Park Industries, North America’s leading manufacturer of stone CNC machinery, announced the release of its latest innovation, the JAVELIN CNC Sawjet. The new machine was officially unveiled at the company’s ParkFest event held on October 4, 2023, at its central Minnesota headquarters. The innovative JAVELIN design marks a new milestone in sawjet technology, built for unwavering rigidity, accuracy and reliability. Park Industries attributes the precision of the machine to its highly engineered design that features a reinforced bridge, precision rotary index system, helical rack and pinion tech ..read more

By Sarah Peiper In today’s digital age, there are all sorts of software and technology solutions designed to augment the fabrication workflow while providing growth opportunities that enable you to streamline processes, monitor material inventory, track jobs, review metrics and provide a richer experience for your customers — all of which lead to better margins and more sales. Here are some of the latest and greatest tech solutions that support today’s fabricators. ActionFlow Countertop Fabrication Management Software With ActionFlow’s countertop fabrication software, you can complete mo ..read more

By Austin Maxwell, President of the International Surface Fabricators Association In the fast-paced world of our industry, staying ahead of the competition requires embracing new and innovative technologies. One such breakthrough that has the potential to revolutionize the way we do businesses is ChatGPT, an advanced language model developed by OpenAI. Countertop shops can use this AI-driven solution to optimize their processes. I encourage you to give it a try; the applications are endless. Whether you’re looking to create a blog post or research any number of topics for your benefit, si ..read more

The Natural Stone Institute has announced a newly updated Silica & Slab Safety Certificate. This online certificate consists of seventeen courses focused on preventing silicosis, safe slab handling and creating a safety program. The updated certificate can be completed in 4-6 hours. The certificate includes videos, course readings, and tests. Videos have been close-captioned, and subtitles are available in many different languages, including Spanish, Portuguese and French. Christine List, human resources manager at Stone Central NY commented: “This certificate is very well done! I’ve taken ..read more

By Max Le Pera & Jessica McNaughton A central pillar of Sustainability Matters is to suggest ways and incite conversation around how we can weave into the fabric of the industry the four R’s of environmental sustainability: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Reform. As we continue the journey with a holistic focus, it is clear that not all strategies are endemic to each business. Furthermore, as we move to construct a more defined framework around Leadership in Energy and Environmental Fabrication (LEEF), a concept we introduced in the previous issue, we insist that some efforts require teamwork ..read more

LX Hausys America Inc., proudly introduces the Monte Collection, a testament to the majestic allure and raw splendor of mountainous landscapes. Crafted with an artful blend of design and innovation, this collection captures the essence of various mountain ranges across the globe, offering a diverse array of surfaces that epitomize nature’s grandeur. From the towering peaks to the serene valleys, each color in the Monte Collection is meticulously designed to reflect the unique character and visual splendor of specific mountain ranges. These surfaces are a testament to LX Hausys’s ..read more

Coverings, the premier international ceramic tile and natural stone exhibition and conference in North America, has launched the official openings for event registration, discounted hotel booking options and award program submissions for Coverings 2024, which will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) April 22-25, 2024, in Atlanta. Tile, stone and design professionals across all segments of the industry can now register at no cost to attend Coverings 2024 by visiting Coverings.com. Registering online at this time offers several benefits, including advanced access to event upda ..read more

Imagine a home that seamlessly integrates breathtaking design aesthetics with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental sustainability. A net-zero home is so energy efficient that it produces as much renewable energy as it consumes annually. In addition, design elements are chosen to ensure things like temperature management with minimal energy consumption, water conservation, air purification and healthy natural light exposure. Products manufactured using sustainable processes are prioritized. Then consider how you can contribute your knowledge, skill and experience to such an endeavor. Cambr ..read more

Häcker Kitchens, the leading German manufacturer of modern kitchen cabinetry, unveilled its inaugural North American showroom in Miami on November 9th, 2023. The 3,600 square foot space marks a significant milestone for the brand as it expands its presence outside of European markets, for the first time. With a rich family legacy that spans 125 years, Häcker Kitchens has garnered a reputation for its commitment to quality, sustainability, production standards and technology. The establishment of this new headquarters, strategically located adjacent to Miami’s ultra-opulent Design District, wil ..read more

Laminam, a global leader in producing superior natural surfaces for interior and exterior design applications, has officially introduced four new exquisite colors to the existing I Naturali Collection in the North American market. The colors are inspired by highly sought-after natural marble stones found in Italy, Spain, and Brazil. “We’ve been listening to North American architects and designers and are answering the call for beautiful natural surfaces that offer high performance with maximum functionality,” said Philip Eeles, president of Laminam North America. “Created industrially and in a ..read more