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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 13 17th July 2003
Maytag
puts a Brave Face on Q2 Downturn
Maytag,
the US domestic appliance maker, reported a steep drop in second-quarter
earnings last week, blaming job cuts, the closing of a manufacturing plant
and a drop in Hoover sales. The company has been cutting costs since last
year, reducing its headcount and moving production to cheaper locations.
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on this Story]
Professional
Chef Joins Judging Panel for Kitchen Design Awards
The bathroom and kitchen industry is looking for the best designers
for its Industry Awards 2004 and President of the Chefs and Cooks Circle,
Brian Cotterill, has agreed to help them choose the winner. Now in their
tenth year, the Bathroom+Kitchen magazine Industry Awards recognise and
reward the skills of bathroom and kitchen designers who create exemplary
living spaces.
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on this Story]
Fresh
Start for Supajet
Supajet, one of the pioneers of 'all-in-one' power showers, has been acquired
from Stoves by Power Showers Ltd, a new bathrooms company founded by former
Daryl Managing Director, Graham Sutherland. Ownership of the Supajet brand
has changed twice previously in the last decade but Graham is enthusiastic
about its potential. He has brought in David Webb, who has 16 years' experience
with Caradon Mira, as Sales and Marketing Manager with a primary short-term
objective of revitalising the 15 year old brand.
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on this Story]
The
BMA Looks at Brassware Trends
Today
bathing and showering are daily activities in our lives. There is a desire
to spend more time in the bathroom to relax and unwind taking quality
time out of our busy lifestyles to pamper ourselves. People are taking
baths and showers in some cases more than once a day with the cleansing
experience a more important part of our lives than it was in the past.
Unlike 40 years ago when the weekly bath night was the norm and considered
a necessity, the bathing and showering functions of modern day are thought
of as more relaxing, pleasurable experiences.
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on this Story]
American
Appliance Centre Celebrates 10 Years at the Top
This year, the American Appliance Centre, distributor and importer of
US appliances, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Established in
1993, founded by Managing Director Craig Davies, the company has developed
from humble beginnings into a multi-million pound organisation, specialising
in large American cooling systems and domestic appliances.
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on this Story]
Taking
a Pot Shot at the KBSA AGM
Tony
Donnachie from Leicester-based Dewhirst Kitchens has won the Orama-sponsored
laser clay pigeon shoot at the Kitchen & Bathroom Association Annual
General Meeting, which took place on 20th and 21st June 2003 at Oulton
Hall near Leeds.
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on this Story]
Kermi
Account Expansion - EXPO Success for New Products
Kermi has witnessed
a surge in new account applications following the company's successful
EXPO Exhibition. The new Living Design Programme featuring new Shower
Enclosure and Designer Radiators launched at EXPO have caught the imagination
and the Kermi Display Team say they are working flat out to meet the demand
for new displays from new and existing accounts.
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on this Story]
Easy
on the Eye - And on the Ear
The
most distinct design trend is the increasing presence of aluminium in
furniture, work surfaces and fittings in homes and in the workplace. Aluminium's
resistance to corrosion, its ductility and malleability make it ideally
suited for aesthetically innovative products. With this in mind, Salice
has developed Practical, a new concept in aluminium framed doors. Easy
to assemble, Practical comes with a full range of accessories which enable
it to be used on all kinds of furniture.
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on this Story]
PLP's
Domino Flooring Achieves Elevated Commercial Rating
Domino's
technological advancements are highlighted in its elevated commercial
rating. Domino floors are now fully guaranteed in any appropriate commercial
application for 10 years. Protection against wear and tear, fading and
staining is covered in offices, restaurants, clubs and stores.
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on this Story]
Altecnic
Provides the Cure at North Wales Hospital
Altecnic,
the Hixon (Staffordshire) based building services component specialist,
has supplied anti-scald equipment to a major hospital in North Wales.
The company's Mixcal thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) have been supplied
to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital for use on wash basins and baths.
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on this Story]
Nolte
Tee Off!!
Nolte Kitchens recently held its annual Golf Tournament at the Bishops
Stortford Golf Club in Hertfordshire. Forty four people including Nolte
personnel and retailers took part in the competition with the afternoon's
singles competition being won by Keith Prior of Manor Developments.
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on this Story]
Villeroy
& Boch and the German Foundation for the Protection of Ancient Monuments
Restore Saarland Cultural Monument
Tradition
is very much alive in the Villeroy & Boch company. The Old Abbey,
the Old Tower and the Keramikmuseum Mettlach (museum of ceramics) are
but a few examples which prove this. Restoration of the Schinkel fountain
can therefore only be attributed in part to its decorative value for the
park. In this case in particular, Villeroy & Boch felt itself committed
to a historical heritage, one which is as relevant to the region, even
the neighbouring countries of France and Luxembourg, as it is to the company.
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on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 12 11th July 2003
Wolseley
Pre-Close Period Trading Statement and Acquisition Update
Wolseley plc, the specialist trade distributor of plumbing, heating and
building materials products has issued its regular trading statement prior
to entering its close period and provides an update on acquisitions not
previously announced, including Bathstore.com and Galley Matrix.
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on this Story]
Broughton
Crangrove Aquires Galley Matrix
Broughton Crangrove the national distributor of kitchen appliances, sanitary
ware, tiles, heating and plumbing products has acquired the distributor
Galley Matrix, in parent company Wolseley's recent spending spree.
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on this Story]
KBSA
Supports Jailing of Rogue Kitchen Trader
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has voiced its wholehearted
support for the jailing of a rogue kitchen trader (reported last week
in The
K&Bzine).
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on this Story]
Independent
Survey Shapes new Amana Bottom Mount
A recent independent survey conducted by ORC lnternational on behalf of
Amana, found that three quarters of Americans go to the refrigerator section
10 times or more per day! That's five to ten times more frequently than
the freezer. It was also revealed that nearly half of Americans disposed
of spoiled food on a weekly basis due to a cavernous refrigerator and
lack of visibility.
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on this Story]
Electrolux
Signs Agreement to Divest its Compressor Operation
Electrolux has signed an agreement for
divestment of its compressor operation, to SOLE SpA, a company controlled
by Dresdner Kleinwort Capital.
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on this Story]
Kalambo
from Twyford Bathrooms - So Much More than Showering
As
part of its Revita collection, Twyford Bathrooms has just launched a range
of hydromassage shower cabins to stimulate the senses and bring the joys
of the Spa to the home
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on this Story]
Excellent
Turnout for KBSA AGM
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association's AGM, held at Oulton
Hall in Leeds, attracted an excellent turnout from both retail and corporate
members
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on this Story]
Industry
Awards Hosted by Bathrooms+Kitchens Magazine
For the past ten years, Bathrooms+Kitchens magazine has recognised and
rewarded excellence in retailing. Originating from two business categories
presented at a lunchtime event in front of around 20 people, the Bathrooms+Kitchens
magazine Industry Awards now span thirteen categories presented at a gala
ceremony on Monday 19th January 2004 at the NEC Metropole, Birmingham.
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on this Story]
Mark
Humphrey Paves Way for Revolutionary Modern Mosaics to Launch at Decorex
A range of contemporary marble flooring will be launched by Livra at Decorex
in September 2003. The patterned floor collection, which has been designed
and developed with 'Enfant Terrible' lnterior Designer Mark Humphrey,
will be the company's first collection to explore crazy alternative shapes
in stone flooring and includes eight unique designs available in variety
of marbles, granites or limestone.
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on this Story]
Imagination
at Work - GE Launches $20 million Marketing Campaign
General Electric Europe has announced
the launch of a $20 million marketing campaign to increase its brand awareness
across the European market. The campaign, entitled Imagination at Work,
begun in May and involves a series of advertisements across a variety
of mediums.
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on this Story]
Utopia
Launch Dedicated Customer Services Operation
UK
bathroom furniture manufacturer, Utopia, has launched a dedicated Customer
Services operation which will work side-by-side with its telephone sales
team from the company's Wolverhampton headquarters.
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on this Story]
Wooden
& Laminate Flooring Report from MSI
The
state of the Wooden & Laminate Flooring market in the UK is the subject
of a recent report from MSI Marketing Research For Industry. MSI believes
that the UK wooden and laminate flooring market increased by 20% in volume
terms
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on this Story]
Galaxy
Showers New Pricing Scheme for Aqua
Recently
introduced is Aqua the biggest ever product launch from Galaxy Showers,
now the UK's third biggest manufacturer of electric showers.
One of the most important aspects of the new Aqua range is its pricing.
In an initiative designed to strengthen Galaxy's competitive edge, the
company is introducing a standardised price for each of the new Aqua showers
regardless of kilowatt rating.
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on this Story]
In-toto
Opening in Batley Home Centre
In-toto is opening in August in the Red Brick Mill home centre, Batley,
in the company of such names as Conran, Iron Bed Centre etc. The franchisees
are very experienced names in kitchen design, David Armitage and Andrew
Hatfield.
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on this Story]
Perrin
& Rowe Unveils New Contemporary Bathroom Brassware
Perrin & Rowe has unveiled its new contemporary range of bathroom
brassware and accessories.
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on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 11 4th July 2003
Topps
Tiles Reports Increase in Pre-Tax Profits of 41% on Turnover up 18%
Executive chairman a co-founder of Topps Tiles, the irrepressible Barry
Bester, has vindicated his company's aggressive marketing style - which
includes sponsoring the weather on Carlton TV - by reporting pre-tax profits
of £12.5m for the 10 months to March 2003, an increase of 41% on
the equivalent 10 months to 30th March 2002. Turnover increased 18% to
£88.95m and the company was able to set a dividend of 6.35p (2002:
1.35p).
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on this Story]
OFT
Reviews Home Improvements Payment Protection Schemes
The payment protection schemes administered by Qualitas and used by B&Q,
MFI, the Homeform Group and Magnet are under review by the OFT. A consumer
questionnaire is available covering customer experience of the scheme
and complaint resolution. Consumers' views of the schemes are sought -
both positive and negative.
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on this Story]
Bid
to Form new Sector Skills Council
A new multi-industry partnership is urging employers to support a bid
to form a new, employer-led Sector Skills Council (SSC) which will bring
together the property services, housing, facilities management and cleaning
sectors. The SSC will drive forward a unified skills agenda for a combined
workforce of over two million people.
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on this Story]
Nationwide
Hunt for the Best Bathroom & Kitchen Retailers
Now in their tenth year the Bathroom and Kitchen Industry Awards recognise
the design, showroom layout and marketing abilities of specialist retailers
across the UK. A distinguished panel of judges, including representatives
from the Richard Rogers Partnership, Conran & Partners, Habitat UK,
MFI, Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Conran Design Group, will
pick the winners to be announced at a black tie ceremony at the NEC Metropole
in Birmingham on 19th January 2004.
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on this Story]
Kitchen
Supplier Imprisoned for Contempt of Court
Kitchen
supplier Vance Miller has been sentenced to nine months' imprisonment
by Manchester County Court for contempt of court.
Mr Miller is involved with Maple Industries Ltd, Maple Industries, RB
Interiors and the Kitchen Warehouse and was formerly involved with Craftsman
Kitchens Ltd and Craftsman Kitchens Manufacturing Ltd.
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on this Story]
Washing
Machine Makers get into a Spin over Pinocchio Advert
Dyson, Miele and a member of the public objected to a national press advertisement,
for a washing machine, that was headlined 'If someone tells you there's
a better washing machine than this they're lying'.
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on this Story]
Bosch
Free Flights Promotion Takes Off
Bosch is launching a major new promotional campaign to encourage its domestic
appliance customers to trade up. Any customer who buys a top of the range
Logixx model will be entitled to a free return flight to one of six European
cities and purchasers of the mid range Exxcel models will receive a £150
holiday voucher.
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on this Story]
Boost
Bath Screen Sales with New Showerlux Promotion
Showerlux has unveiled a new promotion offering retailers the opportunity
to display the single panel overbath screens Sonora and Tempest at up
to 75% reductions on the recommended retail price.
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on this Story]
Utopia
Invests £2.3million in Dedicated Sanitaryware Warehouse
Appropriately
named 'U2' and located just 3/4 mile from its state-of-the-art manufacturing
headquarters in Wolverhampton, bathroom furniture manufacturer Utopia's
new satellite warehouse and office complex will open in February 2004.
Work commenced on the 1.5 acre site on the 1st July 2003 creating a warehouse
and office complex of 37,260 sq.ft, and at a cost of £2.3million
to include plant and equipment.
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on this Story]
LG
helps make Summer Electric with Super Racing and Cricket Sponsorship
LG Electronics partnered with Eurosport to sponsor the LG Super Racing
Weekend 2003. The event was hosted by Donington Park racing circuit on
the 27th, 28th and 29th June. The LG Super Racing Weekends kicked off
in April in Barcelona, Spain and will come to a close at their tenth destination
(Monza, Italy) in October.
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on this Story]
Braun,
Electrolux, HP and Sony Announce Principles for the Implementation of
the EU Waste Directive
Following
the launch of the first pan-European Recycling Platform (ERP) at the end
of 2002, the four founding members, Braun, Electrolux, HP and Sony Europe,
announced on June 3rd their recommendations for the implementation of
the WEEE Directive into national legislation.
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on this Story]
Electrolux
Appoints New Brand & Marketing Director
Andy Mackay, 38, has been appointed UK Brand and Marketing Director for
Electrolux Home Products (EHP) and Electrolux Outdoor Products (EOP).
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on this Story]
Glen
Dimplex Cooking Appoints Marketing Director
Glen Dimplex Cooking, British cooker manufacturer, has appointed a Marketing
Director. Responsible for all three cooking brands - Stoves, Belling and
New World - Jayne Hall will report directly to chief executive George
Fisher.
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on this Story]
Broughton
Crangrove Strengthens Management Team
Broughton Crangrove, the national distributor of kitchen appliances, sanitary
ware, tiles, heating and plumbing products has appointed Daniel Penney
to the position of Senior Product Manager, Distribution, responsible for
product development and marketing across all product categories.
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on this Story]
New
Software from Logicom for the House Builder / Developer Market - Virtual
Showhouse
Logicom
Computer Services of Milton Keynes has launched its new Virtual Showhouse
software package. The system is designed to operate in conjunction with
Logicom's room design package, Virtual Worlds, and provides the house
builder or developer with a tool that can be used by their customers,
un-supervised, in site sales offices
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on this Story]