By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Wilsonart Earns USDA Certification: Engineered surface leader Wilsonart has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label for High Pressure Laminate (HPL), which displays a product’s biobased content, or the portion of a product that comes from a renewable source like plant, animal, marine or forestry feedstocks. Wilsonart HPL features 70 percent biobased content derived from renewable natural resources. It is eco-friendly, reduces the carbon footprint and aligns with modern environmental standards and green building certifications. Learn more here.
Belwith Keeler Names President: Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions has tapped Jason Chau as president. Chau has served more than 20 years in leadership in the decorative hardware segment, with a focus on supply chain management. The company, based in Grandville, MI, includes hardware brands Keeler Brass Co., Belwith Keeler and Hickory Hardware. Learn more here.
Grubb Vanity Collection Launches: The first designs from Strasser’s Christopher Grubb Collection have hit the market. The wall-mounted Colville group reflects Grubb’s signature clean-lined, contemporary style and is available in four sizes. Grubb, a Beverly Hills-based designer and principal of Arch-Interiors Design Group, signed a deal late last year to collaborate with Strasser on the collection. Strasser produces made-to-order freestanding and wall-mounted bathroom vanities and furniture and is based in Woodinville, WA. Another line in the Grubb collection, the Aldaire, will follow by yearend. Learn more here.
Obituary: José MartÃnez-Cosentino Justo: José MartÃnez-Cosentino Justo, a founding partner of Spanish surfacing giant Cosentino, died July 13 in Madrid. He was 78. Known to the industry and friends as Pepe Cosentino, he was an architect of the current Cosentino Group, which he joined after its incorporation in 1980 as Mármoles Cosentino by his brothers Francisco and Eduardo. Pepe Cosentino graduated from the University of Barcelona in 1975 with a degree in economics, and worked at Henkel Ibérica, Banco Popular and Torras Hostench before joining the family company. There, he served for more than three decades as head of treasury and on the executive committee until 2020. KBB has more.
Industry News
Islands, Pantries Dominate Kitchen Wish Lists: A new survey released by home-improvement consultant Fixr revealed that kitchen islands are the top priority for nearly two-thirds of respondents, who cited extra counter space, bar seating and storage as key features. This was followed by walk-in pantries, a must for home buyers according to 43 percent of pros surveyed; a laundry room, cited by 31 percent, and an outdoor patio for relaxing and entertaining (30 percent). Martha Stewart has more.
Conn’s Files for Bankruptcy: Conn’s HomePlus, a specialty retailer of appliances, consumer electronics, furniture and other home goods based in The Woodlands, TX, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on July 23 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The 134-year-old retailer will conduct going-out-of-business sales and shutter 73 Conn’s locations and 35 Badcock Home Furniture & More units across the South. The company reported assets and liabilities each ranging from $1 billion to $10 billion, with its top five creditors collectively owed more than $57 million. Among the major creditors are Samsung, LG Electronics, General Electric Co. and Frigidaire Co. CNN has more.
Chapter Update
Learn Induction in South Florida: The South Florida Chapter will host two CEU sessions to discuss the science of induction technology, its culinary application and advantages in today’s kitchen. On Aug. 19, join the chapter at Fuse Specialty Appliances Boca Raton showroom, 654 Hillsboro Technology Dr., in Deerfield Beach, and on Aug. 20, the session will be held at Fuse’s North Palm Beach location, 1201 US Highway 1. Both events run from 4 to 6 PM. NKBA members are $25, non-members are $35, students are $10. Register here.
