Surface & Panel - Q2 2021 by Surface & Panel

Q2 • 2021

U N I T I N G M AT E R I A L S , T E C H N O L O GY A N D D E S I G N

A CLOSE LOOK AT LAMINATES THE HEALING HOME MOJODOME DESKS THRIVE IN PANDEMIC AWFS PRODUCT SHOWCASE

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Getting Real

o say we find ourselves in interesting times may be the understatement of the decade. I was given advice when I

was young that it was not polite to talk about religion or politics. If you added COVID to that list, we might have nothing that we could discuss!

For over 30 years now, I have traveled—a LOT! All over the world

and in a very constant manner. There were many periods where

“... I’m grateful for this discovery and reminder of what truly counts in our hectic lives—a reminder that even without all of the “normal” chaos, we can still succeed and perhaps even thrive, by simply getting real.”

trip planning involved packing multiple suitcases that would be swapped during a quick layover at home measured in hours. By a landslide, this is the longest period that I have not traveled! That’s not to say that I have lost touch, however. Now, instead of my calendar being blocked out indicating I’m out of the office, it’s full of Zoom meetings keeping in touch, gathering info, and planning the future. It did get me thinking about something very interesting. First, perhaps I’ve learned that the routine of traveling that was a regular part of my life may be overrated and something that I might not enjoy anymore. But that is a topic for another day. The other interesting by-product is that I feel that we’ve actually deepened many relationships during this time in spite of not being able to see each other in person. It occurred to me during a recent call with a customer and someone whom I consider a friend in the industry. We were catching up, sharing stories and discussing business. He was working from home, and was dressed casually. In the background, I could see an assortment of items in his home office and doors leading to his expansive backyard. At one point, one of his children popped in and asked him a question, not realizing he was on a call. He smiled and calmly answered his child and they closed by exchanging “I love yous.” Later, in the background, I saw his dog tear across the backyard in pursuit of something. He looked over his shoulder calmly and said, “Either a bear or a deer.” He was in his element, was relaxed, and was his real self. This made me think about my business persona in the new work world of COVID. I too am calmer, more casual, and more patient to listen and truly hear the entire story. When working from home, I’m actually secretly proud when one of my kids stumbles on camera, because I’m proud of my family and they reflect the real me. And so, there it is. Has this new era of COVID made us all get real?

It’s not to say that we are bipolar or “faking it” when we’re in business mode. But, I remember a piece of advice I got as a young adult. Someone I respected told me that we all have a “brand.” Just like when you say Apple or Mercedes, something immediately comes to mind. Well, we all end up with a brand as well and he stressed that either we build our brand deliberately, or it is built by accident. As a result, I have always been deliberate to conduct myself in the way that I want to be known. Professional. Competent. Credible. Trustworthy. Reliable. But I wonder now if those things come at the expense of revealing the “real” me? I find that I have a great comfort now in taking Zoom calls from home, wearing my T-shirt and ball cap and spending the first 15 minutes doing nothing other than asking about what is most important— family, health and what we’ve learned from this odd experiment we find ourselves in. I laugh when we get interrupted by a kid or dog. I am honored when I get “invited” into someone’s home during a call and as a result, I leave feeling like we just grew a bit closer in our relationship with each other. I do miss seeing our countless friends in the industry that we proudly serve. But equally, I’m grateful for this discovery and reminder of what truly counts in our hectic lives—a reminder that even without all of the “normal” chaos, we can still succeed and perhaps even thrive, by simply getting real. I am grateful for all who have taken the time to reach out, stay in touch, and especially, allow us to play a role in your success in this new year. Patrick Adams, President | 526 Media Group, Inc.

Send your thoughts and messages on this issue and article to Patrick at padams@526mediagroup.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q2 2021

P R E S I D E N T/ P U B L I S H E R

Patrick Adams PH: 714-486-2735

V O L U M E

padams@526mediagroup.com

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VICE PRESIDENT

Shelly Adams PUBLISHER EMERITUS

John Aufderhaar PH: 920-206-1766

From the President

The Healing Home Design experts weigh in on evolving European trends.

john@bedfordfallsmedia.com

M A N AG I N G E D I T O R

Stephanie Ornelas PH: 714-486-2735 sornelas@526mediagroup.com

Paige McAllister, Bill Esler, Scott Angus CONTRIBUTORS

SALES

Nick Kosan

Daniel Davidson

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44 AWFS Product Showcase Products to expect at AWFS Fair 2021.

ccasey@526mediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Daniel Davidson

Jody Bays info@526mediagroup.com

526 MEDIA GROUP 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. E200 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 PH: 714-486-2735

GAME ON! Carbon fiber takes center stage in the gaming industry; gaming desks, chairs, and accessories have become huge revenue drivers for furniture companies looking to cash in on the Esports fad.

C I R C U L AT I O N / S U P P O R T PH: 714-486-2735

Measuring Partnerability A discussion on the characteristics and behaviors of customer accounts regarding the likelihood of them developing into a partner.

V I R T UA L E V E N T S PH: 920-261-1947 ddavidson@526mediagroup.com

Dealing with Employees’ Online Behavior Social media can be a valuable resource for business purposes, but employee behavior on social media can also have a significant negative impact on your business’s reputation and livelihood.

Mitch Tanis PH: 920-261-1947 mtanis@526mediagroup.com

Connect with Opportunity Surface & Panel interviews Angelo Gangone, executive vice president of the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers about the AWFS Fair, scheduled for July 20-23 in Las Vegas.

ddavidson@526mediagroup.com

Chuck Casey

Keeping Up with Klamath Wilsonart’s new TFL plant shines light on southern Oregon’s booming economy.

PH: 920-261-1947

PH: 714-485-2735

An Automatic State of Mind CNC function has dramatically changed in recent years, saving hours of work in the process.

PH: 714-485-2735

nkosan@526mediagroup.com

MojoDome Enhances Privacy, Acoustics in Office while Promoting Social Distancing The folks at MojoDesk came up with the concept of an adjustable privacy dome for office workers long before COVID-19. It didn’t take them long to realize, though, that the pandemic could make their adjustable MojoDome desks even more useful..

C O N T R I B U T I N G C O LU M N I S T S

Chip Martin, Ariane Bouchard, Dave Kahle

A Close Look at Laminates The demand right now for composite panels and decorative surfacing materials is robust. What does that mean for laminates?

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From the Editor

Ad Index

O N T H E C OV E R : Wilsonart's Home collections include its Wetwall™ Water-Proof Wall Panel System, shown here in Calacatta Statuario.

Surface & Panel is published quarterly by 526 Media Group, 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, telephone 714-486-2735. ® 2021 by 526 Media Group. Patrick Adams, President. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical without written permission from the publisher. Subscription policy: Individual subscriptions are available, without charge, to manufacturers who engage in panel processing, qualified service providers and suppliers. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscribers. One year subscription to non-qualified individuals: U.S. $50, Canada/Mexico $75, all other countries $100, payable in U.S. funds. Single issues are $15, and must be prepaid. 526 Media Group does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. Printed in the U.S.A. Postmaster: Send address changes to Surface & Panel, Jody Bays, 526 Media Group, 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Please direct all subscription questions to: Surface & Panel, 526 Media Group, 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 or e-mail Jody Bays at info@526mediagroup.com.

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THE HEALING HOME DESIGN EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON EVOLVING EUROPEAN TRENDS

he Global Connect European Trends Panel hosted by Kitchen and Bath Industry Show featured a panel of three expert designers who each weighed in on various trends that were centered around one focus—a new beginning. The panel was re-broadcast on April 8 after technical difficulties during KBIS’ original virtual event prevented viewers from accessing the show.

According to Iris Havekes, founder of C-More Interior Design, a main trend right now is really a question: How do you feel? “Homeowners are looking to health and safety. So, we want to create a sacred space where we can rejuvenate, a place where we can recharge—a healing home,” she said, adding that it’s not uncommon for homeowners to want to surround themselves with a minimal and comforting style.

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“Homeowners are looking to health and safety. So, we want to create a sacred space where we can rejuvenate, a place where we can recharge—a healing home.” IRIS HAVEKES, FOUNDER OF C-MORE INTERIOR DESIGN

According to Havekes, clients are taking a holistic approach inspired by nature and biophilic design. They want more green, and they’re bringing nature-inspired elements inside. She also explained that it’s becoming more common to blend rooms together. “We’ve created multi-functional rooms with kitchens fully integrated in the living room. The bathroom becomes a sitting room where you can also quietly read a book. We have blurred spaces, an open-planned layout that you can separate with sliding doors, or semi-transparent walls.” This CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 ›

SURFACE & PANEL • Q2 2021

“The home itself, and in particular the backyard, has had to be a bar for us when we needed it to, it’s had to be a restaurant, a holiday resort and even a school. There’s been a lot of different changes going on and the role of interior design has taken on a much more formal role with regard to the backyard.” PHIL POND, TREND FORECASTER BEHIND SCARLETT OPUS

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is where soundproof and acoustic materials are very important, she explained. Havekes didn’t leave out micro-living, stressing that designers should also hone-in on trends that cater to micro homes and clients with smaller budgets. “Bathrooms and kitchens integrated into cabinets—we’re seeing a lot more of that when it comes to those really small spaces.” As for materials, Havekes highlighted a variety of trends her firm has noticed. “We’re seeing a lot of colored materials like colored concrete as well as nature-inspired trends, organic, and smooth and seamless. The feeling right now is warm and nature-inspired. We’re seeing a lot of woods, marbles and stones.” More importantly, she echoed what many designers have in the past year. “When it comes to material trends, people want what’s easy to clean—materials like quartz and bamboo, and smart nanotech materials like Fenix.” Touching on textured materials, Havekes continued, “we’re seeing a lot of tactile materials and ribbed surfaces—materials that you really want to touch.” She also explained how designers like herself are seeing a lot of Scandinavian and Japanese designs. BALANCING OUT Justine Fox, co-founder of Calzatta Fox Color Consultancy based in London, touched on European color trends and how many designers are looking to balance what’s happening in the world. “Because color is so sensual to our experience of the world, we’re affected on an emotional level. So, when we’re color trend forecasting, we’re looking far ahead at the major macro drivers that are pushing us forward. And particularly this season, we have quite a lot going on,” said Fox. She continued to explain how both designers and homeowners tend to want to counter what’s going on in the world. “Right now, we have gone for positivity. We’re embracing the fear.” Fox went over the emerging trend of darker

tones, explaining that although much of the inspiration behind these dark hues comes from the desire for digital quality and electronics, it also reflects our taste for sometimes fearful, dark humor. As for other trending colors in Europe, she explained that forest green and charred orange are the leading hues right now. “Green is taking center stage as the new go-to color for confidence. And millennials love green because it tends to be more urbanized,” said Fox. Adding green to the kitchen and bathroom allows designers to be more playful when it comes to surfaces, so using these kinds of pine/ forest tones gives a slight surrealism. “Softly charred orange is another color that is growing in popularity especially in cabinetry, and that matte finish is still very hot right now. It’s all about neutrals–you’re seeing this convergence where we’re now accepting more earthly complex tones. It’s quite an interesting time for color.” THE FIFTH ROOM Our homes and backyards have taken on several different roles for us, emphasized Phil Pond, trend forecaster behind Scarlett Opus based in CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 ›

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“Green is taking center stage as the new go-to color for confidence. And millennials love green because it tends to be more urbanized.” JUSTINE FOX, CO-FOUNDER OF CALZATTA FOX COLOR CONSULTANCY C

ABOUT THE PANELISTS: Justine Fox is co-founder of Calzada Fox Color Consultancy. Fox has a unique understanding of applied color psychology, color trend, insights and color ergonomics with futures thinking. Her multi-disciplinary perspective on color creates engagement with people through product development, social content, publications and immersive installations. Iris Havekes is founder of C-More Interior Design. She has a background in fashion, where she developed her sense of color, material, shape, design and trends. She works as an interior designer and trend watcher in the Netherlands. On her blog Interieuradvies, she shares her love for interior, trends, design and travel. From 2017 until 2019 she owned a concept store in her home town where she selected new interior lifestyle designers and makers to sell and showcase their new designs. Phil Pond is founder of Scarlet Opus, a UK Trend Intelligence Agency working internationally and dedicated to providing insight about the future of "Lifestyle. Living. Working. Playing." Pond earned a reputation of excellence for his creativity in product development & marketing. His focus is specifically in the Lifestyle, Consumer & Design sectors working for retailers & manufacturers. He has been a regular speaker at business events around the world for the past 15 years; from Las Vegas to Vancouver, Melbourne to Dubai, Budapest to Istanbul and the UK. 10

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the U.K. Pond used his time to talk about backyard design, referring to the backyard as the fifth room. “During national lockdowns, we’ve all discovered that our home means much more to us than perhaps we originally thought. That’s permanently changed the priority list for the spending of disposable income. It also means that we will shift the bulk of that spending from fast fashion to our homes and interiors,” said Pond. “The home itself, and in particular the backyard, has had to be a bar for us when we needed it to, it’s had to be a restaurant, a holiday resort and even a school. There’s been a lot of different changes going on and the role of interior

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design has taken on a much more formal role with regard to the backyard.” Pond stressed that the backyard now has a totally different importance, requiring the same kind of convenience and comfort as any other room in the house. “That’s a great opportunity for the whole supply chain—from material suppliers to manufacturers, to interior designers—to get clever and innovative about the materials and products that they’re going to bring to market.” Shifting his focus to interior design trends, Pond agreed with Fox, noting that his firm is seeing darker, richer materials and tones like darker marbles and (the appearance of) darker woods such as mahogany and walnut being used. “We’re seeing more indigo blue on kitchen units and interestingly, we’re now seeing the beginning of the end of copper, and the introduction of brass as a metallic material that brings luxury.” While European design trends often set the standard for many designers and consumers in the U.S., experts have agreed that the past year has created a shift when it comes to interior design. “The events of 2020 have made some permanent changes to how we will live,” said Pond. “It’s a global impact, and I think the one thing we’ve learned is that we’re all more alike than we sometimes recognize.” s p

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A Close Look at Laminates THE DEMAND RIGHT NOW FOR COMPOSITE PANELS AND DECORATIVE SURFACING MATERIALS IS ROBUST. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR LAMINATES?

BY S&P STAFF

lobal demand for laminates is forecast to increase 2.2% per year to 9.1 billion square meters in 2024. According to Freedonia Group’s recent study on global decorative laminates, in applications where durability is key or highly pleasing aesthetics is a requirement, low-pressure laminates like TFL will continue to face intense competition from alternative surfacing materials, including high-pressure laminates, vinyl sheets, natural stone, engineered stone, cast polymers, and wood. Surface & Panel reached out to product experts and manufacturers, who weighed in on what they see for the future in laminates.

ABOVE: WILSONART'S CARRARA MARBLE IS ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER

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In addition, they discussed how the pandemic has shaped such product offerings and what that means for both commercial and residential finishes. “As we know, the demand for composite panels and decorative surfacing materials is very strong right now and projected to continue in this manner for some time,” said Francis J. Vahle, Jr., sales director for press plates at Kings Mountain International. “Customers are holding onto their press plates to meet full production schedules and when they have a short break, they like to get the plates to us and then back to their plant in the quickest possible manner. For surfaces, it is nonspecific textures with a soft haptic and low-matte gloss that will enhance the selected décor.” Vahle emphasized that because laminate manufacturers have delayed or reduced their new product launches during the pandemic, he believes that we will definitely see new textures entering the market in 2022-2023. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 ›

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WARM COLORS AND NATURAL PATTERNS SUCH AS WOODGRAINS RETAIN THEIR POPULARITY IN HOME DÉCOR, AND SUPER MATTE FINISHES IN SOLID COLORS ENHANCE THIS LOOK AND FEEL. IMAGE COURTESY OF EGGER.

“We also expect to see an increase in the use of TFL as a decorative surface, especially since it is a more affordable solution that satisfies the needs and demands of cabinet doors and furniture.� MARK BROWN, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST FOR EGGER

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Darren Mindlin, sales manager of Ultrapan, touched on highgloss acrylic and how the U.S. is finally warming up to the idea of high-gloss acrylic panels. Speaking of the product, “it became very popular in Europe about a decade ago,” said Mindlin. “It took a while for the North American market to embrace high-gloss, but now it is really taking off. Five years ago, you might have seen a closet with high-gloss used for drawer faces or an island, but now we’re seeing complete closets made with high-gloss panels.” Ultrapan recently launched Modern Finishes, a new collection of durable, eco-friendly acrylic and PET laminated panels. "Both the high-gloss and super matte panels feature a hard-coated lacquer, scratch-resistant finish making them ideal for high-traffic commercial and retail environments, as well as residential applications,” he said. While HPL and TFL have been the go-to laminate for durability and design, the advancements in top coatings and embossedin-register technology on decorative foils and PET & PVC vinyl laminates is a recent development that represents a great leap forward in decorative surfaces. 16

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Explained Scott Flom from Genesis Products, “We’ve seen several traditional HPL/TFL customers in the office and RTA furniture industry move to these roll good laminates.” The company recently added digitally-imaging and coating technology that enables them to run shorter custom programs to expand customers’ design selections for decorative laminates and solid surface materials. “Another trend we see is that solid surface materials are replacing laminates in some instances, so we’ve added to our fabrication capacity to meet this demand and recently launched our Premium Rock line of digitally imaged solid surfaces,” said Flom. Whether it’s commercial or residential, when designers and product experts think of decorative laminates, many have agreed that marble is leading the way, followed by the look of natural wood. “Two of the most sought after looks for surfaces in both the commercial and residential settings continue to be Carrara marble and natural woodgrains,” said Gwen Petter, director of design for Wilsonart. The company’s latest HPL collection is designed to bring the beauty and drama of both marble and CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 ›

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woodgrains to life with finishes that allow designers and homeowners to achieve these luxurious looks at an affordable price. The applications are endless with vertical or horizontal uses on countertops, backsplashes, cabinets, fixtures, shelves, architectural doors, walls and more. “As our culture has become more casual, people are seeking floor plans and materials that add value, beauty, ease and enjoyment to their lives,” said Petter. “These spaces are also where we’ve been working, learning and engaging in activities over the past year, and will continue doing so. Because of this, our homes need to perform on a level they may never have before, and laminates are well equipped to meet this challenge. HPL makes a great solution for an office work surface or school activity center.” Mark Brown, marketing communications specialist for Egger, agreed with Petter, explaining that the pandemic has created a shift in the market toward more naturalness, which means there’s more warmth and natural influences at home and in the office. “Our Feelwood textures and mid- to darker woodgrain reproductions achieve this natural effect, especially when trying to realize a more

WILSONART’S LATEST HPL COLLECTION IS DESIGNED TO BRING THE BEAUTY AND DRAMA OF BOTH MARBLE AND WOODGRAINS TO LIFE WITH FINISHES THAT ALLOW DESIGNERS AND HOMEOWNERS TO ACHIEVE THESE LUXURIOUS LOOKS AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE.

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“We expect to see more commercial settings incorporate elements of nature into designs, creating a soothing space to ease anxiety as we transition to the new normal.� GWEN PETTER, DIRECTOR OF DESIGN FOR WILSONART

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

contemporary style. The linear and elegant grain allows these decors to replace solid colors, while still replicating the look and feel of real wood to the overall design. When it comes to solid colors, we have seen an increased demand for warm colors, like Taupe shades,” said Brown. “There’s also a stronger demand for matte finishes, especially with solid colors.” As for the commercial industry, Petter emphasized that we’ll continue to see the demand for laminate increase as it holds up to rigorous cleaning procedures which will be necessary in common areas in healthcare, hospitality, educational facilities and beyond. “We are inspired by the world around us, and our team of designers has incorporated nature’s very best colors, shapes and textures into our laminate offerings. We expect to see more commercial settings incorporate elements of nature into designs, creating a soothing space to ease anxiety as we transition to the new normal.” s p

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MojoDome Enhances Privacy, Acoustics

While Promoting Social Distancing in Office 3DL, MDF ARE KEY DESKTOP MATERIALS

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he folks at MojoDesk came up with the concept of an adjustable privacy dome for office workers long before COVID-19. It didn’t take them long to realize, though, that the pandemic could make their adjustable MojoDome desks even more useful. “With 30 years of experience helping 24/7 organizations like NASA and 911 call centers create a healthier environment for their workers, we knew COVID would present unique challenges in bringing employees back to the popular open office setting in a safe way,” said Barry Carson, co-founder and president of MojoDesk and parent company Xybix. MojoDome was originally designed to eliminate echo and decrease background noise so employees could have professional-sounding video and phone calls while also offering privacy and reducing distractions, Carson said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 ›

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“Instead of employers spending an arm and a leg on office renovations, MojoDome maximizes square footage while providing peace of mind to employees re-entering the open workplace.” BARRY CARSON CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF MOJODESK AND PARENT COMPANY XYBIX.

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“It now has the additional benefit of providing a physical barrier and social distancing between co-workers,” he said. “Instead of employers spending an arm and a leg on office renovations, MojoDome maximizes square footage while providing peace of mind to employees re-entering the open workplace.” As they are with all of MojoDesk’s products, 3-dimensional laminate and medium density fiberboard are key materials that are critical to the desks’ functionality, attractiveness and success. “3-D laminate and MDF substrate allow us to create unique shapes that no one else in the industry can,” Carson said. With its headquarters, factory and showroom in Denver, MojoDesk makes sit-to-stand desks designed to provide ergonomic solutions that increase wellness and productivity. MojoDesk's flagship products include Mojo Gamer Pro, a gaming desk bundle, and Mojo Solo Cube, an electric standing desk. MojoDesk is the eCommerce division of Xybix, an industry-leading manufacturer of adjustable-height workstations and consoles. For more than 30 years, Xybix has designed and installed sit-to-stand furniture for NASA, the FBI, hospitals and thousands of 911 call centers. The adjustable domes for MojoDomes are made of 12mm, 100% polyester fiber. With the press of a button, the dome can adjust from CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 ›

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“With 3DL, we can make soft corners and rounded edges and have no seams anywhere for bacteria and other viruses to get into.” BARRY CARSON CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF MOJODESK AND PARENT COMPANY XYBIX.

fully overhead to partially raised to a simple panel divider. When raised, the dome offers a spacious workspace for concentration, and when lowered, it allows collaboration, Carson explained. The domes’ acoustics are a key attribute, he continued. The fiber, which is the same material used by recording studios and broadcasters, dampens and absorbs background noise, and the curved acoustical panels eliminate echo for a professional sound during phone calls and video conferences. The adjustable-height desk can be programmed for the ideal ergonomic position, both sitting and standing, and can accommodate workers ranging in height from 4 foot, 11 inches to 6-foot-6. Using dimmable LED lights within the dome, employees also can select their perfect brightness levels. Carson emphasized that MojoDomes can provide cost savings in both existing and new spaces. For existing spaces, they maximize square footage in an open floor plan and cut construction costs of meeting social distancing regulations. In new spaces, the domes’ acoustical and lighting features minimize buildout expenses and eliminate the need for soundproofing, fixed walls or cubicles. 3DL and ¾-inch MDF are on all of the company’s desktops, as well as the mobile pedestal drawer fronts and tops. Carson lauded the materials and their roles in making the domes and other products attractive, safe, durable and cost-effective. “With 3DL, we can make soft corners and rounded edges and have no seams anywhere for bacteria and other viruses to get into,” CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 ›

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PRICING FOR MOJODOME STARTS AT $2,999.99.

he said, adding that the rounded corners and gently angled edges support wrist comfort and help decrease the repetitive motion injuries that can damage hands and forearms. “The 3-D laminate is also uniquely durable compared to regular laminates while still being able to wrap around the unique shapes of our work surfaces. It gives you a consistent finished look all the way around the desktop and still beats other techniques for durability.” The lack of edgebanding reduces costs and enhances the desks’ attractiveness while eliminating the common problem of edges becoming unglued, Carson said. MojoDesk is especially proud of its commitment to safety and sustainability. All desktops have UL GREENGUARD certification, which is a widely adopted standard for labeling low-emitting VOC products, and the MDF is sourced from FSC-certified forests and is made with no added formaldehyde. The time is right for MojoDome for several reasons, Carson believes, and chief among them is that “everybody is tired of the open office concept.” “They’re tired of all the noise and physical distractions that have impacted their job performance. MojoDome allows privacy to block out visual distractions and reduce noise distractions in a denser environment. It lets employees be productive in an open office setting.” Now with COVID concerns, each raised MojoDome also works as a shield between workers so there’s less worry about transmitting viruses between officemates, he said. s p

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An Automatic State of Mind CNC FUNCTION HAS DRAMATICALLY CHANGED IN RECENT YEARS, SAVING HOURS OF WORK IN THE PROCESS

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machine shops are getting more sophisticated and competitive to stay ahead in the market. With numerous technologies getting updated every year, 2020 and 2021 has brought some big game-changers in the manufacturing industry that will become a norm in upcoming years. From updated technologies to a skilled workforce, every single aspect will be crucial for every manufacturing firm. “CNC machine trends are heading in the direction of unmanned loading and unloading allowing less handling of parts,” said Curt Doherty, CEO of CNC Machines. “Software function has dramatically changed over the last five years, bringing set-ups down from CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 ›

SURFACE & PANEL • Q2 2021

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six to eight hours to under 10 minutes with a payback period in just over two years.” Woodworkers have historically been very creative in the manufacturing process and their implementation of CNC equipment is no different. “The demand for more complex and multi-purpose machining is on the rise with the addition of aggregates to handle specialized operations,” said Paul Losavio, marketing manager for production software at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, stressing that automation of these advanced tools is critical for the typical woodworking shops. Losavio also explained the growing trend to automate even more processes, and how CNC machinery and software play a very important role in that. “There’s an increasing demand to be able to manage the flow of part programs through to multiple machine types from a single system that has built-in intelligence 32

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about which parts to send to which machines based on a variety of criteria,” he said. Since one of the most significant advantages of CNC machines is their capacity to perform multiple operations uninterruptedly without any modification settings, this makes the margin for error slim to none, and the demand for more efficiency will only continue to increase. “Combined with automated material handling systems, more and more decisions regarding the flow of raw goods to finished product are being made by smart software technology that allows companies to increase their throughput and eliminate errors,” explained Losavio. CNC continues trending towards mechanization, automation, and tools that allow the operator to command the machines to produce more throughput with less labor and less thinking on the shop floor. Industrial robotics, as it relates to CNC in North America, is also becoming reality for our surface and panel processors, says James Swanson, product manager for Stiles Machinery.

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 ›

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“The pace for the cabinet/closet industries has been at an all-out sprint for many companies this past year. Keeping up with production due to the demand has been extremely challenging, with many having to make lead-time adjustments. Labor shortages and access to materials has also made things challenging. More companies are looking for ways to meet these demands. Having the right software is proving critical for custom businesses.” JEN LEE, KCD SOFTWARE

I USE A WAGNER MOISTURE METER BECAUSE: ‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

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“CNC machines and downline processes are being tied together and managed by industrial robotics to load, process, unload, track and transfer product through the manufacturing process,” Swanson said. As technology continues to lead the way, especially when it comes to CNC, product managers agree that skilled personnel will be more important than ever. Advancements in technology have reduced the number of personnel required to do one job, but there is a significant demand for tech-savvy personnel who can keep up with the latest trends in custom machining. “The skillset needs to be integrated and it needs to be diversified,” said Carl Reed, founder of Carl Reed Designs. “It’s up to the employee to not only be able to operate these machines, but

to know and recognize the materials.” Another crucial job is to use the given resources and technology to maximize production and increase efficiency. “The machines used in CNC turning services can process raw material with perfection, but it’s up to the trained individual to give the right instruction and monitor the entire process for ultimate efficiency,” said designer Randy Musser. “Unless the time comes when machines can create a final product from scratch by themselves, there will always be a need for a skilled human workforce to bring results,” Musser said. “Let’s not forget research and development, scaling up-down the process, raw materials optimization and so much more.” Milling technology continues to evolve and find new applications each year alongside rapidly-developing computer and manufacturing technology. And amidst disruptions including the boom of “smart” technology and the COVID19 pandemic (and its ongoing impacts on consumer behaviors), manufacturers increasingly seek ways to improve productivity and flexibility while cutting costs. s p

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Keeping Up with Klamath WILSONART’S NEW TFL PLANT SHINES LIGHT ON SOUTHERN OREGON’S BOOMING ECONOMY

hen Wilsonart entered the Coordinated Surfaces space in 2015, the company was in for a massive expansion. To them, Coordinated Surfaces meant being able to have the same texture and design on its HPL, TFL and Edgebanding, so designers and fabricators can have the look they want with their products in whatever type of product offering of HPL and TFL they desire.

KCEDA TOOK THE TIME TO TELL WILSONART ABOUT KLAMATH FALLS, OR., INCLUDING THE UNPARALLELED OUTDOOR LIVING EXPERIENCE THEIR EMPLOYEES WILL HAVE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND THE EDUCATIONAL ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR TRAINING THEIR WORKFORCE.

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Shortly after launching a premium design category and then cabinet doors so customers could also put those same finishes into cabinetry, the company knew it was time for expansion. First, they needed to search for a location. This was in 2019, before one of the most chaotic years the industry had ever seen. Enter Klamath County, OR.—Klamath Falls, to be exact. Home to breathtaking views and some highly influential educational institutions that would pave the way for a brand-new facility and significant economic growth. “As we stepped into new product offerings, we saw some very dramatic growth and excellent acceptance from the market,” said Ron Ubertini, Vice President, product management for Wilsonart. “We are seeing much success with our TFL/Coordinated Surfaces program; therefore, it was conducive for us to make a fairly significant investment for the company. We needed to have more capacity

“This location was perfect for our KML and Wilsonart customers on the West Coast.” RON UBERTINI, VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT FOR WILSONART

WILSONART'S SUCCESS WITH ITS TFL/COORDINATED SURFACES PROGRAM PROMPTED AN INVESTMENT IN EXPANSION AS THEY INCREASED CAPACITY TO PROVIDE ON-TIME SERVICE AND HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS.

Why it’s just better here. so that we could have on-time service and good quality products. This location was perfect for our KML and Wilsonart customers on the West Coast.” Once Wilsonart identified that the West Coast was the area that needed the most improvement, they started looking around for locations. “Klamath County has been a great supporter. We searched up and down the coast from Washington to Oregon, California and Nevada, and a variety of factors played a part in our decision,” said Ubertini. The availability of the labor pool was one of them. “We’re blessed with two phenomenal institutions here in Klamath Falls,” said Randy Cox, CEO for Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA). “Oregon Tech University is one of the top polytechnic schools in the west coast, regularly supplying talent to industry leaders across the globe. Klamath Community College (KCC) is also constantly innovating, with leadership who works to create curriculum associated with companies moving to town. The KCC President will actually sit in initial interviews with big businesses to understand what capabilities and talents they need for their workforce and will create programs and curriculum that will work to meet the company’s needs, so when students are ready to be employed, they’ll be trained and ready to go.” “We really do generate talent here with both Oregon Tech and KCC,” he continued. “They support our highly-skilled workforce and continue to provide additional education and training to meet the needs of the industries KCEDA is recruiting.” Andrew Stork, Project Manager for KCEDA, explained how the two schools complement one another, each providing their own strengths to form a large, diverse spectrum of programs. “With KCC and Oregon Tech, they feed off each other but they also add onto each other,” said Stork. “They create this sort of higher education harmony for our area where we’re constantly asking, ‘Here CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 ›

Only location in Oregon with large build-ready industrial sites and a tech park adjacent to a major university, plus reliable power which is crucial for large industrial users Smart workforce and technical talent pipeline stemming from Klamath Community College and Oregon Tech Progressive business climate and forward-thinking leadership Multimodal transportation hub centrally located in the Pacific Northwest Year-round livability with 300 days of sunshine per year Healthy outdoor lifestyle with thousands of miles of trails to explore Relaxed city culture with no rush hour and an average commute of 15 minutes

Klamath County Economic Development Association Randy Cox | Executive Director randy@teamklamath.com 541.882.9600

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SURFACE & PANEL • Q2 2021

OREGON TECH UNIVERSITY AND KLAMATH COMMUNITY COLLEGE GENERATE TALENT AND SUPPORT THE HIGHLY-SKILLED WORKFORCE IN KLAMATH FALLS. THEY ALSO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRIES THAT ARE RECRUITING.

‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

are areas Oregon Tech is amazing at, here are other areas KCC is excellent at, so how can our organization best leverage those strengths to consistently cover the scope of businesses needs within our economy?’” Ubertini has also personally been in contact with presidents from both schools to talk about collaborating on scholarship programs, project work and potentially adding the training needed to run Wilsonart’s equipment into some of their programs. “We feel that the area is particularly good for this type of labor—the timber industry. Historically the area has had many manufacturers and/or fabricators in that segment,” Ubertini added. But access to educational institutions was not the only factor that played a part in Wilsonart’s decision to move to Klamath County. “The company had the opportunity to look at multiple locations,” Cox added. “It started with understanding what their needs were and seeing how we could work to tailor our regional assets around fulfilling those needs.” He continued, “that meant we needed industrial land, rail access, we needed to be close to quick transit opportunities for highway use. We also found it important to let them know where we are at

THE 95,000-SQUARE FOOT, STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN AT THE END OF JULY. PRIMARILY FOCUSED ON TFL PRODUCTION, THEY WILL MANUFACTURE ALL THE FINISHES OFFERED UNDER THE KML BRAND AND WILSONART BRAND. KLAMATH FALLS, OR., IS HOME TO BREATHTAKING VIEWS. ITS STRATEGIC LOCATION PLAYED A BIG PART IN WILSONART’S MOVE.

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in regard to number of jobs associated with that particular industry. Then we looked at site selection and chose sites for their specific operational requirements. We go through the entire process with them. We even bring in our community leaders. KCEDA really serves as a one-stop shop and community entry point for companies considering investment in the region.” Klamath Falls is also strategically located, and that played a big part in Wilsonart’s move. The town sits halfway between Portland and San Francisco. “We’re right in the middle so we can hit both North, South, East and West markets,” Cox said. Klamath seemed like the perfect fit when you consider inbound and outbound logistics and willingness from the community. KCEDA put together a three-year strategic plan in 2019, taking a focused approach to evaluating specific industrial clusters and how to maximize development through their county’s assets. Nevertheless, nothing could have predicted the events that took

WILSONART'S COORDINATED SURFACES PROVIDE MATCHING TEXTURES AND DESIGNS ON ITS HPL, TFL AND EDGEBANDING, ALLOWING DESIGNERS AND FABRICATORS TO ACHIEVE THE LOOKS THEY WANT ON THEIR PRODUCTS.

INTRODUCING

SUMMIT PARTICLEBOARD

place in 2020. Amid planning a massive expansion, the world was hit with a global pandemic that halted production facilities across the country. Both KCEDA and Wilsonart needed to find a way to work around it. Still, the pace of the project was rapid, and KCEDA needed to be very responsive to all requests. “We got really good at virtual meetings and electronic introductions,” said Cox. “We were able to videotape the sites that Wilsonart was interested in and share that with their senior management team before they were able to come here physically. We took the necessary safety precautions. When we had meetings, we were 6 feet apart, we wore masks, and were very successful following the rules of engagement and getting the information they needed in a timely fashion.” Despite the chaos that was 2020, Wilsonart was able to continue the development in Klamath Falls and will be opening its 95,000-square foot, state-of-the-art facility at the end of July with the ability for future expansion. The plant, which will primarily produce TFL, will manufacture all the finishes offered under the KML brand and Wilsonart brand. Ubertini noted, “We will also bring over our value-added department, which is currently in Tacoma, WA. That is where we do edgebanding, cutting, manufacturing of lightweight shelving and some other things that our customers or fabricators may need help with within the manufacturing process.” And Klamath is not only ready for the economic expansion, they’re gearing up for more business to come. “Klamath has economic momentum underway in our community,” said Cox. “We have a few major foundational companies that will be coming in the next 18 months or so. Wilsonart is one of these projects adding to our employee base.” Stork, who has been with KCEDA for almost six years, explained that there was about $170 million of prospective activity going on in Klamath County when he started, and that wasn’t even activity that was guaranteed to take place. Now the association is seeing $1.3 to 1.6 billion in actual investment taking place,” said Stork. “If that doesn’t say momentum, I don’t know what does. s p

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AWFS Fair, July 20-23, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

Why did you choose “Connect with Opportunity” as the theme of the event? How do you plan to execute that throughout the fair? We thought that the word “connect” was especially relevant this year. If we learned anything from the pandemic, it is that people truly missed connecting with each other on a personal level. We know that Zoom and similar platforms have really been a great way to keep in touch both on a personal and professional level, but have also learned that we have missed the human connection of meeting our business associates and our friends and family, in person. We view this show as a step toward taking back a part of our lives that is essential to our well-being, as individuals and as a society. GANGONE:

Secondly, we talk about connecting not only on a person-to-person level but also from a production standpoint. Technology has been changing the way we manufacture as we are seeing connectivity throughout the entire production process. Industry 4.0, which we have been highlighting since our 2015 show, leverages the full capacity of the Internet and wi-fi technology has created a massive shift in digital manufacturing, setting the stage for creating smart factories. The Internet of Things and cloud computing are enabling the seamless interconnectivity of entire supply chains.

ANGELO GANGONE

CNC machines, robots and other advanced technologies are being integrated into plant-wide networks and administered to ever-more sophisticated ends by a computer, tablet or smartphone anywhere, a connection to the Internet can be made. This technology has also revolutionized how companies are able to keep their production lines running. The IoT platforms that are being integrated with computerized machines not only remind users when to perform routine maintenance but also alert them when a malfunction is imminent. In other words, these systems predict when a machine component is about to break down so that the user can proactively order a replacement part before the incident occurs. However, it is also important for our attendees to understand that you do not have to invest $1 million or need to produce 25,000 units a day to benefit from this technology as much of today’s newer equipment offers some form of IoT integration capability. It’s really up to our exhibitors to demystify and take away the intimidation factor from a buyer that may be hesitant to explore this technology thinking that it may be too complex or unaffordable for their operation. CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 ›

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EMPOWERING CABINET MAKERS TO SUCCEED KCD’s cabinet software excels in delivering the proven design to manufacturing platform for custom business’ success. Customizable design features bring your client’s ideas to life in impressive 3D with features to accurately communicate your design details through the pricing, manufacturing and building stages. From kitchens and baths to closets, garages and more, KCD Software delivers powerful solutions to facilitate growth and ease in your business. Visit our website to try KCD Software, or call to speak with a Customer Service Representative about your particular custom work. Free live phone support is included. Select from affordable and flexible rental options with no annual maintenance fees. Power your success at KCDsoftware.com

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What are some key features attendees and exhibitors can look forward to at the event? Our biggest and most important key feature is that it’s going to take place LIVE! I know that in the past, I would not have needed to mention this because it was understood. However, 2020 showed us that we cannot take anything (or anyone) in our lives f or granted. GANGONE:

When the exhibition industry was forced to shut down, it required show managers to look at ways to replace their in-person events, which was often painstaking and filled with unanticipated challenges. Even though some of these shows did a very admirable job on the virtual front, it became incredibly obvious that there is simply no replacing face-to-face and, in our industry’s case, having the opportunity to see and touch a piece of equipment, cabinet hardware or wood component, even with today’s sophisticated technology. In addition, fair participants will get to enjoy the show in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new West Hall. In fact, we will be only the second event to be featured in this beautiful new venue. Speaking of new, there will be many new products featured at this upcoming show, which is especially important this year, since the industry was not able to meet at the IWF in Atlanta last year due to the pandemic. We are anticipating that there will be a great deal of pent-up interest as to the new products that our industry may have introduced since our previous show in 2019. Many of these new products will be featured in the Visionary New Product and Industry 4.0 Showcases and highlighted prior to the show through our media partners and various social media platforms. We are also very excited about something we are introducing this year called the Tool Tour. This feature will have a rock-and-roll theme and focuses on exhibitors that manufacture or distribute hand tools, power tools, and equipment that is mainly targeted for custom shops and shops with 10 or fewer employees (even though many of these tools and supplies are used by shops of all sizes). This feature was added as a fun and interactive element for our show. By visiting all the participating exhibitors on the Tour, each attendee will be given a free Inaugural Tour T-shirt with the Tool Tour logo on the front and the various tour stops on the back, very similar to the concert T-shirts that many of us fondly remember. However, the real message behind this promotion is that our Fair isn’t just about technology, nor should it be seen as limited to an audience of any particular shop size. The products that are featured on our show floor, as well as the various topics in our College of Woodworking Knowledge seminars, are for shops of all sizes, from the one-man shop to the largest manufacturers in our industry. We know that many manufacturers have remained busy throughout the pandemic and this has only exacerbated the preexisting workforce skills gap. As a result, a focus for the (CWWK) educational seminar program is on workforce development and business culture: how companies can attract, retain, and train the best

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employees for their operation. You will also hear from subject matter experts and other wood manufacturers on current and emerging technology for shops of all sizes, from maximizing CNC and edgebanding efficiency to implementing new robotic applications. What precautions are event officials taking when it comes to health regulations and preventing the spread of COVID-19 at the Fair? How do you plan to keep all registrants as safe as possible? The health and safety of our Fair participants has always been, and now, more than ever, remains our number one priority. For over a year, our staff has been in direct communication with the convention center, and we know this continues to be a very fluid situation. However, AWFS will do whatever is necessary to abide by the safety regulations deemed necessary by the Las Vegas Convention Center and the City of Las Vegas. GANGONE:

Our show participants will also be happy to know that the convention center was awarded the Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR facility accreditation by ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. In addition, Resorts World, a new hotel, which will also serve as our host property, was designated Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED with Forbes Travel Guide. This verification is based on a hotel’s compliance with expert-validated best practices that minimize the risk and impact of COVID-19 and potential future public health events. The resort plans to continue to adopt these procedures and keep wellness at the forefront of all operations as they open this summer. How do you expect the turnout to be after a year of cancelled events? In the past, 60+ countries were usually represented at our show, either as exhibitors or attendees. This year, our international representation will certainly be down because of the travel restrictions that are currently in place. Now, we know there is still time for that to change for the better but do believe that the vast majority of our participants will be from the U.S.A. In the end, domestic attendance has always been the major part of our audience during “normal” show years. However, this may also mean that certain exhibitors may not be able to exhibit this year, not by choice but due to travel restrictions placed on them from either the U.S. or their own countries of origin. That is why we strongly encourage our attendees to make sure they look at our floor plan on awfsfair.org, to be certain that all the exhibitors they intend to visit this year, will be in attendance. On the other hand, we know that there is a lot of pent-up demand out there and with the economy reopening and with economic growth expected to exceed even the most optimistic projections, we expect to see higher proportion of serious buyers in attendance, in relation to overall traffic, when compared to past shows. GANGONE:

This information will continue to be updated as the event approaches. Visit awfsfair.org for further updates. s p

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CONNECTIONS VITAL TO OUR GROWTH Connections shape our work every day. From connected technologies that streamline business, to a professional network that creates new possibilities, now more than ever we need to come together and reconnect in order to seize the growing opportunities before us. The 2021 AWFS®Fair will feature North America’s largest gathering of woodworking equipment and technology, as well as the largest selection of essential tools and products, making it the place for you to hear critical insights and make informed decisions that will allow you to take advantage of the growth of building and home improvement markets. Reconnect with your community as you experience innovation at its finest in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s brand new, high-tech hall—and prepare for new opportunities ahead.

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AWFS Product Showcase A CLOSE LOOK AT THE PRODUCTS THAT WILL BE FEATURED AT AWFS FAIR 2021

 DACKOR  Recon Force of Nature is a new stone design part of DACKOR’s Recon collection. It’s a reconnaissance design inspired by nature with a wood finish making it Rhino Hz, an extra-durable horizontal grade ideal for high traffic areas, such as residential kitchens and horizontal surfaces. The design is available in three colors—Recon Rock Solid, Recon Force of Nature, and Recon Urban Vibe. www.dackor.com

GIARDINA GROUP  The Dualtech 501 by Giardina Group is a compact and functional machine, which makes it a reliable and versatile work tool for small batch to large productions. With the Dualfast quick-change device, color changes can be done in a few seconds and production resumed without wasting time. www.giardinagroup.com  GRASS AMERICA The Kinvaro T-Slim by Grass America is an new lifter system for wooden flap doors that creates new possibilities in the design of overhead wall cabinets. Kinvaro T-Slim combines the aesthetic advantages of almost invisibly blending into furniture cabinetry with the functional advantages of extremely smooth movement, outstanding strength, and durability. www.grassusa.com

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HETTICH  AvanTech YOU by Hettich has a new, sleekly linear design language. The slender drawer side profiles in impeccably purist design come in a thickness of only 13mm and are entirely without any visible holes, apertures, or cover caps. This permits handle-less design in uncompromising perfection both inside and out. Given the ease with which a drawer can be customized in terms of color, shape and material, furniture manufacturers and buyers of furniture can both stand out from the crowd. www.hettich.com

 CABINET VISION CABINET VISION is the most widely used design for manufacturing software capable of custom cabinet and room design, photo realistic renderings, material optimization, bidding and costing, and cutlists and bill of materials. Combined with the powerful S2M CENTER, it can automatically create machine ready G-Code for CNC flat table routers, point-to-point machines, panel saws, drill and dowel machines, chop saws and other specialized CNC machinery. www.cabinetvision.com

 KING PLASTIC King StarBoard ST is a wood alternative material that is maintenance-free. The polymer will not rust, delaminate or rot when exposed to UV, humidity or water, and it never needs painting or refinishing. It works like wood and is easy to fabricate using common woodworking tools and techniques. Made with a luxurious matte gloss finish in 10 designer colors, the product has custom sheet sizes, gauges, and colors available. www.kingplastic.com

KLEIBERIT  For flat lamination applications, a new range of ME hotmelt adhesives is available. When laminating flat substrates with films, veneers or papers on thermal and cold lamination lines, Kleiberit relies on the use of PUR hotmelt adhesives in ME quality. The special adhesives feature long open times, high green strength, and tremendous final strength. www.kleiberit.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 46 ›

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MJB WOOD GROUP  MJB Wood Group is introducing an engineered based floor product with industrial coating for mezzanine deck application. The product is designed for retail and warehouse operations of light to medium storage inventory management needs. MJB Select Mezzanine Deck comes in a variety of surface textures and core materials market tested for industrial warehouse environments www.mjbwood.com

 SENOSAN All lacquered Senosan surfaces, whether high-gloss or matte, as well as all acrylic glass foils, will now have an antibacterial finish reducing bacteria and germs by 99.9% within 24 hours. This antibacterial effectiveness was tested according to ISO 22196 /JIS Z2801 and confirmed by an independent, certified test institute. www.senosan.com/en

Available in a choice of 12 tinted colors from the Milesi Collection (XWT510x Color System series). Milesi Distributors can produce any tinted color desired using the clear base (XWC5AA1) in combination with pigmented pastes. They feature excellent foot traffic resistance, and unparalleled protection against weather conditions, mildew, fungi and UV exposure threats.

SHOPBOT  ShopBot Tools has expanded the capabilities of their 96x48 PRSalpha CNC. The addition of a 6" Rotary Indexer opens up the possibilities for 3D carving while still allowing space to cut full 4’x8’ sheets of plywood. ShopBot's Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) makes both types of machining more efficient and convenient. www.shopbottools.com/products

As children often play on decks and pool decks, these impregnators have been formulated to comply with EN71/3 European regulation related to toy safety, and are Non-Slip certified according to UNE 41901 regulation, making decks not only beautiful and protected, but also safe. Ideal on softwoods, exotic woods and thermotreated wood, can be applied by brush, manual roller and automatic impregnator. Coated surfaces can be maintained using the same products, without sanding.

SURTECO Pass by any lake, pond, river, or marsh that has been left to Mother Nature's discretion and you will find cattails. The design Cattail Oak is a wide plank European oak. The warm, rich brown is reminiscent of the velvety, flowering spike—the cattail. www.surteco.com

IVM Chemicals Inc. - 501 Mitchell Road - Glendale Heights, Illinois 60139 - Phone number +1 630 8662050 - www.milesi.com

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How How will will we we be be living living and and working working in in the the future? future?

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‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

THERMWOOD  Take a tour of the Cut Ready Cut Center to learn how every component of this powerful machine has been designed to help make it easy to operate and maintain. Learn the differences between a Cut Center and a regular CNC Router, see how simple it is to design a cabinet and add it to the job, and finally, cut out that cabinet job. blog.thermwood.com/tour-the-cut-ready-cut-center-land-0

TIMBER PRODUCTS  KodiakPly from Timber Products is a high-quality softwood siding panel. Siding panels are currently available as 4'x8' with two thickness sizes. www.timberproducts.com

RELIABLE SOURCING. WAREHOUSE SURPLUS. helping manufacturers navigate the challenges of today and succeed

www.mjbwood.com visit us at AWFS | booth 3233

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VENJAKOB  Venjakob’s new model VEN SPRAY ONE is specially designed for the craftsman and small businesses. Users have the opportunity to take a trend-setting step into automation. The compact spray coating machine with reliable Venjakob technology is an interesting alternative for small businesses as a replacement or supplement to the manual spray booth. www.venjakob-na.com/en/ven-spray-one/

info@us.surteco.com VORTEX  Vortex now offers the reliable performance of its 7000 series V-groove in an integrated tool design. The design eliminates the need to purchase a dedicated collet and toolholder for a shank style tool. It also provides greater accuracy for precise V-groove cuts. The machined seat pocket increases location surfaces for easy insert replacement and assures repeatability over other designs. The tool body comes with the necessary insert, screws, and wrench. www.vortextool.com

SURFACE & PANEL • Q2 2021

Dealing with Employees’ Online Behavior BY PAIGE McALLISTER

e have all read stories of someone’s unacceptable or illegal actions going viral and the public using social media to identify that person and where they work and live. While we normally think of social media as a personal pastime, social media can be a valuable resource for business purposes. And, employee behavior on social media can also have a significant negative impact on your business’s reputation and livelihood. Since this use of social media represents the company directly, you must take extra precautions when allowing someone to post on behalf of the company. Specifically:

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•

Make sure that only authorized employees are allowed to post on behalf of the company and have control of the company’s social media accounts.

•

Require employees to provide current user names and passwords to management and IT for monitoring. Train these employees on proper communication skills and how to maximize the impact on the platforms. Ensure that they are regularly trained on non-discrimination and are up-to-date on acceptable and unacceptable language and imagery.

•

Suggest employees who are expected to use social media for business purposes maintain a separate and distinct personal account for their personal use. If the business account is in the company’s name, then that stays with the company if the employee leaves.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/LITTLEHENRABI

Decorative Surfaces •

Foils Require senior management’s approval before posting anything of significance such as a new initiative. However, require multiple people (preferably with diverse backgrounds and perspectives) to review the posting or concept first to be more likely to catch offensive or problematic issues before they are made public. Be sure employees feel free to come forward with their concerns.

PERSONAL USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA An employee’s personal use of social media is often used to connect with friends and family, to find items of interest, forward information they find important, and convey their own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. Because these personal views can impact your business, it is important to know what employers can and cannot do.

Edges Printed Paper

info@us.surteco.com •

What you can do:

•

Prohibit the employee’s use of social media during working hours to avoid impacts on productivity and to limit connection with the company. However, you cannot restrict an employee from using social media during non-work time such as during meal or rest breaks.

You may be able to prohibit employees from using company resources (computers / tablets) for social media only if you prohibit all other personal use. You must apply this policy across the board and discipline employees equally for the personal use of company resources.

What you cannot do:

•

If an employee’s posts relate to the working conditions for themselves or others, they have more freedoms. Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), all employees have the right to protected concerted activity (PCA) such as complaining about low wages, sub-par work conditions, or poor management. Whistleblower and public policy laws protect employees who use social media to shed light on a company’s illegal or unethical actions. Typically, as long as the posts do not violate other policies such as confidentiality, non-discrimination / harassment /sexual harassment, code of ethics / conduct, they are legal.

•

In states that have off-duty conduct protection laws, an employee cannot be disciplined for posting about something they did off-hours as long as it is legal.

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An employee’s personal use of social media is often used to connect with friends and family, to find items of interest, forward information they find important, and convey their own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. Because these personal views can impact your business, it is important to know what employers can and cannot do.

SURFACE & PANEL • Q2 2021

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WHAT ABOUT FREEDOM OF SPEECH? Employees and employers need to know that, in most workplaces, there is no freedom of speech at work or when using social media. Unless protected as mentioned previously, employees can be held accountable for their words, actions, or behaviors which are deemed unacceptable or that violate company policy. POLICIES TO IMPLEMENT: To allow your company to take action when necessary, you should implement and consistently enforce the following policies: • USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA: Include who can post on behalf of the company; when employees can use social media and when they cannot; and that any posts whether for the company or personal cannot violate other policies, including those below.

•

CODE OF ETHICS / CONDUCT: Define what behavior is so unacceptable that the

company will take immediate and serious disciplinary action or termination.

•

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, SEXUAL HARASSMENT, RETALIATION POLICIES:

Make sure these policies are worded to cover social media posts.

•

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE: Ensure employees know that any threats made during

or outside of work are unacceptable, including those made via social media.

•

CONFIDENTIALITY / TRADE SECRETS: Define what is and isn’t considered

confidential information and reference an employee’s right to PCA and the company’s rights under the Defend Trade Secrets Act.

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•

OUTSIDE INQUIRIES: Define who can speak

on behalf of the company when giving professional references or making comments.

•

SEARCHES: Clearly state that an employee has no

right to privacy for anything posted using company resources, even on deleted activity.

•

EMPLOYMENT-AT-WILL: State that the company or the employee

can end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or notice. This gives you more freedom to take action on any unacceptable behavior. PRACTICES TO ESTABLISH: Since social media can start outside of the workplace but still create explosive situations, you should preemptively create procedures of what actions you will take if an employee:

• • • • • •

uses social media during work hours, regardless of what they use it for.

Q&A— Social Media

posts using their company-issued computer.

complains about their wages or management. uploads a controversial thought or comment. verbally attacks another employee. threatens violence at the workplace or against a manager.

SOME SCENARIOS: What should you do if the following happens?

•

EMPLOYEE POSTS DISCRIMINATORY COMMENTS: If they are targeting an

employee, client, or vendor, you must investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action. Even if they are only general comments but another employee is offended, you should give a warning.

•

EMPLOYEE POSTS ABOUT HOW MUCH HE EARNS OR THAT HE THINKS HIS BOSS IS AN IDIOT: This is probably protected under the NLRA so you cannot

take disciplinary action. However, you may consider talking to the employee to find out why they are dissatisfied.

•

EMPLOYEE CALLS IN SICK BUT POSTS PICTURES AT A BASEBALL GAME: While

watching a baseball game is harmless, the fact the employee lied about why they took time off may be something you want to reprimand to ensure it does not happen again.

•

EMPLOYEE IS TAGGED IN A PICTURE SHOWING HER SMOKING MARIJUANA:

If the behavior is illegal, you may be able to discipline. However, if it is legal in your state for recreational or medical purposes, you probably cannot take any action, especially if your state has a protection of offduty activity law.

•

With our many years of experience, technical know-how and design expertise, Surteco provides more than a product; we provide a comprehensive solution. Surteco is a leading, full-service provider of inspiring designs, surfaces and edges. “We create. We Innovate.” It’s not just our motto. It defines us.

An employee posted concerning comments on their personal social media page. I am worried this may impact our business. Can I take any action against the employee?

A: Maybe. While an employee’s social media postings are personal, they are not private since they are shared with a broad audience. There are some posts which you can take action on while others are protected. You usually can take disciplinary action if the post violates one of your policies, such as confidentiality or non-discrimination / harassment / sexual harassment, or shows the employee participating in illegal activity, such as looting or violence. Disciplinary action can include termination if serious enough. However, if the employee’s post expresses their frustration or concern over working conditions (such as wages, management, or safety), it probably could be considered “protected concreted activity” under the NLRA and therefore, no action should be taken except trying to rectify the concern. Also, some states also protect legal off-duty behavior so a post of an employee legally smoking marijuana, for example, is also protected. n

PAIGE MCALLISTER,

EMPLOYEE POSTS PICTURES FROM BEING PART OF A VIOLENT PROTEST /

SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Vice President for Compliance Affinity HR Group, Inc. contact@affinityhrgroup.com

LOOTING: If the behavior is illegal, you can probably take action and

discipline or fire the employee since it can impact your company’s reputation and business. The use, impact, and repercussions of social media are limitless so you must have some structure in place to be ready to address whatever may happen. This is a changing topic and laws vary across states. If you are considering implementing or updating your social media policy, we can help! Check out our full range of compliance services. Our Affinity HR Support Plan is a great option that saves you 20% off handbook services and also helps you stay on top of regulatory changes and HR documentation. s p

SURFACE & PANEL • Q2 2021

Measuring Partnerability

BY DAVE K AHLE

t’s been my experience that a salesperson can visit an account once or twice, and make some valuable observations about the partnerability of that account—the likelihood of that account developing into a partner one day.

In my seminars, I’ll often ask the group to develop a list of plusses and minuses. Plusses are characteristics or behaviors of the account which increase the likelihood of the account developing into a partner. Minuses are the opposite—characteristics or behaviors of the account that decrease the likelihood that it will one day develop into a partner.

1. GOOD PRODUCT/SERVICE FIT Let’s say you offer 10 products. Brill Brothers Manufacturing Co. can use all 10, and all of them are important to their business. Jones Industries can use two of your 10, and neither of the two is really central to their business. Who is the better product/service fit? Clearly, it’s Brill Brothers. Notice the two issues for product/ service fit: • the degree to which an account can use your products or services

•

the degree to which those products/services are important to them.

2. PERSONAL CHEMISTRY This speaks to the personal relationship between you and the customer. On one hand, a professional salesperson ought to be able to build positive business CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 ›

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‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54

relationships with anyone. On the other, it’s a whole lot easier with some people. If most of the important people at Brill Brothers like you, are comfortable with you, and trust you, it’s going to be much more likely that they will grow into a partner with you than Jones Industries, where there is just a little tension between you and most of the important people there. The personal chemistry isn’t the same. 3. GOOD MANAGEMENT You don’t invest your money in stocks that are doomed, and you don’t invest your time in losers either. If a company appears to be well organized and well managed, chances are it’s going to grow or at least survive. On the other hand, those that are characterized by high employee turnover, bad attitudes, sloppy and unorganized facilities and no plans are likely to struggle in the future. 4. COMPATIBLE PHILOSOPHY Some accounts are strictly price buyers. That’s great if your organization strives to be the low-cost provider in commodity markets. You’d have a compatible philosophy. However, if your company positions itself as a value-added provider, or the high-quality choice, then you are never going to be comfortable with, or important to, the “buy the lowest price no matter what” philosophy. The more compatible your philosophies are, the greater the likelihood that will develop into a partner one day.

5. PERSONAL RESPECT AND ACCESSIBILITY In some accounts, all vendor salespeople are viewed as “peddlers” and dealt with accordingly. These are the accounts that give you 15 minutes in the conference room with a junior purchasing agent and then dismiss you. Others give you the plant tour, show you their future plans, introduce you to the VPs, and solicit your thoughts and ideas. They see you whenever you say you have something of value for them, and they respect your insights. That’s good. 6. PAY WELL It’s a real waste of time to invest high quality selling efforts in an account, successfully solve some of their problems, and achieve a good sale, only to discover that your credit department won’t approve it. Or worse yet, they do approve it, but the account doesn’t pay. Better to try to discern that before you invest a lot of your time in them. 7. INDUSTRY- OR COMPANY-SPECIFIC ITEMS There can be a number of very specific issues that are important to your industry or your company. For example, one of my client was a division of a Fortune 500 company. One of their criteria was whether or not the account owned equipment produced by one of the other divisions of the company. If so, it would be easier to talk with them and specify their supplies. If not, it would be more difficult. Another client was a regional petroleum supplier. One of their CONTINUED ON PAGE 58 ›

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If you’re like us, you’re probably searching for more than just another piece of news - you’re searching for stories. Surface & Panel takes design, details and learning seriously and provides you with something new and exciting to learn every quarter. Visit surfaceandpanel.com to find more stories beyond our magazine, such as the Surface & Panel podcast, digital magazine showcase, industry news, and much more.

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criteria was the distance from the customer to their nearest distribution facility. Because of the relative importance of freight costs, if the account were geographically close to their facility and far away from a competitor’s, that was good. The opposite was bad. To implement this strategy, take the seven general characteristics discussed above and mesh them with at least three criteria that you create. These new criteria should be specific to your company or industry. If you did that, you’d have a list of 10 criteria. You could rate every one of your customers on each of those 10 criteria. Think of a scale from 0 to 10, with zero indicating that worst expression of that criteria, and 10 the greatest. For example, let’s apply the criteria of “good management” to Cool Inc., one of your accounts. This account is progressive, always looking for the next advantage, and willing to listen to any good ideas. On the other hand, it’s a family-held business, and the CEO is dictatorial. He does have some professional managers reporting to him, however, and that helps. Turnover is a bit of a problem because of the CEO’s abrasiveness. All in all, you decide the plusses outweigh the negatives on this issue, and you give Cool Inc. a rating of “7” on the “good management” criteria. Do this for every criteria, account by account, and you’ll have a way to measure and compare their partnerability s p

Here’s an example of a set of criteria developed and applied to Cool Inc.:

RATING FOR: Cool, Inc. BY: Mary, sales rep • DATE: June 4, 2021

Good fit

Personal Chemistry

Management

Compatible Philosophy

Personal respect & accessibility

Pay well

Aggressive growth plans

Positive history with us

Ability to use products from our other divisions =

10. Open to our input

Total

Dave Kahle is a high-content consultant, instructor, presenter and author of 12 books, including How to Sell Anything to Anyone Anytime. Reach him at dave@davekahle.com.

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GAME ON! C ARBO N FI B E R TAK ES C E NTE R STAG E I N TH E GAM I N G I N DUSTRY BY STEPHANIE ORNELAS

evenue and interest in desktop gaming, also known as Esports, has increased exponentially over the past year with AsiaPacific, North America, and Europe leading the way as the top three markets. Viewership continues to skyrocket and revenue for the gaming industry is estimated to be well over $100 billion. Because of this, gaming desks, chairs, and accessories have become huge revenue drivers for furniture companies looking to cash in on the Esports fad. Larger retailers are even getting in on the action and bringing gaming furniture to their private labels. “The gaming industry was traditionally using black or white solid colors on surfaces, in combination with LED backlight, to cater to its users. There has been an interest in doing something different,” said Margie Edwards, marketing manager for Schattdecor. Carbon fibers have several advantages such as high stiffness, tensile strength, chemical resistance, and temperature tolerance, but are best known for being “stronger than steel” while being lightweight. That’s why, Edwards explained, these properties have made carbon

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fiber very popular among engineers and other manufacturers, including those making competition sport equipment. Schattdecor recently developed a new décor line called Carbon Fiber, inspired by the futuristic material of the same name that has grown in popularity within the Esports world, covering everything gaming related from ergonomic desks and chairs, to computers, and accessories. “Gaming is such a competitive sport right now. We’ve seen increasing demands from office furniture manufacturers targeting the gaming industry,” said Edwards. “Carbon Fiber seemed like a logical look to put on surfaces.” According to Edwards, worktops that feature tempered glass, laminate, thermofoil, and powder coated paint finishes are the most popular surface options for desktop gaming because of their durability. “Desktops need to withstand the pressure of heavy computer towers and monitors and be scratch resistant to mouse and pen movements. These are both key surface features consumers are looking for when purchasing a gaming desk.” Edwards went on to explain that carbon fiber has become a popular surface option for gaming desks not only because it’s a durable surface material, but because of its use in aircraft, aerospace, military, and automotive equipment, components, clothing, and accessories, which

“Desktops need to withstand the pressure of heavy computer towers and monitors and be scratch resistant to mouse and pen movements. These are both key surface features consumers are looking for when purchasing a gaming desk.” MARGIE EDWARDS, MARKETING MANAGER FOR SCHATTDECOR

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FINISHING TECHNOLOGY FOR DEMANDING SURFACES

Venjakob North America Inc. 130 Healey Road, Unit #18 Bolton, Ontario | L7E 5B3 Andrew Scott | ascott@venjakob.com Phone: 905 951 9966 www.venjakob-na.com

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S U R F A C E & P A N 07.04.21 E L • Q 2 11:44 2021

“Gaming is such a competitive sport right now. We’ve seen increasing demands from office furniture manufacturers targeting the gaming industry. Carbon Fiber seemed like a logical look to put on surfaces.”

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tends to be the subject of a lot of popular desktop and console games played by both the average game consumer and Esports teams. But according to Edwards, what’s most important is that the optical mouse signal is not interfered with high performance gaming, a feature that standard carbon fiber doesn’t have. “The feature is very expensive. That’s why we chose our high resistant Mat+ Finish to address this capability, follow the market encompassing ultra-matte trend and round up the competitive look.” There’s no question that traditional entertainment industries have seen significant losses during the global pandemic, but the gaming sector has been one of the few to experience an unprecedented boom, with people seeking entertainment at home. And as the world continues to look to recovery after one of the most chaotic years in modern history, no one is expecting consumer behavior from 2020 to reverse overnight. That could mean that the boom enjoyed by the gaming sector is here to stay. s p

MARGIE EDWARDS, MARKETING MANAGER FOR SCHATTDECOR

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I Want To Learn From This

“What will shows be like when things go back to normal? And how can I return from this pandemic stronger and wiser than before? I want to learn from this and be better for it.”

I just had a meeting with our team here at Surface & Panel, where we were putting together a game plan for the upcoming AWFS live fair—that’s right, live and in person! It was a breath of fresh air. It feels like almost a lifetime ago that we were talking about hotel reservations, manning the booth and making appointments that didn’t consist of getting to know one another via a computer screen. It’s safe to say there are some aspects that just work better when it comes to in-person events vs. allvirtual events. But it also caused us to look at what didn’t work. What are some things we can do differently once things are back to somewhat normal? I think that’s a question we can all ask ourselves, and the answer can look different for every organization. But as I was talking to some of our readers and supporters, interior designers and product managers, one thing that came up was to be more intentional when attending shows. A New York-based interior designer I was speaking to last week said it perfectly: “This past year has really shown me that anything could happen. And it could happen fast.” The last show I was at was KBIS 2020 in Las Vegas, and that was just before the pandemic. Since then, it’s been a constant thought of, what will shows be like when things go back to normal? And how can I return from this pandemic stronger and wiser than before? I want to learn from this and be better for it. Like I’ve written in my previous columns, I truly wish I had known then what I know now. I can agree that being more strategic and intentional with my time at events will be top of mind, knowing that you just don’t know what tomorrow, next week or next month will look like. One week you could be putting in 10 miles a day at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the next you could be told not to leave your home for the foreseeable future. I will definitely be thinking about that as I roam the Las Vegas halls once again this year. There are a lot of things to take away from the pandemic and 2020. But one thing is for sure: digital components have and will continue to navigate us into this new reality—a reality where you don’t have to be in-person to be present and have a meaningful conversation. With as many people we have attending live shows again, there will still be an industry full of people who are not able to attend, whatever the reason may be. Maybe now, they can be there, and will have an easy, affordable way to connect with their customers—virtually; they’re still connecting, nonetheless. I like to think the pandemic has changed the way we all look at the digital world. In the past, folks have argued that technology kills interpersonal communication, but if it weren’t for technology this past year, interpersonal communication would be dead. I think that’s worth taking note of. What will you take away? Stephanie Ornelas, Editor

STEPHANIE ORNELAS | EDITOR | SURFACE & PANEL MAGAZINE SORNELAS@525MEDIAGROUP.COM | 714-486-2735

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A D V E R T I S E R S PAGE

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526 Media Events 65 714.486.2735 www.526.events

17 800.999.9459

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