What Is the American Countertop Manufacturers Council (ACMC)

For purposes of the American Countertop Manufacturers Council (ACMC), a countertop manufacturer is any business that fabricates, finishes, processes, or assembles countertop surfaces for residential, commercial, industrial, or specialty applications.

This includes companies working with any countertop material, including but not limited to:

• Natural stone (granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, slate, limestone, travertine)
• Engineered and composite materials (engineered stone/quartz, terrazzo, solid surface, recycled glass composites)
• Porcelain and sintered slabs
• Wood products (butcher block, bamboo, reclaimed wood)
• Metal surfaces (stainless steel, copper, zinc)
• Concrete and cementitious materials
• Laminate and paper composites
• Recycled and sustainable materials
• Emerging or innovative countertop materials
  
  

A countertop manufacturer may operate a fabrication shop, finishing facility, or processing operation and may work independently or in coordination with installers, designers, builders, or suppliers. The definition is material-neutral and reflects the full diversity of fabrication practices across the United States.

This inclusive definition ensures that all businesses responsible for the manufacturing and fabrication of countertop surfaces have a clear, documented pathway to participate in the ACMC Issue Register and consensus process.

The ACMC Issue Register is a centralized, secure system where issues impacting countertop manufacturers are formally submitted, recorded, and tracked.

Any countertop manufacturer—whether they are a member of the ACMC—may submit an issue for consideration. Each submission is logged into a public-facing register that serves as the industry’s single source of truth for: 

• Issues raised by manufacturers
• Supporting data and documentation
• Industry comments and feedback
• Council deliberations and votes
• Final consensus outcomes

The Issue Register ensures transparency, accountability, and permanent documentation of how industry positions are developed.

CLICK HERE TO REPORT YOUR ISSUE

Once an issue is submitted through the ACMC Issue Register, it follows a defined, consensus-based process:

1. Issue Review & Documentation
   The issue is reviewed for scope, clarity, and compliance with ACMC policies and procedures. Supporting information is documented using a standardized format focused on facts and verifiable observations.
2. Open Industry Comment Period
   The issue is made available for public industry comment. All countertop manufacturers may submit input, regardless of ACMC membership status.
3. Council Deliberation
   ACMC members review the issue, industry feedback, and supporting documentation during a scheduled meetings conducted under strict antitrust and legal safeguards.
4. Consensus Vote
   Council members vote on the issue. Adoption of a formal ACMC position requires a two-thirds (2/3) supermajority. Any negative votes must include written rationale and are formally addressed in the final record.
5. Publication of Outcome
   The final consensus position—along with documentation of the process, comments, and vote—is archived and published as part of the ACMC’s permanent record and included in official ACMC reports.
6. Ongoing Reference & Appeals
   All decisions remain archived for future reference. If due process concerns arise, a formal appeals process is available to ensure fairness and integrity.

The ACMC provides the countertop manufacturing industry with:

• A single, authoritative voice grounded in documented consensus
• A defensible process aligned with recognized standards for due process and transparency
• A clear separation between advocacy, administration, and consensus decision-making
• A permanent record that supports regulators, partners, and stakeholders with credible industry positions

Through the ACMC and its Issue Register, the industry moves forward together—organized, accountable, and aligned.