carolina custom surfaces
Solid surface remains among the most common materials used by CCS, with about 40 percent of all of the company’s work falling into the commercial category. only know what can be done, but also what
should be done to protect the end user and all involved in the project.”
Advanced Equipment and Excellent People When it comes to successful operations
beyond the sale, Carolina Custom Surfaces
relies heavily on two things to produce high-
quality products on time: high-end equipment and a well-trained and qualified workforce. In both areas, relationships are critical.
“CCS uses digital technology wherever we can use it effectively to improve our productivity, quality and the customer experience,” said Duszka. “We build relationships with our
suppliers because they are truly business
partners. We work with Park Industries primarily for our stone equipment. They are a true
business partner.” The equipment used in the
stone shop is reflective of that partnership, such as the following Park Industries equipment: a
Fusion 4245SL Sawjet; a Titan 2800 CNC router; a Fastback straight edge polisher; a Wizard radial arm polisher; a Pathfinder/Slabsmith
Although CCS started out as a small cultured marble manufacturing facility, and still offers the product today, only about 7 percent of its projects are done in cultured marble.
The solid surface shop relies on an AXYZ CNC
test, but offers insight into how applicants
For cultured marble, CCS uses a Gruber
Once the right person is hired, the company
and conveying equipment.
trained properly. Not only do the workers
router and a Pinske Edge thermoforming oven. Autocaster, spray booth, grinding booth, molds And with all jobs, the company relies on LPI’s LT 2D3D lasers to create accurate digital
templates, which Duszka says helps prevent callbacks.
While all of this equipment improves the
repeatability and accuracy of the work put out,
the other major factor in its production success is the people CCS hires. The company spends plenty of time building the culture of success. “Hire with intention,” suggested Duszka. “I
am always looking for great talent. I may not necessarily have an opening at the time, but I try not to pass on great people, and have
created positions for the right people. I look to
think and value others.
then focuses on making sure they are
get job-specific internal training, but, where
appropriate, CCS will send employees to train off site to improve their skills and knowledge.
“We believe that our employees should always be growing, and training opportunities are one
way to do that,” said Duszka, who listed a host of opportunities for such training, including
Park Industries Digital Expos; product specific training from various suppliers; trade shows, such as Polycon and TISE; and networking and training events offered by industry
organizations such as ISFA and the Rockheads group.
The Philosophy behind the Success
hire people that have strengths where we have
With CCS counting its staff among its top assets,
more than we do in a particular situation.”
workers are satisfied. “A happy member of the
weaknesses and seek out people that know
the company goes out of its way to make sure its team is a more productive member of the team,”
system for creating digital layouts of customers
Duszka said he personally interviews each
The stone shop also features a Northwood
candidate can add value to the team. If he
saw; a Water Treatment Solutions system for its
department head for the area of responsibility
To help make sure this happens, Carolina
programming software; and Speedlabel for
job. He also said he uses a pre-employment
more “family-oriented.” To accomplish this task,
jobs; and a Hydroclear water recycling filter.
potential team member to determine if the
138 CNC machine; a Farnese dedicated miter
feels they can, he then moves them on to the
closed-loop water recycling system; Alphacam
they are hiring into to discuss specifics of the
tracking jobs in the shop.
questionnaire that not only includes a math
26 • Vol. 12 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
explained Duszka. “A more stimulated and
challenged team member, in the right culture, will be happier and more engaged.”
Custom Surfaces works to make their team feel
the company has several events meant to build a
