Surface & Panel - Q1 2023

UNITING MATERIALS, TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

Roughing It in Style — an RV Resurgence

2023 Trends

Clever Containment

Kitchen & Bath Innovations

The Smartshop 2 Elite gives you the confidence to handle the highest production loads with ease while ensuring accuracy and cut quality. Combining a heavy all steel frame, world class FANUC controls, and a 12HP HSD spindle - It’s no wonder Laguna Tools is the #1 Choice for CNC!

THE ESSENTIALS Pacta

Pacta is a compact and innovative hinge for drop down doors. Its decelerated opening action means that the door opens gradually and controlled. With its clean, simple lines and ingenious design, Pacta can be used in a host of applications.

Coordination of distribution programs with all parties being ready for the new selling season is just one of the benefits of a strong distributor-manufacturer partnership.

DEPARTMENTS

8 From the President Patrick Adams finds himself thinking about how things used to be.

10 From the Editor Jennifer Williams wants to create something that lasts.

12 Happenings Industry news and announcements.

28 Human Resources

The terms total compensation and total cash compensation are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same.

32 Sales & Marketing Overcoming the crippling disease of moderate success.

64 Ad Index

66 Three Questions

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Patrick Adams

PH: 714-486-2735

padams@526mediagroup.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Shelly Adams

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

John Aufderhaar

PH: 920-206-1766

john@bedfordfallsmedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Williams

PH: 714-486-2735

jwilliams@526mediagroup.com

David Koenig, DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL

Sara Graves, SENIOR EDITOR

GUEST COLUMNISTS

Kevin Gammonley, Amy Gath, David Kahle, Susan Palé

CONTRIBUTORS

Tyler Sharpe

SALES

Nick Kosan

PH: 714-486-2735

nkosan@526mediagroup.com

Chuck Casey

PH: 714-486-2735

ccasey@526mediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Dara Fowler

VIRTUAL EVENTS

Alekxandr Olson

PH: 920-261-1947

aolson@526mediagroup.com

CIRCULATION/SUPPORT

PH: 714-486-2735

info@526mediagroup.com

526 MEDIA GROUP 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. E200 Costa Mesa, CA 92626

PH: 714-486-2735

Surface & Panel is published quarterly by 526 Media Group, 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, telephone 714-486-2735. © 2023 by

Beautiful Antimicrobial Finish.

Timber Products’ RhinoCoat antimicrobial prefinished panels are specifically formulated to mitigate the growth of certain microorganisms. RhinoCoat can be applied to any of our veneer options, such as maple, birch, oak, walnut and more, with several core options to choose from.

Find out more by visiting timberproducts.com.

1-800-547-9520 | timberproducts.com

The Way It Was, The Way It Is

Isuppose it happens to everyone. I remember when I was younger and I would listen intently to older people. I always wanted to get ahead, to escape the life I was living, and to live a life that was filled with more meaning and purpose than those who surrounded me. Their stories seemed to often include the phrase, “The way it was.”

But now, I find myself more and more thinking about how things used to be. Indeed, maybe days of the past were more simple, but then again maybe so was I. Maybe the world is more connected now with technology and social media, but maybe I seek it out more now for hints of wisdom or information that will help me to make good decisions. Perhaps there used to be more time, or maybe my life now is just more demanding.

I find myself pondering this dilemma more and more these days as I struggle to find a “balance,” whatever that is. It is true that things used to be simpler. When you have little, and few people around you who matter, things are “simple” because you simply have fewer choices to consider. It is easy now with a blessed life to fall into the mindset of cursing the demands of your life. As we attempt to run faster and faster on this hamster wheel of life, it can feel exhausting and thankless.

As I’ve challenged myself to dig deeply into these thoughts, they are the thoughts of being tired, or selfish or weak. Yes, things have changed today from the way they used to be… because we changed them. People are different today, because so are we. If we have less time, it’s because we’ve made other things a priority in our lives or taken on too many things that we deem as “top priority.” The way it is is of our own doing and, like so many things in life, the way it was is simply our wonderful way of only remembering the best of what once was.

I believe our lives can be as great as we are willing to make them. I do not subscribe to the news of today that the world is falling apart because I have worked hard to find a “tribe” of individuals around me who have values, who work hard, are caring, giving and selfless individuals. They inspire me and give me faith that because I am also part of their tribe, there must also be something of value inside of me.

Yes, this is perhaps a more deep and personal article than normal, but, as always, I aspire to be transparent and the humble servant to others that brings me personal happiness. I believe that if I sometimes feel these things, that others must too. I think what

has changed is that it takes a more deliberate effort to purposely surround yourself with the things and people that bring out the best in you. Whether it is temptation or bad influences, access to those bad actors are more easily at your fingertips than ever before. I have found that as I’ve gotten older, that young, intent listener seeking out wisdom and insight has gone into hibernation.

However, it is time to wake up. Yes, it is overwhelming to consider changing the world, or what the world is today. But your world is not “Earth;” it is what is at your doorstep today. It is your family, your friends, your colleagues, your community. This is a very small world and well within your ability to influence... for the worst, not at all, or perhaps for the better.

Yes, there are many concerning things going on in the world today, but there always has been. When you look back on history, that is the norm. Never forget that in less than just 300 years, we have founded a nation, had a Revolutionary War and a Civil War and two World Wars, a Great Depression, and untold acts since that could fill a library. And yet, today I sit surrounded by an amazing team, serving an amazing industry of individuals I am lucky enough to call friends and tonight, I will go home to a family that I am blessed to call my own.

The way it is today is just as good and the future is bright, if you choose to seek out that lens to look through every day. As always, thank you for the privilege of serving each of you and this great industry.

Patrick Adams, President | 526 Media Group, Inc.

�The way it is is of our own doing and, like so many things in life, the way it was is simply our wonderful way of only remembering the best of what once was.�

Lasting Impressions

Along the woodline in my backyard is a small, abandoned cabin, its stone chimney all but hidden among the privet that has overgrown the old, rotting timbers of the site. But what remains there makes me smile every year in the earliest days of spring: a line of daffodils planted long ago.

These flowers pop up out of the dead ground with the promise of a new season, a new life. They have spread to form happy clumps everywhere.

Around our much newer home, I have installed a number of plants to enhance our landscape. Some have made it and some have not, but those daffodils continue on annually without fail. What makes some plants thrive and others fade? It all has to do with location and timing (and a little luck).

Seeing those daffodils blooming by the old stone chimney each year reminds me that some things have longevity while others can be fleeting. And while we tend to enjoy the newest, the latest and greatest of things, we also tend to have an appreciation for things that stand the test of time.

This duality reminded me a bit of the designs I saw at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). The sheer number of choices available in the kitchen and bath market these days

was a tad overwhelming — I loved the new hardware finishes and innovative ways of maximizing functionality and space, but it also was nice to see that some classic designs never go out of style. It’s truly amazing how some companies are taking traditional designs and reimagining them — creating a stronger, seamless composite panel that looks identical to marble or using rice hulls to manufacture “wood” panels.

I spoke with several designers to get their takes on today’s trends, and some did not even like that word. The consensus was that if you like it, do it! Don’t worry about what others think—play with colors, with finishes, with shapes and see what feels right. Mixing metals or using different finishes in each room or merging minimalism with your clutterbug tendencies (and finding a stylish way to hide all your stuff).

The goal of many builders and homeowners is to create something that lasts. Something that will be valued in years to come.

I wonder if any of the trees, shrubs and flowers I have planted will be appreciated by the next generation? I wonder if the person who planted those daffodils had any idea that someone would still be enjoying them each spring, all these years later?

And although some would look at my privet-overgrown chimney as something that needs to be cleaned up, each spring looking at the daffodils hiding under that thicket brings me joy and reminds me that this backyard of mine, with my additions of flowers that may or may not survive, will carry on a history that reflects its owners over the years.

Jennifer Williams, Managing Editor

�Seeing those daffodils blooming by the old stone chimney each year reminds me that some things have longevity while others can be fleeting.�

At Daubert, our belief in lasting bonds begins with our commitment to your success. Whether that means developing a custom formulation that'll keep your product together, or traveling cross-country to learn about your challenges in depth, you are our only focus. We've thrived since 1935, not because we're the biggest adhesives company (we're not), but because we make your success the focus of everything we do, and the results speak for themselves.

Daubond PUR is Lamination

Epoxy Lamination

Flat Lamination

Profile Lamination

3D Press Lamination

Happenings

Acquisitions and collaborations mark the beginning of 2023 for several companies.

Genesis Products’ Agreement to Purchase Funder America Announced at the IBS Show

Genesis Products entered an agreement to purchase Funder America, Inc., announced at the onset of the 2023 NAHB International Builder Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Their combined product offering drew high traffic at the show, which had an estimated record 200,000 attendees for the week.

The acquisition, expected to close during Q1, positions Genesis to meet the high demand for Thermally Fused Melamine (TFL) panels and broadens Genesis’ expertise as a leading supplier of laminated panels, components and panel processing. Funder America is one of the oldest, largest and most diversified TFL panel and component manufacturers in North America with 50 years of experience.

“Adding TFL manufacturing to our capabilities brings us one step closer to being the most comprehensive supplier of laminated components and panels in North America. We are passionate about leveraging the breadth of our offering to better serve OEMs, distributors and retailers across the country,” said Jon Wenger, CEO of Genesis.

“As an independent TFL producer, Funder has the ability to work with any board or laminate to serve the unique and constantly evolving needs of our joint customers. Our products and capabilities are naturally aligned to be stronger together,” said Peter Funder, who will continue to lead Funder as a division of Genesis after the acquisition.

Funder’s TFL panels and components feature decorative surfaces with enhanced visual appeal, that also exhibit excellent scratch and wear resistance. They are available in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, textures, and designs; an offering that complements industries Genesis currently serves, including kitchen cabinets, closets and shelving, RV, office and healthcare furniture, and more.

In addition to TFL, the following Funder offerings are now available from Genesis:

• High-Capacity Shelving and Panel Processing

– Durable and fully kitted, an ideal choice for designers or specifiers of commercial furniture, store fixtures, closets or cabinets.

• Exclusive Kora Paintable and Stainable Paper

– Achieves the look and feel of hardwood with reduced prep time and environmental impact. Paint-ready with no primer; accepts most stain types.

• Wood Powder Coating Technology

– Powder coating MDF with new and different shapes, contoured with various edge profiles to meet today’s demand for flexibility and fashion design. It features exciting new colors and finishes in a durable end product.

Wenger added that the Funder locations in North Carolina, Florida and Arkansas “will greatly expand our national footprint.” n

THE RECENT GENESIS-FUNDER AGREEMENT POSITIONS THE COMPANY TO MEET THE HIGH DEMAND FOR THERMALLY FUSED MELAMINE (TFL) PANELS AND BROADENS GENESIS’ EXPERTISE AS A LEADING SUPPLIER OF LAMINATED PANELS, COMPONENTS AND PANEL PROCESSING.

Surteco Acquiring Omnova in First Quarter 2023

Surteco North America to purchase Omnova Laminates, Performance Films and Coated Fabrics. The purchase is expected to close during first quarter 2023.

Omnova produces decorative papers and performance films, as well as 2D and 3D decorative vinyl with production facilities in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The Coated Fabrics production is in Thailand with a distribution center in Mississippi. A leader in transportation and commercial seating surfaces, as well as in the marine industry, Omnova has sales of $280 million with 863 employees.

Surteco produces decor prints, EBC coated foils and applies hotmelt adhesive as well as producing PVC, ABS, and melamine edgebanding. Surteco has production facilities in South Carolina, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Ontario, Canada, with sales of $110 million and 292 employees.

The core business for Surteco North America is decorative surfaces. This acquisition will allow Surteco to supply any overlay and edgebanding product used in panel production in North America.

"With this acquisition, we have taken an important step towards our strategic goal of focused internationalization. In addition, we are further diversifying our products and markets and expanding in the important regions of North America and Asia. We offer our customers a globally unique range in the field of surface", according to Wolfgang Moyses, CEO of Surteco Group SE.

There is no overlap in products produced by Surteco and Omnova so operations will remain as current and existing employees will continue in their positions. n

“With this acquisition, we have taken an important step towards our strategic goal of focused internationalization... We offer our customers a globally unique range in the field of surface.”

— WOLFGANG MOYSES, CEO OF SURTECO GROUP SE

EGGER Wood Products’ Sustainability Efforts Bolstered With Novem Industries Acquisition

EGGER Group, a global leader in the manufacturing of wood-based materials, has acquired the business and assets of Novem Industries, Inc., an established wood-recycling facility located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The acquisition, via EGGER’s wholly owned subsidiary, Timberpak, LLC, is expected to enhance the mission of EGGER Wood Products LLC to create more from wood and to be sustainable for future generations. Timberpak finalized the acquisition in early 2023.

“This acquisition will not only serve an important role in bolstering our sustainability initiatives here in North America, but will also better position us in key markets as we continue to expand and grow,” says Markus Frevert, plant manager for production at EGGER Wood Products. “Timberpak will process post-consumer recycled materials, diverting resources that would have otherwise gone to landfills, to be used in the production of particleboard and thermally fused laminate (TFL) products at EGGER’s manufacturing plant in Lexington, North Carolina.”

With the Novem Industries acquisition, Timberpak intends to transition and adapt its European-based processes and procedures to meet the needs of the EGGER Lexington plant, supplying raw materials for its wood-recycling operations currently under construction. Timberpak

RECYCLED WOOD FROM TIMBERPAK, A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF EGGER WOOD PRODUCTS. EGGER ANTICIPATES A SPRING COMPLETION OF ITS RECYCLING OPERATION AT ITS LEXINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA, PLANT.

will serve as an additional source of wood for EGGER’s particleboard and TFL production, while furthering the company’s sustainability goals. In addition to Timberpak’s acquisition and new operational location, EGGER Wood Products has strengthened its mission toward sustainability of products by investing an additional $38 million in our Lexington production plant, which will further our ability to process raw recycled materials on site. Timberpak will be a valued partner in the new recycling operation.

The Charlotte location, which is now Timberpak’s 14th worldwide facility, will continue to serve Novem’s existing customer base and retain the company’s six employees. The newly established North American Timberpak plant will be an addition to EGGER’s existing waste wood collection operations in the United Kingdom, Romania, France, Germany and Poland.

Timberpak will accept construction and demolition waste wood, in addition to packaging waste — primarily used and broken pallets — from distribution centers for industrial manufacturing. The wood will be ground into pieces about one foot in length before delivery to EGGER’s Lexington production plant.

Further processing will occur at the on-site wood recycling facility, which is expected to be completed in early spring. The recycled wood will be screened for metal, stones, plastic and other foreign materials as it is crushed into appropriately sized chips for particleboard production. n

The Best of Both Worlds: interzum 2023

The time of distance is finally over. From May 9-12, 2023, interzum 2023 will be held in Cologne, Germany, to once again bring together the entire supplier industry.

One of the main international trade shows for furniture production and interiors, panel design and manufacturing, the show takes place every two years, with the last physical show in 2019.

Organizers say they expect a strong showing based on exhibitor numbers so far.

Whether on site in Cologne or online: the trade fair will offer players in the furniture industry and interior design the ideal environment to present newly conceived solutions to an international audience. Thus, interzum 2023 will use with interzum @home a hybrid event approach. Here, the usual strong physical presentation in Cologne will be supplemented by attractive digital offerings - and thus provide an all-round unique trade fair experience.

A New Perspective on Laminates

Residential Cabinets by Genesis Products

Discover the quality, durability and design flexibility of decorative laminates. Replicate woodgrain species in stunning detail or achieve vibrant solid color, all while reducing tree harvesting and waste.

Highly durable and easy to clean: resists scratches, stains and warping.

Multiple door profiles available in five-piece, thermofoil or slab.

Design from scratch or match an existing cabinet door program.

On the Road Again

THE RV MARKET CONTINUES TO INNOVATE WITH PRACTICAL AND THOUGHTFUL DESIGNS

BY JENNIFER G. WILLIAMS

he recreational vehicle market exploded over the past few years, with many seeking to satisfy their wanderlust while maintaining social distancing in a grand way. And while industry experts have seen a decline in demand due in part to a softening economy, the RVs being shipped today are outfitted with a wide array of high-end details and thoughtful options for maximizing space — while being ever-mindful of weight. Today’s RVs are a far cry from what they once were, with suppliers seeing a major shift in consumer expectations over the past 5-10 years. In a market that once saw an assembly line of cookie cutter layouts with dark, wood-paneled interiors, RV design production now seems to be mirroring residential design trends — from using mixed metals for hardware to warm neutral tones for cabinets and floors. And companies are using advanced laminates and lightweight materials to achieve new levels of comfort and luxury.

“In the past you saw a lot of conflicting patterns, wood grain colors and RV interiors and now we're seeing an expectation from consumers for a more cohesive and designed interior,” says Erin Curtis, vice president of marketing and development at Genesis Products. “We’re seeing a move towards lighter and brighter colors and a move away from cool grays — much like what we’re seeing in the current home decor market.”

“I think the main shift that we've seen is being able to offer a more cohesive approach to designing RVs and really assisting OEMs in helping them choose the right materials and have everything look consistent,” adds Kayla Niedbala, RV marketing coordinator for Genesis.

“Our product team does a really great job evaluating residential trends and being able to translate that to an RV perspective,” she says. “I think we're definitely moving more towards custom solutions based on the unit and we're able to engineer things in

LEFT: GENESIS PRODUCTS RV INTERIOR — UNITY, MANUFACTURED BY LEISURE TRAVEL VANS

BELOW: NEW DECORATIVE HARDWARE COLLECTIONS FROM GENESIS PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY CURATED TO APPEAL TO RESIDENTIAL TRENDS, FROM ULTRA-MODERN TO CLASSICALLY TRADITIONAL.

BOTTOM: REVEGO FROM BLUM IS AN INNOVATIVE POCKET DOOR SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS SPACES TO BE OPEN WHEN IN USE AND SHUT AWAY WHEN THEY ARE NOT NEEDED. REVEGO IS AVAILABLE FOR DOUBLE AND SINGLE DOOR APPLICATIONS AND WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. MARKET IN 2024.

a way that makes spaces more multifunctional with things like converting a space in say the kitchen area to become a desk or extra counter space. The engineering portion of that is become more and more important.”

And being mindful about sustainability is key in today’s market, says Curtis. “Right now, everything that we do is made out of a composite wood, which by its very nature is a carbon neutral product,” she says. “And as we become more environmentally aware as a society, our younger consumers have bigger expectations for sustainability in all aspects of their lives.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 ›

“In the past you saw a lot of conflicting patterns, wood grain colors and RV interiors and now we're seeing an expectation from consumers for a more cohesive and designed interior.”

— ERIN CURTIS, VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT AT GENESIS PRODUCTS

LIGHTWEIGHT LUXURY

Essentially a mini home on wheels, RVs have become a true home away form home, and that includes all the conveniences consumers find in their non-wheeled homes. Some consumers are even swapping their permanent addresses for life on the road and expect the style and comforts of home wherever they may be.

That means incorporating the latest technology and lighting has become as important as finding innovative and creative ways to organize and store items to take advantage of every square inch of space available.

And while some higher-end RV models still use real wood and stone in their design, there has been a definite shift toward what is commonly used in the European caravan market, using high-end composite materials and integrating minimalist design and advanced hardware to help maximize the functional space.

ABOVE: HÄFELE’S FINELINE KITCHEN ACCESSORIES OFFER A SYSTEM OF DIVIDERS, PLATE RACKS, WINE HOLDERS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES WARMLY FASHIONED IN FINE JOINERY AND IS OFFERED IN VARIOUS FINISHES TO MATCH YOUR CABINETRY. THE RAPID PULL-OUT TABLE SYSTEM FROM HÄFELE CAN SERVE AS A BEDSIDE TABLE, EXTRA COUNTERSPACE OR A RETRACTABLE DESKTOP.

European market tends to engineer specifically for a space rather than a one size fits all approach. In that vein, using hardware to help organize shelving and cabinets and keep items from shifting during the journey is becoming more popular and expected in American RVs.

www.grassusa.com

INVEST YOUR MONEY IN A

BANK (DRAWER BANK)

Investing in your home is one of the most rewarding parts of being a home owner. Adding your own personality and style pays dividends of enjoyment for years to come. NOVA PRO SCALA from GRASS is worth its weight in design dollars and quality cents. All steel construction, soft-closing synchronized drawer slides, three dazzling colors, and the GRASS quality seal of approval. Deep drawers, generous widths, and a variety of organizational accessories add to the richness of experience with this innovative system. Invest in quality and take NOVA PRO SCALA to the bank!

“I think as laminate technologies continue to improve, we are now able to achieve a very durable, high-quality product with more of a natural wood grain feel to really help create that cohesion and the finishes these days help with the longevity of the product, as well,” says Niedbala.

Curtis says the European market tends to engineer specifically for a space rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. In that vein, using hardware to help organize shelving and cabinets and keep items from shifting during the journey is becoming more popular and expected in American RVs.

Companies including Genesis are also turning their attention to improvements consumers won’t necessarily see but will appreciate. “We have seen a push for acoustic and thermal panel solutions to help actually improve functionality, whether it’s managing the heat from the engine or any kind of rattle that you get on the road,” says Niedbala.

“I really feel like up until this point RV manufacturers haven't really thought about and because these products are not necessarily visible, but it is elevating the experience that you can't see — the sound, the temperature management of your coach,” she says. “If you think of luxury products, they're quiet. They don't make a lot of noise. It’s more of a smooth, more controlled experience and so we're now able to offer those materials to OEMs to really elevate the experience.” s p

TOP LEFT: OMNOVA OFFERS ATTRACTIVE, FUNCTIONAL AND ECONOMICAL PAPER, 2D, 3D, SURF(X) 3D AND SPECIALTY LAMINATES. THEIR COMPREHENSIVE SELECTION PROVIDES LAMINATE SOLUTIONS FOR MOST INTERIOR APPLICATIONS – FROM CABINETS TO COUNTERTOPS AND NEARLY EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

TOP RIGHT: BLUM’S SPACE STEP, EXPECTED IN THE U.S. MARKET IN 2024, UTILIZES THE TOE-KICK PORTION OF THE CABINET TO PROVIDE A BUILT-IN STEP FOR USERS TO REACH HIGHER SURFACES AND CABINETS. WHAT’S BETTER, THE STEP SLIDES OUT OF THE WAY REVEALING STORAGE SPACE.

ABOVE RIGHT: THE KINVARO T-SLIM IS A SEAMLESS CABINET LIFTING SYSTEM FROM GRASS AMERICA DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE HARDWARE EXPOSURE AND MAXIMIZE DESIGN POTENTIAL AND USABLE SPACE, OPENING UP NEW DESIGN POSSIBILITIES FOR OVERHEAD WALL CABINETS.

RIGHT: THE CONVOY PULL-OUT PANTRY SYSTEM FROM RICHELIEU OFFERS ONE CENTRAL LOCATION FOR STORING DRY FOODS, EASY TO ACCESS AND COMPLETELY VISIBLE AT A GLANCE.

YOU GET MORE THAN JUST PRODUCTS WITH US.

Because we develop well thought-out coating processes.

Ligna Hannover | Germany

15.-19. May 2023 | Hall 16 Booth C22

Trending in 2023

THE NEW YEAR BRINGS TRENDS THAT ARE ANYTHING BUT

BY JENNIFER G. WILLIAMS

rends come and go, and usually circle around, but homeowners, designers and manufacturers all keep an eye out for the next big thing.

If the vast variety of products showcased at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas is any indication, the “trends” that are here to stay in the industry are those that give a nod to sustainability, multifunctionality and natural beauty. And several designers at the show agreed that design depends more on your taste, rather than following specific trends — meaning, if you like it, do it!

From sleek designs, handleless opening and closing of cabinets and doors with hidden hardware to new colors and textures to update your space, there’s lots of innovation in the Surface & Panel industry — with no signs of slowing down.

ABOVE: ONE COMMON KITCHEN TREND IS COMBINING SOLID COLOR AND BIOPHILIC WOOD GRAIN CABINETS, AS WITH THESE FINISHES FROM MIRLUX ABOVE RIGHT: THE MOMENTS COLLECTION FROM UNIBOARD OFFERS SEVERAL COLOR OPTIONS, TONES AND GRAINS. HERE, K97 – ZINC AND ITS LINEAR WOOD GRAIN EVOKES THE JAPANDI ATMOSPHERE.

THE NATURAL LOOK, UPDATED

Designers at Uniboard forecast a move away from the gray tones and stained wood that have been popular for the past few years in favor of a more relaxed and organic wood look. A natural wood appearance with a twist, such as that of white oak embellished with rattan or linen textures is a good choice of materials to create the sought-after Japandi atmosphere. And while wood grains have long been used horizontally, Uniboard designers suggest a softer look with vertical applications for a more modern style. The Moments collection from Uniboard offers several color options, tones and grains.

WHAT IS Japandi design?

Japandi essentially is a hybrid of Japanese minimalism & Scandinavian cozy, evoking serenity and calmness in the environment.

MIX IT UP!

Demand for two-toned, split-scheme kitchen cabinets by interior designers and architects is on the rise, according to officials with Cascade Distribution Group. This common kitchen design trend is typically expressed by combining solid color and biophilic wood grain cabinets

“With the latest and greatest technology and equipment, we make high-quality, four-sided edgebanded custom cabinet doors to order,” said Garrett Litalien, Operations and Sales Manager at Cascade Distribution Group. “Partnering with Arauco and Stevenswood, two of the highest quality in-demand TFL panel manufacturers allows our customers to meet schedules and budgets.”

Cascade Distribution Group, the manufacturer of Mirlux Premium Panel products, began offering custom-made solid color high gloss and super matte Mirlux doors through Allmoxy in 2021.

Biophilic interior design

Incorporates nature into our indoor environment, creating calming spaces with visual connection to nature while improving well-being, health, and productivity.

A CALMING INFLUENCE

Fresh, Mediterranean air Inspired by the depth of the sea, Azul Índigo is an intense blue that infuses spaces with a sense of serenity, calm and unexpected warmth. At once relaxing and strong, subtle and sophisticated, this alluring and versatile color from Richelieu is well-suited for any design scheme — bringing a feeling of stability and groundedness.

State-of-the-art lacquered surfaces offer a range of design possibilities, delivering the most consistent finish and highestlevel of scratch resistance on the market, while Thermo Structured Surfaces (TSS) offer an engaging visual and sensory experience. Up to four layers of decorative and kraft papers are treated with resins under heat and pressure to become part of the panel.

Brought to life using a superior lacquering technology, Richelieu’s Lummia offers stunning, on-trend colours and AGTSeries panels are perfect for creating unique spaces and provide exceptional design versatility, featuring a rich selection of trend-forward colors along with three finishes — high gloss, soft touch and supramat.

OR COLOR POP

Rachel Kornhardt, Senior Designer with Schattdecor, Inc., says she expects to see a continued refinement of color palettes with the addition of more subdued and calming pop colors like yellow, rose, and mauve. On the flipside, naturally vibrant jewel and tropical tones will remain a steadily popular way to add a little liveliness to neutral accents while still bringing the outside in. Wood tones will stay warm and natural to combine easily with both earthy and invigorating solids, textiles, and abstracts. Browns running the gamut from dark chocolate to camel, mushroom taupe, and golden tweed will rule woodgrains, leather, and woven textiles.

With the renewed interest in natural, sustainable, handcrafted, and timeless interior looks, we’ll also continue to see a modern revival of the Arts and Crafts Movement. This is especially noticeable in the surging demand for simple, clean, rift-sawn white oak and quarter-sawn white oak decors that portray a new rusticity, celebrating features like medullary rays and flecks over hyper rustic characteristics like large knots and cracks. Stone and tile are also reflecting this desire for handcrafted quality while making a statement with the continuing rise of bold, solid color zellige tiled walls and patterned mosaic floors for kitchen and bath.

TOP: INSPIRED BY THE DEPTH OF THE SEA, AZUL ÍNDIGO IS AN INTENSE BLUE THAT INFUSES SPACES WITH A SENSE OF SERENITY, CALM AND UNEXPECTED WARMTH. AT ONCE RELAXING AND STRONG, SUBTLE AND SOPHISTICATED, THIS ALLURING AND VERSATILE COLOR IS WELL-SUITED FOR ANY DESIGN SCHEME – BRINGING A FEELING OF STABILITY AND GROUNDEDNESS IN RICHELIEU’S BRILLANTE COLLECTION OF STATE-OFTHE-ART LACQUERED SURFACES.

ABOVE: SCHATTDECOR’S DIGITAL VISIONS SELECTION PRESENTS A MEANINGFUL CROSS-SECTION THROUGH THE DIVERSITY OF THEIR NEW DIGITAL PRINTING TECHNOLOGY—FROM PHOTO-REALISTIC, LARGEFORMAT LAYOUTS TO PLAYFUL, GRAPHIC DESIGNS TO FREEHANDDRAWN DESIGNS.

RIGHT: HYMMEN’S LATEST AWARD-WINNING DEVELOPMENT IS THE DIGITAL LACQUER EMBOSSING (DLE) TECHNOLOGY, WITH WHICH THE PRODUCER CAN PRINT STRUCTURES INTO THE DECORATIVE SURFACES THAT ARE EXACTLY EMBOSSED IN REGISTER.

DIGITAL PRINTING AND SCANNING

Hymmen says that digital printing in the surface & panel market will pick up speed going into 2023. “In the future there won´t be any decorative surfaces without digital printing anymore,” predicts Dr. René Pankoke, CEO and owner of Hymmen.

Decorative surface customers are not only interested in the optics and haptics of a surface, but also take the surface’s resilience, durability, abrasion and moisture resistance, hygienic cleaning, and maintenance effort into account.

This is where digital printing of surfaces and structures comes into play. It ensures reliable high quality, is cost efficient, flexible, and usable on numerous substrates, e.g., on real wood as well as engineered wood and modular multilayer materials / LVT.

LIGHTING IS KEY

To accent all these new colors, the demand for new and innovative ways to use specialty lighting is stronger than ever. Hettich showcased their innovative solution to cabinet lighting at KBIS with their AvanTech YOU Illumination, which basically is a battery-run, clip-on design profile lighting system that easily attaches to the top edges of the Hettich AvanTech YOU drawer box system. It can be optionally retrofitted and switches on automatically when the drawer is opened and off after 30 seconds or upon closing the drawer. It is a simple addition to the overall feel of the kitchen which can be added by the homeowner themselves in no time. This feature can be used anywhere in the home, from the kitchen and bath to closets and even home entertainment centers.

STRONG, SUSTAINABLE DESIGNS

“Sustainability is more than a trend, and it’s a topic that will remain important to the surfacing and design industries in 2023 and beyond,” says Amy Gath, VP of Marketing with Formica Corporation. “As we work through the challenges of a post-COVID world of economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, our customers are asking us to solve problems in a more sustainable manner.”

“But our focus as an industry must go beyond just meeting the requirements of our customers,” she adds. “Instead, we need to take a proactive approach to reduce the impact we have on the environment. This is an opportunity for manufacturers to expand their focus, from sustainable products to sustainable practices. At Formica, we’ve been fortunate during the past few years to work with Nemho (the center of excellence for innovation and technology for all Broadview Holding material companies) to make significant progress towards our goal of net carbon neutrality by 2030.”

Gath quotes the company’s sustainability policy, saying it begins with “do no harm,” but continues to look for ways to proactively “do good” and in the long-term, “do better.”

The push to deliver products with a more environmentally responsible footprint is driving companies including IFS to look

at performance powder coating to ensure their product offers gorgeous aesthetics, the desired performance level (e.g. exterior durability or moisture resistance) while being more sustainable.

With the push to reduce embodied carbon, the architectural community is embracing performance powders such as IFS 500FP as a more sustainable alternative to liquid paints for exterior applications such as curtain wall, windows, doors and more.

Heat sensitive substrates such as wood and MDF are also now able to capture the performance and improved sustainability footprint powders deliver by adding PureClad powder to the finishing operation. Extremely efficient production, a safer more pleasant working environment, and cost competitiveness mean applications from custom coaters to large OEMs in the cabinet industry and beyond are looking to utilize the power of powder primers that perform with a liquid or powder topcoat and single coat powder top-coats.

And as the panel industry further expands efforts to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds from decorative panel products, the use of non-formaldehyde polymeric dispersion systems to produce decorative and industrial overlays on existing paper saturation lines is becoming more common and accepted.

An added benefit of these new decorative overlays is improved UV and weathering stability, upgraded panel haptics and sound insulation, which is particularly useful for laminate flooring. But this

new technology, produces new processing challenges — particularly with adequate paper saturation, wetting and levelling of the polymeric dispersion. Foam production during impregnation and panel release after hot pressing is also problematic.

MÜNZING offers an additive package under its trusted Fentak brand of products to enable and optimize the production of polymeric dispersion overlays on existing paper saturation lines — as well as customizing and hands-on application technology support in the field.

CUSTOMIZE EVERYTHING

Robotization, production line and customization is the trend of today’s woodworking machinery, according to experts with Castaly Machinery, which has been creating, building and modifying their line of machines based on the engineering knowledge of 38 years in the industry.

In recent years, Castaly has focused on the development of robotization equipment, with robotic loading, stacking and storage system that can maximize the utilization of your plant space and reduce wasted moving, improved safety and increased productivity. In addition, Castaly experts predict that reducing the cost of wood consumption and studying the utilization rate of raw materials will be one of the keys to success in the future.

And customization does not only apply to products and machinery, according to Steve Hollinshead, Director of Sales and Marketing with Aetna Building Solutions."Value-based selling will be key to increasing customer loyalty and business success as the interior building materials industry continues its post-pandemic evolution,” he says. “The focus on relevant benefits or outcome design based on customer expectations for success delivered through personalized social selling will deliver more opportunity for effective customer engagement.”

“Increased trust will allow sellers to create new and relatable

“Sustainability is more than a trend, and it’s a topic that will remain important to the surfacing and design industries in 2023 and beyond.”

narratives that will contribute to sustainable product and service sales considering the trend for uncertain and volatile market dynamics,” continues Hollinshead. “Mass personalization of products and services for interior applications will continue to be a customer priority and challenged by the need to create and coordinate multiple channels of communication to increase effective customer touch points."

HOSPITALITY IS BACK!

The hospitality industry, which sat stagnant during the pandemic, is investing, remodeling, and welcoming customers back to their establishments, continuing to see upward and steady growth, according to David Palange, General Manager of DVUV wood powder coating. DVUV is specifically seeing the upward trend in the hotel industry, with product applications including desktops, work surfaces, end tables, and valances, he adds. DVUV supplies powder coated MDF components not only for the hospitality industry but also retail, education, healthcare, contract furniture, and other industries.

Color palettes are still mainly neutral, but Palange notes DVUV’s solid surface finishes for MDF are gaining popularity and being used more frequently. This multi-component finish gives the customer the

look of real solid surface materials but without the cost. Perfect for high traffic environments, the solid surface finishes give an added depth and dimension to the finished products.

UV CURING

UV curing continues to grow in popularity, says Miltec CEO Bob Blandford. “Purchasing a UV curing system is an investment,” he says. “It’s a critical part of the production finishing line needed to ensure consistent product quality and reducing scrap for many surface and panel manufacturers.”

And while sales of UV curing equipment have increased over this past year, both for new lines and to replace older inefficient systems, supply chain issues remain and growing interest rates may lead to delays in new system sales in 2023, he adds. “Signals from our panel customers are mixed with some planning to monitor and maintain their existing systems and others taking a wait and see approach to replacing old or obsolete systems.”

While some industry trends focus more on colors, textures and styles, others such as those centered on sustainability, are fast becoming the norm. Overall, designers from all areas agree that no one look is “in,” but rather, the vast array of choices available allow each consumer to customize their spaces just as they like, and with what makes them happy. S P

ABOVE: PERFECT FOR HIGH TRAFFIC ENVIRONMENTS, SOLID SURFACE FINISHES FROM DVUV ADD DEPTH AND DIMENSION TO FINISHED PRODUCTS.

Total Compensation Versus Total Cash Compensation

BY SUSAN PALÉ

?

s strong demand for qualified workers continues to be a challenge for employers in 2023, compensation remains at the forefront for businesses trying to retain and recruit talent. Having a better understanding of compensation can ensure you spend your dollars wisely and are able to communicate the true value of your employees’ compensation with clarity.

The terms total compensation and total cash compensation are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same. Read on to learn what makes them unique.

TOTAL COMPENSATION (sometimes called Total Rewards) includes not just cash payments, but also the value of all employee benefits and perquisites that can be quantified. For many organizations, the cost of benefits, including healthcare premiums, retirement plan contributions, and paid time off can easily amount to 30%-35% of an employee’s salary. That means the total compensation for an employee making $100,000 would be $130,000-$135,000.

Many employees don’t realize the value of their benefits and perquisites. One of the best ways to communicate this is to produce some type of benefit statement that shows their value. This information can be a real eye-opener!

TOTAL CASH COMPENSATION means just that—the total value of all cash payments. Many organizations use the terms total compensation when they really are referring to total cash compensation. Total cash compensation includes base salary, overtime payments, shortterm bonuses and incentives, commission payments to sales professionals, and long-term bonuses and incentives.

When you’re having conversations about compensation with your employees or recruiting new hires, it’s important to talk in terms of total cash compensation. That means that if the base salary for a position is $80,000, and the annual incentive opportunity is 25%, annual total cash compensation can be $100,000 or more.

The most common components of total cash compensation are:

Base Salary

For most employees in non-sales roles, the largest portion of their total cash compensation will be their base salary. The term base pay is often used interchangeably with base salary.

By definition, base salary is the amount paid by an employer in return for services performed by an employee before any additions (e.g., overtime payments) or deductions (e.g., taxes) are made. Base

salary may be expressed in hourly, weekly, monthly, or annual terms.

Employees considered nonexempt under the terms of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are most often paid base salary on an hourly basis, while those considered exempt under the FLSA are paid base salary on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis.

Recruiters and recruitment job sites often quote hourly base salaries for nonexempt positions and annual salaries for exempt positions.

Bonus Payment

A bonus is a payment made in addition to base salary. Bonus payments can be made to an individual employee, a group of employees, or all employees as a reward for past achievements. Bonuses are often awarded for achievement of some organizational milestone such as profit or achievement of other financial goals. Achievement of an organizational milestone generally means that all employees receive the bonus, which may be given as a flat dollar amount or a percentage of base salary.

Individual and group bonuses are also frequently given to recognize achievements. For example, an individual who performs the job duties of a colleague on disability leave might be granted a

bonus for their work. Or a team might be given a bonus to recognize successful implementation of a new system.

Sign-on bonuses, referral bonuses, and spot bonuses are also common. They are generally awarded to individuals.

True bonuses are discretionary. That means that they are awarded solely at the discretion of the employer, rather than expected by the employee as payment for achievement of a specific goal or objective.

Holiday bonuses, often awarded following a successful year, are discretionary bonuses.

Incentive Payment

An incentive payment is also a payment made in addition to base salary. Unlike a bonus, it is tied to the achievement of specific goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are predetermined and communicated in advance. Goals and objectives may be established at the organizational, group, or individual level.

Many executive, technical, and professional level positions offer incentive opportunities in addition to base salary. Depending on position and industry, incentive payments can often be 40% to 50% of base salary and in some situations actually exceed base salary.

An incentive payment is a nondiscretionary bonus. Payment is expected by the employee if stated goals and objectives are achieved.

The use of incentives is increasing. A 2021 World at Work survey reported that 76% of participants offered some type of annual incentive plan. Survey participants represented multiple industries and differing jobs.

Commission Payment

A commission payment is a payment made for completion of a sale or sales-related task. Commission payments may be made in addition to a base salary, or may be paid instead of a base salary.

Compensation for most sales positions includes a base salary plus commission payments. Some jobs, however, are typically paid

100% commission. These include real estate agents, travel agents, and insurance sales agents.

Commission payments are most frequently made to the salesperson who completes a sale. However, individuals in account executive, business development, and sales manager roles may receive commission payments as well. For example, a sales manager may receive a portion of their sales representatives’ sales as a commission payment or “override” for their role in the sales process.

In some organizations, sales specialists and customer service representatives may also receive commission payments to recognize their contributions to sales success.

It’s always a good time for salary planning, so take advantage of a new year and review your employees’ salaries for 2023. S P

SUSAN PALÉ, CCP, is vice president for compensation with Affinity HR Group. Reach her at (877) 660-6400 or contact@affinityhrgroup.com.

A 2021 World at Work survey reported that 76% of participants offered some type of annual incentive plan.

MASTERS: MATERIALS

ULTRAPAN PET AND ACRYLIC PANELS

Ultrapan is a U.S. manufacturer of superior, customizable Ultra-HighGloss and Ultra-Matte laminated panels. Our radiant finishes are perfectly suited for the contemporary lifestyle that embodies clean yet stylish looks for kitchens, furniture, displays, and myriad other residential, commercial and institutional applications.

Ultrapan PET and acrylic laminates feature highly durable decorative surfaces with excellent resistance to stains, scratches and harmful UV rays. These eco-friendly products are also easy to clean and maintain.

ULTRAPAN PANELS MADE YOUR WAY

• The Ultrapan collection features more than 60 surface options including solid and woodgrain designs; pearlescent and metallic finishes; and deep emboss textures.

• Our wide selection of in-stock panel options includes cores made from particleboard, standard MDF, lite MDF, fire-retardant MDF, moisture-resistant NAF MDF, exteriorgrade MDF, and hardwood plywood. We offer panels from ¼" to 1½" thick in 4x8 or 4x10 sizes.

• Matching edge-banding, including 15/16" and 1-3/4" widths, are available in stock for most of our designs. Custom widths can be produced by special order in gloss or super matte.

• Anti-fingerprint (AFP) coatings are standard on all Ultra-Matte surfaces.

• Our expanded metallics collection is available on 4x10 as well as 4x8 panels.

• Our quick-ship program features the same color laminated on both sides of ¾" 4x8 MDF panels.

• We inventory a variety of substrate types and sizes to support our ready-for-production program.

• Special orders don’t upset us. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Check out our website—ultrapan.net—to learn how Ultrapan modern finishes can add a superior elegance to your home, office or storefront.

Contact us about our Distributor Network at up@glosspanels.com

SALES PROJECTIONS $

The Crippling Disease of Moderate Success

BY DAVE KAHLE

e’re doing OK.” That’s a thought shared by thousands of executives I have encountered over the years. It also resides in the minds of the majority of B2B salespeople with whom I’ve worked.

“OK” for a business often means that the company grows slowly, at least in most years. It is marginally profitable, in most months. The workforce is relatively stable, and the customers somewhat loyal. No one challenges the status quo.

For a salesperson, it means that the boss isn’t hounding him, he/she is making a decent living, and the customers are relatively accessible. No interest in pursuing anything bigger.

For both groups, doing “OK” is a description of moderate success, and was never a description of the lofty goals and dreams that could motivate them. Instead, it is the default position of business professionals who have settled for the comfortable status quo. “OK” is where people and organizations often settle after they have been in the fray for a while.

While moderate success — doing OK — is a stage every business and every salesperson must pass through, the problem is that many — probably the majority — settle there and make it a permanent resting place. In a world where the pursuit of excellence requires proactive time and effort, the majority settle for the relative comfort of mediocrity.

Once “doing OK” settles into minds and hearts, it engenders a circular set of behaviors that support itself. It becomes the rationale to avoid any initiatives that might shake the status quo and lead to higher levels of success and influence:

“Open a new branch, or develop a new product or service?” Naw, it would stress the company too much. We’re doing OK the way we are.

“Invest in developing the sales force?” Nope, they will just leave and go to a competitor. We’re doing OK just the way we are.

Once “doing OK” settles into minds and hearts, it engenders a circular set of behaviors that support itself.

Susquehanna Gray

Northeastern Walnut

fin i sh

well!

Two Great Assets for Your Finishing Room:

Easy | Axis

Foot-rotated turntable for applying finishes.

HDPE Construction cleans-up easily from any type of finish residue.

Two easily interchangeable support plates with either non-slip pads or elevation pins.

Dura | Rack

A stable solution to store and transport both small and large freshly finished parts.

Heavy-duty powder-coated steel frame with solid aluminum support rods.

Replaceable paper tubes keep your product clean.

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

“Automate some time-consuming processes?” Not if it means the current staff will have to learn new skills. We’re doing OK just the way we are.

Since “doing OK” becomes the default response to any initiative, the company’s moderate success undermines any efforts for greater success, excellence and influence. Moderate success becomes the enemy of greater success.

The same is true for professional salespeople. Moderate success squelches any inclination to the hard work of greater success:

“Attend a sales seminar?” Nope, too busy and, besides, I’m doing OK.

“Spend time mastering a new product?” Naw, I’m doing OK with what I’m currently doing.

“Invest in prospecting for new customers?” No, I’m too busy with my current customers, and besides, I’m doing OK as it is.

Excellence demands commitment. Moderate success lounges in indifference. Excellence requires hard work. Moderate success doesn’t stress anyone. Excellence mandates taking risks. Moderate success avoids them. Excellence requires change. Moderate success protects the status quo.

In my 30 years of practice, I’ve interacted with thousands of executives and owners, and engaged with tens of thousands of B2B salespeople. The overwhelming majority have been lulled by moderate success to a place where they are hesitant to pursue excellence, wary of reaching for their potential, tentative about embracing any new ideas, and afraid of stretching beyond today’s comfort zones.

That’s one of the main reasons why only 5% to 20% of businesses and salespeople ever reach their potential. The rest got waylaid by moderate success. S P

DAVE KAHLE is a leading sales authority, having written 12 books and presented in 47 states and 11 countries. For more information, visit davekahle.com.

Clever Containment

INNOVATIVE DESIGNS ALLOW FOR BETTER HOME ORGANIZATION

BY JENNIFER G. WILLIAMS

ith many homeowners or renters choosing to remain in their current residences in today’s economic climate, the opportunity to improve their spaces through smart and stylish organization is easier than ever to achieve.

And while the thought of donating or trashing all that “stuff” sounds good, it can be difficult for many to give up sentimental or needed items they’ve accumulated. But recognizing that “stuff” is taking up valuable real estate can be maddening and can cause a household to run less efficiently. So, what to do?

From kitchens to bathrooms to closets, offices and garages, consumers are spending lots of money to organize their homes and simplify their lives. Whether it’s maximizing every available inch in cabinets or utilizing foldable desktops or counterspace, finding a way to organize — or hide — clutter is key.

TAMING CHAOTIC CABINET

Cabinets can be tricky. From those corner cabinets where forgotten items languish to those chaotic drawers in the kitchen and bathroom where nothing can be found, it can be challenging to create order in these often-used spaces.

The Magic Corner II Blind Corner Pull-Out system from Häfele offers a sleek, user-friendly way to navigate the awkward, corner cabinet space. The unit swiftly brings cabinet contents out into the open in one simple, fluid motion, is designed for hinged cabinets and is available in left- or right-swinging configurations.

And Häfele’s Portero Pull-Out Storage Unit is ideal for storing sponges, cleaning supplies and anything you may need to carry from room to room as it serves as a detachable cleaning caddy. The caddy nestles perfectly under the sink and fully extends for accessibility.

Turn that junk drawer into a convenient, quick-charging station for cell phones, tablets, watches and more with Häfele’s Docking Drawer Blade Duo 15 Amp in-drawer outlet can charge devices up to 70% faster than standard 12W charging ports. Visit www.hafele.com for more information on these and other storage and organization solutions.

Order can be restored inside those kitchen cabinets and drawers with Grass America’s Tavinea interior dividing system. The system is simple and flexible, designed to fit in the Vionaro drawer with dividers that can be cut to the width of your drawer and divider profiles that snap in easily. Available in various depths for shallow or deep drawers, Tavinea dividers match the color of the Vionaro drawer, in White, Silver Grey, and Graphite finishes. Visit www.grassusa.com for more information.

CREATING CONVENIENT CLOSETS

Closets tend to be a catch-all for clothes, shoes and just about everything else, but practical and innovative solutions abound to help enhance both functionality and aesthetic.

Store, hang, protect and contain with Excessories, a collection of accessories from Salice that provides solutions designed to optimize space and to facilitate the perfect arrangement of wardrobe interior fittings, offering infinite possibilities of exquisite style and convenience. The Night Collection of Excessories allows wardrobes and walk-in closets of all styles and sizes to accommodate elegant hangers, scarves and tie hangers, bag hangers, cotton garment holder bags,

Whether it’s maximizing every available inch in cabinets or utilizing foldable desktops or counterspace, finding a way to organize — or hide —clutter is key.

FAR LEFT: DRAWERS FROM THE EXCESSORIES COLLECTION BY SALICE. ABOVE: HÄFELE’S PORTERO PULL-OUT STORAGE UNIT ALSO SERVES AS A DETACHABLE CLEANING CADDY.

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

trouser hangers and shoe racks, with both efficiency and refinement. The drawers, with soft shapes and high design, and the illuminated shelves transform the walk-in wardrobe into an inspirational space and make it the most appreciated and coveted place in the home. The materials of the collection, from fabrics to leather and imitation leather, breathe life to endless combinations. Visit www.salice.com for more information.

A boost for short people, Häfele’s Motorized Wardrobe

Lift ensures that clothes stored in a closet, laundry room or any other space are never out of reach. All it takes is a simple press of a button to easily and smoothly bring down everything you’ve stored above. Available in a standard and extended version, the Motorized Wardrobe

Lift allows designers to utilize higher spaces on a wall while ensuring users always have convenient access to their items.

MAKING A PLAN

These days, designers and consumers alike have access to many 3-D programs to help them visualize and map out their organizational options before buying the first bin or shelf. From designing kitchens with built-in storage options to planning out an entire pantry, closet or garage, virtual design allows for a fully customized space.

Many companies offer their own virtual design options using their products, but others, such as KCD Software, offer a chance to design a space independently of particular brands.

KCD Software is known for being a comprehensive design-to-manufacture solution for cabinet and closet professionals. Its powerful, yet easy to use suite of flexible design tools, photo realistic 3D renderings and flawless output for both traditional and CNC manufacturing make KCD Software a great choice for kitchens, closets, storage, mudrooms, home offices and other similar projects.

Visit www.kcdsoftware.com for more information on all that they offer and to learn how their software can be integrated with essential business systems. S P

Shop The Latest Trends In Decorative Hardware

TOP LEFT: A PERFECT FIT FOR EVERY WALL CABINET, EVEN THOSE IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH TOP SHELVES, THE IMOVE PULL DOWN UNIT FROM HÄFELE IS A BOOST FOR SHORT PEOPLE.

BOTTOM LEFT: GRASS AMERICA’S TAVINEA INTERIOR DIVIDING SYSTEM.

LEFT: HÄFELE’S MOTORIZED WARDROBE LIFT ENSURES THAT CLOTHES STORED IN A CLOSET, LAUNDRY ROOM OR ANY OTHER SPACE ARE NEVER OUT OF REACH.

Browse

These days, designers and consumers alike have access to many 3-D programs to help them visualize and map out their organizational options before buying the first bin or shelf.

The More Things Change

BY AMY GATH

his year marks the 110th anniversary of Formica Corporation, and in preparation for our year of celebration, our team has been digging through our archives of old patterns, advertisements and photography. As expected, it has been a deeply enlightening process for learning more about the rich history of the company, but the far more unexpected takeaway was the deep-dive history lesson on the evolution of design over the last century.

Design preferences, materials and technology certainly have changed drastically over the years, but despite these shifts, many design brands have continued to stay relevant across the decades, remaining impactful forces in commercial and residential settings. A few consistent themes stood out to me for what brings longevity in this space, particularly as it applies to us in the surfacing industry.

ABOVE: FORMICA’S MARBLED GRAY LAMINATE EXPANDS ON THE THEME OF HAND-PAINTED MARBLES.

ABOVE RIGHT: DESIGNER NOZ NOZAWA TRANSLATES CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER STYLE INTO A MODERN RESIDENTIAL SPACE FOR FORMICA

IMAGES COURTESY OF FORMICA

Amy Gath serves as the Vice President of Marketing at Formica Corporation

BALANCING LEADING DESIGN WITH BEING LED BY DESIGN

From marketing to logistics to research and development, so many pieces are critical for a successful team, but the work of your design team can be the factor that gets you in the door and lets all the other elements shine. Even if you offer easy installation, short lead times and best-in-class performance, your product designs still need to first catch the eye of architects, interior designers and homeowners. That’s one of the many reasons why I and so many of my peers take such deep pride in the expertise of our CONTINUED

Now

A single coat clear coating for Birch in only 20 minutes? YES! You send us the drawings, we send you a finished part.

Supplying components for the contract furniture, hospitality, retail, healthcare and other industries.

Request a sample at www.dvuv.com

design team. As profoundly creative minds, they can create stunning patterns and designs from unexpected inspiration and materials, yet that alone can’t ensure success if it doesn’t match the moment. Instead, leading design requires a delicate balance of boldly pioneering new styles while also being willing to react to current and upcoming tastes, building a product offering that gently guides the future of design.

INNOVATING TO THE WHITE SPACE

While we are often narrowly focused on surfaces, the most successful companies over the decades don’t always stick to their lanes. Staying aware of changes and trends in the larger building and design industry keeps you mindful of where the opportunity lies — whether it’s an emerging surfacing solution that has yet to be tackled or a synergy that our industry may be uniquely equipped to handle.

While always a risk, being unafraid to strategically innovate into unidentified white space can also build the success that keeps brands relevant for the long haul.

IN 1912, TWO YOUNG ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, DANIEL O'CONOR AND HERBERT FABER, DISCOVERED THAT HIGH-PRESSURE PLASTIC RESINS COULD REPLACE THE MINERAL MICA IN INSULATION MATERIAL FOR ELECTRICAL PARTS. AS FOR THE NAME, O'CONOR AND FABER NEEDED A SUBSTITUTE "FOR" MICA, SO THEY SWAPPED IN THE PLASTIC RESINS, WHICH LED TO THE COMPANY NAME – YOU GUESSED IT – FORMICA. THE MATERIAL WAS PATENTED IN 1913, AND THEY STARTED THEIR OWN BUSINESS IN CINCINNATI.

TOP LEFT: BY 1930, FORMICA GROUP SHIFTED ITS FOCUS FROM INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS, SUCH AS ELECTRICAL PARTS FOR ELECTRIC COMPANIES AND AUTOMOTIVE PARTS FOR CARMAKERS LIKE CHEVROLET, TO THE DECORATIVE LAMINATE PRODUCTS FOR FURNITURE AND COUNTERTOPS YOU RECOGNIZE TODAY.

TOP RIGHT: THE ORIGINAL FORMICA CORPORATION PLANT

ABOVE LEFT: FORMICA 1959 FAN DECK SHOWS SOME OF THE MANY PATTERNS FROM FORMICA OVER THE YEARS. FORMICA IS CELEBRATING 110 YEARS IN 2023.

ABOVE: 1 960 AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY AD

EMBRACING YOUR HISTORY

Even with all this focus on what’s next and remaining relevant, the most successful brands are able to balance this progress with where they have been. A deep understanding of how businesses and consumers perceive your product is critical for setting your path forward, and for brands that have been around long enough, that perception will inevitably be informed by your past — for better or for worse. Finding the right way to embrace your legacy and integrate it into your products and storytelling can create an even brighter future.

Whatever this year may bring, may innovation and forwardthinking help ensure success for many years ahead. s p

Panel Process Like a Pro Without the Pro Price Tag

With a ShopBot CNC, you can increase production throughput while minimizing material handling. For example, you can drill shelf pin holes, cut rabbets and dados, and profile-cut the completed panel. The operator only needs to handle the full sheet once to load the machine, and then remove the perfectly cut parts that are ready for assembly.

Thanks to the affordability of ShopBot’s professional grade CNC tools, the technology of manufacturing cabinet boxes, doors, drawer fronts, shelves, and even countertops, is now well within the reach of smaller shops, not just large cabinet manufacturing facilities.

See our full line of tools at ShopBotTools.com. Then give us a call at 888-680-4466. We’ll find the tool that works best for your needs.

“Finding the right way to embrace your legacy and integrate it into your products and storytelling can create an even brighter future.”

Creating CuttingEdge Surfaces

STAFF REPORTS

nnovations in products and technologies available for finishing wood and alternative wood substrates has rapidly advanced in the last few years, creating more options than ever before for colors, prints and finishes. From treatments that add beauty and coatings that add durability to the application methods and equipment advances, the methods and tools for coating and finishing has evolved way beyond simply sanding and painting a surface.

EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT

Today’s equipment has simplified the technique of coating and finishing by combining what once took several steps into one seamless system, allowing for a faster process and a more uniform finished product.

The Hymmen double belt press technology has been around since the late 1970s, but ongoing technical developments — including the revision of sealing systems — have led and will continue to lead to further increases in efficiency in double belt press technology, say company officials.

From technical laminates, building materials or innovative composite materials, the fields of application of double belt press technology for end products within and outside the wood-based materials industry are manifold. However, the continuous production of decorative laminates has established

NATHAN GUFFEY DEMONSTRATES THE EFFICIENCY OF THE PIVOTLINE MANUAL-RAIL FINISHING SYSTEM FROM GUFFEY SYSTEMS.

itself as the standard application over the decades, with these HPL or CPL laminates being used in a variety of ways for furniture, worktops and windowsills, doors, edge bandings or other types of decorative surfaces.

Different processes are available, whether isobar or isochor, as well as proven systems for high pressure. With the Hymmen Turbo System, specific temperature profiles and cooling zones can be implemented for special product requirements without pressure interruption. Visit www.hymmen.com for more information.

Years of research and development combined with decades of experience with PUR hotmelt adhesives systems formed the foundation for the recent expansion of Kleiberit’s HotCoating technology. Kleiberit PUR HC 717 is solid at room temperature and has to be molten with the aid of a pre-melter. The PUR coating is applied to the surface during the HotCoating process. The chemical cross linking of the PUR material achieves a very high surface hardness, which is extremely shock and wear resistant. The PUR

material also has very high UV stability and chemical resistance. Direct application of a UV hardening topcoat ensures precise setting of the desired gloss level and allows for variations in coloring.

The HotCoating roll-to-roll coating technology allows for the finishing of furniture components, coating of flooring and façade elements as well as the finishing of roll material for profile wrapping, to include a system for “supermatt” finishes. The HotCoating market expansion features a working width of up to 1600 mm, a

BOTTOM RIGHT:

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

line speed of up to 50 meters a minute and is suitable for HotCoating with corundum. The system offers surface finishing in combination with digital printing and embossing and is suitable for veneer, paper, thermoplastic foils and CPL, creating innovative application possibilities in indoor and outdoor areas. Visit www.hotcoating.kleiberit.com for more information.

Guffey Systems’ PivotLine Manual-Rail Finishing System and their PivotPoint Touch-Free Batch Finishing System both are designed to increase productivity. These systems rival the production speed of flatline and hanging automated lines at a fraction of the cost, space, and implementation time. PivotLine users are consistently experiencing increases of two to four times their normal throughput. All equipment is patented, industrial-quality and made in the USA. Visit www.guffeysystems.com/ for more information.

WolfRayet’s new catalytic gel ovens are designed to deliver a more efficient powder coating process. With a very small operational footprint, these gel ovens deliver a high-tech, low-operating cost solution to improve existing convection curing. Benefits include rapid surface temperature increase, improved convection heating efficiency and the potential to increase line speed enabling greater throughput. The company’s IR catalytic gel oven directly heats the powder, causing it to gel. As a result, the powder cannot be blown off in the convection oven and eliminates the chance of cross contamination. The gel oven speeds up the convection oven process, which is especially useful for low temperature cure powders as well as textured and higher temp powders. Visit www.wolfrayet.com for more information.

COATING OPTIONS

Coatings available for wood and for alternative wood materials include polyurethane coatings, waterbased coatings, polyester coatings, acrylic coatings, solvent-based coatings and resins — just to name a few. In addition to the myriad of colors and textures available, many companies are working to minimize environmental effects.

Designed for distributors, Axalta’s Color Choice offers one of the most comprehensive color matching and finish design programs for the wood coatings marketplace — combining design, formulation and program management guidance along with a full complement of products, raw materials and equipment. Color Choice enables companies of various sizes to efficiently produce an unlimited number of custom colors and finishes with precise accuracy and consistency. With a broad offering of tools, training, and materials, Color Choice provides personally tailored programs to meet individual business needs and budget.

The system includes wiping stains, spray stains, liquid glaze, powder glaze, and basecoats for solvent and water-based products. Finishers can save more than 20 percent on material cost by purchasing components of colors and textures such as bases and colorants, rather than finished color products.

Axalta’s industrial wood coatings feature a variety of technologies including varnishes, glazes, stains and lacquers that enhance and protect wood and alternative wood substrates. Ideal for various applications such as cabinets, tables, office furniture, exterior siding, doors and floors, our wood coatings provide durability and rich color. Available in ultra-low VOC and HAPs-free, formaldehyde-free and isocyanate-free formulations, these products minimize hazards to workers, consumers and the environment. Visit www.axalta.com for more information. s p

TOP RIGHT: THE HPL HYMMEN ISOPRESS USES DOUBLE BELT PRESS TECHNOLOGY TO FURTHER INCREASES IN EFFICIENCY.

MILESI’S LKR648X SERIES OF SCRATCHRESISTANCE PIGMENTED POLYURETHANE FINISHES RECENTLY WERE CHOSEN FOR THEIR EXCELLENT PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES, EXCELLENT RESISTANCE TO LIQUIDS AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE EN71/3 STANDARD IN A RESTYLING OF THE IBIS CONCEPCIÓN HOTEL, LOCATED IN THE CITY OF THE SAME NAME IN CHILE.

Your Space in the Best Light.

Timing is Everything

BY KEVIN GAMMONLEY

As distributors return from a well-attended Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Vegas, they now are focusing on working with their manufacturing partners to drive adoption of new products by their mutual customers. In many cases, these new products were initially introduced to the distributor community last fall at the Annual Convention of the North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA).

The timing works well as by the time KBIS comes around, the leading distributors have established their new programs with their suppliers and oriented themselves to the new product offerings. Distributors are ready to sell their customers come the first quarter of the new year.

The coordination of such distribution programs with all parties being ready for the new selling season is just one of the benefits of a strong distributor-manufacturer partnership. Such partnerships are at the core of the mission of the NBMDA, which works to provide a forum for issues and challenges to be addressed while also promoting long-term planning between the trading partners.

Regional wholesale distributors remain one of the most efficient and costeffective means of a manufacturer getting their product to market. Distributors know their customer’s product preferences, ordering requirements and project timelines. Distribution continues to grow in complexity adjusting to changing customer expectations

“A strong partnership between a distributor and manufacturer is extremely powerful, providing a competitive advantage and ultimately a more satisfied customer.”

which require significant investments in inventory, labor and technology. A strong partnership between a distributor and manufacturer is extremely powerful, providing a competitive advantage and ultimately a more satisfied customer.

The current environment has many impediments that building material distributors must manage on a daily basis, including a tight labor market that not only affects their ability to manage orders but is simultaneously influencing the operations of their suppliers and customers. On top of labor, there is growing inflation that is creating frequent price increases that must be proactively managed by the distributor. Continual price increases have become a regularity that does not garner significant attention from the distributor or their customers who will be the recipient of the pass-through increase.

Distributors and their manufacturing partners are excited about their growth opportunities in 2023 despite the many challenges that face them. Consumers are still spending, and their strength will help keep the economy rising into the latter half of 2023. Distributors will continue to be nimble refreshing their services and operations to meet the needs of customers.

Readily available, local stock of both standard and specialty products that can be easily and cost effectively accessed by customers will rule the day. Distributors are uniquely positioned to offer such services as long as they continue to evolve, invest and remain focused on the needs of the local market. S P

KEVIN GAMMONLEY has served as the Executive Vice President of the North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA) for more than 30 years. www.nbmda.org

The Cut Center takes care of both the big and small details so you don’t have to!

Designed and Engineered in America, the Cut Ready Cut Center is made to simplify and automate your production. It allows you to remain a cabinet shop, focused on making custom cabinets, instead of a software company, worried about learning difficult and expensive software.

• Fundamentally Different – Allows you to bring Old World Cabinet Making into Today’s Advanced World.

• Can Be Ran by Just About Anyone – Guides the Machine Operator Through the Entire Process (step by step and detail by detail - no skilled operator required)

• Knows How to Make Virtually Every Cabinet Design – Quickly and Easily Make Cabinets, Drawers, Drawer Fronts, Doors, Moldings, Furniture and much more!

What

“Being

able to go to the machine, quickly pick out a cabinet or a piece of furniture, plug in the size and start feeding material is huge.”

Mumma, General Manager Byrne Custom Woodworking - Lenexa, KS

Cut Center Owners Are Saying:

Style Meets Function

IN TODAY’S HARDWARE

ardware continues to be the fastest, easiest way to update your space. But today’s hardware goes way beyond mere decoration, often combining multi-functionality to make your space not only look good but also do things you may have never imagined.

HIDDEN GEMS

Some designers want to hide all hardware, creating a sleek design featuring handleless doors and drawers that push to open and softly close. Others praise the increased functionality of hidden undermount slides, which allow for full drawer extension — or even slide-through options. Companies are making this and more happen through their specialized hardware.

The Elite Plus Undermount Slide System form Grass America offers full drawer functionality with no visible hardware and a quiet close. The system allows the cabinet design to take center

stage by completely concealing the track and hardware under the drawer box. Utilizing undermount technology, a precision synthetic roller carriage, and a liquid damper enables Elite Plus to operate smoothly, quietly, and consistently.

The Elite Plus comes in a full range of standard lengths for 16mm (5/8") or 19mm (3/4") drawer thickness for both face frame and frameless cabinetry. This full extension slide allows complete access to the interior drawer space. This, coupled with a 75 lb. dynamic weight capacity, allows heavy serving ware and appliances to be stored safely and accessibly.

With multiple depth and tilt adjustment access points along the track, setup is customizable for individual drawer specifications and needs. Elite Plus also features self-latching, multi-cleat, front locking devices with quick release levers for easy drawer removal and integrated height adjustment of 2.5mm and side adjustment of 1.5mm.

Elite Plus brings together tried-and-true undermount technology, a precision roller carriage, and multiple installment options into an easy-to-install and reliable slide. Visit www.grassusa.com to learn more about the Elite Plus Slide System and other Grass America offerings.

A revolutionary hidden and bidirectional sliding system from Richelieu allows drawers to open from both sides of a cabinet. The unique Riverso concept allows for easy access to drawer contents and eliminates unnecessary steps.

When installed in a kitchen island or room separator, it optimizes the flow between rooms. The Riverso system is unique, allowing a single drawer to open in either direction. When one side is open, the other stays closed.

LEFT: RICHELIEU’S CONTEMPORARY METAL PULL FEATURES GENTLE RIPPLES THAT CREATE THE ILLUSION OF SUBTLE MOVEMENT. AVAILABLE IN FOUR ON-TREND FINISHES, INCLUDING MATTE BLACK, RAVELLO GRAY, SAPPHIRE BLUE AND VERONA GOLD.

BELOW: THE ELITE PLUS UNDERMOUNT SLIDE SYSTEM FROM GRASS AMERICA OFFERS FULL DRAWER FUNCTIONALITY WITH NO VISIBLE HARDWARE AND A QUIET CLOSE.

BOTTOM: BERENSON HAS ADDED TWO NEW COLLECTIONS TO THEIR R. CHRISTENSEN BY BERENSON LIN — FLUID AND MINI .

The system is built on a smooth-running, synchronised extension rail with a 46 kg (101.4 lb) capacity. Features include a soft-close mechanism and a pressure-activation option for one side, allowing for a handle-free drawer front. Visit www.richelieu.com for more information on this and other hardware from Richelieu.

And experience the unseen with the new surface mount hidden door hinge by Sugatsune. This new three-way adjustable hinge simply surface mounts to any door frame reducing installation time and lowers cost. The die casted body and arm construction is designed to hold doors weighing up to 143 pounds. on three hinges and have surpassed 300,000 cycle tests. Visit www.sugatsune.com for more information on this and other offerings from Sugatsune.

Exedra, a hardware system from Salice that features assisted sliding action enhanced by linear damping to gently control the movement of a pocket door, with a maximum weight of 66 pounds, the system accommodates thicknesses from 19-30 mm and widths from 400-900 mm.

Today’s hardware goes way beyond mere decoration, often combining multi-functionality to make your space not only look good but also do things you may have never imagined.

Exedra refines and improves the deceleration concept to give a smooth, fluent, uniform and noiseless movement, regardless of the speed of door insertion. Exedra can be used in a host of applications — from larder units for kitchens, in living rooms for media or library units; in bedroom wardrobes and in office storage applications.

With slide-in installation to facilitate installation and removal of the mechanism from the front, Exedra also offers an option with its Euro 32 model for direct fixing to the cabinet by euroscrew. Visit www.salice.com for more information on this and other Salice products.

MORE THAN DECORATION

Not-so-hidden hardware also is having a moment. From a seemingly limitless number of choices of shapes, colors, and finishes, any mood can be created or enhanced by new hardware. Considered to be the “jewelry” of a room, today’s trending decorative hardware features simple shapes in matte finishes, but the sky is truly the limit when it comes to choosing any level of shine and embellishment for your space.

Inspired by the movement of waves across the water, Richelieu’s Contemporary Metal Pull features gentle ripples that create the illusion of subtle movement. A distinctive elliptic shape, hollow center and smooth curves emphasize the richness and originality of the design.

The Contemporary Metal Pull is available in four on-trend finishes, including Matte Black, Ravello Gray, Sapphire Blue and Verona Gold

— to coordinate with the latest kitchen designs and cabinet styles. The deep Sapphire Blue finish, in particular, complements the wavy shape, harmonizing seamlessly with the organic lines of the design. Visit www.richelieu.com for more information on this and other Richelieu offerings. And Berenson has added two new collections to their R. Christensen by Berenson line. Fluid and Mini were introduced at the recent KBIS. Fluid includes pulls in a simple, flowing design that feature dual center to centers. The two sizes available are 288mm and 320mm, and 192mm and 224mm. The Mini collection features a square and round knob design, in two sizes, including a small option.

“Our new collections take minimalist designs and enhances them with subtle curves,” said Melanie Busch, Marketing Director of Berenson. “The undulating form of the Fluid collection flows off cabinets with a slim and graceful appearance. The knobs of Mini have accessible and versatile square and round designs that complement a range of styles with their classic, yet contemporary forms. They can act as a classy pairing with some of our other Art Tech collections effortlessly. We are also excited to introduce a new finish in Honey Gold. This finish has a dark golden color to enhance spaces with a rich tone.”

All options come in Black, Brushed Nickel and Polished Chrome. Both lengths of Fluid and the larger size of the round and square knobs of Mini will also be offered in Soft Gold, Charcoal Gray and Honey Gold. S P

From a seemingly limitless number of choices of shapes, colors, and finishes, any mood can be created or enhanced by new hardware.

RIGHT: EXEDRA, A HARDWARE SYSTEM FROM SALICE THAT FEATURES ASSISTED SLIDING ACTION ENHANCED BY LINEAR DAMPING TO GENTLY CONTROL THE MOVEMENT OF A POCKET DOOR.

BELOW: THE NEW SURFACE MOUNT HIDDEN DOOR HINGES BY SUGATSUNE.

526 EVENTS

VIRTUAL EVENTS ↘

There are two reasons you should consider using a virtual event platform. First, a virtual event platform is the perfect alternative for connecting people together over virtual sessions and customer meetings. Second, if you choose to host a live event, you can supplement it with a virtual component and maximizing your total audience for those not willing to travel. Whichever route you choose, 526 Events has

Join Us Online ↘

the experience and capabilities to make your virtual event smooth and successful. At 526 Events, we want to help you make your virtual event possible. Whether it is tradeshow, national sales meeting, new product launch, open house, webinar, conference, educational workshop or a company meeting – we have got you covered.

VIEW REAL-TIME SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS – POWERED BY ZOOM

Join all of our attendees in real-time for our keynote presentation and breakout sessions.

JOIN LIVE VIDEO VENDOR ZOOM BOOTHS

Drop in at designated times to our vendors live and open zoom rooms. Have a quick chat and ask questions in real-time.

NETWORKING DIRECTORY

Meet other attendees and connect through various social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

VIRTUAL EXHIBITOR BOOTHS

Browse through various vendors in our virtual exhibitor booths. There, you can download company literature, set up meetings with sales reps, view products and much more.

TRADESHOWS

NATIONAL SALES MEETINGS

OPEN HOUSES

VIP CUSTOMER EVENTS

INDUSTRY SUMMITS

ANNUAL CONFERENCES WORKSHOPS

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES

DESIGN SYMPOSIUMS FUNDRAISERS

“It was fantastic working with the team at 526 Media Group. Initially, we approached them with a very aggressive timeline for a livestream event and they executed PERFECTLY. The communication throughout the process and the support was top notch. Best of all, their pricing was very fair. If you’ve been tasked with running a professional livestream event and don’t know where to start, I recommend you reach out to 526.”

- RYAN GALICK, FUZION

AGENDA

View an interactive schedule of events for your virtual event. You can link each agenda item to an Exhibitor profile, Zoom links and much more.

Past Events ↘

Reflections on KBIS/IBS

A SIMPLE ATTENDEE/ EXHIBITOR NAVIGATES A COMPLEX IBS/KBIS

BY TYLER SHARPE

Impressive exhibition? Downright remarkable! It was a breath of fresh air to be back exploring the booths, catching up with old contacts and witnessing our industry rejoice together.

his year marked the largest gathering of housing professionals with over 200k attendees according to Design and Construction Week (DCW). This year’s DCW featured the International Builder Show (IBS), Kitchen and Bath Shows (KBIS) and surprise to me, three more including the National Hardware Show (NHS), the International Surfaces Event (TISE) and the Las Vegas Winter Market.

IBS/KBIS were bustling with energy, the booths were flashy and the sheer size was overwhelming, a shocking contrast to Orlando 2022. The scale put IBS/KBIS in the same league as the large European exhibitions (Interzum Cologne, Salone Milan etc.). It’s tough not to view the results of IBS/KBIS as a great indicator for the health of the industry! However, after navigating fragile supply chains for the past three years, I came to the show as both an

exhibitor and attendee with one primary question — what does 2023 have in store for us?

The exhibitors portrayed an unprecedented level of excitement after turbulent, yet growth-fueled years and shared an uncertain outlook for 2023 that will likely continue to be unpredictable and volatile. After many conversations about cautiously optimistic forecasts I came to a new conclusion — we’re ready to start collaborating, building new relationships and developing new opportunities.

From the perspective of a sourcing director, the 2022 IBS / KBIS show was a series of rejections and closed minds when it came to developing new supply chains. I couldn’t get through a pitch without hearing the terms “allocation” and “capacity.” Today, the industry is embracing a pivotal shuffling of the deck where supply is available

and demand is ready to make long term strategic commitments to meet the evolving expectations of our customers and be better prepared for the next bull market.

But for myself, this show is about connections and I couldn’t help but wonder with nearly 2,000 combined exhibitors occupying more than one million square feet, how many attendees covered the full show? It’s more than likely most treated the event the same way we treat the casino tables — hoping luck guides you but knowing the odds are not in your favor to win big (or in this case, make it through all of the halls).

Unfortunately, as shows grow larger, they become less conducive to developing new or enhancing active connections. DCW might be united as one, but the show felt “together yet separate” with independent registrations, apps, show guides and just about everything else. It’s rather disorienting.

Two of my largest EWP suppliers exhibited at the convention center, one under the IBS banner and the other under KBIS. They are both primary suppliers of the building industry as well as decorative panels to kitchen

and bath but if you didn’t register for both IBS / KBIS shows, one of them was hidden from you. More so, they were more than a mile apart; a 30-plus minute walk or an underground Tesla ride away. Many attendees simply thought one or the other wasn’t attending. It’s unfortunate for attendees and unrealistic to expect any exhibitor to showcase at both IBS/KBIS.

To maximize the value I extract from these shows, there’s a tremendous amount of research and homework involved in the weeks leading up to the event. I recently spoke with Geoff Cassidy, Senior Vice President of Exhibitions & Meetings for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and its

ORGANIZERS SAY THE 2023 IBS/KBIS WAS ONE OF THE LARGEST EVER IN SIZE AND ATTENDANCE. THE MASSIVE SHOW SPREAD TO MORE THAN A MILLION SQUARE FEET IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS AND THE NEW VEGAS LOOP SYSTEM WAS USED TO ACCESS THE DIFFERENT EXHIBITION HALLS MORE QUICKLY AND SMOOTHLY.

Unfortunately, as shows grow larger, they become less conducive to developing new or enhancing active connections. DCW might be united as one, but the show felt “together yet separate” with independent registrations, apps, show guides and just about everything else.

International Business Show (IBS), to share some of my feedback and was delighted to hear him speak about NAHB’s “commitment to the experience of the attendee as we are endeavoring to improve on these aspects for the 2024 shows.” A few of the key points and responses included:

DEVELOPING CONNECTIONS

My personal goal for these shows is to develop new and active connections, but “together yet separate” results in significant barriers and obstructions. Geoff shared that this was a technical challenge between IBS and KBIS for 2023 that was never really solved, noting “what we put in front of people was not optimal.” This is clearly a priority for 2024.

SEGMENTATION

Organize these shows with sub-sections like Window and Doors, Kitchen and Bath, Engineered Wood Panels, Exterior Products, National Distributors, Spas, etc. Exploring a million square feet is not realistic but navigating it could be if you know where you’re going. Geoff responded, “the IBS show is in fact implementing a segmented exhibit floor for 2024. As the show gets larger, it’s incumbent upon NAHB to enable our attendees to be as efficient as possible with their time by organizing the exhibits better into six broad categories.”

IMPROVED APP TOOLS

E xpanded app tools should be available for increased collaboration. The KBIS app featured a Recommendations/My Interests section with a swiping feature similar to dating apps. It was flashy but did not lead to new connections. IBS/KBIS presented me with a series of helpful puzzle pieces, but I would have benefited greatly from a personalized map. Geoff noted that, “the NAHB is constantly looking to make IBS a better experience and surveys attendees and exhibitors every year for feedback.”

Our industry is advancing at record speeds and in new directions. Kudos to DCW for bringing us all together in magnificent numbers and style. There were so many announcements of exciting new investments, expansions, acquisitions, product developments, new technologies and services. The conversations we had at DCW are key inputs for my organization’s strategy and direction as we continue to expand our value offering in new markets, products and services. More so, coming in with ‘only’ a decade of industry experience, these opportunities are critical to my own professional and personal growth journey through the expansive building, design, and construction industry.

Next year’s IBS / KBIS shows are scheduled a little later in the year to clear way for Superbowl LVIII. Looking forward to seeing you all next year, February 27-29 for IBS / KBIS 2024! S P

TYLER SHARPE

is the Director of Global Sourcing and Supply for Weston Wood Solutions, an innovative manufacturer, importer and value-added supplier of lumber, engineered wood and composite products for the millwork and building industry. A thought leader and activist for the continued growth and development of the building industry, Tyler is a regular contributor to 526 Media print, online and podcasts.

KBIS Showcases Kitchen, Bath Trends in 2023

STAFF REPORTS

ecent design trends indicate a shift to larger, multi-functional spaces designed with a focus on storage, wellness amenities and “functional” technology. Each of these options were in abundance at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This year’s KBIS proved to be one of the most successful shows in its 60-year history. The annual show was part of Design & Construction Week (DCW), which also recorded record-breaking attendance.

“We expected a successful show based on the preliminary numbers, but we were blown away by the final attendance numbers for KBIS and Design & Construction Week. It was just incredible,” said Bill Darcy, Chief Executive Officer of NKBA, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania . “Our goal when we created

DCW with our partner, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), was to become the biggest trade show in North America ... and, for now, we are.”

More than 200,000 housing and design professionals attended DCW, the co-location of KBIS and the International Builders’ Show (IBS), owned by NAHB, along with the three co-dated industry shows; the National Hardware Show (NHS), The International Surfaces Event (TISE) and the Las Vegas Winter Market. Both KBIS and IBS marked the 10th anniversary of DCW, held January 31- February 2, while NKBA kicked off its year-long 60th anniversary celebration.

“With more programs, activations and learning opportunities than ever before, KBIS 2023 was exceptional,” said Suzie Williford, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, NKBA. “There was such positive energy on the show floor by both attendees and exhibitors. Everyone was happy to be together, to attend our events and be a part of the amazing experience — an experience that will drive momentum for our industry throughout the year.”

This year’s show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, boasted the highest attendance in the history of DCW, the largest annual gathering of residential construction and design industry professionals. DCW’s 2023 overall attendance totaled 40,000 KBIS attendees, while IBS drew nearly 70,000. Attendees visited more than 1,800 exhibitors showcasing the latest housing products across about 1 million net square feet of exhibit space.

“KBIS 2023 experienced unprecedented registration growth, up 35 percent in qualified attendees versus the 2020 show held prepandemic,” said Jason McGraw, Group Vice President, Emerald Expositions, which produces KBIS for NKBA.

Next year, KBIS and Design & Construction Week will be held February 27 – 29, 2024, in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Cefla, the Italian world leader in the Finishing market, manufactures your finishing solutions in the USA

ABOVE: THE AWARD-WINNING KOHLER BOOTH SHOWCASED NEW PRODUCTS FROM KOHLER, KALLISTA, ROBERN, ANN SACKS, KOHLER LIGHTING, KOHLER HOME GENERATORS, AND STERLING. KOHLER WON THE 2023 KBIS BEST OF SHOW BOOTH.

KBIS 2023 BY-THE-NUMBERS

40,091 51% 500 140 148

ATTENDEES FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES EXHIBITORS NEW EXHIBITORS INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS NET SQUARE FEET OF EXHIBIT SPACE

KBIS 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

NKBA Design + Industry Awards

Kicking off KBIS 2023, more than 1,000 industry leaders, design professionals, and VIPs attended the sold-out NKBA Design + Industry Awards. NKBA’s CEO Bill Darcy and EVP & CSO Suzie Williford hosted the event and presented over 30 awards recognizing industry professionals whose inspired work was deemed the best in the categories of kitchen, bath and showroom design. Additionally, this year’s NKBA Hall of Fame Award was presented to Steve Feldman, Founder & CEO, Renovation Angel. Also honored during the event was Volker Irle, Managing Director of AMK, The German Association of The Modern Kitchen, who was given the NKBA Chairman’s Award.

394,930

The program was sponsored by Beko, the event’s Title Sponsor, as well as by Diamond sponsors, 2020 Design Software, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, and Lighting Gallery and Vent-A-Hood; Gold sponsors, Hettich and Home Depot; Photo Booth sponsor, Duravit; and Special Mobile Bar sponsor, Perlick.

“KBIS 2023 experienced unprecedented registration growth, up 35 percent in qualified attendees versus the 2020 show held pre-pandemic.”

ABOVE: THE ABSTRA COLLECTION BY KOHLER WASTELAB WAS THE BEST OF KBIS – BATH SILVER WINNER.

RIGHT: THE BAVENO KITCHEN SINK SYSTEM BY BOCCHI WAS THE BEST OF KBIS – KITCHEN GOLD WINNER.

TRENDING AT KBIS

Those attending the sprawling show could see some clear trends emerging for 2023, from integrating technology with design to personalization of just about anything. And sustainability continues to permeate the industry, with companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint or reuse or recycle materials in their designs.

Lighting on demand has become very popular, and has spread from the now-standard, under-the-counter options to illuminating entire countertops or the insides of cabinets and drawers in kitchens, closets and bathrooms. There’s also a push to integrate everything into a cleaner, sleeker design, from discrete audio options to hidden induction countertops.

Other technologies, such as advances in digital scanning and printing, have allowed panel manufacturers and finishers to provide a limitless number of options for their patterns, colors and finishes, opening up a whole new world of possibilities in interior and exterior design. This introduces the opportunity to hone and craft surroundings and details that can be completely personalized to the consumer.

RIGHT: GENESIS OFFERS CABINET DOORS IN ALL TYPES OF STYLES, COLORS AND FINISHES. TWO TYPES OF SHAKER-STYLE DOORS ARE SHOWN — A FIVEPIECE, MITERED-CORNER DOOR AND A RIGID THERMOFOIL (RTF) DOOR.

Best of KBIS Awards

The Best of KBIS Awards recognize the top new exhibitor product innovations. Sponsored by Luxe Interiors + Design and hosted by Luxe Style Director, Kathryn Given, the top award of “Best in Show” went to BOCCHI for its Baveno Kitchen Sink System.

The full list of winners include:

Best of KBIS – Bath Gold:

S.G. SRL – inFINE Column Shower

Best of KBIS – Bath Silver:

Kohler WasteLAB – The ABSTRA Collection

Best of KBIS – Kitchen Gold:

BOCCHI – Baveno Kitchen Sink System

Best of KBIS – Kitchen Silver:

FOTILE – Insert Self-Adjusting Range Hood

Best of KBIS – Connected Home Technology Gold:

MOEN Smart Sprinkler Controller and Smart Wireless Soil Sensors

Best of KBIS – Connected Home Technology Silver:

GE PROFILE – 36-inch Touch Control Induction Cooktop

Best of KBIS – Impact Award (Judge’s Choice):

S.G. SRL – inFINE Column Shower

Best of KBIS – Best in Show:

BOCCHI – Baveno Kitchen Sink System

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 61

Environmental factors continue to matter to manufacturers and consumers alike, with the use of sustainable materials remaining popular at all levels of design. In fact, a recent study released by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) finds that a global reckoning with mental health needs is driving a new ethos in design. Modifications can make interior environments more suitable and supportive for persons with mental health issues and can help aid in reducing environmental factors that can contribute to feelings of stress and unease.

“Perhaps at no other time in history has interior design played such a significant role in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges,” said ASID CEO Khoi Vo. “Designers are responding to changing needs in their communities by creating new spaces or adapting existing ones to make a positive impact on places where people live, work, play, heal or learn.” S P

TOP LEFT: PERFECTSENSE ADVANCED MATTE SURFACE WITH FEELWOOD IS HÄCKER’S NEXT GENERATION OF MATTE SURFACES, COMBINING A HIGHQUALITY LOOK WITH AN EXCEPTIONALLY VELVETY AND SMOOTH FEEL.

LEFT: DEKTON SURFACES FROM COSENTINO ARE NOT ONLY CARBON-NEUTRAL, BUT OFFER OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL PROPERTIES, HIGH PERFORMANCE, AND DISTINCTIVE COLORS AND TEXTURES FOR OUTDOOR AND INDOOR PROJECTS.

“It’s truly remarkable what we have accomplished these past 10 years in our industry. Trade shows are back… you could feel the positive energy flow through the show floor.”

— BILL DARCY, NKBA CEO

INTRODUCING 3 NEW NEUTRALS

Dove Grey

Warm White Willow

Warm White, Willow, and Dove Grey add to the current biophilic design trend of creamy neutrals and natural earth tones that combine well with wood patterns.

An affordable, sleek, modern surface, MIRLUX Premium Panel is available in super matte finishes and high gloss in twelve on-trend colors.

MIRLUX is sustainable, easy-to-clean, durable, scratch-resistant, and manufactured in the United States with short lead times.

Order panels, edgebanding, and doors through a distributor near you.

SUPER MATTE

• soft feel

• fingerprint resistant

• even light

• refined

USA

3A Composites

0.41.757.70 00 www.3Acomposites.com

526 Media Events

714.486.2735 www.526.events

AWFS Fair

800.946.2937 www.awfsfair.org

BASF

800.526.1072

www.basf.com

Castaly Industries Corp.

626.968.6330

www.castalymachine.com

Cefla Finishing

+39.0542.653441 www.ceflafinishing.com

Dackor

407.654.5013

www.dackor.com

Daubert Chemical Company, Inc.

866.368.3983

www.daubertchemical.com

DVUV

216.741.5511 www.dvuv.com

Fagus GreCon

704.912.0000

www.fagus-grecon.us

Genesis Products

877.266.8292

www.genesisproductsinc.com

Giardina Group USA

877.631.1003

www.giardinausa.com

Grass

336.996.4041 www.grassusa.com

Hardware Hut

800.708.6649 www.hardwarehut.com

Hettich

800.777.1772 www.hettich.com

Interzum

+49.1806.077.050

www.interzum.com

Laguna Tools

www.lagunatools.com

MIRLUX Premium Panel

541.228.9757

www.mirluxpanel.com

Salice

Shopbot

www.shopbottools.com

Simona America Industries

866.501.2992

www.simona-america.com

Smartech

www.smartechonline.com

Sugatsune

www.sugatsune.com

Thermwood

800.533.69001

www.thermwood.com

Timber Products Company

800.547.9520

www.timberproducts.com

Ultrapan

754.702.2632 www.ultrapan.net

Venjakob

905.951.9966 www.venjakob-na.com

Vortex

800.355.7708 www.vortextool.com

Wagner Meters

888.266.8073 www.wagnermeters.com

Youngdale

888.446.4363 www.youngdale.com

WITH Carol Kurth

PRINCIPAL OF CAROL KURTH ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS

Q. How do you, as a designer, determine what to choose with so many available choices (as seen at the recent KBIS), and what “trends” do you see as being very popular these days?

I was honored to attend KBIS as part of the Baldwin Design Authority, a new launch by Baldwin of industry design experts. I was involved in the launch of their new Graphite Nickel hardware and developed a visual experience via creation of a mood-board showcasing inspiration as to how I see the new finish being through my lens of design.

There are indeed many options out there! The project typology and inspiration for the design drives the selection process. I am always on the lookout for new and innovative, and at the same time have a goal of collaborating with like-minded and quality purveyors and suppliers.

Spa and health-conscious design inspired products — especially in the bath segment — are trending with amazing water-focused options for showering, automated controls and sanitary touchless features.

There is also a mixed materials narrative that can be seen across industries, such as the two tone and textured GE Cafe series appliances and Monograms new metal finishes, to Baldwin — door hardware components that can be mixed and matched to create a signature look, combining textures and an array of finishes, providing amazing possibilities. Many of the plumbing industry fittings I saw at KBIS also incorporated the mixed metal/texture approach to design. This also ties in with both the ‘maximalist’ approach to interior design and plays to modern genres such as industrial inspired and new variations on modern Brutalism, which is enjoying a resurgence.

I saw a wide range of color at KBIS 2023, from a rainbow of hues and bold pops of intense color to the ever-popular contrasts of grey, black and white.

Selections for color stories and design typologies are individually presented to our clients and we can then gauge the extent of incorporating these elements in their project — whether an intensely rich colored cabinet story or a pop of color for an appliance or a backsplash. As a vital element of our design process, my team and I develop renderings for client visualization and decisions, showcasing options for selection.

Q. What challenges are you experiencing in the industry, and in what ways are you facing and overcoming those challenges?

We’re finding market challenges abating a bit on the supply side for some products, such as domestically made items, but other products (particularly those involving chips and electronics, including lighting fixtures) still have longer lead times.

Baldwin revitalized their simply chain to provide 5-7 day turn around on a wide range of products. I personally tested this, and my exterior door handle set arrived on day six, including a weekend in between!

Q. With rising interest rates and economic uncertainty, many people are choosing to renovate their homes instead of moving. What are the best returns on investment for renovations and do you have any advice for sticking to a budget?

Budgets are a tough one, especially now. I’d suggest making each selection before starting the work, pre-order what you can, since time is money. Have orders delivered and ready and waiting if at all possible, to keep the project moving forward.

Kitchens and baths are traditionally a good return on investment. But I think outdoor living is a great area to invest these days. Adding or improving outdoor experiences with pools, hot tubs, BBQ areas, shaded covered seating, built-in umbrellas or cabanas can help expand beyond the confines of your home and create the effect that your home is larger and more spacious.

And first impressions and outdoor entertaining go a long way in enhancing your lifestyle. It may be that replacing windows with French or sliding doors makes that transition feel more welcoming. s p

Carol Kurth, FAIA, ASID, is an award-winning licensed architect and interior designer and Principal of Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors. Carol is passionate about designing distinctive architecture that layers modernism with traditional elements and textures, and her work has won numerous design awards and has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, national shelter publications, and on television broadcasts including NBC News and MTV Cribs. Carol is a Registered Architect in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Florida; a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), a Member of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); and a LEED Accredited Professional. www.carolkurtharchitects.com

PHOTO BY KRISTEN JENSEN

Riverso A must-have

Riverso Two-Way Sliding Drawer System. Riverso revolutionizes design by optimizing flow from room to room, reducing unnecessary movement. A revolutionary concealed two-way drawer system enables a drawer to be opened from both sides of the cabinet. When one side is open, the other remains closed. Features a full extension slide system with a load capacity of 46 kg and excellent smooth motion. A soft closing mechanism and push-open option on one side allows for handleless fronts.

02 /

Next-level Puck Light

Holl undercabinet lights are a shining example of the latest minimalist lighting trends in the kitchen and furniture industries. This modern lighting system has been redesigned to align with the emerging trend toward more linear lighting. Richelieu has transformed the light fixture itself to feel lighter and the result is a sleek, contemporary perimeter lighting solution. This refined approach makes the lighting appear as if it is floating atop cabinetry and furnishings, adding sophistication and visual appeal to spaces while also illuminating important task areas.

03 /

Contemporary Metal Pull

Designers can find their next inspiration with the Contemporary Metal Pull – a new look for cabinet hardware. Whether for cabinets or furniture, decorative cabinet hardware plays a prominent role in enhancing the overall design of a space. Selecting the right pulls or knobs (or both!) is often the most exciting part of the design process, as it’s the final touch that brings a design together. This artistic pull will make a statement in any room, transforming a non-descript space into an extraordinary one.