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SUPPLIER NEWS Caesarstone Launches New Factory Caesarstone, the quartz-surfacing manufac- turer, launched operations at a new factory in Richmond Hill, Ga.; its frst outside of Israel, signaling bullishness in the U.S. market for quartz surfacing, which is a fast-growing segment of the overall surfacing market. Caesarstone, which operates in 55 countries, benefts from much higher quartz-surfacing market penetration in places like Australia and Canada, where quartz comprises nearly 20 percent of the market, company ofcials said. Similar share gains are expected in coming years in the U.S., says Chief Executive Yos Shiran, which drove the decision to put its frst factory outside of Israel here. A second phase of the Georgia facility will include an Experience Center designed by New York- based interior designer Stephanie Goto. It is set to open this fall. MSI Opens Los Angeles Distribution Center MSI announces the opening of its newest distribution center in Los Angeles. The new 80,000-sq.-ft. facility will stock a full ofering of MSI product lines including slabs, fooring, wall tile/mosaics and hardscaping made from natural stone, quartz, porcelain and ceramic. The facility features a state-of-the- art showroom exhibiting the latest products as well as inspiration for product selection. Multiple indoor cranes service the natu- ral stone and quartz slab selection center making the selection process seamless. Displayed in the slab selection center are over 250 colors of materials imported from 36 diferent countries. GAF Will Not Build Plant GAF will no longer pursue its plan to build a new asphalt shingle manufacturing facili- ty in Moberly, Mo., due to sluggish market conditions and unanticipated increases in project and operating costs associated with the previously planned facility. The com- pany is undertaking a capital investment plan in certain key existing plants to ensure its manufacturing capability will outpace market demand. GAF has made signifcant investments in its infrastructure and capacity in recent years, most recently in Cedar City, Utah, where the company is manufacturing thermoplastic polyolefn (TPO) single-ply membranes and polyisocyanurate (ISO) insu- lation, and is adding a new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) manufacturing line, which is expected to be operational by mid-2016. GAF is also continuing to consider locations for an addi- tional plant in the eastern United States that will manufacture PVC, TPO and ISO. DATA POINTS Wolf Key Buyer Index April score: 75.94 A Wolf KBI score of 50 refects a neutral outlook; a score above 50 refects a positive outlook; and a score below 50 refects a negative outlook. Most Popular True Cost Guide Kitchen Tasks: 1 REMODEL A KITCHEN (75%) — The average cost nationally of remodeling a kitchen is $20,000 according to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide. 2 REPAIR AN APPLIANCE (13%) 3 REFINISH AN APPLIANCE (9%) 4 INSTALL AN APPLIANCE (3%) Most Popular True Cost Guide Bathroom Tasks: 1 REMODEL A BATHROOM (77%) 2 INSTALL A BATH FAN (8%) 3 INSTALL A BATHTUB OR SHOWER (5%) 4 INSTALL A GLASS SHOWER DOOR (5%) 5 INSTALL GLASS BLOCKS OR TILES (5%) Most Popular Day to Submit an Addition and Remodeling Request: 1 MONDAY (21%) 2 TUESDAY (16%) 3 WEDNESDAY (14%) 4 THURSDAY (14%) 5 FRIDAY (12%) 6 SUNDAY (12%) 7 SATURDAY (11%) QualifiedRemodeler.com | ForResidentialPros.com QR June 2015 11 DeltaFaucet.com/Temp2O Take the guesswork out of showering. Delta ® Temp 2 O ™ Technology includes a hydropowered* digital display that changes colors (blue/magenta/red) so users can find the right temperature every time— a feature that helps keep them comfortable and safe. *Tub/shower option requires batteries. For more info circle 54