Congratulations to the 2023 ISFA Award Winners!

We're pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 ISFA Awards. The program honors excellence in application design, fabrication and installation of projects using manufactured surfacing materials. Projects submitted must employ the designated surfacing material and meet the ISFA minimum standards for the material. In addition, the project must exemplify excellence in all methods of the fabrication process, including safety, training and the use of technology.

An independent panel of industry professionals selected the winners for the seven project-based awards. The Fabricator of the Year and the ISFA Hall of Fame submissions were narrowed to finalists and a vote from the membership determined winners, which were announced at the 2023 ISFA Annual Conference.

Fabricator of the Year: Eastern Surfaces, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

With a remarkable legacy spanning more than four decades in the natural stone and solid surface industries, Eastern Surfaces has left an indelible mark on the hearts of thousands of satisfied customers in and around Allentown, Pennsylvania. Eastern Surfaces believes that every countertop they create is an exquisite work of art that deserves the utmost attention to detail and precision. Their commitment to excellence shines through each project, elevating spaces and enhancing the lives of those they serve. Their dedication to their craft extends beyond aesthetics; a commitment to quality, reliability, and a customer-centric approach has earned them the admiration of their clientele. 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.

SEE ALL THE WINNERS

ISFA Celebrates Another Successful Annual Conference

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.

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.

“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.”

After lunch, 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. There are so many valuable takeaways, and 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.”

 ISFA would like to thank the sponsors of this year’s event: Dal-Tile, Aristech Surfaces, BB Industries, Caesarstone, Cosentino, Durasein, 
Infinity Surfaces, Integra Adhesives, Laser Products Industries, LX Hausys,
Kohler and Park Industries. These companies, together with ISFA, are dedicated to the success of surface fabricators everywhere.

 The Best of the Best: View the 2023-2024 Buyers' Guide

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?”

READ THE BUYERS' GUIDE

OUT NOW: Read the Latest Issue of ISFA's Magazine

The International Surface Fabricators Association releases a quarterly magazine in support of the decorative surfacing industry. Find out all the latest news, educational opportunities, material trends and business developments that elevate and perpetuate the industry.

In this issue, we're encouraging readers to make an impact by embracing sustainable products and processes that support a safer and stronger future.

From financial solutions that unlock growth opportunities (page 22) to strategies that build strong relationships with your best customers (page 24) to eco-friendly products for your shop (page 28) and a fabricator in Michigan that thrives on technology, streamlined processes and superior customer service (page 44), this issue is packed with valuable insights that drive success.

CHECK IT OUT

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 in October, 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 rapid 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.

LEARN MORE

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.

REGISTER NOW

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.

Department of Labor Announces Enforcement, Compliance Initiative To Protect Workers from Silica Exposure in Engineered Stone Fabrication

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched a new initiative focused on enhancing enforcement and providing compliance assistance to protect workers in the engineered stone fabrication and installation industries.

“Many workers in the engineering stone industry are experiencing illnesses so severe that they’re unable to breathe — much less work a full shift — because of their exposure to silica dust,” explained Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “Among them is a 27-year-old worker in California who went to an emergency room with shortness of breath in 2022 and whose lung biopsy later revealed he had silicosis. Since then, he has been on an oxygen tank and unable to support his wife and three young children financially.”

stone cutting silicosis crystalline silicaSupplementing OSHA’s current National Emphasis Program for Respirable Crystalline Silica, this initiative will focus enforcement efforts on industry employers to make sure they’re following required safety standards and providing workers with the protections required to keep them healthy. It establishes procedures for prioritizing federal OSHA inspections to identify and ensure prompt abatement of hazards in covered industries where workers face exposure to high levels of silica dust.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CRYSTALLINE SILICA