Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
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Industry Update { Noteworthy developments impacting the kitchen and bath market } SCHOCK Celebrates 90th Anniversary Granite-sink manufacturer SCHOCK celebrated its 90th anniversary and its repositioning as a lifestyle brand with customers from over 30 countries. Attendees of two-day event in Berlin, Germany were treated to a retrospective regarding the company's history, as well as a glimpse into SCHOCK's latest developments, including new fnishes, materials and a live performance exhibition of a new carbon fber sink. Pictured at front center are: Ralf Boberg, Dr. Mark Werkmeister and Kenneth F. Fey of SCHOCK. Stanley, NJ — Blum, Inc. is investing $28.5 million over the next two years for a machinery and equipment ex- pansion. The investment will be for the company's TANDEM runner. Ware- house upgrades and an investment in solar panel equipment are also in- cluded, as well as upgrades in injection molding and hinge assembly. In addition to designing and manufacturing functional hardware for kitchen cabinets, Blum also builds and maintains machines that assem- ble these products. This expansion will enhance machining capabilities and provide improved support for the maintenance of equipment and tool- ing, according to the frm. Artisan Group Achieves MIA Accreditation for Members Austin, TX — The Artisan Group of stone fabricators has become the frst group to have every member Marble Institute of America (MIA) Accred- ited. To accomplish this, group members completed testing on quality, safety and service. " T h is a cco m - plishment sets them apart from any other group of fabricators in the world," says Garen Distelhorst, communications director, Marble In- stitute of America. "They are the only group that has been vetted by a third- party credentialing body to be superior in all areas of the stone business." With 35 members and growing, Artisan Group covers most major markets in the U.S. and Canada. Members average more than 20 years of fabrication experience in the countertop industry. "Artisan Group was formed to raise the stone business to a higher stan- dard," says Artisan Group Executive Director Chad Seiders. "Above and beyond providing our own exclusive countertop brands, and the industry's frst lifetime granite warranty, our by-laws require all members to obtain MIA Accreditation." Blum Invests in Expansion 16 | Kitchen & Bath Design News November 2014 Circle No. 10 on Product Card Each member of the Artisan Group of stone fabricators is now MIA accedited.