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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 10 27th June 2003
Whirlpool
and IKEA Go Global; An Agreement to Reach Millions of Customers Worldwide
Whirlpool Europe and the IKEA group announced on June
24th the enlargement of their current business partnership, whereby Whirlpool
will provide major domestic appliances for IKEA built-in kitchens at all
IKEA stores throughout the world. Under the terms of the agreement, an
extension of the existing European contract with IKEA, Whirlpool will
provide built-in solutions, such as ovens, hobs, hoods, microwave ovens
and other kitchen appliances.
[More
on this Story]
Zanussi-Electrolux
and Ariel 'Double Up' for Wimbledon with Biggest Ever Station Spend
Zanussi-Electrolux has joined forces with a Ariel to
create an innovative campaign that has literally taken over Southfields
Tube Station and the tubes line to, and stations from, the Wimbledon Championships
from the 23 June - 6 July. The campaign, which is part of the Ariel Championship
Whites activity featuring British No.1, Tim Henman, sees the biggest ever
outdoor spend at a LUL station.
[More
on this Story]
BC
Sanitan Makes an Appearance at the Royal Academy of Arts
BC Sanitan bathrooms made an appearance at the Royal
Academy of Arts Summer exhibition preview party during May and became
part of a spectacular show for celebrity guests. Six cast iron roll top
Mark Anthony baths from B C Sanitan were selected by the event organisers,
and displayed in the exquisite courtyard entrance to the Academy, lit
with pink lights and sprayed with powerful fountains. Models then paraded
in and out of the baths in a stunningly effective show while guests watched
in amazement.
[More
on this Story]
Kohler
Co. Launches Fleet of Four Customised Trucks Outfitted with Kitchen and
Bath Products and Demos
'Complete
Design Solutions' programme takes the Kohler product story to its customers'
doorsteps. Strengthening its relationship with trade professionals while
maintaining a consistent Kohler brand message, Kohler Co., a global leader
in kitchen and bath design, has launched a year-long 'Complete Design
Solutions' cross-country road trip in four custom-built trucks outfitted
with a variety of Kohler kitchen and bath products.
[More
on this Story]
Water
Droplet Falls on 100% Design
A new tap collection deslgned by Mark Humphrey Ltd will
be launched at 100% Design in Earls Court in September by British bathroom
brassware supplier Water Front. The mh1 range designed by 'Enfant Terrible'
lnterior Designer Mark Humphrey himself, has 'all the elements of sexy,
modern elegance with sleek design combined wlth the visual simplicity
of a water droplet and each piece of the collection takes on this ergonomic
natural form'.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Repairmen even Respond to Calls from the Antarctic - Without Charge out
Rates
Electrolux
is launching the world's first customer 'hotline' for home appliances
in Antarctica. The system, based on computer diagnostics technology, is
designed to ensure optimal performance of the 28 Electrolux appliances
at two research bases on the world's loneliest continent.
[More
on this Story]
Outstanding
Growth Results in Management Reshuffle and New Appointments
The Nottingham based appliance manufacturer The CDA
Group Ltd, has made some significant management changes and new appointments
following exceptional growth over the last year.
[More
on this Story]
In-toto
to Open in Islington
In-toto
is opening a new showroom on Islington's Upper Street, bringing its' design,
supply and fit to this part of London. Franchisees Andy Davies and Sally
Johnston have many years experience in the kitchen business and take real
pleasure in customer service.
[More
on this Story]
FSC
Mahogany from John Boddy Timber
John Boddy Timber's Riverside Sawmills at Boroughbridge,
North Yorkshire currently hold stocks of FSC Certified Central American
Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), being the same species as Brazilian
Mahogany, for inspection and dispatch to anywhere in the UK.
[More
on this Story]
Fisher
& Paykel Win the Design & Decoration Award for Best Kitchen Product
Fisher
& Paykel scooped the Design & Decoration Award 2003, in the Best
Kitchen Product category, for the Double DishDrawer® with the integrated
water softener in an Iridium finish. The award was presented by Kevin
McCloud and Nina Campbell, celebrity interior designers, to Fisher &
Paykel Marketing Manager UK, Richard St John, at a glittering awards dinner
at the Guild Hall in London.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Names Roy Templin Vice President and Controller
Whirlpool Corporation announced on 16th June the appointment
of Roy Templin as vice president and controller, effective July 1st. Templin,
42 years old, comes to Whirlpool from Kimball International, Inc., the
Jasper, Indiana-based manufacturer of furniture and contract electronic
products, where he was vice president of finance and the company's chief
accounting officer.
[More
on this Story]
Cancellation
of Repurchased Shares and Reduction of Share Capital Completed
The decision by the Annual General Meeting to cancel
14,612,580 previously repurchased B-shares has now been implemented. The
cancellation involves a reduction of the share capital by SEK 73,062,900,
and enables Electrolux to repurchase additional shares.
[More
on this Story]
ASFI
Members' and Buyers' Guide 2003
ASFI's
latest Members' Directory and Buyers' Guide has recently been widely distributed
to over 2000 UK Furniture Manufacturers. In previous years, it has proved
an excellent point of reference for companies sourcing supplies.
[More
on this Story]
No
Need to Tiptoe with Wedi Non-Step
wedi
Systems
Non-Step sound deadening boards provide the perfect quiet solution for
noise insulation. Ideal for hotels, flats and commercial buildings when
it is important to keep noise levels to a minimum, wedi Non-Step offers
the ideal impact sound deadening substrate for ceramic and floating timber
floors.
[More
on this Story]
Cabinet
Vision Software - Simple, Fast, Profitable
Cabinet Vision's new 3.5 version of its already powerful Solid
software incorporates many of the additional features requested by its
furniture and woodworking users. It ensures that this design and production,
'screen to machine' software provides further cost-beneficial advantages.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 9 20th June 2003
The
BMA Looks at the UK Shower Enclosure & Bath Screen Market
Real
growth continues to be present in the showering sector in the UK Bathroom
market. Within this, the specific market for shower enclosures and bath
screens has been enjoying sustained levels of higher growth over recent
years as fashion and lifestyle trends have moved to strongly favour designed
showering.
[More
on this Story]
IBM
Signs 7-year Service Agreement with Electrolux
International Business Machines Corp. said on Sunday June 1st it signed
an agreement with Electrolux AB, maker of Frigidaire appliances and Eureka
vacuum cleaners, to manage the company's desktop computers in Europe.
[More
on this Story]
Heritage
Announces Key Senior Appointments and New Product Launches
Heritage Bathrooms has announced a number of significant senior
appointments and the addition of over one hundred new products to its
product portfolio. Rob Carter has been appointed Chief Executive of the
Heritage Group; he was formerly Managing Director of Heritage Bathrooms
Distribution. In addition Steve Kenny and Bryan Benfield have been appointed
Operations Director and Sales and Marketing Director respectively of Heritage
Bathrooms Distribution
[More
on this Story]
De
Dietrich Launches its 2003 Range - Intelligent and Enviromentally Friendly
De
Dietrich is a kitchen appliance brand that combines aesthetics with products
that make life easier in the kitchen. Pioneers in the development of technologies
in cooking, dishwashing and refrigeration, De Dietrich has introduced
its 2003 built-in range, the highlights of which are as follows:
[More
on this Story]
Swish
Bathrooms for Park Homes
The decision by Tingdene Homes to switch from tiles
to Marbrex decorative panels from Swish Building Products for the bath
and shower rooms of the park homes it builds has made fitting easier and
cut installation time by up to 50% the company claims.
[More
on this Story]
Airbath
Group Reports 'Challenging Conditions' in 2003 Trading Update
At the time of the announcement of the interim results on 19 December
2002, Chairman Clive Gilham stated that: 'Trading in the third quarter,
as indicated, has been affected by some short term problems and the seasonal
increase in sales has been slower than anticipated. Therefore we remain
cautious about our immediate sales outlook. The challenging trading conditions
referred to in December have continued into the fourth quarter in Aquabeau
and particularly Brampton Housewares.
[More
on this Story]
Preedy
Glass at House and Garden Fair
Preedy Glass will be exhibiting at the House and Garden Fair
at Olympia from the 26th June -29th June 2003. The company will be showing
the vast number of ways that glass can now be used in the home. There
will be a number of new products: eg 'Power Glass', a new laminated glass
with LED light spots in the glass, which can be used in shelving, balustrading,
screens, beams and canopies. Individual signs can be made to order with
the lights forming company logos or names for an unusual look.
[More
on this Story]
Fisher
& Paykel Takes Legal Action against Korean Competitior over Patent
Issues
Fisher and Paykel Appliances Ltd has commenced legal action against LG
Electronics, Inc. and LG Electronics, U.S.A., lnc., a major Korean manufacturer
and exporter of appliances and its United States subsidiary. The company
filed papers in the United States District Court for the Northem District
of lllinois in Chicago in early April 2003.
[More
on this Story]
Fordham
Bathrooms on TV Makeover Show
Jacuzzi
UK has appeared once again on the hit ITV 1 makeover show, Carol Vorderman's
Better Homes. Scottish show designer, John Amabile, selected Ratio, the
new space saving bathroom range from Fordham, to revamp a 2m x 2.3m compact
bathroom in Warrington.
[More
on this Story]
Hopkinsons
puts You in the Mood
To build on the success of its Moods bathroom collection, launched over
a year ago to target the contemporary, high-end market sector, Hopkinsons
Fourways has extended its Moods brand portfolio with a wider choice of
ceramics, baths, brassware and accessories - including the technically
advanced ISY brassware range.
[More
on this Story]
Planit
Fusion Enhanced with 3D World
Planit International, the industry software provider, has announced the
release of a new drawing catalogue, 3D World, which will enhance and improve
the performance of the recently launched Planit Fusion package. 3D World
is an easily navigable catalogue of over 10,000 drawings contained in
the Fusion drawings database.
[More
on this Story]
Saint-Gobain
Oberland Brings Glass Blocks back to the Forefront
A nearly-forgotten construction element has made a dramatic comeback,
regaining its place in the new language of forms in daylight architecture.
Completed projects in Germany and abroad suggest that the glass block
is back. The flexible application possibilities of the material range
from facades to interiors in commercial as well as home architecture.
It is even used to build stalls in trade fairs.
[More
on this Story]
Sub-Zero
Freezer Company and Wolf Appliance Company Announce 2002/2003 Kitchen
Design Contest Call for Entries
Sub-Zero Freezer Company, the manufacturer of residential refrigeration,
and Wolf Appliance Company, a manufacturer of professional cooking instruments,
announced on May 28th the official call for entries for the company's
2002/2003 Kitchen Design Contest. This prestigious contest honours design
professionals who have helped make Sub-Zero and Wolf definitive components
of the kitchen.
[More
on this Story]
Hoffmann
Shows Machinery Diversity at Ligna
The increasing variety of applications that are now using the Hoffmann
system of jointing worldwide has led the German manufacturer to develop
more customer-driven innovations many of which were on show on the company'sstand
at Ligna.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
Corporation is Energy Star® Partner 2003
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of
Energy (DOE) have named Maytag Corporation as their Energy Star Partner
of the Year. Energy Star is the mark of environmental protection through
energy efficiency.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 8 13th June 2003
Statements
7 in Venice: Dornbracht Presents Steven Gontarski, Marc Quinn and Thomas
Rentmeister
Tomorrow, at the 50th Biennale di Venezia 2003 - which runs from 13th
to 30th June - Dornbracht will present 'Statements 7, which according
to the design led bathroom fittings specilaist 'revolves around corporeality
in art'.
[More
on this Story]
Insolvencies,
winding up orders, petitions and creditors' meetings
There have been a number of insolvencies, winding up
orders, petitions and creditors' meetings in the last few weeks. These
include Flo-Rite Sanitary Products Group Ltd of Birmingham, T&D Bathroom
& Plumbing Centre Ltd of Basingstoke, East Anglian Bathrooms Ltd of
Southend and Visage Kitchens of Luton.
[More
on this Story]
Fisher
& Paykel aims to Double UK Presence by March 2004
Fisher & Paykel has achieved nearly 40% growth in UK sales in the
year to March 2003, (from 6500 to 8500 units) despite what it admits is
a 'tight market'. Furthermore, it aims to increase its distribution network
from 238 to 500 by March 2004.
[More
on this Story]
Jacuzzi
Restructures European Operation under Stephen Cox, UK MD
Jacuzzi Brands this week announced the reorganization of its UK and European
bath businesses into a single business unit to be led by Stephen Cox,
currently the Managing Director of Jacuzzi UK Bathroom Products Group.
[More
on this Story]
Analysis
Names the 75 most Profitable Companies in the Industry
If
your company made an enviable profit, would you want to shout about it
or keep the news to yourself? 75 companies in the UK Kitchens industry
have precisely this dilemma, as for the last two years these companies
have been making nearly four times the profit of the rest of the industry,
according to the latest analysis from Plimsoll.
[More
on this Story]
Houseproud
Consumers Lift Kingfisher's Sales
Kingfisher, Europe's biggest home improvements retailer, has reported
a 34 percent jump in first quarter profits, helped by a strong euro and
a strong performance at B&Q, defying a UK consumer slowdown.
[More
on this Story]
AMA
Shower Market Report - UK 2003-06
The 'Shower Market Report - UK 2003-06' is now available, incorporating
original input and a detailed assessment of the market, the report represents
value for money to those in the industry or considering entry.
[More
on this Story]
Cake,
Anyone, asks Eurobath in offering Trip to the Zoo
If your customers want to have as well as eat the proverbial, the new
Zoo mono bath mixer from Eurobath could be just the tub filler for you.
Minimalist and contemporary it keeps bath rims looking tidy and simple
however it is not just a pretty monobloc; it is a well thought out design
that should satisfy several of your customer's needs.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Equips 18th Century Vessel for Round-the-World Travel - Conquering Extremes
across the Globe
Electrolux will equip a 40-meter replica of an eighteenth century sailing
ship with state-of-the-art kitchen and laundry appliances. The Ostindiefararen
(East Indiaman) will be launched in Gothenburg in June 2003. The three-masted
wooden ship will visit ports on four different continents during her maiden
voyage to China, which begins in the autumn of 2004.
[More
on this Story]
Europe
Appliance Maker to Invest £60m in UK
Merloni Elettrodomestici has announced a £60m investment programme
in the UK, 'in spite of the government's continuing delay in joining the
European single currency'. The three-year project is aimed at increasing
production from the company's four UK factories near Bristol, at Peterborough,
in North Wales and in the Midlands by 10-15 per cent between last year
and 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Recipe
to Keep Cooker Sales on the Boil
A team of designers from Electrolux, the Swedish appliances company, recently
spent three days in Hamburg, working alongside restaurant staff in hospitals,
hotels and company canteens.
[More
on this Story]
OFT
Supports Proposals to Tackle Extortionate Credit
Government plans to make it easier to challenge extortionate credit agreements
were welcomed by the OFT yesterday, 12th June.
[More
on this Story]
Matrix
- VitrA's Manufacturing Masterpiece
With
the addition this year of the 100-piece 'Matrix' bathroom system to its
already extensive product portfolio, VitrA is set to demonstrate to the
UK market the capabilities and versatile capacities of its manufacturing
processes.
[More
on this Story]
'Super-Blower'
Solution for Gower from Indusvent
Industrial ventilation engineers Indusvent have provided a state-of-the-art
extraction and filtration solution at the Leeds factory of furniture manufacturers
Gower.
[More
on this Story]
Wolf
Appliance Company's Products now Certified by STAR-K
Wolf Appliance Company, US manufacturer of luxury cooking instruments
and corporate companion of Sub-Zero Freezer Company, has announced that
the majority of its products are now certified as Sabbath- and holiday-compliant
by STAR-K Kosher Certification.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 7 6th June 2003
Bathrooms
& Kitchens Expo 2003 Highlights Part 3
Glaverbel
(UK) exhibited the Lacobel range, which is a glass varnished on one side.
The result is a material that has a rich depth of colour but provides
a durable resistant surface.
[More
on this Story]
Waterford
Wedgwood Reports Satisfactory 2002 Results, but Takes Drastic Action to
Stop the Rot in 2003
Waterford Wedgwood achieved improved profitability and a very creditable
sales performance despite the on-going economic uncertainties in the key
global markets' says Chairman Sir Anthony O'Reilly. 'All of our core lifestyle
brands demonstrated resilience'.
[More
on this Story]
AMA
Publishes 6th 'UK Domestic Kitchen Furniture Market' Report
AMA Research has published the sixth edition of the ‘UK Domestic
Kitchen Furniture Market’ report and covers the following product
sectors - Kitchen Furniture, Sinks and Worktops.
[More
on this Story]
Plimsoll
Analysis Names the 48 most Profitable Companies in the Bathroom Industry
If your company made an enviable profit, would you want to shout about
it or keep the news to yourself? 48 companies in the UK Bathroom Equipment
& Fittings industry have precisely this dilemma, as for the last two
years these companies have been making nearly five times the profit of
the rest of the industry, according to the latest analysis from Plimsoll.
[More
on this Story]
Fisher
Paykel Announces 'Outstanding' Financial Results
In its first full year as a separately listed Company, Fisher & Paykel
Appliances Holdings Ltd posted a net profit after tax of $73.5m for the
year ended 31st March 2003.
[More
on this Story]
A
New Facelift for Old Tools - The Perfect Present for the Man in your Life!
The DSF425 4-in-One Power Sharpener from Plasplugs will rejuvenate DIY
and household tools to their younger sharper days.
[More
on this Story]
New
InstaQuick 'Frame in the Wall' Systems
The InstaQuick In-wall Systems recently launched by Polypipe Bathroom
& Kitchen Products under the Macdee banner offer a simple, speedy
and safe method of wall hung bathroom installation.
[More
on this Story]
Record
Turnover Leads to new Trading Centre Acquisition
To build on the success of the last three years, and to meet continuous
growth plans, the UK distributor of bathrooms, kitchens and appliances,
the PJH Group Limited, has acquired a new Trading Centre.
[More
on this Story]
Wilsonart
Raises the Curtains on New Livery
Decorative
surfacing specialists, Wilsonart, has created a striking new full colour
livery that will adorn the curtain walls on a new fleet of 16 trailers,
soon to be on the road.
[More
on this Story]
Great
Retailer Opportunities from Maytag UK
Retailers can steal a significant saving with Admiral's genuine American
frost-free refrigeration, the Admiral 60ADiW/B. Maytag is promoting the
highly featured entry model side-by-side to the trade for just £860
plus VAT, representing a saving of £165. The offer runs from the
1st June 2003.
[More
on this Story]
MPH
Windows Recipe for Success
A
partnership between MPH and C & D Design is resulting in an imaginative
and authentic look for the ongoing Quality Street development Windows
by the Preston-based manufacturer of uPVC windows. Each 'house' on the
new style showroom is currently having a brand-new, full-working and fully
fitted kitchen installed by C & D Design
[More
on this Story]
Americans
Crave Comfort On The Road - Temperature Is the Number One Concern of Hotel
Guests
Americans nationwide say that adjusting the temperature in their hotel
rooms is their number one priority upon checking in, taking precedence
over turning on the TV or checking out the mini-bar, a 'Trane Home Comfort
Institute' survey has found.
[More
on this Story]
Living
Design from Kermi - a Bright New Future
Kermi has introduced the Living Design Programme, transforming the Company`s
presentation in the UK
[More
on this Story]
ASFI
Bursary
Last year three MA students in Furniture Design and Technology were awarded
a Bursary by ASFI to continue working towards their Masters degree in
Furniture Design and Technology at Buckingham Chilterns University College
in High Wycombe.
[More
on this Story]
Laguna
Clay Co. to Manufacture Thorley Refractories
Jon Brooks, President of Laguna Clay Co., and David Pegg, President of
Thorley Refractories, Inc., announced that Laguna Clay Co. has completed
the asset purchase of Thorley. 'For nearly 60 years Thorley has been
a leading manufacturer of kiln furniture'
[More
on this Story]