This year, NKBA member companies generated so much news, with new divisions, facilities, partnerships and more. Here are additional highlights in NKBA’s Year In Review series sponsored by Samsung. For Part 1, go here.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
SNAIDERO STARTUP: Dario Snaidero, CEO of Italian luxe cabinet manufacturer Snaidero, launched MandiCasa, which brings made-in-Italy designs, first-to-market collections and premium products from Italian suppliers to North America. MandiCasa is based in Los Angeles, and has showrooms there and in New York and Miami.
HOWARD’S EXPANDS: Leading Southern California appliance retailer Howard’s opened an Experience Center in Tustin, at The Market Place in Orange County, its seventh such center. Since 2020, Howard’s has opened ECs in Long Beach, Huntington Beach, La Habra, Torrance, Laguna Hills and West Los Angeles, with two more set to open in Agoura Hills and Murrieta.
FERGUSON OPENS DISTRIBUTION CENTERS: Ferguson has opened two automated, energy-efficient Market Distribution Centers (MDCs) with a substantial robotic presence in Aurora, Colo., and Chandler, Ariz. The retailer expects to build two or three MDCs over the next few years.
NEOLITH OPENS IN FLA, NJ: Neolith, a leader in sintered stone based in Almazora, Spain, opened a 28,000 square-foot showroom and distribution center in Pembroke Park, Fla., near Miami, and a 40,000 square-foot facility in Carlstadt, N.J. Both are part of its North American distribution network of 35 centers and showrooms. The company also introduced its latest process, Neolith Iconic Design, a 3D printing technology, at the Florida opening.
ROBAM GROWING IN AMERICA: China-based ROBAM, a maker of high-end appliances, initiated a dealer-focused partnership with Nationwide Marketing Group, a buying, marketing and business support organization that serves more than 5,000 independent dealers, to expand its presence in North America. ROBAM produces cooktops, ranges, dishwashers, built-in steam ovens, portable combi ovens and range hoods, and has a U.S. office in San Francisco.
WELLBORN EXPANDS: Ashland, Ala.-based Wellborn Cabinet revealed plans to expand its manufacturing capacity in Oxford, Ala., with a $17 million, 250,000 square-foot facility and 415 new jobs. Construction will start next spring on the 60-acre site, with operations starting in fall 2024. The company currently has more than 1,300 employees and seven full cabinetry lines.
THOMPSON REBRANDS: As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, Thompson Traders rebranded and is now Thompson. The maker of luxury sinks hand-hammered in Mexico has expanded its portfolio of kitchen and bath products beyond copper, as well as introduced a new logo and brand standard.
NKBA OPENS NEW HEADQUARTERS: NKBA moved into a new home in November, located at One West Broad Street in Bethlehem, Pa.’s historic district. The 10,000-square-foot space offers a new hybrid working style, including flexible space and the technical acuity to support remote operations, and the city welcomes visitors with a vibrant, dynamic experience with first-class hotels, restaurants and attractions.