ISFA and the Artisan Group Form Strategic Alliance

Pittsburgh, PA — December 12, 2025 — The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) and the Artisan Group have officially joined forces in a new strategic alliance built around one clear purpose: protect fabricators, grow the workforce, and strengthen the long-term future of our industry.

This alliance is being established under the ISFA Fabricator Safety Initiative (FSI), a national effort launched in 2024 to unify fabricators, manufacturers, and industry partners around safer shops, stronger training, and common-sense standards that support good businesses doing the right thing.
At a time when the industry is facing real challenges — from worker safety to labor shortages to regulatory pressure — ISFA called for the fabrication community to stand together. The Artisan Group stepped up, and this partnership marks the first of many formal alliances designed to bring structure, leadership, and alignment to our industry.

A Partnership with a Purpose

The Artisan Group will support ISFA in building a trusted, structured platform that advances safety, education, leadership, and industry representation — while directly improving the value members receive.

Strategic Objectives

This alliance is designed to:

•    Elevate shop-level safety and risk-reduction practices
•    Strengthen the future workforce pipeline
•    Expand peer-to-peer mentorship and leadership development
•    Build consensus-driven industry standards and advocacy
•    Grow professional networks across the fabrication community

“This is only the beginning,” said Ted Sherritt, President of ISFA. “Our industry asked for unity, direction, and a plan — and ISFA delivered a clear path through the Fabricator Safety Initiative. The alliance with the Artisan Group is the first of many intentional steps toward building a strong, aligned, and sustainable future for every countertop and surfaced fabricator in North America."

Artisan Group President Matt Neiger stated, “The challenges facing our industry today are too complex for any one organization to address alone. Through our partnership with ISFA, our members will gain expanded resources, stronger training opportunities, and greater collective support for the work they do every day. We are proud to partner with ISFA to advance a safer, more unified industry.”

Not only does this partnership unify our industry, but it also expands the Artisan Group member benefits package to include full ISFA membership, giving every Artisan shop access to ISFA training, safety resources, advocacy efforts, and the collective voice of the fabrication community.

About the Artisan Group

The Artisan Group is an elite North American member owned partnership of independent countertop professionals, known for craftsmanship, safety, and a commitment to doing the job right.
When customers choose an Artisan Group fabricator, they know their countertops are built to last and installed to the highest standards. Learn more at https://artisan-counters.com/.

About ISFA

The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) is a 501(c)(6) trade association serving the entire countertop and surface fabrication industry.

ISFA brings countertop and surface fabricators together to learn, work safe, and grow. Through hands-on education, trusted safety training, real-world advocacy, and strong connections, ISFA helps every shop raise the bar, run better businesses, and build a stronger industry.

As the voice of the countertop and surface fabrication industry, ISFA exists to build a safer industry through practical standards, support fabricators with the tools, training, and workforce development they need, provide advocacy and leadership and strengthen the entire fabrication community through connection and collaboration. Learn more at www.isfanow.org.