By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Kohler collaborates with SR_A: Kohler Co. has partnered with SR_A, an innovative industrial design studio founded by Dr. Samuel Ross in London. The collaboration is a “groundbreaking journey that promises to revolutionize the water experience,” according to Kohler. It aims to provide a platform in which to explore new concepts in engineering, materials, form and color. Together, they will develop innovative water solutions and challenge preconceived notions of how to move water. Ross’ studio has previously collaborated with such clients as Nike, Apple, Hublot, LVMH Group and others. Learn more about Kohler x SR_A here.
Cosentino to bring manufacturing to U.S.: Cosentino Group, known for its sustainable engineered surfaces, is expanding manufacturing to North America for the first time in its 78-year history. The group has purchased 330 acres near the port in Jacksonville, FL, and expects to break ground in January 2025, with completion slated by the end of 2028. Total investment is estimated at $270 million, and the company expects to create 180 jobs in the first phase of operations. Cosentino currently employs 1,400 people in North America, including in its U.S. base in Coral Gables, FL, and 45 distribution centers, five logistical hubs and 10 showrooms across the U.S. and Canada. More about Cosentino here.
3D Cloud by Marxent accelerates expansion: 3D Cloud by Marxent, a 3D product experience platform for furniture and home improvement retailers, has raised $7.5 million in Series D funding to speed up the development of its artificial intelligence and design automation capabilities. The 3D Cloud platform will be directly accessible to independent interior design professionals, providing innovations like AI-powered design automation, LiDAR room scanning integration and self-service. With its immersive 3D product configuration, room planning and other 3D product experiences, the platform will help retailers and manufacturers in the furniture, kitchen, bath and decking sectors drive conversion rates and save costs. For more info, visit 3dcloud.com.
Cambria’s new additions: Cambria, a leading American quartz manufacturer, has added three innovative new designs to its portfolio: Harlow™, Brittanicca Gold Cool™ and Hailey™. The new patterns fulfill design needs identified in its 2023/24 Trend Forecast, combining cool and warm tones with veining that evokes calm and organic forms. Harlow features warm chocolate brown notes, Brittanicca includes earthy copper-gold and greige streams, and Hailey leans to serene aubergine notes. All three are available in high gloss and matte finishes, in 2cm and 3cm thicknesses and in jumbo slab sizes. Learn more at CambriaUSA.com.
People News
Cyncly appoints C-Suite execs: Leading design software maker Cyncly has named Matthew Blosl Chief Revenue Officer and James Hamilton Chief Operating Officer. Hamilton, who previously served as Chief Financial Officer, will temporarily maintain those responsibilities until a new CFO is appointed. Blosl brings more than two decades of experience in executing market strategy and expanding revenue streams. Cyncly was formed in 2021 through the merger of Compusoft and 2020. To learn more about the company, click here.
Fisher & Paykel taps Winkler as COO: Premium appliance brand Fisher & Paykel has named Eli Winkler as its Chief Operating Officer for its U.S. division. Winkler was previously president of Smith & Noble, an online window-treatment retailer, and held the position of Chief Marketing Officer of La-Z-Boy. He succeeds Kevin Dexter, who led the U.S. division since 2017 and has left the company. Winkler will oversee operations for F&P and its sister brand, DCS Appliances. More about Fisher & Paykel here.
Industry News
Climate-focused podcast launches: Media platform Dezeen and software brand SketchUp have created a six-part podcast series exploring the role that designers and architects can play in tackling climate change. Topics include how design choices can encourage sustainable living, how various design and building professionals can collaborate to create a cohesive response to climate change, integrating nature into designs and more. Learn more at Dezeen.
Chapter Updates
Bowl and join: The Central Ohio Chapter is hosting an evening of bowling and networking along with a membership drive on June 7 at Pins Mechanical, 6558 Riverside Drive, in Dublin, Ohio. Enjoy open bowling from 4:30 to 5:30, and take a group photo on the bridge at the upscale Bridge Park shopping and entertainment center at 6:15. NKBA members are $25, non-members are $30 and first-timers are welcome at no charge. NKBA members who bring a guest who joins the association will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. For more info and to register, go here.
On the road to Montreal: Join the New York Tri-State Chapter on June 14 for a road trip to Richelieu and Maax in Montreal. The cost for the one-day tour is $49 per person, including transportation, lunch and goody bags, and certified members earn .2 CEUs. The bus leaves Albany at 6:15 a.m. Attend a lunch-and-learn session about LED lighting at Richelieu for the first .1 CEU and earn a second .1 CEU on the Maax factory tour. At 5 p.m., participants will arrive at Place Ville-Marie for two hours of shopping, dinner or exploring, and leave Canada at 7 p.m. to head home. You must have a passport or enhanced ID driver’s license to cross the border. This trip is made possible by EDOS Manufacturers Reps in New York and New England. More info and registration here.
