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A NEW ISSUE OF COUNTERTOPS & ARCHITECTURAL SURFACES IS OUT NOW! |
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The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with the idea that the only constant in life is change. Only fragments of his writings are on record, one in which he says, “Life is flux.” Other philosophers have quoted him saying something along the lines of: everything changes, and nothing remains still; you cannot step into the same stream twice. Heraclitus lived about 2500 years ago, by the way, so this is certainly not a new concept. Yet, many of us are surprised or derailed by change when, in fact, we should always expect it. What “it” is — well, that is just a matter of detail.
Over the years, the countertop has gone through a remarkable evolution, transcending beyond its utilitarian roots to become a centerpiece of expression in homes and public spaces. Gone are the days when countertops were mere functional surfaces; today, they serve as focal points that seamlessly blend style with substance. Change is not a threat but a powerful force propelling us toward new horizons. And that's just one example.
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In this issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces, we cover:
- A Fabricator’s Guide for Annual Planning, including a month-to-month tool that forecasts your sales and helps you think through what staff changes you need to make as your sales change.
- Safety First: Growing concerns about respirable crystalline silica dust in fabrication shops spur additional regulations. Learn what you can do to put safety first in your shop.
- Stone Fabrication in the Age of the Great Retirement: Baby Boomers are calling it a career in record numbers. Over the next decade, there will be some 3.4 million open positions in manufacturing and fabrication but only 1.3 million workers to fill those spots. Learn what you can do to help offset ongoing labor shortages.
- The Integration of smart features, like embedded wireless charging stations and touch-sensitive faucets, transform countertops into interactive hubs within the modern home.
- Thirteen material manufacturers creating impressive designs including quartz, sintered stone and porcelain, offering durability, versatility and a spectrum of design possibilities.
- ISFA Fabricator Profile: Tower Industries, a manufacturer and fabricator in Ohio that embraced solid surface in the 90s and continues to find terrific success with the material today.
Because, in fact, the only constant is change, and when you apply a forward-thinking mindset, it’s an opportunity for growth. Find the inspiration you need to rise to the challenge in this issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces!
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A Fabricator's Guide for Annual Planning
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As you consider what the rest of 2024 may have in store, you may have questions like:
I think I need to add an install crew. Will I have the revenue to sustain the overhead?
I want to start a marketing campaign, but can I afford it?
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If I add a salesperson, when will I need to add that new templater?
I know we need more employees as we grow, but it will increase my cost. Can I afford them?
A great aid in answering these questions is to put together a month-to-month plan that not only forecasts your sales but also helps you think through what staff changes you need to make as your sales change. For this exercise, let’s assume an increase in sales in 2024. If you expect the opposite, the same logic applies but in reverse.
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Stone Fabrication in the Age of the Great Retirement:
Adapt or Be Left Behind
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By Tim Saddoris, Grand Onyx
We’ve all seen Help Wanted signs popping up everywhere. For years now, we’ve had trouble finding enough people. Unfortunately, it’s likely to get even more challenging due to the significant number of people retiring.
Baby Boomers have hit retirement age, and they’re calling it a career in record numbers. Pre-pandemic, about 3 million Boomers retired annually. Post-pandemic? That number hit 29 million a year. By 2030, some 75 million are projected to retire from the workforce.
Forget about the Great Resignation. It’s about the Great Retirement.
The numbers are even worse when it comes to skilled trades.
Younger people aren’t seeking trades at similar rates as in the past.
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Everyone told these kids to go to college! Applications at technical schools are down nearly 50% from 2020. Fewer than 9% of workers under 24 years old are entering the trades. In the construction and contracting business, almost a million jobs are going unfilled. About 85% of companies looking for skilled labor have open positions, and nearly nine in 10 say they are having difficulty filling them.
Over the next decade, it’s estimated that there will be some 3.4 million open positions in manufacturing and fabrication. Yet, there will be only 1.3 million workers to fill those spots. Labor shortages will grow larger and get more expensive.
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This isn’t a normal workforce transition. It’s changing the way businesses have to operate. If you’re not preparing for this next phase, you’ll be in for a shock.
READ ON ...
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From quartz to the ever-growing popularity of porcelain, here’s what’s on trend in 2024.
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By Sarah Peiper
Create new experiences with Cosentino’s Dekton Ukiyo, a reinterpretation of textures into geometric patterns that unveil new vertical application possibilities.
Ukiyo is available in a variety of Dekton colorways, thicknesses and fluting options to create imposing vertical universes endowed with linearity and depth. Cosentino partnered with renowned interior designer Claudia Afshar to create color-filled structured patterns that offer a sensory experience. Ukiyo is available in six colors, from dark grays to terra cotta.
SEE ALL THE NEW MATERIALS ...
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International Surface Fabricators Association Revamps Regional Events, Enhances Programming |
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Formerly known as Industry Roundtables, Fabricator Forums are two-day regional events designed to create educational and networking opportunities for members to find the information and resources they need to overcome business challenges and build meaningful relationships.
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The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) will host a series of Fabricator Forums in 2024, the first of which will be held April 10-11 in Charlotte, North Carolina. These two-day regional events, formerly known as Industry Roundtables, include expert-led presentations, peer-to-peer discussions and facility tours. Topics include silica safety, fabrication techniques and tooling for porcelain and other sintered materials, using artificial intelligence to tap into growth opportunities, employee engagement and company culture, and other business best practices.
Sponsored by Cosentino, the Charlotte Fabricator Forum kicks off at the company’s showroom. Attendees will tour the facility, which is designed to support, promote and educate trade professionals by combining exhibition areas, workspaces and classrooms for continuing education. The forum's first day will include four presentations with discussions to follow each.
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On the second day, ISFA will take the show on the road for two fabricator shop tours, including The Art of Stone, for a mock OSHA inspection designed to identify common oversights and maintain compliance, and Harkey Tile & Stone, a family-owned company serving the area for more than 80 years.
ISFA Fabricator Forums are open to all fabricators, including nonmembers. Registration includes all programming and meals listed on the agenda. Space is limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their spot as soon as possible.
Additional events with similar formats are planned for June in San Francisco and September in St. Louis.
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Innovative Programs Announced for Coverings 2024 |
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Coverings, the largest and preeminent international tile and stone exhibition and conference in North America, has released a comprehensive roster of both popular and new onsite programming for Coverings 2024, which will take place April 22-25, 2024, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The renowned, four-day industry event will deliver breathtaking global tile displays, invaluable industry insights and engaging networking opportunities through an unmatched lineup of special programming and show floor features stretching nine miles of tile and global exhibit space.
Coverings 2024 will unite thousands of architects, designers, contractors, distributors and other industry professionals for an immersive experience of ceramic tile and natural stone.
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Onsite activities, live demonstrations, show floor tours and interactive programs have been organized to provide hands-on experiences and real-time solutions for all applicable industry segments. Attendees will be able to explore numerous global pavilions hosted by leading tile associations and product manufacturers from 40 countries where they can source the latest, most advanced tile, stone, equipment, machinery and other resources.
The Fabricator Stage (Hall C, Booth 6209) is returning for its second appearance at Coverings after being a smashing success at Coverings 2023. This distinguished stage will supply another year of insights from experts in the stone and fabrication industry through short and engaging presentations and demonstrations. Programming offered in collaboration with three esteemed partners of Coverings 2024, International Surface Fabricators Association, National Stone Institute and Rockheads Group, will concentrate on pertinent topics tailored for tile and stone fabricators. These sessions aim to equip attendees with the essential insights and advanced concepts necessary for progressing their businesses and successfully executing upcoming projects. New for 2024, at the end of each day, the stage will host happy hours and education, offering fabricators an opportunity to network and learn.
The Stone Fabricator’s Alliance (SFA) is bringing its popular SFA Cage (Hall C, Booth 6161) back for Coverings 2024. This is the ideal place for fabricators and other stone and tile professionals to gather, network and learn new fabrication techniques. The SFA Cage will feature daily demonstrations on a variety of topics, including how to work with and fabricate gauged porcelain panels that continue to grow in popularity.
Industry professionals can register to attend Coverings 2024 at no cost and gather further information about this year’s show floor exhibits, product displays, lounges, stages, tours, educational sessions and other special programming by visiting the Coverings website.
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SolidSurface.com Partners with Industry Leader LX Hausys |
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In 2024, SolidSurface.com is expanding its partnership with LX Hausys. In addition to its current offerings of HIMACS, the retailer is proud to be a direct source of VIATERA Quartz Surfaces. With access to both HIMACS and VIATERA current and discontinued designs, SolidSurface.com is now a one-stop shop for LX Hausys surfacing materials.
SolidSurface.com is an online marketplace with the largest selection of solid surface material and now Viatera quartz surfaces. Industry professionals have access to full lines of in-production colors and they'll find significant cost savings in the often-hard-to-find discontinued and overstock full sheet and slab material.
Sales of quartz material is only available to qualified professionals, so please contact sales@solidsurface.com for more information.
In addition to sheet material, the site offers a selection of accessories including adhesives, tooling and sinks including new HIMACS sinks.
Learn more at SolidSurface.com.
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Total Stone Solutions Unveils Cutting-Edge Machinery for Surface Fabrication Industry |
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Total Stone Solutions marked its inaugural presence at TISE 2024 with a showcase of revolutionary products set to redefine surface fabrication. Total Stone Solutions is spearheaded by industry veteran Nick Wadenstorer, who has two decades of expertise, including leadership roles at Marmo Meccanica and BACA Systems.
Visitors at TISE witnessed firsthand the unveiling of Helios Automation CNC machines, Mettreel workstation cranes, advanced water systems, and state-of-the-art polishing systems. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Total Stone Solutions aims to empower stone fabricators with cutting-edge technologies, optimizing efficiency and a focus on minimizing labor costs.
If you didn’t get a chance to see Total Stone Solutions at TISE, contact them for live demonstrations and exclusive insights into the next generation of industry-leading solutions.
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Daltile Introduces Five New Additions to ONE Quartz Surfaces Collection |
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This latest lineup seamlessly blends the natural allure of quartz with state-of-the-art technology, resulting in ultra-durable surfaces that exude luxurious charm while requiring minimal upkeep. Among these additions, three captivating visuals join the Marble Look Collection, while the other two enrich the Stone Look Collection.
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Colors from left to right: Monument White, Black Canyon, Acadia Black.
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With Daltile's versatile color range, you have the freedom to create spaces that resonate with your clients' individuality. From soothing neutrals reminiscent of sandy beaches to rich, deep hues evoking the warmth of the forest, each color option has been thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with any design. Whether you're envisioning a sleek and modern kitchen, a cozy and inviting living room, or a luxurious spa-inspired bathroom, our ONE Quartz Surfaces offer the perfect palette to bring your vision to life.
Embodying the perfect fusion of form and function, ONE Quartz Surfaces stands as a testament to modern elegance, embodying the essence of luxurious living with ease and grace.
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Neolith Appoints Daniel Sánchez as CEO of Neolith North America and Latin America |
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Neolith, the global leader in sintered stone, announced that Daniel Sánchez was recently appointed CEO of Neolith North America and Latin America. A Neolith veteran of fifteen years, Sánchez previously served as chief commercial executive and vice president for Neolith in Europe. He recently relocated to Miami just miles away from Neolith’s Pembroke Pines Distribution Center.
“Daniel has been a valued member of the Neolith team for many years,” said Jesús Ayarza, CEO of Neolith Group. “His experience and leadership have been an integral part of Neolith’s success around the world and in the U.S. We are confident that his leadership will enable the company to continue our expansion in the American regions and globally.”
Before joining Neolith in 2009, Daniel Sánchez’s professional experience centered around the construction sector, where he specialized in natural stone. Previously, he managed his own trading company, which specialized in managing granite quarries around the world. Additionally, he served as export and domestic area sales director at a natural stone company.
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ISFA is pleased to announce a webinar series brought to you by your friends at Corian Solid Surface.
BENEATH THE SURFACE is a live 3-part webinar series that will include various fabrication techniques for solid surface. Join Corian Fabrication Specialist Jeffrey Hutchins who will present tips, tricks and best practices for solid surface fabrication.
Part three of this webinar series will be on March 20 at 1 PM ET.
This webinar will cover Interior Cladding. See a live wall installation demonstration and learn the basics of vertical cladding with Corian Solid Surface.
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Next event: March 26-27, 2024 | San Antonio, Texas
This ISFA Certified Professional Solid Surface Fabrication Training program is the gold standard course for fabricating solid surface. The program is recognized by all major manufacturers and their network of certified fabricator partners.
This hands-on, two-day session provides attendees with the skills and knowledge in all facets of the fabrication process, including layout, templating, seaming, support, sanding, edges, cutouts, backsplashes, thermoforming, finishing and installation. Participants will complete a vanity application which includes an integral bowl sink, built-up edge profile, edge inlay and examples of coved as well as set-on style backsplash.
If you're in millwork looking to diversify your offerings or an existing fabrication shop that needs to train new hires, ISFA has you covered.
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Planning your next industry event or fundraiser? Let us know and we'll help you get the word out! |
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