Surface & Panel - Q4 2019

Q4 • 2019

& U N I T I N G M AT E R I A L S , T E C H N O L O GY A N D D E S I G N

WALMART BREAKS INTO HEALTHCARE EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN IN AN UNEXPECTED PLACE RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME FOR COMPONENTS ENABLING COLLABORATION SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE 2019 EUROPEAN INFLUENCE IN NORTH AMERICA

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PATRICK S. ADAMS, PRESIDENT 526 MEDIA GROUP PADAMS@526MEDIAGROUP.COM

Big Shoes to Fill….

The first time I heard that phrase, I was 11 years old working my first job at an auto repair shop as a “gopher.” My Dad had told me that if I ever intended on driving when I was 16, I had better get a job and begin saving for my first car and the costs that go along with it. The owner of the shop was a family friend and told me the last gopher had been promoted to a mechanic after years of working hard as a gopher.

I heard it when I finally took over my Grandfather’s largest key account in my grandparent’s company; an account that literally built their business. The CEO told me that my Grandfather was the hardest working, most honorable man he had ever met and had never let them down.

I also heard it from my Father-in-law when I asked him for his and my Mother-in-law’s blessing to ask my wife to marry me. He told me that my wife was raised “right,” worked hard through school and her career, had big dreams in life and that as a partner to her, I had big shoes to fill.

Now, I hear that phrase echoing in my head as I follow hard working, respected men like John Aufderhaar, and I think about all the people who have taken a chance on me or have invested in me and my family. I have already had the great pleasure of meeting many great, hard working men in this industry who have offered their help and ears without hesitation during my introduction to this segment of the industry. They are the same men who have told me that John is the hardest working man in the industry. Big shoes….hard work…. great men.

We all have big shoes to fill. Why do we do what we do? Why do we get up before the sun every morning and come home in the dark, tired and aching but with a smile on our face when we walk in and see our family? It’s because we all have a debt to pay to those who have helped us, had faith in us and given us the big shoes to fill.

The shoes of our family legacy, of future generations, of our employees who become extended family and our customers who become lifelong friends. I have worked in publishing my entire career but always looked for an environment that shared these values. When I couldn’t find it, we created it with the goal of serving those who

“We all have big shoes to fill. Why do we do what we do? Why do we get up before the sun every morning and come home in the dark, tired and aching but with a smile on our face when we walk in and see our family? It’s because we all have a debt to pay to those who have helped us, had faith in us and given us the big shoes to fill.”

serve. Since then, our tagline of “relentlessly serving working class heroes” has served us well in all areas of our business with some publications serving their respective industry for almost 100 years!

While Surface & Panel was started by John many years ago now, as I see it, they are YOUR publications and I am only the next captain to guide them through the next generation and assure they continue to serve YOU. While change is always uncomfortable on some level, what will not change is the team, the heart of the publication and our goal to serve this great industry. The existing team is still on board and eager to begin the next chapter with a few more tools in the toolbox and John too is still on board excited to take on a role that allows him to share more of his extensive industry expertise without the burden of the glamorous ownership chores like janitor and admin duty!

Yes, I have big shoes to fill and I am thankful for the opportunity to work hard and try to fill them. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way! In advance, I thank all of you for the opportunity to work with you to continue building this great industry and the legacy of these amazing publications. Also, don’t be afraid to use those “big shoes” for a kick when I deserve it! My door is always open and I would love to hear from you!

All the very best to you, your family and your employees in this New Year, Patrick S. Adams, President Send your thoughts and messages on this transition and article to Patrick at padams@526mediagroup.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2019

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A MEMBER OF

PRESIDENT Patrick Adams 526 Media Group 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste.E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 PH: 714-486-2735 padams@526mediagroup.com PUBLISHER John Aufderhaar Bedford Falls Communications 302 N. 3rd Street, Watertown, WI 53094 PH: 920-206-1766 john@bedfordfallsmedia.com CONTENT Stephanie Ornelas Editorial Director | 526 Media Group 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste.E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 PH: 714-486-2735 ssornelas@526mediagroup.com A DV E R T I S I N G Ryan Wagner VP Sales & Marketing | Bedford Falls Communications 302 N. 3rd Street, Watertown, WI 53094 PH: 920-261-1945 rwagner@526mediagroup.com

Daniel Davidson Sales & Marketing Specialist Bedford Falls Communications PH: 920-261-1947 ddavidson@526mediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Karen Leno Graphic Designer | KML Design, Inc. kmldesigninc@gmail.com

Mitch Tanis Graphic Designer/Photographer Bedford Falls Communications mtanis@526mediagroup.com C I R C U L AT I O N / S U B S C R I P T I O N S 440 Quadrangle Dr, Suite E, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 subscriptions@cds1976.com PH: 630-739-0900, option 1 NEWS news@bedfordfallsmedia.com

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3 From the Publisher 6 Mile-High Engagement CPA members met in Denver, Colorado, for another successful Material, Technology & Design Symposium.

8 RTA Cabinet Importers Critical of Trade Petition…Oh Really?

A counterargument to a recent claim on cabinet importers.

10 Walmart Breaks into Healthcare With the help of 3D laminates, the retail giant is taking its “Save More. Live Better” motto to the healthcare industry.

18 Exceptional Design in an Unexpected Place How Ironwood Manufacturing is evolving in the world of toilet partitions.

26 Right Place, Right Time for Components After 50 years in business, Wisconsin laminator has big plans for next year.

36 Enabling Collaboration Steelcase’s mobile flex collection is designed for spontaneity.

46 2019 Surface Design Guide A look at the trends and technologies that are shaping the industry.

56 2019 NBMDA Convention North American Building Material Distribution Association’s annual convention landed in Louisiana and focused on profitable distribution.

58 A Strong European Influence on Door Manufacturing The European market has a strong influence on North American door manufacturers, and it’s more evident today than ever before.

64 From the Editor 6 6

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Surface & Panel is published quarterly by Bedford Falls Communications, Inc., 302 N. 3rd Street, Watertown, WI 53094, telephone 920-206-1766.

John Aufderhaar, President, Christine Aufderhaar, CFO. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical without written permission from the publisher. Subscription policy: Individual subscriptions are available, without charge, to manufacturers who engage in panel processing, qualified service providers and suppliers. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscribers. One year subscription to non-qualified individuals: U.S. $50, Canada/Mexico $75, all other countries $100, payable in U.S. funds. Single issues are $15, and must be prepaid. Bedford Falls Communications, Inc., does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. Printed in the U.S.A. Postmaster: Send address changes to Surface & Panel, 440 QUADRANGLE DR, STE E, BOLINGBROOK, IL 60440-3455. Please direct all subscription questions to: Surface & Panel, 440 QUADRANGLE DR, STE E, BOLINGBROOK, IL 60440-3455; or call: 630-739-0900 option 1; or e-mail: subscriptions@cds1976.com

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Mile High Engagement

BY RYAN WAGNER

The panel processing industry converged on the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, in October for another successful Material Technology & Design Symposium. Held at the beautiful Grand Hyatt located downtown, the event was highlighted by a powerhouse panel featuring some of the largest furniture manufacturers in the world discussing what they are seeing in the industry in the coming years. The stage was set for panelists Kevin Sauder president of Sauder Woodworking; Michael Pitman, senior VP of sales at Ashley Furniture; Mike Evans, president & SURFACEANDPANEL.COM

CEO of Bush Industries; and Arash Fasihi, founder of Cymax and CEO of Growthpipe Ventures, who discussed education on the future.

Other top speakers included Missy O’Daniel, president of Web-Don, who talked about the value that distribution brings to the channel and how suppliers can work with distributors to showcase product. Bruce Alumm, director of sales at 2020 Spaces, gave a presentation on understanding design and production software for composite based products.

Joseph Wheeler, co-director & professor

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at Virginia Tech, spoke about a project called FutureHaus. This modular house will become the future of homebuilding and how composite panels and decorative surfaces can play a part.

Another fantastic panel included Bert Clothier, president and founder of Laminate Works; Todd Wegman, president of Stevens Industries; and Larry Gaskey, president of MJB Wood. The three represent some of the largest component providers in North America. They discussed trends in the industry and how component production has changed over the years.

Last, Natasha Shtapauk, branding strategy & design manager at Bauformat USA, showcased European design trends, how Bauformat brings their product to North America, and what they are looking for in

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design influences in their kitchen business.

Overall, the event was a success as attendees were treated with great educational opportunities, a vibrant exhibit hall to see the latest in technology, and first-class venue accommodations.

“The networking opportunities are what make this event one not to miss,” said John Aufderhaar, publisher of Surface & Panel magazine.

Each year the goal is to create the best event possible for any CEO, fabricator, component supplier, distributor, designer and furniture manufacturer to attend. It’s hard hitting and collaborative, and each year it gets better and better. Thank you to all our attendees who came, sponsors who supported it, and staff who made it possible. Looking forward to another great event in 2020!

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2019

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OPINION

RTA Cabinet Importers Critical of Trade Petition…Oh Really?

BY JOHN AUFDERHAAR

Criticize all you want, but the ACCD (American Coalition of Cabinet Distributors) is going to lose!

“Panel processing is alive and growing in the United States and there are numerous manufacturers with the ability to make RTA cabinets.”

JOHN AUFDERHAAR

SURFACE & PANEL PODCAST If you enjoyed reading this opinion, get ready for 2020 as we will be launching the Surface & Panel podcast. You’ll hear John discuss all of the latest trends, business and more with industry experts. Please keep your eyes on surfaceandpanel.com for more details as the new year approaches.

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The anti-dumping petition claiming the Chinese governments “manipulation and unfair trade practices” is absolutely true.

Translation…the Chinese government subsidizes (pays) manufacturers in China to “steal” industries and destroy North American jobs. What about competing on a level playing field? Some don’t even understand the concept. The ACCD and its members are capitalizing by selling Chinese products…and as far as I’m concerned, are in league with the Chinese and their unfair practices. Are they doing anything illegal?…No. They’re just trying to make a buck like anyone else. But to claim they are serving a very small and specific market segment with no impact on domestic manufacturers…all the while slamming the domestic cabinet industry as inefficient, slow to change behemoths who can’t deliver… is audacious and arrogant. The ACCD goes on to say that the domestic cabinet manufacturers are hiding behind the American flag. Well, I certainly hope so! The Chinese have been stealing American jobs for decades. Ask the State of North Carolina about how many jobs were lost in the textile and furniture manufacturing industries in the last 25 years… it’s staggering. No U.S. president has had the guts to stand up and say, “Enough is enough.” Like him or not, President Trump is doing the heavy lifting and spending the political capital necessary to correct decades of the Chinese stealing part of America’s soul.

The recent article in Woodworking Network,“RTA Cabinet Importers Critical Of Trade Petition,” doesn’t offer a competing view. It’s nothing more than PR for the ACCD and an insult to domestic cabinet manufacturers and those who supply the industry.

In the article, Matt Nicely, partner, Hughes Hubbard & Reed, representing the ACCD companies, claims that RTA cabinets are growing their own market and that RTA is not available from domestically sourced merchandise. Wake up, Matt.

Panel processing is alive and growing in the United States and there are numerous manufacturers with the ability to make RTA cabinets. My guess is that your ACCD members just did not look hard enough because they knew they wouldn’t find subsidized product on this side of the Pacific.

Do I believe RTA cabinets have a bright future? Of course. Do U.S. manufacturers need to step up their game and invest in America? Absolutely! See “Fortune Is Ally To The Brave” (Q2, 2019). But for the ACCD and its member companies to carve out the moral high ground is a fool’s errand.

Chris Graff, executive VP at JSI Cabinetry, claims that Chinese cabinets are of higher quality and consistency and finished on automated flatline systems that produce a more durable and consistent finish than American made products, while also stating that American made cabinets are made from particleboard (are you listening, Composite Panel Association?) in aging facilities. Chris, you need to call CEFLA, Burkle or any of the other automated finishing equipment suppliers to find out how many systems have been installed in kitchen cabinet manufacturers in the U.S. You may be surprised…and stand corrected.

The ACCD argument won’t stand up to the scrutiny of trade authorities and would never hold up in the court of public opinion. I’ve been around long enough to have witnessed and been directly affected by the Chinese raid on the American furniture industry. At that time, our government was asleep at the switch. The U.S. government has finally awakened. Your time of capitalizing on the backs of hard-working Americans is over. Your 15 minutes are up.

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3DL Surfacing Helps Walmart Break into Healthcare

W

almart recently opened its first health center in Dallas, Ga., taking its “Save Money. Live Better” motto to the health care industry. The company is partnering with local providers and wellness organizations to offer affordable healthcare and transparent pricing for key health services. Patients will have access to primary care, labs, X-ray and EKG, nutritional services, counseling, and health insurance education and enrollment, regardless of their insurance status. The health center will also offer an array of learning resources including online education and in-center workshops to educate the community about preventative health and wellness.

Sean Slovenski, SVP and President of Walmart U.S. Health and Wellness emphasized the importance of offering these services to

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Walmart shoppers who look to the company’s affordable pricing for everyday products. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide quality, affordable and accessible healthcare for members of the Dallas community so they can get the right care at the right time, right in their hometown,” said Slovenski. “The customer is at the heart of everything we do, and that focus is reflected in the new Walmart Health center.”

While the company already operates more than 19 smaller clinics throughout the country, this is Walmart’s first full-service health center. The new facility is a stand-alone building connected to the main store and features very specific types of building materials designed for health care facilities. To execute this, Walmart partnered with chemical manufacturer, Omnova Solutions, to have special 3D

The materials used in 3DL help designers create furniture and fixtures that address health and safety concerns while reducing maintenance, and Omnova has developed a strong reputation in healthcare environments due to the product’s durability and dimensional flexibility.

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laminate surfacing throughout the clinic. Omnova worked closely with Walmart and the outside design firm to select the appropriate products and finishes for the all the millwork components.

Since a popular use for the product is for medical facilities, it was obvious why it was chosen for the new health center. The materials used in 3DL help designers create furniture and fixtures that address health and safety concerns while reducing maintenance, and Omnova has developed a strong reputation in healthcare environments due to the product’s durability and dimensional flexibility.

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SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2019

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OMNOVA'S SURF(X) 3D AND 3D LAMINATES WERE USED FOR COUNTERTOPS, CABINETRY, DISPLAY FIXTURES, SIGNAGE, TABLES, DESKS, RECEPTION AREA, LOCKERS, DOORS, AND MORE AT WALMART'S FIRST FULL-SERVICE HEALTH CENTER, RECENTLY OPENED IN DALLAS, GEORGIA. ‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

“Our 3DL is antifungal and bacteria-resistant, as well as waterproof, therefore it’s a better option,” said Crystal White, Omnova strategic account manager.

The 3D laminates can be membrane-pressed or vacuum-formed, eliminating the need for T-molding, edgebanding and visible seams.

A stringent program of frequent cleaning and disinfecting has been shown to reduce the risk of hospital acquired infections and the product’s seamless design may help mitigate potential contaminants while simplifying cleaning.

Not only has 3DL been engineered to be safely cleaned and sterilized with many standard disinfectants, it does so without discoloring or damaging the finish when the recommended cleaning instructions are followed. This makes the product a convenient material for all types of medical facilities, and since Walmart is also offering optical and dental services, there’s really no limit to how much they can use the product.

While the 3DL’s impact on healthcare environments is probably the most important factor, Walmart was also looking for a low-maintenance material that would keep costs down, while offering a sleek design look.

“Walmart was looking to achieve a seamless look and avoid using solid surface materials to ensure they stayed within budget,” White said. “Our 3DL designs offered design flexibility without any budget constraints.” That’s why almost the entire clinic was outfitted with the laminate, from the walls, to the millwork and all the fixtures.

And since Omnova’s design portfolio includes a wide range realistic woodgrains and stones, Walmart was able to achieve the look it wanted for its Dallas facility.

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WHILE THE 3DL’S IMPACT ON HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR, WALMART WAS ALSO LOOKING FOR A LOWMAINTENANCE MATERIAL THAT WOULD KEEP COSTS DOWN, WHILE OFFERING A SLEEK DESIGN LOOK.

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One reason why 3DL is it the best material for a project like this is its diversity. “Being able to use our product in multiple applications/constructions offers a consistent look,” White continued. And that’s exactly what the product did for the facility.

Every successful project comes with challenges and the new Walmart Health center was no exception to that. White explained that one major obstacle within the installation process was time. “The biggest challenge was being able to build the fixtures in a very short timeframe. Being a domestic manufacturer, we were able to react quickly to get material to our fabricator partners within a week,” White explained.

Despite these challenges, the center opened in Dallas and is adorned with vibrant colors and bright lights, and more importantly, 3DL surfacing throughout the entire 10,000 sq. ft. facility.

There was no question that this is only the beginning of Walmart’s break into the healthcare industry. The company is already planning to open a second clinic early next year in Calhoun, GA. Slovenski emphasized the goal of Walmart’s healthcare push is to do what Walmart’s Supercenter stores did for retail. And as the company learns how deliver the best health care, it will determine additional needs such as women’s health, dermatology and more.

There’s one thing we know for sure, where we find more Walmart Health clinics, we can expect to see more 3DL surfacing and other materials aimed to improve the health care industry. s&p

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ronwood Manufacturing has developed a breakthrough interior furnishing. Rich and elegant, its components embody unique intellectual property designs, incorporating customized Italian technology for edgebanding and machining, all driven by a European design application not widely used in the U.S. Tom Deady, general manager at Ironwood, describes one project, constructed for a large real estate investment company. “It was intended to match the aesthetic of its private corporate jets,” says Deady. “The Etimoe veneer originated in North Africa, was fumed in Spain, then processed through Danzer Veneer in Indiana. The doorlites are from 3form, and encapsulate silk strands hand-woven in Nepal, between two layers of acrylic.”

And the project? It was a toilet partition installation for restrooms at the firm’s main office.

Heretofore, there has not been an offering quite like Ironwood Manufacturing’s for this market segment, which is global in scale— $1.656 billion in 2017, growing 4.3% annually—and quite universal in demand.

Along with its surprisingly inspired designs, Ironwood Manufacturing has created an ordering methodology that allows these most necessary elements of building interiors to be specified from a menu of components that can be tailored for individual toilet partition projects.

Ironwood Manufacturing’s development—which took founder

Trey Clasen several years to refine—has begun hitting the radar of architects and interior designers. He purchased the Snohomish, Washington-based millwork firm with his wife Sabrina, to bring a specialized expertise to this less frequently examined yet vital segment of the panel processing industry.

Its advances in aesthetics and production now are putting Ironwood toe-to-toe in competition with the biggest players in the field, which handle high-rise offices and high-profile projects, such as new stadiums and entertainment venues. Suppliers to this niche include ASI’s Accurate Partitions, Bradley, Bobrick, Global, Metpar and Marlite, to name a few. While most projects in the field may carry a lower profile, the trend to improved design is undeniable.

It’s apparent that architects and designers have had an unmet need when it comes to toilet stalls. Who hasn’t experienced the cognitive dissonance, walking from a soaring marble-paneled lobby or dramatically lit millwork-clad halls in public spaces, to enter the primitive cave of a standardized, off-the shelf restroom. When architects do offer custom designed build-outs, the specification may be discarded as impractical, or carried out only in the C-Suite.

Prior to Ironwood Manufacturing’s approach, there have been two worlds of toilet partitions. The commodity version, averaging $800 or $900 per stall, and largely “designed” and installed onsite, or by firms that are dealers for the largest players. A kit for a single CONTINUED ON PAGE 20›

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stall from W.W. Grainger, which offers a bathroom kit (82x60x36) in stainless steel, or baked enamel steel, phenolic, plastic laminate and solid plastic polymer, with 10 colors (including almond, charcoal, white, pepper dust, etc.) runs $675.

Typically toilet stalls are built from very standardized components, which you will recognize intuitively: a door, and two side panels, connected by a pair of pilasters up front. These pilasters sometimes are reinforced with a cross brace. Panels are either 58 or 72 inches tall, with the overall dimensions largely dictated by the placement of the restroom plumbing fixtures as well as local building codes and ADA requirements. Installation may even be done by a general purpose interior construction crew.

The second (and pricier) approach is to have interior designers generate fully customized restrooms, and then, just like the reception desk or the break room, have them built in by architectural millworkers or finish carpenters. The upside of this approach is the public restroom interior can be specified to match the other public areas— establishing consistency of design. A downside is that such one-offs add to lead time, especially in sizeable projects like high-rise offices.

Now there is a third way, developed by Ironwood Manufacturing, with its new product category: high-end design, in semi-custom toilet partitions.

“I asked why is it that a designer and an owner are willing to spend so much money per square foot in an elevator,” says Trey Clasen, “but they're only willing to spend cents per square foot on toilet partitions? So we started thinking, how do we doll this up?”

A first step was to offer a wider choice in materials and better doors. Clasen quickly learned the design community had been hankering for such a solution.

“Nobody to our knowledge was building a stile-and-rail, toilet partition door. Nobody was putting in a doorlite. Nobody was doing louvered doors. Nobody did a captured panel door,” Clasen explains.

“Once we figured out what the design community was interested in, then we built everything towards that end.”

It should be noted that toilet partitions typically tap a different array of materials than other panel projects, most notably compact laminate. The introduction of stile and rail doors, doorlites, and louvered doors was a breakthrough, especially when fabricated from compact laminate.

“The toilet partition industry was the main market for all of the big laminate producers,” Clasen says. “Their big compact laminate business was toilet stalls.” Eventually, says Clasen, Trespa started selling compact laminate as wall panel, and the applications continued to spread.

Compact laminate is typically under one-inch thick, so functional hardware used in toilet stalls—anchors, braces, locks, coat hooks, and especially hinges—must be set in a thinner and often heavier material.

Another constraint on toilet partition design is panel dimension.

Ironwood sets few limits on sizing. To exceed conventional design sizes means laminating full and partial panels together, something existing suppliers have eschewed. Ironwood Manufacturing has broken new ground here, splicing panels, then laminating or veneering, and edgebanding after to mask the seams—reducing limits on size in design.

The company’s palette relies heavily on Wilsonart, but also includes other materials sources. In breaking the mold, Ironwood has also incorporated Corian and other solid surfaces—a venturesome 20

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 ›

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direction—as well as plastic laminate and real wood veneer. Its incorporation of solid surface into projects, or sandwiching two layers of solid surface for a thicker panel, represent departures from the norm.

Even hardware is sometimes custom fabricated for projects, owing to the uniqueness of the functions and the materials it is used on.

Because these are restrooms, they are subject to heavy use, and exposed to water and harsh cleaning solutions. So depending on the site, the surfaces must be resilient—a reason laminates are popular. In the case of louvered doors, Ironwood builds their own, perhaps improbably, slicing compact laminate into slats and routing angled slots into the door stiles. This approach assures color matches, and materials performance on the louvered doors.

Another Ironwood breakthrough technique, Zero Sightline, allows for a more finished look on stalls, setting doors to close flush on both sides. This elegant solution uses a notch rabbeted on the pilaster to receive the overlap of the door, making it appear flush on the outside of the stall. This steps beyond the conventional stall, with its half-inch clearance gaps on the swinging doors. Before Zero Sightline, piecemeal solutions might include riveting strips of metal to cover it up.

Both full length or short curved versions of Zero Sightline are offered.

Further driving the move to more privacy in toilet stalls is the rise of gender-neutral public restrooms, a response to societal and cultural changes. In these designs the more familiar ladies, gentlemen, and family restrooms are combined into one all-gender restroom. A public area has mirrors, vanities, sinks, hand dryers, etc. To establish requisite privacy from the public space, toilet compartments go from floor to ceiling, and doors are flush mounted to the pilasters—with no revealing gaps. The company’s European designs, adapted to U.S. ADA access standards and local zoning rules, are increasingly in demand in such situations.

In an approach both practical and ingenious, Ironwood had its CNC doweling/drilling machining center adapted to cut the rabbet for its Zero Sightline during the machining stage. “Machines that would normally do drilling or boring or edge processing can also do parametric routing,” Deady says. “When we do a louvered door, the boring machine actually does all of the edge machining.”

And the edgebander was also modified to band the rabbeted edge. “We used to have to hand edgeband lap joints or rabbets,” says Clasen. “Our new bander cuts the rabbet, and lays the edge band CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 ›

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automatically. So we have a bander that will do a shaped profile.”

In fact, the entire manufacturing operation has been so optimized (including flat packing and shipping), that projects move through the modestly sized plant quickly.

Most of Ironwood’s designs are available in wood veneer, plastic laminates, solid surface like Corian or Hi-Mac from LG Hausys, and compact laminate, for which Wilsonart is the primary resource (along with matching edgeband), but Laminart, 3Form and other sources are used, as well as engineered stone.

The Ironwood shop floor, located in Washington, has been kept

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busy as word has spread in the A&D community about the work of the Clasens, Deady, and their associate Joe Bowers, project manager.

“In the last five or six years we've been targeting the high-end niches, hospitality, restaurants, Class A office buildings, golf and country clubs—and now, stadiums,” says Deady, whose background includes work at Geiger in Atlanta, Georgia.

“The contractors and distributors working on those projects, they now come to us for proposals on our partitions because we're already specified, which is something we have worked hard to achieve,” says Clasen. “Ironwood’s work quality has earned us a reputation that merits being specified on a lot of high end projects. We worked hard at gaining that reputation; it's the type of high level of projects that we want to be engaged in.”

Though willing to share their approach, Ironwood fears their innovations could be copied—though that seems less likely after drilling down on their techniques.

An LAX airline lounge is another good example of the company’s work. The design uses a mix of Ironwood techniques, starting with its floor-to-ceiling European design, a good choice in locations needing to increase privacy of a restroom. In such systems, doors and panels are manufactured to a height of 93 inches (35 inches taller than standard height) or higher.

“The LAX project was an opportunity to provide a European-style aesthetic using solid surface,” says Deady. “The components were constructed using Corian and one of the challenges was to find or develop a hinge that would support the weight of the doors. Typically, restroom door hinges have a built-in closer mechanism, but this unique hinge did not so we incorporated a commercial closing mechanism into the design.”

For the A&D buyers, preliminary specifications can be set using the website configurator, a menu of luxury-caliber components, fabricated to order. But owing to the uniformity of toilet stall dimensions, components are largely run in batches at the firm’s Washington plant. Parts are assembled into kits for a project—not so differently than a flat-pack kitchen from IKEA—except much nicer, more like a semi-custom high-end kitchen cabinetry project.

In fact, the portfolio of doors at www.ironwood-mfg.com is rather breathtaking, especially set against normal expectations for public restroom interiors. And while the elegant designs are not unprecedented, the manufacturing methodology and go-to-market strategy of Ironwood Manufacturing is exactly that. s&p

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Right Place, Right Time AFTER 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS, WISCONSIN LAMINATOR HAS BIG PLANS FOR 2020

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BY SCOTT W. ANGUS

ave Keck likes to simplify things when he talks about his business, Komponents Laminated Products, which makes casegoods, furniture and components in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

“At the end of the day,” Keck said during a recent interview, “we make laminated rectangles.”

“Some of them are tabletops. Some of them get built into cabinets. Some of them are store fixtures. To us, they are all just laminated panels.”

While there is some truth to Keck’s stripped-down description, it hardly does justice to the company, which is celebrating 50 years in business in 2019 after experiencing 30 percent growth in 2018.

Clearly, Keck and his 20 or so employees are doing many things right while making those laminated rectangles.

Komponents manufactures cabinets, desks, tabletops and components for a range of customers. The medical industry accounts for about a third of the company’s business, while multi-family and single-family housing is another third. Office furniture and other segments make up the rest.

“We’re just going gangbusters again in cabinets,” Keck said, noting that the company has come full circle after starting in cabinets CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 ›

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Komponents Equipment and Machinery EQUIPMENT • Midwest Automation HPL laminating line • Holzma HP 380 saw with Cut Rite software MACHINING CENTERS • 3 Biesse CNCs • Two Northwood Machine routers • Homag DrillTeq V200 vertical route and drill machine EDGEBANDERS • Homag BAZ for contour shaping and banding • SNX contour bander • Brandt contour bander • Brandt straight bander FOR CABINET ASSEMBLY • Gannomat dowel and insertion machine • Two Gannomat case clamps FINISHING • Binks spray booth SOFTWARE • ShopTech ERP • Microvellum cabinet CADCAM • 2020 cabinet software • Quickbooks TOOLING • Vortex

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

five decades ago and later moving more into components. “We do cabinets for medical clinics, lots of multi-family, and now we’re even doing individual kitchens for homeowners.”

Komponents was founded by Keck’s father, William, and has steadily grown into the company that now occupies 25,000 square feet—with another 10,000 square feet in a warehouse down the street—and serves customers from Madison to Milwaukee in Wisconsin to California, New York and even Mexico.

Dave always knew he wanted to work for his dad’s company, but he took a route that included a degree in marketing and finance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a few years in the computer business. He joined Komponents in 1989.

“I knew at some point I wanted to be part of this … to run the show.

So I jumped on board, and at that time, the company needed a shot of marketing badly, and I was able to help with that,” he said.

Under Dave Keck’s leadership, the company aggressively went after new business, especially in the medical industry and the store fixture segment. From the beginning, the company has taken pride in being relatively automated, Dave said, and it has continually added new machinery.

“We just had simple equipment in the early days. We bought our first CONTINUED ON PAGE 30›

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CNCs back in the ‘80s. We got a couple of Motionmaster routers. We definitely kept taking bigger steps into automation,” he said.

Back in 1998, for example, the company was the second components manufacturer in the U.S. to buy a Homag BAZ contour edgebander. It was a $400,000 investment, and the machine is still running.

“To this day, it’s still an incredible machine. People see it running, and they are just blown away,” Keck said.

While Keck and Komponents have steadily invested in automation, they are on the verge of making a big leap designed to significantly improve efficiency. In 2020, Keck plans to invest about $600,000 in a material handling system and other machinery that will bring better order to his plant. He considered a building addition but decided he could make do if he condensed his operation.

“We’re just going to bring everything that is scattered around the plant into this one area,” Keck said as he viewed the space that will hold the material handling system. “I bet we spend 40 percent of our time moving material to and from the saw and other equipment. And every time you handle material, it can get damaged.”

If he’s committed to investing that much, Keck clearly is confident in his business plan. Komponents continues to evolve to become more streamlined and to meet customer demand. Its move from selling mostly components to providing assembled cabinets is a prime example.

“We were leaving a lot of projects on the table because we weren’t doing assembly. So we got back into doing assembly of both store fixtures and then back into cabinets,” he said.

Now, Komponents is looking to ship more of its products unassembled because that’s what some customers want and shipping is more efficient, Keck said.

While multi-family has been good to Komponents, Keck has seen statistics

DAVE KECK DESCRIBES KOMPONENTS' CONTINUAL EVOLUTION TO BECOME MORE STREAMLINED AND TO MEET CUSTOMER DEMAND. ITS MOVE FROM SELLING MOSTLY COMPONENTS TO PROVIDING ASSEMBLED CABINETS IS A PRIME EXAMPLE.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 ›

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Komponents Sees Exciting Applications For Wilsonart’s Thinscape Performance Tops Dave Keck is always on the lookout for new materials to introduce to his growing list of medical, office, store fixture and multi-family cabinet customers.

A new material from Wilsonart called THINSCAPE has caught his eye.

“The Europeans lead in design trends, and we tend to take our cue from them,” said Keck, president of Komponents Laminated Products in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. “Work surfaces and kitchen and bath countertops have moved to a decidedly thin profile in Europe, providing an avant-garde, sleek look and a point of difference.”

THINSCAPE is similar to compact laminate but with a different resin system. Available in 12 new designs, the ½-inch core is color-matched to the surface décor. It is easily fabricated for countertop sink cutouts. Joinery is simple and achieved with standard woodworking tools. Edge profiles are easily routed with hand-held tools or automated CNC equipment. Carbide tooling is sufficient.

Keck sees opportunity to use THINSCAPE in non-traditional applications such as windowsills in commercial buildings.

“Finding creative applications for this material is only limited by your imagination,” he said. n

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

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and projections that indicate apartment construction has peaked.

He believes condominiums will be “the next big thing.”

Like many manufacturers, Keck is watching the China trade skirmish closely but doesn’t pretend to know how things will turn out.

He believes Chinese cabinet manufacturers are taking a hit on their margins to offset tariffs, while at the same time, machinery manufacturers are busy selling equipment to U.S. companies gearing up to make more of their products domestically.

Regardless of the specifics of how the trade dispute is settled, Keck hopes U.S. manufacturers come away with a larger share of the market.

“Here’s the thing. Cabinets and components of cabinets are an $8 billion market. China supplies $4 billion of that. Let’s get 20 percent of that back. That’s all we need.”

While Keck would love to get some of that business, he doesn’t expect many new domestic companies to come onto the scene to compete with him and other established businesses. Between the cost of machinery and software, reduced lead times and the enhanced sophistication of operations such as his, the barrier to entry is getting higher every year, he said.

“To compete, it takes a lot more dollars these days. And for the most part, it’s a low-margin business. If you’re going to invest big dollars, there are other places to go,” he said. “I had an 18-year-old in here saying he wanted to run a cabinet shop someday. I thought to myself, ‘Good luck.’ It’s not like the old days. Everything has just ratcheted way up.”

As for lead times, Keck said Komponents is competitive. A custom kitchen that might have taken eight weeks in the past, for example, CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 ›

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COMPONENTS MAKE UP ABOUT 50 PERCENT OF THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS. ‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

is now made and out the door in three or four weeks. Components, which still make up about 50 percent of the company’s business, can be ready and shipped within a week of the first conversation, he added.

As his business grows and evolves, Keck is especially excited about the innovations in laminated surfaces. Synchronized textures have taken the quality and realism of HPL and TFL to new levels, he said, while super matte finishes offer an attractive look and a practical, fingerprint-resistant feel. Customers are noticing.

“They are saying, ‘Why bother with wood when laminates look like this?’ They are also realizing that after 10 years, their laminate kitchen can look the same. Wood wears. Laminate can look the same after years of use as it did when it first went in.”

Brian Hospel, who prepares designs and bids for Komponents, said people are looking for a change from the old wooden cabinet boxes, and laminates fit the bill. “Customers go on the internet, start

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JOEL WEBER, OPERATIONS MANAGER, WITH DAVE KECK

digging around and see all of the pictures, and they say, ‘Where can I get that?’ There is just a wide world of colors. They can pick anything and get it on their cabinets. It doesn’t have to be a maple door or a cherry door or Wisconsin oak.”

Keck added: “We’re getting people calling us directly and saying, ‘I want a laminate kitchen.’ We never had that before.”

Komponents offers laminates from many suppliers, including Wilsonart, Panolam, Formica, Cleaf, Arauco, Uniboard and Egger.

Keck had special praise for Wilsonart and the job its spec reps do selling its products to architects, designers and others. He also singled out Egger, saying the company is “going after the industry strong and doing a heck of a job” in both HPL and TFL, and he said Arauco’s big new plant in Grayling, Michigan, is likely to provide more raw and laminated board going forward.

Komponents has a Midwest Automation laminating line and lays up HPL two or three times a week, including for some of its competitors, Keck explained. The company sets itself apart from distributors by being willing to cut down panels and laminates before laminating, producing thicker panels and offering any brand of HPL, including imports.

Much of the hardware used in cabinets and other furniture comes from Salice, Keck said, while Komponents' top distributors include Richelieu, Wurth and Aetna Plywood.

Joel Weber, operations manager, took a page from Keck’s book when he described Komponents in relatively simple terms to several visitors during a recent plant tour.

“It’s a unique operation. There’s a lot of variety, a lot of interesting products. We’re always doing something different,” Weber said.

Ultimately, though, it all comes down to those laminated rectangles, which are generating more excitement than ever among customers. Keck is happy that after 50 years, his company is ready and able to meet the growing demand. s&p

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Enabling Collaboration STEELCASE’S MOBILE FLEX COLLECTION DESIGNED FOR SPONTANEIT Y

BY SCOTT W. ANGUS

If you were to pick one word to describe what’s happening in the most progressive and productive workplaces today, it’s collaboration.

Steelcase is all over it.

With its Flex Collection, Steelcase offers an office furniture line that “creates dynamic team neighborhoods that are designed for spontaneity.”

“It empowers teams to reconfigure their space on demand, making it easy to shift from a brainstorm to a workshop or from a daily

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stand-up to a sprint review,” Steelcase says.

Studies confirm that people working in teams innovate faster, achieve better results and report higher job satisfaction, according to a white paper from Steelcase titled “New Work, New Rules.” In fact, companies that promote collaboration are five times more likely to be high performing and more profitable, according to the report.

“But teams are under pressure to move faster than ever,” the report says. “These new teams are constantly collaborating. Their

days are filled with a never-ending exchange of information and ideas. Their tasks are interdependent and their projects fluid.”

Traditional workspaces don’t support the ebb and flow that happens with hyper-collaborative teams, the report says, adding: “The best workplaces support the activities of the team while nurturing the needs of individuals.”

Among other things, such workplaces allow workers to surround themselves with their projects and display their thinking and ideas and enable them to quickly switch between team collaboration and individual work, the report says.

Flex was designed after Steelcase observed high-performing, hyper-collaborating teams across the globe to understand how they work and what they need to be their best.

“Designed with interconnectivity and clever details, the entire collection works together allowing teams to reconfigure their space in a matter of minutes,” Steelcase says. “The pieces work well on their own, but just like teams, they work better together.”

Steelcase describes four types of teams with different goals

“The Flex Collection empowers teams to reconfigure their space on demand, making it easy to shift from a brainstorm to a workshop or from a daily stand-up to a sprint review.”

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Steelcase is Global Leader Founded in 1912 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steelcase has more than 12,000 employees, 800 dealers worldwide and annual revenue of $3.4 billion. It is a global leader in office furniture, interior architecture and space solutions for offices, hospitals and classrooms.

The company says it works to create great experiences by offering a range of architecture, furniture, technology products and services designed to help people reach their full potential.

Steelcase’s comprehensive portfolio is anchored by three core brands: Steelcase, Coalesse and Turnstone. n

and levels of collaboration that can work effectively with Flex furniture. It identifies them as Agile Studio, Creative Studio, Team Neighborhood and Team Basecamp. (See related story, page 40.)

The operative word with Flex is mobile. All of the components are made to move quickly and easily into different configurations depending on the task at hand and the level of intended collaboration.

Not surprisingly, durability is critical for the materials used for the Flex collection, while appearance remains an important element. Give those requirements, high pressure laminate is the perfect choice for the work surfaces of the tables and desks, which use a plywood core.

“With materiality, we understand that our customers value variety and choice,” said a representative of Steelcase’s Surface Materials Team. “By offering a large portfolio of high pressure laminate on Flex, we are able to offer this choice, as well as the ability to easily blend Flex with other Steelcase products.”

Beyond laminates, material options for the Flex Collection include veneers, textiles, lux coatings and paints.

Elements of Flex include a mobile power station, heightadjustable desks, seated height tables, standing height tables, slim tables, carts, acoustic boundaries, screens,

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 ›

Team Options The nature of work is unpredictable, and Steelcase Flex gives a wide variety of teams control to adapt their space on demand to allow for changes in team activities.

Here are four examples: AGILE STUDIO › The Agile Studio supports high-performing, technology heavy teams that follow agile methodologies within a team-owned project studio. They work together every day in iterative work cycles, and their team activities change often and are based on getting work done quickly and efficiently.

Steelcase Flex can be reconfigured to meet this team’s different needs and activities: Daily Stand-up, Sprint Planning, Paired Programming, Sprint Review and Team Celebration.

TEAM NEIGHBORHOOD › The Team Neighborhood supports a multi-zoned, structured team environment within an owned team space. This space supports the team’s focus, plus collaborative and social needs.

Steelcase Flex supports three distinct zones within the neighborhood that supports this team’s different needs and activities: Focus Retreat, Kitchen Table and Front Porch.

CREATIVE STUDIO › The Creative Studio supports highly collaborative, creative teams. This team generates ideas and executes them flawlessly, requiring an immersive and flexible environment to create and share their work.

Steelcase Flex can be reconfigured to meet this team’s different needs and activities: Workshop, Brainstorm, Pitch and Share, Focus Retreat.

TEAM BASECAMP › The Team Basecamp is home base for a functional team within an organization and supports a more structured environment for teams with flexibility to move around the floor plan. This space primarily supports their individual focus and collaborative needs.

Steelcase Flex can be reconfigured to meet this team’s different needs and activities: Individual Work, Working Together and Communal Zone. n

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markerboards, power hangars and other accessories.

Here is how Steelcase describes its height-adjustable desks: “Everything you’d expect from a height-adjustable desk, plus it’s designed to move as quickly as you do. It’s stable, yet mobile.

Push them together for collaborative work, or move it to a quiet nook for focus time.”

Designed with Anker, a global leader in charging technology, the power stations give teams and individuals the freedom to work virtually anywhere. They are not only functional but beautiful, Steelcase says, inspired by handcrafted ceramic tableware and featuring soft and silky finishes with a 3D texture. s&p

Bring the outside in.

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Coated carbide tooling Carbide coating options that improve surface lubricity, heat deflection, or increased cuttingedge hardness offer the next level of enhanced performance. Depending on how the tool must be sharpened, these coatings can sometimes provide extended performance over multiple service cycles.

There are several collet-free chucking options available, but the easiest and most effective is Leitz ThermoGripÂŽ heat-shrink chucking system.

ThermoGripÂŽ uses the thermo-mechanical properties of steel to grip tool shanks under tremendous pressure, effectively yielding a onepiece chuck and tool. ThermoGrip ensures perfect tool concentricity under working loads, resulting in greater than 25% increase in tool life and at least 10% improvement in machine throughput at optimal finish quality, conservatively yielding $15,000 in annualized savings per machine shift.

Tooling is the single machine accessory which can either limit or optimize your manufacturing efficiency and success. Having a knowledgeable tooling partner, with a worldwide perspective, will greatly enhance your ability to continuously improve your internal processes and keep your company at the forefront of the industry. How can Leitz help you?

Talk to your Leitz representative about a partnership for continuous improvement. Email insidesales@leitz.org or call us at 616.431.4096.

Tool Up for 2020 with Leitz!

Take advantage of SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL PRICING on premier Leitz Tooling solutions for both solid wood processing and CNC machining now through the end of the year.

Solid Wood Processing Promotion

CNC Machining Promotion

Stock up on these high-quality, standard necessities for your millwork.

Tooling is the determinant between limiting or optimizing your machine’s efficiency, which directly impacts your return on the significant investment you made in your machine.

Promotion includes: • Blackened Rip Saw Blades (BlackTron) • Corrugated Profile Cutterheads • HS Knife Stock

Promotion includes: • Diamond Router Bits • DiaMaster EdgeExpert Routers • ThermoGrip® Tool-Holding System

Promotional pricing expires December 31, 2019, while supplies last. Special pricing is only available on tooling presented in the promotion. May not be used in conjunction with other promotions.

For more information and to order contact the Leitz team at 616.431.4096, email insidesales@leitz.org, or visit www.leitztooling.com.

Leitz Tooling, 4301 East Paris Avenue S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Surface Design Guide The 2019 Surface Design Guide is a showcase of the trends and technologies that are shaping the marketplace. Surface & Panel magazine reached out to the industry’s leading decorative surfacing companies and asked them to share their latest designs, material advances and services. This guide is intended to inform and inspire specifiers and fabricators alike to understand what resources are available to create the best possible solutions.

From 3D laminates to TFL and decorative surfaces with breathtaking hues, the Surface Design Guide serves as a handy resource for specifiers and fabricators across the globe.

DACKOR In the spirit of the same quarries that provided the blocks for Michelangelo’s David and Pietà, Dackor created Rome White Marble.

Rome’s closest source of marble was modern Carrara in Tuscany. Even today they continue to produce snow-white stone for artists and architects around the world. Highly polished and often arranged in complex geometric patterns, they would have overwhelmed the senses and added to the splendor of what was then the capital of the Mediterranean world. www.dackor.com

SCHATTDECOR u In line with their current trend theme, Urban Styles, Schattdecor developed a digitally printed décor to capture the megatrend of urbanization. Urban Art is meant to be a reflection of the big city. The newly developed decor started with a concrete texture and is accompanied a colorful watercolor effect. It features shapes, trends and materials that appear in a city and symbolize its multidimensional nature. The individual components represent the different cultures and the rich diversity of large cities.

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ARAUCO u ARAUCO’s captivating PRISM TFL Taction Oak series with two-sided, embossed in register (EIR) technology offers a unique, elegantly synchronized dual low-gloss finish inspired by the subtle structure, color and strength of the muchloved oak tree. With warm tones, modern bohemian sensibilities and a cozy, inviting personality, these surfaces are as sweet as they are smart. Make a bold design statement with Taction Oak’s seven exclusive woodgrains, or classic black and white solids. www.arauco.cl

t LAMIGRAF The Vaivén decor from Lamigraf, a eucalyptus wood, is an example of “Tactile Nature,” one of the four trends in the new collection Trends & Inspirations 19/20 of the Spanish decor printer. A modern and splendid eucalyptus design, Vaivén draws attention for the wide range of colors that it offers, from perfectly integrated pastel colors to more striking colors. www.lamigraf.com t RIKEN Riken provides high quality thermofoils for interior applications including kitchen cabinets, closet doors, store fixtures, office furniture, and health care environments.

The company offers 3D Laminates in extensive colors and patterns, including Soft Feel, Supermatte, high gloss, satin, and standard matte finishes. DT Finish collection features excellent physical properties, including durability, scratch, and stain resistance. Riken recently launched White Dry-Erase 3D Film designed for 3D materials. www.riken-usa.com

ARCLIN One of the newest additions to Arclin’s Harvest Collection, Almaty Apple is a walnut interpretation of a fruitwood. Sapwood elements give the layered design its elegant look that harmonizes with styles ranging from modern Nordic to traditional Italian. To request a sample and to view more designs for every application, visit arclinTFL.com.

OLON Olon recently launched VelourTouch, a 2D UltraMatte Collection of solid colors with fingerprint and scratch resistance. The new hue captures today’s trends of extreme matte finishes and painted cabinet looks.

The collection is available in wrapped five-piece door & accessory mouldings, 6mm, 5/8" and 3/4" laminated panels, and DecoLINK formable laminate to complete the offering. www.olon.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 ›

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▲ WILSONART Wilsonart’s THINSCAPE Performance Tops are the rare combination of attainable luxury and exceptional performance. European-inspired and expertly matched with the perfect finish, these innovative, decorative slabs are made to resemble surfaces like Carrara Marble, distressed wood or raw steel, without the hefty price tag.

The sleek half-inch thick profile creates a minimal look with clean lines and subtle seams: the perfect complement for thinner cabinet profiles, which have gained popularity over the past few years. Install THINSCAPE (horizontally) in residential and contract environments with an undermount sink, or route it into custom shapes for shelves and tables—its strength prevents it from cracking, bending or bowing. www.wilsonart.com

▲ AMISH Amish Country Woodworx Dovetail drawer boxes holds quality at the highest priority. The company works hard to ensure all products are made with the best materials and manufactured with time-tested tradition. Amish Country’s easy online ordering and quick delivery takes the hassle out of the ordering process.

Take a tour (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBAaqi2L5ss) or contact Amish Country Woodworx at www.acwoodworx.com.

INTRODUCING MATCHING 3D LAMINATE TO ROSEBURG

PANOLAM q Panolam TFL coordinates with the Panolam Surface Systems’ HPL family of patterns and products to offer more than 400 trendforward design options and the flexibility to have the same pattern on multiple surface solutions in a project. And with two unique HPL brands to choose from–Pionite and Nevamar–customers are sure to get the pattern they want on the substrate that fits their specific needs.

3D LAMINATE COLLECTIONS HIGH GLOSS | MATTE | SATIN NEW SUPERMATTE | DESKTOP

RIKEN USA WWW.RIKEN-USA.COM INFO@RIKEN-USA.COM 248-513-3511 48

RIKEN.indd 1

Pictured is a billiard table manufactured by Canada Billiard made with Panolam’s thermally fused laminate (TFL) featuring one of Nevamar’s popular designs, Whispering Wind, which is a eucalyptus with subtle gray tones. The product is available in matching HPL and custom edgebanding for customer convenience in design and production. www.panolam.com

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SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE 2019

▲ TOPPAN Toppan Interamerica’s textured prints combine the authentic look of handcrafted material with the durability of a laminate.

The dimensions of the texture are synchronized with the highquality pattern to create a realistic design that captures the natural beauty of woods, stones and textiles alike.

Toppan’s Fossil Oak and Pandora Ash paper designs illustrate the character of reclaimed materials and tactile finishes that are becoming exceedingly popular in global environments.

Collins Almanor Forest

Protecting the environment, one panel at a time.

www.tia.toppan.com

INTERPRINT Hapswell Oak by Interprint lends a contemporary feel to large panels, small fronts or any application in between. A soft, blended cut line preserves the characteristic movement of this linear white oak without drawing attention from its natural color play.

Cowhorn Vineyard & Gardens Photo: Claire Thorington Design Builder: Green Hammer

Hapswell colors well across a wide spectrum, from raw (as shown), to modern neutrals, to complex grays from light to dark.

Proud to bear the label of

www.interprint.com

Collins Pine FreeForm® Particleboard Featuring an exceptionally high percentage of western pine and produced in Klamath Falls, Oregon,

DVUV DVUV is the innovator of UV-cured powder coating for MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), specializing in custom powder coated components for store fixtures, POP display, healthcare, education and office furniture industries.

FreeForm® is the first FSC-Certified Particleboard with no added formaldehyde. Along with the thirdparty NAF validation, it is also the first to carry

Forest Stewardship Council ®

Look for our certified wood products

the Declare Label. For highly moisture resistant applications, we offer a MR50 rated panel.

UV-curing provides superior wear characteristics and maintains original color, gloss, and texture after frequent traffic and cleanings. UV powder coatings are an environmentally safe alternative to paints and vinyl laminates and are solvent free, non-toxic and contain zero VOCs and HAPs.

The finest in responsibly sourced Hardwood, Softwood & Particleboard.

CollinsWood.com 800.547.1793

www.dvuv.com Since 1855

@collinswood_1855 facebook.com/CollinsCompanies

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Milesi Wood Stains for interiors CHEMETAL u Chemetal creates beautiful and innovative metal designs and laminates for interior spaces. The company makes many of their materials, deeply brushing, aging and adding patinas by hand and machine. The designs are unique works of art, created with a manufacturing consistency to ensure repeatability. The company also sources some of the best metal designs from all over the world and their materials are sold through an international distributor network. For the nearest distributor or for samples, visit www.chemetal.com

Milesi WoodStains Stains for Milesi Wood forinteriors interiors

SURTECO The sound of windmill blades, aged but still strong, are reminiscent of an older way of living when life seemed simple. This nostalgic oak has a visually arresting appearance much like the windmill. Weathered Windmill has a complex grain structure that is softened with an overcast gray stain with hints of warm taupe and green.

Milesi Wood Stains for interiors

www.surteco.com

LENDERINK q Lenderink works to bring designers’ dreams to reality! The company serves a vast number of industries such as automotive, medical, acoustics, laminating, packaging and more.

The Milesi KROMOROLLER solvent base and KROMOPASTEL water base pigment pastes have some The Milesi KROMOROLLER solvent base and KROMOPASTEL water base pigment pastes have some particular properties that make them very effective in getting beautiful rich color on wood. First, the pigments particular properties that make them very effective in getting beautiful rich color on wood. First, the pigments are semi-transparent, as opposed to opaque, sosothey color stillpass letting are semi-transparent, as opposed to opaque, they color the the wood wood while stillwhile letting light throughlight pass through down to the wood’s surface. makes it it possible to unify wood’s color while minimizing them and down tothem theandwood’s surface.

This This makes possible to the unify the wood’s color while minimizing the masking of the natural characteristics of the wood. Next, they are a very concentrated micro grind the masking of the natural characteristics of isthe Next, arefound a invery concentrated micro grind paste.

This means that the pigment particle muchwood. smaller than thosethey normally standard pigment themparticle to distribute color verysmaller evenly and againthose reducesnormally the muddiness normally paste. This meansformulations that the enabling pigment is much than found in standard pigment associated with pigments in stains. It also helps these pigments stay in suspension. formulations enabling them to distribute color very evenly and again reduces the muddiness normally The second color component the stain systems are thepigments Milesi KROMOLUX concentrates. They offer associated with pigments in stains.

Itinalso helps these stay dye in suspension. the ultimate in color clarity and highlight the aesthetic qualities of the wood. These versatile dyes are soluble in both water and solvents and offer excellent lightfastness. They are available in a wide range of colors.

Milesi KROMOROLLER solventsystems base and KROMOPASTEL water base pigment pastes have some The second colorThe component in the stain are the Milesi KROMOLUX dye concentrates.

They offer The Milesiproperties stain building process continues with theinaddition bindersrich to the colorants rather than use of particular that make them very effective getting of beautiful color on wood.

First, thethe pigments the ultimate in color clarity and highlight the aesthetic qualities of the wood.

These versatile traditional stain bases.

In general, the use of binders brings greater color uniformity, better grain filling, are semi-transparent, as opposed to opaque, so they color the wood while still letting light passincreased through dyes are soluble product coating adhesion.

Depending on the product addedcolor at a while rate 1wide to 30%.range of colors. andyield, downand to better theoffer wood’s surface.

Thislightfastness. makes it possible to unifythey the in both water andthem solvents and excellent They arearewood’s available inofaminimizing The Milesi KROMOROLLER solvent base and KROMOPASTEL water base pigment pastes have some the masking of the natural characteristics of the wood. Next, they are a very concentrated micro grind The choice andmake use a pigment stainvery type is strictly connected with the desired theinon type of wood and the pigments particular properties them effective in smaller gettingthan beautiful richlook, color wood.

First, paste.

Thisthat means that of the particle is much those normally found standard pigment applicationprocess method.

The wide range of application techniques mixing possibilities between different formulations enabling them to color evenly and reduces muddiness The Milesi stain building continues with thevery addition ofandagain binders to the thestill colorants rather the use of are semi-transparent, as opposed to distribute opaque, so they color the wood while lettingnormally light passthan through Milesi components lets you create the perfect color, no matter what. associated with pigments in stains. It also helps these pigments stay in suspension.

traditional bases.toInthegeneral, use ofThis binders brings greatertocolor grain filling, increased them stain and down wood’sthe surface. makes it possible unifyuniformity, the wood’sbetter color while minimizing the yield, masking ofbetter the natural characteristics of the are wood.

Next, they aredye aconcentrates. very microof grind product andThe coating adhesion. theKROMOLUX product they areconcentrated added a rate 1 to 30%. second color component in the stainDepending systems theon Milesi Theyat offer the ultimate colorpigment clarity andparticle highlight the aestheticsmaller qualities than of the wood. versatilefound dyes are paste. This means thatinthe is much thoseThese normally insoluble standard pigment in both water and solvents and offer excellent lightfastness. They are available in a wide range of colors.

formulations enabling distribute color connected very evenly with and again reduces look, the muddiness The choice and use of a them staintotype is strictly the desired the type normally of wood and associated with pigments in stains.

Itofcontinues also helps pigments suspension.

The Milesi building process withthese the addition of bindersstay to theincolorants rather than the use ofbetween different application method.

Thestain wide range application techniques and mixing possibilities traditional stain bases. In general, the use of binders brings greater color uniformity, better grain filling, increased Milesi components letsyield, youandcreate the perfect color, noonmatter what. product better coating adhesion. Depending the product they are added at a rate of 1 to 30%.

The second color component in the stain systems are the Milesi KROMOLUX dye concentrates. They offer the ultimate inThecolor clarity andof highlight aesthetic qualities of the wood. versatile choice and use a stain typethe is strictly connected with the desired look,These the type of wood dyes and are soluble method.and The offer wide range of application techniquesThey and mixing possibilitiesinbetween in both waterapplication and solvents excellent lightfastness. are available a widedifferent range of colors.

Milesi components lets you create the perfect color, no matter what.

The Milesi stain building process continues with the addition of binders to the colorants rather than the use of traditional stain bases. In general, the use of binders brings greater color uniformity, better grain filling, increased product yield, and better coating adhesion. Depending on the product they are added at a rate of 1 to 30%.

The choice and use of a stain type is strictly connected with the desired look, the type of wood and application method. The wide range of application techniques and mixing possibilities between different Milesi components lets you create the perfect color, no matter what.

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10/16/19 9:49 AM

The company’s featured product is made with Lenderink Fold and Mold and #160 backer.

SERVICES:

• Practical product development • Research & development • Material lab • Prototyping • Models PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY:

• • • • • • • • •

Real wood & stone veneers (flexible/translucent) Cut to size specialty plywood Dry film overlays Adhesives: film, web & powder Fire retardants Surfaces including walls & ceilings Wood signs Fold or mold 3D sheet stock Glue line hinge for mitre folding

www.lenderink.com

SURFACE DESIGN GUIDE 2019

p SSI SSI North America is offering the Nordica Ash Series, four woodgrains in the series, all part of the Pentadecor 3D laminate stock line with direct 1-to-1 matches to Arauco TFL. Karuna, Narvik, Sarek and Bergen are perfectly colored for commercial cabinetry for corporate offices and furniture, and the most modern of residential cabinetry. The Pentadecor 3D laminate stock range allows for design luxury and confidence, expressed in the image displaying Karuna Ash combined with Celadon Green solid colored super matte.

p ROSEBURG Medite FR by Roseburg is a Class 1 certified MDF designed specifically for applications where Class 1 flame retardant materials are required. Boasting a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin system, Medite FR meets the low-emitting materials criteria for green building programs and has 82% pre-consumer recycled content. It is also available with FSC certification. Medite FR can be machined, cut, sanded, and grooved without compromising the flame-retardant properties.

www.ssinorthamerica.com

www.roseburg.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 52 ›

the FIRST repairable 3D Laminate has arrived.

Introducing SmartMatte 3DL features Touchably-soft matte finish resists fingerprints Repairable with heat & friction (Magic Eraser) Available for cabinet fronts, floating shelves, mouldings, Refacing materials & light-use surfaces Five colors available White SmartMatte showm on Shaker Slim

866-344-8132 | www.northerncontours.com

SDG 2019 ‹

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OMNOVA Enhanced by surf(x) Echo embossed in register (EIR), Omnova introduces Providence Slate, a sliced oak with striking sap streaks, rays, crosscuts and pin knots in a blended plank pattern. A full collection of additional beautiful modern finishes are brought to life by the heart and sapwood variation and color movement. The fitted texture provides an “echo” of the grain for a realistic look and feel. www.omnova.com

TAFISA Introducing Sable Island, a unique creamy color with touches of taupe and vanilla, available in the Urbania texture.

With its soft shades of quartz, Sable Island features timeless wood tones.

Its back-to-basics undertone emits an air of peacefulness and refuge from the daily demands of life. www.tafisa.ca

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STEVENS The newest shining star in the StevensWood collections is… Ashland! Tailored for the residential kitchen and custom closet markets, Ashland celebrates the heart of home and hospitality.

Harmonious grays and tranquil white, industrial concretes, refined textiles and cozy woodgrains invite you to sit and stay a while. Distinctive textures are thoughtfully paired with nine fresh color offerings.

StevensWood is changing the world of surfaces! www.stevens-wood.com

FROM GLUING TO TRIMMING, SMARTECH HAS YOU COVERED.

p UNIBOARD Nobella is an exclusive synchronized deep wood texture crafted by Milan’s leading design community. Inspired by Italy’s best modern styles, it’s produced here in North America. With such a wide variety of colors and exclusive textures from Uniboard like the Nobella and modern textures such as Lyra and Vellum, Uniboard’s TFL collection is sure to provide designers and builders with the latest in innovation, technology, and design. www.uniboard.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 ›

JB CUTTING Inspired by the divine and driven by craftsmanship, Michigan-based JB Cutting specializes in made-to-order finished MDF-core components that are complementary to store fixtures, healthcare furnishing environments, residential kitchens and baths, and home organization.

Primarily a wood fabricating operation with CNC, edge banding and membrane pressing capabilities, JB Cutting is a one stop shop to bring your next project to life. www.jbcutting.com

Info@SmartechOnline.com 704 362 1922

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PANEL PROCESSING q The Crater Lake Collection is an exclusive TFL collection featuring two new textures and nine exclusive colors. The collection embraces strong, natural elements inspired by Crater Lake located near Panel’s Oregon facility. The rustic, weathered neutrals with cool grays and warm taupe tones bring nature inside. www.panel.com

NORTHERN CONTOURS Featuring internally edgebanded slab fronts & miter folded floating shelves, this kitchen design is a dream in real wood veneer.

Northern Contours’ new color, Recon Smoked Grey veneer with UV clear coat finishing, lets trending grey tones shine through. Floating shelves & island panels in contrasting Rift White Oak veneer complete the modern layout & look. www.northerncontours.com

THE POLYMER SHEET THAT WORKS LIKE WOOD The Polymer Building Sheet That Lasts a Lifetime 54

King StarBoard® ST is the smart choice for furniture, cabinets, lockers, outdoor kitchens, retail displays, and decorative panels. The sheets will never warp, rot or delaminate. No painting or refinishing required.

Custom sheet sizes, gauges, and colors available. Contact us to find your nearest distributor today.

www.kingplastic.com | Made in U.S.A. SURFACEANDPANEL.COM

BEST

OF

THE

BEST

Bodega Old Light Plank

Recognized by the Gravure Association of the Americas as the best decorative laminate in 2019, Bodega Old Light Plank is just one of OMNOVA’s surf(x) Echo™ 3D laminates using our latest Emboss-in-Register technology. surf(x) Echo delivers realism that echoes nature. It provides superior durability and resistance to stains, impact and abrasion. Available for a range of applications and partnerships, including TFL matching.

SURF(X) ECHO is a trademark of OMNOVA Solutions. © 2019 OMNOVA Solutions Inc.

866.332.5226 laminates@omnova.com

ASSOCIATION DISTRIBUTION MATERIAL BUILDING AMERICAN NORTH 56

2019 NBMDA Annual Convention Attracts The Industry’s Top Distributors

BY KEVIN GAMONLEY

This year’s Annual Convention of the North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA) held November 12-14 in New Orleans drew record crowds of wholesale distribution executives. These firms distribute wood panels, decorative surfaces, cabinet hardware, stains/finishes as well as related woodworking and kitchen & bath supplies.

The leading manufacturers and importers of these products were also on-hand to deepen their relationship with current distributor partners as well as connect with potential new distributors to fill-out their coverage of the U.S. and Canadian markets. This year’s event was the ninth straight year that the convention was co-sponsored by the North American SURFACEANDPANEL.COM

Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD). Combined, the two co-hosts attracted 1200 distribution executives.

The objective of the event is to unite distributors from across No. America to share best practices and success stories, engage in distribution-specific educational programming and connect with their supplier partners.

More than 200 tabletop exhibits manned by executives representing the leading manufacturers of interior building materials was a highlight of the event. For the first time in its history, the event sold-out of exhibits.

An impressive line-up of speakers provided insights and learnings for the attendees.

N B MDA

Educational topics featured on the program included an overview of economic trends impacting distributors, how to develop high performing teams, distributor branding strategies, digital transformation, and personnel productivity. Additionally, an optional one-day training session focused on leadership training for distribution branch managers. This year’s educational sessions were extremely well attended.

Beyond the many business and educational opportunities, the event was loaded with activities designed to facilitate informal connections between attendees, provide an exciting experience and provide a flavor of the host city – New Orleans. Mini Mardi gras parades, beignets and plenty of Cajun food were enjoyed.

NBMDA also formally introduced their new volunteer President, Tom O’Neill with the Wurth Group and new officers – Emily Vella,

201 9

Atlantic Plywood, Matt Huber, Allegheny Plywood, Missy O’Daniel, Web-Don, and Wayne Moriarty, Atlantic Plywood.

One attendee, Ryan Atkins of 3M, said the show is one of his favorites, as it brings together so many different companies on the expo floor. Seeing all the new technologies and product offerings is something he finds incredibly useful. “There are so many relevant distributors here, it’s really a great show,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together. You get to have really productive conversations with a lot of different people in a short period of time and that doesn’t always happen every day.”

A large number of attending manufacturers have already committed their support for the 2020 NBMDA Convention which will be held on November 10-12 in Colorado Springs.

Details can be found at www.distributorconvention.org

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IMAGE COURTESY OF ALVIC USA

A Strong European Influence on Door Manufacturing

BY TYLER SHARPE

E

uropean influence in North American kitchen and furniture design is more evident today than ever before. We’ve seen significant innovation in production processes, equipment, management software and more notably, easily available surface designs and textures. The availability of unique surfaces and finishes is vast and complicated; today we deep dive into what’s driving the adoption of European products and the roles we play to embrace innovation and change in the North American market.

The first cause to consider: the level of investment from European companies into North America is the highest the surface and panel industry has ever experienced, the largest investments coming from two Austrian companies, Egger and Kronospan. At AWFS in Las Vegas, Egger promoted their $700 million dollar investment into a particleboard and TFL production facility in Lexington, N.C. Similarly, Kronospan was also present at AWFS, currently expanding their facility in Calhoun County, AL., with a $362 million investment into a particleboard and TFL line (as well as flooring, decorative paper treatment and more). Another AWFS exhibitor who made a splash with design and color enthusiasts was ALVIC USA, the North American operations of Spanish lacquered and TFL panel manufacturer Grupo Alvic. The Alvic booth featured a 20' tall, elegant mosaic lady of gloss, matte and textured panels. Potentially more notable than the CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

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TOP: AN ARTIST'S RENDERING OF EGGER'S $700 MILLION INVESTMENT INTO A PARTICLEBOARD AND TFL PRODUCTION FACILITY IN LEXINGTON, N.C. ABOVE: KRONOSPAN IS CURRENTLY EXPANDING ITS FACILITY IN CALHOUN COUNTY, AL., WITH A $362 MILLION INVESTMENT INTO A PARTICLEBOARD AND TFL LINE.

A6024

Skyline Dusk

ReinventingDesign There’s more to our design approach at Arclin than simply adding yet another pretty overlay. Certainly, our best-in-class portfolio meets current and anticipated future demands for color, structure, fidelity and more.

We also carefully curate our design selection to ensure application versatility, enable texturization opportunities and maximize longevity in the market.

A6024

Skyline Dusk

Let us show you more.

Let us show you more.

For more information or a design portfolio presentation, contact us at decorative.surfaces@arclin.com.

Reinventing TFL More innovation, more designs, more support, more opportunity. There’s more than meets the eye at Arclin.

Take another look.

A Chemistry & Applications Company

Visit the website to subscribe to Reinventing TFL for trends, tips and product information. +1.877.689.9145 decorative.surfaces@arclin.com ArclinTFL.com

INDUSTRY SHOWS OFTEN FEATURE THE LATEST AND GREATEST OFFERINGS FROM ACROSS EUROPE, SHOWCASING INNOVATIONS IN DESIGNS, TRENDS AND MATERIALS FOR FURNITURE, INTERIOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE. LEFT: THE ALVIC BOOTH AT AWFS 2019 FEATURED A 20' TALL MOSAIC OF GLOSS, MATTE AND TEXTURED PANELS. BELOW: INTERZUM 2017 WAS ATTENDED BY 69,000 PEOPLE FROM 152 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING HUNDREDS OF NORTH AMERICAN BUYERS WHO REGULARLY ATTEND THE SHOW.

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58

addition of new particleboard plants, Alvic USA is up and running with the first commercial, North American high gloss and supermatte TFL lacquer line in North America. Clearly, these large, successful and innovative brands are investing in a domestic presence in the North American market.

The second cause to consider: waves of North Americans travel to Europe to attend the large furniture and design shows like Interzum, Salone del Mobile/Eurocucina and Sicam. These shows are often viewed as the latest and greatest offerings from across Europe, showcasing innovations in designs, trends, materials for furniture, interior design and architecture. For a crash course in the European market or a sneak peek of the not so distant future of design trends, the shows, displays and overall ambience provide a unique perspective

to North American visitors. For those who can’t attend, the internet is full of interesting show reviews, pictures and videos.

The third cause to consider: local awareness of brands and domestic partnerships. Though many European mills and laminators do not have brick and mortar facilities in North America, surface brands like CLEAF, FINSA, AGT and so many more are household names in our market. They are often present at shows and have developed strong partnerships to represent their brands locally with distribution companies or component manufacturers. These partnerships enable unique, innovative, European companies to reach the North American market and deliver a product offering that can be quickly accessed by a large percentage of customers.

Based on the three points above, it’s clear the market is evolving.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ALVIC USA

ABOVE: LUXE BY ALVIC FEATURES LACQUERED, HIGH GLOSS PANELS WITH UNIQUE TEXTURES AND SURFACE PATTERNS. RIGHT: SHOWN HERE IN DUST GREY, EGGER'S PERFECTSENSE MATT,

IS CHARACTERIZED BY ITS VELVETY FEEL AND AN INTENSE MATTE.

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IMAGE COURTESY OF EGGER

CONTINUED ON PAGE 62 ›

• Your hometown team • Trend in design • World class technical • State of the art facility

ISO 9001:2015

KMI is the exclusive sales agency for Marathon & Heimbach press pads in North America

AS 9100:2016

ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100:2016

1755 S. Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 United States Tel: 704-739-4227 Fax: 704-739-4223 www.kmiinc.net Email: sales@kmiinc.net

IMAGE COURTESY OF EGGER

IMAGE COURTESY OF KRONOSPAN

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60

The wave of unique surfaces and new product offerings create more design options than ever before and with that, new challenges that weren’t present in the last decade. For example, an ever-present difficulty is managing the equipment required to properly finish an imported panel with a high gloss, supermatte or deep texture finish.

Innovations in edgebanders offer perfect finishes to the most complicated panels and laminates though the cost of the equipment is prohibitive for many.

As the European market delivers added complication to our business, it’s reasonable to believe that they may have a solution as well; further segmentation with a focus on specialties and efficiencies. The European markets primarily function in two distinct operating groups: • Semi-finished product manufacturers supporting local fabricators and assemblers • Design driven brands delivering stunning, affordable installations for the end consumer To sum this up, the European solution to the added complexity is embracing market segmentation and increased focus. Mills, distributors, laminators and component manufacturers develop partnerships to offer full-scale solutions to their customers. A prime example is a component manufacturer using state of the art edgebanding technologies for complicated finishes. This solution is further expanded by offering a range of unique cabinet door styles. Although many fabricators can produce a TFL shaker door, there are technologies available to ensure doors are calibrated, properly sealed and produced with a high degree of efficiency or a substantially lower cost base.

Lastly, high-end upgradeable features like integrated fingerpulls, glass inserts and aluminum framing are just a few examples of easily available “extras” that would be exceptionally difficult or expensive for the average fabricator. On the other end of the spectrum, fabricators and designers in Europe are fully dedicated to identifying semifinished suppliers, products and solutions that complement each other in order to develop their own unique style and offering. Walking through the Eurocucina show in Milan, each brand has its own clearly identifiable design, theme and approach that is highly unique and succinct. The focus, emphasis and success of their brands rely on their understanding and ability to integrate partner’s technologies and solutions into their own catalogue of offerings.

This partnership can be easily compared to the operations of a high end restaurant. The chef is the fabricator and designer, selecting the right inputs to properly complement each other while considering the finer details to optimize the look, smell and taste of a dish. What the end consumer doesn’t consider is it’s the chef’s responsibility 62

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to align themselves with the right component manufacturers for the proper supplies: infused oils, aged meats or cheese, reliably fresh vegetables, etc. The finished dish is limited by the quality of the supplies; however, it’s only the chef who can envision how these pieces properly come together.

As the North American market continues to develop, there are partners who help us embrace this change. For example, let’s consider Conestoga Wood Specialties. CWS is a leader in custom component production. One of the largest suppliers of real wood doors in North America, Conestoga was also one of the early adopters and a pioneer in developing European decorative surface programs in North America offering custom sized five-piece shaker doors as well as a wide array of complimentary moldings and laminates, empowering us to deliver our clients European trends with a domestic build.

CWS has maintained a flexible position as an importer of raw goods to quickly and efficiently bring new trends to market, searching out the best global partners for North American fabricators.

To summarize, as new products and added complexity reach our market, there are new solutions to consider. The biggest challenge we come across is letting go of the need to produce fully in-house. We all have limitations whether it’s time, capital or skilled workers. The best restaurants have chefs with strong focus and supportive partners; these partnerships and collaboration are stepping stones to innovation and improvement as we drive to embrace further change. s&p

CONESTOGA WAS ONE OF THE EARLY ADOPTERS AND A PIONEER IN DEVELOPING EUROPEAN DECORATIVE SURFACE PROGRAMS IN NORTH AMERICA OFFERING CUSTOM SIZED FIVE-PIECE SHAKER DOORS AS WELL AS A WIDE ARRAY OF COMPLEMENTARY MOLDINGS AND LAMINATES.

Eco-Certified Composites are Among the Greenest on Earth.

Certified. Sustainable.

T R U S T E D . A U D I T E D . I N T E R N A T I O N A L LY R E C O G N I Z E D .

SUSTAINABLE TO THE CORE! Look for the Eco-Certified™ Composites (ECC) seal for assurance that composite panels, specifically particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), hardboard and engineered wood siding and trim have earned the strict ECC Sustainability Standard and Certification.

Composite panels that carry the ECC seal are manufactured in facilities that are certified to meet rigorous environmental requirements utilizing objective-based criteria and annual on-site audits. The standard specifies that three or more of the following requirements are verified:

The Composite Panel Association is committed to advancing and certifying the sustainability of industry products for residential, commercial and industrial uses. www.ECCproduct.org

■

Carbon Sink / Net Carbon Storage

■

Locally-Sourced Wood Fiber

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Recycled / Recovered Wood Fiber

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Over 97% of Wood Raw Material Utilized

■

Valid Wood Sourcing Certification

100% EPA & CARB COMPLIANT – 100% OF THE TIME! An ECC-certified facility must ensure that 100% of its production meets the EPA TSCA Title VI and California Air Resources Board (CARB) formaldehyde emissions requirements for 100% of its panels 100% of the time. ECC-certified mills are not permitted to sell products that exceed EPA and CARB emission requirements in any market, even if panels are sold in countries where these regulations do not apply.

TRUSTED STANDARD ECC is a voluntary industry standard developed by the Composite Panel Association (CPA) in 2011. With over 40 mills earning certification, auditors conduct on-site assessments to ensure facilities meet the standard’s strict criteria and verify compliance. CPA administers ECC as a third-party certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

LEED CREDITS Panels from ECC mills may help achieve LEED credits in eight material and resources (MR) categories and one environmental quality (EQ) category.

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STEPHANIE ORNELAS EDITOR SURFACE & PANEL MAGAZINE SORNELAS@525MEDIAGROUP.COM 714-486-2735

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O M T H E E I T O R

Walking through the offices of Bedford Falls Communications in

D

I’m excited to be focusing on decorative surfaces and the materials and technology behind them.

and how that’s only the beginning of the retail giant’s break into

Watertown, Wisconsin, the first thing I thought was how beautiful the

healthcare. What’s unique about the Walmart project are the mate-

interior was. It wasn’t until John Aufderhaar showed me the mate-

rials that made up the interior and how they cater specifically to the

rials that made up that office that I was really fascinated. Vibrant

healthcare environment. Its products like these that will shape and

colors and beautifully crafted surfaces adorned the entire office and

ultimately improve the healthcare industry.

his passion for the industry was apparent.

Like I said before, there’s a lot to learn about this industry.

As the editor for Building Products Digest, The Merchant mag-

Scott’s done an amazing job and I know I have some big shoes to

azine and Deck Specialist, I’m excited to be focusing on decora-

fill. I’m lucky to have a lot of people around me to get insight from

tive surfaces and the materials and technology behind it through

and I hope to get to know more of you at coming events. Gatherings

Surface & Panel magazine. These past few months working closely

like the Symposium and NBMDA’s annual convention are great ways

with John, Ryan, Scott, and the many companies that made up this

to see the people of our industry as a collective force. If you weren’t

year’s Surface Design Guide, I’ve seen how unique this industry really

able to go this year, be sure to check out all the coverage in this issue.

is and I know there’s still so much to learn. That’s why I was excited

And speaking of insight, if you haven’t gotten to John’s opinion

to be able to work on the Surface Design Guide. The products within

article yet (page 8), you may not have read that we’re launching a

these pages are not just practical and efficient, many of them are absolutely breathtaking, like designs from Chemetal (that you may have noticed on our cover), unique urban styles by Schattdecor, and Dackor’s attractive White Roam Marble.

This issue takes a close look at companies like Ironwood Manufacturing and Komponents Laminated—how they’re evolving with change in the industry and what’s in store for the future. While Komponents discusses big plans for 2020, Ironwood dives into trending topics around bathroom partitions, like its ideas to adapt to gender-neutral bathroom regulations.

We also take a look at Walmart’s new full-service health center

podcast! I was excited to be able to learn so much from John during my visit to Wisconsin. He has a lot to say about this industry, so having a podcast featuring him will serve as a great resource to you.

I can’t thank you enough for the support you show Surface & Panel, and I’m looking forward to learning more about all the aspects of this industry. I always welcome feedback and ideas so please feel free to reach out any time! May your holiday season be full of positive energy this year.

Here’s to 2020!

Stephanie Ornelas, Editor

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Designed to move you AVENTOS HK top

Introducing AVENTOS HK top by Blum, the first lift system to be installed in one easy motion. By requiring no measuring, we’ve elevated the lift system with easy installation and maintenance, allowing you to create spaces that give the performance of a lifetime. Visit blum.com/hktop to learn more.

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Arauco 770.350.1636 www.arauco-na.com

Arclin 877.689.9145 www.arclinTFL.com

Atlantic Plywood Corporation 1.800.360.3923 www.atlanticplywood.com

9

Bainbridge Manufacturing 509.745.9555 www.bainbridgemfg.com

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50

51

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Canon 800.842.4534 www.csa.canon.com

Cartiere di Guarcino 508.878.8881 www.cdgspa.com

Columbia Forest Products 800.637.1609 www.cfpwood.com

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Blum 704.827.1345 www.blum.com

Collins 800.329.1219 www.collinsco.com

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13/55

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Composite Panel Association 866.4Composites www.ECCproduct.org

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Daubert Chemical Company, Inc. 866.368.3983 www.daubertchemical.com

DVUV 216.741.5511 www.dvuv.com

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Franklin International 800.877.4583 www.franklinadhesivesandpolymers.com

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35

25

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Grass 336.996.4041 www.grassusa.com

Hexion 888.443.9466 www.hexion.com

Interglobal Forest 800.214.4551 www.interglobalforest.com

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Interprint, Inc. 413.443.4733 www.interprint.com

King Plastic 800.780.5502 www.kingplastic.com

Kings Mountain International 704.739.4227 www.kmiinc.net

Komo 800.255.5670 www.komo.com

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Leitz Tooling 800.253.6070 www.leitztooling.com Milesi +39 0384 2544.1 www.milesi.com Northern Contours 866.344.8132 www.northerncontours.com Olon 800.387.2319 www.olon.com Omnova Solutions 866.332.5226 www.omnova.com Panel Processing 800.433.7142 www.panel.com R&B Tool Supply 877.247.7320 www.rbtoolsupply.com Renolit +1.973.706.6912 www.renolit.com Riken 248.513.3511 www.riken-usa.com Roseburg 800.245.1115 www.roseburg.com Salice 800.222.9652 www.saliceamerica.com Smartech 704.362.1922 www.smartechonline.com Stiles Machinery, Inc. 616.698.7500 www.stilesmachinery.com Tafisa Canada 877.882.3472 www.tafisa.ca Toppan 770.957.6447 www.tia.toppan.com Uniboard 800.263.5240 www.uniboard.com Vortex 800.355.7708 www.vortextool.com Wagner Meters 888.266.8073 www.wagnermeters.com Wilsonart 800.433.3222 www.wilsonart.com/aligned-texture Woodgrain 888.264.7372 www.woodgrain.com

Resource ProDucts

Buttonfix Limited For hanging many different types of interior wall and ceiling panels or for furniture construction, Buttonfix concealed fasteners are an excellent choice. Installation is fast and accurate, with no visible fixings, and the panels can be removed or replaced without fuss. Made in the UK, Button-fix products have been thoroughly tested for strength and reliability and suit the most demanding applications.

M

AS TER BR

AND CABINET

IN S,

C.

The Sand Pro DL7236 sanding table Our most popular & complete downdraft table. The Sand Pro DL7236 sanding table is a dedicated sanding station as well as workbench.

The quieter DL7236 features a separate 110V circuit with 2-duplex receptacles, adjustable bench height, a grid-system top, 10.4 cubic feet of storage area, a powerful 1.5 HP motor, improved sound control, and easy filter servicing.

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ONP Modern Farmhouse collection

Polymarm luxury panels

Omega National Products manufactures an extensive array of wood range hood styles that are completely turn-key, including a steel liner and all hardware needed for its uniquely-simple hanging system.

Introducing Polymarm luxury panels at a value price that are lightweight, easy to fabricate, cut and install.

When cut, these panels create very little dust compared to cultured marble, stone or tile yet they are waterproof. These panels weigh in only at 64 lbs. making them easy to handle and transport. We currently offer 4 different patented designs that can be viewed at our website www.polymarm.com

The hood shown here is from our new Modern Farmhouse collection, that includes both tapered (shown) and straight mantel-style designs. All are available in many wood species.

ONP also offers ventilation systems for these wood hoods.

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OMEGANATIONALPRODUCTS.COM

SURFACE & PANEL • Q4 2019

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POLYLAC, through extensive testing, has proved MIRROR LIKE levels of glossiness and the highest level of scratch resistance on the market.

by • HIGH GLOSS PET WITH MIRROR LIKE FINISH • VERY SCRATCH, STAIN, HEAT, AND CHEMICAL RESISTANT • EASY TO MAINTAIN & CLEAN • CERTIFIED ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES • ECOLOGICAL MULTI-LAYERED PANEL • LIMITLESS DIGITAL, COLOR & PATTERN OPTIONS

Other Gizir Products:

SuperMatte Ultra High Gloss

*All products available FSC Certified & TSCA Title VI Certified

FIBRABEL MR NAF Light MDF MR50 Rating Moisture Resistant No Added Formaldehyde

FIBRALUX MR BLACK High Density MDF Moisture Resistant Colored throughout

FIBRABEL ULTRALIGHT Ultralight MDF 4x8 & 4x10

FIBRABEL FR Light MDF Class A Fire Rating

FIBRALUX MR FR NAF High Density MDF Class A Fire Rating Moisture Resistant No Added Formaldehyde

All Products Imported by:

Quality Wood Products from Around the World SEEKING DISTRIBUTORS NATIONWIDE

Contact us at info@interglobalforest.com | InterGlobalForest.com for more information