INDUSTRY NEWS UPDATE FEBRUARY 12, 2019

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association has its finger on the pulse of the cabinet industry. We know the industry because we are the industry. Check out what’s been happening since our last update:

Results of Trade Talks with China

Last week the U.S. and China concluded three days of trade talks. According to Reuters, here are a few details from those meetings:
  • During the three days of talks, the U.S. and China made progress on several issues such as: additional Chinese purchases of U.S. goods and services and opening China's markets further to American capital
  • There is disagreement on Chinese structural reforms that the Trump administration is demanding to stop alleged theft and forced transfer of U.S. technology
  • China is keen to put an end to its trade dispute with the United States but will not make any ‘unreasonable concessions’ and any agreement must involve compromise on both sides.
  • The narrowing of the two sides’ differences on trade is paving the way for the next round of talks among cabinet-level officials, potentially involving U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, the top economic aide to President Xi Jinping

KCMA
Photo courtesy of the National Association of Manufacturers

OSHA to Increase Civil Penalties in 2019

Earlier this week the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published in the Federal Register its final rule to adjust the civil monetary penalties for inflation per the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. New penalties are as follows:
  • $13,260 per violation for violations classified as "Serious," "Other-Than-Serious," or "Posting Requirement"
  • $13,260 per day beyond abatement date for "Failure to Abate" violations
  • $132,598 per violation of "Willful or Repeated" violations

Are You Prepared for A Cyber Threat?

The Manufacturing Leadership Council recently surveyed manufacturers on their cyber-readiness. The survey found that business disruption due to a cyberattack is now most feared by the leadership. This is a marked difference from the last survey, conducted two years ago, when leadership noted IP theft as the top concern.

According to the report, “most manufacturers expect to suffer from more [cyberattacks] in 2019, according to almost two-thirds of this year’s survey respondents (64%). Worryingly, an additional quarter of respondents admit they have no idea what to expect over the next 12 months.”


kcma
Photo courtesy of IndustryWeek​​

The Best Kitchen Trends for 2019

In a recent piece from Décor Aid, designers unveiled kitchen trends homeowners will look for this year. From matte black to concrete to terrazzo, here are a few highlights of what will be hot in kitchens this year:
  • Countertops: The popularity of quartz finishes continues and with good reason. Quartz is timeless, virtually indestructible and comes in a variety of color and pattern options
  • White kitchens are over: Instead of bright optic white, homeowners are looking to set a moodier tone in their kitchen with alluring and unexpected color to create a richer and more nuanced look
  • Matte everything: from cabinetry to appliances matte finishes are easier to keep clean and add a slick look
  • Minimalism: Homeowners looking for a modern style should update their cabinets with clean lines and eliminate molding and heavy finishes

kcma
Photo courtesy of Builder Online

To learn more about KCMA and how to become a member, visit our website.

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