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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 40 27th February 2004
DHUK
Launches ‘Trade Select’
Design
House UK, working from a purpose built 5,800 sq ft. warehouse and office
complex in Bolton in Lancashire, recently launched ‘Trade Select’,
a range of practical high quality taps for kitchen & bathroom plus
showers, shower pumps and bathroom accessories. All products are presented
in striking and recognisable packaging individual to the company.
The Trade Select range will be marketed through the traditional Builders’
and Plumbers’ Merchant chain
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on this Story]
Family Fails to Clean up in Washing
Machine Fire Case
A family who claimed a faulty washing machine caused a £1m fire
at their home were today landed with a £150,000 legal bill after
dropping their case for compensation. Quintin Lovis and his wife Michele
sued Hoover and high street chain Dixons, claiming the £349 washing
machine was to blame for the fire at their 17th-century Essex farmhouse.
But on Tuesday they withdrew the case and face paying £25,000 each
to Hoover and Dixons in legal bills as well as their own costs of £100,000.
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on this Story]
Maytag
Corporation and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Announce Strategic Alliance
Agreement
Maytag
Corporation and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced on 24th February
that they have signed an agreement for Samsung to manufacture high-efficiency,
front- load laundry products for Maytag. The strategic agreement is designed
to expand Maytag's existing laundry product lines and strengthen its market
position, both in the United States and internationally. Maytag plans
to continue manufacturing laundry products in the United States.
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on this Story]
University
Doctor to Earn More by Becoming a Plumber
A
molecular biologist is retraining as a plumber in response to the comparatively
low wages paid by his university, it emerged recently. Dr Karl Gensberg
said he hoped to double his £23,000 annual salary by abandoning
his post at Birmingham University, following a 13-year career in research.
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on this Story]
Renewal
of Royal Warrant at Stoneham
English
kitchen furniture manufacturers, Stoneham Plc,
has had its Royal Warrant to HM The Queen officially renewed after an
initial tenure of 10 years. Under new strict rules the present Award will
be evaluated for renewal after 5 years.
Stoneham is a 5th generation manufacturer of fine furniture founded in
1864.
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on this Story]
Hansgrohe
Provides Luxurious Bathrooms Onboard the QM2
Hansgrohe
has provided bespoke designer bathroom fittings to Cunard's new flagship
ocean liner, Queen Mary 2. Following five years of planning, QM2 was named
by HM the Queen in an historic ceremony on January 8th, attracting worldwide
media attention.
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on this Story]
Hibberd
Distribution Success Demands New Premises
Hibberd
Distribution Ltd, the Blackpool based distributor of both Hotpoint and
Indesit kitchen appliances, has recently moved premises due to business
expansion. Adding a new head office, showroom and extensive warehouse
facilities, holding a larger quantity of stock for prompt delivery and
service.
[More
on this Story]
De
Dietrich Home Deliveries Include Full Installation for Every Sale of American
Refrigeration
As
part of its ongoing improvement of service, all home deliveries of De
Dietrich American fridge freezers include free installation and connection
of the water kit to existing plumbing.
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on this Story]
Orama
Uncovers lndustry Perspective on the Worksurface Market
In
a recent survey, Orama, the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and
associated decorative products, polled KBB industry professionals about
their views on future trends for kitchen worksurfaces. The short questionnaire
was designed to supplement Orama's initial market research findings in
a continued strategy to match its products to the needs of the industry
and to put its customers at the heart of its new product development.
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on this Story]
Another
'Lift' for Wilsonart
Wilsonart,
the worktop manufacturer and high-pressure laminate supplier has continued
with its growth programme in plant and equipment. The purchase of seven
new fork-lift trucks from 'Lansing Linde' has seen capital expenditure,
in this area alone, rise to around £250,000 in recent months.
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on this Story]
Hotpoint
is 5th Strongest of All Brands in the UK
The
UK kitchen appliance brand, Hotpoint, is ranked number 5 in a consumer
survey asking which brand they can't live without. In a recent survey
conducted by Martin Hamblin GFK, 1,000 adults were asked to name three
brands of any products or services they could not live without. The survey
revealed that Hotpoint came 5th, ahead of top brands Sony, Sainsbury's
and Heinz. It was only topped by BT at number one followed by British
Gas, Tesco and SKY TV.
[More
on this Story]
Twigden
Homes Offers Opus Multi-Room Entertainment System in Southern Show Room
Opus Technologies, the manufacturer of multi-room entertainment systems
and structured wiring solutions, recently announced that Twigden Homes
will now offer the Opus 500 Series Multi-Room Entertainment System to
new home buyers in the company's Southern Regional 'Choices' show room.
[More
on this Story]
Huge
Increase in Bankruptcies
The number of people going bankrupt has soared by nearly a third during
the past year. During the final three months of 2003, 10,271 people in
England and Wales became insolvent, 12% more than during the previous
quarter and a 28.9% jump on the same period of 2002.
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on this Story]
Electrolux
Board Proposals: Michael Treschow, new Chairman, and Aina Nilsson, new
Board Member
As
previously reported, Rune Andersson has declined re-election as Chairman
of the Electrolux Board at the Annual General Meeting in April 2004. Jacob
Wallenberg, Vice-Chairman, has also declined re-election.
[More
on this Story]
UK
Company Profitability Enters Fifth Year of Decline
The
collapse in profitability of UK companies continued into the second quarter
of 2003, according to Experian® in its latest Corporate Health Check. The
average return on capital among leading British companies across the industrial
economy fell from 5.76 per cent in the 12 months to March 2003 to 5.23
per cent in the twelve months to June 2003.
[More
on this Story]
Consumer
Credit Licensing Annual Update
The
OFT carried out a total of 1119 licensing actions in 2003. Some 778 licence
applications were withdrawn following challenge from the OFT, 228 warning
or advisory letters were issued and 113 Minded to Revoke/Refuse notices.
In addition, the OFT refused 34 licences and revoked 19 licences.
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on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 39 20th February 2004
Electrolux
2003 Profits Down, but Increase in R&D Spend Promised for 2004
Appliance manufacturer, Swedish group Electrolux, has announced a lacklustre
performance in its 2003 results, with net income declining 6.2% over the
year. However, most of this decline is attributable to unfavourable currency
movements, as a result of a stong Krone. While US and European markets,
especially the UK, remained strong, the company had problems in Brazil,
the Far East and Australia. However, despite the downturn, the company
has committed to additional spend on R&D in 2004.
[More
on this Story]
Masco
Reports Record Sales and Earnings for 2003, and Warns of European Disposals
Masco
Corporation reported on February 13th that net sales from continuing operations
for the year ended December 31st, 2003, aided by acquisitions, increased
20 percent to a record $10.9bn compared with $9.1bn for 2002.The Company
reviews its business portfolio on an ongoing basis as part of its corporate
strategic planning and has determined that several of its European businesses
are not core to the Company's long-term growth strategy and, accordingly,
has embarked on a plan of disposition.
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on this Story]
BC
Partners Supports Baxi Refinancing Project
Baxi Group Ltd announced on 28th January the successful completion of
its refinancing project, in a deal valued at about £600m. It is
thought that BC outbid manufacturers Merloni and United Technologies,
along with a number of capital investment firms, to secure the deal. Under
the terms of the agreement, funds advised by BC Partners will become the
new shareholders of the well known boilermaker which also has a UK shower
division with companies such as Aqualisa and Gainsborough.
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on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Files Second Suit Against LG for Clothes Washer Patent Infringement
Whirlpool
Corporation announced on February 13th that it has filed a second patent
infringement suit against LG Electronics, Inc., and the South Korean company's
U.S. affiliate, LG Electronics USA, Inc., for infringing clothes washer
patents.
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on this Story]
Wolseley
plc Update on Recent Acquisition Activity
Wolseley
plc, the specialist trade distributor of plumbing, heating and building
materials products provides an update on recent acquisitions. Since the
announcement of the acquisition of Tobler Management Holding AG ('Tobler')
for £52 million on 1st December 2003 a further five additional distribution
businesses in Europe and the USA have been acquired for an aggregate consideration
of approximately £11 million in cash.
[More
on this Story]
Amana
Dishwashers Join Maytag UK's Portfolio
The premium refrigeration brand, Amana, is extending its product portfolio
to include dishwashers. 'The Amana brand is very important in Maytag's
future strategy. It is the brand that brings customisation, innovation
and style to the market.
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on this Story]
Ardesco
50mm Worksurface Selected for New Kitchen Design
A
worksurface with 50mm edging from Orama, the independent manufacturer
of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, is being showcased
in Ultima Furniture Systems’ latest kitchen design.
[More
on this Story]
Whitehall
Aims to Top Corian Turnover with New Expansion
Whitehall
Fabrications has expanded the size of its UK operation by a third, enabling
the company to increase the turnover of DuPont Corian®by at least
thirty per cent.
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on this Story]
Bristan
Achieves Showering Success
Bristan,
the UK brassware supplier claims to have already achieved market-leading
status in brassware, with market share of over 24%. It has now has turned
its attention to the showering market.
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on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 38 13th February 2004
Armitage
Shanks Announces Redundancies in Stoke and Rugeley
New
pressure casting equipment is due to replace more than 170 employees who
are being made redundant at the Armitage Shanks factory in Stoke-on-Trent,
and its second Staffordshire plant near Rugeley. Parent company American
Standard has invested in the new machinery, which means it no longer needs
people to make the traditional Plaster of Paris moulds.
[More
on this Story]
Ellis
Bardsley Leaves Maytag UK
Maytag
UK announced on 10th February that Ellis Bardsley, Managing Director is
leaving the company to follow other endeavours. John Pinto, Vice President
of Finance for Maytag International and formally Finance Director of Maytag
UK has been appointed Interim Managing Director.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
UK's Tasty Deals for 2004
The
start of the New Year heralds pricing opportunities for retailers, with
Maytag UK's brands. There are price reductions to be had on both Maytag
and Admiral appliances. Trade prices have been reduced on all Admiral
products representing good value enabling retailers to play at new price
points and offering new opportunities at entry price points.
[More
on this Story]
New
Identity Accentuates Orama’s Design-Led Philosophy
Orama,
the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative
products, has unveiled a completely new identity which will be progressively
phased-in across its operation over the coming months. Breaking away from
its current look, Orama’s new corporate identity reflects its design-led
approach.
[More
on this Story]
Mayor
Opens New Showroom for Twyford Pure Collection
Monday
January 12th saw The Mayor of Congleton, Councillor Douglas Parker, cut
the ribbon to officially open the new showroom for Twyford’s Twyford
Pure collection.
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on this Story]
Victoria
& Albert Announces 71% Increase in Sales for 2003
British
freestanding bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert Baths has announced
end of year results showing an impressive +71% increase in worldwide sales.
Victoria & Albert cites the launch of new contemporary models such
as the Monaco and Capri baths in addition to securing major new distributors
as key factors in the sales growth.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Considers Closing Vacuum Cleaner Factory in Västervik, Sweden
Electrolux
is investigating a transfer of vacuum cleaner production in Västervik,
Sweden, to Hungary and a possible closure of the factory in Västervik.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 37 6th February 2004
Management
Buyout for Pegler
Pegler
announced on Wednesday 4th February a Management buyout of its business
from Tomkins and will from now on trade as an independent limited company.
[More
on this Story]
Merloni
2003: Another Year of Sustained Growth - Sales up 21%, profit before tax
up 19%
On
2nd February the Merloni board of directors approved the results for the
last quarter of 2003 and reviewed the provisional figures for 2003, which
include growth in sales (21%), operating margin (21%, or 8.2% of sales)
and profit before tax (19%).
[More
on this Story]
Food
Waste Disposer Manufacturer is In-Sink With the Needs of its Customers
Food
waste disposer manufacturer, In-Sink-Erator, has relocated its UK/European
sales and marketing base to premises in Watford, in order to service the
growing needs of its customers.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
and CITB- Constructionskills Announce Landmark Training Agreement
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association and the CITB- ConstructionSkills
have announced details of a landmark agreement on training that will raise
standards and quality in the industry.
[More
on this Story]
England
Rugby Hero 'Tries' his Hand at Ice Cool Art for Teenage Cancer Trust
Sports Personality of the Year, Jonny Wilkinson has moved from the touch
line to the paint pallet in support of Teenage Cancer Trust. 'Goldenboot'
used his 'Goldenbrush' to add his personal touch to an LG fridge which
was auctioned off for the charity and immediately snapped up by a private
bidder..
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on this Story]
James
Jeong joins LG Electronics UK as Managing Director
James Jeong has been appointed managing director of LG Electronics UK.
Jeong has 20 years experience with LG, including senior positions in both
Korea and the USA..
[More
on this Story]
John
Sydney Announces Record 2003
John Sydney has just announced a record 12 months for sales in 2003 with
over 26% growth achieved year on year.
[More
on this Story]
Combined
Masco Radiator Group has 17% Share of UK Business
Masco, the multi-national building products group, has restructured its
decorative radiator activities in the UK. lmperial Towel Rails and Vasco
UK will now be combined into a single company under Managing Director
Barry Custy (pictured).
[More
on this Story]
Masco
Launches the UK Bathroom Group
With
effect from January 1st 2004, Masco announces the formation of the Masco
UK Bathroom Group. The companies involved in this new Group are: Bristan
Group, NewTeam, Heritage Bathrooms, AJ Gummers and Imperial Towel Rails
[More
on this Story]
ArtiCAD
Expands Internationally
ArtiCAD,
the UK producer of CAD software solutions, has announced the opening of
a dedicated ArtiCAD subsidiary in South Africa
[More
on this Story]
Planit
Announces New Worldwide Responsibilities
The
kitchen industry software provider, Planit International has strengthened
its worldwide presence with a number of new appointments, promotions and
changes in structure, which will see the UK operations take on responsibility
for France and the USA
[More
on this Story]
Sales
Boost for Gorenje’s Stylish Retro’s
Gorenji
says that the first full year of trading for the company in the UK has
revealed strong growth for the its two metallic-finish retro appliances:
the K 316 OTLB fridge-freezer and the R 2746 OTLA fridge
[More
on this Story]
Overloaded
Game from Which? Online
Every
month, for three months, Which? Online are giving away great prizes for
the top three places on the Overloaded leader board
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corporation Posts Record 4th Quarter Sales and Net Earnings
Whirlpool
Corporation on February 3rd announced fourth-quarter 2003 results, highlighted
by record sales and net earnings.
[More
on this Story]