Welcome to THE K&BZINE News Archive: July 2005

 

Please click on 'THE K&BZINE' links to view the whole issue, or on 'more on this story' just to see that particular story:

THE K&BZINE ISSUE 108  29th July 2005

Maytag Acquisition: Whirlpool Raises Offer to $18 and Enters Confidentiality Agreement
Following Maytag's rejection of the Whirlpool offer last Friday morning, on the grounds that it would not add value to the offer already on the table from Ripplewood-Triton, Whirlpool increased the offer from $17 to $18 per share, with the following, rather acidic statement:

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Charity Sponsored Cycle Ride- In Aid of Local Children's Hospice
On Sunday September 18th 2005, the staff from Crabtree Kitchens will be cycling the Swans Way and Icknield Way trails in an effort to raise funds for the Shooting Star Trust.
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UK Restructuring Costs Impact Nobia's First Half Results
Net sales for Nobia Group in the first six months of 2005 rose by 8% to SEK 6,221m (5,780). Organic growth was 15% in the Nordic business and 3% in the Continental European business, but sales declined organically in the UK business by 5%. Overall organic growth was 4% in the first half of the year and 8 per cent in the second quarter. UK restructuring costs of SEK 30m were primarily for staff reductions in transferring CP Hart to Poggenpohl.
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Fridges are The Subject of New Which? Report
'The fridge is one of the longest-serving appliances in the kitchen – so choose carefully', says Which? in its latest Report issued online in July. 'If you pick one that buzzes like a swarm of flies all day, or one that seems specially designed to offer 1mm less space than you need for that casserole dish of leftovers, you could be lumbered with it for more than a decade'.
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OFT Campaign to Promote Consumer Codes Approval Scheme
The OFT will launch a national campaign to promote the benefits to consumers of its Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, and raise awareness of the OFT approved code logo – a key element of the scheme. The campaign will begin in early October.
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Whirlpool Second-Quarter Results Reflect Progress in Mitigating Higher Material Costs
Whirlpool Corporation announced on 21st July second-quarter 2005 net earnings of $96m, or $1.42 per diluted share, compared to $106m, or $1.53 per diluted share, in the same period last year. The decline was driven by significantly higher material and oil-related costs.
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Maytag Shows Corner has Been Turned with Q2 Results
Maytag Corporation reported on 22nd July second quarter consolidated sales of $1.23bn, up 6.7% from sales of $1.15bn in the same period last year.Reported net income for the second quarter was $3.5m or 4 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $41.1m, or 52 cents per share, a year earlier.
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Wanted! Appliances for the Home of 2020
For the third straight year, Electrolux invites students from around the world to compete to design household appliances for the future. This year, Electrolux Design Laboratory is looking for solutions for the home of 2020.
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Tile Mark Launched to Help Buyers
'Buying tiles - look for the Tile Mark it’s your assurance that the tiles are good quality and made to a recognised standard.' says The Tile Association, which has launched Tile Mark, a new initiative to help tile customers buy the best from the best.
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Planit Profits Hold up Well Despite Weak Dollar
Planit Holdings plc, the global provider of computer aided design and manufacturing software has enjoyed another successful year (to April 2005), despite the adverse effect of the weak dollar, with group revenues increasing by £1.2m and operating profit before goodwill amortisation by £388,000. Net debt was reduced from £5.9m to £4.2m.
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Wolseley Announces Pre-Close Period Trading Statement
Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, issues its regular trading statement for the 11 months to 30th June 2005, prior to entering its close period.
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Italian Design and Style Comes to the UK
Italian shower manufacturer Cesana is gearing up to launch a range of contemporary shower enclosures in the UK. ‘The products available from UK retailers will include some of the most innovative shower solutions in the market.’ says Cesana marketing director Gloria Riva.
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Joining Jean Christophe - Thanks to Britannia
A visitor to the Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the NEC earlier this year joined top chef Jean Christophe Novelli at his cookery school - thanks to top range cooker manufacturer Britannia.
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Häfele Seeks ‘Glass Partners’ Nationwide
Häfele is seeking to establish a network of Glass Partners countrywide in response to what Architectural Glass Products manager Gary King describes as: ‘spiralling demand.’ That demand, he says, is generated by the increasing numbers of people at all levels seeking to introduce a little more light into their lives and is led by architects and interior designers.
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Homag Group Providing Solutions at David Bailey Furniture Systems
Kent-based David Bailey Furniture Systems is a specialist company providing fitted furniture and other solutions to the general healthcare and educational sectors.
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Over a Million Employers Urged to Tackle Age Discrimination Now
A high profile partnership of industry bodies, government departments and employer representatives have launched a new national campaign. The campaign will promote best practice and help employers 'Be Ready' for legislation on age discrimination, scheduled for October 2006.
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Give Yourself a Name
Derek Vaughan, Managing Director of one of the leading trade associations, The UK Trades Confederation stresses the importance of SMEs having an individual identity to enhance their place in e-business.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 107  22nd July 2005

Whirlpool Offers $17 Per Share for Maytag, 'a 21% Premium over Triton Offer'
 On a lazy Sunday in July, when many Americans were enjoying a cool beer at a hog roast, Whirlpool Corporation announced a proposal to acquire Maytag Corporation for $17 per Maytag share, saying that. 'the total value of the proposal represents a 21% premium over the price offered by Triton Acquisition Holding in their current agreement with Maytag'.

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Which? Looks at Washer-driers
Which? has updated its information on washer driers, and has published a new report online. It says: 'If space in your kitchen is at a premium, a washer-drier can do two tasks in half the space. But they have some practical weaknesses which should make you think twice before buying'.
'Washer-driers are a compromise – they’re essentially washing machines with drying functions added on.
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Oasis: Designed by Mark Wilkinson, Created by Perrin & Rowe

Designed by Mark Wilkinson and created by Perrin & Rowe, Oasis ‘brings together two of England's most exclusive and aspirational brands. So called for its refreshing, distinctive design that stands out within an all too familiar, dull and dreary desert of kitchen brassware, Oasis blends the very best of British artistry and craftsmanship to create a kitchen tap as beautiful as it is functional.’ says the company.
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Electrolux Announces Two Year Sponsorship of Newly Promoted Luton Town Football Club
Electrolux has announced a significant investment in the Luton Community with its Two Year sponsorship of newly promoted Luton Town Football Club... now in the Football League Coca Cola Championship. Electrolux's heritage with Luton as a town dates back to 1927, the site for the first Electrolux factory outside Sweden.

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New National Sales Manager at PWS
David MacArthur has been appointed National Sales Manager at PWS. David joins PWS following extensive sales management expertise with a number of global companies, including Raleigh Ltd and Mattel. David takes over from Derrick Smith, who after 10 years at PWS' sales helm has set up his own interiors business.
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De Dietrich Expands its Sales Operation
De Dietrich, the specialist brand for kitchen specialists and independents, has restructured its sales operation in order to offer a more effective bespoke service to the wide range of dealers who regularly buy through its Area Sales Managers. It has redefined its key regions, which will result in more time for ASM's to maintain the relationships with its loyalty customer base.
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Shires Bathrooms Builds Stronger Links with the Social Housing Sector
Bathroom manufacturer Shires Bathrooms recently strengthened its links with the social housing sector after exhibiting at The Chartered Institute of Housing Conference and Exhibition.
It was the first time Shires Bathrooms had participated at the event and it was such a success that it has already reserved its place for next year's exhibition but with a bigger stand.

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Water, Water… but Not a Drop to Drink!
We always seem to be getting our umbrellas out, but experts tell us it’s the 'wrong sort of rain.' So, why is it that this summer our water usage is being restricted and what can we do to help save something we take for granted?
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Chair is Appointed for KBB National Training Group
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom National Training Group has appointed a chair - Uwe Hanneck, chief executive officer of BSH Home Appliances Ltd. The NTG, initially formed late last year and set to launch officially at KBB 2006, already has a training co-ordinator in post and plans to launch some training programmes by the end of this year.

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Rational Retailer Commemorates Employee's Loyal Service
German manufacturer Rational was pleased to learn one of its loyal retailers, The Vale Group, based in Evesham, Worcestershire has been busy celebrating a significant landmark. Tony Haines has been with the company for a remarkable 30 years. To celebrate such a landmark, Directors of The Vale Group, Vernon and Christine Powell arranged a surprise cruise along the river of Avon on board the 'Spirit of Freedom'.
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Vincent Sheppard in Ireland
Vincent Sheppard has announced the appointment of Richard Heath Furniture Ltd, as its sole distributor for Ireland. Vincent Sheppard is established in over 25 countries and says that it is renowned throughout the world as the leading designer and manufacturer of Lloyd Loom furniture.
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British Quality for Life says Ashley
Ashley Bathrooms has introduced lifetime guarantees across its entire range of sanitaryware. Ashley initiated the increase from its 'standard' twenty-five years as a definitive statement of quality in its 'Made in Britain' products, which include three new contemporary suites launched this year.
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DuPont™ Corian® helps Lymm Water Tower get a Makeover
Led by Russell and Janette Harris, the conversion of the Lymm Water Tower in Lymm, Chesire has transformed a dilapidated Victorian stone landmark into 'an essay in calm modernism.' The tower was purchased by the Harris family six years ago with the idea of rescuing the building, and creating a minimalist family home of the future and making a contribution to safeguarding local heritage.
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EDP's On-line Packaging Division
Best known for its quality surfacing, edging and components for the modern furniture industry, European Decorative Products (EDP) has another side to the business which is a flexible and versatile supply source for packaging materials with an on-line service.
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Social Housing Refurbishment Drive Gets Multi-Billion Pound Boost
Tenants in social housing deserve decent homes, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said in Harrogate recently. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference, she said the Government was committed to improving housing and building new homes for the next generation.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 106  15th July 2005

Consumer Insight Principles - The Basis for all Electrolux Product Creation
'Consumer Insight will be the Foundation of ALL Product Development within the Electrolux Group' says Hans Straberg, Electrolux Group President & CEO. Consumer Insight forms the basis for all product creation and development within the Electrolux Group – and the group says that the new ‘Insight’ Range demonstrates just how closely the group is adhering to this principle.
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New Owner puts Expansion on the Menu at Sussex-based Hammonds
The future of Hove-based Hammonds & Co is secure after the business was acquired by kitchen and bedrooms manufacturer and retailer Sigma 3. New owner Sigma 3, established for thirty years, is the largest manufacturer and retailer of kitchens and bedrooms in its native Wales.
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Sub-Zero Refrigeration & Wolf Cooking Instruments Reveal 'Italian Secrets'

Wolf cooking instruments and Sub-Zero refrigeration have teamed with the highly talented Italian cook, Anna Venturi and Underwood’s kitchens to create the U.K’s first bespoke Centre for Corporate Cookery classes and demonstrations, named, Italian Secrets.
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IMI Suggests Sale for Polypipe in Trading Update
In accordance with its normal practice, IMI plc has issued a trading update in advance of its interim results announcement for the six months ending 30th June 2005, due to be published on 5th September 2005.
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Pablo Mongelos Named as General Manager of the Fagor Group
Following the acquisition of the Brandt Group in April, Pablo Mongelos has been named as general manager of the Fagor Electrical Appliances Group, which encompasses Brandt and Fagor Electrodomésticos.
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UK Leads the Way for V&A: Impressive Year-End Results Buck Slow Domestic Market
Victoria & Albert Baths has announced strong trading figures for the Group's financial year ending June 2005, recording an annual +23% increase in UK sales by volume. With worldwide year on sales up +15% compared to 2004, V&A Group figures show the UK sector to be the strongest performer
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Toilet Seat that Muffles the Sound of Flushing Wins £1,000 Prize
A University of Huddersfield graduate has won this year’s Student Plastics Design Award with a toilet seat design that muffles the sound of flushing.
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Anyone For Tennis?
Indesit is offering consumers the chance to enjoy tennis from the comfort of their home with an on-line competition where they can win up to £1000 every month.
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Marketing Leads the Way
'There's a lot more to being a successful distributor besides simply taking orders' says Martin Carroll, recently appointed Commercial Director of Ideal Bathrooms, the speciaiist bathroom products distributor.
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Radio Interview Sees Boost in KBSA Web Inquiries
An interview between London-based LBC Radio and Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association managing director Graham Hayden saw a boost in KBSA web inquiries from consumers.
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Bathsystem Looks for Remedy at Interbuild 2006
An off-site bathroom and kitchen pod manufacturer aims to further enhance its standing in the UK market with a major flag-waving mission at Interbuild 2006.
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BSH is the Best for Comet - Two Major Industry Awards Won by BSH
BSH Home Appliances has beaten off formidable competition from within the industry to win two major awards for ‘Best Delivery Performance’ and ‘Best Brand’ at the annual White Goods Forum held by leading electrical retailer, Comet in June 2005.
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New Neff Double Oven Wins GHI Accreditation
The built in cooking appliance specialist Neff has just received a prestigious stamp of approval from the 'Good Housekeeping Institute' (GHI) for new double oven model U1644.
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SEB Reports First-Half Sales up 3.3%
SEB's consolidated sales rose 3.3% to €1,003.1m in the six months to 30th June 2005. This performance, achieved in a persistently difficult European business environment, illustrates the impact of the Group’s long-term strategy
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Excellence Report for Neff Area Manager
At the inaugural Design Innovation Awards ceremony staged earlier this month by the KBSA (the KBB industry’s national Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association), Neff area business manager Ray Foley became the very first recipient of the ‘Supplier Excellence’ award.
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Shires Bathrooms Scores with Arsenal Football Club
Q. How many loos in a football stadium?
A. Approximately 1000!
Or at least that is the case at Arsenal Football Club’s new Emirate’s Stadium to open in 2006. Shires Bathrooms scored the winner when it received the order for 1000 Remo back-to-wall pans together with a selection of Remo basins, wall hung pans and urinals.

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Maytag Corporation sets date for Meeting of Stockholders to Vote on Merger Agreement
Maytag Corporation announced on July 13th that it has scheduled a special meeting of stockholders for August 19th, 2005, to consider and vote on the adoption of the merger agreement with Triton Acquisition Holding Co.
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Electrolux Divests Indian Operation to Videocon and Signs Distribution Agreement
Electrolux signed an agreement yesterday for divestment of its Indian appliance operation, including all three production facilities to Videocon, one of India's largest industrial groups.
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Hoffmann is a Feature at Westwood
At his workshops near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, David West makes bespoke hardwood. Westwood Furniture was established 12 years ago and has grown steadily by word of mouth.
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Social Housing Refurbishment Drive Gets Multi-Billion Pound Boost
Tenants in social housing deserve decent homes, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said in Harrogate recently. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference, she said the Government was committed to improving housing and building new homes for the next generation.
[More on this Story]

THE K&BZINE ISSUE 105  8th July 2005

American Kitchen Appliances Debuts at Daily Telegraph/House & Garden Fair 2005
American brands Sub-Zero Refrigeration and Wolf Cooking Instruments made their debut at the Daily Telegraph/House & Garden Fair 2005 with the new-to-the-market, stainless steel PRO 48 refrigerator from Sub-Zero. The 48" stainless steel Wolf dual fuel range cooker was also on the stand.
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Franke Acquires Faber Group
The Franke Group, a global provider of household products and services, has strengthened its Kitchen Systems business with the acquisition of cooker hood company, the Faber Group. The Faber Group, which consolidated sales worth more than CHF 300 million in 2004 and has some 1,500 employees in 14 countries around the world, will be integrated into the Franke Kitchen Systems Division.
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Tretzo Furnishes New Dublin and Kildare Bathrooms

Irish bathroom furniture manufacturer Tretzo is blazing a trail in Dublin and Kildare, with retailer Davies, on several sites of new and refurbished apartments, houses and offices. Tretzo classic modern designs were chosen as a high quality interior is imperative to the successful sale or let of the developments.
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Hüppe Turns Up Volume in Scotland
Hüppe has turned the spotlight on Scotland with the appointment of Delphi Distribution Ltd to help boost sales in the country of the company’s Classic and JJ World products, encompassing the 501, 1002 and 2003 ranges.
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Jacuzzi Brands Completes Sale of Eljer Plumbingware
Jacuzzi Brands, Inc. announced on July 1st that it has completed the previously announced sale of Eljer Plumbingware, part of the Company's consumer Bath division, to an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
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Halcyon Interiors Wins ALNO Retailer of the Year
Halcyon Interiors of Pinner, Middlesex has been named UK Retailer of the Year by German kitchen manufacturer, ALNO. Halcyon Interiors owners Steve and Sue Gobel opened their first kitchen showroom in 1981 and have been working with ALNO for the past nine years.

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Siemens Predicts a ‘Grey’ Summer for Kitchen Appliances
Even though the British weather is notoriously unreliable at this time of year, kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens is confidently predicting a ‘grey’ summer for freestanding kitchen appliances.
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Hotpoint and Ariel Keep it Cool
Hotpoint and Ariel joined forces last year investing in a £1million TV campaign to promote their products. The campaign continues with colourfully combined Hotpoint and Ariel advertisements appearing in Women's lifestyle and Home Interest magazines throughout the Summer.
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Stoves New Genus Oven makes a Special Appearance on ITV’s This Morning
Stoves new Genus oven technology made a guest appearance on ITV’s This Morning during the programme’s cookery section this week. Presenter Lorraine Kelly and TV chef James Tanner put the high-speed ‘Genus mode’ of the Genus built-in multifunction oven through its paces live on air.
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tc Expands to the South West
Established in 2000, tc says that it has seen tremendous growth throughout the last few years. The company now distributes tc branded products to a national customer database of 750.
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Craven Dunnill Combines Old with New for Prestigious Crosby Homes Development
Singleton Hall in Singleton, Lancashire, is a unique Crosby Homes development of 21 spacious and luxurious apartments. They combine elegant renovation with new build. Craven Dunnill & Co, the Shropshire based tile distributor, has worked closely with the developer on this project supplying floor and wall tiles for all the ensuite and master bathrooms
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KBSA Members Benefit from Improved Healthcare Scheme
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has announced details of its improved healthcare scheme, run in conjunction with the Private Healthcare Partnership.
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Axiom Associates - Join Our Club
A customer loyalty scheme was launched recently by Formica Ltd. Entitled Axiom Associates, the programme will reward kitchen studios for their loyalty.
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Dynamic Space® at Matchmaker In-House Show
Kitchen manufacturer James Theobald included a dedicated area to demonstrate the company’s inclusion of Blum's Dynamic Space® system for modern kitchen planning at its recent in-house launch of the latest Matchmaker designs.
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DuPont and Rhodia Sign Agreement for Sale of Refrigerant Blends Business
On June 24th DuPont and Rhodia announced the signing of an agreement by which DuPont plans to purchase the ISCEON® hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant blends business from Rhodia, pending regulatory approvals.
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Electrolux Celebrates 80 Years Since it Launched the World's 1st Absorption Fridge in 1925
In 1925 Electrolux launched the First Absorption Refrigerator, the ‘D-fridge’, on the world market. For many people the ‘wonderful box’ solved the problem of storing fresh food in the home. Eighty years on, Electrolux says that it is now the ‘World's Largest 'Cooling Appliance' Company’, selling more than 10 million units per year worldwide.
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Should We All be ‘Competent’?
Derek Vaughan Managing Director of The UK Trades Confederation debates whether ‘competence schemes’ benefit or penalise a trade. The construction industry is Britain’s biggest, as there are an estimated two million people working within it. However, recent reports warn that there is a shortage of skilled tradesmen which could reach crisis point.
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Still Confused About Part P? ELECSA Answers Your Top 10 Questions
Part P is now in effect with the 1st January 2005 having passed. Companies and tradesmen who undertake electrical installations which fall under the scope of Part P must ensure that notifiable domestic work is certified.
[More on this Story]


THE K&BZINE ISSUE 104  1st July 2005

Second Bid for Maytag Leads Triton to Seek $40m Termination Fee
Maytag announced on June 20th that it had received an offer from Bain Capital Partners LLC, Blackstone Capital Partners IV L.P. and Haier America Trading, L.L.C. to acquire the Company for $16 per share in cash. Triton Acquisition Holding Co. (an entity organised by an investor group led by Ripplewood Holdings LLC) has subsequently advised the Company orally that the Company's continued furnishing of information to and discussions with Bain, Blackstone and Haier America after 12:01 a.m. on June 18th, 2005, gives Triton Acquisition Holding the right to terminate the Merger Agreement and receive the $40m termination fee described in the Merger Agreement.
[More on this Story]

Keller Aims for Increased UK Market Share
Henk Tuijtelaars has embarked on a new challenge with Keller Kitchens. The former director of Alno Kitchens (Holland) has joined Keller as the Export and New Business Manager. After a record year in 2004, Keller has employed Henk Tuijtelaars to increase Keller’s market share in the UK which has proved increasingly successful over the past five years.
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Hanneck Takes the Chair at AMDEA

Uwe Hanneck, Chief Executive Officer of BSH Home Appliances Ltd, has been elected Chairman of AMDEA, the domestic appliance manufacturers trade association. He becomes the industry’s leader at a time of intense activity on a number of issues.
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Portway Promotion a Success
Portway, which launched a dealer incentive programme on 1st February, has been overwhelmed by its resounding success. Over 120 dealers have already signed up for the promotion to win a trip to the Bahamas and as a result Portway has extended the number of dealers eligible to win a place.
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KBSA Member Nets Top Kitchen Design Award
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association member Nolte scooped a major design award at the National Home Awards 2005, sponsored by Ideal Home and The Daily Telegraph.
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Galerie Optimise is Star of the Night at National Home Awards
Galerie Optimise, the compact suite from Twyford Bathrooms, has won The Best Bathroom Design award at this year’s National Home Awards.
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Hotpoint Wins Home Innovation Award at National Home Awards 2005
Thursday 9th June marked a momentous occasion for Hotpoint, when the company received the Home Innovation Award at the National Home Awards 2005.
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Retailers Enticed with New Profitable Opportunities from Imperial Bathrooms
The Summer Sales promotion by British Bathroom manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms, has been just been launched. It has been designed to offer both new and existing retailers the opportunity to boost summer sales
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Pressalit Expands Production of Toilet Seats
Europe's largest manufacturer of toilet seats, Pressalit Group, is investing DKK135m (E18m) to expand its production capabilities. The investment features the installation of an automated system to replace manual assembly operations at the company's plant in Ry, Denmark.
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Style Your Own Bathroom with Showerlux
 
'If you fancy adding your own designer flair to your bathroom, why not consider Showerlux’s premium Bespoke made-to-measure service which gives you the opportunity to create a unique showering solution for your home.' says Showerlux.
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Change of Company Name
Bathroom distributor The Home Improvement Bureau Ltd. is officially changing its company name to HiB Ltd. from July 1st 2005.
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Champion Chelsea is Just the Ticket
Dedicated contract kitchen supplier Eliton has introduced its new rigid kitchen –Chelsea : A pear veneer door, combined with a sturdy with 20mm MDF carcase, is accented by strong black grooves, and its sleek stainless steel details complete a contemporary look.
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Mayfair Brassware Celebrates 20th Anniversary
‘20 years ago traditional gold effect tap packs from Italian or Portuguese manufacturers were all the rage.’ stated Alan Winch, Founder and Chairman of Mayfair Brassware.
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New CNC Investment Gives Anders the Cutting Edge
Salford-based glass processor and glazing contract specialist, Anders Glass has increased its ability to produce high quality glass designs with investment in new state-of-the-art CNC technology.
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New Ringwood Showroom Opening
Saturday 14th May saw the grand opening of the new Aga Showroom in Ringwood. The shop was officially opened by The Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Michael Thierry at 11.00am with a great speech.
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Only the Best Will do for Beaumont Homes
Beaumont Homes is using Kinedo products to furnish the bathrooms at the company's current development, luxury new homes in South Gloucestershire.
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AGA Summit Highlights the ‘Cauldron’ in the Kitchen
Aga Foodservice issued a warning to the catering industry at a summit in London on 12th May about the safety and efficiency of sediment zone fryers, the type used most restaurants, schools and catering operations, and called for improved training for caterers on oil changing and filtration.
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Electrolux Outdoor in Cooperation with Firefly Energy on New Battery Technology
Electrolux Outdoor has signed an agreement with Firefly Energy. Firefly will develop and produce a new battery technology on an exclusive basis for the Group's outdoor lawn products.
[More on this Story]

Nobia Starts Selling DIY Kitchens in Finland
In mid-June, Nobia's Finnish subsidiary Novart started selling flat-pack kitchens under the name 'Netto-keittiöt' (Net kitchen).
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Hornbach Group Concludes Best Year in its History - 1,000 New Jobs Created
The Hornbach Group, which operates one of the largest DIY store chains in Europe, countered the trend in the overall sector and achieved significant sales and earnings growth in the 2004/2005 financial year.
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Still Confused About Part P? ELECSA Answers Your Top 10 Questions
Part P is now in effect with the 1st January 2005 having passed. Companies and tradesmen who undertake electrical installations which fall under the scope of Part P must ensure that notifiable domestic work is certified.
[More on this Story]


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