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What Is A Post-Form Countertop?

A “Post Form” countertop is created through a line process with all the forming and cutting being done by machinery.  Post form countertops typically have a rolled edge on the front of the counter (seldom a square edge – except for Gold Cup). Post form countertops also have a “cove” backsplash (connected and seamless to the countertop).  A customer may not want a backsplash on a post form countertop. In this case, the cove can be removed. Post form profiles include:  Post Form, Modern Front, Euro, 180º, Gold Cup, Tuscan and Venetian. See some post form profiles here. Next Posting:  What…

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Japan Relief – The Tally Is In!

On March 11, 2011, the north coast of Japan was hit by a horrible tsunami after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred 80 miles offshore. The death toll has now officially crossed 10,000 & more than 17,000 are missing. Nearly 300,000 are in temporary shelter. We wanted to help ease the pain by sharing our resources. So, from March 18th to July 31st we allocated $1 for every order we received and we’ll be giving $5,097 to the relief effort.  We’ve chosen GlobalGiving.orgas our giving channel. We thank our clients who helped make our giving possible and substantive. We are hopeful for Japan’s relief…

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Extreme Service

Remember about 6 months ago when we were tiring of winter and we wondered if things would ever thaw? It’s amazing with just a little time, how things change to another extreme and we are aching for reprieve from the blazing heat. Last week I approached our Fabrication Manager and asked him how are master crafters in the shop were faring in the heat.  He answered genuinely with several things he’d been doing ensure they keep hydrated and air moving in our large fabricating facility. Then he did something I didn’t expect.  He turned the question on me, “Any other…

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The Masters Event

June 27th & 28th, L.E. Smith hosted their inaugural “Masters” Event.  This event brought together key clients across a variety of business segments.  Designed to celebrate, provide education, and foster solid networking relationships, the event included 3 specially designed workshops on the topics of Lean Manufacturing, Employee Engagement, and Mastering the Client Experience.  Clients also took an extensive tour of L.E. Smith, participated in round table discussions, and of course took time to play a round of golf.  It was a great experience, and one that will definitely be replicated. “The most rewarding things you do in life are often…

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Kaizen #14 – Solid Surface Department

A spunky cross-functional team converged on our solid surface area to execute Kaizen #14 from June 22-24.  The team gelled very quickly and a great dynamic was born.  This spirited 10-member team embraced COMMWIP and 5S whole-heartedly, making this one of the most effective Kaizen events we’ve conducted. The entire solid surface process was considered as the team began an overhaul – from identifying order processes to final goods going out the door.  No small feat – and this team was destined for the cause!  They tapped into existing efficiencies with the solid surface pros and quickly learned what they…

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You’re Welcome!

One of our fabricators brought this case up to Craig Rex, Director of Innovation at L.E. Smith on behalf of a family friend.  He brought it to Craig to seek advice, but being the service oriented guy that Craig is, he offered to spend an afternoon correcting the swirls and marks left by the hired contractor, simply out of the goodness of his heart.  The customer’s words speak for themselves. Mr. Rex: In 2005 we moved into our new home.  At my insistence – jokingly because my husband questioned the cost – I wanted Corian in my kitchen.  I have…

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We’re Growing!

On a bright and sunny Saturday morning in May, we were delighted to be joined by an overwhelming number of qualified candidates for our various teams.  From 7-11 am, candidates were screened, filled out applications, and received brief interviews for a variety of positions.  We are grateful to be growing, and even more grateful for the overwhelming talent pool from which we have to choose from.   Several candidates have already been hired from this event, and we continue to interview and seek out the best of the best for joining our teams.   Thank you to all that participated!

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Focus On Quality

May 16th through the18th, Mike Wynne, L.E. Smith Director of Quality, attended the American Society of Quality Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  While there, he participated in numerous workshops across a variety of topics ranging from “Speed Networking” to “Quality Presentations,” to the “Focus on People” within quality.  Mike said that he enjoyed all of the different topics and was pleasantly surprised by the level of enthusiasm throughout the groups participating.  The biggest takeaway Mike said that he had for the overall convention was that, “We are all change agents, and the focus on quality has shifted from identifying defects in…

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Duffy Says, “Order More Sinks!”

This week on www.surfaceshow.com expert sink installer, Duffy Snow shows Craig how he painstakingly installs under-mount sinks into a multitude of laminate top styles.  Witness a countertop going from a jig to an inspection sticker, and all of the steps in between.  Veteran installer, Duffy says a typical under-mount to laminate sink takes around an hour and 45 minutes to complete, but at surfaceshow.com you can view each step in the process in a little less than 10 minutes.  So if you’ve ever wondered how we create these beautiful sinks, let Duffy show you how. “It’s what you learn after you know…

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Have You Seen It?

The bold and beautiful new ONEsplash by L.E. Smith debuted last month.  Have you seen it?  If not, you may not be aware of all of its characteristics that distinguish it from its less flashy end splash brothers.  Are you interested in seeing the difference?  Do you want to know what makes ONEsplash so special?  If so, visitwww.surfaceshow.com.  Today’s featured episode is all about ONEsplash, and it shows how this option is different from traditional end splashes.   Don’t be the last one to see it.  Check it out! Originality is… a by-product of sincerity.  ~Marianne Moore

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