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According to the dictionary, “innovation” can be defined simply as a new idea, device or method. Typically, however, innovation also is viewed as the application of better solutions that meet the needs of today’s market. Better solutions? Those are definitely what hardware companies have in mind when they research, develop and introduce their innovative new products. Here are some of the best new examples of those new products and better solutions from some of the world’s top hardware companies:

Coming into 2018, many tile suppliers cited countertops as a key opportunity for the year ahead. According to Glenn Harry, general manager, stone and sales operation for Mohawk’s Dal-Tile Corporation, the U.S. countertop industry is estimated to be about $5 billion in sales annually, with roughly half coming from stone, quartz and a newer product known as gauged porcelain. While the sector is still in its early stages in the U.S., it’s definitely growing, and many suppliers are pointing to gauged porcelain tile — which the U.S. has recently started to embrace — as the reason.

Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces is among the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of innovative, high-performance surfaces. Wilsonart manufactures and distributes High Pressure Laminate, Quartz, Solid Surface, Coordinated TFL and Edgebanding, and other engineered surfaces for use in the office, education, healthcare, residential, hospitality and retail markets.

I must admit that sometimes it’s hard to convince my friends that panel processing can be incredibly interesting. Even exciting. They’ll ask me to explain again what I’m doing these days and what exactly Surface & Panel covers.