Please click on 'THE K&BZINE' links to view the whole issue, or on 'more on this story' just to see that particular story:
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 134 24th February 2006
New
KBSA Four Way Insurance Receives Overwhelming Support from Members at
KBB
The
KBSA introduced an enhanced insurance package to the industry at KBB
2006, which received overwhelming support from the members. Details
of the insurance were made available for the first time on the stand
and a series of Q&A sessions for members were also well attended.
[More
on this Story]
Sanitec
to Coordinate Shower Production in the Nordic Countries
Sanitec
currently has two shower enclosure and cubicle production facilities
in the Nordic countries; one in Norrtälje, Sweden, and one in Mörrum,
Sweden. Sanitec has decided to concentrate the production to the Mörrum
facility.
[More
on this Story]
abode
- Local Student's Work Exhibited
Kitchen
tap manufacturer abode, based in Wakefield, has published winning photographic
images from a competition the company ran in conjunction with Batley
School of Art and Design at the end of last year.
[More
on this Story]
Britannia
Launches New Reward Scheme for Dealers
Range
cooker specialist Britannia has launched a new reward scheme for its dealers
that offers extra discounts to those who support the promotion of the
Britannia brand.
[More
on this Story]
Log
On and Win with Stoves Microsites
Stoves
is offering online visitors to its Genus and range cooker microsites
the chance to win top products. By logging on and answering a simple
question, visitors to www.stovesgenus.co.uk can win a state of the
art Genus 90cm double oven.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Declares War on White
Electrolux
has announced that it has officially declared War on White, a shift
which marks the company's official move into thoughtful design innovation;
meeting consumer demand for appliances that reflect more individuality
in the home.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Floorcare Puma Football Promotion Kicks off May 06
As
a warm up to the summer of football, Electrolux is running a free
Puma football promotion on two of its flagship models - the Cyclone
XL cylinder cleaner with 'the biggest dirt capacity' and the Cyclone
Power Ultima - Electrolux's most powerful upright to date.
[More
on this Story]
Good
Housekeeping Innovations 2005 Awards Runner-Up Prize to Electrolux
The
Electrolux Twin Clean™ has been awarded the prize of runner-up
in the Good Housekeeping Institute Innovations of the Year Awards
2005.
[More
on this Story]
Small
Hinge Opens Big Conversations for Bemis at KBB 2006
A
small hinge fitted to a range of toilet seats made by Bemis created
surprising levels of interest among visitors to its stand at the
KBB 2006 show, held in January at the NEC.
[More
on this Story]
opticolour®
Touches Down at Birmingham Airport
Interior
Glass Solutions (IGS) the Bath based manufacturer of coloured glass
wall coverings, has been selected to supply opticolour® glass
for the Gallery Café Bar refurbishment at Birmingham International
Airport.
[More
on this Story]
Inclusivity
is All About Opportunity - Arlington Shows Flexibility on Access
In
a recent article in KBB Review, entitled 'You don't know what you're
doing', the impression was given that the vast majority of retailers
are both ignorant of the real needs of people with disabilities
and fundamentally unwilling to offer them solutions. RWK and the
company’s agents, Arlington International Agencies, think they
are missing a great opportunity.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Member Makes History at KBB Review Awards
Once
again KBSA members have figured prominently in the prestigious KBB
Review Industry Awards, with Norwood Interiors achieving a first
in the history of the awards, by winning the coveted title of Master
Retailer for Kitchens for the second year running.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Named to KLD's Domini 400 Social Index
Whirlpool
Corporation announced yesterday that it has once again been included
in KLD’s Domini 400 Social(SM) Index. Whirlpool was among the
initial companies selected and it has remained on the Index ever
since.
[More
on this Story]
NKBA
Increases Legislative Committment
The
National Kitchen and Bath Association has announced that at its
Strategic Planning Meeting, the Board of Directors authorised an
expenditure of up to $500,000 for legislative activities on the
national and local level for calendar year 2006.
[More
on this Story]
RAK
Ceramics Scoops Major Industry Award
RAK
Ceramics has been awarded the prestigious MRM Business Award, presented
at the Dubai World Trade Centre last month. The company, which has
enjoyed significant growth within the UK in recent years, says that
it is one of the most successful ceramic and porcelain tile and
sanitaryware producers in the world.
[More
on this Story]
Smirk
- Experience the New Showcase
Kitchen
specialist Smirk has announced the official opening of its new showroom
- 100 square metres of kitchen designs. Smirk has also announced
the grand unveiling of 'Simplicity'.
[More
on this Story]
Bütfering
Innovation Award
Now
in its 60th year, Bütfering, the widebelt specialist manufacturing
member of the Homag Group, has proved its technical market leadership
again with a special award nomination for the radio thickness gauge
technology for widebelt sanders.
[More
on this Story]
24%
Jump in Home Depot Inc.'s Fourth-Quarter Profit
Mild
temperatures in January and higher per-customer receipts helped
fuel a 24% jump in Home Depot Inc.'s fourth-quarter profit, the
US company said on Tuesday.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 133 17th February 2006
Nobia
Acquires Leading French Kitchen Retailer Hygena Cuisines
Nobia
and MFI Furniture Group Plc ('MFI') concluded a transaction in which
Nobia has acquired MFI's French kitchen retailer Hygena for a total
consideration of SEK 1,255 million (EUR 135 million) including cash
in the acquired company. The acquisition increases net debt by approximately
SEK 1,150 million.
[More
on this Story]
Cabinets
and Plumbing Divisions Lift Masco
Net sales from continuing operations for the quarter increased 6% to
$3.1bn, primarily from organic growth, with North American sales increasing
9% and International sales decreasing 8%. Net sales from continuing
operations for 2005 increased 7% to $12.6bn compared with $11.9 bn for
2004. North American sales increased 8% and International sales increased
1%.
[More
on this Story]
Factory
Extension in Kolo, Poland
Sanitec will expand the factory for bathroom ceramics and double the
capacity in Kolo in Poland. The extension will be made on the existing
premises of the factory and logistic centre. As a result of the project,
the production capacity in Kolo will increase from 1 million to 2 million
pieces per year. The construction will start in the second quarter of
2006, and the production is planned to begin in the second quarter of
2007.
[More
on this Story]
£25
Discount on ELECSA’s Part P Registration via Electrical Training
Course
Are
you looking for a training course to prepare yourself for self certification
under Part P? Do you want to update your qualifications and expertise
on electrical contracting? If you have attended a training course at one
of the ELECSA recommended training colleges below, you will receive a
£25 discount off the registration fee for self certifying under
Part P with ELECSA.
[More
on this Story]
Franke
Hails KBB Exhibition the Best Yet
Franke, the kitchen products manufacturer, has hailed KBB 2006 as
its most successful UK exhibition. The company unveiled its new range
of appliances, which includes ovens, hobs, hoods and waste disposal
units, and retailers and distributors were queuing off the stand in
order to pick up new brochure packs and POS material.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
UK Appoints New Marketing Director
Maytag
UK the manufacture of genuine American household appliances has announced
the appointment of Andrew Long as Marketing Director of Maytag UK.
[More
on this Story]
Kohler
Daryl Appoints New Financial Controller
Showering
manufacturer Kohler Daryl has appointed Geoff Ferguson to the newly
created role of financial controller. Reporting to the board, he will
take responsibility for the financial management of the company as
well as business and systems development.
[More
on this Story]
Consumers
Tap into Ashley Bathrooms' Free Brassware Promotion
Bathroom
manufacturer Ashley Bathrooms has reported an excellent uptake of
its retailer promotion to offer free brassware with selected suites
ordered in February 2006.
[More
on this Story]
A
Dishwasher in a Drawer = Money in Your Pocket
For
a limited time only, buying a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer®
dishwasher through participating retailers throughout Great Britain
will entitle the purchaser to a claim of up to £100 cashback,
payable by cheque.
[More
on this Story]
Waterline
Showcase 2006
Waterline
invites you to 'see all that's new in kitchen design for 2006' at
The Waterline Showcase, an 8-venue tour that has been designed to
be as accessible as possible for all customers.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
and Maytag Agree to Comply with Department of Justice
Whirlpool
and Maytag announced on February 13th that they have agreed with
the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice to a limited
extension of time to complete the review of the proposed acquisition
of Maytag by Whirlpool.
[More
on this Story]
£3/4M
Investment for Worktop Manufacturer
A
North East company has made a major financial investment to build
on its position as Europe's foremost kitchen worktop manufacturer.
Wilsonart® International based in Shildon, County Durham has
been producing worktops since the late nineties.
[More
on this Story]
Unmistakeably
a Mark Wilkinson Look-Alike!
Award
winning kitchen designer and manufacturer Mark Wilkinson Furniture
Limited was horrified to see what appeared to be an exact copy of
its Milan and Arts and Crafts ranges in the October edition of the
publication 25 Beautiful Kitchens.
[More
on this Story]
Edwards
Cheshire's New Streamlined Service
A
National Warehouse and Distribution Manager has been appointed by
hardwood flooring supplier, Edwards Cheshire, to streamline the
operation of its new state-of-the-art warehouse for a fast and efficient
distribution service.
[More
on this Story]
New
Showroom to Showcase Britannia
Range cooker specialist Britannia attended the
official opening of a new appliance showroom in the North West that
includes a wide selection of Britannia's best selling range cookers.
[More
on this Story]
Hafele
UK to Distribute Glass Doors Fittings by Metalglas S.r.l
Hafele
UK has been appointed exclusive UK distributor for the range of
high quality glass door hardware by family owned Italian maker Metalglas.
[More
on this Story]
Ideo
Bain 2006 Confirms its Success
The
third Idéo Bain, the bathroom exhibition, which took place
from 17th to 22nd January 2006 at Paris-Expo porte de Versailles
in conjunction with Interclima + Elechome & building kept its
promises. Occupying more than 32,000 m2, nearly 250 French and international
exhibitors took part in this show
[More
on this Story]
Sound
Upgrades Provide Added Value Opportunity for Bathroom Specialists
Upgrading
sound performance in bathrooms can make a major contribution to
the quality of the home environment, yet is often overlooked during
bathroom refurbishments. It's a task which, the Gypsum Products
Development Association believes, could offer an additional business
opportunity for bathroom specialists and increase the sales appeal
of the service offered by them.
[More
on this Story]
Vitos
on Tap for Boulevard Kitchens
An
unstinting commitment to quality is critical to the success of Chris
and Mike Ashton's business - no surprise then, that six months after
buying their first Mercedes van they've returned for a second.
[More
on this Story]
NKBA
Announces 2006 Executive Committee
The
National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recently announced
the election of its 2006 Executive Committee as follows:
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 132 10th February 2006
KBB
2006 in Pictures and Words
Forthright in his views on other designers, and other national characteristics,
Laurence Llewellen-Bowen was in a talkative mood when we caught up with
him on the RAK stand at KBB. He has
put his name to a RAK bathroom suite for the third year running, this
time the impressive Rondo, which has been designed to bring a bit of class
to traditionally cramped British bathrooms, at an affordable price.
[KBB
2006 Review Here]
More
Comments from KBB 2006
Gary Wild from Bolton Bathrooms
was a visitor to the recent KBB show and has the following comments: 'I
have been retailing bathrooms in this showroom from 1977 and my first
exhibition was Interbuild in the late 1970s which was exciting with a
large kitchen and bathroom presence. Having visited KBB 2006, I am now
getting that feeling back again'.
[More
Comments Here]
BSH
Opens UK's Largest Appliance Warehouse
Just
over six months after the acquisition of land and agreement to build
a brand new 430,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art warehouse, UK kitchen appliance
group BSH Home Appliances Limited has opened the doors of the UK's largest
distribution & logistics centre for kitchen appliances.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Announces New Brand Communication Platform
Electrolux,
the global household appliance manufacturer, is launching a new communication
platform with the selling line ‘Electrolux - Thinking of You’.
The new line reflects the brand's focus on innovation & product development
based on genuine insights and understanding of consumers' needs, wants
and desires
[More
on this Story]
The
Appliance of Science is Back!
Electrolux
Group has announced the revival of iconic white goods slogan: Zanussi
- The Appliance of Science. Billed by many as one of the most famous
advertising slogans of all time, the Zanussi ‘Appliance of Science’
theme is back and updated for the 21st Century.
[More
on this Story]
Organic
Growth and Improved Profits for Nobia in a Weaker Market
Estimates suggest that demand in the UK market has fallen by around
6-7 per cent in 2005 compared with 2004. Nobia's organic growth was
negative at 5 per cent. lnvestments in the store network continued
according to plan. A special initiative has been focused on large
stores located centrally in major cities and the stores that have
been renovated have produced favourable results.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Suggests Sale of Hoover Floorcare Division
Whirlpool
Corporation acknowledged on February 3rd the announcement by Maytag
Corporation that it expects to evaluate alternative strategies for
its floor-care products line and commercial businesses, including
their possible sale.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2005 Results
Maytag Corporation announced on February 3rd fourth quarter consolidated
sales of $1.24 billion, up 6.6 percent from sales of $1.16 billion
in the same period last year. Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2005
was $75 million or 93 cents per share, compared with a net loss of
$14.1 million, or 18 cents per share, a year ago.
Maytag's net sales for the full fiscal year 2005 were $4.9 billion,
up 3.8 percent from the $4.72 billion reported for fiscal 2004. Net
loss for fiscal 2005 was $81.9 million
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
Spends £72m on Three Further Acquisitions: £500m so
Far This Year
Wolseley
plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing
and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier
of building materials, announced on 8th February three further acquisitions.
[More
on this Story]
Roman
Changes at the Top
Roman Ltd, the UK shower manufacturer, has announced a change to
its senior management team as it drives forward into 2006. Company
founder and current Managing Director, Gerry Osborne, is to take
on a new role as Chairman, with David Osborne stepping up from Marketing
Director to take over the day-to-day running of the firm, as Managing
Director.
[More
on this Story]
Gemini
Appoints Reginox as Preferred Supplier of Sinks and Taps
Gemini Kitchens, the specialist supplier of continental style kitchens
to the house building industry, has appointed Reginox UK as its
preferred supplier of sinks and taps. The appointment marks a successful
six year relationship between the two businesses.
[More
on this Story]
Stars
and Stripes for Clearwater Collection
Clearwater
Collection, the manufacturer of luxury handmade freestanding acrylic
baths, has recently crossed the pond to launch its collection in
America. The new business will be known as Clearwater America and
will include a range of freestanding and contemporary baths as well
as the patented spa system, Clearspa.
[More
on this Story]
Grohe
Unveils 2006 Brand Strategy
Grohe started 2006 with an array of new products and a new brand
strategy, designed to heighten awareness amongst trading partners
and consumers alike, of the qualities that have made Grohe the international
brand leader it is.
[More
on this Story]
Hanneck
Takes the Spotlight at KBB Review Industry Awards
Highly
respected kitchen and bathroom industry stalwart Uwe Hanneck has
been presented with a Special Achievement Award at the recent KBB
Review Industry Awards for his hard work in promoting and improving
standards in the industry over the past 33 years.
[More
on this Story]
A
Hat Trick for Kitchen Culture
There's
just no stopping Kitchen Culture. For the third consecutive year
the company has been rewarded with yet another prestigious industry
award; Marketing for kitchens.
[More
on this Story]
Masco
'Top Brass' Strips Off for Charity!
Anyone
who visited KBB couldn't have failed to notice the Bristan stand
complete with dancers strutting their stuff every hour, on the hour,
to the thumping beat of Madonna.
[More
on this Story]
Double
Top for Victoria & Albert
Freestanding specialist Victoria & Albert is bucking a slow
market with its best ever trading figures Leading international
freestanding bath specialists Victoria & Albert are enjoying
a double celebration - both a hugely successful KBB 2006 and unprecedented
worldwide volume sales figures.
[More
on this Story]
Orders
Galore as Dealers Embrace RAK Ceramics at KBB 2006
KBB 2006 has proved a resounding success for tile and sanitaryware
manufacturer RAK Ceramics, who report in excess of 600 product sets
being ordered at the show.
[More
on this Story]
Unique
KBB Bath Finds a New Home with Lucky Winner
The eye-catching Victoria & Albert hand painted bath which caught
the attention of many a visitor to KBB 2006 has a new home. The
bath, a V&A Sorrento model specially decorated as the prize
in a draw competition for visitors to KBB, was won by Steve Hinton.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 131 3rd February 2006
Comments
from KBB 2006
'The KBB show was a roaring success for William
Ball and feedback to our new ranges was extremely positive.
We belive that the gloss lacquered kitchen is just starting to come into
its own and this was certainly bourne out at the show with a number of
exhibitors showing this type of look.
[More
Comments Here]
Whirlpool
Corporation Reports Record Annual Results
Whirlpool
Corporation yesterday announced record fourth-quarter 2005 net earnings
of $126 million, or $1.83 per diluted share, compared to $97 million,
or $1.44 per diluted share, in the same period last year. The company
also reported record full-year 2005 net earnings of $422 million, or
$6.19 per diluted share, compared to $406 million, or $5.90 per diluted
share last year.
[More
on this Story]
TrustMark
Opens for Business
TrustMark,
the new scheme to help people find reputable firms for repairs, maintenance
and improvements in their homes, was launched nationally on Monday 30th
January to the general public. The promotional campaign for TrustMark
started early Monday morning at the ‘House of TrustMark’, a
home in Ealing, London, where TV crews and other media interviewed the
gathered experts, including a range of TrustMark-registered tradesmen,
Ian Livsey, chairman of TrustMark, and the Construction Minister, Alun
Michael MP.
[More
on this Story]
Grohe
Sets a New Industry Standard with 'Grohe Wireless!' Digital Shower
Launch
'Imagine
how wonderful it would be if every morning you could simply press
a button and a warm and inviting shower would be waiting for you when
you reached the bathroom,’ says Grohe. ‘The temperature,
pre-set to the level of your choosing, and the flow rate fine tuned
to your mood. Few of us can deny that we've dreamt of such a luxury.
With Grohtherm Wireless!, that dream is now a reality’.
[More
on this Story]
VIP
Service from Bauformat Kitchens at KBB2006
Having
taken pole position with stand VIP 1 at this years KBB2006 Bauformat,
German kitchen specialist since 1929, presented a stunning array of
it's latest products. These included the latest Gloss Finishes in
Cappuccino, Black & Dark Olive Wood, combined with exclusive Cappucino
and white Granites which the company is also offering it's UK dealers.
[More
on this Story]
Stelrad
Lifestyle Launched at KBB
Visitors
at this year's KBB exhibition had the opportunity to view Stelrad's
new Lifestyle portfolio of radiators, towel rails and deluxe radiators,
including the latest addition - the Stelrad Concord. Available in
a variety of styles and finishes which will complement any interior
environment, Stelrad says that its Lifestyle range combines inspirational
designs with engineering excellence.
[More
on this Story]
Black
is the new Black, says William Ball
Launched
at KBB 2006, William Ball proved that on the kitchen catwalk
black is definitely back with the introduction of the new Nero kitchen
range. ‘The flat, slab high gloss vinyl-wrapped doors ooze uber-contemporary
loft-styling, creating a design statement that demands to be noticed,’
says the company.
[More
on this Story]
Bathroom
and Kitchen Stars Shine Bright at Prestigious KBB Review Industry
Awards
The
brightest stars in the bathroom and kitchen industry were given
a chance to shine in front of thousands at the 12th annual KBB Review
Industry Awards recently. Hosted by popular comedian Dominic Holland,
the winners took centre stage in a gala event that promotes and
celebrates the achievements of the leading talents within the bathroom
and kitchen industry.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Design Innovations Awards Ceremony and AGM Announced for 2006
A
date has been announced for the 2006 Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists
Association Design Innovation Awards presentation ceremony and AGM.
The event will take place at the Radisson SAS Hotel at Stansted
Airport on Thursday July 6th. ‘We received very positive feedback
after last years inaugural event and we are expecting an excellent
turnout for this year's AGM and Design Innovation Awards presentation
ceremony,’ said KBSA operations manager Lucinda Kenny.
[More
on this Story]
Britannia's
New XG Proves Huge Success!
Range
cooker specialist Britannia is celebrating the success of its new
XG range cooker, with 250 sales confirmed since its launch just
three months ago. The XG, which incorporates a dedicated grill compartment
to offer greater flexibility in the kitchen was designed to meet
customer demand for an extra grilling facility.
‘We are delighted with these early sales figures,’ said
Britannia Marketing Manager, Henneke Duistermaat.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Appliances Make a Big Impression in David Wilson Homes Project:LIFE
Six
months on and the results of Project:LIFE a major research project
undertaken by house builder, David Wilson Homes, in conjunction
with the Universities of Nottingham and Leicester are published.
The findings highlight the importance of space for harmony in the
home – and identified what design and equipment elements worked
well – and what worked less well.
[More
on this Story]
Stoves
Ovens on Set for the New Series of Masterchef
Six Stoves built-in electric ovens have been placed on set for the
new series of BBC Two's MasterChef Goes Large, which began on Monday
23rd January 2006. This popular amateur cooking competition is back
for a second series and will run every weekday at 6.30pm on BBC
Two for eight weeks. The six Stoves ovens will be in use throughout
the series, helping the 132 novice cooks to impress the chef judges
enough to secure their place in the next heat and ultimately, the
series finale.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Named Lowe's Appliance Vendor of the Year
Lowe's
Companies, Inc., the United States’ second largest appliance
retailer, has chosen Whirlpool Corporation as its 'Appliance Vendor
of the Year.' Lowe’s announced the award at its annual Vendor
Forum November 3rd, 2005. 'We selected Whirlpool for this honour
based on its record of on-time shipments and innovative product
offerings,' said John Kasberger, Lowe’s senior vice president
and general merchandising manager, Hardlines.
[More
on this Story]