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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 201 20th July 2007
Electrolux
Second Quarter Results 2007
Hans
Stråberg, President and CEO of Electrolux, discusses the latest
financial results: 'We have steadily improved Group operating income in
the last few years, and the result for this quarter maintains that trend.
Operating income rose by 9% compared to the second quarter last year and
by 16% relative to the first half of 2006.
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on this Story]
Blum
Group Turnover Increases 12.6%
Fittings
manufacturer Julius Blum GmbH again achieved good growth in the 2006/2007
business year ending 30th June. In comparison to the last business year,
the turnover of the entire Group increased by 12.6 % to 1.0835 billion
euros. On average, 4,787 employees all over the world contributed to this
pleasing operating result.
[More
on this Story]
Nobia:
Earnings per Share up 12 Per Cent
Sales
for kitchen company Nobia increased by 4 per cent during the second quarter
to SeK 4,464 million (4,288). organic growth amounted to 6 per cent. Profit
after tax totalled SeK 306 million (273). Earnings per share increased
by 12 per cent to SeK 1.74 (1.55) after dilution.
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on this Story]
Wolseley
plc - 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 2007, prior to entering its close period.
[More
on this Story]
Beauty
in Glass with FGI's Decoran
Decoran
- The distinctive design solution for kitchen and bathroom surfaces is
now in the UK and available to order from, Manchester based, Float Glass
Industries. This striking, 100% recycled material combines a unique visual
appeal with remarkable 3D properties
[More
on this Story]
Admiral
Chosen Again for ITV1's Daily Cooks
Maytag
UK's Admiral side-by-side fridge freezer was selected for a second competition
appearance on ITV1's Daily Cooks programme, following its debut on the
celebrity-hosted cookery programme in March.
[More
on this Story]
GDHA
Appoints Jonathan Casley as Sales & Marketing Director
Glen
Dimplex Home Appliances, has appointed Jonathan Casley as sales and marketing
director with responsibility for all four of the company's household brand
names: Lec Refrigeration, Stoves, New World and the UK's number 1 cooking
brand, Belling.
[More
on this Story]
Coram
Appoints Acora Sales Manager
Coram
Showers has appointed Stephen Plant to the newly created position of retail
and distribution sales manager for its recently launched, flagship retail
range, Acora.
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on this Story]
Kitchen
Culture to Launch Second Surrey Showroom
Award
winning retailer Kitchen Culture has announced the acquisition of a new
head office in Guilford, Surrey. Scheduled for launch early October, the
facility will house a 356sq ft showroom, some 7000sq ft of warehousing
space and new offices for support staff and designers alike.
[More
on this Story]
Mouldings,
Profiles & Flooring from JBT
John
Boddy Timber, supplier of hardwoods and softwoods, has invested significantly
in state-of the art machinery to produce accurate mouldings, profiles
and flooring.
[More
on this Story]
Mermaid’s
Maiden Voyage
Many
young people are keen to participate in projects and adventures from which
they can gain invaluable experience. Sailing is an activity where important
teamwork skills can be learnt – while having fun at the same time.
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on this Story]
Successful
Mike Speeds Ahead with In-toto
Mike
Stringer has worked as kitchen and bathroom designer and showroom manager
in the Cheam In-toto kitchen showroom for over two and a half years yet
in his spare time he loves to sail and enjoyed recent success in an international
sailing competition.
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on this Story]
Mark
Wilkinson Meets Charles & Camilla
Mark
Wilkinson met Prince Charles and Camilla recently when the couple visited
the designer's home village of Bromham. Our picture shows Mark Wilkinson
meeting Prince Charles outside the Village post office.
[More
on this Story]
Bang
& Olufsen Products Now Available on Planit Design Software
Planit’s
design and visualisation software now includes the full Bang & Olufsen
catalogue, providing dealers with a powerful tool to present customers
with photorealistic images of their own homes, equipped with the company’s
latest audio and video products.
[More
on this Story]
William
Ball Treats Retailers to a Taste of the High Life
There
was no room for land-lubbers at William Balls annual customer awards recently.
This year's prestigious event - a major highlight in the calendars of
William Ball retailers nationwide - was held aboard the luxurious Sunborn
Yacht Hotel, which is moored in London's Docklands.
[More
on this Story]
Housing
Units Wins Retail Award
Manchester-based Housing Units has been awarded the accolade of Specialist
Retailer of the Year by one of the UK's leading cookware manufactures,
Meyer Group Ltd.
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on this Story]
Premium
Appliance Brands Launches Rosemary Conley Cooking Appliances
This
month, Warrington-based Premium Appliance Brands has launched a new range
of health-conscious, small kitchen appliances under the Rosemary Conley
enerGi brand.
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on this Story]
'World's
Quickest Washing Machine at Full Load' Wins Environmental Award
The
7kg Xpress Washing Machine, recently launched by appliance manufacturer
BEKO plc, has been awarded the prestigious 'Plus X' Award for the most
ecologically friendly appliance on the market Europe-wide.
[More
on this Story]
Countdown
to BMA Conference
The
2007 Bathroom Conference will take place at the Oxford Belfry on 30th
October and promises to be an occasion not to be missed. Organiser of
the event, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), believes this
year's Conference will attract more delegates than ever.
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on this Story]
Franke
Acquires Defy Appliances Ltd in South Africa
An
agreement has been signed by Franke Holding AG and Defy Appliances Ltd
for the purchase of the Defy business by Franke. Defy is South Africa’s
leading manufacturer, importer and distributor of cooking, laundry, refrigeration
and air conditioning appliances.
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on this Story]
Nobia
and DMG Acquire German Kitchen Co
Through
Culinoma GmbH, Nobia AB in Sweden and De MandemakersGroep Holding BV in
the Netherlands have acquired the majority shareholding in the Marquardt
Group in Germany.
[More
on this Story]
Nobia
Enters Spain
Yesterday,
Nobia decided to increase the pace of its store establishment in both
the UK and France. A decision was also made to establish the Hygena concept
in the Spanish market.
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on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 200 13th July 2007
Deva
Tap Company Acquired by Methven
Methven,
New Zealand’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of tap
and showerware has entered a conditional agreement to buy The Deva Tap
Company for $59 million (NZD). Completion will take place on 31st August
this year.
[More
on this Story]
Lost
Profit 'Costing Companies Millions'
The
British kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers industry is wasting
£788m worth of profit every year, according to a new study by business
analysts Plimsoll Publishing.
[More
on this Story]
Production
Doubles at Saudi Ceramic
The
doubling of production capacity at Saudi Ceramic (SCC), which commenced
in 2005, continues. The Saudi Arabian company, one of the oldest Middle
Eastern ceramic producers, aims to reach an output of 32 million square
metres by 2008.
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on this Story]
Super
Summer Savings on Mermaid
Norske
Interiors has launched a summer promotion on selected colours from its
range of Mermaid wall panels. This has been developed to help the dealer
network to increase sales during the warmer months - a period when most
disposable income is spent on holidays or the garden.
[More
on this Story]
Broughtons
Launches New Aquos Furniture Collection
Broughtons,
the bathroom division of the Lancashire based national distributor Broughton
Crangrove Galley Matrix has extended its portfolio with the addition of
an own brand bathroom furniture range called Aquos.
[More
on this Story]
Bang
& Olufsen Products Now Available on Planit Design Software
Planit’s
design and visualisation software now includes the full Bang & Olufsen
catalogue, providing distributors with a powerful tool to present customers
with photorealistic images of their own homes, equipped with the company’s
latest audio and video products.
[More
on this Story]
Jacuzzi®
Brand Takes to the Road
During
July bathroom manufacturer, Jacuzzi UK commenced a Roadshow taking in
over 20 locations throughout the UK. The events are an opportunity for
Jacuzzi brand retailers to meet with the team away from the distractions
of their busy showrooms.
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on this Story]
Indesit
Company in Two-day Covent Garden Event
On
July 6th and 7th Covent Garden went Italian. The famous London tourist
spot was the exclusive setting for the launch of the new Moon washing
machine from Indesit, in a decidedly unconventional advertising campaign
that aims to engage the public directly with innovative, high visibility
initiatives.
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on this Story]
Leading
Mosaic Specialist Opens Kings Road Showroom
House
of Mosaics, a specialist in all aspects of Mosaics, opens a London showroom
at 201 New Kings Road on September 1st. With stunning displays that
showcase the breadth of the ranges and services offered, the store will
feature many styles and finishes available, and be open Monday to Saturday
from 10am to 6pm.
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on this Story]
Ideal
Standard’s Jasper Morrison Wash Basin Wins Grand Designs Award
Ideal Standard, a leading provider of bathroom and kitchen
solutions has been nominated winner in the ‘Best Bathroom Product’
category of the Grand Designs Awards 07.
[More
on this Story]
HOMAG
Group AG to go Public
HOMAG
Group AG, the existing shareholders and Dresdner Kleinwort and JP Morgan
as joint lead managers and joint book runners jointly set the price range
within which purchase offers may be submitted at between Euro 29.00 and
Euro 35.00 per share.
[More
on this Story]
Corus
and Design Wales Award Announce Eco-winners
A
'funky toaster' and multi purpose washing machine have been declared winners
at the 2007 Corus and Design Wales Eco Design Awards. The competition,
which is now in its fifth year, invites product design students from the
University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Glamorgan University and Swansea
Institute of Higher Education to design products which follow eco-friendly
design principles.
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on this Story]
BAL
Announces Franchise Plans for Award-Winning Training Operation
Tile
adhesive and grout manufacturer, Building Adhesives Limited has announced
ambitious plans to expand the reach of its BAL Training Centre programme
through a franchise package.
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on this Story]
Double
Delivery for Newly Online Housing Units
Housing
Units, the independent home furnishings store, is going in to every household
in the country as it delivers a double-whammy growth plan for 2007 and
beyond.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 199 6th July 2007
Britons
Unaware of Electrical Recycling Scheme
Just
two per cent of Britons are aware of new electrical recycling legislation
which comes in at the start of next month, a new Which? survey reveals.
But a poll of 2000 people by electrical chain Comet has found that only
two per cent were aware of the new regulations.
[More
on this Story]
White
Goods are Still Missing Energy Labels
A trading standards survey of fridges, freezers, washing machines and
other kitchen appliances on sale found a quarter are still not carrying
special energy rating labels. But they were missing from 23 per cent of
goods checked in the three month long survey across the South East.
[More
on this Story]
Fairer
Terms for Online I.T Shoppers
Following
discussions with the OFT, dabs.com plc (Dabs) has agreed to amend unfair
terms and conditions regarding returns and refunds in its consumer contracts.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
plc Acquisitions Update
Wolseley
plc, the specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products
to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials,
announced on 5th July five further bolt on acquisitions for an aggregate
consideration of £15 million.
[More
on this Story]
Pura
Quality from Aqualux
'Pura
by name, pure by nature', is the way that Aqualux describes its latest
premium collection of enclosures. The new Pura range, which translates
as pure from Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, reflects the simplicity
and minimialistic quality of the enclosures and is the first of Aqualux's
collections to offer a completely frameless showering experience.
[More
on this Story]
IDS
Expands Surface Offer with Hanex
Recognising
that solid surfacing has become a key worksurface material, IDS has expanded
its portfolio with the launch of the premium Hanex brand of solid surface.
[More
on this Story]
So
What’s Next for Ebb?
Geoffrey
Clarke, Alan Marks and Jack Wooley, the team behind the Ebb bathroom concept,
which inspired global interest from the design world following its appearance
at 100% Design 2005, will unveil two new product concepts at this year’s
show.
[More
on this Story]
ATAG's
Grand Designs Glory
ATAG
UK exhibited for the first time at the Grand Designs exhibition in June.
The stand, hosted by Bradshaw Appliances, occupied a show-stopping position
in the Kitchen Centre hall, featuring the very latest built in appliances
from ATAG UK.
[More
on this Story]
Boost
the Value of a Sale in a ‘Moment’
Ideal Standard has introduced brassware and accessories to complement
the Moments bathroom suite and is urging retailers, interior designers,
specifiers and installers to take advantage of accessories to make the
most of every sale.
[More
on this Story]
Dishwashers
in Fire Scare
Electrolux has issued a warning to customers over fears that some of its
dishwashers could burst into flames. The company says a component in some
models of AEG-Electrolux and Zanussi-Electrolux dishwashers may pose a
potential fire risk.
[More
on this Story]
Talking
Telephone Numbers!
Always
keen to respond quickly to customer feedback, The Bristan Group has changed
its premium rate 0870 numbers to the more cost-conscious 0844 prefix.
[More
on this Story]
Chalon
Announces the Launch Of Fifth UK Showroom in St Albans
Chalon
UK Ltd, designer and manufacturer of hand crafted kitchens, bathrooms
and freestanding furniture, has announced the launch of the company’s
latest new showroom right in the centre of St Albans, Hertfordshire.
[More
on this Story]
Investing
in People is Ideal
Ideal
Bathrooms is growing rapidly, thanks to key strategic initiatives that
have resulted in an increased demand for the distributor's services.
[More
on this Story]
Mayfair
Takes a Creative Step Forward
In
line with the recent re-branding of the company, Mayfair Taps and Showers
has announced the addition of Sarah Wharton to the team, who joins the
taps and showers manufacturer as Marketing Manager.
[More
on this Story]
Paul
Lynn Joins Contracts Team
Baumatic
has announced the appointment of Paul Lynn in the role of National Contracts
Manager. Paul Lynn is extremely qualified for the post, having worked
in the white goods industry for the past 20 years.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Awards an Outstanding Success
The
KBSA recognised and rewarded outstanding designers, retailers and suppliers
at its annual Design Innovation Awards 2007. The glamorous awards ceremony
took place at the five-star De Vere Grand Hotel in Brighton after the
KBSA's AGM, which was held at the hotel earlier in the day.
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on this Story]
Blum
Reaps Prestigious Award for Excellence
At
the recent Interzum international exhibition, fittings manufacturer Blum
was the recipient of some of the most prestigious industry and international
design awards for the company’s products.
[More
on this Story]
Myson
Extends Product Warranty
Heating
specialist Myson has extended its product warranty period to ten years.
Previously standing at five years, Myson is so confident in the quality
and standard of its products that the company has increased the warranty
cover on the purchase of panel radiators, decorative radiators, and towel
warmers.
[More
on this Story]
Shower
Fixing Plate Proves a Winner for Marflow
An
'easy-fit' fixing plate for bar shower mixers by Marflow Engineering has
proved to be extremely popular, especially with the independent bathroom
retailer.
[More
on this Story]
Hoffmann
at Gerard Lewis Designs
Contemporary
furniture designer and manufacturer Gerard Lewis Designs relies significantly
on the Hoffmann system for creating secure, accurate and permanent joints
with its unique serrated dovetail key that pulls the joint tightly together
and binds it securely.
[More
on this Story]
Emilceramica
Sets up Emil Major as Joint Venture in China
Emil
Major is the name of the new Chinese joint venture set up by Emilceramica,
a leading Italian tile producer, and Major International, a well-known
Chinese importer and distributor of high-end products.
[More
on this Story]