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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 146 26th May 2006
LG
Combines Style and Function with new Steam Washers
LG has joined up with Designers Guild to launch a new range of limited
edition Steam Washing Machines. The new limited edition Steam Direct
Washing Machine from LG and Designers Guild combines state of the art
home technology with cutting-edge interior style. The collaboration
has produced four eye-catching home appliances created to challenge
the design and function of traditional white goods.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Updates Expected Cost Efficiencies from Maytag Acquisition
Whirlpool
Corporation announced this week that its merger with Maytag is expected
to generate pre-tax annualised cost savings in excess of $400 million.
Cost efficiencies are expected from all areas of the value chain, including
product manufacturing, infrastructure and support areas, global procurement
and logistics.
[More
on this Story]
£1/4
Million Investment at Burbidge
Having
recently undergone an improvement programme in conjunction with the
Design Council, as well as making an investment in computer simulation
software that won a manufacturing IT award, Burbidge is demonstrating
its commitment to customer service with a further £1/4 million
investment in new production equipment and sales information systems.
[More
on this Story]
Ideal
Standard Launches the Lightest Shower Tray on the UK Market
Ideal
Standard, a leading provider of design-driven bathroom and kitchen
solutions, this month announced the launch of Simplicity, a completely
new range of shower trays that are significantly lighter and stronger
than standard trays. Created by award winning designer Robin Levien,
these lightweight trays have an engineered finish, are simple to
clean and have been designed for ease of installation.
[More
on this Story]
New
Quadrant from Aqualux 'Fits in Perfectly'
We’re
always hearing about the latest bathroom trend – wet rooms
and walk-in showers, funky stone sinks as well as other luxurious
products. But in a constant fight for space in increasingly compact
bathrooms it can be difficult finding products that are not only
stylish and design-led, but practical too.
[More
on this Story]
PJH
Adds Design-led Brand Gorenje to Range
The
UK's largest distributor, PJH Group has teamed up with one of Europe's
leading manufacturers of domestic appliances, Gorenje, by adding
the premier brand to its already comprehensive appliance portfolio.
[More
on this Story]
Trevi
Introduces the Logical Solution
This
month Trevi, Ideal Standard's brand for shower valves and kits, is previewing
its new remote control shower TREVI LOGICAL.
TREVI LOGICAL is controlled by an easy-to-use remote handset which uses
a two way radio frequency feedback. This communicates to a thermostatic
processor unit, which can be installed anywhere from under the bath to
the loft.
[More
on this Story]
Clearwater
Collection a Hit with Croft
Clearwater Collection, the manufacturer of luxury handmade freestanding
acrylic baths, is being featured in a major advertising campaign.
Croft sherry decided the Bateau, double ended slipper bath with
classic, elegant feet was perfect for its national advertising campaign
that will run in many major consumer titles over the next few months.
[More
on this Story]
Broughtons
Latest Bathroom Range Takes to the Road
Broughtons, the specialist bathroom brand from Broughton Crangrove,
takes its latest bathroom suites to the retailers. From 15th May,
Broughtons own brand of bathroom suites, Aquos, will be touring
the UK, taking the product to the retailer.
[More
on this Story]
Eurocucina
2006: Häcker Kitchens chooses Iris Ceramica
In
April Eurocucina, the biennial international kitchen furnishings
show, was held as part of the Cosmit trade fair. Iris Ceramica was
there with Häcker Kitchens.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Design Lab 2006 Promotes 'Healthy Eating Habits in 2016'
In
the 2006 edition of the popular Electrolux Design Lab competition,
design students worldwide will have to seek food preservation and
food preparation solutions that promotes 'Healthy eating habits
in 2016'.
[More
on this Story]
Proadec
Express Line from EDP
Express Line is a versatile and fast edgebanding service from European
Decorative Products (EDP). Essex based EDP is UK agent for Probos,
the European manufacturer of a vast range of high quality Proadec
edgebanding materials.
[More
on this Story]
P.J.
Livesey Relies on Homag for Capacity
The
Manchester based P.J. Livesey Group is one of the UK's most successful
developers and renovators of both new and old residential properties.
The company particularly specialises in reclaiming old commercial
properties like the famous mills of the North West.
[More
on this Story]
Record
Day Set for Distribution of Husqvarna AB Shares
On
April 24th, 2006, the Electrolux AGM decided to distribute all shares
in Husqvarna AB to Electrolux shareholders in accordance with a
prospect published on April 6th, 2006.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 145 19th May 2006
MOMENTS
- a new Concept in Integrated Design for the 'Total Bathroom'
Ideal Standard yesterday announced the availability of its MOMENTS bathroom
suite in the UK. MOMENTS is a fully integrated bathroom collection,
created by the award-winning German design studio ARTEFAKT, which coordinates
all elements of the bathroom, from ceramics and furniture to tap fittings,
bathroom accessories, and baths.
[More
on this Story]
Beautiful
Promotion on Award Winning Product
Aqualux
is inviting its trade customers to share in its success by offering
a promotion on its award winning Walk-In with Wet Room option. Aqualux
scooped the Best Bathroom Product award at the House Beautiful Awards
held at Madame Tussauds in March and to celebrate is offering 'amazing'
discounts on the enclosure.
[More
on this Story]
Emerson
Reports Strong Second-Quarter 2006 Results
Emerson
announced net sales for the second quarter ended March 31st, 2006 were
$4.9 billion, an increase of 15 percent over the $4.2 billion reported
in the prior year. Net earnings for the second quarter increased 25
percent to $434 million, or $1.05 per share.
[More
on this Story]
Gaggenau
Introduces Weekend
Opening for Flagship
London Showroom
In
response to demand from trade customers and consumers, luxury built
in kitchen appliance specialist Gaggenau has just changed the opening
hours of its 'flagship' London showroom to include weekend opening.
[More
on this Story]
HomePro
Brings Millions of Pounds of Better Business to the Trade Professional
Tradespeople wanting to reach more homeowners looking for professionals
to undertake home improvement projects on their behalf should aim
to get registered with HomePro’s Find-a-Pro directory service
as a means for sourcing sales leads, achieving growth and improving
business.
[More
on this Story]
Fitter
Prosecuted for Breach of Part P
An electrician in Newcastle and a bathroom fitter from the Bath
and Somerset area are the first to be successfully prosecuted for
offences under Part P of the Building Regulations. Able Electrical
based in Newcastle and the company’s director John Waugh, an
electrician with 28 years experience, admitted 23 counts of breaching
building regulations and was fined total of £16,000.
[More
on this Story]
BCGm
Announce New Brand Director
Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix (BCGm), the UK's leading national distributor
of kitchen appliances, bathrooms, showers and heating products has appointed
Paul Theobald to the position of Brand Director to lead the next phase
of the growth of the business.
[More
on this Story]
Conserve
Water - Get A Dishwasher
By now the majority of people will have heard recent reports about
the lack of rainfall during the winter months and talk of water
restrictions for the coming summer. Perhaps it's difficult to take
this seriously on an island where rain seems to fall much of the
time.
[More
on this Story]
Hüppe
Appoints Sterling as National Distributor
Hot
on the heels of its new UK brochure and price list, Hüppe's
UK sales agent RSJ Associates Limited has appointed Sterling Distribution
as its new national distributor. The appointment follows last summer's
communications audit by RSJ, which found broader national coverage
was needed to satisfy retailers' demands for stock and swift delivery.
[More
on this Story]
From
Wellness to Design: MA.DE at Fuori Salone
Iris
Ceramica recently took part in Fuori Salone in Milan & Cosmoprof
in Bologna interpreting the rooms it occupied with its MA.DE. surfaces.
[More
on this Story]
GE
Commercial Finance Furnishes MBO for R&C Living
GE
Commercial Finance's Business Finance unit has provided a financing
package to facilitate the management-buy-out (MBO) of Cheshire-based,
R&C Living Ltd. The company is a wholesale supplier of interior
and exterior home furnishings and furniture.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux:
Getting into Spirit of the World Cup
With football fever hotting up Electrolux has launched a PR campaign
to highlight top features on its latest appliances to footy fans.
Sven lookalike Derek Williams happily poses next to a variety of
Electrolux appliances - highlighting their best 'footy fan' appeal.
[More
on this Story]
Bedroom
Furniture Market - UK 2006
AMA
Research has published its latest review ofthe 'Bedroom Furniture
Market - UK 2006' report. The report is informed, comprehensive
and up-to-date, and represents an aid to sales and marketing professionals
involved in the industry.
[More
on this Story]
Bruce
Martin Retires from Craven Dunnill
Craven
Dunnill, the Midlands based tile distributor, has said a fond farewell
to Bruce Martin, its Sales Director, who has retired after 15 years
at the company and over a quarter of a century in the tile industry.
[More
on this Story]
Metso
Supplies Equipment to Pfleiderer's Fibreboard Line in Poland
Metso
Panelboard will supply equipment for Pfleiderer MDF Sp.z.o.o.'s
medium-density fibreboard line in Grajewo, Poland. The new MDF line
is scheduled for start-up in mid 2007. The value of the order is
EUR 20 million, and it is included in Metso Panelboard's first quarter
orderbook.
[More
on this Story]
SMART
Celebrates 500th User
SMART
says that over the last five years it has taken the KBB industry
to new heights with its powerful business and operational management
system, leading the technology revolution for increased business
growth and efficiency.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Expands Ohio Manufacturing Operations
Whirlpool
Corporation confirmed on 16th May the expansion of its Ohio-based
laundry manufacturing operations to support innovation and capacity
requirements for the newly acquired Maytag brands.
[More
on this Story]
Sick
Days Cost the UK Economy 1.7 Billion per Year
A
major concern of most business owners and managers is staff absence.
Just last year the UK economy was hit by a loss of £12.2 bn
through staff absence according to a survey conducted by the employers’
group and insurance firm Axa.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Expands Ohio Manufacturing Operations
Whirlpool
Corporation confirmed on 16th May the expansion of its Ohio-based
laundry manufacturing operations to support innovation and capacity
requirements for the newly acquired Maytag brands.
[More
on this Story]
Sick
Days Cost the UK Economy 1.7 Billion per Year
A
major concern of most business owners and managers is staff absence.
Just last year the UK economy was hit by a loss of £12.2 bn
through staff absence according to a survey conducted by the employers’
group and insurance firm Axa.
[More
on this Story]
Part
P Training And Assessment For KBB Industry From NICEIC Domestic
Installer Scheme
The
KBB industry has welcomed a programme of assessment and training,
launched by the KBSA, which offers retailers a clear route to self-certification
under the requirements of the new Part P legislation. 'This legislation
has created havoc in our industry and I am delighted that the KBSA
has been able to offer a solution that will help retailers comply
and get back to running their businesses,' says the KBSA.
[More
on this Story]
AND
FINALLY...
Electrolux
Design Lab 2006: 'Healthy Eating Habits in 2016'
For
the fourth year in a row, Electrolux is encouraging students around
the world to fire up their creative minds and design household appliances
for the future. In the 2006 edition of the design competition, Electrolux
Design Lab, students will develop solutions for food preservation
and preparation that promote 'healthy eating habits in 2016'.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 144 12th May 2006
American
Standard Files Record Q1 Sales, but Declining Profits
American
Standard has announced first-quarter sales of a record $2.552bn, up
9% from the prior year, however, net income for the quarter was $84.1m,
down 32.7% from $124.9m in first quarter 2005. Fred Poses, chairman
and CEO (pictured), said: 'Bath and Kitchen performed as we expected
- about the same as fourth quarter - as we took actions to rebuild its
profitability and continue to build its global competitiveness.'
[More
on this Story]
Jacuzzi
2006 Q2 Profits Slashed by 45%
Jacuzzi
Brands, Inc. net sales and operating income for the second quarter 2006
were $289.2m and $21.6m, respectively, compared to $301.0m and $22.5m,
respectively, for the second quarter of fiscal 2005. Net earnings for
the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were $4.1m, compared to $7.4m, in
the second quarter of fiscal 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Integrates Maytag, 4,500 US Jobs Lost
Whirlpool
Corporation announced on 10th May a series of changes within its North
American organisation relating to the integration of Maytag operations.
Locations affected by the changes include three manufacturing sites,
the former Maytag corporate headquarters and a research and development
centre in Newton, Iowa, and administrative offices in Illinois, Canada
and Mexico.
[More
on this Story]
Business
Ethics Magazine Names Whirlpool One of 100 Best Corporate Citizens
Whirlpool
Corporation has been named one of the 100 best corporate citizens
by Business Ethics magazine. The company is one of only 16 companies
named to the list each year since its inception seven years ago.
[More
on this Story]
Part
P Training And Assessment For KBB Industry From NICEIC Domestic
Installer Scheme
The
KBB industry has welcomed a programme of assessment and training,
launched by the KBSA, which offers retailers a clear route to self-certification
under the requirements of the new Part P legislation. 'This legislation
has created havoc in our industry and I am delighted that the KBSA
has been able to offer a solution that will help retailers comply
and get back to running their businesses,' says the KBSA.
[More
on this Story]
Masco
Corporation Announces New Share BuyBack
Masco
Corporation announced on 10th May that its Board of Directors has
authorised the purchase of up to 50 million shares of its Common
Stock in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions
or otherwise.
[More
on this Story]
Gorenje
Teases Luxury Fridge-Freezer Market with Swarovski
Gorenje
has launched two Premium Touch fridge-freezers, crystallised with
Swarovski - one with 7,000 hand-embedded crystals (on sale in Harrods
with an unusual POA ('Price on Application') ticket and the other
- much more affordable for the likes of you and I (not) - with a
mere 3500 glass beads (sorry, 'jewels').
[More
on this Story]
Record-breaking
Visitor Numbers at KBB/Expotile 2006
Now the ABC audit has been completed, KBB / Expotile has announced 2006
visitor numbers at an all time high, registering 19,122 through the door
- a 15% increase compared to 2004.
[More
on this Story]
The
Franke Sorter Achieves Red Dot Award
The
Sorter waste management system from Franke has recently achieved
a Red Dot Award for design excellence.
[More
on this Story]
HomePro
Guarantees Four-in-One Insurance Performance for the KBB Sector
HomePro
Insurance - one of the UK's leading providers of Insurance Backed
Guarantees (IBGs) - has introduced a dedicated warranty product
for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom retail installation sector
[More
on this Story]
De
Dietrich Reports Sales Increases
Premium
brand De Dietrich has announced excellent year on year sales increases
in many of its product categories for the first four months of 2006.
[More
on this Story]
Gaggenau
Launches First Totally Online Trade Promotion
In
what is believed to be the first below-the-line promotion of its
type in the UK kitchen industry, luxury built in appliance specialist,
Gaggenau has launched a totally online reward scheme for its retailers
via a specially created dedicated website
[More
on this Story]
William
Ball Star Retailer Hits the Small Screen
Premier
Kitchens & Bedrooms, an exclusive William Ball retailer with
six outlets across the East Anglia region, recently came to the
rescue of a family that had been ripped off by cowboy builders when
creating their new extension.
[More
on this Story]
Smarter
Working Campaign gets TUC Support
Work
Wise UK now has the backing of the TUC for its three-year initiative
to encourage the widespread adoption of smarter working practices,
such as flexible working, mobile working, remote working and working
from home.
[More
on this Story]
Everything
Bespoke from Holzma at Unibase
Unibase
is one of Northern Ireland's fastest growing specialist manufacturers
of kitchen and now bedroom carcases. With a bespoke service that
belies the huge volumes at the Antrim factory, Unibase relies to
a significant extent on the performance of the company's Holzma
saws and Magi-Cut software.
[More
on this Story]
AND
FINALLY...
How
Much Water Does Showering Use?
Kirsten
Gram-Hanssen PHD a senior researcher for the Department of Housing
and Urban Renewal in Denmark, recently undertook a study on cleanliness
habits amongst Danish teenagers. Kirsten came up with some observations
that you may find surprising.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 143 5th May 2006
Crosswater
Announces the Acquisition of Classic Showers
Crosswater Ltd has announced the acquisition of Classic Showers Ltd
which trades as Simpsons Shower Enclosures. Classic Showers is based
in Guildford, Surrey and the workforce of 60 will continue to operate
from the existing premises as a subsidiary of the holding company.
[More
on this Story]
Masco
Reports Record First Quarter Results
Masco Corporation reported on 2nd May that net sales
from continuing operations for the quarter ended March 31st, 2006
increased nine percent to a first quarter record of $3.2 billion compared
with $2.9 billion for the first quarter of 2005. North American sales
increased 13 percent and International sales decreased five percent.
In local currencies, International sales increased three percent compared
with the first quarter of 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Saint-
Gobain Glass Launches SGG FEELING Glass Tiles in the UK
Saint-Gobain Glass is set to launch SGG FEELING in the UK. The specialist
glass wall tile range will be available nation-wide from spring 2006.
SGG FEELING brings something new to the tile market with is its patented
design.
[More
on this Story]
Bosch:
Good Prospects Internationally
The
Bosch Group once again improved its sales and result in fiscal
year 2005, and has made a good start to 2006. At the Annual Press
Conference in Stuttgart, Franz Fehrenbach, Chairman of the Bosch
Board of Management, said: ‘For the current year, we expect
sales to increase by roughly five percent.’
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
plc Acquisition Update
Wolseley
plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing
and heating products to professional contractors and a leading
supplier of building materials, announced on May 3rd three further
acquisitions for an aggregate consideration of £49 million.
[More
on this Story]
Top
Design Awards for new Kermi Towel Radiators
Following
the European Product design award for Kermi's top of the range
Toca Shower Enclosure range last year the company has announced
two further awards for the new Credo Towel Radiators launched
at the recent KBB Exhibition.
[More
on this Story]
BMA
to Launch Special Needs Campaign at Lords
This
year's annual National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) House of Lords
luncheon on 22nd May is being held in association with the Bathroom
Manufacturer's Association and Armitage Shanks.
[More
on this Story]
'Sustainable
Homes' require Bathrooms to be larger, says BMA
In
a recent survey by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association into
the use of bathrooms for people with a disability - one in three,
of the people surveyed, called for larger bathrooms in British
homes.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Design Innovation Awards Ceremony and AGM
This
year's Design Innovation Awards ceremony and AGM promises to be
extremely popular and those wishing to attend are being urged
to book soon to avoid disappointment.
[More
on this Story]
Britannia
Launches New Sales Promotion for Dealers
Range
cooker specialist Britannia has launched a new sales promotion,
which offers customers free accessories with range cookers sold
between May 1st and July 31st. Dealers will receive dedicated
point of sale material to support the promotion and consumers
will be sent a promotional leaflet when they request a brochure.
[More
on this Story]
100%
Light Launches September 2006
100%
Light is a brand new show launching at Earls Court 1, 21-24 September
2006. The new lighting show will be located alongside 100% Design
and 100% Detail, adding to these already highly successful international
exhibitions.
[More
on this Story]
Kitchen
Showcase 06 in Exclusive Partnership Deal with Gaggenau
Gaggenau,
Europe's foremost manufacturer of luxury built in appliances for
the domestic kitchen, has joined forces with Masterclass Events
ltd, organisers of Kitchen Showcase 06, to deliver the largest
UK event in 2006 dedicated entirely to kitchen design.
[More
on this Story]
First
VDA Bathroom Forum
On
1st June 2006, the first Bathroom Forum of the Association of
the German Sanitary Industry (VDS - Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft)
will take place in the Side Hotel in Hamburg.
[More
on this Story]
Record
Month for Lawcris Panel Products
Following
a boom of sales in March, Lawcris Panel Products has broken its
financial records by achieving a turnover of three million in
one month alone.
[More
on this Story]
International
Quality Standard for Clearwater Collection
Clearwater
Collection, the manufacturer of luxury handmade freestanding acrylic
baths in Europe, has achieved the internationally recognised quality
accreditation, ISO 9001.
[More
on this Story]
Double
Win for Heritage at Yorkshire Productivity Awards
Heritage
Bathrooms once again picked up two awards for best practice in
manufacturing at Yorkshire's most prestigious industry awards.
[More
on this Story]
Will
the Government's New Building Regulations Affect your Business?
The
Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom National Training Group is working
with the National Association of Professional Inspectors &
Testers (NAPIT) to promote a series of seminars relating to recent
changes in the building regulations.
[More
on this Story]
Selfridges
Calls on the Heritage Experts for FuturePunk Displays
Top
fashion store Selfridges brought in architectural heritage specialist
Drummonds to provide the backdrop for its recent themed fashion
event.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Europe Introduces In.Home
On the occasion of the Eurocucina international
kitchen fair, Whirlpool Europe introduces In.Home, its new research
project unveiling new perspectives in interior design. This project
explores the extraordinary flexibility and the endless transformation
possibilities of today's home.
[More
on this Story]
Bathrooms
are the New Kitchens
Leading
urban developer City Lofts Group reports that bathrooms have overtaken
kitchens as the key room that influences a purchaser's decision
when they are looking for a city centre apartment.
[More
on this Story]
Britain
to Lead the World in Work Revolution
Just
as Britain led the way with industrialisation in the 19th century,
we are looking to lead the world in changing the work culture
in the 21st.
[More
on this Story]
AND
FINALLY...
The
Ups and Downs of the Business Name Game
Forget
a snazzy logo or stylish shop front - a new report from Yell,
publisher of Yellow Pages directories, highlights just how important
a robust business name is in the home services sector to attract
consumer interest.
[More
on this Story]