Porcelain Department:The laboratory invested in custom-built, L-shaped benches throughout the facility to give technicians two separate but easily accessible workspaces. “Our new benches allow our technicians to sit one way and wax, then simply turn to the other side of the bench and finish,” says Watson. The benches feature solid surface countertops and soft-close drawers that eliminate slamming, and benches in the porcelain area have two furnaces to maximize technician productivity. A Kavo shelving system keeps workspaces free of clutter: case pans sit on racks mounted on the wall. Stationed between the porcelain and C&B areas is a large common area featuring a custom-made stainless steel island with sinks, a steamer and sandblaster.

The Molina/Watson team (front row, l. to r.): Angelo Mora, CDT; Frank Chavez; Co-Owner Fred Watson, CDT; and Lois Silva. Back row, l. to r.: Dennis Scherlacher; Clyde Mariscal; Richard Kammeraad; Co-Owner Richard Molina, CDT; and Kevin Bealor.

Conference/CE Room: The old lab didn’t have room to host CE courses; now the lab holds client education in its 18’ x 18’ conference room and hands-on training in its production area. The room features surround-sound speakers and a 55” flat screen TV wired to display PowerPoint presentations.

The front portion of the 3000-sq-ft building houses the lab’s reception area, offices, and break and conference rooms. In the former lab, a closet had been converted into a break room that could accommodate just two people at a time; the new break room can seat up to 10.

Model Room: The model room offers loads of cabinet storage and open counter space. “The best feature in this area is the Microstar central suction we installed to keep things clean and dust-free,” says Fred Watson, CDT, Co-Owner.