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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 83  28th January 2005

AMA Report on the UK Shower Market
A review of the UK Shower Market by AMA Research shows that in 2004, the interest rate increases and the slowdown in the housing market influenced the shower market with lower growth levels. However, compared with other consumer durables sectors, the shower sector continues to perform well with comparatively high growth rates.
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Underwood Kitchens Pays Tribute to Installation Manager
Jane and Martin Cheel, owners of Underwood Kitchens, have paid tribute to the bravery of their former installation manager, Alan Pepper who sadly passed away on the 18th January after a long battle with stomach cancer.
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Bathrooms & Kitchens EXPO 2005 Seminar Programme Confirmed
The organisers of Bathrooms & Kitchens EXPO have announced the complete seminar programme, for 2005's unique bathrooms and kitchens trade exhibition to be held at London's premier venue, ExCeL, from 8-10 May.
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European Chapter of IKBA is Launched in Cologne
The European chapter of the International Kitchen Bathroom Association held its inaugural meeting at international furniture fair IMM Cologne. Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association chief executive Graham Hayden and former association corporate chair Patrick Love were amongst attendees, as were representatives of the interiors industry from Germany, Spain, Italy, Holland and Switzerland.
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Another Added-Value Package from Waterline
Waterline has announced a new service to customers of Franke sinks that not only minimises costly damages and shortages but also improves product storage capability. Waterline says that it is the only Franke distributor to implement an in-house, custom-made packaging system.
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Showerlux Rewards Long Service Stars
More than 30 employees who have stayed the course at bathroom specialist, Showerlux, received long service awards from managing director, Bob Bowler, at a presentation lunch at the head offices in Coventry recently. The staff members have clocked up more than 462 years between them and the company was keen to reward their loyal service.
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Homestyle Group Upbeat Despite £6.2m Losses
Homestyle operates in the UK and specialises in furniture retailing through its Furniture Division (177 Harvey's stores) and its Beds Division (430 outlets across Bensons, Sleepmasters and Bed Shed brands) In a tough market the group has managed to claw back some of last year's losses.
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Wolseley plc Board Changes
Wolseley plc, the specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products and a leading supplier of building materials to professional contractors, has announced that Mr Gerard Legtmann left the Company on 24th January 2005 to pursue alternative opportunities. Mr Legtmann was appointed as Chief Executive Officer for Europe in August 2003.
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New Location Announced for Expotile 2006
In response to the success of Expotile 2004 and the recent industry research undertaken by CMP Information Ltd and the Tile Association, a new location has been confirmed for the 2006 event. The show will continue to take place every two years and will be relocated to hall 19 of the NEC Birmingham, situated right at the very heart of KBB.
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DuPont Corian and Zodiaq Awarded Hygiene Certificates by LGA QualiTest
DuPont™ Corian® solid surfaces and DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surfaces have received important hygiene certification by LGA QualiTest GmbH, the prestigious independent product testing company belonging to Germany-based organisation LGA (Landesgewerbeanstalt Bayern).
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Ritec Sparkles in Dorchester's Showers
Ritec’s ClearShield has brought the sparkle back to stylish shower screens at The Dorchester in London, one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Shower enclosures in selected rooms have been treated with ClearShield – an award-winning glass protection system developed by Ritec to convert high maintenance unprotected glass into Low-M (Low Maintenance) Glass.
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Bognar to Lead Maytag's Sales Organisation
Maytag Corporation announced on 26th January that Paul J. Bognar will assume a new role as senior vice president, sales, effective February 1st, 2005. Bognar, currently vice president and general manager, Canada, for Maytag International, will replace Christopher D. Wignall, who will assume a new role working on special projects focused on Maytag's growth initiatives. Both will report directly to Ralph F. Hake, Maytag chairman and CEO.
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Direct Line Home Insurance Sponsors Home of the Year Award
The National Home Awards, a new programme designed to recognise and celebrate success and innovation in the home interest market, announced on 25th January that Direct Line Home Insurance will be sponsors of The Home of the Year category to be known as The Direct Line Home Insurance Home of the Year Award.
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Maytag Ceases Sale of Appliances through Best Buy in USA
Maytag Corporation announced on 19th January that it will no longer sell Maytag-branded major appliances at the speciality retailer, Best Buy. Maytag will continue to sell its Hoover floor care products at Best Buy, which remains an important floor care customer.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 82  21st January 2005

Part P Scheme from the BRE
BRE Certification has received Government approval to run a Competent Person Self-Certification Scheme for Part P, which has been developed in collaboration with the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) and with the support of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE).
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CDA Park Logistics Operation Locally
CDA, the Nottinghamshire based domestic appliances manufacturer, announced on 18th January the outsourcing of its logistics arm to local firm Park Logistics, in a five-year deal worth around £1.5m each year. Ian Kershaw, managing director of CDA explained: 'The primary reason for outsourcing our logistics arm is that it allows us to focus on our core business, which is that of manufacturing.'
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Wolseley Pre-Close Trading Statement Shows Growth in UK and USA
Wolseley plc, specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products and a supplier of building materials to professional contractors, has issued a trading statement for the five months to 31st December 2004 which show a strong increase in sales and profits driven by high rates of organic growth in North America and the UK and the beneficial impact of commodity price inflation in the USA.
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SEB - Slight Sales Growth in 2004, Solid Q4 Performance
SEB consolidated sales for the year 2004 totalled €2,336m, including a first-time contribution of €44m from All-Clad, consolidated over five months. At constant scope of consolidation, sales would have amounted to €2,292m, a decline of 1% at constant exchange rates and of 2.4% at current exchange rates. The currency effect was a negative €34m.
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Showrooms Capitalise on Growth of Ideal-Standard Filter Tap Sales
Following the rampant growth in sales of the Ideal-Standard ClearTap™ in 2004, a new range of Point of Sale Material has been designed for retailers to capitalise on the obvious consumer demand for 2005.
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BMA Formalises Relationship with PMI
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) and the American based Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) have formalised their working relationship with a Memorandum of Understanding.
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IDS Breaks Through the £100m Sales Barrier
IDS, national distributor of decorative surfacing products, has achieved a significant milestone by breaking through the £100m sales barrier in 2004. Sales have grown by 70%, since the company was formed in 1999.
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Glass UK Goes Down Under for the Perfect Colour Solution
Glass UK, a manufacturer of toughened, oversized laminated double-glazed engineered glass solutions, has secured sole UK rights to an Australian glass colouring process which the company says is ideal for use with wall cladding, splashbacks and kitchen work surfaces.
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NRS Makes Splash with Revolutionary New Bath Plug
A new bath plug which has the capacity to prevent bathroom accidents has been launched by Nottingham Rehab Supplies, a market leader in aids for daily living and special needs bathroom and kitchen equipment.
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Waterline Sponsors KBSA's Spring Meetings
Corporate Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association member Waterline is sponsoring the association's spring regional meetings and will be presenting its roadshow at each one.
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Victoria & Albert Targets Export Sales Growth
Specialist UK freestanding bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert is gearing up for major export growth around the world.Expansion of the international sales & marketing team is well underway, with negotiations to secure key personnel on schedule to be finalised by end of the first quarter of 2005.
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Waterbury Launches 'Five Star' Range in Homebase
Waterbury, designer and manufacturer of quality bathroom accessories, is launching a new collection into Homebase stores this season. Offering storage solutions that are stylish and practical, Waterbury's latest collection Chia has a hotel bathroom look - a trend that is becoming increasingly popular with homeowners.
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Update Relies on East Coast Fittings for Quality and Service
The quality of design, workmanship and attention to detail is what has created the success story that is Update Interiors. The Suffolk company says that it exemplifies the growing trend for using very high quality cabinet makers to create bespoke designs for individual customers.
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Maytag Old Timers Step Down
Maytag Corporation recently announced that two senior executives, both working in the Office of the President, will leave the company, effective January 31st, 2005: William L. Beer and Thomas A. Briatico.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 81  14th January 2005

New Rules on Electrical Work in the Home - In Force from 1st January 2005
New building regulations aimed at curbing the unacceptable number of deaths, injuries and house fires caused by faulty electrical installations, came into force on 1st January. The new rules affect anyone considering electrical work in the home, including DIY enthusiasts. Failure to comply could lead to householders being required to bring the work up to standard and may make it more difficult to sell their homes.
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ELECSA Approved by ODPM for Defined Scope Scheme under Part P
ELECSA has been granted approval from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, for a further area of activity within the new requirements surrounding domestic electrical arrangements in England and Wales and set out in Building Regulation P and its supporting Approved Document.
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Help the Tsunami Victims with your Old Mobile!
Victims in tsunami-stricken areas are set to receive a helping hand through the recycling of old mobile phones and printer cartridges. The recent earthquake off the coast of Sumatra has led to an estimated 150,000 deaths, with thousands more injured or forced to flee their homes - and leading recycling company Eurosource has launched a nationwide appeal to help.
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£100m Distribution Centre for Wolseley UK
Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products and a leading supplier of building materials to professional contractors, announces a £100 million capital investment programme for its UK distribution network.
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KBSA Announces Resignation of National Chairperson
The KBSA has announced that Jane Cheel, owner and managing director of Underwood Kitchens, has stepped down as national chair with effect from January 1st, 2005.
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New Year, New Product Range for Franke
Franke, the manufacturer of kitchen sinks, has announced its plans for 2005 include extending its product range with at least 15 new additions. Full details will be released during the course of the year but product manager John Swain says the new additions to the range will increasingly position the sink as the focal point of the kitchen.
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Exposure to Experts at EXPO
Inspiration, aspiration, knowledge and trend spotting - all can be found together within the seminar programme on offer at Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO during 8th - 10th May 2005 at London's premier exhibition venue, ExCeL.
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£250K to Tackle Manchester's Fridges
Efforts to clear Manchester's scrap fridges have recently been given a boost as Environment Minister Elliot Morley announced that the Government is to contribute £250k towards a clean-up fund. Around 100,000 fridges are currently awaiting treatment and safe disposal at four sites around Manchester after the site contractor went into liquidation.
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Four Seasons seeks Retailers
Four Seasons has launched its drive to develop closer relationships with serious kitchen retailers with the introduction of four brand new fascias, new cabinetry, accessories and a full marketing support package for 2005.
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Hotpoint Launches Schools Cooking Challenge
Hotpoint has launched a Schools Cooking Challenge. Supported by the Design and Technology Association (DATA), the programme connects the national curriculum and healthy school meals and has already gained an enthusiastic response.
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South Lanarkshire Places £70m Contracts for New Kitchen and Bathroom Units
South Lanarkshire Council announced on 6th January that it has placed orders – worth up to a maximum of £70m – for the supply of new kitchen and bathroom suites as part of its ‘HomeHappening’ housing improvement programme.
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Broughton Crangrove and Galley Matrix Launch Xpelair Hoods
Broughton Crangrove and Galley Matrix have launched an exclusive range of cooker hoods and splashbacks by Xpelair. The extensive range of Xpelair hoods include something to suit pockets and kitchen styles.
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DiLusso Continues to Move Forwards
Kitchen and component distribution company, DiLusso Distribution, continues to expand and kicks off 2005 with four new 26-ton vehicles to add to its existing fleet.
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Lathams Lands Formica
Panel distributor James Latham Plc is offering decorative laminates by Formica for the first time, through its newest depot at Gateshead.
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Fagor’s Royal Inauguration for State-of-the-Art Production Plant
The King and Queen of Spain, their majesties Juan Carlos and Sofia, have officially opened Fagor’s massive new state-of-the-art Garagarza production plant in Mondragon, northern Spain, in a ceremony held on 9th December.
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Jacuzzi Brands, Inc. Dedicates State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Malta
On January 6th Jacuzzi Brands, Inc. dedicated its recently expanded state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the city of Marsa in Malta. The plant manufactures a new line of Aegean® stainless steel kitchen sinks, which are sold under the Astracast® brand name.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 80  7th January 2005

Bushboard Management Acquires Control
The Management of Wellingborough based Bushboard Limited has acquired control of its £27m business from Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) in a Secondary Buyout funded by Bank Of Scotland Integrated Finance. Bushboard, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of laminate worktops and commercial washroom systems, has completed the purchase of the majority shareholding of the Company in partnership with Bank of Scotland Integrated Finance (BoSIF).
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Indesit & Finish 'Dino' Outdoor Campaign
December 2004 saw the launch of the Indesit and Finish outdoor campaign. The campaign features an image of a dinosaur on poster sites positioned around traffic hotspots in London and the South East. Representing the extinction of washing up, the impressive dinosaur character was created with Euros RSCG design agency from various dishwasher components, washing-up liquid bottles and sponges.
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Wolseley plc - £41m Spent on Four New Acquisitions
Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products and a leading supplier of building materials to professional contractors, provides an update on recent acquisitions. Since Wolseley's last acquisitions announcement on 27th September 2004, an additional four distribution businesses in Europe and North America have been acquired for an aggregate consideration of approximately £41 million in cash.
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Maytag’s January Sale
1st January saw the start of Maytag UK’s sale with £100’s of price reductions offering retailers a kick start for the New Year. The sale finishes on the 31st January 2005. There are price reductions on some of Maytag’s most popular models. Refrigeration has great bargains starting with the M2260iTW (includes trim kit) at £1065; the M2260iW and the M27iW, with 26.7 cu.ft. capacity, are down to £1005 a piece, and the Euroline top mount refrigerator, in white, is going out at £217.
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Nobia Completes Acquisition of EWE-FM
The Austrian and German competition authorities have unconditionally approved Nobia's acquisition of Austria's leading kitchen manufacturer, EWE-FM. Nobia strengthens its foothold in the Austrian and Continental European kitchen market through this acquisition.
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Euroline to Launch Leading Italian Extractor Brand
Falmec, one of Europe's leading extractor brands will launch in the UK market in 2005. Falmec is to be distributed by Euroline Sales & Marketing, a niche distributor of mid-to-high end kitchen appliances and the company behind the UK presence of Viking appliances and Gutmann extractors.
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Franke Sorter System Wins Award
Sink manufacturer, Franke, collected an award for its Sorter waste management system (a former K&BZine Product of The Week) at The Kitchen and Bathroom Designer’s Manufacturer Awards last month. The Sorter achieved commended status at the magazine’s first award ceremony, which has been launched to inspire and recognise design excellence in the kitchen and bathroom.
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Broughton Crangrove Launches New Range of Bathroom Furniture
Broughton Crangrove, a distributor of premium appliances and furniture which offers next day delivery to the majority of the UK, is expanding its bathroom furniture with the latest from Avanti.
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Local Council Prompts Cross-Range Safety Design Innovation
Myson Heating Controls has fitted its entire Matchmaster valve range with a screw-top cap, following a safety initiative suggestion from Barrow-in-Furness district council. The innovation ensures the cap will not come adrift accidentally, leaving an exposed, and potentially dangerous, metal spindle.
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Waterline 20th Anniversary Show Time
2005 marks the 20th anniversary of Waterline Ltd., which came into being on 5th March 1985. The kitchen distributor is planning a number of celebratory events and promotions during the year, including a Spring Road Show. The seven-venue Tour has been designed to be as accessible as possible for all Waterline customers.
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Maytag’s Solid Foundations in Customer Care
The first stages of implementation of Maytag UK’s SAP system are now complete and the company is using its solid foundation to take its customer service to the next level and bringing it in line with its American counterparts. ‘Streamlining its operations and constantly upgrading systems makes it easier to do business with the company,’ says David Gooch, Customer Service Director.
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Latham’s Gateshead Depot Improves Stock Range
James Latham’s newest depot at Gateshead is increasing its product offering and adding to its stock profile after installing a new racking system. A wide range of Egger Kaleidoscope and Kronospan Kolorband Melamine Face Chipboard (MFC) and MDF is now available at the depot, in a choice of over 40 decors.
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Tretzo helps Transform one of Bradford’s ‘Dark Satanic Mills’
Tretzo UK, bathroom furniture manufacturer, will provide the luxury bathroom furniture for Victoria Mills bordering Saltaire World Heritage Site. The £70m refurbishment scheme by developer Newmason Properties, will transform a 300k sq ft derelict textile mill into luxury apartments and could boast Bradford’s first half a million pound penthouse.
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Service - the Foundation of Homag Success
At Woodmex 2004, arguably one of the busiest Homag U.K. team members was After Sales Director Paul Newman. One of the busiest and also one of the most recognisable in the industry, Paul learned his trade at the cutting edge of engineering with many machine installations and service maintenance visits under his belt.
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KBSA Urges Retailers to Take on Board Assessment for Part P
The KBSA has announced an association with FFINTO, the KBB National Training Group and the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) to offer a pre-training competence assessment programme.
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