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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 177 26th January 2007
Top
Performers Force Others to Raise their Game
A
staggering 99% of last year’s sales growth in the UK kitchen,
bedroom & bathroom manufacturers industry went to just 16
firms, according to a new analysis of the market by industry commentators
Plimsoll Publishing.
[More
on this Story]
Ideal
Standard Reinforces its Leadership Team
Ideal Standard has announced three new appointments. Roger Cooper
has accepted the position of Vice President for Northern Europe,
Alan Stevenson has been promoted to Managing Director, UK and
Ireland and Paul Frankish has joined the European Leadership Team
as Category Leader, for Furniture and Accessories.
[More
on this Story]
Jacuzzi
Stockholders Approve Merger with Apollo
Jacuzzi
Brands, Inc. has announced that at the Company's Annual Meeting
of Stockholders held yesterday, Jacuzzi Brands stockholders approved
the adoption of the merger agreement with affiliates of Apollo
Management, L.P.
[More
on this Story]
Jacuzzi
Announces Settlement of Stockholder Suits
Jacuzzi
Brands, Inc. announced on 22nd January that it has reached an
agreement in principle to settle four putative stockholder class
action lawsuits related to the Company's proposed merger with
a wholly owned subsidiary of Apollo Management L.P.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Awards and AGM Announced for 2007
A
date has been announced for the 2007 Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom
Specialists Association Design Innovation Awards presentation
ceremony and AGM. The event will take place at the five star De
Vere Grand, Brighton on 21st June.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Workshop at Bathroom and Kitchen Expo 2007
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) will host
a workshop for retailers on promoting the benefits of consumer
protection at Bathroom and Kitchen expo, which will be held at
Excel, London from 13-15 May.
[More
on this Story]
Lathams
Adds Class to Northern Restaurant and Bar
The
UK timber and panel products distributor, James Latham, will be
exhibiting at Northern Restaurant and Bar in March this year to
showcase two of its most popular products: LG HI-MACS® and
Bausen hardwood flooring.
[More
on this Story]
James
Theobald Expands Offering and Team
Distributor
James Theobald has three prestigious brands in its product portfolio:
Matchmaker Kitchens, Butler Appliances and Brompton Bathrooms.
[More
on this Story]
Leaker
Direct Appointed as Bosch Distributor
Leaker Direct (Distribution) Ltd has announced that it has been
appointed as a distributor for Bosch Appliances. Leaker Direct
can now offer the full range of Built-in and Free-standing Appliances
from Bosch including Ovens, Hobs, Hoods, Laundry, Dishwashing
and Refrigeration.
[More
on this Story]
Blum
Perfects Motion at Interzum
Interzum
2007 in Cologne maintains its status as the pre-eminent exhibition
for the furniture industry and fittings innovator Blum will once
again star at the show.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
plc Pre-Close Period Trading Statement
Wolseley
plc has issued its regular trading statement for the five months
to 31st December 2006, prior to entering its close period.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag's
SOV225GB Refrigerator is a Big Hit with Sarah Beeny
Sarah
Beeny, presenter of a number of property programmes, including Channel
4's Property Ladder, is a fan of Maytag's flagship refrigerator, the SOV225GB.
[More
on this Story]
Siemens
Jumps 51% in First Quarter 2007
‘In
terms of the underlying performance of our business, the first quarter
got the fiscal year off to a strong start,’ said Siemens CEO Klaus
Kleinfeld. ‘Order growth was particularly satisfying, considering
that the prior-year basis of comparison was already quite high.
[More
on this Story]
Simplee
Solar Ltd Complaint Upheld
A
complaint objecting to a mailing from Simplee Solar Ltd, which offered
advantages in installing its Solar Water Heating System was upheld according
to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
and International Polar Foundation Sign Antarctic Deal
Electrolux
and the International Polar Foundation (IPF) announced yesterday that
they have signed an agreement for the supply of household appliances to
the new Princess Elisabeth Antarctic research station to be built at the
end of 2007.
[More
on this Story]
National
Skills Academy for Manufacturing Launched
A
new £14m national academy to raise manufacturing skills was launched
by Alistair Darling, Trade and Industry Secretary in the West Midlands
yesterday.
[More
on this Story]
Polished
Customer Care
Pyramis
stainless steel sinks have been marketed in the UK for over 20 years.
Always seeking to add value to the company’s range of products it
has introduced its own brand of stainless steel cleaning products.
[More
on this Story]
VASCO
Product Awarded Another Prize
After
winning the ‘red Dot Award’ last year, VASCO’s Slidex control
for electric radiators has recently been awarded the iF Product Design
Award 2007 as well.
[More
on this Story]
Tough
Performance from Weeke
Based
in the hills of South Shropshire, Tough Furniture grew out of a craftsman
cabinetmaking business originally started by David Vesty, and now specialises
in designing and manufacturing a wide range of furniture for the needs
of the care market.
[More
on this Story]
Hülsta
Reveals 2006 Results and Unveils 2007 Plans
One
of Germany's largest furniture manufacturers, Hülsta has announced
that it has achieved considerable growth during 2006.
[More
on this Story]
Villeroy
& Boch: Negotiations with Turkish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer
Villeroy
& Boch AG and the Turkish ceramic manufacturer Eczacibasi have entered
into negotiations on a cooperation agreement with V & B Fliesen GmbH,
the ceramic tile operation spun off in January 2006.
[More
on this Story]
Go
Natural - But Think Flared Jeans Comeback For 2007
If you're wondering what your 2007 has in store for you - then the answer
is you'll be going natural. That's the prediction of leading independent
furnishing retailer Housing Units' buyers and designers as they plan,
prepare and stock for 2007.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 176 19th January 2007
Jacuzzi
Announces Preliminary Quarterly Results
Jacuzzi
Brands, Inc. has reaffirmed its 2007 guidance and announced selected
preliminary financial results for the fiscal 2007 first quarter
ended December 30, 2006. Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal
2007 are estimated to be approximately $272m compared to $267.1m
in the first quarter of fiscal 2006.
[More
on this Story]
ISS
Recommends 'FOR' Vote Proposed Merger with Apollo Management
Jacuzzi
Brands, Inc. has announced that Institutional Shareholder Services
(ISS) recommends that Jacuzzi Brands' stockholders vote ‘FOR’
the proposed merger with affiliates of Apollo Management L.P.
at the Company's January 25th, 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
[More
on this Story]
Premium
Appliance Brands Buys Catalyst Home Products
Warrington-based
white goods firm, Premium Appliance Brands (PAB), yesterday (18th
January) announced its acquisition of appliance firm Catalyst
Home Products Ltd, as part of its 2007 expansion plans.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Sells Former Maytag Properties
Whirlpool
Corporation has sold a number of former Maytag Corporation facilities
in Newton, Iowa; Florence, S.C.; Galesburg and Herrin, Ill.; Searcy,
Ark.; and Ranson, W.Va. Whirlpool acquired Maytag in April 2006.
[More
on this Story]
Franke
Appliances Rated A for Performance
All
appliances from Franke, the manufacturer of kitchen solutions,
are A-rated, helping consumers to save energy, money and the environment.
[More
on this Story]
New
Cook Book from Neff
Built
in cooking appliance brand leader Neff has launched 'The Recipe
Collection', a new bespoke cook book created to give consumers
a helping hand with their Neff built in oven.
[More
on this Story]
GDHA
Goes the Distance Over Christmas
Service
engineers for Glen Dimplex Home Appliances literally went that
extra mile this Christmas, travelling a total of over 2000 miles
on Christmas Eve period to ensure that the festive season went
smoothly for all its customers.
[More
on this Story]
£50
Device Would Have Stopped Tot Scalding
A £50 anti-scald device incorporated into the bathroom plumbing
could have prevented the horrific injuries sustained by Jordan’s
four year old son Harvey. He managed to douse himself with scalding
bath water in an accident on New Years Eve.
[More
on this Story]
Nicholas
Anthony Predicts the Trends for 2007
Tony Nicholas, Managing Director of Nicholas Anthony predicts
kitchen trends for 2007: 'Homeowners are becoming more inclined
to experiment with colour. As a result, we will see colour becoming
more prominent in the kitchen - not the subtle hues we've been
used to but strong, dynamic colours like purple and burgundy which
make a bold design statement.'
[More
on this Story]
Adam
the Robot Scientist Wins Intelligence Awards
The
Electrolux Sponsored Artificial Intelligence Awards are held annually
at Cambridge University by the British Computer Society. The finalists
in this year’s competition had been asked to produce real
working intelligent machines and present them to the Society.
[More
on this Story]
Head
of Sustainability at Blanco takes Delivery of Bio Power Car
Personal
commitment comes with the job for Blanco's Sustainability guru
Dr Chris Moon, and last month saw him take delivery of a new car
from Swedish manufacturer SAAB, which runs on 'bio power', in
this case bioethanol.
[More
on this Story]
Launch
of the Furniture Ombudsman
From
1st January 2007 Qualitas has changed its name to The Furniture Ombudsman.
This new name will better illustrate the role and benefits of the service
and will act as a clear signpost for good business practice.
[More
on this Story]
Dyson
Complaint Against Miele Company Ltd Upheld
A
complaint from Dyson objecting to a magazine ad for Miele vacuum cleaners
was upheld on all of the six objections according to information published
by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
[More
on this Story]
J.E.M
Marketing Complaint Upheld
A
complaint objecting to a direct mailing for various products, including
a water conditioner, from J.E.M Marketing, Cranleigh, Surrey was upheld
according to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority
(ASA).
[More
on this Story]
Investment
in Homag puts S.W. Watson Ahead
Preston
based S.W. Watson & Son was formed in 1967 as a specialist joinery
company primarily serving the shopfitting and retailing sectors.
[More
on this Story]
Six
Million Workers Set to Benefit from Extra Holiday Entitlement
Jim
Fitzpatrick, Employment Minister, yesterday announced the Government's
proposals to increase workers' holiday entitlement from 20 days per year
to 28.
[More
on this Story]
CC
Publishes Final Report on Classified Directories
The
Competition Commission (CC) has recently published its final report into
the printed classified directories market. Yell, the publisher of Yellow
Pages, will be required to comply with a number of restrictions, including
a price control of RPI-6 per cent until March 2008 and RPI from that date
onwards.
[More
on this Story]
What
the Colour of your Décor and Furnishing says about You
Researchers,
designers and buyers at one of the UK's leading independent furnishing
retailers have come up with the definitive guide on what décor
and colour says about the householder.
[More
on this Story]
OFT
Consults on Draft Guidance about New On-Site Inspection Powers
The
OFT is consulting on its draft Guidance about new on-site inspection powers
which came into force on 8th January 2007. These powers have been introduced
as part of the UK implementation of the EU Regulation on Consumer Protection
Co-operation (CPC).
[More
on this Story]
AND FINALLY...
Toast
your Mum with Whirlpool
Hardworking
Mums are estimated to spend 66 hours every week on household jobs! So
raise a glass to Mum with Whirlpool, this Mother’s Day, 18th March
2007.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 175 12th January 2007
Vetting
Quality Acknowledged as FairTrades Gains TrustMark Accreditation
FairTrades
– the multi-trade association from HomePro – has been
recognised by the Government-backed TrustMark as an Approved Scheme
Operator (ASO). TrustMark is designed to help consumers seeking
home improvements find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople.
[More
on this Story]
New
Brand at Ideal Bathrooms
Ideal
Bathrooms has announced that the company will be distributing
the new VitrA Life range to selected retailers in the UK and is
'delighted to be the only national distributor chosen'.
[More
on this Story]
Franke
Celebrates the New Year with 2007 Retailers
Franke,
the manufacturer of kitchens solutions, is looking forward to
a successful New Year as the number of retailers displaying Franke
sinks, taps and appliances reaches 2007.
[More
on this Story]
Eurobath
Announces Record Year
Eurobath
announces 2006 as a record year with a growth rate of 37% from
2005 to 2006 in a market growing by an average of 2%, with turnover
up from £8.1m to £11.1m. Turnover has more than doubled
in 5 years.
[More
on this Story]
Gorenje
Appoints New Marketing & Sales Manager
Gorenje
UK is once again expanding, with the appointment of a new marketing
& sales manager at its London HQ. Loredana Butnaru has moved
from Gorenje Romania to take up this new position for the award-winning
Slovenian home appliances manufacturer.
[More
on this Story]
Imperial
Promotion Gives Retailers New Year Lift
To
kick-start 2007 and provide retailers with a New Year boost to
sales, Imperial Bathrooms has launched an exclusive promotion
for DRIFT – the company’s latest range of period-style,
handcrafted sanitaryware.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Welcomes New Sales & Marketing Director
The
KBSA has announced the appointment of Ruth Ward as it's new Sales
& Marketing Director. The appointment, from January 2007,
is part of a strategic overhaul to accelerate the development
of the KBSA as the essential organisation for the kitchen, bedroom,
bathroom and office furniture specialist industry.
[More
on this Story]
RAK
Ceramics UK Announces Latest Platinum Dealer
Tile
and sanitaryware manufacturer RAK Ceramics UK has announced Express
of Hereford as the company’s latest Platinum Medal Dealer.
The outlet now features over 3,000 sq ft of coordinated roomsets
featuring RAK Ceramics tiles and sanitaryware along with brassware
and accessories.
[More
on this Story]
Bathstore
Shortlisted in Retailer Awards
Bathstore,
the UK's largest bathroom retailer, has been selected as a finalist
in the Speciality Retailer of the Year Award in the 12th annual
Retail Week Awards.
[More
on this Story]
Carron
Phoenix gives its Showroom a Makeover
Carron
Phoenix has upgraded its customer showroom to incorporate the
twenty major new product additions to its sink and tap portfolio
for 2007. The flagship showroom at the company's Falkirk headquarters
and manufacturing plant has had a design makeover
[More
on this Story]
New
Kitchen in Time for Christmas Dinner
Delighted
Evelyn Barnes cooked in style this Christmas thanks to the installation
of a new kitchen by landlord Rushcliffe Homes.
Contractor Bullock fitted the new units, tiling and decoration
in time for the 76-year-old to cook up a storm for the big day.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
plc Acquisitions Update
Wolseley
plc announced four further bolt on acquisitions for an aggregate consideration
of £66 million. In a full year, these bolt on acquisitions are expected
to add approximately £116 million to total revenue.
[More
on this Story]
Complaint
Against Electrorad UK Ltd Upheld
A
complaint objecting to a regional press ad for Electrorad UK Ltd, Leeds
was upheld on all of the three objections according to information published
by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The complainant challenged
whether the claim ‘Probably the most effective, energy efficient
heaters currently available!’ could be substantiated.
[More
on this Story]
Jacuzzi
Brands Announces Extension of Tender Offer
Jacuzzi
Brands, Inc. announced on January 10th that it has extended the expiration
date of its previously announced cash tender offer and consent solicitation
with respect to its 9 5/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2010.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Chairman will not Stand for Re-election in 2007
Michael
Treschow, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Electrolux, has informed
the nomination committee that he will not stand for re-election atthe
company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April 2007.
[More
on this Story]
Scott
Brothers Offers Free Pack-Mate Bags with Every Purchase
Scott
Brothers, the specialist in home storage and space saving solutions, has
announced a new promotion on all Pack-Mate compression packs.
[More
on this Story]
The
Carpet Foundation gets Code Approval from the OFT
The
Carpet Foundation (CF) has become the first trade body within the home
furnishings sector to successfully secure OFT approval for its code of
practice under the OFT's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS).
[More
on this Story]
New
Multi-Million Pound PFI Investment Ensures more Decent Homes
North
Tyneside and Salford City Councils have been given the go ahead for up
to £200m investment to cut the number of non-decent homes by over
3,000 as part of the Government's fifth Housing Private Finance Initiative
(PFI) bidding round.
[More
on this Story]
2007
NKBA Executive Committee
The
National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) announces the appointment
of the 2007 NKBA Executive Committee as follows:
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 174 5th January 2007
Manufacturers
Respond to Water Efficiency Consultation Paper
On
13th December 2006 DCLG and Defra released the Water Efficiency
in New Buildings consultation document containing proposals for
new homes, extensive renovations and new commercial buildings
in England and Wales.
[More
on this Story]
Waste
Disposal Units Encouraged by Local Authorities
Waste
disposal units are becoming increasingly popular owing to local
councils introducing compulsory waste separation schemes, says
Franke, kitchen solutions manufacturer. Some, such as Hereford
and Worcestershire, are encouraging their use by offering residents
a rebate if they purchase a waste disposal unit.
[More
on this Story]
Xtra
Incentives on New Aqualux Products
Aqualux is offering three extra-ordinary incentives to launch
its new Aqualux Xtra range. To promote the new collection, Aqualux
is giving away a stylish blue fleece with any purchase from the
Elite Xtra range.
[More
on this Story]
JJO
PLC Forges New Partnership with Neff
J&J
Ormerod PLC (JJO) has expanded its range of kitchen products yet
again and will distribute Neff appliances as part of its portfolio
of frontline brands from January 2007.
[More
on this Story]
Galley
Matrix Adds Hoover Candy to its Portfolio
Galley
Matrix has been appointed as a national distributor for the Hoover
and Candy brands of appliances in the UK. This builds Galley Matrix'
in-depth portfolio and brings further strengths and opportunities
for the company and its customers.
[More
on this Story]
'iF'
Design Award 2007 for Gaggenau
The
jury presenting the renowned ‘iF’ design awards (Industrie
Forum Design) in Hanover has chosen Gaggenau's new Wine storage
unit model RW 262 as a 2007 winner.
[More
on this Story]
Deva
Adds to National Sales Team
Independent
UK brassware supplier, the Deva Tap Company, has appointed Steve
Rothwell as National Sales Manager for the North. Steve
will be responsible for driving sales in northern England and
Scotland through training and developing Deva's existing sales
team whilst growing Deva's presence in the industry.
[More
on this Story]
Sam
Cande to Head up Co-located KBB/HPE Shows
Sam Cande has been promoted to Event Manager of KBB incorporating
Expotile alongside new event HPE (Heating and Plumbing Event).
Previously Sales Manager of these events, Sam has managed the
successful KBB event in January 2006 and since then, helped launch
HPE.
[More
on this Story]
kbbreview
Industry Awards Announces 2007 Finalists
The premier awards for the bathroom and kitchen industry, kbbreview
Industry Awards has announced the finalists for its 2007 event.
Over 40 finalists fought off fierce competition from a record
amount of entrants across 14 categories.
[More
on this Story]
Bathsale@
from Ideal Standard
Ideal Standard, provider of innovative and design-led bathroom
and kitchen solutions, will be supporting retailers in the New
Year with the Bathsale@ 2007 promotion. The Bathsale@ 2007 will
run between 8th January and 9th March 2007 and promote a 25%,
30% or 40% reduction on an extensive range.
[More
on this Story]
Geberit
Opens New Training Academy
Geberit,
the manufacturer of wall-hung frame systems, advance flushing
technology, and supply, drainage and rainwater systems, has opened
a new Training Academy at its UK headquarters in Aylesford, Kent.
[More
on this Story]
TV
First for Bathstore
The UK bathroom retailer, Bathstore, has launched its first national TV
ad campaign to support its January sale. The 30-second commercials have
been running from Boxing Day in prime time slots on ITV1, ITV2, ITV3,
C4, More4, Film4, Sky One, Discovery Channel, UKTV, Living TV and GMTV.
[More
on this Story]
Local
Company Scoops Top National Award
Devon
based Candy Tile Company has been recognised in the National Flooring
Awards. The Candy Tile Company, which is part of British Ceramic Tile
(BCT Ltd) based at Heathfield near Newton Abbot, was awarded the Readers
Choice ‘Tile Supplier 2006’.
[More
on this Story]
Miele
Washing Machine Tops Which? Best Buys
‘We
found amazing differences between washing machines,’ says Which?
in its latest investigation into washing machines. ‘The busy household
must have a washing machine that will clean all kinds of clothes quickly.
Yet we tracked down machines that meet all today's needs.
[More
on this Story]
Say
Hello to the KCA Football Team
Kitchen
design and installation specialist KCA has presented its football team
- comprising its designers and installers. The football team has been
formed to not only encourage employee team building but also provide networking
opportunities.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
plc Acquisitions Update
Wolseley
plc announced on December 20th 2006 six further bolt on acquisitions for
an aggregate consideration of £27 million. In a full year, these
bolt on acquisitions are expected to add approximately £57 million
in additional revenue.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Honoured with Multiple Design Awards
Whirlpool
Corporation announced on December 15th that its Global Consumer Design
team was recently recognised by two esteemed organisations for its product
design.
[More
on this Story]