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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 103 24th June 2005
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]
In
Design: 'If You Can Dream it... We can Help you Live it'
A
new dimension in home making has reached NW London. An immense retail
showroom area measuring more than 10,000 square feet has been transformed
into a showcase for the very best in bathroom, bedroom and kitchen design.
Working with blue chip industry partners including Villeroy and Boch Bathrooms
& Tiles and SieMatic Kitchens, In Design has gathered together some
of the most desirable kitchen and bathroom products available in the marketplace
and placed them under one roof.
[More
on this Story]
Inaugural
KBSA Design Innovation Awards Proves Huge Success
The inaugural KBSA Design Innovation Awards was declared a huge success
by all of those who attended the presentation ceremony and awards dinner
on 16th June. The awards were presented at a glamorous dinner following
the association’s AGM at the Millennium Copthorne Hotel in Slough/Windsor.
[More
on this Story]
Smallbone Acquires Mark Wilkinson for £5.6m
Kitchen and stone flooring supplier Smallbone has become one of Europe's
largest bespoke furniture manufacturers after buying Mark Wilkinson Furniture
for £5.6m. The Wiltshire company, which plans to manage the MWF
brand as a separate business, said immediate benefits will be derived
by introducing its stone flooring products into the MWF sales offering.
[More
on this Story]
ALNO
to Open Flagship Store on Wigmore Street
ALNO (UK) is to open a flagship UK dealership in Wigmore Street to provide
a large central London presence for the brand. The new store provides
4000 sq ft of retail space and will display 12 kitchens over two floors.
[More
on this Story]
Hotpoint
Opens Stylish Training Kitchen
On
Wednesday 25th May, Hotpoint officially opened its Training Kitchen, at
Indesit Company Headquarters, Peterborough. The kitchen highlights the
Experience Built-In range and provides the perfect training venue for
both retailers and distributors.
[More
on this Story]
Metro
Misleads in 'Kitchen for £1995' Advert
According to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority
(ASA), Metro Designer Interiors claimed in a regional press advertisement
that it would fit a kitchen 'for £1995 regardless of shape or size',
but then said the offer was limited to 10 units. The ASA agreed that this
was misleading.
[More
on this Story]
Graham
Hayden becomes Managing Director at KBSA AGM
Graham
Hayden, formerly Chief Executive of the KBSA was elected as the association's
first honorary member and Managing Director at the 2005 AGM held on 16th
June.
[More
on this Story]
Showers
Forecast for the South, Says Aqualux
Aqualux is celebrating record sales in the South thanks to a successful
partnership with Poole-based MSM Plumbing and Heating Supplies Ltd. Aqualux,
the UK bath screen and shower enclosure manufacturer, approached MSM as
part of its sales strategy to increase its presence in the South.
[More
on this Story]
Corporate
Expansion at Mereway Group
Birmingham
based furniture manufacturer Mereway Ltd is currently experiencing a significant
period of growth throughout all areas of the company. Since dividing the
business into smaller, more focused areas in 2003, Mereway Kitchens, Mereway
Bathrooms and Mereway Contracts now successfully make up the Mereway Group
of Companies.
[More
on this Story]
BMA
Joins University Project
BMA
President Martyn Denny and Richard Moss Ideal Standard, represented
the Industry at the Kitchen and Bathroom Conference held in conjunction
with both Lancaster and Manchester Universities at the end of January.
[More
on this Story]
Fagor
Signs Formal Agreement for Brandt Acquisition
Fagor Electrodomésticos, the Spanish market-leading appliance
manufacturer, has formally signed an agreement with Elco Holland BV
for the full acquisition of the Brandt Group, the French market leader
for white goods.
[More
on this Story]
Barn
Conversion Opts for Great Alternative
One
year on since the launch of the company's veneer wrapped MDF architectural
mouldings, Doncaster based manufacturer BLP UK Ltd is now starting to
see its product used within some interesting developments; especially
within the interiors of housing developments, where designers want to
create a more luxurious feel.
[More
on this Story]
Miele
Marks 30 Millionth Vacuum Cleaner
A
reason to celebrate at Miele's Bielefeld plant: The 30 millionth vacuum
cleaner has left the production line. The appliance is from the new
S5 range of vacuum cleaners, production of which began in Bielefeld
at the end of April, and Miele is donating this appliance, an S 5580
Ambiente, to a charitable organisation.
[More
on this Story]
Kaldewei
With New Brand Appearance at ISH 2005
Kaldewei,
European bath specialist, had a completely new company appearance at
ISH. As part of an international relaunch of the brand, Franz Kaldewei
used the occasion to introduce a number of product innovations as well
as its new Corporate Design and a strongly differentiated range structure.
[More
on this Story]
AGA
Boss Calls for Major Changes to Frying
In
his summing up at the Clean Up Frying summit held on 12th May, William
McGrath, Chief Executive, Aga Foodservice Group plc, urged for a call
to action by the catering industry on safety, health, hygiene and waste
relating to the use of fryers in commercial kitchens.
[More
on this Story]
The
Right Choice as Shower Momentum Builds
The
momentum continues to build in the UK shower market, as though the public
have suddenly woken up to what good showering is all about. Driven by
a combination of lifestyle changes and higher expectations, fuelled
by compelling TV style programmes, displays in boutiques, in retailers
and in show homes, shower buyers are now expecting more for their money
than just a warm squib.
[More
on this Story]
Ahlsell
Acquires Finnish Market Leader in DIY Sector
Ahlsell
AB has concluded an agreement with privately-owned Finnish DIY company
Malk Teollisuuspalvelu Oy on the acquisition of its operations. Malk
Teollisuuspalvelu is Finland's largest supplier of pre-packaged heating
and plumbing materials.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Introduces Outdoor Kitchens to North America and Sweden
Research
shows that consumers spend an increasing amount of time cooking, eating
and entertaining outdoors during the summer. The new product category
Outdoor kitchens from Electrolux will allow consumers to enjoy cooking
with the same high quality equipment regardless if it is indoors or
outdoors.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 102
17th June 2005
Fisher
& Paykel Exceeds Expectations - but UK Disappoints
Fisher
& Paykel Appliance Holdings Ltd has announced a NZ$68.6m profit after
tax for the year ended 31st March 2005, slightly above the guidance given
to the markets at the beginning of the year. Total revenue of NZ$1.04bn
was 10.7% up on the previous year. Appliance unit sales continued to grow
to a record high of 1,267,600 compared to 1,196,700 for the previous year.
[More
on this Story]
Franke
Reports Strong Earnings Growth
Franke
Group has reported net sales in 2004 up 10.7% to CHF1.63bn, with operating
profits up an impressive 34.4% to CHF250.6m. Income growth is largely
attributed to cost structure adjustments to changed background conditions
at Franke Foodservice Systems, as well as improved profitability at Franke
Kitchen Systems and Franke Coffee Systems.
[More
on this Story]
BSH
2004 Results Boosted by 14% Rise in UK SalesBSH
Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte reports group sales for 2004 up by 8.7%
to 6.84bn euro (2003: 6.3bn). Its pre-tax result showed a 10% increase,
rising to 520m euro (2003: 473m). This result consolidates the group's
worldwide position as Number Three.
[More
on this Story]
BSH
to Cease Production in Berlin in 90m Euro Restructuring Programme
BSH
Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte plans a fundamental restructuring of
its washing machine production in Germany, to be completed by the end
of 2006. The background to this initiative is agressive competition and
a shrinking market for washing machines in the upper end of the price
range.
[More
on this Story]
Vance
Miller Disqualified as Director for Nine Years
Kitchen retailer Vance Miller - jailed in 2003 for refusing to clean-up
his act. under a 'Stop Now' Order - has been disqualified from being a
company director for nine years.
[More
on this Story]
Twyford
Bushboard a Popular Choice for Open University
Twyford
Bushboard Ready Plumbed Modules (RPM) are fast becoming a popular choice
for architects and contractors, for the refurbishments of commercial washroom
facilities.
[More
on this Story]
Showerlux
Unveils New Liveried Vehicle Fleet
Shower
and bath expert, Showerlux has acquired seven new liveried delivery vehicles
to boost its current fleet. The silver lorries, which have been emblazoned
with the distinctive Showerlux blue logo, will join Showerlux’s fleet
of smaller vans
[More
on this Story]
Hotpoint
Announces New Partnership with Leading Retailer
Hotpoint
has announced a new trading partnership with Magnet; one of the UK's largest
Kitchen Retailers with over 200 branches. This relationship will enable
Hotpoint to reach a new sector of consumers with new product lines.
[More
on this Story]
AGA
Kidderminster Open Weekend - 18th & 19th June
The
Aga Shop at Kidderminster will host an Open Weekend this weekend. It will
take place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Which?
Report Criticises Fancy Features in Washing Machines
According
to the latest Which? report on washing machines which has been updated
this month: 'There are big differences in how well and quickly washing
machines clean. What's more, some rinse and spin dry more effectively
than others, and some are easier to use.
[More
on this Story]
Miele
Wins Legal Battle over Patent for Honeycomb Drum
Miele
has won the year-long legal battle over the invention of a very special
washing machine drum. The patentability of the invention, registered
for Miele as EP 0 935 687 B1, against which other German manufacturers
had given notice of opposition, has been confirmed at the highest level
by the board of appeal of the European Patent Office.
[More
on this Story]
LG
at Home with Jonny Wilkinson
In
early May, Eunice and Mark Hill travelled to Newcastle to oversee a
photoshoot with Newcastle, England & British Lion Rugby Star Jonny
Wilkinson and his brother, Sparks.
[More
on this Story]
'And
Here's a Shower They Made Earlier'
Roman
Limited, the UK shower manufacturer, has helped former Blue Peter Presenter,
Valerie Singleton, solve her father’s shower problem.
[More
on this Story]
Double
Celebration for Local Tile Company
Bridgnorth based tile company, Craven Dunnill
& Co has just beaten national competition to win the Excellence
in Distribution Award 2005 from the Tile Trade Association.
[More
on this Story]
DiLusso
Supplies Across the Board
Recently
named in a mainstream specialist consumer home interest title, DiLusso
continues to expand both its own designed product portfolio - mainly
contemporary doors and colour co-ordinated carcasing - as well as a
full range of associated products
[More
on this Story]
Clearwater
Launches New Approved Stockist Charter
Bath
manufacturer Clearwater Collection Limited is to launch a new Approved
Stockist Charter for bathroom showrooms throughout the UK stocking its
products.
[More
on this Story]
Opening
Celebrations at Kaldewei Kompetenz Centre
With some 300 invited guests from home and abroad,
Kaldewei – the European manufacturer of baths and shower trays
– celebrated the opening of its new Kaldewei Kompetenz Centre (KKC)
in Ahlen.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Professional Indoor Products Ready to Grow on North American Market
Electrolux
cooking and refrigeration equipment for professional users is preparing
for growth in North America. Extensive marketing investments in USA
and a newly opened culinary event centre will set the stage for Electrolux
Professional Indoor in North America.
[More
on this Story]
I.A.M.
Approves New Contract at Herrin Laundry Products Plant
Maytag
and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
(I.A.M.) Local 554 jointly announced on 11th June that union members
ratified a new four-year contract at the Herrin, Illinois, laundry plant.
[More
on this Story]
Book a Free Part P Seminar Delivered by ELECSA and Megger
ELECSA is inviting electricians and businesses affected by Part P to
book a place on one of the free Part P evening seminars that will be
held across 8 locations in the South East in July 2005.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 101 10th June 2005
BSH
Invests In Additional Distribution Centre
BSH
Home Appliances Ltd has announced the building of a new 420,000 sq. ft
distribution centre in central England. The huge purpose built development
at the new ProLogis Business Park in Kettering, Northamptonshire marks
a significant investment in the future of the company, headquartered in
nearby Milton Keynes. The new venue is earmarked for substantial additional
storage of the group’s well-known Neff, Bosch, Siemens & Gaggenau
kitchen appliance brands.
[More
on this Story]
Glen
Dimplex to Relocate Lec to Merseyside
Following the acquisition of Lec Refrigeration plc in March 2005, Glen
Dimplex has proposed that the manufacturing of domestic refrigeration
products will cease at the Bognor Regis site by the end of August 2005,
with a view to transferring this to GDHA's Merseyside site over a period
of time.
[More
on this Story]
Mereway
Bathrooms Expands and Relocates
As part of focused plans for business development, Mereway Bathrooms has
appointed a new General Manager and relocated its central premises to
a new office and production space close to the central Mereway Ltd production
site.
[More
on this Story]
Book a Free Part P Seminar Delivered by ELECSA and Megger
ELECSA is inviting electricians and businesses affected by Part P to book
a place on one of the free Part P evening seminars that will be held across
8 locations in the South East in July 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Indesit
Censured by ASA for Exaggerating by 7 Minutes
According to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority
(ASA), Dyson objected to a claim by Indesit in a national press advertisement
that its new Flash Clean programme gives an A rated wash in just one hour.
Dyson reckoned it took 71 minutes, Indesit admitted that in its own tests,
it actually took 67 minutes.
[More
on this Story]
Dyson
Objection to Electrolux's 'Cyclonic' Vacuum Cleaner Falls on Deaf Ears
According to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority
(ASA), Dyson objected to a brochure from Electrolux which described one
of its vacuum cleaners as 'cyclonic.' The complaint was not upheld.
[More
on this Story]
HI
Distribution Expands Portfolio with Fagor
Electrical
wholesaler HI Distribution has introduced the Fagor brand – the manufacturer
of home appliances – to its extensive product portfolio.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
UK Appoints New National Account Manager
Maytag
UK, the manufacturer of genuine American refrigeration and laundry, dishwashing
and range cooking appliances has appointed Marie Mayor to National Account
Manager.
[More
on this Story]
Tretzo
Continues to Invest
Bathroom
furniture manufacturer Tretzo has made further substantial investments
in its premises, machinery, IT and marketing. With nearly 40 years of
manufacturing experience and a strong customer base in Ireland and the
UK it now employs 22 people and is supported by another five.
[More
on this Story]
New
‘Package Deal’ for Siemens Stockists
Between
1st July and 30th September 2005, kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens
is offering money off ‘package deals’ on specific combinations
of freestanding laundry, dishwashers and refrigeration products in a stainless
steel finish.
[More
on this Story]
Roman
Rewards Retail Development Managers with New Passats
Roman
Ltd, the UK shower manufacturer, has rewarded its team of retail development
managers with new VW Passats, as a 'thank you' for exceptional sales
and product awareness building.
[More
on this Story]
National
Furniture Conference 2005 -'The Changing Face of the Furniture Supply
Chain'
Looking
for new ways and fresh approaches on how to make your supply chain work
for you? Join FIRA and Qualitas on Thursday 14th July 2005 at the Heritage
Motor Centre to discover ways to drive furniture sales into the future.
[More
on this Story]
Aqualux
Shower Walks the Walk after EXPO
Aqualux’s
newly launched Walk-In shower enclosures have literally walked onto
stockist’s shelves thanks to a massive demand for the product at
this year's EXPO held at London's ExCel.
[More
on this Story]
Marble
and Granite Manufacturer Prosecuted Following Fatality
Deco
Marble and Granite Limited of Whitby Ave, Park Royal, London was fined
£3,000 at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday 14th April 2005 following
a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), after
an investigation into an incident where a worker was killed on 26th
September 2003.
[More
on this Story]
Burbidge
Wins IT Award for Use of Advanced Computer Simulation Software
Kitchen
frontals and accessories manufacturer Burbidge has been highly commended
in the Best of British Manufacturing IT Awards for its use of advanced
computer simulation software.
[More
on this Story]
Charles
Yorke Makes the French Connection
Bespoke kitchen furniture specialist Charles Yorke is to expand its
presence overseas with the opening of its first French studio in the
exclusive Neuilly district of Paris. Cuisines Charles Bigant was established
in 1964 and is a well known name in Paris, renowned for beautiful functional
furniture design and top quality materials.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Investigates Potential Closure of Factory in Nuremberg
Electrolux
is investigating a possible closure of the factory in Nuremberg, Germany.
The Electrolux factory in Nuremberg has approximately 1,750 employees
and manufactures washing machines, dishwashers and dryers. Other production
sources are being considered.
[More
on this Story]
We
Could be in Serious Hot Water
'According
to statistics, we can expect 20 deaths every year in the UK and around
570 serious injuries caused by hot bath water', says Cynthia Fisher
of Intatec. When the second death of someone in a care environment happens
as early in the year as April, it's time for everyone to take a very
serious look at their duty of care.
[More
on this Story]
ASFP
Advice on Overclad Intumescents
The
Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) reports that the relatively
new practice of applying thin film intumescent coatings to protect steel
from fire, before overcladding with conventional board systems, is becoming
an increasingly popular procedure. The Association warns, however, that
the practice is not devoid of possible problems and a number of drawbacks
can occur.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 100 3rd June 2005
Inta
Fumes over Political Cold Water
Inta
were incensed to read of the Conservatives opposition to new legislation
to limit the temperature of hot water in bathrooms, through the use of
thermostatic valves, dubbing it ‘nanny state interference’.
This proposal is aimed at reducing the 20 deaths and 570 serious injuries
caused each year by bath time scalding and is generally regarded by the
industry as sensible.
[More
on this Story]
BSH
Fills Gap in Entry Market with Viva
Having
spent the last three years defining and implementing a strategy to harness
the equity in its core brands Bosch, Siemens, Neff and Gaggenau, BSH has
plugged the final gap in its portfolio with the addition of a new range
which will be launched under the viva brand.
[More
on this Story]
Gaggenau
Opens First UK Showroom
In June, luxury built in kitchen appliance manufacturer Gaggenau is opening
the doors of its first UK showroom at 40 Wigmore Street in central London.
The 2,500 sq. ft. showroom is designed as a showcase for the entire Gaggenau
collection, incorporating every one of the company’s flagship appliances
under the same roof for the first time in the UK.
[More
on this Story]
Dedicated Sales Director for Gaggenau in UK
Luxury
built in kitchen appliance manufacturer Gaggenau has appointed Adam Roddan
as its first dedicated Sales Director for the UK. In this newly created
role, Adam Roddan will be responsible for further increasing sales of
Gaggenau appliances via the company’s studio partners nationwide.
[More
on this Story]
Register
your Part P Installations with ELECSA’s New Automated Facility
ELECSA is offering a new solution for electricians to notify their Part
P installations. This automated transmission facility will help businesses
to reduce the time and costs spent on administration issues.
[More
on this Story]
Get
Your Refrigeration Displays Stocked Up - We’re Promised a Sizzlin’
Summer
‘The
summer’s coming and it’s forecasted to be a hot one.’ says
Sabarah Hanif, Product and Training Manager at Maytag UK. ‘There’s
no better time to reap the benefits of the hot weather, selling the latest
in refrigeration.
[More
on this Story]
Aqualux
Contract Graduates with Honours
Aqualux, the UK supplier of bath screens and shower surrounds, has scooped
a prestigious deal to supply shower doors for high-level student accommodation.
Aqualux is working in partnership with Custom Composites Services to supply
a large order of shower doors
[More
on this Story]
Top
Health-and-Safety Accreditation for Fagor
The
Spanish appliance manufacturer Fagor Electrodomésticos has added
to its long list of quality awards with a coveted health-and-safety accreditation.
Four of the company's business lines (washing, dishwashing, cooking and
kitchen furniture), along with its warehouse at Vitoria in the Basque
Country, have now been certified to OHSAS 18000 standard.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
to Sponsor Major Young Designer Award
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association is to sponsor this year’s
National Home Improvement Council Young Kitchen Designer Award. The award,
part of the NHIC annual awards programme, is open to any designer under
the age of 30.
[More
on this Story]
Designer
Stand for Siemens at Grand Designs Show
Kitchen
appliance manufacturer Siemens is taking centre stage at the first ‘Grand
Designs Live’ show to be held in conjunction with ‘The Times’
newspaper at the Excel centre in London’s Docklands from 10th –
12th June 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Kaizen
is the Way Forward for Orama
As
part of its new company strategy, Orama, the independent manufacturer
of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, is adopting the Japanese
Kaizen manufacturing model to achieve optimum efficiencies and to enable
continuous improvements at all levels.
[More
on this Story]
ALNO
'jumbo' Wins Red Dot Award
ALNO's
'jumbo' base unit from the Libero furniture collection has received
the red dot award: product design 2005. The red dot award, from the
Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, is one of the most renowned competitions
on the international design scene.
[More
on this Story]
Siemens
Takes Part in Major Lifestyle Research Project
Kitchen
appliance manufacturer Siemens has been selected to take part in a major
research project on 21st century lifestyle, led by the University of
Nottingham’s Institute of Sustainable Energy Technology.
[More
on this Story]
SMART
Reduces Lead Times by 50% for Manufacturer
SMART
software says that it has revolutionised the KBB industry with its management
system. ‘Manufacturers, retailers and distributors across the country
are discovering the power of SMART and are reaping huge benefits from
its implementation into their businesses.
[More
on this Story]
VitrA
Inhabits Another World
'Finding
water on a distant planet is our first hope of other life in the universe.
We are part of a water cycle from birth onwards, and our recognition
of ourselves reflected in a pool is our earliest key to self-awareness.’
says VitrA.
[More
on this Story]
John
Boddy Timber Recognise 25 Years of Loyal Service
At
a recent presentation ceremony held at the Riverside Sawmills of John
Boddy Timber, Managing Director Frank Boddy congratulated Works Manager
Tony Steele and thanked him for 25 years of loyal and valuable service.
[More
on this Story]
Homag
Group Advances at All Levels at Ligna
Continuing
to build on the strong underlying principle of achieving ‘Success
with a System’ all Homag Group specialist companies showed new
and integrated developments that clearly were aimed at both ends of
the market.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Named One of Top 20 U.S. Companies for Leaders
Whirlpool
Corporation has been named to the 2005 list of Top 20 U.S. Companies
for Leaders, making this the second consecutive year the company has
been acknowledged for its focus on developing leaders within the company.
[More
on this Story]