|
In Flux
While some growing companies might shy away
from being referred to as a factory because of
the negative connotations associated with the quality of
mass-produced goods, Tom Risinger knows he has nothing to
fear from the label.
"I think we're all right with being
referred to as a factory," he says. "Even though
we produce a lot, we do it at a higher quality level as
well. By using CNC machines and doing everything digitally
the way we do, we end up with a more-consistent and nicer
countertop than you would get in most cases if you did it
by hand in a small shop, so we don't really mind the term
itself."
And in a greater stone industry that often
appears to be shifting towards a two-tiered system of large
factories and small mom-and-pop operations (with fewer and
fewer mid-ranged shops in between), Risinger is comfortable
in his belief that growth, if done correctly, can be a win-win
situation for all parties involved.
It's only natural for efficiency and economies
of scale to prevail, he says.
"I think it comes down to a normal
development in the industry," says Tom. "What
it takes in order to grow in the stone business is big equipment.
It's pretty much that simple. Equipment allows you to be
more effecient, which allows you to grow. That is going
to cause mid-level companies to grow into large ones.
"But," he continues, "you
can always produce a countertop in someone's driveway, too,
so there will always be operations like that for people
who want to go that way. That's just a natural development
in the business."
Prev
1 2 3
4 5
6 7 Next
Copyright © 2007 Fine Line Pacific,
Inc.
|
