Welcome to THE K&BZINE News Archive: September 2007

 

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

THE K&BZINE ISSUE 208  28th September 2007

Kelly Hoppen's New KH2 Range Launched at 100% Design
Waterfront Bathrooms recently unveiled the next phase of its design collaboration with Kelly Hoppen at the suitable platform of the super-stylish London exhibition 100% Design. Complementing the existing Kelly Hoppen range, KH2 - which was extremely well received at the exhibition - has joined other 'designer' ranges in the Waterfront portfolio.

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Mike Conlon Appointed Managing Director of Twyford Bathrooms
Sanitec, Europe's leading sanitaryware manufacturer, announced on Monday 24th September, that Mike Conlon, Twyford Bathrooms' Sales and Marketing Director is to become the Senior Vice President of Sanitec UK & Ireland and Managing Director for Twyford Bathrooms, effective from October 1st 2007.
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Waterline Flies The Flag For New White-Westinghouse Portfolio
Waterline Ltd has recently become the latest distributor of Premium Appliance Brands' American-styled, White-Westinghouse portfolio of kitchen appliances.
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Whirlpool Chairman Jeff Fettig Accepts Human Capital Award
Whirlpool Corporation Chairman and CEO Jeff M. Fettig has been named the 2007 recipient of the Human Capital Advantage Award by Hunt-Scanlon Advisors.
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William Ball Appointed as Appliance Distributor for Hotpoint & Indesit
Expanding its appliance distribution portfolio, William Ball has been appointed a national distributor for Hotpoint and Indesit built-in appliances. The company has long been a national distributor for Baumatic, Neff and Belling and this expansion of its appliance offering reflects the success it has had with such quality brand appliances.

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Zaccariotto Cucine Makes its Debut in the UK
Zaccariotto Cucine, one of Italy's leading high quality manufacturers of bespoke kitchens, is now set to enter the UK market following the appointment of its exclusive UK distributor Hullu Service Ltd.
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Julius Blum and Van Hagen - Utopia Suppliers of the Year
Utopia has announced that Julius Blum and Van Hagen have won the 2007 Utopia Supplier of the Year awards. Each year the UK bathroom furniture manufacturer makes two 'Best Supplier' awards, one in the distributor category and one in the manufacturer category, based on its vendor appraisal system.
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BMA and Three Valleys Water Promote Water Efficiency to Children
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), as part of its ongoing water efficiency initiatives, is teaming up with Three Valleys Water to offer schoolchildren aged between four and seven who live in the South East the opportunity to learn all about sensible water usage in the bathroom and win a trip for their class.
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Coram Specified For Luxurious Millwood Homes Development
Coram Showers' Optima range of shower enclosures and its completely leak free bath screens have been specified by housebuilder, Millwood Homes (Devon) Ltd, for Littlewood Meadow, a luxurious village style, residential development in Hatherleigh, Devon, which consists of 63 high specification properties.
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Maytag's Christmas Incentive for Retailers
In the run up to Christmas, retailers can boost their sales by taking advantage of Maytag UK's Capital Bonds incentive for their staff. Maytag UK, the supplier of premium refrigeration and laundry appliances, has reintroduced the Capital Bonds incentive promotion due to its earlier success with both retailers and staff.

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A+ Electrolux Freezer is One of Complete Set Chosen for Antarctic Project
The Electrolux EUF27391X upright freezer is one of a complete set of Electrolux kitchen appliances to be chosen for the world's first Zero Emissions Antarctic Base Station. This station has to be self sufficient - it will use solar power and wind power - so every fraction of a kW counts!
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Ecoforce/Sensaflow Director Disqualified for 7 Years
According to information provided by the Insolvency Service, Peter Branch has been disqualified as a director for 7 years after his company Sensaflow Ltd (company No 04196833, registered in Bridgwater) - which produced and marketed an electronic urinal flush-flow regulator was placed in compulsory liquidation with debts of £68,685.00
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The Laundry Room - Some Useful Facts from Electrolux
Dawn Stockell, Brand & Marketing Manager at Electrolux answers a variety of consumer questions on The Laundry Room. For example, 'Why are washing machine programs so long these days? If I bought a machine 10 – 12 years ago it would take about an hour for a cotton wash at 40°C or 60. These days it takes me twice as long'.
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Whirlpool Develops High-Efficiency Washer Cleaner
In an effort to combat odour-causing residue in high-efficiency (HE) washing machines, Whirlpool Corporation, the laundry specialist, has announced a washer cleaner - Affresh™ tablets. Until now, some HE washing machine owners have attempted to clean mould and mildew stains with everything from bleach to vinegar with limited results.
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Whirlpool Offers Behind-the-Scenes Look at Brand Differentiation
As a specialist in the highly competitive home appliance industry, Whirlpool Corporation knows the value and necessity of clear brand differentiation. Whirlpool offers a wide array of choices of leading appliance brands to best meet consumers' needs.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 207  24th September 2007

Crosswater Acquires Prospect Sales
Crosswater Ltd has announced the acquisition of Prospect Sales (Plumbing supplies) Ltd. Prospect Sales is based in Stockton, Durham, where the workforce will continue to operate from the existing premises as a subsidiary of the Crosswater holding company.
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Free Luxury Case Of Wine
In the run-up to the party season, Fisher & Paykel Appliances will offer consumers a free luxury case of wine with any single, double or undercounter oven or 1200mm range cooker purchased between 1st October and 31st December 2007.

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The Future of Indulgent Beauty Pampering?
During an international press conference held at the 2007 100% Design Exhibition currently taking place at Earls Court in London, Ideal Standard unveiled the results of a joint sponsorship with the Helen Hamlyn Centre of Tomek Rygalik, Research Associate of the London Royal Collage of Art (RCA) Design Products.
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Deva Takes on Methven Global Product Sourcing
With the acquisition of Deva by Methven now complete, the Lancashire-based brassware manufacturer has this month increased its global capabilities by managing product sourcing for the entire Group.
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Ceramic Success for Mereway Bathrooms
Mereway Bathrooms are delighted with the uptake of their brand new range of ceramicware. Known for offering both fitted and freestanding bathroom furniture, Mereway Bathrooms extended their product range earlier this year and now provide their retailers with a single source for all bathroom related products.
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Kohler Mira Appoints New MD
Kohler Mira announces the appointment of Jeffrey Mueller as managing director - Kohler Mira, replacing Roger Wilson who leaves the business to pursue his career in another industry.
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Utopia Hosts Series of Retailer Days
Utopia, the manufacturer of bathroom furniture, welcomed over 150 bathroom specialists to the first phase of its Retailer Day programme over the summer.
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Magnet Cooks up a Ratatouille
Magnet, the kitchen expert, is teaming up with Disney Pixar this October to mark the release of Ratatouille, the new animated comedy-adventure about a culinary rat named Remy!
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Water Purifying Company Makes a Splash in America
A Wigan based company specialising in environmentally friendly water purifying systems is making a worldwide splash, with significant help from UK Trade & Investment.
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New Build Award (in design) at LEAF Awards
Vogue UK, one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of heated towel rails, designer radiators and accessories, is investing in a major new marketing initiative by sponsoring the New Build Award (in design) at the prestigious LEAF Awards, the Leading European Architects Forum, which will presented at a spectacular dinner in London on 29 November 2007.
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Quooker Sales 'Hit Boiling Point'
Since appointing Stephen Johnson as UK Managing Director, Quooker, the manufacturer of the patented 100ºc boiling water tap, has increased its UK displaying dealership from 70 to 150 and also made significant progress within the developer market.
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Baxi Duo-tec Rated Britain's Best Buy Combi Boiler by Which?
Baxi is celebrating its success after one of its combination boilers was voted Best Buy by leading consumer magazine Which? The Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE achieved 5-star ratings for efficiency, low NOx emissions (Nitrogen Oxide), features and installing. Which? described it as a great choice for flats and smaller houses.
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Electrolux Tackles Sustainability Issues Profitably
'Making money and running a sustainable business go hand-in-hand,' says Electrolux President and CEO Hans Stråberg. 'There is a consumer demand for products that meet high sustainability standards. Consumers are willing to pay more for such products.'
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Litestone - Boundless Possibilities
The Waterloo showroom of the Stonetheatre houses an interesting display of attractive stone called Litestone. Because of its lightness, Litestone is of particular use to architects and designers who would not have previously considered using stone in designs, owing to the weight of the material.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 206  14th September 2007

Hoover Brand Enters Scandinavian Market
The Hoover Candy Group, has signed a deal with leading Scandinavian manufacturer Helkama Forste of Finland to acquire the exclusive commercial rights for the Helkama and Grepa appliances.  Products sold in the region will now be dual branded with Hoover and aimed at the medium to high end market sector.
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Big Tour is a Big Hit for Franke
Sink manufacturer Franke supported the Broughton Crangrove Big Tour this week. The event, which is made up of five roadshows, is designed to attract kitchen retailers from across the UK to see the products on offer.
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Fond Farewell to James & Wilhelmina Theobald!
Celebrating the end of an era, James and Wilhelmina Theobald recently held a garden party to say a big thank you to all the company’s staff and their families. The party kicked off in style with a jazz band to entertain the guests and for the children the fun of the fair arrived with a merry go round and bouncy castle.
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Aqualux Offers Free Showroom Display System
Get your hands on the latest showroom must have with Aqualux's FREE state-of-the-art enclosure and literature display units
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Whirlpool Launches New Range at 'The Hospital'
Whirlpool launched a new range of handsome and innovative products at 'The Hospital' near Covent Garden yesterday (Thursday 13th September). Particularly impressive was the Side by side espresso fridge with built in coffee maker available from January 2008.
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Rugby Stars at Ideal Standard Event
Ideal Standard booked several tables at Austin Healey's testimonial lunch last Friday and used the occasion to show off its Tris shower, steam room and sauna combination. Stars at the lunch included Will Carling, Nick Farr-Jones, Rory and Tony Underwood and Martin Johnson.
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Mira Launches National Consumer Advertising Campaign
Mira Showers has taken the step into national consumer magazine advertising marking a new phase in the company's promotional activities.
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Nicholas Anthony Celebrates 25 Year Anniversary and 25% Growth
Award-winning luxury kitchens and bathrooms retailer, Nicholas Anthony, is celebrating a double success. The kitchen business is 25 years old this year, having established its Colchester showroom to focus solely on kitchens in 1982.
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Stuart Frazer is Appointed on a £15m Scheme
Manchester kitchen specialist, Stuart Frazer, has been appointed to design the kitchens for a residential scheme worth £15m at Leabank Country Estate in Rossendale on behalf on The Hurstwood Group.
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Symphony Back on the Airwaves
Symphony will make a big come back on national TV this autumn, starring into two primetime television shows. The company has been focusing its marketing push towards prime time television shows in a bid to gain further exposure for its three retail brands.
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Electrolux Supply Chain Staff Achieve Prestigious CILT Membership
Five Supply Chain team members at Electrolux are celebrating their success in attaining the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Corporate Certificate of Membership which was awarded to them for their outstanding performance in all areas of supply chain, logistics and warehousing.
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Electrolux to Apply for Deregistration
Electrolux intends to apply for deregistration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Deregistration is expected to become effective during the fourth quarter 2007.
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BMA Member Kohler Mira Has Bathroom Academy Success
Kohler Mira is first member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) to have an employee gain the Certificate in Bathroom Studies from the Bathroom Academy.
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Kitchen Generator Equips with Homag for the Future
Kent-based Kitchen Generator was set up in June by Director Darren Mace and his wife Tara to manufacture and supply quality carcasses to retailers and small to medium manufacturers. Darren Mace has 15 years of experience in manufacturing kitchen cabinet furniture.
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John Boddy Timber Continues to Invest for Customers
Following on from major investment in moulding and tooling facilities for the company’s value added products services division - primarily mouldings, profiles and flooring - John Boddy Timber has installed a state-of-the-art Raimann KR310M multi-rip saw.
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Wolseley plc Acquisitions 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 this week five bolt on acquisitions for an aggregate consideration of £87 million.
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FIRA Conference goes Green
With carbon footprinting, global warming and sustainability high on the political and business agendas, FIRA's National Furniture Conference will have a green theme this year.
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Whirlpool Scientists Help Consumers Sort Out Age Old Chore
Whirlpool brand's Institute of Fabric Science (WIFS) has entered the re-launch cycle, now the freshest laundry resource for millions of customers worldwide. The recently transformed WIFS Web site utilises the expertise of fabric professionals to tackle the various laundry-related inquiries that Whirlpool receives from consumers.
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Growth Of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Credit Revolutionises Home Improvement Sales
The introduction of 'buy now, pay later' credit deals to the home improvement market has resulted in a surge in sales within the sector says independent finance specialist Consumer Credit Solutions (CCS).

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Cowboy Builders Run out of Town
Rogue tradesmen beware! Develop Your Property, a Which? essential guide has produced guidelines so tough it will have cowboy builders heading for the hills.

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Major New Route to TrustMark for Reputable Tradesmen
TrustMark has approved FENSA Ltd and Exor Management Services as scheme operators to help sign up firms to the award-winning, Government-backed initiative which helps householders find trustworthy tradespeople to make improvement and repairs inside and outside the home.
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Staff Work Best Under Remote Control
Smarter working practices are becoming more widely adopted. Tomorrow’s Leaders, a study commissioned by City & Guilds and the Institute of Leadership and Management, issued recently, reveals that 73 per cent of managers have flexible working in their organisation.
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Shower Takes Upper Hand as we get too Busy to Bathe
Bath or shower: it's an issue that threatens to split the nation - and the signs are that the shower is beginning to get the upper hand, according to leading home furnishing retailer Housing Units.
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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 205  7th September 2007

100% Design London Debates the Big Issues in Design and Architecture
Inspired to create a city of design, Tom Dixon's re-invigoration of 100% Design London's exhibition space has placed creative discussion and debate at the heart of the show. Located in the centre of 100% Design London, The Finnforest Merk Theatre will host a wide range of large seminars covering sustainability and green issues, new technologies, interior trends, and the contract market.
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Green Building Store Launches First Mail Order Water Saving Collection
Green Building Store, the UK supplier of sustainable building products, is launching The Water Saving Collection – an exclusive range of water saving products available to buy mail order.
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Aqualux Hits All Time High
Aqualux's new look website is proving to be a big hit with customers with visits to http://www.aqualux.co.uk doubling since the launch of over 100 new products at the Bathroom and Kitchen Expo in May.
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Coram Appoints Five Acora Sales Agents
Coram Showers has appointed five new sales agents for its recently launched retail range, Acora. Brian Robertson, Larry Alford, John Corbett, Alan Downes and Simon Evans will be responsible for driving forward sales of Acora's enclosure and bath screen designs across the UK.
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Label Scheme Website goes Live
On 1st September 2007, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme website at www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk went live offering the Bathroom Industry another new innovative service.
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Aqata Promotes Jayne Barnes to the Role of Managing Director
Aqata, the UK independent British manufacturer of shower enclosures, has announced the appointment of Jayne Barnes as its new Managing Director. Jayne has been working for Aqata since 1991, most recently holding the position of Sales and Operations Director.
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Ian Brown Appointed Managing Director of Homag UK
Ian Brown has been appointed Managing Director of Homag UK as of September 2007. Ian brings extensive experience to the position having spent his entire working life in the woodworking sector.
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RAK Ceramics Supports Public Building Award at the LEAF Awards
RAK Ceramics, the tile and sanitaryware manufacturer is investing in a major new marketing initiative by sponsoring The Public Building Award’s In Design category, at the prestigious Leading European Architects Forum (LEAF) Awards 2007, presented at a spectacular dinner in London on the 29th November.
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Electrolux Supports Sustainable Project of the Year at LEAF Awards
Electrolux, the producer of both home and professional appliances and equipment, is investing in a major new marketing initiative by sponsoring the Best Environmentally Sustainable Project of the Year at the LEAF Awards.
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Bianca adds Luxury Touch for Charles Church
Shades has announced that its high gloss Bianca range of fitted bathroom furniture has been selected by high-end developer Charles Church to add an extra touch of luxury to its Pen y fai development in South Wales.
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Chesterfield 'Plumbing and Heating Engineer' Fined £3,000
Philip Goodman (62), a self-employed plumbing and heating engineer, was fined £3,000 at Chesterfield Magistrates' Court on Monday 3rd September for working on gas appliances without being registered with the Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI).
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Wolseley plc Acquisitions Update
Wolseley plc, specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, has announced two further bolt on acquisitions for an aggregate consideration of £9 million.
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IPHE Partners with HPE
CMPi has announced the partnership between the new Heating and Plumbing Event, HPE, and the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, IPHE.
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Limited Stands Left at KBB
With 85% sold and a limited number of stands left at KBB, the event has gone from strength to strength with the key companies now involved in the event, now taking place from 2-5 March 2008 in six halls.
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tc Showers Retailers with Sales Opportunities
tc bathrooms has extended its shower range with a number of new products that are now available to retailers, which offers a good opportunity for retailers to increase their sales.
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New Moretti Taps from Screwfix - Bellissimo!
Screwfix says that there is only one word to describe its new and exclusive range of Italian inspired taps - Bellissimo!
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Evitavonni Introduces Zucchetti Brassware
As a supplier of Zucchetti, Evitavonni now offers the full range of brassware from the Italian tap specialist including Isy, Aguablu, Soft, Pan and Bellagio.
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Latest One Day KBB Sales Course
The latest one day KBB sales course was held at Miele Experience Centre on 5th September and was attended by 16 KBB delegates including designers from Poggenpohl and Bulthaup.
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New Environmentally Friendly Urinal Hygiene Service
Enviro-Fresh, Rentokil Initial’s expert provider of effective and environmentally friendly washroom solutions, has launches a new water saving, urinal hygiene service in the UK.
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