By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
LX Hausys America Releases ESG Report: LX Hausys America, a maker of building and decorative materials, reported in its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance Report that it reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 2,218 tons as part of its 2050 Carbon Neutrality Roadmap. In the U.S., the Korea-based company has strengthened its sustainability practices at its two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Georgia, where it produces its VIATERA quartz and HIMACS solid surface materials, as well as automotive fabrics. Facility upgrades, including boiler replacements and optimized heat-recovery systems, have improved energy efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The company also reports improvements in waste reduction and recycling of byproducts. Both U.S. plants maintain ISO 14001 environmental management certification to minimize ecological impact. More details here.
US Cabinet Depot Names CEO: US Cabinet Depot has appointed Larry Denbrock as CEO, succeeding company founder Steven Xu, who will transition into the role of Chairman. Denbrock brings more than 30 years of industry experience, including senior leadership roles at Cabinetworks Group, ACProducts, Delta Faucet, and Assa Abloy. Xu, who founded the company in 2012, will continue to guide the business and support its continuing growth. Learn more here.
Beko Taps Bottura: Leading premium appliance maker Beko has appointed Italian Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Massimo Bottura as its global brand ambassador. The partnership reflects shared values of innovation, culinary creativity, and a commitment to sustainability, and was announced at the “Best Chef Awards” in Milan on Oct. 2. Beko was ranked 17th globally by Time magazine as one of the world’s most sustainable companies overall and ranked #1 in its industry. Beko was the official sustainability partner of the Best Chef Awards. Bottura, an author and activist against food waste and hunger, owns several restaurants in Modena, Italy, including Osteria Francescana, which has earned three Michelin Stars. Learn more here.
Jetta, Americh in Partnership: Jetta Corp. and Americh, two innovative manufacturers of bathing products and accessories, have formed a strategic partnership to enhance product breadth, geographical reach, and service capabilities across the U.S. The combined company will operate manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Oklahoma and will continue to operate under their existing brand names, preserving the distinct identities, product offerings, and relationships that have driven their successes. KBB has more.
Hawk Opens in SoCal: Luxury design firm Hawk & Co. celebrated the opening of its headquarters and showroom in Laguna Beach, CA, in September with a tropical-meets-Studio 54-themed party that included Polynesian entertainment, a Hawaiian blessing, and a feast featuring a pig roast. Founder and principal designer Summer Jensen, CID, NCIDQ, along with her brother and partner Brandon Jensen, who is COO, hosted more than 175 guests at the 1,500 square-foot facility. The building features custom cabinetry throughout, including Olivetti kitchen cabinets from House of Huschka, Estrella finishes in the two bathroom spaces, Lumens lighting, and a Gaggenau dishwasher in the kitchen. The award-winning studio, founded in 2009, specializes in luxury design projects over $10 million. Learn more about Hawk & Co. here.
Chapter Updates
San Diego Stars: The San Diego Chapter’s Star Design Awards will take place on Oct. 14, 5:50 to 8 pm, at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA. The chapter will honor its winners with cash prizes for best large, medium, small, and outdoor kitchens; best large, medium, and small bathrooms and powder rooms, and best other room. The event is sponsored by Brizo, Stone Systems, and Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. Cost is $50 per person; register here.
Sustainability CEU Online in Minnesota: The Minnesota Chapter is offering a complimentary virtual session on “Sustainable Materials for the Bath,” Oct. 16 at noon. The session is conducted by Native Trails and covers innovative products crafted from responsibly sourced and recycled materials, the environmental impact of material choices, and how sustainability aligns with client demand and industry trends. It’s part of the chapter’s “October CEU Sprint” providing a concentrated array of qualified continuing educational units to maintain certifications and credentials. A link will be provided upon registration. More details here.
Student Design Crawl in Cali: The California Capital Chapter is hosting a Student Design Crawl on Oct. 24 from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Students will meet at Palm Design + Surfaces, 9778 Business Park Drive in Sacramento, where they will board a bus for a guided tour of active job sites, inspiring showrooms, and a behind-the-scenes look at the design-build process. This is a great way for design students to connect with local designers, contractors and vendors. Lunch, snacks, and transportation are included free of charge, thanks to sponsorships. More detail and registration here.
