Employees Key Hudson Solid Surfaces Remarkable Success
MYSTERA CREW: Hudson Solid Surfaces employees, pictured, have been the key to the company’s success. Hudson recently introduced the Mystera product line, one of the most revolutionary products introduced in the solid surfaces industry in the past 30 years. Mystera reproduces the look of natural stone and marble so closely that even experts in the field of solid surfaces can’t tell they are actually viewing a man-made surface.
Courtesy PAT SCHNAKE
A strong local investment group and talented employees have keyed the remarkable success of Hudson Solid Surfaces, according to CEO George Saxby. Hudson manufactures solid surface at its Port of Catoosa plant. The products are used in a wide variety of residential and commercial applications including kitchen counter tops, bathroom vanities, shower and tub surrounds, retail displays and reception counters.
In 2004, Hudson introduced the Mystera product line, one of the most revolutionary products introduced in the solid surfaces industry in the past 30 years. Mystera reproduces the look of natural stone and marble so closely that even experts in the field of solid surfaces can’t tell they are actually viewing a man-made surface.
“It all starts with our Research and Development Director Burt René,” said Saxby. “We have ideas regarding what the product should look like and the different colors and textures, but Burt is instrumental in taking the vision and making it happen.”
Since the company was purchased in 2001, Hudson has continued to invest in product development, manufacturing efficiencies and development of a nationwide distribution and sales network. The results have been nothing short of amazing. Since 2004, sales have doubled every year and Saxby said that trend will continue.
“We have a product that none of our competitors can replicate,” said Saxby. “With our dynamic investment group and dedicated staff, we anticipate our significant growth to continue as our market acceptance increases and as we roll out new products.”
One of the keys to Hudson’s success is the design of the equipment used to manufacture Mystera. “You can’t buy our equipment off the shelf,” said Saxby. “Under the direction of our Equipment Research and Development Supervisor Randy Woods, we literally design and build our own equipment. It is almost like a company within a company and it’s crucial to our success.”
Although it looks and feels like natural stone, Mystera is an epoxy-based solid surface that is suitable for most applications and also resistant to mold, chemicals, bacteria, water damage and other problems inherent with natural stone.
Under the direction of Pour Crew Supervisor Will Diepenbrock and Pour Master Jason Simon, Mystera is created in liquid form, poured into sheets and is then custom cut by fabricators at the job site to fit each application. “This process eliminates seam and grout problems commonly experienced with granite and ceramic tile,” said Saxby.
Mike Nickell and his crew are in charge of finishing, shipping and quality control. “Our customers expect nothing but the best, so this final area of production is essential in ensuring that our product is finished properly and meets the high standards we have set,” said Saxby.
Other key staff members include CFO Paul Venamon, Sanding Line Supervisor Jake Sparks and Sample Department Director Susan Brown-Bryant. “We are so fortunate that all of our key employees have been with us since day one,” said Saxby. He also praised Tonja Bell and Patsy Wrona for keeping the office running smoothly.
“We are going to continue to be bold and aggressive in the solid surface industry and our employees are the reason that we fully expect to meet or exceed our future goals,” said Saxby.
Updated 07-24-2006
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