Surface & Panel

01/24/2025

🌟 Choice Machinery Group Launches Redesigned Website! 🌟

We’re excited to share that Choice Machinery Group, a leader in custom and standard machinery manufacturing, has launched its newly redesigned website!

✨ Highlights of the New Website:
🔹 Enhanced user experience with a fresh, modern look.
🔹 Comprehensive storytelling of their legacy brands: Evans Midwest Machinery, Ritter Machinery, and more.
🔹 New company overview video featuring their journey, mission, and impact on the woodworking industry.

📖 “This website and brand refresh mark an exciting milestone for Choice Machinery Group,” said Jake Mulder, General Manager. “It’s a critical step in strengthening our foundation as we expand our offerings and grow our impact within the industry.”

🔗 Visit the new website today: https://www.choicemachinerygroup.com

01/13/2025

🌟 closettraininginstitute Joins NKBA Global Connect as Advisor 🌟

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) welcomes Eric Marshall, a pioneer in the closet and storage industry, to its Global Connect Advisor team.

✨ About Eric Marshall:
✔️ Co-founder of The Closet Training Institute.
✔️ Immediate past president of the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals.
✔️ Decades of expertise in custom cabinetry and closet solutions.

💡 What is NKBA Global Connect?
This international business development program connects manufacturers with industry advisors to reduce risk and guide successful market entry in North America. With Eric’s expertise in storage and organization, the program gains even greater insights into this growing segment.

📖 Read more about Eric Marshall’s new role at Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/eric-marshall-nkba-globalconnect/

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Eric Marshall joins NKBA Global Connect as part of a team of North American industry advisors — a valuable membership benefit included in the NKBA international business development program.

01/13/2025

🎉 3A Composites Americas Welcomes Linda Jeng-Lew as Vice President of Marketing and Product Management 🎉

In a strategic move to unify marketing efforts and strengthen its market presence, 3A Composites Americas has appointed Linda Jeng-Lew as Vice President of Marketing and Product Management. Linda brings over 30 years of experience across diverse industries, including automotive, performance foams, and building materials.

✨ What This Means:
▪️Unified marketing efforts across architecture, graphic display, industrial, and transportation markets.
▪️A renewed focus on innovation and customer value.
▪️Improved agility to adapt to evolving market needs.

👏 “Her extensive experience and proven track record in the building materials industry make her the ideal leader to guide our unified marketing efforts,” said Nick Scheib, President & CEO of 3A Composites Americas.

📖 Learn more about this exciting leadership move at Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/jeng-lew-vp-3acompositesamericas/

Linda Jeng-Lew will lead a combined marketing division in a strategic move to improve the company’s competitive standing in each of its core markets.

01/10/2025

🌟 Tafisa Canada Welcomes Gino Lévesque as CEO 🌟

Tafisa Canada’s Board of Directors is proud to announce Gino Lévesque as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2025.

🎉 Thank You, Louis Brassard: After leading Tafisa Canada since 2003, Louis Brassard will transition to Special Advisor and Board Member, continuing to support the company’s success.

✨ Meet Gino Lévesque:
35 years of leadership in manufacturing industries.
Expertise spanning pulp and paper, steel, aluminum, and mining.
Known for fostering innovation and prioritizing people in decision-making.

📖 Read more about this leadership transition at Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/tafisa-levesque-new-ceo/

01/09/2025

🌟 Dr. Thomas Troeger Named CEO of REHAU Interior Solutions 🌟

Big changes at REHAU Interior Solutions! On January 1, 2025, Dr. Thomas Troeger stepped into the role of CEO, succeeding Juergen Werner, who led the company to incredible success during his 30-year tenure.

👏 Thank You, Juergen Werner: Werner will now serve as Chairman of the Interior Solutions Supervisory Board, ensuring REHAU continues to thrive.

✨ Under Troeger’s leadership, REHAU aims to:
▪️Strengthen its position as a global edgeband leader.
▪️Expand internationally with a focus on customer needs.
▪️Deliver innovative solutions in decorative surfaces and furniture components.

“With a motto of ‘We want to move from good to great,’ REHAU is poised for an exciting future,” says Troeger.

📖 Learn more about this leadership transition and REHAU’s vision at Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/troeger-ceo-rehau-interior-solutions/

01/08/2025

🎤 NEXTStage Lineup at KBIS 2025 Announced!

The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is making waves this February with an incredible lineup for NEXTStage, sponsored by Ferguson. Headliners include:
✨ John McClain (Day 1): Award-winning designer, author, and business coach.
✨ Sophie Donelson (Day 2): Celebrated journalist, author, and former editor-in-chief of House Beautiful.
✨ Breegan Jane (Day 3): Interior design powerhouse, product designer, and philanthropist.

💡 What to Expect:
▪️Timely Topics: Wellness, sustainability, tech innovations, and industry trends.
▪️Award Ceremonies: Best of KBIS, DesignBites 10th Anniversary, and Best Booth.
▪️Exclusive Experiences: Luxury Lounge, podcasting booth, and outdoor Plaza fun!

📖 Learn more and register today:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/nextstage-kbis-2025/

01/07/2025

🎓✨ Columbia Forest Products Supports Next-Gen Architects with Studio 804

For nearly three decades, Columbia Forest Products has partnered with Studio 804, a not-for-profit initiative at the University of Kansas that gives graduate architecture students invaluable hands-on experience in homebuilding.

🌟 2024 Project Highlight:
This year’s home at 436 Indiana Street features Columbia’s Red Alder on Classic Core in its stunning floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, built to LEED Platinum Standards for sustainability. 🌱

💡 Why This Partnership Matters:
Studio 804 ensures future architects not only design but also understand the construction process, instilling pride, respect, and deeper engagement with their craft.

📸Photo courtesy of Studio 804 and Columbia Forest Products 📸

📖 Read the full story on Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/partnership-gives-students-real-experience/

01/07/2025

🤖 Robots Take Over the Patch Line at Timber Products

Timber Products has embraced robotic automation to revolutionize its Patch Line at the Grants Pass Plywood facility. This cutting-edge system, built in collaboration with Con-Vey, Argos Solutions, and PRE-TEC, has transformed a labor-intensive process into an efficient, automated solution.

✨ Key Benefits of the New System:
✔️ Reduced labor from 6 workers to just 1 operator.
✔️ Increased production efficiency and accuracy.
✔️ Paves the way for automation in other areas of the mill.

📖 Discover how robotics is shaping the future of panel production:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/robots-offer-solution-for-patch-line/

01/04/2025

📊 EGGER Group Reports Stable Development Despite Global Challenges

The EGGER Group has closed the first half of its 2024/2025 financial year with €2.1 billion in sales and a 7% increase in EBITDA, demonstrating resilience amid a challenging market environment.

✨ Highlights from the Report:
- Sustainability Investments: Progress towards Net Zero by 2050, new recycling sites, and a power plant expansion in Austria. 🌿
- Global Growth: Capacity expansions in the UK, Italy, and Germany, ensuring operational efficiency and customer support. 🌍
- Innovative Solutions: Launches like the Decorative Collection 24+ and the award-winning EGGER EcoBox, a sustainable wood construction solution.

While challenges like weak demand in the construction sector and price pressures persist, EGGER’s strong foundation and dedicated team of over 11,000 employees equip the company to weather the storm and keep innovating.

📖 Read the full report and details at Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/egger-group-first-half-2024-report/

📸 Meet the EGGER Group Leadership Team

The EGGER Group Management team plays a pivotal role in navigating today’s challenges while driving growth and sustainability:

Thomas Leissing – Chief Financial Officer & Speaker of the Group Management

Hannes Mitterweissacher – Chief Technology Officer

Frank Bölling – Chief Supply Chain Officer

Michael Egger Jr. – Chief Sales Officer

Their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence positions EGGER as a resilient leader in the industry.

12/31/2024

🌟 Discover Innovation and Craftsmanship at KBIS 2025! 🌟

Designs of Distinction (DOD) is thrilled to announce its participation in KBIS 2025 alongside three incredible industry leaders:

- EcoDomo: Eco-friendly leather veneers that blend sustainability with tactile luxury.
- Element Designs: Expertly crafted jewelry case components showcasing DOD’s Metallic Accent Trim and Brass Accessories.
- Custom Wood Products: Custom cabinetry that reflects timeless craftsmanship and sophistication.

📍 Visit Booth N2363 to experience DOD’s latest designs, meet the team, and see the stunning results of these collaborations.

📅 When: February 27-29, 2024
📍 Where: KBIS 2025, Las Vegas

✨ Learn more about these exciting partnerships at Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/designs-of-distinction-partners-kbis2025/

12/31/2024

🏆 EverMatte Soft-Touch Finish Wins Editor’s Choice 2024! 🎉
The innovative EverMatte Soft-Touch TFL Finish from Funder by Genesis has been awarded the prestigious Editor’s Choice 2024 by Closets & Organized Storage magazine!

Recognized for its sleek super-matte finish and advanced performance features, EverMatte sets a new benchmark for TFL surface materials. Key benefits include:
✔️ Fingerprint Resistance: Keeps surfaces smudge-free.
✔️ Water Resistance: Ideal for high-moisture environments.
✔️ Scratch Resistance: Built for everyday durability.

💬 “EverMatte embodies our mission to enhance beauty and functionality,” said Chris Tutuska, Product Director at Funder by Genesis.

✨ Available in 65+ colors, EverMatte seamlessly integrates into cabinetry, closets, and more—combining sophistication with practicality.

📖 Learn more about this award-winning product at Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/editors-choice-2024-evermatte-funder/

12/31/2024

🌟 ASID Highlights Interior Design Growth with 2024 Report 🌟

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has released its 2024 State of Interior Design Outlook Report, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams. This comprehensive report showcases steady growth in the profession, offering valuable insights into career trends, economic indicators, and design services.

📊 Key Findings Include:

Nearly 128,800 interior designers projected in 2024 (+4.1% year-over-year).
Average salary for interior designers in 2023: $69,958 (+11.3% increase).
Diversity is increasing, with shifts reflecting changes in the U.S. population.
Demand for design services surged post-pandemic, driven by lifestyle changes.
Small firms drive the industry, accounting for two-thirds of all annual sales.
🗣️ Khoi Vo, ASID CEO, shares:
"This research empowers designers to understand the meaningful value of their work and elevate their practices to improve lives and the world around them."

✨ Discover more about the growth of interior design and its outlook at Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/asid-2024-state-of-interior-design-report/

12/11/2024

🏆 EverMatte Soft-Touch Finish Wins Editor’s Choice 2024! 🎉

We’re thrilled to share that EverMatte Soft-Touch TFL Finish from Funder by Genesis Products has been awarded the Editor’s Choice 2024 by Closets & Organized Storage magazine! Recognized for its super-matte finish, fingerprint resistance, water resistance, and scratch resistance, EverMatte sets a new standard for durability and design.

This innovative finish offers a perfect blend of form, function, and advanced technology, making it ideal for cabinetry, closet systems, and beyond.

✨ Learn more about this award-winning finish at Surface & Panel:

https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/editors-choice-2024-evermatte-funder/

The finish from Funder by Genesis, launched earlier this year, has been awarded the Editor’s Choice 2024 award from Closets & Organized Storage magazine, celebrating its combination of form, function, and advanced technology.

12/06/2024

☕ Meet Patrone 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse 17-1230! 🎨

Described as a “warming, brown hue imbued with richness,” Mocha Mousse 17-1230 embodies sophistication and quiet luxury. Pantone’s Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman, calls it “sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic.”

Rooted in “quiet luxury,” this mellow hue redefines the versatility of browns, blending grounded humility with aspirational elegance. 🌟

💬 What do you think about Mocha Mousse 17-1230? Is it a design hit, or would you have picked something else? Let us know down below!

📸 All photos are credited to Pantone.

12/03/2024

📢 Masterbrand Cabinets Presenting at BofA Securities Leveraged Finance Conference 2024
Andi Simon, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MasterBrand, will present at the BofA Securities Leveraged Finance Conference on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 1:30 PM ET in Boca Raton, Florida.

🎥 A live webcast and presentation materials will be available on the Investors section of MasterBrand’s website: www.masterbrand.com. A replay of the webcast will also be archived for a limited time.

As North America’s largest residential cabinet manufacturer, MasterBrand offers a comprehensive portfolio of cabinetry solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond.

🌟 Learn more about this event and MasterBrand’s industry leadership at Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/masterbrand-bofa-conference-2024/

Andi Simon, who has served as MasterBrand's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2020, is presenting at the conference.

12/03/2024

🌏 A Successful Debut for TIWF 2024 in Bangkok! 🌟

The first Thailand International Woodworking and Furniture Exhibition (TIWF 2024) exceeded expectations, attracting over 6,200 trade visitors from 49 countries and showcasing innovations from 214 exhibiting companies across 20 countries.

Key highlights included:
- The “Business Matching Program”, facilitating 340+ meetings between exhibitors and qualified buyers.
- A series of conferences and workshops led by 35+ industry experts on emerging trends, technology, sustainability, and design.
Hands-on carpentry masterclasses and workshops impart valuable skills to attendees.

“TIWF 2024 surpassed our expectations,” said John Chan, Regional Director of the American Hardwood Export Council, Southeast Asia.

📅 Mark your calendars for the next edition:
TIWF 2026: September 16-18, 2026, Bangkok
Southeast Asian Woodworking Summit: November 13-14, 2025, Bangkok

📖 Read more about this exciting event and its future plans at Surface & Panel:
https://www.surfaceandpanel.com/tiwf2024-wrap/

📸 Photo courtesy TIWF 2024

12/02/2024

🎉 Historic Win for Pennsylvania Interior Designers! 🎉

Interior designers in Pennsylvania are celebrating the passage of Senate Bill 1319, signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro as Act 144 of 2024. This groundbreaking legislation provides Certified Interior Designers with legal recognition, a protected title, and the ability to receive compensation for space planning work.

The bill, championed by the Interior Design Legislative Coalition of Pennsylvania (IDLCPA) and supported by the American Institute of Architects of Pennsylvania, highlights the critical role of interior designers in ensuring occupant health, safety, and well-being within the built environment.

✨ "For decades, IDLCPA has worked to elevate the interior design profession in Pennsylvania," said coalition president Jennifer Gibian.

🌟 Read the full article and learn more about this milestone legislation at Surface & Panel:
https://surfaceandpanel.com/pennsylvania-designers-legislation/

📸 Photo by Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

11/28/2024

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Surface & Panel! 🦃

This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for the incredible community of design, woodworking, and surface professionals who inspire us every day. Thank you for your innovation, creativity, and passion that continue to shape the industry.

May your day be filled with family, friends, and gratitude. Here’s to the connections and projects that bring us together! 🧡