By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Cosentino Expands “City” Network: Andalusia, Spain-based Cosentino has broadened its network of experiential exhibition spaces with two new locations in North America. “Cosentino City” showrooms have opened in Boston’s Seaport District and Washington D.C.’s Golden Triangle, at an investment of $3.1 million. There are 26 Cosentino City locations around the world, including nine in the U.S. and three in Canada. Four more centers are due to open in Istanbul, Brazil, Melbourne, Australia and Porto, Portugal. The high-tech centers showcase full-slab digital displays and kitchen, bath and interior design vignettes. They offer consulting services, an “Atelier Lab” for creating material combinations, speakers and events. Learn more about the centers here.
Kohler, GEA Partner on Diversity: Kohler Co. and GE Appliances will host a virtual Supplier Diversity Matchmaking event on Oct. 5. The two manufacturing giants already collaborate on pairing appliances and fixtures, and they are now seeking diverse-owned suppliers to integrate into their respective supply chains. The application process is open through Aug. 18, with areas of opportunity including packaging, transportation and logistics and minerals, ores and metals. The event will feature two segments: an open forum in the morning in which GEA and Kohler executives will share insights on how to successfully collaborate with their companies and, in the afternoon, one-on-one interactions between buyers and preselected, certified diverse-owned suppliers. To apply for consideration, go here.
Duravit Goes Climate Neutral in Canada: Duravit AG has broken ground on the world’s first climate-neutral ceramic manufacturing facility in Matane, Québec. The company, which produces bathroom fixtures and furniture, is using innovative technology and renewable energy sources, including an electric roller kiln that runs on hydropower. This technology will save 11,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The new facility will be the first production site in North America for the German-based company and will employ 240 workers. It is expected to start production in 2025. KBB has more details.
Industry News
K&B Hall of Fame Nominations to Open: Do you know an individual whose invention, effort or dedication has changed the world of K&B? NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the 2024 inductee until Sept. 29 at 5 pm EST. Since 1989, NKBA has honored individuals who have contributed to the growth and professionalism of the association and the industry as a whole. If after a thorough review process a nominee is selected for induction, they will be recognized for their important involvement in the industry during the induction ceremony at KBIS 2024 in Las Vegas that takes place during the Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards. For more info, go here.
Women-Only Construction Crew in Georgia: The first all-female Houston County, GA-based construction crew has broken ground on a new home in the town of Bonaire, GA. Organized by the Homebuilders Association of Middle Georgia (HBA), after the home is built and sold, part of the proceeds will go to local charities Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter and the Crisis Line & Safe House. HBA aims to encourage more women to consider careers in construction and related fields. Learn more here.
Events
WIR+CC Conference Set: The Women in Residential + Commercial Construction Conference is set for Oct. 25 to 27 in Nashville. Keynotes and roundtable sessions will address business and leadership skills, marketing, career development, client relations, building and remodeling trends, crisis management and more. For information and to register, go here.
LEGO Mania: Looking for something fun to do in the nation’s capital? The National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW in Washington D.C., is hosting “Brick City,” an exhibition of iconic architecture from cities around the world recreated by British artist Warren Elsmore using LEGO bricks. Among the replicas are temples and castles from India, Mexico and Japan, the Roman Colosseum, London’s 2012 Olympic Park and a 12-foot model of London’s St. Pancras Station, made from 180,000 LEGO bricks. The exhibition runs through next spring. More info here.
