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 36 30th January 2004
Maytag
Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2003 Results
Maytag appears to have turned the corner, according to its latest financial
statement, issued yesterday. Full year figures for 2003 show a 2.8% increase
in turnover against the previous year, but a significant drop in operating
income and net profits. However, Fourth Quarter results look more encouraging.
Maytag remains the key growth brand, with Hoover Floor Care and Jade brands
continuing to underperofrm. 'Profitability improvement is anticipated
through product launches, sourcing agreements and efficiencies gained
through LeanSigma', the company's presentation explains. .
[More
on this Story]
Broughton
Crangrove Takes on Atag and LG
Building on its commitment to premium appliances, Broughton Crangrove
has taken on the national distribution of Atag and LG, delivering the
products nationwide to the majority of major conurbations the next day.
Broughton Crangrove has added the entire range of Atag appliances including
ovens, hobs, hoods, dishwashers and refrigeration, all finished in stainless
steel. Six LG American style fridge freezers are now available from the
company in white, black, titanium and stainless steel finishes..
[More
on this Story]
Sustainable
Water Use: How much does it cost to flush a toilet?
– a one day seminar
•
How can Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems reduce the environmental impact
in the built environment?
• What water conservation measures can contribute to EcoPoints?
• Ever wondered how a living machine works?
All these questions, together with others, will be explored in this fascinating
one-day seminar on 26th February 2004,
Venue: BedZED, 24 Helios Road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7BZ.
[More
on this Story]
Carmel
– in the Frame for 15 Door Styles
Kitchen and bedroom door manufacturer, Carmel Doors, has introduced an
in-frame option across their entire range of door products. Recognised
for their 'exceptional quality and unmatched finish', Carmel’s doors
are five piece solid wood available to any size or finish required by
the customer. The company has 15 current standard styles from plain or
panelled shaker to solid flat slab doors and designs with delicate chamfer
feature..
[More
on this Story]
De
Dietrich is offering 3-year guarantees on all consumer purchases until
30th April 2004
This offer is for all appliances included in the 2004 brochure purchased
from dealers and covers the full cost of parts and labour for three years
from the date of purchased as long as the application form is filled in
and returned within one month of purchase and is only available for appliances
sold in mainland UK.
[More
on this Story]
Kitchen
Showcase 2004: Design inspiration for the Kitchen Industry
For those involved in the manufacture, design, specification, sale or
procurement of kitchens and related products, there’s only one place
to be between 1st - 3rd July 2004 - Kitchen Showcase 2004 at the Commonwealth
Institute, Kensington, London. Back less than 12 months after its launch
in September 2003, Kitchen Showcase has more than doubled in size, and
is without peer in the UK trade market.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 35 23rd January 2004
Ten
Years of BK Awards Success
The Bathrooms And Kitchens Industry Awards
organised by Bathrooms And Kitchens Magazine took place on Monday night
for the tenth year of recognising excellence in bathroom and kitchen design
and business acumen. It was the biggest event to date, with over 920 people
attending. ‘This year's dinner was one of the most enjoyable in the
ten or so years that I have been representing Ideal-Standard in its sponsorship
of the Master Retailer Award for Bathrooms,’ said Roger Cooper of
Ideal-Standard.
[More
on this Story]
Focusing
on its Core Business, Bosch and Siemens Home Appliance Group Hives off
the Brazilian Production of Commercial Refrigeration
BSH
Continental Eletrodomesticos belonging to the German BSH Bosch und Siemens
Hausgeräte GmbH, world’s third largest manufacturer of domestic
appliances, announced on 15th January the sale of Metalfrio Solutions,
which focuses on commercial refrigeration, to Artésia Investimentos.
Metalfrio is the market leader with more than 50% market share in the
commercial refrigeration market and nearly 29% market share in the chest
freezer market.
[More
on this Story]
Egon
Blum Appointed Government Representative of Youth Employment and Vocational
Training
Due
to his wealth of experience, his commitment to the training of young people
and his efforts to safeguard the location of businesses, Egon Blum who
is a member of the management of Julius Blum, the Austrian fittings company,
has been appointed government representative of youth employment and vocational
training.
[More
on this Story]
Hansgrohe
Joins Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers Association
Hansgrohe
has broadened its commitment to thermostatically controlled bathroom products
by joining the TMVA (Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers Association).
The Association was established in 1999 and is concerned with the provision
of safe hot water to both commercial and domestic premises.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
will Close Refrigerator Factory in US
Electrolux will discontinue production of refrigerators at its factory
in Greenville, Michigan, in the United States. The factory will continue
to operate into 2005. In October 2003 Electrolux announced that the factory
was under evaluation. Careful and in-depth evaluation of proposals from
the local community, the state of Michigan and the company's labour unions
has been conducted.
[More
on this Story]
Waterline
Gets its KBB Show on the Road
Dates
and venues have been announced for the Waterline 2004 KBB Road Show. The
company is touring the country with the latest products from top kitchen
brand suppliers, additions to the Waterline Cuisina and Essentials kitchen
appliance brands plus the Bathroom Furniture Collection.
[More
on this Story]
Bristan
Specified in Prestigious Manchester Development
The
Prism collection from brassware supplier Bristan, has been chosen by Country
& Metropolitan homes for the company’s prestigious Jackson’s
Warehouse development of 42 apartments in Manchester.
[More
on this Story]
Stoneham
Equips Another Haven
The breast cancer charity, The Haven Trust, recently opened another new
centre in Hereford with the ceremony performed by HRH The Prince of Wales
who is Patron of the charity. Once again Stoneham, manufacturer of kitchen
furniture and holder of The Royal Warrant to HM The Queen supplied and
fitted the kitchen units for the very well appointed unit.
[More
on this Story]
Hansgrohe
Equips The World’s Largest Single-Masted Sailing Yacht
Hansgrohe
has provided a range of designer bathroom fittings to the world’s
largest composite single masted sailing yacht – Mirabella V. Each
of the six spacious guest cabins on board has its own full sized ensuite
bathroom. For these Hansgrohe has supplied its Axor Uno basin mixers in
silky matt Satinox finish, with a range of matching accessories, bath
filler and thermostatically controlled over bath shower with co-ordinating
wall bar.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
Corporation Introduces New Dimensions in Clothing Care and Cooking at
International Builders' Show
Curious
and enthusiastic consumers crowded the Maytag Corporation exhibit at Monday's
start of the International Builders' Show. Time savings and enhanced performance
were the names of the game at the booth, as the latest home appliances
were presented through January 22nd, 2004. From two-in-one dryers to agitation-free
washers to commercial-grade cooktops, ranges and more, Maytag Corporation
is offering an array of new innovations
[More
on this Story]
Kitchen
Showcase 2004: Design inspiration for the Kitchen Industry
For those involved in the manufacture, design, specification, sale or
procurement of kitchens and related products, there’s only one place
to be between 1st - 3rd July 2004 - Kitchen Showcase 2004 at the Commonwealth
Institute, Kensington, London. Back less than 12 months after its launch
in September 2003, Kitchen Showcase has more than doubled in size, and
is without peer in the UK trade market.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 34 16th January 2004
Manufacturers
to set up Recycling Plant:
‘REPIC’
to start operations in Spring
Manufacturers
are setting up a company to manage the recycling operations under new
European law which gives them responsibility for discarded electrical
and electronic consumer products. REPIC – Recycling Electrical Producers
Industry Consortium – is the working title of the company, which
will begin setting up in the Spring.
[More
on this Story]
Kitchen
Showcase 2004: Design inspiration for the Kitchen Industry
For those involved in the manufacture, design, specification, sale or
procurement of kitchens and related products, there’s only one place
to be between 1st - 3rd July 2004 - Kitchen Showcase 2004 at the Commonwealth
Institute, Kensington, London. Back less than 12 months after its launch
in September 2003, Kitchen Showcase has more than doubled in size, and
is without peer in the UK trade market.
[More
on this Story]
Fagor
UK gets a move on…
As
a result of continuing expansion, Fagor UK has moved its sales office
and logistics centre to bigger premises in North London and Fareham respectively.
The new contact details for the sales office are as follows:.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Member on Radio Ulster
A KBSA retail member from Northern Ireland was interviewed on a top consumer
show on Radio Ulster. Mark Robinson of Robinson Interiors was interviewed
on the Saturday morning show, ‘On Your Behalf’, when they investigated
a listener’s complaint about a kitchen installation.
[More
on this Story]
John
Sydney Featured in Major TV Documentary
John
Sydney contemporary bathrooms fittings were featured on the recent documentary
TV programme, which followed the conversion of an old-fashioned house
in Belgravia into a £1.25m, hi tech home.
[More
on this Story]
DYNAMIC
SPACE® will be Focus of Blum's ZOW2004 Presentation
DYNAMIC SPACE® – the new quality of space usage and motion in
kitchens – is what fittings manufacturer Julius Blum will focus on
at ZOW 2004. In keeping with Blum’s slogan 'perfecting motion together',
the company will make the most of the show to discuss new kitchen standards
with visitors. .
[More
on this Story]
Adding
a Country Feel with Pippy Oak
Although
there has been a lack of traditional finishes as contemporary styles become
increasingly popular, BLP UK Ltd have not forgotten this important market
and have recently introduced a new Pippy Oak veneer for their MDF wrapped
profiles and profile framed doors.
[More
on this Story]
Armeg
Innovation at Interbuild 04 - a 'Bit' Special
Age old problems associated with drilling through porcelain tiles are
set to become a thing of the past when Armeg unveils its latest creation
at Interbuild 2004. The innovative manufacturer of power tool accessories
will use the event at the NEC from April 25 to 29 to showcase its brand
new PTC (Porcelain Tile Cutters) Drilling Range.
[More
on this Story]
ASFI
Welcomes More New Members
Originally formed for the purpose of providing an exhibition for UK supplies
companies, ASFI – The Association of Suppliers to the Furniture Industry
is now a strong trade Association with a portfolio of attractive benefits
including:
[More
on this Story]
Interiors
of Harrogate Celebrate 2003 Sales Sucess
Interiors Of Harrogate reached over £2m turnover for the year ending
December 2003 (excluding fitting charges). Directors Paul and CathyWhiers
puts this increase in turnover down to good sales designers and consistent
quality suppliers.
[More
on this Story]
Everything
Bar the Kitchen Sink
RoofWright
has developed new ideas for kitchen/dining room extensions with its 21st
century 3D conservatory software.
[More
on this Story]
Williams
Knows how to Offer the Best in New Refrigeration Solutions at Hotelympia
Williams
Refrigeration - part of Aga Foodservice Equipment (AFE) – is joining
forces with its sister companies on the largest single stand at Hotelympia
2004. The company says that the wide range of quality refrigeration equipment
on display is set to reinforce Williams’ position as the leading
refrigeration solutions provider to the UK and global market.
[More
on this Story]
Hemscott
makes Topps Tiles its 'Share of the Week'
Hemscott,
the financial analyst, has made Topps Tiles its 'Share of the Week in
in its first email newsletter of the year: 'What a year it's been for
Topps Tiles. The shares in the ceramic tile and wood flooring group have
doubled over the past 12 months as investors latched onto what looks like
a sustainable growth story and re-rated the shares.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley plc Pre-Close Period Trading
Statement for Interim Results
Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing,
heating and building materials products, issues its regular trading statement
prior to entering its close period.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 33 9th January 2004
Nobia-Gower
Acquisition Triggers OFT Merger Investigation
The recent acquisition of Gower, the flat pack kitchen specialist, by
the swedish Nobia Group has been listed by the Office of Fair Trading
as an invitation to comment under the Enterprise Act. This happens
automatically when the turnover of the acquired company exceeds £70m
and will enable interested parties to submit comments either py phone
or letter, to the case officer at the OFT.
[More
on this Story]
Hopkinsons
Team up with Orama in new Ardesco distribution
Kitchen
and bathroom distributor, Hopkinsons Fourways announces its partnership
with manufacturer of worksurfaces, Orama, to become the first distributor
to take on the new Ardesco range.
[More
on this Story]
Topps
Tiles AGM Statement tries to Dampen City Enthusiasm
At
this week's Annual General Meeting of Topps Tiles Plc, the founders and
co-chairmen Barry Bester and Stuart Williams told shareholders:
'We are delighted to report that trading in the first 14 weeks of our
new financial year has started extremely well with like-for-like sales
growth in excess of 16% and we are confident in our ability to reach our
targets for the current year.
[More
on this Story]
Government
Moves to Stop Bath-Time Scalding Injuries
Hot
bath water is responsible for the highest number of fatal and severe scald
injuries in the home. Every year around 20 people die as a result of scalds
caused by hot bath water and a further 570 suffer serious scald injuries.
Each year more than 430 very young children are seriously injured in scalding
accidents in hot baths.
[More
on this Story]
Deva
Invests in NBS Plus Initiative
To
support its expanding base of specifiers and architects, Deva has invested
into the National Building Specification (NBS) Plus Initiative –
the UK construction industry specification standard, approved by RIBA
– to list Deva’s comprehensive brassware portfolio.
[More
on this Story]
New
Sales & Marketing Director to Head Team at Deva
North
west-based brassware specialist, The Deva Tap Company, has appointed a
new sales & marketing director, Neil Overton, to take responsibility
for all marketing communications and sales activities of the Deva brand.
[More
on this Story]
Exclusive
New Homes Development Installs John Sydney
John Sydney, the contemporary bathroom fittings company, has teamed up
with Braemore Properties at its exclusive Park Rock development of apartments
at Castle Boulevard in Nottingham and supplied the Elite shower equipment
for both the ensuite and main bathrooms.
[More
on this Story]
Corian®
and Zodiaq® Make a Move
Seven
years of substantial growth for Corian®, the original solid surface
invented by DuPont, added to the introduction of the new quartz surface,
Zodiaq®, has resulted in the recent relocation of the UK DuPont Surfaces
business. Moving from their former home in Hemel Hempstead to purpose
built premises at Pitstone, near Tring, the Corian® and Zodiaq®
Marketing team can now take advantage of 8,000 square feet of office,
conference and workshop space.
[More
on this Story]
Laura
Ashley Launches new Range of Tiles with British Ceramic Tile
Laura Ashley is to launch a new range of ceramic wall tiles, manufactured
under licence by British Ceramic Tile. The range will be introduced to
the trade at Expotile in January 2004. A consumer press campaign and a
bespoke in store display stand and brochures will support the launch.
[More
on this Story]
Fridge
Recycling Facilities Starting to Improve
There
are signs of improvement in the UK’s recycling facilities for cold
appliances. As the ‘fridge mountain’ subsides, some retailers
are now reintroducing their take-back schemes.
[More
on this Story]
Williams
Refrigeration Invests £1 Million in State-of-the-Art Production
Technology
Williams
Refrigeration - part of Aga Foodservice Equipment - has announced its
continuing commitment to the development and growth of its manufacturing
capability, with an immediate £1 million program of investment in
state-of-the-art production technology at both its King’s Lynn and
Downham Market facilities.
[More
on this Story]