The University of North Alabama celebrated NKBA Student Day in partnership with Wellborn Cabinet, which provided an inside look at cabinet craftsmanship and career paths.
By Nicholas Tamarin
Twenty interior design students from the University of North Alabama recently had the opportunity to experience the kitchen and bath industry from the inside out during a special NKBA Student Day, hosted by Wellborn Cabinet in partnership with the NKBA Alabama Chapter.
The immersive, hands-on event provided students with a rare glimpse into the full cabinet manufacturing process—from raw materials to finished product—while also highlighting sustainability initiatives and the diverse career opportunities available within the kitchen and bath industry.
A Journey from Log to Cabinet
To accommodate the 3.5-hour distance, Wellborn arranged overnight lodging for the students before the event, ensuring they were ready for an early start. The day began with a 7:00 a.m. pickup and transport to Wellborn’s facility, where students embarked on a three-hour guided tour of the company’s entire production process. From the sawmill and dry kilns to drawer box and door construction, assembly, finishing, and shipping, students observed firsthand how each piece of cabinetry takes shape.
Sustainability in Action
Sustainability was a central theme throughout the visit. Students learned about Wellborn’s Green Certification and the company’s ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing.: Sawdust generated from milling is used to produce steam energy, which powers several areas of the plant—including the dry kilns that prepare Wellborn’s own lumber—saving the company millions annually in natural gas costs.
Additional sustainable practices include recapturing and reusing paint waste from flat-line finishing machines and optimizing trucking routes by backhauling loads for other companies on return trips, minimizing emissions, and maximizing efficiency.
Behind the Scenes of KBIS
Students also received a behind-the-scenes look at the Wellborn Cabinet booth from the previous KBIS, which had been fully reassembled in the company’s large warehouse. Touring each vignette, they learned how Wellborn presents its products on the national stage and gained perspective on the planning and creativity that go into exhibiting at the industry’s largest event.
Exploring Career Pathways
Following lunch, NKBA Alabama Chapter officers hosted a roundtable discussion highlighting the many career paths available within the kitchen and bath industry. The one-hour session featured an engaging mix of professionals representing design, sales, training, and product development, including:
- A kitchen and bath showroom owner/designer
- A designer for a design/build firm
- A sales representative
- A kitchen and bath trainer for Wellborn
- Wellborn’s Product Development Manager
The students were encouraged to ask questions, explore different specialties, and consider how their skills could translate into a future in the field.
