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Print ArticleAs consumers' standards continue to increase, DuPont Surfaces will likely work even more closely with fabricators to identify programs to further delight customers, expanding on current training services to improve productivity, craftsmanship and the customer experience.
Clement: Fabricating stone, engineered stone, solid surfacing, CNC, short cycle time, about 10 to 20 employees.
Dailey: Technological advances in fabrication equipment and specialized installation.
Seo: While Samsung Staron believes small fabrication shops will still play a role in the industry, we envision more mid- to large-size fabrication shops, covering broader geographical areas in the future.
Weddington: The needs of the market will continue to determine the makeup of the fabricator network. Yet, I believe we will continue to see consolidation and alliances being formed within the fabrication network. The continued demand for increased production from national accounts will necessitate larger shops along with multi-branch facilities. These facilities will be focused on automated efficiency and capacity.
The local custom and design-orientated market will demand a smaller, efficient shop to meet its needs. We'll also see continued development of highly specialized fabricators servicing more fabricators who buy goods and services from them.
Park: It's anybody's guess.
8. Just before the recent economic downturn there emerged a trend toward consolidation within the industry. Do you expect that trend to reappear once the economy is back on track?
Olson: DuPont has not observed significant consolidation in this industry relative to other industries and does not have any unique insights on rate or degree of future consolidation in this market.
Clement: Yes in the sense that small manufacturers will either disappear or be absorbed.
