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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 53 28th May 2004
Chinese
Domestic Refrigeration Market Saturated: Manufacturers Seek Export Markets
to Soak up Overcapacity
The
Chinese refrigeration market is already colossal at $1.8 billion with
growth of between 5% and 8% per annum in all sectors apart from domestic
which is nearly at saturation. Chinese manufacturers of domestic compressors
have a local market of 13.2 million and a capacity of over 30 million,
and like manufacturers of evaporators and fridges manufacturers are looking
for export opportunities to solve the overcapacity problem.
[More
on this Story]
De
Dietrich Customer Survey Shows Strength of Dealer Support
In
a recent survey commissioned by De Dietrich an overwhelming 80% of respondents
stated that they chose De Dietrich products because the dealer recommended
them.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
UK Appoints New Distributor
Maytag
UK has forged a new alliance with Theobald's to become an additional key
distributor for the company of Amana, Maytag and Admiral appliances.
[More
on this Story]
De
Dietrich Celebrates 320th Anniversary With Dealer Incentives and Consumer
Promotions
De
Dietrich is the kitchen appliance brand that has the longest history in
Europe, and possibly the world. ‘For over three centuries, the De
Dietrich name has been synonymous with innovation, consistently pioneering
technologies that put the enjoyment back into cooking. 2004 marks the
320th anniversary of De Dietrich and, to celebrate its continued success,
the brand is launching a programme of promotional activity for dealers
and end users,’
the company says.
[More
on this Story]
Barwick
to Distrubute Catalano as Stand Alone Brand
Catalano
- the Italian manufacturer of quality bathroom products, will be distributed
from June 2004 as a stand alone brand, by bathroom specialist Barwick.
[More
on this Story]
Symphony
Wins in Internet Piracy Case
The
Symphony Group plc has successfully taken legal action against an on-line
direct sales organisation for internet piracy. The court action was taken
against In Home Design when Symphony discovered that it was falsely using
the Symphony brand and other Symphony trade names to direct internet searches
to the In Home website.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
plc - Recent Acquisition Activity
Since Wolseley's Interim results announcement on 22nd March 2004 a further
five additional distribution businesses in Europe and North America have
been acquired for an aggregate consideration of approximately £44
million in cash.
[More
on this Story]
Completion
of the Dahl Acquisition
Compagnie
de Saint-Gobain has completed its acquisition of the Swedish company Dahl
International AB (Dahl), having received the approval of the European,
Estonian and Polish competition authorities. Dahl has therefore been consolidated
in the Group’s financial statements from May 1st, 2004.
[More
on this Story]
New
Showroom Reflects Orama’s Lead in Contemporary Style and Design
Orama,
the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative
products, has fitted its new showroom with a range of natural yet striking
worksurface combinations from its Ardesco range.
[More
on this Story]
Barwick
Hosts Launch Event for a New Range of Shower Enclosures from Kudos
Bathroom
distributor, Barwick recently played host to a launch event for a new
range of shower enclosures from Kudos. Customers from many parts of
the north of England and Scotland attended the event to see the unveiling
of a series of enclosures including the Kudos walk-in enclosure.
[More
on this Story]
BLP
Benefits from ZOW's Trend Setting Format
'A
great success’ was how Barry Berman, Sales and Marketing Director
of British furniture component manufacturer, BLP UK Ltd, described the
launch of Prodor; the company's profile wrapped 5 piece doors, at ZOW
2004. With its trend setting format, ZOW is quickly becoming one of
the most popular exhibitions in the industry and was the ideal launching
pad for the new styles from BLP.
[More
on this Story]
ArtiCAD
Launches ArtiCAD Pro Version 11
ArtiCAD,
a UK producer of CAD software solutions, has announced its latest software
release - ArtiCAD Pro 11. ArtiCAD Pro Version 11 is a pricing and ordering
solution.
[More
on this Story]
Dornbracht
Presents Research Unit at Milan Show
The
beginning of the 2003/2004 winter semester saw the start of the 'Ritual
Architecture® in the Bathroom' research project from the Dornbracht
Research Unit ETH Zürich. The ETH, the Swiss Federal Institute of
Technology in Zürich, is one of the most famous academic and research
establishments for architecture in the world.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Pays out $30m to Settle Vacuum Cleaner Lawsuit in the US
Electrolux
and the plaintiff John North have reached a settlement agreement in the
vacuum cleaner trade secrets case regarding certain upright, cyclonic
vacuum cleaners. As a result, the case will not be decided by a jury in
El Paso, Texas, USA and the matter is concluded.
[More
on this Story]
Steam
Radios Liven up Ideal Home
DaVinci®
Steam and Baths exhibited its Steam Radio Collection at this year's Daily
Mail ldeal Home Show on the lnternational Bathrooms stand. The Collection
includes five shower enclosures designed to fit into most standard European
bathrooms.
[More
on this Story]
Armitage
Shanks Discusses the Revised Part M and it's Radical Affect on Hotels
Armitage Shanks believes it is important to advise hotel owners of radical
changes in the Building Regulations and explain how these changes will
significantly affect hoteliers. The new Part M of the Building Regulations
came into effect on the 1st May 2004. The new standard is not just about
access for disabled people but now covers access for everyone.
[More
on this Story]
Jean-Patrique
Professional Cookware Advert Attracts Complaint
A
complaint, objecting to a magazine advertisement for Advanced Direct Information
Services Ltd t/a Jean-Patrique Professional Cookware was upheld in five
of the seven objections according to published details from the Advertising
Standards Authority.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 52 21st May 2004
Whirlpool
Strengthens Manufacturing Capabilities in North America
Whirlpool
Corporation plans to invest approximately $180 million to strengthen the
company’s manufacturing base in North America and extend its leadership
position in the U.S. appliance industry. The 2004 investments are expected
to result in a series of innovative new product introductions and improved
cost competitiveness for the company’s North American business..
[More
on this Story]
Court
Orders Steel Supplier to Continue Deliveries to Whirlpool
Whirlpool Corporation announced yesterday (20th May 2004) that the
Circuit Court of Berrien County, Mich., has issued a temporary restraining
order that requires steel supplier ISPAT Inland Inc. to continue providing
steel to Whirlpool under the terms of the current supply agreement.
[More
on this Story]
Planit
to Sponsor Kitchen Showcase MasterClass Conference
Software provider Planit International is sponsoring the 2004 Kitchen
Showcase Conference. The conference will be held on Friday 2nd July at
the Commonwealth Institute Galleries in London as part of Kitchen Showcase
2004. Internationally renowned speakers such as, Mark Wilkinson (Mark
Wilkinson Furniture), Richard Eisenman (Head of The Design Council) and
Antonio Astori (Architect Designer, Driade) will be speaking at the conference.
[More
on this Story]
Design
is a Process not a Picture!
Whilst CAD systems offer designers the necessary tools to help clients
visualise the finished installation, it represents merely a timely snapshot
of the design process dialogue. The FIRA and Warwick Manufacturing Group
project LOCS (Low Cost Visualisation in Supply Chains) offers all layers
of the supply chain the opportunity to evolve designs against known customer
requirements quickly and cost effectively.
[More
on this Story]
Roman's
Mike Transformed by Fairy Godfathers
Roman's Transport and Distribution Manager Mike Spink appeared on the
debut episode of Channel 4's recent series, Fairy Godfathers, and was
transformed into a domestic God.
[More
on this Story]
Which
Annual Survey Asks Members how Appliances Have Lasted, and Which Brands
they Recommend
Response
to the Which? survey shows three brands that are more consistently reliable
than others. Miele and Bosch dominate domestic appliances - washing
machines and the like. 'They both stand out as particularly dependable
in three out of the six categories.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Sponsors 2004 Award for New Designer
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association is once again sponsoring
a special award for new designers at The New Designers Exhibition, which
will be held at The Business Design Centre in Islington on 7th July.
[More
on this Story]
News
of Great Import from Dream Leisure
Tylö
of Sweden has appointed Twickenham-based Dream Leisure Ltd as an official
UK importer of the company's sauna, steam-room and shower products.
[More
on this Story]
Tap
into Freedom - Bathstore.com Franchise
Bathstore.com, the UK bathroom retailer continues to expand and now has
58 stores nationwide. The company attributes such growth and success to
the franchise package Bathstore.com offers. The franchise model has been
specifically designed to provide maximum support and minimum risk to franchisees.
[More
on this Story]
PWS
Takes Further Action Against Croft Oak Copy
In January PWS pursued a successful legal action against Doors & More
of Northern Ireland for the misuse of the company's design rights in its
Croft Oak range. PWS is currently engaged in a similar case against J
& J Ormerod.
[More
on this Story]
Design
Knowledge Network Launches in West Midlands
The
West Midlands furniture industry is one of the largest industries in the
region but is little known by those outside of the trade. Consumers buy
all sorts of furniture items every day, costing hundreds, if not thousands
of pounds apiece.
[More
on this Story]
AGA
Foodservice says Current Year Started Satisfactorily
AGA
Foodservice Group PLC re-iterated the current year has started satisfactorily,
particularly for the consumer activities in the UK. It is starting to
see more opportunities for those businesses that had a challenging 2003,
like Domain in the US and its European foodservice operations, which should
lead to an improved performance later this year.
[More
on this Story]
A
Taste of Pepper for New Build Kitchen Projects
Pepper
Kitchens Ltd was established in 1997 by a team with more than 40 years
experience, the company emerged from a family owned business which started
in 1964.
[More
on this Story]
Cronation
Flush at Canary Wharf
Minimising
water wastage and ensuring thorough and efficient flushing of urinals
is a high priority for any modern toilet facility. Heron Quays 5 building
at Canary Wharf had such a requirement and Cronation Limited was contracted
to design a distribution pipework system that would enable adequate and
efficient flushing.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Settles Vacuum Cleaner Lawsuit in the US
Electrolux
and the plaintiff John North have reached a settlement agreement in the
vacuum cleaner trade secrets case regarding certain upright, cyclonic
vacuum cleaners. As a result, the case will not be decided by a jury in
El Paso, Texas, USA and the matter is concluded.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
will Close Vacuum Cleaner Factory in Västervik, Sweden
Electrolux
has decided to discontinue production of vacuum cleaners in Västervik,
Sweden. Production will gradually be transferred to the Electrolux vacuum
cleaner factory in Hungary. Production will continue during 2004, and
is expected to end in the first quarter of 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Kohler
Cimarron Comfort Height™ Toilet Puts an End to the Low-Flow Toilet
Debate Over Plugging
Kohler
Co. has introduced a new toilet with exceptional flushing power, designed
for extraordinary situations. The Cimarron Comfort Height™ toilet
– the first Kohler toilet to feature the Class Five™ flushing
system, a 3 1/4-inch flush valve, and direct-fed jet technology
[More
on this Story]
£50
Million Call for Innovative R&D Proposals Under New Technology Programme
Science
Minister, Lord Sainsbury, has called upon Britain's businesses to put
forward new project ideas for a £50 million programme now available
to support technological innovation.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 51 14th May 2004
Grohe
Opens Design & Technology Centre
Grohe
UK Ltd yesterday opened a prestigious, 400m2 Design & Technology Centre
at its Barking headquarters. Reflecting Grohe's position as a global brand,
the new Centre will enable Grohe and all its customers - retail, installer,
building/specifier and architects - to maximise their understanding and
use of the company' s products.
[More
on this Story]
SMEG
Enlists Support of Matteo Piano to Create Indoor Gardens
When
Architect Matteo Piano and Smeg put their heads together to think of a
new addition to Smeg's household range, a domestic greenhouse was the
natural choice. As a home for plants, a greenhouse immediately ties in
with the rest of Smeg's product for the home. The link is further reflected
by the Home Garden's design in the shape of a house with roof and two
side entrances.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
to Support Kitchen Showcase
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association will be supporting the
second kitchen showcase exhibition, which will be held at The Commonwealth
Institute Galleries on 1-3 July. The KBSA will have a trade stand on the
1-2nd July and will then participate in the Kitchen Clinic on the consumer
day, 3rd July.
‘We are delighted to be able to support this exhibition,’ says
KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden.
[More
on this Story]
UK
Logistics Company Opens Trade Link with Libya
A
UK company has despatched a shipment of kitchen fittings valued at £200,000
to Libya, thanks to the Sales Leads Service of UK Trade & Investment
- the government organisation that provides support services for UK companies
trading overseas.
[More
on this Story]
Management
Buy Out Secures Future of Kent Based Aquadart
Dartford
based business Aquadart has successfully been acquired following an
MBO assisted by Europe's leading business finance specialists, NMB-Heller,
and advised by Grant Thornton Corporate Finance.
[More
on this Story]
New
Designer Kitchen Furniture Range Launched by Moda Cucina
New UK-based company Moda Cucina is putting the finishing touches to
plans for the nationwide launch of its range of designer kitchen furniture.
[More
on this Story]
Pegler
Supports Local School’s Engineering Status
Pegler,
manufacturer and supplier of taps, mixers, showers, heating controls
and valves and fittings to the sector – based in Doncaster - is
joining in the on-going celebrations that Ridgewood School in nearby
Scawsby has been awarded Engineering Specialists School Status.
[More
on this Story]
Victoria
& Albert Smashes Sales Record
Specialist
freestanding bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert is celebrating a
record 1st quarter in 2004. Following KBB this year the company reports
that sales of its expanding range of contemporary and classic baths have
rocketed. March saw the best sales ever by a clean 40%, with turnover
up by over 100% on the end of 2003.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
UK Site Visit for Analysts and Investors
Wolseley
plc, the specialist trade distributor of plumbing, heating and building
materials products, is hosting a visit for analysts and investors to some
of its UK operations.
[More
on this Story]
Interbuild
2004 'Dispels the Myths'
'The
true value of Interbuild was highlighted last week when the many sections
of the building and construction industry joined forces at the NEC. Just
short of 50,000 visitors attended the UK's premier construction event
and it is predicted they will have generated business worth millions of
pounds for the 1,600 exhibitors'.
[More
on this Story]
Aqualux
Added Energy to Interbuild 2004
Aqualux,
the shower enclosure company, added Energy to the Architects Pavilion
at Interbuild. Energy, a new collection of shower enclosures has been
introduced to meet consumer demand for contemporary designs. Features
include easy clean, limescale resistant glass, wall-clamping system (patent
pending) and integral features such as shelves and towel rail.
[More
on this Story]
Triton
Cleans Up as Lone Bathroom Brand
Lorna
Fellowes, Managing Director of Triton, accepts that the Interbuild of
8-12 years ago has probably gone forever, with more shows across Europe
taking up companies’ marketing budgets. However, Interbuild still
serves a valuable niche in attracting builders merchants and electrical
wholesalers.
[More
on this Story]
ArtiCAD
Returns to Interbuild After 10 Years to Launch new Bathroom Software
Bathroom, Kitchen, Bedroom & Study CAD specialists, ArtiCAD, was back
at Interbuild for the first time in 10 years demonstrating design, pricing
& ordering system for Developers and Builders Merchants. Just released
in time for Interbuild, ArtiCAD Version 11 has a new Bathroom system.
[More
on this Story]
wedi
Builds on Tilebacker Success to Launch New Products
wedi
Systems used its appearance at this year's Interbuild to launch a number
of innovative new products such as tile covered loungers and steam rooms,
in a determined effort to build on its success with the now well known
Tilebacker Board. Managing Director Ian Fyfe said that he was pleased
at the level of interest from fixers, contractors and architects.
[More
on this Story]
Stelrad
Launches New Towel Rail Designs
Stelrad Radiators has launched a new range of deluxe towel warmers that
will provide a stylish approach to space heating for any home or commercial
building. There are three designs available within the new range - the
Como, Lecco and Bergamo.
[More
on this Story]
Simply
Washrooms Debuts at Interbuild
A comprehensive product range, including wash basins, urinals and general
washroom accessories made its first public appearance at this year's Interbuild.
According to Managing Director, Lindsay Walsh, 'Although Simply Washrooms
is a new brand, our trading pedigree dates back more than 30 years.
[More
on this Story]
Thomas
Dudley Conceals Cistern Full of Fish
Thomas Dudley exhibited at Interbuild 2004, and featured the revolutionary
Vantage concealed cistern and others from the range, also wall-hung sanitaryware
supports and the new Dudley Hydroflo QUIET inlet valves. There was also
an interactive installation and demonstration area (and a see-through
glass cistern full of goldfish - the biggest selling item according to
one wag on the stand!).
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 50 7th May 2004
Eleven
Regional Offices to Close as Wolseley Consolidates Head Office into Two
UK Centres
Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing,
heating and building materials products, announces the consolidation of
the head office operations of its UK business, Wolseley UK. Wolseley
UK plans to consolidate its offices into two UK centres.
[More
on this Story]
Merloni
First Quarter Sales up 3.9%, Operating Margin up 9.2%
Merloni Elettrodomestici growth continues into the first quarter of 2004,
closing with sales up 3.9% and operating margin up 9.2% against the first
quarter of 2003. These results reflect good sales performance in all markets,
innovative products that offset falling prices across the market and tighter
cost control.
[More
on this Story]
Alno
Appoints Three New Specialist Kitchen Showrooms, Bringing Total to 38
Alno has appointed three new specialist showrooms, bringing the total
number of Alno outlets to thirty eight plus John Lewis Partnership department
stores. Bradbury's of Exeter displays exclusively Alno kitchens and is
located on Exeter's Matford Park.
[More
on this Story]
Masco
Corporation Reports Record First Quarter and Increases Earnings Guidance
for 2004
Masco
Corporation has reported net sales from continuing operations for the
first quarter ended March 31st, 2004 increased 19 percent to a first quarter
record $2.8 billion compared with $2.4 billion for the first quarter of
2003. Income from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2004
was $241 million compared with $158 million in the first quarter of 2003.
[More
on this Story]
Arrow
and Kermi get Straight to the Point
Having
established a reputation for providing a high level of service Arrow
has decided to strengthen its Shower Enclosure programme and has teamed
up with Kermi UK in a quality based partnership supplying and fitting
Kermi’s full range of products. Kermi products will be displayed
in the new showroom facility at Arrow’s head office in Worcester.
[More
on this Story]
BC
Partners May Soon Choose Buyer for Grohe
Buyout firm BC Partners may decide soon on a bidder for Grohe, the bathroom
fixture maker which has been valued at up to 2.0 billion euros ($2.36
billion). BC Partners got final bids for the German business in March
from Bain Capital, CVC and a joint bid from Texas Pacific Group and
the private equity arm of Credit Suisse, sources said.
[More
on this Story]
East
Coast Fittings are North, West and South
One
of Britain’s emerging suppliers of fittings and components to the
furniture industry held its first sales meeting in the new facility at
Gaddesby near Rearsby in Leicestershire to advance a nationwide strategy
for the future.
[More
on this Story]
John
Sydney Goes to the Top at the Hyatt Regency
John
Sydney has reached the top at the luxurious four star Hyatt Regency Birmingham
hotel. The company has supplied its prestigious range of Elite basin mixers
and shower equipment, which have been fitted into the opulent Presidential,
Executive and Junior Suites at the hotel in a major refurbishment project.
The Elite range is made from solid brass and is supplied with the ten
year John Sydney guarantee.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend; Four Directors Elected to Board
Whirlpool
Corporation’s board of directors, meeting in regular session on April
20th in Chicago, declared a quarterly dividend of 43 cents per share on
the company’s common stock. The dividend is payable June 15th, 2004,
to holders of common stock at the close of business on May 20th, 2004.
[More
on this Story]
New
Kohler Bathroom Lavatories Challenge Traditional Uses of Materials to
Create Pieces of Functional Art
Kohler
Co. introduces a new category of Kohler products called Nature’s
Chemistry™ that transform indigenous materials, like metal, glass,
clay and stone, into evocative fixtures for the kitchen and bathroom while
retaining intrinsic properties.
[More
on this Story]
Pool
Savings with wedi
Sally
Anderson Ceramics Ltd, the designer of hand painted tiles for swimming
pools, has discovered that wedi Systems Tilebacker Board not only keeps
the company's intricate and beautiful designs securely fixed in place,
but also brings another very significant benefit to its customers which
could cut their pool room heating costs by two thirds.
[More
on this Story]
Ideal
Stelrad Heating System Specified for Bellway Homes Development
Bellway
Homes made full use of Ideal Stelrad’s ‘one-stop-shop’
approach when deciding which type of heating system should be installed
in one of the company's luxury apartment complexes in North Lanarkshire,
Scotland.
[More
on this Story]
Stoneham
Invests in Storage System from OHRA
Kent-based Stoneham Kitchens has turned to German specialist OHRA to provide
a solution to extend the external storage of its raw materials.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag's
Amana® Brand Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Commercial Microwave
Hailed
35 years ago as a technological breakthrough, the Amana microwave is now
a staple appliance in foodservice kitchens around the world.
[More
on this Story]
Williams
Refrigeration and Falcon Foodservice Announce Strong Global Prospects
for 2004
Williams
Refrigeration and Falcon Foodservice Equipment, both part of the Aga Foodservice
Equipment (AFE) Group, announce a strong global position as the companies
further expand in the global market place in 2004.
[More
on this Story]
Bathrooms
and Kitchens Magazine Launches Product Innovation Awards
Bathrooms
And Kitchens Magazine is set to recognise and reward exciting and imaginative
product design, with the launch of its Product Innovation Awards at the
Grosvenor Hotel, London on 1st February 2005, at the 11th annual Bathrooms
And Kitchens Industry Awards.
[More
on this Story]