KB SURFACES STAYS, EXPANDS IN NORTHERN R.I.

Region, May 18, 2016—With several companies leaving for other sites because of potential tolls, increasing taxes and other factors, one company plans to stay here and expand.

Originally based in Johnston, KB Surfaces will relocate to North Smithfield this summer. Operated by Tracey Beck for over 10 years, this is a family-owned business that creates countertops for residential, industrial and commercial customers. They use innovative technologies and programming to give clients what they want. Their choice to stay put was hard, Beck said.

“We thought about moving out of state; we looked at several places in Massachusetts and Connecticut,” said Beck. “In the end, we thought it would be best to remain here and move all of our operations centrally instead of having multiple facilities in Johnston and East Greenwich.”

By keeping not just one but three companies in R.I., that helps boost the state's economy. In addition to KB Surfaces; Beck’s family also owns CAS America, a mill and woodworking facility, and Closettec that designs high-end custom closets.

All three businesses will operate out of an 85,000 sq. ft. facility in North Smithfield, said Beck. When customers come into the showroom, they will be given options on styles and materials, but they also have time to view how a particular slab will look in a room before cutting.

“We have a computer program that enables people to see how a countertop looks on the screen, so if they don’t like the way something appears, they can change,” said Beck. “Before, companies cut the piece and then fit it into the space. If the customer hated the look, then they were stuck because once the stone was cut, they owned it. This prevents that from happening since customers are there tweaking the style and cut before anything is done.”

Another consideration that led to Beck’s decision to move to the area was the support she received from North Smithfield town officials. She said their ability to get the plans for them to move into their new facility were quick and proactive.

“We are very happy with how the local officials treated us at all phases of this process,” Beck said. “Sometimes there are reasons for an administration to drag its collective heels, but that was far from the case here. They were accommodating and acted like they wanted us to come to town,” she said. Beck said she plans to have the facility up and running this spring with a grand opening scheduled for August. They are creating a new social media presence with a new website and other features to make the experience of purchasing countertops enjoyable.

“We are very concerned about the environment and our impact upon it, so we have taken aggressive steps to develop a ‘green’ facility, installing solar power, water cleaning and recycling systems, energy efficient lighting and more.” Beck said.

For more information about KB surfaces, then please contact Tracey Beck either by phone 401-727-6792, e-mail at tracey@kbsurfaces.com or visit their website at: www.kbsurfaces.com.