Welcome to THE K&BZINE News Archive: July 2004

 

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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 62 30th July 2004

Maytag Reports Lower Sales in Q2, Compounded by Litigation and Restructuring Charges
Maytag has reported second quarter consolidated sales of $1.15bn, down 1 percent from $1.16bn in the same period of 2003. Lower Hoover floor care sales as well as higher material costs and lower burden absorption negatively affected reported results compared with prior year. Also impacting second quarter results were contingent liabilities recorded for pending litigation, restructuring charges, and a goodwill impairment charge. Reported net loss for the second quarter of 2004 was $41.1m, compared with net income of $25.2m in 2003.

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G&G Drawer Interiors – Limited Only by Imagination
A noticeable trend is emerging – many major kitchen manufacturers are advertising their products with detailed images of drawer interiors meticulously organised to store specific products and items.
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Lofra Unveils its Latest Innovation in Insulation
Italian cooker manufacturer, Lofra, has developed a new application for its insulation material which has resulted in an increase in the volume of its ovens. Lofra has replaced its original insulation with a thinner material which is not only more energy efficient, but makes the capacity of its ovens approximately 10 per cent larger than other ovens with the same dimensions.
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Lighting Solutions from East Coast Fittings
Supplier and distributor of quality furniture fittings and components, East Coast Fittings, is able to offer state-of-the-art cabinet and other furniture lighting for kitchen and bedrooms.
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Herbert Direct - Passion for Detail
John and Sharon Herbert have great enthusiasm when it comes to supplying beautifully finished high quality furniture accessories for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms and have recently launched a new company, Herbert Direct.
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One Style, One Brand - The Stoves Design Process
Stoves Product Design Manager, Ian Johnstone, explains the thinking behind Stoves new built-in collection: ‘We had three clear aims when it came to developing the new-look Stoves built-in range. Attention to detail, ease of use and ease of cleaning were all at the very top of our list.
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Even More LG from Lathams
After success selling its range of LG HI-MACS® Natural Acrylic Stone™ solid surface worktops, James Latham Plc is increasing its offering of LG products.

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J & J Ormerod on Profit Track 100 List
Lancashire kitchen and bedroom manufacturer J & J Ormerod PLC has won national recognition. The Rossendale-based company has been listed on the Sunday Times PricewaterhouseCoopers Profit Track 100. The table which lists 100 of the best performing companies in the UK.
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Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance wins Kutchenhaus
Retail Credit Business

Kutchenhaus has appointed Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance to provide retail credit services for its recently launched UK business.
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Change of Trading Style and Addresses for Loveridge
Tony Loveridge Kitchens & Bathrooms is now known as Loveridge Kitchens & Bathrooms and has moved to a new address in Atherstone.
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Smeg Packs Kitchen Sinks into Kitchen Showcase 2004
Smeg says it is almost unique in being an appliance manufacturer that also manufactures its own sinks in three stainless steel finishes and has assembled a range of twelve taps that in many cases share aesthetics with other Smeg products, enabling a designer to achieve total co-ordination throughout the kitchen.
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Bushboard Displays New Additions at Kitchen Showcase
Bushboard displayed its comprehensive collection of worktops and splashbacks at this year's Kitchen Showcase. With new additions to its portfolio of Omega, Odyssey and Prima brands, Bushboard is looking to actively target both kitchen design studios, independent and multiple kitchen retailers and property developers.
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Mirari Worksurfaces by Quality Marble
Supplier of natural stone surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms, Quality Marble, supplied the visually dramatic worksurfaces for the Mirari stand at Kitchen Showcase 2004.
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Kitchen Alliance at Kitchen Showcase
Kitchen Showcase 2004 is an exciting event for the Kitchen Alliance, providing many of its members with the perfect opportunity to launch new products into the marketplace.
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Alastair Hendy & Mirari Provide Food for Thought at Kitchen Showcase 2004
This year's Kitchen Showcase event saw the acclaimed food and lifestyle guru Alastair Hendy sharing his expertise with visitors to the exhibition as part of the Kitchen Clinic forum, held on the consumer day (Saturday July 3rd). Alastair appeared at the show as part of his ongoing partnership with Mirari
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Parapan: The New 'Wonder' Material for Kitchens and Bathrooms
High gloss is big news in kitchens and bathrooms - the natural partner to the sleek architectural look. 'But lacquer and other gloss finishes can be very vulnerable to damage, so designers are increasingly using Parapan® - a new solid gloss material, now available in the UK and shown at Kitchen Showcase this year.
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MK Kitchens Launches MK 7000 Calla High Gloss Lacquer at Kitchen Showcase
MK Kitchens chose Showcase 2004 to launch its new programme MK 70000 Calla High Gloss Lacquer. This new, tough lacquered finish will be avaiiable in five standard colours and is also possible in the complete RAL colour spectrum.
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Westin Extraction Systems - Featured Hood - SP900 - as Shown in the Charles Yorke Kitchen
The SP900 is part of the Synergy Built-in range from Westin. This range of extraction systems has been specifically designed for those kitchens with cookers or ranges sitting in chimney alcoves, recesses, or a variety of other overhead furniture.

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Kitchen Showcase and Masterclass a Success for Planit
Software provider Planit International is delighted with the success of its recent sponsorship of the Masterclass conference and the results from participating at Kitchen Showcase recently.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 61 23rd July 2004

Nobia Continues Sales and Profits Growth from UK Kitchen and Nordic Markets
Sales for the Swedish Nobia group continued to progress favourably in the first half of this year, underpinned by continuing investments in distribution channels and markets. Organic growth was 10% for the first half-year and 12% for Q2.

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Big Build-Up for Stoves Built-in Collection
Stoves has unveiled a new collection of ovens, hobs and hoods, offering retailers a total, coordinating built-in package for the modern kitchen. The launch reveals a contemporary new look for the brand and marks the first phase in a series of new product developments designed to reinforce Stoves’ premium position within the kitchen appliance sector.
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The Two Marcos Head up Merloni in UK and Italy
Marco Marini has been appointed Managing Director of Merloni Elettrodomestici UK, following the promotion of Marco Milani to CEO of Merloni Elettrodomestici Group in Italy. He is currently the UK operation's Chief Financial Officer.
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Whirlpool Corporation Reports Record Second-Quarter Revenue; Strong Growth Fuels Improved Earnings
Whirlpool Corporation has announced second-quarter financial results, highlighted by record second-quarter revenue and a 13% increase in earnings per share. Second-quarter 2004 net earnings were $106m, or $1.53 per diluted share, compared to $94m, or $1.35 per diluted share, in the same period last year.
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Two New Showrooms for In-toto
In-toto has opened two new kitchen showrooms this summer. Ken Stanton is the franchisee at In-toto, 34 High Street, Maidstone and Richard Lakeman has taken the franchise for In-toto at 23 Peach Street, Wokingham.
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A Greener Waste Management Process
In-Sink-Erator is predicting a boom time for environmentally friendly waste disposal options as councils up and down the country introduce compulsory recycling schemes.
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Bathing in an Eggshell Wins KBSA Design Award
The KBSA award for the kitchen bathroom or bedroom has been won by a graduate from Derby University who designed a stunning egg shell shower for this year’s New Designers awards.
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Roman Spreads its Wings with Dedicated Export Department
Roman Ltd. has set up a dedicated Export Department to develop overseas sales. Initially two specialists will cater for demand from as far away as New Zealand, North America, South America, Middle East, Far East and all major European Economies.
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SEB Group Provisional First-Half Sales Show Return to Growth in Second Quarter
SEB Group reports that first-half 2004 was marked by contrasting trends. After a challenging first quarter, especially compared with the strong growth in early 2003, sales generally improved in the second quarter
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The Seta Towel Radiator Launched at Kitchen Showcase
Radiators are important to kitchen design, from the deluxe aluminium galley to the extended living area of a family home. A good radiator adds a helping hand in the form of a towel rail, whilst looking as smart as any new appliance or worktop. Bisque's Seta Towel Radiator is designed to be beautiful, but also practical: it dries towels quickly, takes up very little space and adds an element of ltalian style with its clean lines and robust columns.
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Get into the Spirit of Entertaining
When it comes to chilling beverages, the new GE Monogram wine chiller and beverage centre are designed for those who love to entertain and display wine and spirits. Consumers can easily showcase personal taste and confident sense of style with these new models.
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UK Launch of Lightweight Granite Worktops at the Kitchen Showcase 2004
Already popular in the Netherlands and Germany, Reijnen International's range of lightweight granite worktops was launched in the UK at the Kitchen Showcase 2004. Exclusive to London-based lnside Matters, the range includes worktops that weigh up to 75% less than conventional granite products.
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Blum Dynamic Space - the Future of Kitchen Planning
If you're still on your knees scrabbling around in the dark recesses of a kitchen cupboard looking for a lost saucepan then Blum says that you seriously need to catch up on what's happening in 21st century kitchen design.
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Now Group Plc in Conjunction with Hotpoint Appliances and Getacore Worktops
The Now Group stand featured its latest introduction to the Chic Kitchen Collection, an Artic White High Gloss Vinyl PVC fascia with horizontal profiled edges, and set off with long bar brushed steel handles. Chunky tall and base unit sides add the finishing touches to Now Group's California kitchen.
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Hoover Built-in Kitchen Appliances at Kitchen Showcase
Just launched and on show for the first time at Kitchen Showcase were appliances from the new Hoover Built-in range. Hoover has entered the built-in sector with a comprehensive collection of co-ordinated cooking, cooling and home laundry appliances.
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Hotpoint Enhances Built-in Collection
Hotpoint's built-in collection sees the introduction of some new appliances this summer giving retailers a refreshed line-up to sell consumers.
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Candy Plan Built-in Kitchen Appliances Kitchen Showcase
Candy showed the Plan range of built-in appliances featuring flat-front styling. Plan offers flexibility with a choice of double and single ovens, including the new Pyrolytic self-cleaning multi-function model, cooker hoods, microwave oven, dishwasher and seven hobs, including three new gas models that incorporate value added design features.
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Zimmer Küchen Rigid Kitchens at Kitchen Showcase
Zimmer Kitchen rigid kitchens from Germany are exclusively available in the UK from Waterline, which showcased kitchens from a new collection. Zimmer uses diverse design elements - materials, shapes and colours - to create textured, tailored design.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 60 16th July 2004

Wolseley plc: Sales up 20%, Profits up 30%
Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing, heating and building materials products has issued its regular trading statement for the eleven months to 30th June 2004, prior to entering its close period. After currency translation, group sales for the eleven months to 30th June 2004 were up by more than 20% and trading profit up by more than 30%.
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Blum Starts Production of Zero Protrusion Hinges
Blum’s CLIP top zero protrusion hinge for larder units and cabinets with inner pull-outs was first presented at the Interzum show in Cologne. The hinge prevents open doors from protruding beyond the inside edge of the end or wall panel so that the space inside can be put to optimal use. Following extensive investment, Blum is now ready to initiate the serial production of this special new hinge.
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Pretty in Pink after Spectrum Kitchen Makeover
A couple in the south of England had already purchased a SMEG refrigerator in Cadillac Pink colour, and had managed to get a cooker supplied in the same shade. However hard they tried, they could not purchase kitchen cabinets, doors and drawer fronts in the same colour.
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Brandt Offers Free Two Year Guarantee on all Built-in and Freestanding Products
Brandt, the mid market appliance brand has launched a new consumer promotion - a free two-year guarantee on all current built-in and freestanding products until 31st August 2004.
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KBSA Appoints New National Chair and Corporate Members Chair
The KBSA has appointed a new corporate members chair and a new national chair at it’s 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held earlier this month. Jane Cheel, owner and managing director of Underwood Kitchens is the new national chair and Barbara Leech, sales director at Britannia Living Ltd is the new corporate members chair.
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Whitehall to Breathe New Life into Ailing Quality Mark
Chancellor Gordon Brown is set to give the go-ahead for an overhaul of the Quality Mark, its anti-cowboy builder initiative. The move comes as it has emerged that the government has called in an external consultant to address industry concerns over the scheme, which was introduced in June 2001, and to review its future.
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Hundreds Queue to Retrain as Plumbers
A college flooded with people wanting to retrain as plumbers warned that high earnings were neither guaranteed nor typical. The warning came after hundreds queued at the Leeds College of Building to try and secure one of the handful of places available on plumbing courses.
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Hotpoint Looks to Launch Cool Ideas for Chilling Space
Hotpoint displayed the future of refrigeration storage at this year's Kitchen Showcase. Due to be available in 2005 and designed to provide consumers with additional storage space, it incorporates handy sliding fully removable basket-drawers, all built neatly under the worktop.
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Mercury Range Cooker in new Beachcomber Colours
Mercury Appliances Ltd, manufacturer of the award winning Mercury range cooker, has celebrated its fourth birthday with the introduction of its new 'Beachcomber Colour Collection' of contemporary colours.
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Mirari Chalks up Stunning new Design for Showcase
Mirari's team of designers literally started with a clean slate when creating their kitchen for Kitchen Showcase 2004. The room in shades of black, cherry and anthracite featured a full blackboard wall where visitors were invited to chalk up their comments.
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Nexus Gives a Sneak Preview at Kitchen Showcase
There was a new, high-tech, futuristic product being shown for the first time on the Nexus stand at Kitchen Showcase.
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Planit Hosts Fusion Presentations at Showcase
The kitchen industry software provider Planit International hosted a series of presentations for retailers at Kitchen Showcase 2004.
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Om from the Elica Collection
'Travelling forward and back in space and time in search of continuous inspiration, the planners and designers of Elica Collection dared to go where no normal man has gone before: to the origins of the universe. And upon their return they created Om - with a name that already says it all.' says the company.
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Poggenpohl takes Kitchens into a New Era
At Kitchen Showcase 2004 Poggenpohl displayed its +SEGMENTO in horizontal grain European oak and stainless steel. 'Minimalist and architectural, refined and elegant, +SEGMENTO takes kitchens beyond contemporary.'
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Colonial Kitchens Offers a Platform for Creativity
Colonial Kitchens displayed for the first time at Showcase 04. On view was the mirror like high gloss cream kitchen which featured many new design concepts.
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American Appliance Centre lntroduces Ice Maker from U-Line
'If you are looking for a luxury addition to your kitchen, look no further. Lovers of entertaining will be captivated by the exquisite U-Line Echelon Ice Maker from the American Appliance Centre.'
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Charles Yorke Unveils new Hogarth at Kitchen Showcase 2004
Charles Yorke has turned to the elegant sinuous curves and beautiful timbers of 18th century furniture as the inspiration for its new range, which was unveiled at Kitchen Showcase 2004.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 59 9th July 2004

Government Part P Announcement Welcomed by Electrical Associations
The Government announced on 29th June that from 1st January 2005 anyone undertaking domestic electrical installation work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. The announcement has been warmly welcomed by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), which has lobbied for such regulatory control.
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KBSA Reports Plans to Deliver Training Initiative at AGM
The KBSA reported that its plans for the formation of a National Training Group (NTG) were progressing well, at its recent AGM. KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden presented an update on the proposal and said, ‘I cannot find an equally vital outcome that we have set to deliver whilst I have been at the association over the last eight years.’
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Pilkington's Tiles Sold to Surface Coatings
Pilkington's Tiles has sold all of its operating businesses to Surface Coatings for £3.1m including debts. The company will effectively be a shell with its main asset a property in Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset.
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New Chief Executive Turns Up the Heat at Glen Dimplex Cooking
Glen Dimplex Cooking has appointed Denver Hewlett as Chief Executive. Denver was previously Chief Executive of Belling for three years until 2003, during which time the business enjoyed a period of excellent growth.
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Design Centre expansion at PWS
Renowned for keeping their finger firmly on the design pulse PWS have announced plans to extend their Design Centre. Although less than three years since the Design Centre was opened, the 500sqm facility has quite simply run out of room
.
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IMI Trading Update Indicates First Half Volumes up 5%
IMI plc - the parent company of Polypipe - has issued a trading update in advance of its interim results announcement: 'The steady improvement in general conditions is continuing and we expect to be able to report overall like for like volumes 5% higher than the first half of 2003. Order intake is running around 7-8% ahead of this time last year.
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American Standard Forecasts Strong Second-Quarter Performance, Raises 2004 Earnings Range
American Standard Companies Inc. expects results at the top end of its second-quarter earnings range. The company is also raising its earnings estimate for the year. In April, the company estimated earnings of 67-72 cents per diluted share, adjusted for the company's May 28th three-for-one stock split, for the second quarter ending June 30th, 2004.
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New Baumatic Showrooms
Baumatic's headquarters in Reading now has a new showroom, with more product than ever before on display. Two new Baumatic Centres are now open in Glasgow. ‘The Cooker Factory’ has two new locations; St Georges Place and Langside Lane, Queens Park. The company has added over 70 new products to the Baumatic portfolio for 2004/5.
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Industry Awards are Seeking Someone Special
For the first time, in its 11-year history and alongside its existing design and business categories, the Bathrooms And Kitchens Industry Awards has announced the launch of the Special Achievement Award.
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JLA Ltd Attracts Complaint
A complaint, objecting to an insert in a specialist magazine by laundry equipment distributor JLA Ltd of Ripponden, West Yorkshire was upheld in both of the objections according to published details from the Advertising Standards Authority.
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Boere Expands Sales and Service in the UK
Dutch widebelt sanding specialist, Boere, has entered into an agreement with Calderbrook Woodworking Machinery in Lancashire to progress the company’s UK sales and service operations as a result of successful and increasing sales activities.
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Electrolux Challenges Conventional Design with University Students on a Global Scale
Eight leading design institutions from across the world have taken on the challenge to support Electrolux in its drive to develop household appliance designs of the future. From Australia to the United States and China to Sweden, students will design household appliances intended to make 'life a little easier for consumers', wherever they may be.
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Llandaff Laminates Moves to Improve
Welsh distributor, Llandaff Laminates has moved to purpose built accommodation on Cardiff's newest industrial estate, Capital Business Park. The company was established in 1968 originally as a distributor of decorative plastic laminates. Over time the company has diversified its portfolio and extended the product range to its customers. It is now established as a supplier of laminate, worktops, sheet materials, appliances and kitchen products.
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U.A.W. Local Ratifies New Labour Contract with Maytag
Maytag Corporation announced on 2nd July that Local 997 of United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers (U.A.W.) ratified a new four-year contract covering production and maintenance employees at Maytag's manufacturing facilities in Newton, Iowa.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 58 2nd July 2004

Kitchen Showcase 2004: Off to a Flying Start
The Kitchen Showcase 2004 got off to a flying start yesterday, with queues forming outside the Commonwealth Institute in Kensington, London, and 250 people passing through the doors in the first hour. With over 2,000 pre-registered visitors, the organisers can confidently expect the remaining two days to be even busier. Today is another trade only day, with tomorrow, Saturday, also allowing the general public to attend. We have a few comments and pictures from the first day.
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Victoria & Albert to Treble Output
Specialist freestanding bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert has commenced a major investment programme that will increase the company’s production by +300% over the next two years. The announcement was made from Victoria & Albert's Group Head Office in the UK and coincides with a worldwide surge in demand for all models across both classic and contemporary ranges.
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Broughton Crangrove Acquires Exclusive Distribution of Britannia Range Cookers
Broughton Crangrove has announced exclusive distribution of Britannia's best selling Deluxe or 'L' products, including built in and range cooking appliances.
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Minister Gives Go-Ahead for Competent Persons Scheme ELECSA
On 29th June in the House of Commons, Phil Hope MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the ODPM (and Minister responsible for Building Regulations) announced the Govemment's latest Competent Persons Scheme. The Scheme brings all domestic electrical installations under Building Regulations control in England and Wales.
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Calling all Franke Dealers! Check the Website.
Franke UK is encouraging all dealers registered on its website to keep their company contact details up-to-date. Throughout the past month, the sink manufacturer has received a record number of hits to www.franke.co.uk and wants to ensure dealers are getting maximum benefit from the site
.
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Brandt Affordable Pyrolytic Oven Awarded Your Home 'Editor’s Choice'
The Brandt FP225 oven has been awarded the Your Home editor's choice in its July issue. This affordable oven from the mid priced brand has been chosen for its 'A' energy rating and because it is pyrolytic.
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New Commercial Director for Fagor UK
Fagor UK has appointed Steve Waddilove as Commercial Director for Freestanding and Built-In Appliances, with immediate effect. Steve joins Fagor from Merloni Domestic Appliances, where he has occupied a variety of key sales and marketing roles for the past 13 years
.
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Barwick Announces Its Appointment as Distributor for Niagara
Niagara, the mid market brand from Jacuzzi UK which is supplied through distributors, adds extra breadth to the Barwick portfolio.
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Design Remains the Name of the Game in Worksurfaces
New research undertaken by Orama, the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, confirms the unprecedented growth and appeal of contemporary design. The Ardesco range, targeted at specialist independent kitchen retailers, reflects emerging influences in UK kitchen styles from continental Europe.
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Maytag UK's New Price List Valid from July 1st
A new price list encompassing Maytag appliances including refrigeration, laundry and dishwashing is now available. Featuring Maytag, Admiral and Euroline brands the price list supersedes all others and is valid from the 1st July 2004.
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Ritec Gives Go-Glass A Superior Finish
Ritec’s Sandblast Glass Protect is ensuring an attractive, long-lasting finish on sandblasted glass produced by Go-Glass in Cambridge. A supplier of high quality glass and mirrors for the past 25 years, Go-Glass designs and produces decorative glass for both the home and workplace, from door panel and side lights, shower enclosures and kitchen splash backs to furniture and shelving.
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The Ultimate Flexibility in Kitchen Internal Organisation
 
The internal organisation of kitchen and other fitted furniture drawers is fast becoming a major selling point for many manufacturers. With the emphasis now firmly on optimising the use of cabinet storage space, cutlery trays and dividers are becoming design items just as much as practical systems.
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Maytag and UAW Officials Reach Tentative Agreement on a New Labour Contract
Maytag and United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 997 jointly announced that they have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year labour contract covering production and maintenance employees at Maytag's manufacturing facilities in Newton, Iowa.
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Whirlpool, Ispat Inland Reach Agreement
Whirlpool Corporation and Ispat Inland Inc. announced on June 17th that they have reached a confidential agreement staying the litigation involving the two companies for 45 days while securing Whirlpool’s steel supply and allowing the temporary restraining order against Ispat to be dissolved.
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