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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 189 27th April 2007
Electrolux
Presents its Global Brand at Global Venue
The
Electrolux Global Design Launch at Wembley was the biggest ever launch
event in the UK for Electrolux. Over 600 Retailers and nearly 80 Press
attended the two day event where Electrolux unveiled its most ambitious
and innovative range of freestanding and built-in kitchen appliances to
date.
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on this Story]
Introducing
'Insight', 'Inspire' and 'Intuition'
Electrolux
revealed 'Thoughtful Design' and 'Innovation' with New Global design range
at Wembley Stadium on 24th and 25th April 2007.
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on this Story]
30%
of Brits Hiding Under Filthy Sheets
30% of people in the UK do not wash their bed linen often enough to rid
them of bacteria and bed bugs, a survey by washing machine manufacturer
Electra has shown.
[More
on this Story]
Retailers
Anticipate Significant Sales from Collection by Jasper Morrison
Ideal
Standard is launching its new designer bathroom suite by Jasper Morrison
to retailers. Since its preview at 100% Design this fully integrated collection
of sanitaryware, fittings and furniture has created much interest and
is expected to generate substantial sales.
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on this Story]
HomePro
Money: Delivering Flexible Finance
HomePro
- one of the UK's leading providers of Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs)
- has launched a new business, HomePro Money, which provides trade professionals
and installation companies of all kinds with the opportunity to offer
finance products to help their customers pay for their home improvement
projects.
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on this Story]
Nobia:
Continued Growth Marks Start of Year
Sales
for kitchen company nobia increased during the first quarter by 11 per
cent to SeK 3,999 million (3,615). organic growth was 8 per cent. profit
after tax totalled SEK 181 million (173).
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on this Story]
Electrolux: Income Continues to Improve
Operating
income for the first quarter of 2007 confirms clearly that all business
areas are on the right track. We exceeded our forecast and our income
improved by about 25 percent over the same period last year. We also expanded
our market shares in all regions.
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on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Reports First-Quarter Results
Whirlpool
Corporation has announced first-quarter 2007 net earnings from continuing
operations of $124 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, compared to $118
million, or $1.70 per diluted share, in the same period last year.
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on this Story]
Roca
Going from Strength to Strength...
To
support Roca's continued growth, the company has recently completed an
expansion of its warehouse facility in Coalville, Leicestershire.
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on this Story]
Broughton
Introduces Trevi Logical
Broughtons,
the bathroom division of Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix, has recently
added Trevi Logical, by Ideal Standard to its portfolio.
[More
on this Story]
Re-inventing
Expotile
With
the increased focus on tiling in the UK market, Expotile will build on
its previous success and produce an event that not only reflects this
boom, but also reveals its own brand identity within KBB, the UK's largest
trade exhibition for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.
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on this Story]
Amana's
Grand Design
The
Amana brand is Maytag UK's customisable and versatile genuine American
refrigerator. Channel 4's Grand Designs programme in April showed Amana's
true flexibility, being the highlight of an Art Deco style kitchen in
Surrey.
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on this Story]
BMA
Chief Praises PMI Spring Meeting
Yvonne
Orgill, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA),
recently attended the spring meeting of the American Plumbing Manufacturers
Institute (PMI) in the USA.
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on this Story]
Cosentino
Consolidates Leadership in the US Market
Spanish
group Cosentino, worldwide specialist in the production and distribution
of quartz surfaces and other natural stone, has consolidated its leadership
in the North American market and is continuing its long term strategy
of investment.
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on this Story]
AEG-Electrolux
Noise Report
In
the week of International Noise Awareness Day, AEG-Electrolux is releasing
the results of one of the biggest noise surveys ever conducted in Europe,
representing the views of 2000 Europeans of all ages and social groups
across ten countries.
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on this Story]
AEG-Electrolux
- The 1st Appliance Brand to be Awarded Quiet Appliance Endorsement
The
Electrolux Group has announced that its AEG-Electrolux brand has been
chosen as the launch platform for a new Endorsement Scheme by the UK Noise
Association (UKNA): the ‘ssSH?’ mark of approval for Quiet Performance.
[More
on this Story]
Fortnightly
Collections: a Fragrant Solution!
It's
now a case of 'stink' or 'sink' for UK householders following a new report1
which reveals fortnightly bin collections don't have a negative impact
on public health!
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on this Story]
HIP
Critics Political 'Point Scoring' at the Expense of the Consumer
Recent
lies surrounding Home Information Packs (HIPS) are untrue, indefensible
and a feeble attempt to misinform the public for private gain, says Paul
Broadhead, Deputy Director General AHIPP (The Association of Home Information
Pack Providers).
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on this Story]
Bumper
Year helps Lawcris Exceed Growth Predictions
Despite
challenging market conditions and pressure on margins, Lawcris Panel Products
has exceeded its own expectations to see turnover increase to almost £34m
in 2006 - almost £2m more than anticipated.
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on this Story]
Villeroy
& Boch Sells 51% of V & B Fliesen GmbH to Eczacibasi Gruppe
The
negotiations with the Eczacibasi Group, which begun in December 2006,
have been concluded. The Turkish Group will acquire 51% of V & B Fliesen
GmbH. Villeroy & Boch will maintain a 49% share of V & B Fliesen
GmbH
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on this Story]
HSE
Prosecutes Josiah Wedgwood and Sons Ltd and Hough Engineering Ltd
The
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned companies to ensure that
adequate precautions are being taken to prevent injuries from accidents
due to falling from height incidents - which claimed 46 lives last year.
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on this Story]
More
Members Sign Up for Sustainability Programme
Taking
sustainable development seriously is the hallmark of today's forward thinking
company. Supported by DEFRA, Envirowise and all the major trade bodies,
FIRA has been running a series of workshops around the country to promote
the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP).
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on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 188 20th April 2007
Green
Homes Have More Appeal for Buyers
According
to a recent study by Nationwide Building Society, the majority of UK homebuyers
preferred a house with environmentally friendly features. Given the choice
between two properties of a similar size and value, 82% of respondents
claimed a house with features such as solar panels, had more of an influence
on their decision to buy than attic rooms (68%), period features (63%)
and walk-in wardrobes (62%).
[More
on this Story]
More
Mergers on the Cards, says Plimsoll
At
least 29 UK kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers firms are prime
targets for a takeover and another 46 could be sold off by their parent
companies, according to a new report by independent business analysts
Plimsoll Publishing.
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on this Story]
American
Deal for Clearwater Collection
Europe's
largest freestanding bath manufacturer Clearwater Collection has announced
a significant deal with a major American company that will become the
exclusive importer and distributor for Clearwater Collection Ltd in North
America.
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on this Story]
Last
Chance to Book KBSA Design Awards
The
KBSA Design Innovation Awards are now only two months away and the KBSA
is urging guests to book their tables now as this year's event promises
to be a sell-out
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on this Story]
Franke
Commits to the Environment
In
today's climate, both political and ecological, Franke, a world leading
manufacturer in kitchen solutions, appreciates the need to demonstrate
its commitment to the protection of the environment.
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on this Story]
Blanco
Square Sink Takes iF Award
Already
enjoying popularity with kitchen designers and consumers alike, square
sinks have proven their design credibility with the news that the new
BLANCOCLARON iF range of square sinks has taken a top design award from
the Industrie Forum Design Hanover.
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on this Story]
Appliance
Care Expands Online Shopping Menu
BSH Appliance Care Limited (ACL), the nationwide after sales service company
for BSH domestic appliance brands, Bosch, Siemens, Neff and Gaggenau has
expanded its online shopping menu.
[More
on this Story]
Tackling
the Plumbing Skills Shortage with Time-Saving Products
The Construction Industry Training Board forecasts that the UK will need
over 6,500 new plumbers every year for the forseeable future.
[More
on this Story]
The
Ideal Design Service
Ideal Bathrooms continues to develop its support services and is now offering
a showroom design service for its Directory customers.
[More
on this Story]
KitchenAid
- Catering to All Culinary Needs
KitchenAid
is extending its culinary expertise in the UK with the launch of premium
built-in major domestic appliances.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
Opens New Showroom
Maytag
UK, the manufacturer of aspirational lifestyle household appliances, has
announced the opening of its newly refurbished showroom at its Surrey
headquarters.
[More
on this Story]
In-toto
Opens Flagship Showroom in Cardiff
Expanding
on the success currently enjoyed in Gwent, In-toto kitchens has recently
opened a new showroom in Cardiff.
[More
on this Story]
TV's
Grand Designers 'In Residence'
Visitors
to Grand Designs Live London will be able to hear first hand, tales from
Grand Designers who have appeared on the TV show in an interactive and
attention-grabbing show feature - 'Grand Designers in Residence'.
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on this Story]
From
Small Acorns, Better Bathrooms Grow
With
business acumen that belies his 26 years, Managing Director of Wigan based
bathroom retailer Better Bathrooms, Colin Stevens, is refreshingly modest
when describing the success and achievements enjoyed by the company over
the last three years.
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on this Story]
Industry
Training Update
The
latest NTG approved one day sales and customer care course was held at
the Miele Experience Centre on March 14th.
[More
on this Story]
Aqata
Introduces Logicom 5.3 Software Catalogue for Retailers
Aqata,
the independent manufacturer of shower enclosures, has launched its new
Logicom - Virtual World software catalogue for retailers nationwide.
[More
on this Story]
Ukfirst
Hosts Annual Lean Manufacturing Course
Ukfirst
the DTI-backed organisation set up to assist UK furniture and timber industries
to achieve world class performance held its annual Lean Manufacturing
Course for members of the Worshipful Company of furniture makers recently.
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on this Story]
Waterwise
Welcomes New Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme
Waterwise
welcomes the new water efficiency labelling scheme launched on 3rd April
by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA).
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on this Story]
BMA
Sponsors Home Improvement Journalist of the Year Award
The
Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) as a key member of the National
Home Improvement Council (NHIC) is sponsoring this year's NHIC Awards.
[More
on this Story]
Fagor
Offers Complimentary Home Demonstrations
Following
the successful launch of the world exclusive Driron, Fagor is adding further
value to the appliance by offering a complimentary Home Demonstration
of the product by an expert home economist.
[More
on this Story]
FIRA
Highlights Importance of Noise and Dust Surveys
FIRA
(the Furniture Industry Research Association) has highlighted the need
for companies to comply with noise and dust regulations, particularly
since limits for noise have been tightened over the last couple of years.
[More
on this Story]
Unosand
gives Prentice the Perfect Finish
Prentice
Furniture has become one of the foremost names as a manufacturer of fine
quality furniture for kitchens, bedrooms and home studies.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 187 13th April 2007
Going
Global for PJH Group
Globe
Union has acquired PJH Group, the UK’s largest distributor
of kitchens and bathrooms, for an undisclosed sum.
Globe Union, which is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, designs
manufactures and supplies kitchen and bathroom products to customers
all over the world.
[More
on this Story]
ALNO
Wins Five Red Dot Awards
It
was virtually a clean sweep for ALNO: The Design Centre North
Rhine-Westphalia handed out five of the prestigious red dot design
awards for products made by ALNO and its subsidiaries Wellmann,
Geba and Impuls.
[More
on this Story]
Imperial
Bathrooms Appoints Supply Chain Director
Bathroom
manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms, continues its expansion strategy
with the appointment of Kevin Johnson to the newly-created position
of Supply Chain Director.
[More
on this Story]
Bespoke
Cheesy Kitchen Designed For Stilton's No. 1 Fan
A
cheese mad mother from Timperley, Cheshire, has had an unusual
bespoke kitchen designed for her - the cabinets look like Blue
Stilton!
Sally Conner, 38, wanted to create a real stink when designing
her new dream kitchen and took inspiration from her family's favourite
food, Stilton.
[More
on this Story]
Dedicated
to Great Design
As
part of its on-going commitment to keeping ahead of the game in
terms of design innovation, Shades Bathroom Furniture has recently
invested heavily in its in-house design and supply chain team.
[More
on this Story]
Shades
makes Waves in the Emerald Isle
Shades
Bathroom Furniture has revealed that its high quality fitted bathroom
furniture will now be available to customers in Northern Ireland,
thanks to the distribution skills of family-run business Noble
NI Ltd.
[More
on this Story]
Looking
Good for Image Showers
Business
is looking good at the moment for Image Showers, which is Irelands
leading manufacturer of enclosures and screens; it is continuing
to make significant progress in the UK.
[More
on this Story]
Mayfair
Who?
Yorkshire
based Mayfair Taps and Showers (previously known as Mayfair Brassware)
may not be at first glance a company you would recognise instantly,
but you probably have used a Mayfair tap at some point recently
and may even have one in your bathroom.
Mayfair has been successfully manufacturing OEM (Own Equipment
Manufacturing) products for the world’s leading manufacturers
for the last twenty years.
[More
on this Story]
Twyford
Wins Waterwise Marque for Galerie Eco-Flush
British
sanitaryware manufacturer Twyford Bathrooms has been awarded the
prestigious Waterwise Marque for the Galerie Eco-Flush, a new
dual flush that operates on 4/2 litres of water, as opposed to
current legislation that requires 6/4 litres for flushing.
[More
on this Story]
Change
to Condensing Boiler Installation Regulations
An important change to the Building Regulations covering the installation
of condensing boilers came into force on 6th April 2007, directly
affecting plumbers and central heating engineers operating in
hard water areas.
[More
on this Story]
BMA
Announces Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme
The
Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has announced the launch
of a world first - a Bathroom Industry-led Water Efficiency Labelling
Scheme.
[More
on this Story]
Easyquote
Selected by Everest
Easyquote,
the UK provider of business management software for the KBB sector,
has been selected by Everest Kitchens to streamline its sales
order generation and processing systems.
[More
on this Story]
The
Alno Shop Chooses Elica
The
Alno Shop, the London showroom that's a watchword for design and
innovation in kitchen interior decoration, chose to exhibit two
of the stars of Elica Collection
[More
on this Story]
Ultimate
Door Service as Trade Mouldings Invests
Trade
Mouldings has invested in excess of £2 million to provide
the ultimate made to measure vinyl door service.
[More
on this Story]
Aqata
Celebrates 21 Successful Years in Business
Aqata
is celebrating 21 years in business during 2007 and is established
as one of the UK's leading independent manufacturers of shower
enclosures.
[More
on this Story]
Hoover
Candy Group Announces Spring Sale
The
Hoover Candy Group announced on Tuesday 27th March a spring promotion
designed to assist kitchen retailers sell more appliances per
kitchen and pass on valuable savings to their customers.
[More
on this Story]
Fired
Earth's Paint Coverage Grows
As part of a strategy to broaden the reach of the Fired Earth
brand, Aga has concluded ground-breaking deals with two major
DIY stores.
[More
on this Story]
Symphony
Goes for Gold
Symphony has opened its latest overseas retail outlet in the 'City
of Gold'. A new 3,000sq ft studio, featuring an extensive range
of Symphony kitchens including premium brand Mirari, has opened
in Dubai.
[More
on this Story]
Sterling
Distribution Appointed for KWC Faucets
As
of April 1st 2007, Sterling Distribution will add the KWC Faucets
brand to its portfolio.
[More
on this Story]
Are
Retailers Missing a Trick?
The
Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) believes retailers could
be failing to capitalise on possibly the most lucrative segment
of the bathroom market - inclusive design for the 50s+.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
'Misleads' Over True Cost of Insurances, says Homepro
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has come
under fire from HomePro - one of the UK's leading providers of
Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) - for misleading its customers
over the 'true cost' of its Consumer Care Plus Insurance Backed
Guarantees.
[More
on this Story]
Ideal
Standard Survey Reveals Wellness Needs
Ideal
Standard, a leading provider of bathroom and kitchen solutions,
on 4th April released final results of a survey looking at consumer
attitudes towards wellness and wellness equipment in the home.
[More
on this Story]