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Sneak Peek: The New Issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Magazine Encourages Fabricators to Innovate, Integrate & Inspire
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In the fast-paced world of surface fabrication, where machines hum rhythmically and precision is paramount, it's easy to become entranced by the sheer efficiency and power of technology and machinery — one cornerstone of this issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces. Yet, amidst the whir of automated processes, we can't overlook the importance of nurturing the human element. As much as machines drive productivity, the ingenuity, skill and well-being of our people ultimately determine success.
Humans are the heartbeat of innovation; without them, none of the products or the tools we use would exist in the first place. From designing more efficient production processes to innovating sustainable materials, it’s human ingenuity that leads to these breakthroughs. And even though there are tools and programs to monitor your machines' performance, a person ultimately stands at the controls. Therefore, neglecting our workers' development and well-being stifles the innovation engine that propels us forward.
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In this issue, we cover:
- Do You Have Unused Production Capacity? Ed Young of Fabricator’s Business Coach explains how you can gain control of the reigns (page 14).
- Troubleshooting Machinery Made Easy: Follow These Four Steps to Improve Production Efficiency (page16).
- The Next Generation of Sharp Machinery: Innovations in heavy machinery that can keep your shop on the cutting edge (page 18).
- ISFA Fabricator Profile: Eastern Surfaces. With a remarkable legacy spanning more than four decades in the surfacing industry, Eastern Surfaces has left an indelible mark on the hearts of thousands of satisfied customers in and around Allentown, Pennsylvania. Their commitment to excellence shines through each project, elevating spaces and enhancing the lives of those they serve (page 28).
- How to Turn ‘Kids These Days’ into Top-Performing Teams: Employee underperformance may but be your fault, but it is your responsibility (page 34).
Discover how you can innovate, integrate and inspire your way to new levels of success in this issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, coming to a mailbox near you at the end of the month!
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Registration Now Open for California Fabricator Forum |
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The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) is hosting a series of Fabricator Forums in 2024, the first of which was held April 10-11 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The next event will be held June 11-13 in Sacramento, California. Registration is now open.
Sponsored by Cosentino, FreePower and Park Industries, the Sacramento Fabricator Forum kicks off at Cosentino Center, where attendees will have a peer-to-peer discussion regarding recent changes to California’s silica safety regulations. Attendees can also get a tour of the facility, which is designed to support, promote and educate trade professionals by combining exhibition areas, workspaces and classrooms for continuing education. A welcome reception will follow.
On subsequent days, the event will include presentations and roundtable discussions about:
- Cal/OSHA’s ETS for silica and California’s AB3043, a bill that prohibits using dry methods and requires licensure, among other things.
- Understanding the lifecycle of a project: a panel discussion with architects, designers and fabricators.
- Using artificial intelligence to tap into growth opportunities.
- The power of upselling: carving out new lines of revenue.
ISFA will also take the show on the road for two fabricator shop tours, during which they’ll have an OSHA overview designed to identify common oversights and live demonstrations featuring FreePower’s award-winning wireless charging solution for countertops and repair techniques for sintered materials, including Dekton. Fabricators can get a firsthand look at what makes these shops so successful and discover ways to improve their upselling game with sessions curated to expand their horizons and arm them with powerful solutions that meet their customers’ needs.
“We first learned about silica at an ISFA event nearly ten years ago,” said Troy Page of Ellis Page Company. “The silica presentation and overview included some updates that helped me identify some places we might have exposure. I recommend these fabricator forums; there were so many great takeaways at the Charlotte event.”
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"The Charlotte Fabricator Forum was a huge success,” said Marissa Bankert, executive director of ISFA. “The content is curated to help fabricators improve their businesses in multiple ways, including actionable insights they can use immediately. And with concerns about silica on the rise — especially in California — we’re looking forward to educating fabricators about developing regulations and helping them break down barriers to compliance. Silica safety is worker safety, and ISFA is here to help all fabricators learn about the issue and develop a plan of action.”
ISFA Fabricator Forums are open to all fabricators, including |
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nonmembers, and registration starts at $300. 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.
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Behind the Surface: ISFA's Podcast is Back and Better Than Ever |
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Behind the Surface is the ultimate podcast for fabricators! From mastering the latest tools and materials to navigating business challenges and enhancing your creative process, ISFA's podcast covers it all. Tune in for insightful interviews with industry leaders, expert roundtable discussions and actionable insights designed to empower fabricators at every level.
In the latest episode:
ISFA Executive Director Marissa Bankert is joined by Nate Kolinski, president of Block Tops in California, and Jeff “Corky” Cartwright from
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Planet Granite in Colorado to discuss what’s been deemed a silicosis crisis in our industry. They will delve into:
- All eyes on engineered stone: bans, regulations and the dangers of respirable crystalline silica.
- A brief history of silica safety standards in the United States.
- How fabricators comply with federal and state guidelines.
- California’s Emergency Temporary Standard: challenges fabricators are facing.
- Common misconceptions within the industry.
Listen in to hear firsthand accounts of how fabrication shops are navigating silica safety regulations and OSHA compliance at a time when government agencies are elevating concerns around the dangers of respirable crystalline silica.
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Park Industries' Digital Stoneworking Expo Event Heads East This June |
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Park Industries invites countertop fabricators to join them in Washington D.C. on Thursday, June 27, for their Digital Stoneworking Expo (DSE). Attendees will tour a fully digital shop, watch live CNC machine demos, hear from guest fabricators speakers and learn about growing their business on a variety of topics.
The fabricator host of the DSE is Richstone Surfaces, located in Chantilly, Virginia. They are celebrating the grand opening of their new 25,000 square foot facility this May. Richstone Surfaces proudly owns the first production JAVELIN CNC Sawjet. DSE attendees will enjoy an extensive tour of Richstone’s state-of-the-art facility and witness the JAVELIN in live production.
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Featured Fabricators:
- Sofia Dolan & Steven Bates, Richstone Surfaces (VA)
- Tarek Merhebi, The Granite & Marble Depot (IL)
Event Highlights:
- Tour Richstone Surfaces and see the JAVELIN in production
- Educational talks by experienced fabricators
- Interactive breakout sessions
- NSI silica & slab safety certification
- Engaging roundtable Q&As
"We've been organizing Digital Stoneworking Expos nationwide for more than 15 years," says Meagan Hegland, national sales director at Park Industries. "We're thrilled to bring this educational and networking event to the vibrant East Coast fabricator community, showcasing an exciting shop and advancing digital fabrication knowledge."
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Cambria Opens New Showroom & Distribution Center in Washington, D.C. |
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Cambria announced the grand opening of its latest sales and distribution center in the Washington, D.C. area. Located at 11975 Lexington Valley Drive, Manassas, Va., this state-of-the-art facility spans 25,000 square feet, serving as a centralized hub for Cambria customers across the Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Northern Virginia metro areas, as well as Loudoun and Prince William County.
At the new location, customers can access the brand’s premium quartz surface portfolio, with a showroom offering an extensive selection of styles
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and colors including Cambria's three newest designs launched May 1. The showroom is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with weekend appointments available upon request.
“This new facility reflects our continued commitment to meeting the needs of our valued customers and partners," said Arik Tendler, chief sales officer. "By investing in the Washington, D.C. area, we are not only providing convenient access to our premium products but also supporting the vibrant design community in the region."
Positioned to become the go-to choice for designers, fabricators and architects nearby, the new showroom serves as a valuable resource, offering event and meeting spaces for professional use.
With this addition, Cambria now has over 30 showrooms and galleries across the United States.
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SolidSurface.com Launches Custom Vanity Top Configurator |
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SolidSurface.com, in partnership with Quote Countertops, has launched their Custom Vanity Top Configurator experience for customers. This online tool will help ease the process visually for customers, starting with their choice of design colors in both Corian and HIMACS solid surface. From the choice of design, the customer can then choose edge and backsplash options, sink design and layout — all along the way through the process, visually create a custom vanity top.
SolidSurface.com, is an online marketplace where all major manufacturers of solid surface material can be found and viewed, with focus offerings on Corian, HIMACS and Wilsonart outlets.
The website filtering tools allows visitors to refine the viewing page to their own desired design preferences.
SolidSurface.com is also host to ProFinder, a resource tool for specifiers to locate local professional certified ISFA fabricators in their area.
Learn more at SolidSurface.com.
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Next session: June 4-5, 2024 | McSherrystown, Pa.
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.
The next Solid Surface Fabrication Training Session is almost sold out!
Only a few spots remain for what will be a mind-bending opportunity to learn the basics and get hands-on with THERMOFORMING.
Yes, that's right! This session includes an extended lesson on thermoforming solid surface. Attendees will get firsthand experience and learn how to create one-of-a-kind designs and unique applications.
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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Explore integrated solutions that make manufacturing more efficient at ZOLLER Inc.'s 2024 Open House and Technology Days.
This two-day event June 12 and 13, 2024, at the company's North American headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will highlight real customers who have leveraged ZOLLER technology to optimize their manufacturing processes and boost profits.
"At ZOLLER, everything revolves around the customer," said ZOLLER Inc. President Alexander Zoller. "From our product development and sales process to our service model, we prioritize customer experience at every level. Events like our Open House and Technology Days celebrate the success companies achieve with ZOLLER and showcase how attainable those results are for shops of every size."
Guest speakers include Tom Bassett II, owner of ProCam Services LLC in Zeeland, Michigan. Bassett will share how incorporating the ZOLLER »smile 420« tool presetter into the machine shop's workflow generated an additional $1 million in sales over two years. Daniel Skwierczynski, manufacturing engineer at ERA Industries, will speak on why partnering with ZOLLER improved production efficiency for the contract manufacturer in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
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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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