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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 130 27th January 2006
SEB
Restructures in France
On 24 January 2006 , the management of Groupe SEB presented an industrial
reorganisation project to its France Group Committee.
As all manufacturers in its sector, Groupe SEB is facing rapid and deep
changes in its environment, marked by the strong competition from Asian
products and the drop in prices due to the fast growing entry-level market
segment. For several years it has been showing a marked decline in its
sales in Europe , and particularly in France.
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on this Story]
Maytag
UK's New Initiative: 'Partners In Business'
Maytag UK has had a successful twelve months with a raft of new product
launches, the introduction of new refrigeration categories, extended
sales and marketing teams and great support from its loyal retailer
base.
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on this Story]
Swap
to ELECSA for FREE and save £400
If you have signed up to self certify under Part P and you want to change
to another scheme provider but feel stuck because you have already
paid for the full year, you can swap over to ELECSA for FREE without paying
for the annual registration and assessment fee again.
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on this Story]
New
Corporate Member For KBSA
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has welcomed
components giant Hettich as its latest corporate member. Hettich UK
supplies innovative lighting and furniture fittings to the UK interiors
industry and is a subsidiary of Hettich International, a manufacturer
based in Germany for over 75 years, that now has a global turnover
of more than 500 million euros.
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on this Story]
Gaggenau
Appoints First Marketing & Showroom Manager
Mr Juan Pillay has been appointed to the newly created dual role of
Marketing Manager & Showroom Manager for luxury built in kitchen
appliance company, Gaggenau. Juan joined Gaggenau in September 2005
from Samsung Electronics where he held the post of white goods product
manager for just under a year.
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on this Story]
Stoves
Genus Secures Harrods Listing
Harrods, recently named by Forbes magazine as the world's best department
store, is the latest retailer to display the revolutionary Genus oven
from Stoves. Harrods is displaying Genus in the bespoke Genus display
cabinet, which incorporates a screen showing a short educational features
and benefits film, and is running the free 'year's supply of wine
for every Genus customer' promotion.
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on this Story]
Geberit
to Launch Consumer Campaign
Geberit Ltd., specialists in frame systems for wall mounted sanitaryware,
will be launching in April 2006 a major consumer campaign to inspire
the general public about the 'wall hung' look and dispel people's
fears about the technology. Wall hung is the fastest growing market
in the sector and is becoming increasingly fashionable.
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on this Story]
KBSA
Unveils Award Winning Bath At KBB
The award winning bath designed by Jean Marc Signori, winner of
KBSA Creative Bath Design Award 2005, was unveiled on the KBSA stand
at the industries showcase exhibition, KBB2006. Clearwater Collection
sponsored the inaugural KBSA Creative Bath Design Award, which was
made last summer.
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on this Story]
KBB
Showstopper: Triton's Body Dryer
Set to revolutionise the bathroom market, Triton has launched a
cutting-edge new 'Luxury Body Dryer' which can quickly dry its user
and at the same time heat up the entire bathroom for a luxurious
showering and grooming experience.
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on this Story]
Gaggenau
Wins Raft of Design Awards
Luxury
built in kitchen appliance specialist Gaggenau is once again the
recipient of a raft of 2006 design awards for its highly aspirational
product range. Not one, but two prestigious organisations have honoured
Gaggenau with the ‘iF design’ award and the ‘Good
Design’ award respectively, as detailed in full below.
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on this Story]
The
Oven That Cleans Itself
De Dietrich, the premium appliance brand is always keen to support
its dealers by helping them increase sales on the shop floor. Pyrolytic
cleaning is a far more cost effective, time saving and environmentally
friendly option than cleaning the oven by hand.
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on this Story]
GDHA
Goes That Extra Mile On Christmas Eve
Service engineer for Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, Wayne Hampton,
literally went that extra mile this Christmas Eve when he answered
a last minute distress call from a desperate customer.
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on this Story]
Maytag
Corporation Challenges Legislators' Letter
Maytag Corporation was disappointed to learn that U.S. Sen. Tom
Harkin (D - Iowa) and U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell (D - Iowa) had sent
a letter to the Justice Department expressing concern about the
competitive effects of Whirlpool Corporation's proposed merger with
Maytag.
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on this Story]
Let
the Trilobite do the Work
Electrolux says that the Trilobite is the ultimate lifestyle accessory
- not only does it free you up to do the things in life that you
really love, but it’s also a style statement in its own right.
Fully automated, the Trilobite allows daily cleaning and avoids
the build up of dust that so loves your carpets and wooden floors.
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on this Story]
NKBA/CKBER
Announcement
The
National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has announced that
as of January 1st, 2006 it would no longer be providing financial
or administrative support to the Center for Kitchen and Bath Education
and Research (CKBER).
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on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 129 20th January 2006
SEB
Group Provisional 2005 Results 'Gloomy'
In
Europe SEB Group was unable to make up the first-half shortfall, in a
challenging, highly competitive environment that put downward pressure
on prices and margins. Consolidated sales for 2005 totalled €2,463m,
an increase of 7.6% at current exchange rates and 4.9% at constant exchange
rates.
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on this Story]
Symphony
Appoints BLANCO as Main Sink Supplier
Kitchen
furniture expert Symphony has appointed BLANCO to be its main supplier
of sinks. Symphony is the largest privately-owned kitchen manufacturer
in the UK, and this new deal with BLANCO will mean that a full range
of its sinks and accessories will now be available to the whole of Symphony's
unique customer base.
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on this Story]
Fisher
& Paykel Ireland to Take on its Own Distribution in 2006
Appliance
manufacturer, Fisher & Paykel has confirmed the company’s intent
to commence direct distribution of its range of appliances within Ireland
starting April 1st, 2006. Since launching into the Irish market in 2000,
distribution company C&F Quadrant has been responsible for product
distribution.
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on this Story]
Mereway
Bathrooms Introduces Adriatic Gloss Oyster
As part of a strategy to expand Mereway Bathrooms furniture appeal
to customers, the company is renaming all Pergamon furniture and worktops
to 'Oyster'. The move is designed to encourage consumers not to feel
restricted to having Pergamon as their only sanitaryware choice.
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on this Story]
Siemens
Displays its Laundry in Public
In
a first for both companies, Siemens has come to an agreement with
leading UK retailer Marks & Spencer to display a number of its
top of the range washing machines to the public in selected M&S
stores throughout the country.
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on this Story]
Whirlpool
Blue Touch™ Washing Range New Consumer Advertising Campaign
Whirlpool
has announced the arrival of its Blue Touch washing machine range
in a seven month press campaign that includes all the top lifestyle
and women’s magazine titles, including Ideal Home, BBC Good Homes,
Homes and Gardens, Kitchen, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, World of Interiors
and many more.
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on this Story]
De
Dietrich Offers 30 Day Trial for Consumers to Discover Induction
De
Dietrich, the premium appliance brand and specialist in induction
technology has launched a 30-day trial period to consumers who purchase
a new induction hob.
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on this Story]
The
Best of the Bunch - Neff Oven is Singled Out for Ideal Home
According
to the verdict of the latest Ideal Home magazine - the UK's leading
home interest consumer magazine with a readership of well over a million
people - the Neff built in oven deserves special recognition.
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on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 128 13th January 2006
Masco
Sells Two Subsidiaries
Masco
announced on January 11th that it has completed the divestiture of two
operating companies, with combined annual sales of approximately $200
million, which manufacture and distribute cabinets, vanities, and other
bath accessories.
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on this Story]
Government
Delay over WEEE Implementation Results in Legal Action
The UK government will face legal action from Brussels over its failure
to implement the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive.
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on this Story]
ELECSA
Jump Starts Year by Plugging into New Series of Free Part P Seminars
ELECSA
announced on January 11th another series of free Part P evening seminars
for local electricians and tradesmen affected by Part P throughout England
and Wales at the following locations:
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on this Story]
New
Luton Showroom Opens with Solid Commitment to Maia
Maia,
the new composite worksurface by Orama, the independent manufacturer
of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, has been exclusively
selected by B and K Depot, the Luton-based kitchen and bathroom retailer,
to be displayed in its recently opened showroom.
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on this Story]
In-toto
Designer Clare Scoops Second Industry Award
A
young designer from In-toto Kitchens in Leamington Spa has won a major
award for kitchen design in the National Home Improvements Council
Awards 2005.
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on this Story]
Jubilee
Celebrations for Hettich
International
furniture component manufacturer Hettich celebrated its 75th anniversary
last month. Jubilee celebrations were held world-wide, across the
company's 36 countries.
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on this Story]
Electrolux
Sponsored Machine Intelligence Awards Reveals IFOMIND
The
imminence of the robot age draws even closer as IFOMIND scoops 2005
prize for Progress towards Machine Intelligence, sponsored by Electrolux.
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on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Named to Dow Jones Sustainability World Index
Whirlpool
Corporation recently announced it has been named to the 2006 Dow Jones
Sustainability World Index (DJSI), an international stock portfolio
that evaluates corporate performance using economic, environmental,
and social criteria.
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on this Story]
GDS
Restructures US Management Team as Global Operation Continues to Grow
Global
Display Solutions Ltd. (GDS), specialist in the design and manufacture
of industrial displays, has announced a new management structure at
its US headquarters.
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on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 127 6th January 2006
Furniture component giant Hettich International is back under full family control following the buy-back of 27 per cent of its equity from former investor, Lago Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH & Co.
On 1st January 2006, the German manufacturer of fittings and applications for the furniture and allied trades returned into private ownership.
Maytag
Stockholders Approve Whirlpool Merger
Maytag
Corporation announced on 22nd December that Maytag stockholders approved
the proposed merger with Whirlpool Corporation at the Special Meeting
held that day. Based on the preliminary vote total announced at the
meeting, the merger was approved by 68.5 percent of the shares outstanding
and 97.8 percent of those shares voting.
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on this Story]
Lec
Gathers Momentum under GDHA Banner
Lec
Refrigeration’s domestic business is starting the New Year from
a position of strength after ending 2005 with the completion of its
move to Glen Dimplex Home Appliances’ head office in Merseyside
and a number of appointments to strengthen the sales and marketing team.
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on this Story]
Electrolux
Announces New UK Brand & Marketing Director
Electrolux
has announced the appointment of Andy Mackay to the position of ‘UK
Brand & Marketing Director’ for both Electrolux Major Appliances
and Electrolux Floorcare, with immediate effect.
Andy Mackay has been Brand & Marketing Director for Electrolux Major
Appliances since 2003.
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on this Story]
Win
a Chrysler Crossfire with Maia from Orama
Visit Maia at KBB 2006, on Orama’s stand p85 hall 17, for a chance
to crack the safe to win a new Chrysler Crossfire. Orama is introducing
Maia, the new solid work surface product range at KBB 2006 on 22 –
25 January 2006, at the NEC in Birmingham.
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on this Story]
Grand
Designs Live Launches New Event at NEC Birmingham
Following the successful launch of Grand Designs Live 2005 at ExCeL
London, Media 10 Limited has announced the launch of Grand Designs Live
Birmingham, 6-8 October 2006 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.
Following research of visitors to Grand Designs Live 2005, studies of
the TV shows viewing demographics and feedback from readers of Grand
Designs magazine, it is clear that there is demand for a second season
event further north.
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on this Story]
Imperial
Bathrooms Expands Irish Sales Operation
Bathroom
manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms says that it looks set to strengthen
its market position in Ireland following the recent appointment of Sam
Brown as Sales Manager. Covering both Northern Ireland and Eire, Sam
will be responsible for developing relationships with new and existing
retailers and merchants, strengthening the company’s brand-positioning
platform
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on this Story]
GE
- Official Olympic Worldwide Partner
'2006
will see GE propelled into the spotlight in the UK and Worldwide,’
says the company. GE Appliances UK, the white goods manufacturer,
is showcasing a new range of refrigeration styles, and water treatment
products at KBB2006. 2006 also sees GE make its mark internationally
at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Italy, as one the official
Olympic partners.
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on this Story]
Gorenje+Pininfarina
- Better by Design
The
Italian design house of Pininfarina which, under the banner of the 'flying
horse' of Ferrari, has signed its name to some of the most beautiful
motor cars the world has ever seen, is to feature in the growing appliance
portfolio of Häfele with some new designs in conjunction with appliance
maker Gorenje.
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on this Story]
Ormerod
Expands Trading Relationship with Norwood Interiors
J
& J Ormerod PLC, the independent manufacturer of kitchens and bedrooms,
has seen an increased commitment to its leading Colonial and new eco
kitchen ranges from the successful retailer, Norwood Interiors of Yorkshire.
A significant expansion of the number of displays dedicated to J &
J Ormerod's ranges is a development of a well established and successful
relationship between the two companies.
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on this Story]
Australian
Market Opens Up to UK White Goods Firm Premium Appliance Brands
Warrington
based white-goods firm Premium Appliance Brands (PAB) has won a major
export contract to supply the leading Australian brand Mistral with
a range of built-in ovens and hobs.
The new product portfolio, designed specifically for the Australian
market, includes a 58L fanned electric oven and two hobs, one gas
and one electric, each available in either a white or stainless steel
finish.
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on this Story]
Keller
Invests in the Future
Dutch
manufacturer, Keller Kitchens has invested 10 million euros in a modernisation
of the company's now state-of-the-art 21000m2 factory in Roosendaal.
With an extension of the factory floor, new warehouse facilities and
advanced machinery, the new-look Keller organisation is focusing on
streamlined production, cost efficiency and quality.
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on this Story]
William
Ball Announces Trade Sale
William Ball is offering its existing customers 75% off trade price
on selected door fascias while stocks last. In the New Year all
orders placed on the Monza, Pimenta, Lily, Roma, Milano, Tansy,
Fern, Bluebell, Comfrey and Pearl ranges will receive this generous
discount.
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on this Story]
Home
& Gift Revises Show Layout for 2006
Following
the success of this year's Home & Gift, exhibitors will benefit
from a revised fair layout which will include the following sites:
Harrogate International Centre; Cairn Hotel; Design Point marquees;
George Hotel; Majestic Hotel; Collectible and General Gift marquees
and the Old Swan Hotel and marquee. However, due to planning restrictions
the Interiors Accessories marquee will no longer be situated at
the Harrogate Ladies College.
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on this Story]
Creativity
in Kitchen Design will be Key in 2006
Innovation
will be key in 2006, says Ben Burbidge, managing director of kitchen
frontals and accessories manufacturer Burbidge. Rather than manufacturers
slowing the pace of development in the current cautious market,
Ben believes that the key to success lies in continuing to develop
innovative kitchen designs.
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on this Story]
Small
Firms Fear the Hand of Big Business
Britain's
small businesses see the increasing might of their larger competitors
as the most significant challenge to their future, according to
new research from Lloyds TSB Business and the SERT team at the Open
University. Almost half the nation's small businesses (46 per cent)
cited competition from national companies, including the high street
chains, as their most pressing concern.
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on this Story]