Read the latest issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine!

Over the years, the countertop industry has witnessed significant challenges and advancements driven by evolving consumer demand, technological innovations and environmental concerns. As we navigate past certain hurdles and face a fresh array of obstacles in the industry, we cannot rest on our laurels. In fact, this constant change in the market fuels our drive. Adversity that propels us to innovate, encouraging us to break free from the constraints of our current circumstances and envision the next remarkable breakthrough. 2023 is no exception.

We pore over hundreds of submissions on tools, materials and other innovative solutions for the decorative surfacing industry throughout the year. We are continually impressed by the developments in products and processes that support fabricators and their teams, and it’s incredible to watch new trends and opportunities unfold before us. In every corner of the industry, manufacturers and suppliers aim to improve how we do business.

Our annual Buyers’ Guide is meant to help fabricators find manufacturers and suppliers of the latest and greatest products to help them better serve their customers. ISFA and Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine are committed to keeping industry professionals up to speed on cutting-edge advancements, design trends and business strategies to help our members and readers make educated decisions — and above all — continue to succeed. Staying ahead of the game is paramount, so it’s best to keep asking yourself, “What will they think of next?”

CALLING ALL FABRICATORS: GET FEATURED IN ISFA'S MAGAZINE!

The editorial team at ISFA's quarterly magazine, Countertops & Architectural Surfaces, is now accepting submissions for 2023 ISFA Fabricator Profiles!

Open to any ISFA Fabricator member who has not been previously featured, the profile consists of a minimum four page spread in the magazine, which is available to readers in both print and digital formats.

The ISFA Fabricator profile is also shared in ISFA's newsletters with additional coverage on ISFAnow.org, SurfacesMagazine.com and social media channels.

Take advantage of this FREE publicity opportunity and elevate your successes by letting us share your story across the decorative surface industry. The process is easy and painless, we promise!

Not a member but interested in being profiled? Contact us to find out how you can get an ISFA membership!

ISFA Celebrates Successful Annual Conference in the Caribbean

Fabricators and other industry professionals explored growth opportunities during the ISFA Annual Conference October 16-19 on the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten. With nearly 70 in attendance, the event kicked off with a welcome reception and awards ceremony, which unveiled 10 recipients of the 2023 ISFA awards across nine categories.

ISFA President Austin Maxwell presents Brian Rocca, owner of Eastern Surfaces , with the 2023 Fabricator of the Year Award. Through the years, Eastern Surfaces has embodied the core principles of ISFA: an adherence to strict standards of excellence, the pursuit of cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to ongoing innovation.

Mike Langenderfer, owner of The Countertop Shop , is inducted into the ISFA Hall of Fame at the 2023 Annual Conference. Mike has been a terrific asset to the association and the industry for more than 25 years.

Victoria Waterman, Heather Ricciardi, Brian Ricciardi and Mark Bulman of Ricciardi Marble & Granite are all smiles at the 2023 ISFA Annual Conference.

Chuck and Melinda Russo of BACA Systems mingle with Chris and Melynda Sturdevant of Adobe Walls Stoneworks at the 2023 ISFA Annual Conference welcome reception.

Educational sessions were held in subsequent days, including a presentation by Rich Hubner, safety practice lead for BSI, about driving successful change in safety culture, a topic that attendees were passionate about amidst the growing concern around the dangers of silica. A Q&A discussion followed, during which fabricators shared ideas and strategies for building a strong company culture. Additional panel discussions focused on optimizing software and technology to improve productivity, and implementing new equipment and other systems that streamline processes and increase efficiency.

About 70 fabricators gathered in Sint Maarten for the ISFA Annual Conference, which included a mix of educational sessions and leisure time.

Susan Rayer of Trinseo (formerly Aristech Surfaces) presents the latest Avonite Solid Surface offerings to fabricator attendees at the 2023 ISFA Annual Conference.

Pool Party at the ISFA Annual Conference

“This was my first time attending the ISFA Annual Conference,” said Chris Sturdevant of Adobe Walls Stoneworks. “It was a terrific event. I met a lot of great people who understand my business. The programming was designed to help owners and managers like me troubleshoot, find ways to improve and keep growing. The safety presentation helped clarify hazard versus risk while gaining a better understanding of what steps need to be taken to stay OSHA compliant.”

Attendees enjoyed leisure time to explore the island and take advantage of the resort’s amenities, including a private pool party. Located close to Casino Royale and the famous Maho Beach, the resort was an idyllic place to bask in the sun on a white sand beach, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, play a round of golf, tour a nearby distillery and more.

“This year’s annual conference was a huge success,” said Austin Maxwell, ISFA president. “The educational sessions were so informative, and I’m always impressed by what comes out of these discussions. It’s amazing to see our fabricator members and associate members come together to help each other strengthen businesses and further the industry. That’s the heart of ISFA.”

Stay tuned to ISFAnow.org for a full recap of the 2023 ISFA Award winners.

The recession is on everyone’s minds:

Will we have one, or won’t we?
How long will it last?
Will we have a soft landing or a hard one?

In uncertain times like these, it is more imperative than ever before to leverage data to run your business.

Join us as we talk with Tim Saddoris, president of Grand Onyx, to learn how you can use data to help you navigate the challenges presented by this economy.  Tim has a couple of specific case studies he presents that show how using data has impacted fabricators.  We will also talk through some of the challenges in tracking and using data.

If you are struggling with adapting to the challenges presented by these uncertain economic times, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Park Industries Launches New TITAN 4000 Series

Park Industries has announced the next generation to their TITAN CNC Router product line, the TITAN 4000 series. Officially unveiled at ParkFest 2023 on October 4th, the new series consists of two new models – the TITAN 4700 and TITAN 4800.

Park Industries highlights faster speeds, multilingual controls, a 25% smaller footprint, and operator-friendly upgrades as some of the key improvements with the new CNC router series.

Major benefits of the TITAN 4000 CNC Router series include:

Swift rapids speeds and high-speed tooling optimization for high-production
Install-ready parts with 90% less labor
Largest work area in the industry

The TITAN, first introduced to the stone industry in 2007, has been the leader of CNC routers in North America, with well over 1000 machines currently in production.

“We are excited to bring this legendary machine to the next level with the TITAN 4000 series," said Jeff Evans, product manager for Park Industries. "The new TITANs include a powerful combination of size, speed, accuracy, and operational ease. Designed directly from the voices and feedback of fabricators, the 4000 series has nice new operator-friendly features. We look forward to sharing our best TITAN yet with the industry.”

IPSA Partners with Doyle Farris to Distribute Ninja Adhesives

IPS Adhesives (IPSA), a global manufacturer of structural and surfacing adhesive products, today announced a new collaboration with Doyle Farris to distribute Ninja Adhesives to surfacing fabricators in North America.

This new collaboration between IPS Adhesives and Doyle Farris will bring the benefit of a streamlined distribution process and accelerated two-day lead times of Ninja Glue to fabricators across the United States. It will enhance the accessibility of Ninja Glue for customers through large market distribution.

“I am excited that this partnership will bring IPSA to the front line of fabricators and help them create a better end-product for their customers,” said Scott McDowell, IPSA president.

"The mix of standard and customized colors, along with ease of availability through a new agreed operational model is what our customers have been asking for," added Eddie Kallman from Doyle Farris.

Doyle Farris is the manufacturer and distributor of Bellavati acrylic Solid Surface sheet materials, solid surface sinks and lavatories. It is partnering with Lotte Staron to bring the Staron solid surface brand to a broader audience across the U.S. market. It is now the official distributor for Staron solid surface coast to coast.

Ninja Glue uses methyl methacrylate and hybrid technology to bond solid surface, natural stone, granite, porcelain and much more. Ninja Glue is ideal for Bellavati and Lotte Staron solid surfaces, offering exact color matches to their wide range of designs, ensuring a seamless finish to surfaces for healthcare, wall cladding, columns, food applications and various other design elements.

Visit www.ipsadhesives.com for details.

Calling All Fabricators! Stone Fabricator Elite, the industry's leading sales improvement agency, is seeking five stone fabrication companies interested in a group program that offers hands-on training and support to enhance their sales quickly.

Participants will gain access to insider knowledge, systems, and proven sales playbooks that many of the country's top countertop companies use to take control of their sales.

Registration Closes: November 27th, 2023
Program Start Date: December 1st, 2023
Exclusive Discount for ISFA Members: Use Code ISFA6WP and get $500 OFF your registration!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

SolidSurface.com Helps Fabricators Source Hard-To-Find Designs

Fabricators, are you looking for a discontinued design? SolidSurface.com is here to help! By using the filter tools on its website to select Overstock, you can view both full and partial sheets that are currently available. This inventory is being constantly updated as materials are regularly acquired.

SolidSurface.com is an online marketplace with the largest selection of solid surface material. Featuring both Corian and Wilsonart Outlets, industry professionals can find significant cost savings in the often-hard-to-find discontinued and overstock full and partial sheet material. Powerful search tools allow filtering by brand, color, pattern, size and price.

In addition to sheet material, you'll find a selection of accessories including color-matched adhesives, tooling and sinks.

SolidSurface.com is extending a Warehouse Special Price List to ISFA Fabricators only. Contact paul@solidsurface.com for your price list today.

Mark Your Calendar

Attention Fabricators and Installers: C.Next 2024 Registration Is Now Open

Enjoy insightful programming with top industry minds and get a ﬁrst look at Cosentino’s latest innovations while enjoying fun activities under the Mexican sun.

C.Next Fabricators & Installers will be unlike any before. For the first time, Los Cabos will be the site of this influential experience, gathering hundreds of fabrication and installation companies with leading stone, design and remodeling associations.

Learn from the best in the business with our insightful programming featuring insightful sessions, dynamic panels and more.

C.Next 2024 is happening January 30 - February 3, 2024.