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org
STONEX CANADA May 12 - 14 Toronto, Canada (416) 512-0203
ISFA Solid Surface Training Hosted by GECKO SSS Sponsored by GranQuartz/ Regent Stone May 19 – 21 CMA 2020 National Conference San Antonio, Texas (888) 599-ISFA March 4 – 6 www.ISFAnow.org St. Charles, Ill. (616) 930-4610 Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Fabrication Training NSI Stone Summit Sponsored by ISFA March 12 May 19 – 20 Orange, Calif. Virginia Beach, Va. (440) 250-9222 (866) 233-4877 ISFA Gen 2 Event www.regentstoneproducts.com Hosted by Countertops of Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Memphis Repair Training Sponsored by Moraware and BACA Systems Sponsored by ISFA March 17 – 18 May 21 – 22 Memphis, Tenn. Virginia Beach, Va. (888) 599-ISFA (866) 233-4877 www.ISFAnow.org www.regentstoneproducts.com ISFA Industry Roundtable Hosted by GECKO SSS March 31 – April 2 San Antonio, Texas (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org ASID WELL Conference March 29 – April 1 Scottsdale, Ariz. (202) 546-3480 NSI Stone Summit April 7 Denver, Colo. (440) 250-9222 Coverings 2020 April 20 – 23 New Orleans, La. (571) 313-5801 www.coverings.com
NSI Stone Summit June 4 Albuquerque, N.M. (440) 250-9222 Xiamen Int’l. Stone Fair June 6 – 9 Xiamen, Fujian China +86 592-595-9691 Stone+tec 2020 June 17 – 20 Nuremberg, Germany (440) 250-9222 +49 9 11 86 06-49 96 NSI Stone Summit July 16 Tualatin, Ore. (440) 250-9222
ISFA Solid Surface Roundtable & Bonus All Surface Update Hosted by Innovative Surface Works and Dwyer Marble & Granite Sponsored by Meganite May 12 – 13 Farmington Hills, Mich. (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org
10 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
ISFA Porcelain/Sintered Fabrication Training & Certification Event Hosted by Park Industries Training Center Sponsored by Park Industries, LPI (Laser Products), Crossville, Dekton, Infinity Surfaces, LAMINAM, Lapitec and MSI July 21 – 22 St. Cloud, Minn. (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.orgg ISFA Industry Roundtable Hosted by Hard Rock Stone Works and BACA Systems Sponsored by BACA Systems Aug. 4 – 6 Detroit, Mich. (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.or ISFA Solid Surface Countertops Symposium at IWF Aug. 25 Atlanta, Ga. (888) 599-ISFA www.iwfatlanta.com IWF 2020 Aug. 25 – 28 Atlanta, Ga. (404) 693-8333 www.iwfatlanta.com ISFA Industry Roundtable Hosted by Front Range Stone Sponsored by Park Industries, Cosentino, Moraware and KOHLER Sept. 8 – 10 Denver, Colo. (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org NSI Stone Summit Sept. 17 Chicago, Ill. (440) 250-9222 Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Fabrication Training Sponsored by ISFA Sept. 22 – 23 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts.com
Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Repair Training Sponsored by ISFA Sept. 24 – 25 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts. com Marmomac 2020 Sept. 30 – Oct. 3 Verona, Italy +045 829 8111 NSI Stone Summit Oct. 8 Birmingham, Ala. (440) 250-9222 ISFA Annual Conference Sponsored by Park Industries, GranQuartz, Regent Stone, Integra Adhesives, Crossville and Infinity Surfaces Oct. 20 – 23 Cancun, Mexico (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org Canada Woodworking EAST Oct. 22 – 23 Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec Canada (888) 454-7469 NSI Stone Summit Nov. 5 Austin, Texas (440) 250-9222 Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Fabrication Training Sponsored by ISFA Dec. 1 – 2 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts. com Regent Stone Granite/Quartz Repair Training Sponsored by ISFA Dec. 3 – 4 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 www.regentstoneproducts. com
Submit your event for consideration in Calendar of Events by emailing Editor Kevin Cole at kevin@isfanow.org.
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FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR TH FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR TH FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR TH FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
Education Connection
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Helping customers choose the best countertop options By Jessica McNaughton The kitchen has evolved beyond its original role as a prep area for meals to become the hub of our homes, and a space that often tells us more about a person than any other room in the home. An open, fluid floor plan, in a kitchen welcomes flow and entertaining, while an island gives a place for guests to converse, such as in this kitchen with an island made from Lapitec.
Is it messy? Is it pristine? Is it set up for a chef or a college student? Is it functional? Or does it just look good? Is there an island? Is it a galley? How much countertop space is there? How much storage space is there? An open, fluid floor plan in a kitchen welcomes flow
down, drag things across it and rely upon it for
but also that they were responsibly extracted,
and move through the space. It also offers the
anchor of the kitchen. It is the element that is
part of their home.
and entertaining, where people can easily interact
ability for a host or hostess to easily converse with guests, refilling, cleaning, replacing and smiling as they go.
uncountable tasks. Countertop selection is the typically designed around, and its aesthetic and performance are paramount to the kitchen.
Not to imply cabinet color, hardware selection and
An island creates a communal space, where a
backsplash are not important, their selections are
manufactured and installed before they became a For those seeking surfaces with performance features that speak to health, wellness and
innovation, there are several potential options: Sintered Surfaces – Sintered surfaces, sometimes
smaller more intimate conversation can occur and
critical complements to the countertop that they
multiple people can lean in and converse.
flank.
called sintered stone or compact surfaces, come
A galley kitchen, on the other hand, limits the
So, what kind of countertop is your customer?
as Lapitec, Dekton, Neolith, Corian Sintered and
amount of interaction that can occur as movement
is largely lateral and group entertaining would likely have to occur outside that space unless the group is playing an intimate game of telephone.
There are many layouts in between, but the point
here is that the layout can tell you a lot about what kind of activities can or do happen in that space.
Is your client a Social Sally or a Hermit Henry? The design of their kitchen may hold the answer, and
help you to work with them in choosing the proper options.
The Elements of the Kitchen From countertops to cabinets, backsplash to hardware, and appliances and flooring, all of
these are choices that are made when designing a kitchen. It can be argued that the most
transactional, widely used part of a kitchen is a
countertop. Homeowners set things down on it,
cut on it, prep on it, lean on it, constantly wipe it
The Happy-Go-Healthy Countertop From health nuts to germaphobes and the
chemically sensitive to the earth-worshiping,
consumers of all ages are getting savvy to the
characteristics of surfaces that can impact their well-being.
Some say health is wealth, and when it comes to countertops many people don’t want to
in a growing number of brands and varieties, such various others. These surfacing materials are made using high heat, vibration and compaction out of 100 percent minerals with no resins or binders.
Appealing because of various color choices, they contain no silica, making them healthier for those
cutting and fabricating it than some other options. The material’s hydrophilic properties make it easy to clean and sanitize.
compromise. If they are preparing baby food,
Paper-based Surfaces – Made with recycled
it better be safe, nontoxic and have a good
resins, these materials, such as PaperStone,
vicinity of other food products means it needs to be
Easy to clean and food safe, it is a healthy material
school lunches and their own food on a surface,
paper and various proprietary, nontoxic phenolic
backstory. Further, preparing raw meats in the
Richlite or Eco-Top, are also inherently silica-free.
easy to clean and won’t harbor growth of bacteria
suitable for kitchen and bathroom countertops that
and germs.
appeal to those looking for more healthy surfaces.
Some consumers are even looking further back to
Porcelain – Durable and extremely versatile,
or the end-of-life disposal of the countertops, to
such as Stile, LAMINAM, Infinity, Locelain,
how the material was extracted and its life cycle,
porcelain countertops come in numerous brands,
ensure that they are not just healthy when installed,
Panoramic, Crossville or others are nonporous.
12 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
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OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
Education Connection
The Wise and Workable Countertop For customers that are feeling practical or budget-savvy, offering a countertop based on their needs is a critical part of the process. Have them consider how they are using their tops, what their budget is, what their replacement cycle is likely to be, and what they and their family (or company) value. These are the key considerations in helping them choose the right countertop.
Recycled glass countertops, such as this IceStone kitchen, are beautiful and tell a compelling sustainability story.
Economical, durable and easily workable, recycled paper-based materials, such as this counter made of PaperStone, provide an organic matte finish that performs like a dense hardwood.
That means they are food safe and extremely easy to clean. Like sintered stone, porcelain is another material with an inherently lower percentage of silica for safer fabrication.
Marble – The classic white marble countertop
Recycled Glass Surfaces – Made from a large percentage of recycled glass, generally held in a concrete or resin matrix, these products such as IceStone, GEOS or Curava, are attractive to the environmentally conscious because of their large percentage of recycled content. Some are also domestically made and the options have various levels or are even free of petrochemicals and plastic resins, depending on the brand. They are generally highly stain-resistant or stainproof, making them easier to clean, making them more appealing.
kitchens and bathrooms.
The “I AM the Joneses” Countertop For customers that like to entertain, you can appeal to making their kitchens a showpiece, and the countertop the star. Some people want to make sure they have the latest and greatest. What that means may depend on their budget. More affluent customers may want an exclusive natural stone, the highest-end quartz or a technically engineered and high-performing product.
remains a popular high-end countertop choice.
The natural dramatic veining and purity of color makes it a sought-after statement piece for
High-End Quartz – The “it” engineered stone for more than a decade, quartz has been holding a
strong place in the kitchen of Joneses across the country. Available in dozens of brands, a number of colors and a variety of finishes, quartz offers the look of natural stone with the durability of engineered stone.
Porcelain/Modified Ceramics – Porcelain and
modified ceramics, also mentioned above, are available in a number of colors, finishes and
prints, making them a versatile and high-end choice.
Sintered Surfaces – The latest in engineered
stone, mentioned previously, is quickly making
a name for itself as an “it” material for its looks,
performance features and sustainability attributes. Onyx – Onyx is a calcareous stone, formed by
dissolving limestone and redeposited as a new
kind of stone, giving it a distinct translucent look.
If clients want to set the bar as the ones to keep up with when it comes to high-end surfacing, they should be directed to look at materials such as the following:
It is a rare (and pricy) material, making it well
Quartzite – Quartzite is a natural stone, so as a product of nature no two slabs are exactly alike. For those who love one-of-a-kind countertops that double as conversation pieces, quartzite is often the material of choice.
it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime
14 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
sought after by those with deep pockets and curatorial minds.
Recycled Glass – The terrazzo look is in, and soon. These composite countertops made with recycled glass and concrete or resin,
as mentioned above, are beautiful and tell a compelling sustainability story.
For the purposes of inclusion, if a client’s driver is health or wealth, the above provides numerous options, but that is not to imply that some of these or other options are not wise. Where budget is a consideration for your customer and when it intersects with other performance and value characteristics, there are some options that might be more apt. Engineered Stone – Engineered stones like quartz are known for durability and performance. Quartz is extremely hard and nonporous, making it an enduring and easy-to-clean material, increasing its practicality. Paper-based Surfaces – Economical, durable and easily workable, these materials are a go-to for those looking for an organic matte finish that performs like a dense hardwood. Solid Surface – A reasonably economical option for seamless, integrated designs, solid surface is available in many colors and enjoys widespread adoption across the industry. It’s also nonporous, hygienic and renewable while also being fabricator-friendly, increasing its value proposition. Healthy, wealthy or wise, or maybe all three, there are surfacing options for every need and every budget. As consumers and professionals alike consider a kitchen redesign, or purchasing or designing a new home or commercial space, the surfaces chosen are an integral and anchoring part of that decision. So it is critical to find out what kind of countertop your customer is.
About the Author Jessica McNaughton is president of CaraGreen, a distributor of sustainable architectural materials. She has more than 15 years of strategic sales and marketing experience. She co-authored “Understanding Green Building Materials” and is a LEED AP. For more information visit www.caragreen.com or email jessica@caragreen.com.
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In the Industry Cosentino Increases Silestone Investment Commitment Cosentino Group announced it is increasing
its commitment to Silestone® as a key factor in the sustainable growth and future of
the Almeria multinational. In doing so, the
company will put in place an investment plan of approximately $148 million, specifically for this brand, for the period through 2021. This investment effort represents an increase of
136 percent compared to 2016 to 2018, during which $62 million was invested in Silestone.
The total sum is principally divided between the implementation of new production lines
(up to three lines over the next few years) and the improvement of existing lines, as well as continuous investment by the company into workplace safety and the environment.
Spectrum Quartz Partners with MSI on Quartz Manufacturing Facility, MSI Opens New Distribution Center
NEOLITH Extends Its Reach in North America with a Direct Division in Atlanta
MSI and Spectrum Quartz announced a joint
NEOLITH® announced a major commercial step
is readily available to meet orders quickly.
with the launch of Neolith Atlanta, dedicated
NEOLITH Atlanta is the next phase in a strategic
division in the United States demonstrating
investment in the U.S. and Canadian markets.
its commitment to the U.S. market and to the
Increased focus in the North American market
Southeast region. Stocked with a full range of
will be complemented with greater investment in
NEOLITH colors, patterns, finishes, formats
advertising, and more broadly, an enhanced suite
and thicknesses, it will ensure the material
of tools and services to be unveiled later in 2020.
A designated quartz gallery houses the
Some Australians Have Called for Bans on Quartz Surfacing as Increased Safety Focus Continues To Grow Worldwide
venture to create a quartz slab manufacturing
production facility in the United States. In May
of 2019, Spectrum Quartz (part of Hirsch Glass
Corporation) announced plans to build a quartz manufacturing plant on a 42-acre site in Latta, S.C. MSI and Spectrum Quartz subsequently discussed combining the manufacturing
expertise of Spectrum Quartz with the financial backing and sales and distribution network
of MSI. The team has been working tirelessly over the past several months to transform the existing 360,000-sq.-ft. building into a
state-of-the-art quartz manufacturing facility.
Q-Premium Natural Quartz collection. The lineup features more than 90 colors in an
array of finishes such as matte, concrete and polished.
The first two quartz lines were slated to begin
Integra Adhesives Retires the Altima Brand Name
commercial production expected in the first
Integra Adhesives, maker of Altima Adhesives,
test production near the end of 2019, with
quarter of 2020. Two additional lines will be operational shortly thereafter with ample
space for further expansion. The venture is
expected to create hundreds of jobs and give a significant boost to the local economies.
is eliminating the brand. With this change,
Altima Adhesives will no longer be available
at GranQuartz USA. However, the product will be available under the name Surface Bonder XI (offered as Altima Seaming Adhesive) and
With the increasing awareness of problems caused by inhaling silica dust, concern has
been rising. In the United States, increased regulations with lower permissible levels of silica dust inhalation have been put in
place by OSHA. However, in Australia there have recently been calls for banning quartz
surfacing, which contains high levels of silica, altogether.
Additionally, MSI opened a new showroom and
Surface Bonder Zero (offered as Altima+
Caesarstone, one of the largest suppliers
houses a full offering of the company’s flooring,
Adhesives. It will have the same strength and
coverage in Australia because of the silica
hardscape products. The new 72,000-sq.-ft.
for seaming and assembly of quartz, natural
markets in Indiana. The slab viewing area
more. The full range of Integra premixed
granite, marble and other natural stone slabs.
for quick delivery.
distribution center in Indianapolis. The facility
Dripless Adhesive) directly from Integra
countertop, decorative mosaic, wall tile and
quality in the exact same premium formulas
space will serve residential and commercial
stone, sintered materials, solid surface and
will include more than 300 colors of quartz,
colors are stocked in strategic U.S. locations
16 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
of quartz surfacing, was refused insurance present in the product, and people in that
country, according to numerous press reports, have been calling silica the “new asbestos.”
Certainly the product makeup of Caesarstone is very similar to most other quartz surfaces and is not to be singled out, which is why
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In the Industry a class action lawsuit against multiple manufacturers of quartz surfacing in general has been filed in Australia. Caesarstone Australia managing director David Cullen told government officials the company’s products could be “100 percent safe” if proper training and rules were adhered to. Caesarstone subsequently rolled out its “Master of Stone” program developed over 19 months and has set nationwide training sessions across the United States. In addition to the focus placed on proper training and the silica problem by Caesarstone, OSHA
From left to right, Nova Carter, Greg Rang and Anita Crosby
Walker Zanger Announces New Hires Walker Zanger, a North American stone
and NIOSH, associations and groups such
and tile design resource, announced three
as ISFA, The Rockheads and the NSI have
new hires to its regional sales teams: North
also been increasing their focus on the safe fabrication of quartz surfacing. Of note is that ISFA is sending free silica safety training kits to all of its new or renewing fabricator members in 2020.
NBMDA Announces 2020 Board of Directors The North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA) announced its board of directors for 2020. The role of the board is to govern, establish policy and make strategic decisions about the future of the organization. The 2020 officers are: President Tom O’Neill, Wurth Line Craft North America, in Vernon Hills, Ill.; President-Elect Emily Vella, Atlantic Plywood, in Woburn, Mass.; Vice President Matt Huber, Allegheny Plywood, in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Treasurer Wayne Moriarty, Atlantic Plywood, in Woburn, Mass.; and Immediate Past President Missy O’Daniel, Web-Don, Inc., in Charlotte, N.C. Distributor Directors are: Danny Bachman, Dixie Plywood, in Savannah, Ga.; Lynn Hill, Compi Distributors, in Arnold, Mo.; Mark Mah, UCS Forest Group, in Mississauga, Ontario; and Don Plunkett, Plunkett Distributing, in Fort Smith, Ark. Supplier Directors are: Davis Edwards, Timber Products, in Germantown,
Hills, Calif., showroom manager, Greg Rang; Atlanta branch manager, Anita Crosby; and Houston branch manager, Nova Carter. This announcement comes after Walker Zanger’s
China Xiamen International Stone Fair Postponed In Wake of Coronavirus Outbreak The China Xiamen International Stone Fair,
the world’s largest hard-surfaces event, has been postponed until June in response to
the Coronavirus outbreak. Originally planned for March 16 to 19, it will now take place June 6 to 9. The event typically draws
more than 140,000 attendees annually. The U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control have made recent
announcements discouraging travel to China for the near future.
LG Hausys Launches Website LG Hausys has introduced a new website
consolidating all of its products under one roof at www.LGHAUSYSUSA.com. The
new site has information on Viatera quartz surface, HI-MACS solid surface and LG Hausys Flooring products.
Systems, in Shelton, Conn.; Carl Gaynor, Axalta Coating Systems, in High Point, N.C.;
The Occupational Safety & Health
Brian Joyce, Blum, Inc., in Stanley, N.C.; Chris Schlabach, VT Industries, in Holstein, Iowa; and Tom Wardach, Roseburg Forest Products, in Johns Creek, Ga. 18 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
the opening of the new Charlotte location in
2019. Each of the new managers is expected to play a vital role in the brand’s continued
growth in showroom sales in their respective markets and strengthening existing client relationships.
investment in local market showrooms with
OSHA Announces Increases in Penalties
Tenn.; Rick Ehrsam, Panolam Surface
the expansion of its Atlanta showroom and
violation for “Failure to Abate,” “Serious” and “Other Than Serious” violations. The penalty per violation is now $134,937 for “Willful”
or “Repeated” violations. States operating
under their own safety and health plans must meet or exceed these maximum penalties.
Additionally, OSHA issued a reminder that all employers must post their 2019 Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
(Form 300A) and keep it posted until April 30.
Cambria Quartz Now in Home Depot U.S. quartz-surface producer Cambria has
begun placing its surfaces in U.S. DIY big box store Home Depot. By the end of January,
the product was available in more than 2,000
Home Depot locations in 16 designs exclusive to Home Depot. Initially presented with wall
displays and samples, countertop mock-up vignettes could be added. Fabrication and
installations for customers are done with a
combination of Cambria’s in-house facilities, company affiliates and firms already dealing with Home Depot.
the maximum penalties companies face in
Coverings 2020 Trade Show Offers Free Registration and Training Programs
maximum penalties are now $113,494 per
is running from April 20 to 23 in New
Administration (OSHA) recently adjusted
line with the annual inflation rate. The new
Registration for Coverings 2020, which
Orleans, La., is free and open to all industry
■■ WORKSHOP – Fabrication: Science and
professionals. For more than 30 years, the
trade show has provided stone fabricators
■■ How to Increase Production in Your
tools, training and technical know-how to be at the forefront of the stone industry. Coverings allows attendees to shop the exhibit floor for fabricating machinery, equipment and products to keep current; find sources for natural and dimensional stone products from more than 40 countries; and network with peers to understand what is working in other markets. The show also offers complimentary live demonstrations and seminars for fabricators in three comprehensive learning tracks — Installation & Fabrication, Workforce & Profits, and Materials & Trends. Here is a sampling of free seminars and training programs:
Theory Fabrication Shop
■■ State of the Stone Industry ■■ Fabricator Forum Breakout Session ■■ Stone Trends: A Historical Perspective ■■ New! Stone Trends: Tour ■■ Knowing Your Rights: Preparing for a
Safety Inspection
■■ Managing a Family Business ■■ Using Technology to Create More
Efficiency in the Sales Process
■■ Fabricator Trends Tour: New and
Innovative Products from the Marketplace
Those wishing to register for the event free of charge may do so at the Coverings website at www.coverings.com.
Rugby Architectural Building Products Opens New Distribution Facility Rugby Architectural Building Products opened a new distribution facility in Grand Prairie,
Texas. In early January the newly consolidated
Dallas and Fort Worth distribution center began operations. The 125,000-sq.-ft. facility has
been configured to accommodate Rugby’s increasing volumes, the diverse product
assortment and evolving customer base. One
of the most notable improvements and areas of specialization is the creation of a 33,000-sq.-ft. will-call facility set within the warehouse. This area is set-up to provide will-call
customers with an expedited shopping, buying and procurement experience. Specially trained Rugby will-call staff will assist customers with product selection, technical knowledge and order processing.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #10 • ISFA Members since 2004 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 19
Industry Outlook IMAGE CREATED BY KJPARGETER
A forecast for the countertops industry for 2020 and beyond By Kevin Cole, Editor
FORECASTING IS ALWAYS A TRICKY TASK. The economy has many
continued in a positive direction. According to U.S.
and are difficult to align or calculate. The broad
2.3 percent, with it ranging from 3.1 percent in
of elements on numerous levels, and different
which averaged at about 3 percent.
Commerce Department statistics released January
intricate interlocking parts that affect each other
30, the overall increase in real GDP in 2019 was
economy can be changed by a large number
Q1 to 2.1 percent in Q4. This is down from 2018,
markets will hold up as these factors change, while others will have problems. Making a forecast for 2020 and beyond is further complicated by the
current political atmosphere with a major election in full swing, a trade war with China that includes
various tariffs and, at the time of publication, some uncertainty caused by the COVID 19 virus.
In a March report, the economic experts at
Kiplinger, a respected publisher of business
forecasts and personal finance advice, stated they believe GDP will continue to grow in 2020, but
falling back to 1.4 percent. The Federal Reserve Board consensus had earlier predicted GDP
growth of around 1.9 percent in 2020, but at its
However, there are indicators that can help to
most recent meeting warned the coronavirus
forward. This outlook will examine the factors that
As such, it cut rates in an emergency action by a
develop an idea of how the market will fare going most closely relate to the industry in an effort to
make an estimation of how it will fare in 2020 and beyond. While anecdotally, most people will say things have been doing well for some time, to
get a true estimation the available data must be
examined, taking into account experts’ opinions. The idea is to start with the general economy and
factor down through various related markets to the most specific information available. By performing this analysis, it can be determined if the statistical information and expert opinions validate the
anecdotal evidence. As such, the predictors that follow should allow a reasonable estimation of
what’s to come, although certainly there will be
local, regional, national and international factors to take into account and will lead to variance. Those
posed material risks to the economic outlook.
quarter of a percent while at the same time stating “the fundamentals of the U.S. economy remained strong.”
“The U.S. economy entered 2020 on sure footing,
but shift from consumption to investment is key to sustain growth. However, The Conference Board
top of an extended economic cycle, confronted
with polarizing geopolitical tensions and increasing uncertainty. Add to that another seismic event– the U.S. election in November – and we have
a recipe for an interesting year ahead,” stated
Chris Daum, CEO of FMI, a construction industry
consulting company. “With the domestic economy beginning to send mixed messages and indicating decelerating growth – and with the global
economy flashing red through 2019 in certain
pockets (e.g., China and the Eurozone) – in what direction it turns remains to be seen. These high levels of domestic and international uncertainty are also playing out in the build environment: In 2020 FMI only predicts a small increase (1
percent) in [2020] construction spending levels
over 2019.” Overall, though, he and the FMI see a soft residential building environment, but stronger nonresidential spending to offset it.
growth rate remains slightly negative. While this is
geopolitical dynamics will impact the build
no cause for major concern yet, The Conference Board forecasts that U.S. economic growth will
slow,” stated The Conference Board’s economic
forecast, which was updated in mid-February, also noting it believed trade tensions with China would ease in 2020.
what is to come.
below the “full employment” marker of 5 percent,
Taking a look at 2019, the general economy
“As we head into 2020, we find ourselves at the
“No matter how you dissect the situation, it’s
declined slightly in December and its six-month
Unemployment ended at 3.9 percent in 2019,
The General Economy
economy in 2020.
Leading Economic Index® for the United States
incalculable factors aside, the predictors that
follow should help create a decent estimation of
that it was “cautiously optimistic” about the overall
rising just 0.2 percent from 2018, which is still
impossible to predict how these market and
environment in the near term and midterm,” added
Daum. “Leaders need to ask themselves: How do I create a coherent and flexible strategy that allows my company to take advantage of the strong
operating environment we’re in today (in terms of backlog and available work) while also keeping a firm eye on the horizon? This is critical because
any external factors could have a swift impact on today’s operating environment.”
a positive economic sign (although daunting for
Overall, slower, but cautious optimism with a
would stay below 4 percent in 2020 and relayed
consensus for the general economy for 2020.
those looking to hire), and The Fed predicted it
20 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
touch of “expect the unexpected” seems to be the
Housing
40-year lows. Higher leasing activity and an increasing use of flexible office space are
The surfacing industry is closely tied to the
two key drivers behind the gradual decline in
housing market, and it showed growth in 2019, but
conventional office construction.
the growth was at a slower pace than 2018.
■■ With commercial, trade negotiations and
While still well below peak levels in 2006 during
world commerce have slowed through 2019,
the housing bubble, in 2019 housing starts grew
tempering short-term demand for larger
overall by about 3.3 percent, about a half percent
warehousing hubs. However, consumers are
slower than 2018. Single-family homes saw starts
increasingly selecting online sellers that are
rise about 1.5 percent, but multifamily units grew
able to provide faster delivery, driving demand
by more than 7.7 percent (see Figure 1). The
for more last-mile (and return center) facilities.
strongest gains were in the South, by 8.8 percent,
Some online brands are beginning to invest
followed by the Northeast with 3.1 percent gains.
strategically in smaller brick-and-mortar
However, housing starts actually dropped by 1.8
storefronts.
percent in the Midwest and took an even larger
National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB)
■■ By the end of the decade, more than 20
Figure 1
drop of more than 4.2 percent in the West. The
percent of U.S. residents will be 65 or older,
Housing and Interest Rate Forecast updated in
commercial sector, which fell almost 10.7 percent.
driving the healthcare sector. Over this span,
about 2.7 percent in 2020 with an actual drop in
strongest gains of 6.5 and 6.4 percent respectively
about 50 percent (to 79 million), and the program
then slow to just 0.6 percent in 2021 ending at
11 percent growth rates in 2018). Healthcare
conditions. Though trends continue toward
growth in 2018. And the educational sector saw
number of very large healthcare campuses are
percent growth in 2018.
are helping people live longer, which requires an
nearly identical, with the prediction of new home
The outlook for 2020 according to FMI is relatively
with the Affordable Care Act recently being
2021. And going one step further, it predicts home
forecast to grow between 1.4 and 1 percent.
did in 2019, which finished at an estimated 4.7
forecast to increase 4.1 percent. Commercial is
was at 6 percent. Predictions for 2020 are an even
3.2 percent, but it will still not return to levels hit
3.6 percent in 2021. While the forecast growth is
levels of 2008 (see Figure 2).
mid-February predicts housing starts will rise
In 2019, lodging and office sectors saw the
Medicare enrollments are expected to increase
multifamily housing, ending at 1.33 million, and
(although these numbers are down from 14 and
will see more patients managing multiple chronic
1.34 million.
grew about 3.8 percent growth, up from 1 percent
medical offices and outpatient facilities, a small
just 0.2 percent growth in 2019, down from 2
in the design pipeline. Advancing technologies
Looking at the Wall Street Journal’s economist survey, which takes into account the opinions
of more than 60 economists, the numbers are
extended need for healthcare services. However,
starts at 1.35 million in 2020 and 1.34 million in
flat, with the healthcare, lodging and office sectors
prices will continue to grow more slowly as they
The highlight is the educational sector which is
percent increase versus 2018 in which growth
also forecast to return to growth mode, at about
slower home price increase of just 4 percent and
in 2018, in which it peaked over the pre-recession
slower, it is still a somewhat positive sign.
All in all, the indicators are a bit of a mixed bag, with housing having remained in growth mode,
albeit slower than previous years, and subsequent predictions pointing to continued but slower
growth, which should contribute to the well-being
of the surfacing industry at least through 2020 and potentially 2021. On a high note, WSJ’s February 2020 economist survey had the consensus for a recession in 2020 pegged at just 25.6 percent. Nonresidential Construction
individual mandate, a complete reversal of the ACA could leave 20 million people uninsured.
■■ K-12 districts in major U.S. cities are building new schools and expanding, as a growing
population has resulted in increased capacity
needs. Additionally, about half of all K-12 public schools in the U.S. are at least 50 years old
Points of insight in the FMI report include:
and require significant renovation. College
■■ In lodging, spending is expected to stall in
population has left the typical college age range.
2020 and even drop in 2021 and 2022 because of declining occupancy and lower increases in revenue per available room rates, as realized through 2019. Additionally, expected lower
GDP growth, consumer spending, a strong
U.S dollar and rising costs related to labor and tariff implementation will negatively affect the hospitality industry.
■■ In the office sector, 2020’s political and
When it comes to nonresidential construction,
economic backdrop will temper demand for
areas historically related to surfacing except the
unemployment rates are stabilizing at near
in 2019 growth continued in most of the major
ruled unconstitutional because it now lacks the
new office development. Additionally, U.S.
enrollment growth is slowing as the millennial
Additionally, millennials are taking longer than
previous generations to marry and have children, which will impact future K-12 enrollments.
The Consensus Construction Forecast from the
American Institute of Architects (AIA), an average of forecasts from seven major building market institutions, also predicts weak nonresidential construction growth. “Construction spending last year was surprisingly weak, with current estimates suggesting that the industry eked
out only a very modest increase. This year and
next look to be more of the same. The American
Figure 2 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 21
is certainly lackluster for the remodeling market, especially given historical average annual
growth of about 5 percent,” said Abbe Will,
associate project director in the Remodeling Futures Program. “Even so, homeowner
improvement and repair expenditures are still set to expand this year to over $330 billion.” Kitchen Cabinetry Kitchen Cabinetry sales numbers are another predictor for the countertop industry, and
the news here is mixed. While overall cabinet
sales were still growing, 2019 marks the sixth straight year of decreased growth since the market turned around in 2012.
Sales, as reported in the Kitchen Cabinet
Manufacturers Association’s (KCMA) monthly
Figure 3 Institute of Architect’s Consensus Construction
gains in 2020, according to experts. National
increase in spending on nonresidential buildings
owner-occupied homes is expected to rise only
forecast panel is projecting just a 1.5 percent
spending for improvements and repairs on
this year, and less than a 1 percent increase in
modestly this year according to the Leading
2021,” stated the report. “While [commercial and educational sectors] dramatically
underperformed compared to expectations, there were a few that outperformed expectations or at least generated the expected increases. Office
and hotel construction activity continued to see
solid gains, and the modest growth in healthcare construction effectively matched projections.” “Though the broader economy is expected
to see slower growth this year, the number of
potential trouble spots seems to be diminishing,” continued the report. “The prospects for a
national economic recession in 2020 or 2021 have significantly diminished, as many of the downside risks have eased.”
Remodeling/Home Improvement The remodeling/home improvement sector
of the U.S. economy is also indicating slight
Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released in late January by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The LIRA projects that home remodeling expenditures will increase by just 1.5 percent in 2020 compared with annual gains of 5 to 7 percent in recent years (See Figure 3).
“While homebuilding and sales activity are now firming, softness from earlier last year will continue to pull on remodeling spending growth in 2020,” said Chris Herbert, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies. “However, the slowdown should begin to moderate by year-end as today’s healthier housing market indicators will ultimately lead to more home renovation and repair.” “A 2020 growth projection of less than 2 percent
Figure 4 22 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Trend of Business Survey, dropped from a 2
percent increase in 2018 to just 0.6 percent in
2019; however, actual sales remain in territory not seen since 2007 (see Figure 4). With
about 70 percent of the kitchen cabinet market participating in the survey, the numbers are a reliable gauge of where the segment stands.
Growth in lower-end stock cabinets were the
high point, growing by 4.5 percent, mid-priced semi-custom cabinets dropped by 4.1 percent and high-end custom cabinet growth dropped 1.2 percent. The fact that lower-end stock
cabinets was the only segment not contracting likely indicates lower-end projects.
While the growth of the cabinetry market has consistently been getting weaker, the market
has climbed to nearly 82 percent of its peak in 2006 and it has made quite a comeback from its low in 2011. And very slow growth is still
growth, but considering the close relationship between cabinets and countertops, this may also be indicative of slower growth in the countertop industry approaching.
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International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 23
Figure 5
A Direct Look at Countertops While all of the previous factors influence the
countertop industry, and almost all of them point
to slower growth ahead, there is some published research that offers more specific countertop numbers. While the available information is
generally sold for private and/or corporate usage, we did manage to get a bit of this information.
willingness to trade up to more expensive materials
percent annually through 2024. “Despite being
home values; trends favoring larger kitchens
the U.S. for decades, laminates are expected
such as granite and engineered stone to improve and multiple bathrooms in single-family homes;
and rising housing completions and commercial building construction.”
The report puts forth that kitchen and bath
remodeling is the driving factor for the U.S.
The Freedonia Group released a “Countertops”
countertop market. “The U.S. countertop market
examines a number of factors related to the U.S.
applications. Market growth will be supported by
makes market predictions ranging all of the way
most popular home remodeling project,” states the
suppliers to the U.S. countertop market (in terms
engineered stone, porcelain slab and butcher-block
Wilsonart.
as homeowners look to trade up from laminates
the dominant countertop surface material in
to continue to lose market share as other more
aesthetically pleasing materials – such as granite and engineered stone – become more popular,” states Freedonia’s report. “However, use of
laminates will remain widespread – particularly
among budget-conscious consumers – due to their
relatively low price points and minimal maintenance
report in February 2020, a 225-page study that
is dominated by kitchen and bathroom remodeling
countertop industry (see Figure 5). The study
the fact that countertop replacement remains the
out to 2029. It also pegged the largest four material
report. “Additionally, rising consumer interest in
of square feet) as DuPont, Formica, Panolam and
countertops will drive demand for countertops
The second product most in demand for
and solid surface. The shift away from laminates
according to Freedonia, which also breaks it out
According to the report, U.S. demand for
countertops is forecast to increase 2.8 percent per year to 932 million sq. ft. in 2024, valued at about
$42.1 billion, a marked decline from the growth rate
and solid surface to engineered stone, granite,
and niche materials will also support robust value demand growth through 2024.”
requirements. In order to stay relevant, laminate countertop manufacturers have expanded
and diversified their offerings of specialty and decorative laminates and moved into other
countertop materials, such as engineered stone.” countertops remained natural stone in 2019,
by granite and other natural stone. However, the report looks forward to show that engineered
stone, which includes quartz surfacing, engineered marble and now cement-based polymers, will
in the period between 2014 and 2019. It also states
While it projects laminate countertops will continue
of countertop installations, bathrooms accounted
market, the Freedonia report predicts that share
The third most popular material in terms of square
percent. “Going forward, market advances will
growth of 2.2 percent estimated by the report
according to the report, which had its growth
and bathroom remodeling, as well as consumer
back significantly with a much lower loss of 0.4
that in 2019, kitchens accounted for 56.8 percent
to maintain the largest square foot share of the
for 33.9 percent, and other areas comprised 9.3
will continue to decline. However, the negative
be bolstered by: increasing residential kitchen
between 2014 and 2019 was expected to bounce
24 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
overtake stone demand by 2024.
foot demand in 2019 was engineered stone,
pegged at a huge 25.6 percent between 2014 and 2019. Going forward, it predicts it will still be the
fastest growing material between 2019 and 2024, although dropping to 6.9 percent per year, but
will be tied by “Other Materials,” largely because of recent tariffs/duties on Chinese imports and
the growth in large format compact materials, like sintered stone. The report states, “Engineered
stone is projected to be the fastest growing major countertop surface material. Engineered stone
countertops have made rapid inroads in the market
predicts continued growth of 2.3 percent from 2019 potential pandemic that is hanging over the world to 2024, matching solid surface.
at the time this article was written.
Lastly, the report had “Other Materials” pegged at
Taking that into account, the pertinent action
2019 and a solid growth of 6.9 percent between
issues related to labor and market diversification,
a growth rate of 10.6 percent between 2014 and
would be to face business challenges, such as
2019 and 2024, rivaling the growth of engineered
now while business is still strong, and hope the
stone. It states that porcelain and sintered surfaces growth stabilizes. are rapidly growing in popularity, which is the driver
Editor & Publisher Kevin Cole can be reached at kevin@
since 2014, as the availability of low-cost materials
behind this category, although does mention wood, isfanow.org. bamboo, stainless steel and other metals. The author would like to thank the federal government for a
However, an even faster rate of growth will be
All in all, if the Freedonia report is accurate in
variety of statistical information, as well as acknowledge the following sources used in the creation of this article:
countertop industry, but growth nonetheless.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA), www.aia.org, a professional association for architects
in popular colors has increased at a robust pace. prevented by trade tensions and steep tariffs on
quartz slab imports from China and India, as other low-cost sources of quartz slab have been unable
to meet surging U.S. demand for these products.” Lumping together solid surface and other cast
polymers, Freedonia had it pegged with the fourth
highest demand in 2019 and remaining so in 2024 and 2029. Of interest is that demand for solid
surface in the nonresidential arena was second only to laminate and is predicted to remain so through 2029, but growing at the slowest rate other than laminate (which is predicted to continue to lose market share in terms of square feet).
Freedonia lists tile as the fifth highest in demand, although most would say it is more for use in backsplash applications in today’s market. It
its predictions, slower growth is ahead in the
The Conference Board, www.conference-board.org, a global, independent business membership and research group
The Full Picture When viewed as a whole, the data paints a
FMI, www.fminet.com, a construction industry consulting and investment banking services company
somewhat conflicting picture with a bit of potential
volatility. However, overall, when looking at the data The Freedonia Group, a research firm that recently released a “Countertops” study, available for purchase at www. in terms of the general economy down through freedoniagroup.com
more specific and related markets, it seems like a
The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University, www.jchs.harvard.edu
safe summation to say that 2020 will be another year of growth for the countertop/surfacing
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA),
industry, but significantly slower growth than that of www.kcma.org, a nonprofit representing cabinet manufacturers the past several years. Of course, political factors
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), www. nahb.org, with members that construct 80 percent of new U.S homes
and/or economic disasters could affect that, and
looking beyond 2020 is certainly difficult because
of the current unique factors, such as the upcoming The Wall Street Journal, www.wsj.com, a business-focused election, the ongoing trade wars and tariffs and the international newspaper
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New Colors & Materials Spotlight A LOOK AT THE LATEST IN PREMIUM SURFACES
innovation results in many new textures that compel refined artistry to any interior or exterior canvas. The Textures+ collection can be viewed on Antolini’s website at www.antolini.com. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #52
AGT AGT decorative panels are distributed by select Hardwoods Specialty Products, at Paxton and Rugby locations. Two unique design alternatives are offered: Matte and High Gloss Polymer Panels. They are available in numerous neutral colors, and in late 2020 patterned options will be offered. AGT panels offer surface quality suited for interior cabinetry, wall paneling, furniture and vertical surfaces. The natural beauty of colors and low reflective properties of AGT Matte Polymer Panels creates room environments that are both elegant and tranquil, while balancing softness and durability. The 3-D colors of AGT High Gloss Panels create durable room environments that are chic and pop with reflective light. Both panel types offer ease of use, a strong resistance to chipping and excellent stain resistance. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #50
Akrilika Akrilika’s solid surface collection has recently completed a fine-tune stage. The design palette now combines 85 colors: versatile and classic colors of the Akrilika Stone Series, elegant colors in the Kristall Series that have large translucent particles, and high-end 26 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
premium class Design Series colors with natural aesthetics. The variety of color options have been adjusted to meet contemporary designer demands.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #51
ATI Decorative Laminates The Frosted Fusion Collection from ATI Decorative Laminates offers more than 20 exclusive designs combined with a variety of transparent substrates to create the look of frosted glass.
Antolini The passion and experience from Antolini transform the working of natural stone into a creative flair. The Textures+ Collection reveals the full potential of keystone elements by creating cutting-edge and timeless designs through texture on the surface of the stones provided by Antolini. Textures include Chiseled Finish, Riven Finish, Super Hydro Finish, Papirus Design, Seta Design, Stratos Design and many others. This collection covers the stones with bright or delicate tones and harmonious gradations, which bring a touch of style to every project, and the constant technological
Frosted Fusion designs range from natureinspired motifs like Abstract Flower Frosted and Pine Cones Frosted to minimalist patterns like Zoom Frosted and the intricate, woven design of Jacquard Frosted. Additional Frosted design expansions are planned for the future. Frosted Fusion also offers custom capabilities. The Fusion clear substrates are easy to install and available in 4- by 8-ft. size, in various thicknesses. These substrates include acrylic and polycarbonate. When combined with these substrates, the Frosted Fusion Collection is suitable for divider panels, semi-private panels, wall panels, retail displays, inserts and more. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #53
Bedrosians Tile & Stone Bedrosians Tile & Stone recently introduced its Magnifica porcelain collection of countertops. Made in the USA, Magnifica porcelain delivers colors and veining with a look straight from the quarry, capturing the realism of marbles, volcanic basalt, industrial concrete and solid looks. The collection includes 14 colors and three finishes in 127 by 60 in. in 2cm thickness. The slabs are shock-proof, heat-proof, acid-proof and spill-proof. Magnifica porcelain is also low maintenance and easy to clean.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #54
natural materials are pressed onto various carrier surfaces such as HPL (high-pressure laminate), flooring (click-system install corkbacked flooring), wallpaper (self-adhesive or flax backing), flexi (flexible backing), translucent self-adhesive film and acoustic panels (absorber panels or a variety of MDF panels). During the gentle manufacturing process, the natural features like scent, color and touch are preserved. The organic materials evoke the senses; you can see, feel and enjoy the scent of the natural elements used in this experiential and multiuse design material, making you feel better and healthier in any space you occupy.
colors that visualize the power of liquid, offering a chance to integrate swirling, rippling and fluidity into design. The pearlescent Liquid Shell (left) is inspired by the moon in union with the ocean’s tide. Liquid Embers (center) represents a meeting point between fire and liquid. Reminiscent of magma, it contains a dark, carbon-like design that visualizes the elements. Liquid Sky (right) celebrates the scientific principles of fluid dynamics. It has a swirling, cloud-like pattern of a white base with flowing gray veins. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #58
See our ad on Page 9
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #56
Caesarstone The new Solaris Outdoor Collection of Caesarstone quartz provides the convenience of stain-resistant, easy-to-clean surfaces while being durable enough to withstand the elements—rain, snow or shine. Three colors in this collection are Palm Shade, a milky white base with charcoal veining; Clearskies (pictured), a smooth concrete gray with a scattering of various tiny flecks; and Midday, a sandy white surface with gray and white flecks. The company also introduced four dark shades. Oxidian and Black Tempal join the industrialinspired Metropolitan Collection while Empira Black joins the Supernatural Collection. Piatto Black is now part of the Classico Collection. These dark colors come in the new Natural finish, a textured finish with the feel of stone. Empira Black is also available in Polished finish. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #55
CaraGreen CaraGreen is the first U.S. distributor for Austrian-based Organoid Technologies. Organoid’s biophilic products offer an ecological alternative to surfacing design solutions. Without additives for color or fragrance,
Crossville
ConfiAd Solid Surface by Jin Gwang Industries ConfiAd® Solid Surface by Jin Gwang Industries introduces 13 designs in the Marble Series. All 13 colors have various kinds of natural marble inspired patterns. The beautiful and attractive designs will create a special atmosphere in any place. ConfiAd® Solid Surface is nonporous, hygienic, versatile, chemical/stain-resistant, and easy to maintain/ repair. With more than 80 colors and patterns, ConfiAd® Solid Surface is flexible in design and can be fabricated and installed in almost any application with invisible seams. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #57
Cosentino Designed in collaboration with London-based pattern experts, PATTERNITY, the Dekton Liquid Collection by Cosentino, is comprised of three
Crossville Porcelain Countertops are 12mm thick and engineered specifically for countertop installations, inside or out. The line offers stunning surface visuals in unpolished or polished finishes. In keeping with the performance expected of porcelain tile, Crossville’s countertops deliver advanced technical characteristics, ensuring strength, durability, low maintenance, weather resistance, UV stability and stain resistance. The 100 percent porcelain product is fired with fiberglass reinforcement backing. This added strength plus the dense, nonporous body prevents cracks, yellowing and staining. The slabs’ 1,620 by 3,240mm (63.78 by 127.56 in.) may be finished for custom looks that carry to backsplash or shower walls for cohesive appearance. Fabricators can opt for mitered edges or 12mm eased or bullnose edges. Learn more at https:// www.crossvilleinc.com/Products/CrossvillePorcelain-Countertops. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #59
See our ad on Page 15
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 27
Curava Curava’s striking sea glass finish is the newest addition to its recycled glass surfaces. This finish, which is enhanced by natural light, creates an exquisite texture that transforms recycled glass particulates to look like stunning brushed sea glass — designed to elevate any room with a wow factor. As with all of Curava’s surfaces, this offering delivers a balance of enduring beauty, durability and sustainability. Similar to quartz, Curava’s resin-based surfaces are sanitary, nonporous and heat-, scratch- and stain-resistant. These low-maintenance countertops do not require resealing, and the new finish has the added benefit of hiding fingerprints and smudges. The sea glass finish will be available initially in fabricator showrooms and select kitchen and bath design centers in New England, Florida and the Carolinas.
Formica Durasein You’re a creative. You’re busy doing all the cool stuff creatives do, we get it! So, we’ll cut to the chase and tell you what we’re all about. Whether it’s information, customization or advice — we’re here to help you do your best work! No overselling. No overpromising. Just consider us your creative partners. We’ve taken some time to refresh our entire palette this year with you in mind. From timeless standards to visual textures that are out of this world. we’ve got everything you need, and nothing you don’t. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #62
Aluminum (pictured) and Stainless, part of Formica’s Fluidity palette of SurfaceSet® 2020, are realistic brushed-metal designs paired with the reflective Brush finish that offers a durable laminate version of metal that can be used on vertical millwork and cabinetry as well as any hardworking surface, like horizontal tables and countertops. The 2020 Living Impressions™ Collection features six new style-forward surfacing designs, including five new 180fx® Laminate patterns and one new Formica® Laminate pattern. The new 180fx patterns are White Painted Marble, Black Painted Marble, Watercolor Porcelain, Watercolor Steel and Calacatta Cava. Black Bardiglio is the new Formica® Laminate pattern.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #64
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Hyundai L&C Enigma Surfaces (AHD) Daltile Made in the USA, bearing the heritage of products well made, Daltile’s American Reserve ONE Quartz Surfaces® collection allows you to have both elegant style and outstanding durability. Not only are these slabs manufactured in the red, white and blue, but they are carefully created just for you. American Reserve’s extra-large slabs are offered in exclusive colors and designs, create seamless looks, are environmentally friendly and are heat-, scratch- and stain-resistant. Enjoy unsurpassed endurance in kitchen, bathroom or commercial settings. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #61
28 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Enigma Surfaces is a remarkable new material that aims to revolutionize the stone industry with impressive features and numerous attributes. Enigma Surfaces’ new generation of countertop materials are resistant to stains and have minimal maintenance requirements. With this significant milestone, Enigma Surfaces is proud to present three exceptional collections that show character and style: Nazca, Moai and Pyramids. Nazca patterns are combined with new finishes designed to change the future of the stone industry. Moai has unique and exclusive models, made to mark the beginning of a trend. The Pyramids collection is characterized by natural stone finishes with a beauty, sharpness and high definition. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #63
Hyundai L&C added two new colors to the Hanex Solid Surfaces offerings. Inspired by the natural beauty of travertine, Bianco Classico features a light cream base with accents of cool gray and soft beige for a timeless, distinctive look with endless versatility. Oyster Pearl blends subtle nuances of grays and whites for an elegant, sophisticated style that pairs perfectly with bold accents and pops of color.
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #65
Infinity Infinity is dedicated exclusively to large porcelain slabs 63 ¾ by 127 ½ in. presented in three different
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #13
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 29
thicknesses of ¼, ½ and ¾ in. Infinity combines maximum performance, excellent quality and
the trendy looks, meeting the needs of all world markets. It consists of 39 colors in four types
of surface finishes: polished, satin, matte and
bush-hammered. The latest innovation patented and launched by Infinity is NATURA VEIN™, a
revolutionary technology for obtaining through-
vein slabs, recreating the same effect as natural marble. This technology employs a controlled
new 2020 colors reflect the latest industry trends
and provide versatile design options. Viatera’s Ribera (shown here) evokes reminiscence of a crisp morning river. The whispers of gray add a balance that accentuates the nostalgia of the shade. With white veining that resembles waves reflecting from the sky and moving throughout the sea, you can bring serenity to any room. For more information, visit www.LGHausysUSA.com.
*Disclaimer: Tested 99.9% effective against Meganite selected bacteria in accordance with ISO 22196 and JIS Z 2801 testing standards. Results may vary when tested on different organisms or bacteria. The AcryMed technology protects the product itself against stain and odor-causing bacteria. AcryMed does not protect users or others from diseasecausing bacteria.*
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sedimentation of minerals during the production process, allowing a perfect coherence between surface and the body. Natura-Vein™ Tech, the
latest evolution of porcelain stoneware, further brings the industrial product closer to the
natural and unique look of natural material. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #66
LAMINAM IN-SIDE, the
latest LAMINAM technology for
ceramic slabs,
was developed
by the company to respond to the aesthetic
demands of the
architectural and
design world. This technology is based on the
blending of raw materials of variable grain size, resulting on homogeneity between the body and surface of the slab that reproduces the
real aesthetics characteristic of natural stones. Available in five beautiful stone colors in both
natural and flamed finishes, IN-SIDE guarantees the same high level of technical performance in terms of its resistance and durability, including the ease to cut and fabricate LAMINAM is
LOTTE LOTTE Chemical Corporation will expand its surface options with the launch of Locelain® ultra-compact sintered stone surfaces featuring a high-quality natural stone look and superb durability. The new collection will be available in the United States starting in quarter two of 2020. Locelain will be available in multiple sizes, including large-format sheets to minimize the number of joints providing improved aesthetics and hygienic advantages. The line will initially feature nine colors, ranging from stunning to subtle. Additionally nine new veined and natural looking color and pattern options across a wide color palette are being introduced to the Radianz® Cirrus Series available in March. LOTTE’s Staron® Supreme Collection of solid surface has four new colors, including the Terrazzo Collection, featuring the old-world look of broken, polished stone, resulting in classic aggregate with interesting shapes and textures. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #69
known for.
Neolith Neolith launched Calacatta Luxe, a new compact surface available worldwide for interior and exterior applications. Building on Neolith’s popular Calacatta slabs, which are inspired by Italian Carrara Marble, Calacatta Luxe turns up the contrast. It combines striations of dark grays, inky blues, tobacco browns and subtle golds for mesmerizing veins, contrasting against a white background. It is offered in Polished and the new Ultrasoft finish, in ¼- and ½-in. thicknesses and is available in 125- by 64-in. and 125- by 60-in. formats. Neolith Full Body Veining achieves veins throughout the entire slab, replicating genuine stone. The effect is visible in the slab’s edges in the ½- and ¾-in. thicknesses. This technology comes after seven years of research and development. It’s suitable for interior and exterior building projects, offering strength, beauty and longevity. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #71
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #67
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LG Hausys LG Hausys
introduced 10 new Viatera
quartz colors,
along with the new Brushed
Finish option for select colors, and 10 new
HI-MACS solid surface colors
in new collections: Aurora and Terrazzo. From
calming neutrals to bold statement colors, the 30 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Meganite Inc. Meganite Inc. launched the all new enhanced antimicrobial solid surface — AcryMed. AcryMed is certified in accordance with ISO 22196 and JIS Z 2801 testing standards, and it offers integrated hygienic surface protection with a significant impact that works effectively against stains and odor-causing bacteria.
Porcelanosa USA’s KRION KRION Porcelanosa Grupo presents Coverlux™, a material of mineral origin and
similar in appearance to natural stone, which stands out for its tenacity and resistance to bending. Coverlux is worked in a similar way to wood and is suitable for use as interior cladding and to create furniture, with the possibility of backlighting. Its design is present throughout the mass of the material, which allows decorative edges to be achieved by cutting and mitering to create seamless joints.
patterns meticulously handcrafted to resemble classic marble and quartzite. Dramatic veins and bold textures adorn these beautiful surfaces indistinguishable from natural stone. Designed for modern living and durability, this collection is available in both 2cm and 3cm and is suitable for use in most interior applications. Color shown: Blanco Venato.
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Wilsonart
US Surfaces The 2020 Collection of Vadara Quartz Surfaces from US Surfaces features innovative colors and
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The new Wilsonart® THINSCAPE™ Performance Tops are created on a ½-in. foundation. The Collection includes 12 ultra-slim decorative slabs available in popular large-scale stone and quartz designs, such as a Calcutta Blanc and an Italian Carrara. It also includes dramatic surfaces such as a Distressed Pine and Rugged Steel. Manufactured in the USA, THINSCAPE Performance Tops are easy to clean and are impact-, scratch- and moisture-resistant. They also come with UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification for indoor air quality. They can be fabricated with standard carbide tip tooling and do not require wet cutting or polishing
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #14 ISFA Member since 2013
equipment. They can achieve a clean, sleek reverse-knife edge profile to streamline counters and make them even lighter. THINSCAPE Performance Tops are suitable for countertops, vanities and laundry room worktops. For more information visit www.wilsonart.com/thinscape. For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #74
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For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #15 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 31
ISFA FABRICATOR PROFILE: ALPHA GRANITE & TILE
Alpha Granite & Tile (AG) is a sizable and successful fabricator of hard surfacing materials based in Austin, Texas. The company works with both natural and engineered stone, including but not limited to granite, marble, soapstone, quartzite, quartz surfacing (mostly Cosentino’s Silestone and Caesarstone), and large-format porcelain/sintered stone. Going through, on average, 15 slabs a day, most of its work is in the residential sector (90 to 95 percent), with a good portion of that being high-end custom work. However, reaching the level of business it operates at today, the company had a very unique origin. In the beginning, it wasn’t meant to be a fabrication business at all, but rather a stone importer and distributor. How it switched gears and came to be the fabricator it is today is an interesting story that actually began in Africa, where the owners of Alpha Granite, Denis and Sonia Phocas, were born. Denis, president of AG, grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe growing tobacco, corn and paprika, and raising cattle. He traveled to South Africa to study electrical engineering, and in 1987 that is where he met Sonia, who was born and raised there. After his schooling and subsequently working in IT in South Africa for a few years, he and Sonia returned to his family’s farming business in Zimbabwe. 32 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
By Kevin Cole, Editor
The company specializes in high-end custom work, such as this kitchen in Symphony Grey 2CM Caesarstone with a full waterfall end.
After about 10 years and gaining a lot of
experience in helping manage a business, Denis had picked up an even more diverse skill set
through dealing with the multiplicities of farming. That’s when he and Sonia began to think about starting their own company and moving away from the family business, especially with the political instability in the region.
Around 2002, after meeting some quarry owners in South Africa, Denis and Sonia got the idea
to research the stone industry. With the granite
boom going on in the United States, they soon
realized there was a major opportunity to invest in an import/export business in North America. They spent several more months researching the American stone industry and took the
plunge, moving to Texas, where they saw a
need and had access to a large port, so they could establish an initial base of operations.
The owners of Alpha Granite, Denis and Sonia Phocas, moved to the United States in hopes of opening a granite distributorship with a supply from their home country of South Africa, but instead built a large hard surface fabrication business in Texas.
Not only does AG use proper safety equipment like respirators, but it also utilizes advanced machinery such as this wet saw for safety and innovation, both of which are big emphases for the business, which values its employees.
However, after going back and forth for a while
With a limited budget, Denis and Sonia
So by the end of 2004, just over one and
never materialized. That said, though, during
could get away with, including a forklift, large
to expand again. This time, it moved to a
countertop fabrication and installation segment
operated router and hand tools, as well as an
the opportunity they were looking for.
rented a 1,500-sq.-ft. warehouse and started
with their intended partners, the business
purchased the minimal equipment they
their research they had been introduced to the
compressor, pneumatic polishers, hand-
of the stone industry, and felt that it may hold
old bridge saw that had to be rebuilt. They also
When a friend asked for their advice about new countertops, Denis saw it as a chance to test the waters and agreed to fabricate it himself.
their fabrication business. Alpha Granite got its
start, hiring two employees and working hard to get projects coming in.
a half years after its beginning, AG needed 6,000-sq.-ft. facility, adding the Moraware job
tracking software system to combat problems
with workflow. They also purchased numerous pieces of CMS/Brembana equipment,
including a Concept 1700 4-axis CNC router, Flexa 625 Semi-automatic Bridge Saw and a
Stealth Digitizer. Moraware revolutionized the
Thus in July of 2003, Alpha Granite was born.
Before long, they were doing one to two jobs
management side of the business, whereas
jack-of-all-trades and this has turned out to
business spread, it wasn’t long before they were
accurate, with the bridge saw and CNC router
fabricated my first kitchen for a friend out of
really took off, and in just over a year they were
of uptime on it.
a 4cm bullnose. It took me a whole month to
a major account with a national builder and
“Farming is a business where you become a
every week and paying the bills. As word of their
the CMS equipment proved to be rugged and
be a great asset for me,” explained Denis. “I
able to hire a salesperson. That’s when things
still in use today having well over 40,000 hours
2cm Tobacco Brown that was laminated into
handling a job a day. That’s when they landed
fabricate and install.”
Establishing the Business
they could barely keep up. Still using a hand-
held router for fabrication was preventing that
expansion because it was slow and wearisome,
To keep up with production demand, AG then instituted a second shift, but was still having problems, particularly with linear edging,
even with the machines running pretty much
nonstop around the clock. To further combat
Now with a much more thorough idea of just what
so the company purchased a Matrix Daytona
they had the beginnings of the foundation they
allowed increased production, it also made it
Omega 60 to polish linear edges faster and
rented the space next door to it and added it to
arm machine with a 3-brick COMES tangential
the problem, they bought a used Comandulli
went into the fabrication and installation process,
single head linear polishing machine. While this
needed to start developing the business. They
very difficult to fit into a the small shop, so AG
more efficiently and a Sawing Systems radial
the current space.
head to polish scratched slabs or put on
began investing in further developing their
knowledge base, starting with a visit to the
Coverings trade show. After attending numerous seminars and discussing the fabrication/
installation industry in great depth with a variety of machine and equipment manufacturers, they put together a list of the most basic equipment
they could use to get the business going and put together a budget and a business plan.
Even with the expanded space, there were
problems. Their inventory and remnants were
growing and they were forced to stow them in
honed or leather textures. Even then, though, their water supply couldn’t keep up with their operations as volume continued to grow.
the parking lot. They were also forced to dump
By 2009, they had purchased the 20,000-sq.-
shop, which was far from ideal and needed to
building and big yard for slab storage, and the
their shop water into the empty lot next to their
ft. facility with a separate office/showroom
be corrected.
business remains there today.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 33
Alpha Granite put a lot of time and effort in learning the ropes of fabricating large-format porcelain and compact surface slabs, such as those used in this MaxFine Porcelain kitchen. Upgrading and Modernization
saw, three CMS/Brembana 4-axis CNC routers, our Comandulli straight line polisher and a Marmo Meccanica LCR straight line polisher. The 5-axis saw helped us speed up cutting and eliminate the use of vinyl templates, and we also bought a Marmo Electro Meccanica
That said, AG did find a suitable solution.
“We believed in this newer material for both countertops and vertical surfaces so we
traveled across the globe researching the
process and determined a dedicated 5-axis waterjet cutting machine was the solution,”
said Denis. “We bought CMS 5-Axis Technocut
After moving into the much larger facility,
LCV 711 M to speed up the polishing of backsplashes.”
Aquatec waterjet machine and it allowed us
their operation, and after the great recession
In 2012 Alpha Granite also added a Shah
products, such as Dekton, Neolith, MaxFine
Alpha Granite had a lot more room to expand passed, and business started growing again, they did just that. “In our former shop, we
could put out 300 sq. ft. every day running
two shifts,” said Denis. “In the new location
we wanted to accomplish the same amount of work, but in a single shift.”
Stone Machines SPL 2200, which allows the company to resurface slabs. The polisher has proven to be a life saver for us, in that it can polish, hone and leather almost all types of materials,” explained Denis. “We not only provide our customers different stone finishes,
However, the amount of product going out of
but are able to repair damaged slabs and we
of custom work that would take longer to
in Central Texas.”
the facility ebbed and flowed, with the amount perform. So, AG began upgrading and adding to its equipment again. After installing a water
filtration system to be able to keep up with the supply of water it needed, the company finally
was able to end its second shift by getting the equipment that worked best for its operation.
offer this service to fabricators and distributors Early to recognize the growing trend for largeformat porcelain and compact surfaces, the company faced a new challenge. “In the past decade the tools and equipment to fabricate natural stone and engineered stone have become almost identical and this enabled
Today it relies heavily on its machinery to
us to process both materials through our
to embrace all of our main large-format slab
and SapienStone into our product offering. The waterjet simplifies the cutting of miters and
complex pieces and enables the assembly of
the parts to be much more simplified with little to no adjustment to the parts.”
Since overcoming the challenges of these
materials, they have become 10 percent of the
company’s output and growing. “Our long-term goal is to relocate our large-format porcelain
and compact fabrication to another facility in
the future,” said Denis. “This will enable us to streamline the process and have fabricators
specialized in this unique field. This new surface is gaining popularity in leaps and bounds and we are proud to say that we have exploited many avenues to succeed in the way we
keep production steady. “We believe in using
fabrication shop seamlessly,” said Denis.
fabricate and install it. ”
technology to streamline our process and
“But, the inclusion of large-format porcelain
minimize the need for labor that we cannot
and compact surfaces and miter edge profiles
The company’s remaining product output mix
find,” said Denis. “We have a variety of
certainly created a major challenge to our
equipment in our fabrication shop, including
process. These materials are handled and
the traditional 3-axis Brembana Flexa bridge saw, a 5-axis double-table GMM Brio bridge
fabricated differently and do not mix well with natural and engineered stone.”
34 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
is 60 percent quartz surfacing and 30 percent natural stone (mostly granite). But while over
the years AG overcame its growing pains when
it came to the processes and equipment, Sonia and Denis realized with all of the employees
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #16
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 35
AG works with a variety of hard surfaces, but quartz surfacing, such as this high-end veined kitchens made in Silestone and bathroom Vicostone makes up about 60 percent of the company’s production.
they now had, their company culture and vision
It was by thinking about these ideals and
business.
able to push its management style further
had not progressed alongside of the rest of the After discussing the HR challenges, they
decided to bring in outside help to grow their management as well as they had grown the more tangible parts of their business.
defining a focus for the business that AG was toward the betterment of the business. “G2
Solutions has been instrumental in allowing us to stop working in our business and empower the great people we hire so that we can work
such as ISFA, in which they are Booster Club members, the aforementioned NSI, the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, on which Sonia sits on the Austin chapter’s board, serving as treasurer. “Sharing
on our business, allowing us the time to think
best practices has been instrumental in our
With an idea to improve company culture and
Denis. “People are the one most important
we feel it’s important to give back to the
in G2 Solutions, a business consultancy, to
clearly defined process, one can achieve
value, vision and mission statements as
complexity and in our type of industry we are
to go with your company and how you are
many challenges along every step of the way
right people and most importantly choose
of the future and plan accordingly,” explained
growth as a business,” said Sonia. “As such,
limit problems with staff, Alpha Granite brought
asset of any company and together, with a
communities that have helped us succeed.”
assist. With the consultant’s help, AG created
success. Every business has its own level of
“Know what you want and where you want
follows:
faced with many moving parts that exert so
going to get there. Surround yourself with the
■■ Values – “Integrity and Passion for
to success. When people understand their
Mission, Vision, Culture and Philosophy
Excellence infuses everything we do. Success
is built by supporting an environment of Mutual Commitment, Teamwork and Appreciation
for one another while ensuring long lasting
customer relationships. Solutions are delivered by a Dependable, Dynamic and Creative team.
roles in any organization and have access to the correct resources to perform their tasks, it empowers them to connect the dots and perform at their optimum level.”
Part of fulfilling its mission has meant going
Professionalism and a Proactive Approach
above and beyond through such things as the
emphasis on Safety and Effective Utilization of
process, putting safety first and using
are of prime importance along with an
intensive Natural Stone Institute Accreditation
Resources.”
technology and best practices to prevent
■■ Vision – “To be celebrated as the finest creator of luxurious surfaces by leading
the industry through innovation and best practices.”
■■ Mission – “To provide our customers
exquisite products through our responsive, dependable and highly skilled team.”
36 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
health issues, such as silicosis, and developing a showroom that is as helpful as possible for their clients.
They also consistently seek out opportunities to grow and learn, attending conventions,
roundtables and seminars, as well as being
active in a number of groups and associations,
your technology partners and machine suppliers very carefully,” said Denis and Sonia. “Essentially your people and your technology partner are people that you will be working with for a long time, therefore be sure that you can work with them. You need them just as much as they need you.” And it is through this sort of forward thinking that the company has lasted nearly 17 years and is still going strong and have management and staff that are proud of their roles within the industry. For more information contact Alpha Granite & Tile at
915 W. Howard Lane, Austin, Texas 78753, call (512) 834-8746 or visit www.alphagraniteaustin.com.
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Here.Now.News. From the Desk of Amy Miller, Executive Director
Shake It Off John Adams famously said, “There are no
of the well! Upon his liberation from the
Adams understood that challenges initiate
who had tried to bury him. The farmer
problems, only opportunities in disguise.” growth, and that without them, we would
remain stagnant. We all need to experience adversity to learn new skills. Overcoming
problems increases both competence and
confidence, but sometimes amid a situation,
well, the donkey savagely bit the farmer ended up terribly ill from the bite, and he succumbed to septic shock shortly after.
There are two things to be learned from this story:
it can be difficult to see the “good” in it.
1. Life is going to shovel dirt on you — all
problem, a dear friend helped me work beyond
burying you is to shake it off and take a step
Recently when challenged with a weighty
kinds of dirt. The trick to keeping the dirt from
the issue by relaying this short fable:
up. Every trouble can be a stepping stone if
One day a farmer’s donkey fell in a
dried up well that the farmer had left
uncovered. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to decide what
we use it as an opportunity to learn and rise above. We can get out of even the deepest
wells by never giving up. Shake it off and take a step up.
to do. Finally, the farmer decided the
2. When you do something wrong and try to
be covered up anyway, so it just wasn’t
you.
animal was old, and the well needed to
cover your ass, it always comes back to bite
worth it to retrieve the donkey. He would
As we navigate 2020, I hope you’ll remember
fill in the well with the donkey still inside.
He picked up a shovel and began to fill in the well with dirt.
When the donkey realized what was
happening, he cried horribly. Then, to the
this fable. When faced with adversity, I hope you’ll shake it off and take a step up. To your success. My Best,
farmer’s amazement, he quieted down. A
few shovels of dirt later, the farmer looked down the well, and to his amazement, the donkey was rising! With each shovel of
dirt that hit his back, the donkey would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty
soon, to the farmer’s astonishment, the donkey stepped up and over the edge
Amy Miller
ISFA Executive Director AmyM@isfanow.org
ISFA Events & Training
For additional information and registration options, please visit www.isfanow.org, or email amym@isfanow.org. Personalized training options are also available. Email carol@isfanow.org for more information. Gen 2 Event Hosted by Countertops of Memphis Sponsored by Moraware and BACA Systems March 17 – 18 Memphis, Tenn. Industry Roundtable Hosted by GECKO SSS Sponsored by SASSO March 31 – April 2 San Antonio, Texas Solid Surface Industry Roundtable & Bonus All Surface Update Hosted by Innovative Surface Works and Dwyer Granite & Marble May 12 – 13 Farmington Hills, Mich. Solid Surface Fabrication Training Hosted by GECKO SSS Sponsored by GranQuartz/Regent Stone May 19 – 21 San Antonio, Texas Porcelain/Sintered Stone Fabrication Training & Certification Event Hosted by Park Industries Training Center Sponsored by Park Industries and LPI (Laser Products) July 21 – 22 St. Cloud, Minn. Industry Roundtable & Factory Tours Hosted and Sponsored by LG Hausys Summer Adairsville, Ga. Industry Roundtable Hosted by Hard Rock Stone Works and BACA Systems Sponsored by BACA Systems August 4 – 6 Detroit, Mich. Solid Surface Countertops Symposium at IWF Hosted by IWF Aug. 25 Atlanta, Ga. Industry Roundtable Hosted by Front Range Stone Sponsored by Park Industries, Cosentino, Moraware and KOHLER Sept. 8 – 10 Denver, Colo. ISFA Annual Conference & Meeting Sponsored by Park Industries, GranQuartz/ Regent Stone, Integra Adhesives, Crossville and Infinity Oct. 20 – 23 Cancun, Mexico
38 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
ISFANews ISFA To Put on Large Format Applications (Porcelain/Sintered/ Ultra-Compact) Fabrication Training/ Certification Event July 21-22
ISFA and NSI partnering to bring Silica Training to Fabricators
A new category in countertops is emerging.
ISFA is teaming up with the Natural Stone
Surfaces are growing in popularity. All leading
in fabricating products that contain silica
Porcelain, Sintered Stone and Ultra-Compact indicators suggest that these products will
overtake Quartz in popularity. You can ensure
your fabrication company’s future success by becoming an expert in these products today. Join us at the Park Industries Training Center in St. Cloud, Minn. July 21 and/or July 22 to
receive expert fabrication training and an ISFA
certification for this rising surface category. Each day, three leading Manufacturer Brands will be trained upon. You may register for one or both days. Please see the dates below regarding
at the non-member price for this fabrication
training event will receive a free one-year ISFA
membership* courtesy of our event sponsors.
For more information or to register visit www.isfanow. org or email ISFA Executive Director Amy Miller at amym@isfanow.org.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Prevention ■■ Implementing a Silica Exposure Control
Because of the critical nature of the
Plan for Your Company
potential dangers facing fabricators, the
■■ How To Use the OSHA Voluntary
two organizations are teaming up for the
Inspection Program to Monitor Silica
betterment of the entire industry and all those
Exposure
working in it.
of exposure to hazardous airborne crystalline
ISFA certifications, but non-members registering
■■ Toolbox Talk: Crystalline Silica Exposure
OSHA recommended best practices.
■■ July 21st Brands - Dekton, Infinity Surfaces
ISFA membership is required to obtain and retain
■■ Toolbox Talk: What is Crystalline Silica?
courtesy of ISFA and NSI which highlight
countertop products in fabrication shops and
MSI
Compliance
renewing) will receive Silica Training Kits
register for both days.
■■ July 22nd Brands – Crossville, Lapitec and
■■ Silica Exposure Standard and OSHA
year, all ISFA Fabricator Members (new or
which brands will be certified on which day. To
and LAMINAM
and Prevention
for everyone in the surfacing industry. This
Workers involved in manufacturing, finishing
receive a certificate covering all 6 brands, please
■■ Silicosis: An Industry Guide to Awareness
Institute in 2020 in an effort to improve safety
■■ A Sample Silica Exposure Control Plan for General Industry
and installing natural and manufactured stone
■■ An OSHA Inspection Planning Checklist
during in-home finishing/installation are at risk silica and lifelong health consequences.
OSHA’s new Respirable Crystalline Silica
■■ Creating a Safety Program – Where To Start ■■ Basics of OSHA Compliance ■■ No Place for Complacency
regulations have stringent requirements for
■■ Onsite OSHA Consultation
protecting the 2.3 million workers who are
■■ Requirements for Personal Protective
exposed to this hazard at work.
Equipment
The training kits that all ISFA Fabricator
For more information contact ISFA Executive Director Amy Miller at amym@ISFAnow.org.
Members will receive, will have flash drives
with downloadable documents and training that includes the following programs:
To join ISFA or renew your membership, visit www. ISFAnow.org or call the ISFA office at (888) 599-ISFA.
ISFA Board Votes To Install New Directors at Annual Conference & Meeting The ISFA Board of Directors has voted to make a minor change to the association’s bylaws so that going forward, newly elected board members will be installed to the board of directors at the ISFA Annual Conference & Meeting each year instead of waiting until January 1 of the following year, as had previously been the process. As such, the next ISFA Board of Directors will be installed at the 2020 Annual Conference & Meeting in Cancun in October.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 39
ISFANews Find Great Educational Opportunities at the
Keynote Speaker Jeff Henderson One of the reasons Forbes Magazine named Jeff Henderson one of 20 speakers you shouldn’t miss is because he can help your business grow. Working with organizations such as Chick-fil-A, Callaway Gardens, the Atlanta Braves and North Point Ministries, Jeff has helped unlock the secret to the a powerful form of advertising: positive word-of-mouth. It all comes down to two important questions that can not only unlock growth for your business, but also for your career growth as well. Henderson is the author of the book, Know What You’re FOR: A Growth Strategy for Work, An Even Better Strategy for Life.
2020 ISFA
Annual Conference
Join us for this great chance to improve your business and also enjoy yourself Oct. 20 to 23 at the allinclusive Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun, Mexico
Registration Includes: ■■ 3 All-Inclusive Days/Nights at the Hard Rock Hotel in beautiful Cancun, Mexico ■■ Business Meeting ■■ Speakers and Educational Sessions ■■ New Product Introductions
PRESENTING SPONSOR
■■ Conference Only Discounts/Specials ■■ Welcome Reception ■■ Award Reception
SPONSORS
■■ All Food, Beverage and Entertainment ■■ Round-trip Airport Transfers ■■ Spa, Golf, and Excursions*
40 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
*You pay a 25% service fee for Spa, Golf and Excursions
Register by March 15 for discount pricing: Member $1,999, Additional Guest $799 After March 15: Member $2,199, Additional Guest $899 For more information or to register for the event, visit www.isfanow.org or email ISFA Executive Director Amy Miller at amym@isfanow.org.
ISFANews ISFA Board of Directors Augie Chavez President GECKO SSS 4630 Sinclair Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222 (210) 227-3100 augie@geckosss.com www.geckosss.com Steve Mast Vice President Precision Countertops 26200 S.W. 95th Ave. Ste. 303 Wilsonville, OR 97070 (503) 660-3023 Steve.m@ precisioncountertops.com www.precisioncountertops. com Kelley Montana Treasurer Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing 70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 442-5918 kmontana@humtop.com www.humtop.com Austin Maxwell Secretary Maxwell Countertops 324 S. Plum St. Farmer City, IL 61842 (309) 928-2848 austin@maxwellcounters. com www.maxwellcounters.com
ISFA Contacts ISFA PO Box 627 Ingomar, PA 15127 (888) 599-ISFA www.isfanow.org Executive Director Amy Miller (567) 239-2102 amym@isfanow.org Director of Communications Kevin Cole Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor (815) 721-1507 kevin@isfanow.org
Jim Callaghan Associate Member Representative and Executive Committee Member GranQuartz 3950 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross Ga 30093 (248) 660-3291 jcallaghan@granquartz.com www.granquartz.com
Rodrigo Velazquez Director INDEKO Blvd los charros 1500 Col. Belenes Industrial Nte Zapopan 45150 Mexico 52 331-028-7863 rodrigo@weareindeko.com Eric Tryon Director Founding Member of Rockheads Group 845 McFarland Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 (678) 614-7111 tryonea@gmail.com www.rockheadsusa.com
Mike Langenderfer Director The Countertop Shop 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net
Joe Connolly Associate Member Representative SASSO 220 N. Smith St. Ste. 414 Palatine, IL 60067 (224) 200-8004 jconnollysassousa@ gmail.com www.sassousa.com
Joe Duszka Director Carolina Custom Surfaces 100 Landmark Drive Greensboro, N.C. 27409 (336) 215-5518 Joe@carolinacustom surfaces.com Laura Grandlienard Director ROCKin’teriors 230 Hampton Woods Lane, Suite 100 Raleigh, N.C. 27607 (919) 577-0207 laura@rockinteriors.com
Paul “Max” Le Pera Associate Member Representative Global Surfacing Alliance 106 Melrich Rd. Cranbury, NJ 08512 (908) 358-5252 pmlp33@gmail.com
ISFA Booster Club Program Coordinator Amy Kyriazis (412) 487-3207 amy@isfanow.org Solid Surface Fabrication Trainer Chris Pappenfort (417) 598-2390 chris@isfanow.org
The ISFA Booster Club is a program comprised of ISFA members committed to growing ISFA membership, benefits and programs. Each club member makes a financial contribution and participates in a quarterly conference call led by Executive Director Amy Miller and President Augie Chavez. During the calls new ideas for projects and programs to benefit ISFA members and the industry are discussed, as well as timelines for implementation. Those interested in joining can contact amym@isfanow. org for more information.
Quartz/Stone Fabrication Trainer Fred Hueston (321) 514-6845 fred@isfanow.org
Operations Manager Carol Wilhite (412) 487-3207 carol@isfanow.org Account Representative Paul Wisnefski (262) 498-4184 wisnefski@sbcglobal.net
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 41
Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. ALABAMA
Cutstone Co.
Pacifica Wholesale Tile and Stone
NSM Florida Enterprises, LLC
ILLINOIS
ALASKA
Plastic Tops, Inc.
Sterling Mfg.
Custom Marble Inc.***
Quarry House Inc.
GEORGIA
117 Cloverdale Dr. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-624-3538 www.cutstoneco.com
Cook Inlet Housing Authority 3510 Spenard Rd. Anchorage, AK 99503 907-793-3047 www.cookinlethousing.org
Vision Construction 17 Adak Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-479-0380 www.visionunited.com
ARKANSAS Qualserv
7400 S. 28th St. Ft. Smith, AR 72908 479-459-5892 www.qualservsolutions.com
American Epoxy Scientific 500 E. 16th St. Mountain Home, AR 72653 870-701-5015 www.stichco.com
CALIFORNIA
America’s Dream HomeWorks 7115 Watt Ave. Ste. 100 North Highlights, CA 95660 916-502-7789 www.dreamhomeworks.com
American Stone Fabrications 9489 Opal Ave. Mentone, CA 92359 909-918-5528 www.americanstonefabricator.com
Carrara Marble Company of America Inc. 15939 Phoenix Dr. Industry, CA 91745 626-961-6010 www.carrara.com
Fischer Tile & Marble 1800 23rd St. Sacramento, CA 95816 916-452-1426 www.fischertile.com
Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing 70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 707-442-5918 www.humtop.com
Naresh Tammabatula 1750 Stokes St. 71 San Jose, CA 95126 510-324-6588
620 E. Ball Rd. Anaheim, CA 92805 310-497-3511 www.pacificastone.com 521 E. Jamie Ave. La Habra, CA 90631 714-738-8128 www.plastictops.com 217 San Anselmo Ave. San Anselmo, CA 90205 415-482-9094 www.quarryhouseinc.com
The Countertop Factory
1050 Central Park Dr. Sanford, FL 32771 407-774-0676 www.nsmotif.com 8293 Consumer Circle Sarasota, FL 34240 941-955-8787 www.sterlingmfg.com
Atlanta Kitchen Inc.
196 Rio Circle Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3220 www.atlanta-kitchen.com
4-D Construction of IL, Inc. 1107 E. Cemetery Ave. Chenoa, IL 61726 815-867-2196 www.4-Dconstruction.com PO Box 306 Millstadt, IL 62260 618-476-1345 www.custommarble.net
Maxwell Counters Inc.
PO Box 234 Farmer City, IL 61824 309-928-2848 www.maxwellcounters.com
2470 E. Coronado St. Anaheim, CA 92806 562-944-2450 www.thecountertopfactory.net
Counter Fitters LLC
New Age Surfaces
Front Range Stone
Countersync
Pierce Laminated Products Inc.
The Top Shop Inc.
Craftmark Solid Surfaces Inc.
Ravenswood Studio Inc.
Heft Enterprises
Solid Surface Creations Inc.
COLORADO
2195 S. Raritan St. Englewood, CO 80110 303-761-4257 www.frontrangestone.com 3300 E. 43rd Ave. Denver, CO 80216 303-996-6026 www.tshopinc.com
DELAWARE
Troy Granite Inc.
711 Interchange Blvd. Newark, DE 19711 302-292-1750 www.troygranite.com
FLORIDA
Beverin Solid Surface 1108 Palmetto Ave. Lehigh Acres, FL 33972 239-368-9444 www.beverin.com
Delorie Countertops & Doors Inc.
2140 N.W. 18th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-970-7661 www.deloriectd.com
Jackson Stoneworks 11111 S.E. 72nd Gainsville, FL 32641 352-372-6600 www.jacksonllc.com
Mill-Rite Woodworking Co. 6401 47th St. N. Pinellas Park, FL 33781 727-528-6305 www.mill-rite.com
42 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
1026 Lynes Ave. Savannah, GA 31415 912-231-0103 www.counterfitterssav.com 2014 Westside Ct. Augusta, GA 30907 706-828-7544 www.countersync.net 2772 Simpson Circle Norcross, GA 30071 770-242-8469 craftmarkcountertops.com 9138 Wheat St. Covington, GA 30014 678-342-9400 www.heftcabinets.com
1237 Naperville Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 630-226-0011
2430 N. Court St. Rockford, IL 61103 815-968-9651 www.piercelaminated.com 6900 North Central Park Ave. Lincolnwood, IL 60712 707-334-6851 www.ravenswoodstudio.com
Premier Surfaces
403 S. Sycamore Villa Grove, IL 61956 217-832-8207 www.ssctops.com
Stone Center
7797 N. Caldwell Ave. Niles, IL 60714 847-972-1193 www.stalwartsystemsusa.com
845 McFarland Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-614-7111 www.premiersurfaces.com 1325 Oakbrook Dr. Ste. C Norcross, GA 30093 770-446-5155 www.stonecenteratlanta.com
HAWAII
Firerock Fabrication 59-518A Alapio Rd. Haleiwa HI 96712 607-243-8618
Honolulu Tile & Marble Inc. 1602-B Auiki St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-3775
Montage Decor LLC
94-117 Malakeke Pl. Unit 102 Waipahu, HI 96797 808-200-7868 www.montage-decor.com
Stalwart Systems
Stonecrafters
430 W. Wegner Rd. Lakemoor, IL 60051 815-363-8730 www.stonecrafters.com
The Countertop Factory Midwest*** 869 S. Rte. 53 Addison, IL 60101 630-606-8055 www.tcfmidwest.com
INDIANA
A. I. A. Countertops LLC 201 S. Huntington St. Syracuse, IN 46567 574-457-2018 www.aiacountertops.com
Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Co., Inc.
MARYLAND
MINNESOTA
11270 Old Baltimore Pike Beltsville, MD 20705 301-937-2800 www.assifab.com
515 Spiral Blvd. Hastings, MN 55033 651-437-1004
44 Fadem Rd. Springfield, NJ 07081 973-491-5454 https://newjerseystone.com
Laminated Tops of Central Indiana Inc.
Carefree Kitchens Inc.
The Pinske Edge
Spaulding Fabricators Inc.
Modular Concepts Inc.
MISSISSIPPI
NEW MEXICO
SolidTops LLC
3803 Old Mobile Ave. Pascagoula, MS 39581 228-938-6484 www.alexandercounter wrights.com
522 W. 22nd St. Marion, IN 46953 800-388-8144 www.hartson-kennedy.com
711 E. Dillman Rd. Bloomington, IN 47401 812-824-6299 www.rakesolutions.com
IOWA
Solid Fabrications Inc. 2515 Murray St. Sioux City, IA 51111 712-255-5319 www.solidfab.com
ASSI Fabricators LLC
2910 Strickland St. Baltimore, MD 21223 410-233-4900 www.carefreeindustries.com 54 Wilmon St. Chesapeake City, MD 20705 410-885-5960 www.modcoinc.com
505 South St. Easton, MD 21601 StoneHouse Quartz & Granite 410-819-0770 www.solidtops.com 3901 100th St. Urbandale, IA 50322 MASSACHUSETTS 515-512-5188 Discover Marble & Granite www.stonehousegranite.com 4 Latti Farm Rd. Millbury MA 01527 VT Industries 508-438-6900 1000 Industrial Park www.discovermarble.com Holstein, IA 51025 712-368-4381 Jack’s Custom Woodworking/ www.vtindustries.com JCW Countertops
KENTUCKY
Granite America
1121 St. Louis Ave. Louisville, KY 40241 502-419-0713
Louisville Lumber & Millwork 1400 Lincoln Ave. Louisville, KY 40213 502-459-8710 www.louisvillelumber.com https://graniteamericausa.com/ louisville/
StoneMark Granite LLC 989 Logan St. Louisville, KY 40204 502-315-5100 www.stonemarkgranite.com
Surfaces Unlimited Inc.
1272 Hwy. 490 E. Bernstadt, KY 40729 606-843-6891 www.surfaces-unlimited.com
MAINE
Bangor Wholesale Laminates 355 Target Industrial Circle Bangor, ME 04401 207-945-5928 www.bangorwholesale laminates.com
Shad’s Custom Countertops Inc.
11 Collins Pond Rd. Windham, ME 04062 207-893-3445 www.getshad.com
3 Aberjona Dr. Woburn, MA 01801 781-935-1907 www.jcwcountertops.com
Sterling Surfaces
76 Leominster Rd. Sterling, MA 01564 978-422-3321 www.sterlingsurfaces.com
Sterling-Miller Designs Inc. 1079 N. Montello St. Brockton, MA 02301 508-894-6999 www.sterlingmillerdesigns.com
MICHIGAN
Hard Rock Stone Works
44038 Phoenix Dr. Lake Orion, MI 48362 586-532-7763 www.hardrocstoneworks.com
Innovative Surface Works 23206 Commerce Dr. Farmington, MI 48335 734-261-3010 www.ISWrocksnow.com
MKD
106 E. Oliver Dr. Marshall, MI 49068 269-209-8198 www.mkdkitchens.com
Paxton Countertops & Showers
PO Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 517-719-0146 www.paxtonsurfaces.com
Innovative Surfaces Inc.
119 Main St. Plato, MN 55370 320-238-2196 www.pinske-edge.com
New Jersey Stone***
1136 Industrial Pkwy. Brick, NJ 08724 732-840-4433 www.spauldingfabricators.com
Alexander Counterwrights
American Countertops
PO Box 10482 Albuquerque, NM 87184 505-897-3141 www.americancountertopsonline.com
Jaynes Structures
MISSOURI
Premier Surfaces
4525 N.W. 41st St. Ste. 400 Kansas City, MO 64150 816-767-2075 www.premiersurfaces.com
MONTANA BMC
3200 Hwy. 12 E. Helena, MT 59602 406-444-8721 www.buildwithBMC.com
NEBRASKA
Lincoln Laminating Inc. 5633 S. 49th St. Lincoln, NE 68516 402-434-6009 www.lincolnlaminating.com
2906 Broadway N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-344-8589 www.jaynescorp.com
OGB Architectural Millwork 3711 Paseo del Norte Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-998-0000 www.ogb-am.com
NEW YORK
Granite and Marble Works Inc.
8 Commercial Park Dr. Wilton, NY 12831 518-857-9720 www.graniteandmarbleworks.com
Lycos, Inc.
Marker Systems Inc.
Stone Concepts, Inc.
Modern Home Distributing
940 River Rd. North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-695-1102 www.markersys.com
2445 Deer Park Blvd. Omaha, NE 68105 402-201-2283 www.lycosfinish.com 10802 Sapp Brothers Dr. Omaha, NE 68138 865-523-0967 www.stoneconceptsomaha.com
NEVADA
PO Box 395 Nunda, NY 14517 585-468-2523 www.modernhomekitchen andbath.com
6801 Placid St. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-938-1111
30 Platinum Ct. Medford, NY 11763 631-205-0282 www.pennforcorian.com
Rumford Stone Inc.
Whispering Pines Woodcraft LLC
Carpenters Int’l. Training Fund
Penn Fabricators Inc.
NEW HAMPSHIRE 278 River Rd. Bow, NH 03304 603-224-9876 www.rumfordstone.com
4150 State Route 14 A Penn Yan, NY 14527 607-243-8618
NEW JERSEY
NORTH CAROLINA
2450 Lorio St. Union, NJ 07083 908-686-4340 www.countertopsofnj.com
4250 Old Wake Forrest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27613 919-981-0163 www.atlanticcountertops.com
Marvic Corp.
Atlantic Countertops
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 43
Fabricator Directory
Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. A Top Above The Rest 121 Wilkie St. Forest City, NC 28043 828-382-0174
BloomDay Granite & Marble 3810 Indiana Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 336-414-0842 www.bloomdaygranite.com
Carolina Custom Surfaces*** 100 Landmark Dr. Greensboro, NC 27409 336-215-5518 www.carolinacustom surfaces.com
Carolina Stoneworx LLC 8313 Poole Rd. Knightdale, NC 27545 919-266-1011 www.carolinastoneworx.com
Coastal Countertops & Tile
1117 N. 20th St. Morehead City, NC 28557 252-247-0015 www.coastalcountertopsnc.com
Majestic Kitchen & Bath 104 Jeffrey Way Youngsville, NC 27596 919-376-5941 www.gomajestic.com
Metro Woodcrafters of NC, Inc.
PO Box 669488 Charlotte, NC 28266-9488 704-394-9622 www.metrowoodcrafter.com
Onslow Stoneworks
1661 Hwy. 58 PO Box 1239 Swansboro, NC 28584 252-393-2457 www.onslowstoneworks.com
ROCKin’teriors
230 Hampton Woods Ln. Ste. 100 Raleigh, NC 27607 919-577-0207 www.rockinteriors.com
Stoneworks
18623 Northline Dr. Cornelius, NC 28031 704-936-8340 www.stoneworksltd.com
OHIO
Countertops by Nate
5372 Bedford St. Unit C Bedford Heights, OH 44146 216-314-8654
Cutting Edge Countertops Inc.
1300 Flagship Dr. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-873-9500 www.cectops.com
L. E. Smith Co.*** 1030 E. Wilson St. Bryan, OH 43506 888-537-6484 www.lesmith.com
Laminate Shop, Inc. PO Box 1218 Marietta, OH 45750 740-749-3536
The Countertop Shop LTD*** 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 419-868-9101 www.countertopshop.net
Top Advantage Surfaces Inc. 12989 Market Ave. N. Hartville, OH 44632 330-877-2138 www.topadvantage.com
Top Designs Inc.
1700 Wall Rd. Wadsworth, OH 44281 330-334-5677 www.topdesignsinc.com
Advanced Surfaces Inc. 130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 814-663-0369
Eastern Surfaces
601 S. 10th St. Allentown, PA 18103 610-266-3121 www.easternsurfaces.com
Indoor City Granite and Marble
1300 Ault Rd. Knoxville, TN 37914 865-523-0967 www.kitchentops.net
2425 New Holland Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-656-2300
1284 Loop Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 717-368-5604 www.indoorcity.com
Kramer’s Fabrications Inc. PO Box 41 Bernville, PA 19506 610-488-6213 www.kramershowerbases.com
Pence Countertops Inc.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Crowley’s Granite & Quartz
218 Willowgreen Way Greer, SC 29651 864-501-9555 www.casgroups.com
Nelson Tile and Stone
1875 N.E. Division St. Bend, OR 977701 503-943-9046 www.nelsontileandstone.com
Oregon State University 601 S.W. 35th St. Corvallis, OR 97333 www.oregonstate.edu
Precision Countertops Inc.*** PO Box 387 Wilsonville, OR 97070 503-692-6660 www.precisioncountertops.com
Custom Architectural Solutions LLC (CAS)
SOUTH DAKOTA
DFC-Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co. 45753 237th St. Madison, SD 57042 605-256-3707 www.soliddfc.com
TENNESSEE
Alexander Brothers Tile & Marble Inc.
PENNSYLVANIA
1446 S. Cooper St. Ste. 101 Memphis, TN 38114 901-278-9626 www.alexandermarble andgranite.com
350 South St. McSherrystown, PA 17344 717-630-1251 www.asst.com
301 W. Olive Ave. Memphis TN 38106 901-602-7115 www.countertopsofmemphis.com
ASST
44 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
IntelliStone, LLC
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories
330-837-2216 www.towersurfaces.com
10100 S.W. Herman Rd. Tualatin, OR 97062 503-850-2496
919 4th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 615-915-0718 www.creativecounter solutions.com
115 Carr Ave. Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-4833 www.intellistone.com
124 Ellis Woods Rd. Pottstown, PA 19465 610-326-6609 Top Shelf Laminated Products www.pencecountertops.com 400 Dietz Rd. Pittsburgh Troy Granite Warren, OH 44483 1060 484 Lowries Run Rd. 330-393-1289 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Tower Industries 412-446-1060 2101 Ninth St. S.W. www.troygranite.com Massillon, OH 44647
OREGON
Creative Countertop Solutions Inc.
Countertops of Memphis
Kitchen Tops Inc.
TEXAS
Alpha Granite
915 W. Howard Ln. Austin, TX 78753 505-814-5354 www.alphagraniteaustin.com
Cirrus Asset Management 5347 Spring Valley Rd. Dallas, TX 75254 661-857-0722 www.cirrusami.com
Classic Counter Tops 2325 Executive Dr. Garland, TX 75041 972-840-1234
Counterscapes, Inc.
2228 Deerbrook Dr. Tyler, TX 75703 903-581-5676 www.counterscapes.com
Countertop Solutions LLC PO Box 82087 Houston, TX 77282 713-204-0080
Dirk Foster
921 Morton St. Mineral Wells, TX 76067 206-898-8163
Durcon
206 Allison Dr. Taylor, TX 76574 512-595-8054 www.durcon.com
Eframe Asrat
6807 Miller Shadow Sugarland, TX 77479 713-530-3673
Gecko Solid Surface Solutions*** 4630 Sinclair Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222 210-227-3100 www.geckosss.com
Gunckel Architectural Stoneworks, LLC 5085 Elm Creek Rd. Seguin, TX 78155 830-303-0688 www.gastonework.com
Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. *** Denotes ISFA Booster Club Members. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. Legacy Granite and Marble
Surface Link Corp.
New Stone Concepts
WASHINGTON
6214 Keyko St. Houston, TX 77041 832-834-7459
11311 Conroy Ln. Manchaca, TX 78652 512-851-3185 www.newstoneconcepts.com
Off Grid Builds
PO Box 22 Barksdale, TX 78828 830-834-9878 offgridbuilds.lilserengeti.com
True Blue Granite
3626 Binz Engleman Rd. San Antonio, TX 78219 210-281-5520 www.tbgranite.com
W.R. Watson Inc.
4200 Lafayette Center Dr. Ste. A Chantilly, VA 20151 301-482-1717 www.surfacelinkcorp.com
FloForm Countertops 22445 76th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 253-639-4567 www.floform.com
King County Library System 960 Newport Way N.W. Issaqua, WA 98027 425-369-3300 www.kcls.org
WISCONSIN
Bisley Fabrication Inc.*** 700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 800-424-7539 www.bisleyfabrication.com
12902 Mula Ln. Stafford, TX 77477 281-495-3664 www.wrwatson.com
Counter-Form LLC
Accent Countertops
The Kopfmann Co. Inc.
UTAH
4103 S. 500 W. Murray, UT 84123 801-867-9133 www.accentcountertops.com
Plastic Specialties Inc. 1640 S. Redwood Rd. Salt Lake City, UT 84104 801-746-1212 www.psitops.com
Valley View Granite
905 N. 2000 W. Tremont, UT 84337 435-452-1570 www.valleyviewgranite.com
VERMONT
Vermont Solid Surface
PO Box 602 852 Portland St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-535-4986 www.vermontsolidsurface.com
VIRGINIA
Ellis Page Co., LLC 10481 Colonel Ct. Manassas, VA 20110 703-346-9404 www.ellispageco.com
Metro Stone Works LLC 9115 Digital Dr. Unit 12 Manassas Park, VA 20111 703-396-866 www.metrostoneworks.com
Mid Atlantic Surfaces
2559 Turkey Creek Rd. Oilville, VA 23129 804-798-7462 www.midatlanticsurfaces.com
2001 E. 29th St. Marshfield, WI 54449 715-384-2131 www.counter-form.com
3142 W. Mill Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209 414-352-7870 www.kopfmanntops.com
McDermott Top Shop LLC 420 Generac Way Jefferson, WI 53549 262-593-2456 www.mcdermotttopshop.com
AFRICA
AMCO-CDA
Long St. Tiko B.P. 378 Camaroon Africa +237677192762
CANADA
Elite Food Equipment 4 Fielding Ct. Ajax, ON L1T 4W5 Canada
FloForm Countertops 125 Hamelin St. Winnipeg, MB R3T 3Z1 Canada 204-474-2334 www.floform.com
FloForm Countertops 10-710 Cynthia St. Saskatoon, SK S7l 6A2 Canada 306-665-7733 www.floform.com
FloForm Countertops 7630 Yellowhead Trail Edmonton, AB T5B 1G3 Canada 780-474-7999 www.floform.com
RUSSIA
PF Custom Countertops Ltd.
14017 174 St. N.W. Edmonton, AB T5S 1H1 Canada 780-484-0831 www.pfcustom countertops.com
AKRILIKA HOLDING Svobody St. 29 Moscow Russia 125362 +7(495)782-84-75 http://akrilika.com/en
Shape Industries
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Summum Granit Inc.
PO Box 42642 Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah U.A.E +971 6 526 2202 www.alubondsolidsurface.com
Alubond Solid Surfaces
10 McPhillips St. Winnipeg, MB R3E 2J7 Canada 204-947-0409 www.shapeinc.com
460 Principale St. Saint-Sebastien, QC G0Y 1M0 Canada 819-625-2333 www.summumgranit.com
CHINA
G. M. Jurohue Fabrication Co. Ltd. China +86 1861 173 7199
FRANCE
CREA Diffusion
ZA Le Cheval Blanc Solgne F-57420 France 38-764-6923 www.crea-diffusion.com
Bond Interiors
PO Box 15758 Dubai U.A.E. 04 2711727, 06 5343222 www.bondinteriors.com
UNITED KINGDOM Interfab LTD
Unit 9 Willersey Business Park Willersey, Nr. Broadway Worcestershire WR12 7RR United Kingdom 441-386-858100 www.interfab.co.uk
Sheridan Fabrications Limited
New Sheridan House, Don Pedro Ave. Normanton, West Yorkshire Western Fabrications WF6 1TD 1805, 18th Floor, Gundecha Premier, United Kingdom Thakur Village 448-456-182800 Borivali East Mumbai www.sheridan-uk.com Maharashtra 400066 India 91-9136229909 All ISFA Fabricator Members www.infinihybrid.com are listed in the Fabricator
INDIA
ITALY
Directory of every issue of
Via Dell’Industria 13-15 Piovene Rocchette, VI, 36013 Italy 39-0445-551500 www.legnopan.com
Surfaces.
Legnopan SPA (Starkryl Solid Surface)
MEXICO
Countertops & Architectural Visit www.ISFAnow.org for more information or to sign up for membership.
INDEKO***
Boulevard de los Charros 1500 Col. Belenes Ind. Nte. Zapopan, Jalisco Mexico 45150 52-3310287863 www.indeko.com.mx
QATAR
Closet World LLC
Salwa Rd. next to Ansar City PO Box 91692 Qatar +974 44516311 www.closetworld-qatar.net International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 45
Join us for our 2020 Education and Training Programs INT ERN AT ION AL SURFACE FABRIC AT ORS AS S OC I ATI ON
I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N
Education and Networking
Training
ISFA Annual Conference
Porcelain/Sintered/Ultra-Compact Fabrication Training & Certification Event
This event combines networking, educational speakers, moderated discussions and fun. It also includes the Annual ISFA Awards presentation.
Industry Roundtable Events
These events provide education and networking opportunities to the Surfacing industry. Join us to obtain education from speakers, engage in meaningful dialog with industry peers, and tour fabricators and manufacturers.
Gen 2 Event
To prepare the next generation for the transition of your business, this program serves as a forum for the next generation to share ideas and learn from each other how they are dealing with transition.
You can ensure your fabrication company’s future success by becoming an expert in these growing surface materials. Join us to receive expert fabrication training from manufacturers and an ISFA certification for this rising surface category.
ISFA Certified Professional Solid Surface Fabrication Training Class
A comprehensive hands-on training program designed to deliver the latest techniques and skills for Solid Surface Fabrication.
On-site Certified Professional Fabrication Training
A customized hands-on training at your facility conducted by our trainer where your entire staff is trained and certified.
ISFA 2020 PROGRAMS Event
JAN
FEB MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUG
SEPT
Annual Meeting & Conference
Industry Roundtable Event
Gen 2 Event
ISFA On-Site Certified Professional Fabrication Training
NOV
Oct. 20-23 Cancun, Mexico March 3 – 5 March 31 – May 12 – 13 Los Angeles, April 2 Farmington Calif. San Antonio, Hills, Mich. Texas
Aug. 4 – 6 Sept. 8 – 10 Detroit, Mich. Denver, Colo.
March 17 – 18 Memphis, Tenn.
Porcelain/Sintered/ Ultra-Compact Fabrication Training & Certification Event ISFA Certified Professional Solid Surface Fabrication Training Class
OCT
July 21 – 22 St. Cloud, Minn. May 19 – 21 San Antonio, Texas
Your choice of date and location
For more information and registration, go to www.ISFAnow.org INTERN ATION AL SURFACE FABRIC AT ORS ASSOCIATION
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #17
DEC
Product News Biscuit, Café Brown, Cinder, Concrete Gray, Metallic Gray, Truffle and White. Additional accessories available include grids, a Floating Cutting Board, a 3-in-1 Basket Strainer and a 3-in-1 Disposal Flange. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #33
Alpha Professional Tools Introduces New Pneumatic Polishers Alpha introduced the AIR-830 and AIR850 Pneumatic Polishers. The models have different maximum rpm to cover all fabricators. Both polishers are equipped with a newly developed motor with a five hybrid composite vane designed to output more power and last longer. They come with new splash guards that block the splash while providing better visibility. The end case was also redesigned to improve the water and air control operation and minimize the risk of breakage. A silicon boot for the gear head, and water quick coupler with shut-off valve have also been added. The polishers come with an enhanced spindle shaft and full
Oneida Air Systems Presents New Dust Collection System Oneida Air Systems introduced the Dust Deputy Bagger. It combines the patented Dust Deputy Cyclone separator with a wall-mounted bagging system that turns any wet/dry vacuum into a high-capacity, two-stage dust collection system. It is suitable for any workshop or other space where wet/dry vacuums are regularly used. The patented design of the Dust Deputy cyclone uses centrifugal force to capture and remove 99 percent of dust and debris from the air stream before it reaches the vacuum’s filter, eliminating clogged filters and suction loss, according to the company. The Dust Deputy Bagger Cyclone Separator Kit includes a clear Dust Deputy cyclone, wall bracket and hardware, bag collection system with five clear plastic 25-gal. bags and 6 ft. of hose. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #32
size wrenches for easy tool removal. AIR-830
AARDWOLF Has Stone Carrying Hand Clamps
and 5,500 rpm respectively. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #30
Newly formed Stone Services Group (SSG) is working with Ignite Consulting Group (ICG) to sell and market ICG’s industry-specific selling software, Hot Sauce. Hot Sauce is a comprehensive, easy-to-use software system that can boost profit. The system is entirely turnkey with pre-set software built for customer interaction and purchase. It also includes more than 50 unique upsell items collected over the years to immediately add profit. More than 75 percent of the items in the collection have no cost of goods and generate pure earnings. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #31
Federal Brace presented a new bracket which is designed specifically to support the floating corner extension off of a pony wall, breakfast bar or reception bar application. The strong steel material used to manufacture the Liberty Floating Corner Brace provides durable secure support of the countertop. Floating corners on countertops are often the farthest extensions on serving bars and other solid surfaces. The Liberty brace is available in three finishes: Unfinished Steel, Flat White and Flat Black. Sizes available are 12, 14 and 17 in. with a carrying capacity of 375 lbs. each. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #34
and AIR-850 have maximum no-load of 4,400
Stone Services Group and Ignite Consulting Group Release Hot Sauce Upsell Software System
Federal Brace Offers New Floating Corner Bracket
BLANCO Introduces IKON Farmhouse Sink BLANCO offers its new IKON® 33-in. Apron 1¾ Bowl with Low Divide sink. Designed to make prepping, cooking and cleaning more seamless and comfortable, this apron front sink is crafted with the brand’s exclusive SILGRANIT® granite composite patented material available in nine trending colors. The new IKON sink’s convenient low divide sits just 5 ½ in. from the sink bottom, making it easier to handle large pots and baking sheets while still dividing the sink into cleaning and prepping bowls. Available color options include Anthracite, Biscotti,
AARDWOLF’s Carry Clamp for Sheet Material is used in pairs, allowing users to safely lift and carry panels with a comfortable posture. The clamp design uses the weight of the stone or other sheet good to provide the clamping action. Vulcanized rubber lining on the jaws prevents damage to the surface of the material. Grip range is 0 to 60mm. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #35
Native Trails Launches Murano Collection The Murano Collection is a new line of glass vessel sinks from Native Trails consisting of five unique design series handcrafted by master Italian artisans. The colors and patterns are created in a molding and spinning process, International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 47
Product News commercial environments. The natural quartz surfaces are finished with modern rounded corners, which mirror the form of each piece
Outwater Industries Carries Several Backlighting Options
and each glass vessel sink is expertly handformed, giving each piece its own personality as an irreplaceable work of functional art. The five design series of the Murano Collection incorporate colors and patterns inspired by views of the Italian coastline. The design series are Abalone (pictured), Abyss, Beachcomber, Bianco and Shoreline. Each series is available in a variety of shapes. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #36
Ghines Group Offers Stone Fab Center SYSTAR XL, offered by Ghines Group, is a stone fab center, stone cutting machine and miter saw in one. The machines have high-end linear guides and a nonvibrating steel frame designed to perform accurate straight and miter cuts. According to the company, the highly precise V cut allows the edges to appear as a natural continuity of the veins. Fabricators will be able to create and finish big islands or L-shaped worktops out of one piece, without moving the slab. Other applications include: arches, architectural elements, backsplashes, fireplaces, L-shaped islands, sills, stairs and worktops. Stone processing types include: stone cutting four sides at 90 or 45 degrees; shaping and polishing (internal and external); cutting out sink holes (also by blade); recessed drainer/drain grooves; slots on edges; and edge polishing (on straight and inclined edges). It allows for large work strokes because of the open frame with no limits for the length of the slab. It includes nine spindle positions and fast tool changer. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #37 48 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Outwater Industries offers a variety of backlighting options. Backlight LED Laminate Kits (with six frame options) create a unique focal point in the kitchen with a multi-layered, ultra-thin (¼-in.) decorative laminate that emits light evenly across its surface and is impact-, scratch-, chemical- and abrasionresistant. Auragami Flexible LED Backlighting Sheets can be folded over countertop edges, other multi-plane elements or wrapped around columns and other curved surfaces. This light sheet provides extremely uniform illumination with as little as ⅜-in. installation depth for countertops. Quadmod Panels allow for more customized lighting. Sold in 12- by 12-in. squares, the razor-thin (1.65mm thick) panels can be snapped down to 3- by 3-in. squares. Another option is Brite Light Sheet, an optical PVC film with a dot matrix designed to disperse light evenly across an acrylic panel. Nova 3-D V-Groove Etched PMMA Acrylic Sheets (pictured) utilize a patented 3-D v-groove etched grid pattern to create a bright and uniform illumination across the entire surface of the panel. The Nova sheet utilizes quality 12-volt constant voltage LEDs. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #38
and offer a nonabsorbent, scratch- and stainresistant, maintenance-free top surface that is backed by the Cambria Full Lifetime Warranty. All Cambria tops are also GREENGUARD GOLD and NSF/ANSI 51-certified, Health Product Declaration Collaborative (HPD) v2.1 listed, Living Building Challenge compliant, a Declare program participant, and part of the Mindful MATERIALS product certification library. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #39
STRASSER Launches Luxury Vanity Collection STRASSER launched the luxury Celebria vanity collection in two models. The Milo (pictured) vanity features a complete USB charging station and hidden drawer, preserving the sophisticated exterior while offering smart, sufficient storage. The Amiri wall-mount vanity floats above the floor, adding to the air of modernity while bringing a sense of spaciousness. Two large drawers provide ample storage and complete the luxe look. Both are available in seven finishes: Gloss Black, Gloss White, Matte Black and Matte
Cambria and Room & Board Present Cabinet/Furniture Collection Room & Board and Cambria came together to create a line of sustainable storage cabinets, desks and tables. Uniting the beauty of natural quartz with domestically sourced walnut or white oak, Pren, named after the Welsh word for wood, is suitable for both residential and
White that resist smudges for a sleek, clean finish; Pasadena Pine, Palisandro Blue, and Stratos Pinea have a high-relief wood grain and reclaimed wood textures to enhance the slab surface. For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #40
TAKE NOTE! ISFA Events & Training
Classifieds
For additional information and registration options, please visit www.isfanow.org, or email amym@isfanow.org. Personalized training options are also available. Email carol@isfanow.org for more information.
YOUR AD [could be here]
Gen 2 Event Hosted by Countertops of Memphis Sponsored by Moraware and BACA Systems March 17 – 18 Memphis, Tenn. Industry Roundtable Hosted by GECKO SSS Sponsored by SASSO March 31 – April 2 San Antonio, Texas
FABRICATORS! ISFA Fabricators, do you have used equipment you would like to sell?
Solid Surface Industry Roundtable & Bonus All Surface Update Hosted by Innovative Surface Works and Dwyer Granite & Marble May 12 – 13 Farmington Hills, Mich.
Looking to fill a key position? Why not submit a FREE classified ad?
That’s right, relevant classifieds in this
publication are free to ISFA fabricator
Solid Surface Fabrication Training Hosted by GECKO SSS Sponsored by GranQuartz/Regent Stone May 19 – 21 San Antonio, Texas
members! Just send us the text you’d like to run and we’ll do the rest.
Email us today at editor@isfanow.org.
Porcelain/Sintered Stone Fabrication Training & Certification Event Hosted by Park Industries Training Center Sponsored by Park Industries and LPI (Laser Products) July 21 – 22 St. Cloud, Minn.
For those of you who are not fabricator members, email kevin@isfanow.org or call (815) 721-1507 to get a quote.
Ad Index Referral Page Number Number
Referral Page Number Number
Referral Page Number Number
15 Beckart Environmental,
Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
01 GlueWarehouse.com . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover
10 LPI Laser Products
12 Betterley Industries. . . . . . . . . 25
09 Groves Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
06 ConfiAd Adhesives. . . . . . . . . 11 05 Cosentino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 13 Coverings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Hyundai/Hanex Solid Surfaces.. . . . . . Centerfold 19 Integra Adhesives. . . Back Cover 17 ISFA Training. . . . . . . . . . . 37, 46
08 Crossville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
16 IWF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
14 CountertopResource.com. . . 31
18 Karran USA. . Inside Back Cover
Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 02 MSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 03 Neolith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 04 Park Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 11 Regent Stone Products . . . . . 23 07 Wilsonart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • 49
From the President From the Desk of Augie Chavez, ISFA President
Everyone Has the Same 24 Hours The new year is well under way, and as the
saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” I hope y’all are having fun and 2020 is off to a great start. We all know every day
counts, as time is the constant that controls
all have a variety of different tasks involved, but the one constant is TIME.
When our work day ends, the critical importance of time doesn’t stop.
our lives. After all, there are only 24 hours in a
Our time management outside of work is just
perhaps the most critical role in determining our
friends and our support networks means a lot.
day. I believe that how we manage time plays well being, both in terms of our business and our personal dealings.
Time management when dealing with our
businesses is absolutely crucial. Things like
how we schedule installs, manage our work
loads and schedule assignments for ourselves and our employees all play into our success. Can the crews install the given products in
the time allotted? Can the shop produce the needed products in time for the install? Has
as important, if not more. Time spent with
Nurturing those relationships is very important to our personal happiness. As important as
that is, it should also not impose on the time
we spend with our families. It is my firm belief
that family time is at the cornerstone of a happy person. The time we spend with our spouse, kids, or even family pet, is a critical part of
household, “happy family, happy life!”
in a timely manner? Has management been
children build on that foundation by what they
given the number of hours they are at work? All
these components play an important part in the outcome of the success of the company. They
Time can be a cruel thing, but if we make the most of it and manage it properly, we can be happier and even better people.
wife, happy life” should extend to the whole Spending “us” time with your spouse helps
realistic in the workload it has placed on its staff
So, while we are often faced with a pile of work that may seem unmanageable and we sometimes have to dig in with both hands and just push our way through it, we can’t let that be the only time on which we focus our energies. Otherwise, what are we working for?
what defines us. I think that the saying “happy
the front office provided the shop with all the
information necessary for them to do their job
Our pets are also a part of the family circle. A quick game of fetch and a belly rub can go a long way in making them happy, and that in turn will make you happy. It’s all about making time for the things that matter most.
provide a solid foundation for the family. The
see and experience. Being there when your kids need you, even if it’s to make a “silly” school
play costume, isn’t so silly when you take into
the context that it will mean the world to them.
Augie Chavez, ISFA President augie@geckosss.com
It’s more than just learning how to be more profitable, saving money on the bottom line and getting great referrals and discounts. Call ISFA today and find out how to make your world a better place. (412) 487-3207 www.ISFAnow.org For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #17
50 • Vol. 13 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #18 ISFA Member since 1998
For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #19
ISFA Member since 2003