Features

Next Level Panel Processing

In Germany, the analogy is strong between the automotive industry—often considered the most vivid expression of what a culture is about in a time—and the kitchen industry. In both, the end product not only has to function, but it has to look great, be efficient to manufacture with regular modifications and give pleasure to the operator.

How It’s Made Matters

It’s no secret to any of us in the decorative surfaces industry that TFL, or thermally fused laminates, may just be the least understood surfacing option on the market. Lack of “brand” identity (and especially strong recognition of its closely allied product, HPL) or lingering perceptions tied to once-imperfect manufacturing standards—who’s to say what exactly is to blame.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö invests, adapts in response to decor market changes

2018 was an eventful year for the decor paper business in general and Ahlstrom-Munksjö in particular. To assess what happened and what lies ahead, Surface & Panel posed a series of questions to Tomas Wulkan, executive vice president, decor, at Ahlstrom-Munksjö, a global leader in fiber-based materials.

Technology, specialization drive growth

Steve Schoenacker knew early in his career as a woodworker that he wanted to own and operate a cabinet-making company that relied heavily on technology and automation. And by early, we’re talking 20 years old.

Closets Pioneer Gets Inspired

Mike Carson is widely acknowledged as a closet and home organization visionary. He imagined a closets industry when none existed – no dedicated supply chain, no trade association and no standards.

What’s cooking in kitchen cabinet design

Warm wood tones and cool blues are stand-out trends in kitchen cabinet décor for 2019, according to design experts contacted by Surface & Panel.

Amid uncertainty, forecasts are cool for housing, remodeling in 2019

Start with rising, stabilizing and then falling mortgage interest rates. Throw in stock market volatility, a partial shutdown of the U.S. government and global economic uncertainties.The result for economic forecasters trying to make predictions for the remainder of 2019 has been a challenge.

Parallel universe

Imola, Italy, in October for the 10^th edition of Cefla Live, which showcased the industry’s most impressive operational finishing laboratory. At the event, Cefla demonstrated definitively why it would be a misnomer to simply call the company a finishing technology provider.

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