Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
12th May 2006
Links
Not Working? Go to http://www.thekbzine.com
Whirlpool's
built in product range has been augmented by the ART488 6th sense
LCD fridge-freezer
More
here:
Belling
says that it has taken range cooker innovation one step further with
its new satin steel finish, offering consumers an attractive, high-performance
alternative to stainless steel
More
here:
The
shape of the Elica Capta hood
has a timeless, classic feel that allows it to blend in harmoniously
with any type of kitchen
More
here:
The
Bosch Logixx KSR 38430 GB 185cm high
fridge and matching Frost Free freezer is a good solution for family
sized storage
More
here:
Treating
yourself to a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the privacy of your
own home has never been easier, thanks to Nicholas
Anthony and Siemens
More
here:
LG
Electronics' new Titanium TV Side-by-Side fridge freezer
is the latest addition in LG's range of refrigerators. It offers the
biggest ever LCD display and more evolved functions than its predecessor.
More
here:
D.A.D
(Domestic Appliance Distributors) has launched a new chest freezer
under the company's own branded range, IceKing
More
here:
Appointing
ESG as its preferred processor
of bespoke glass was a clear-cut decision for London-based frameless
glass shower designers, Glasstrends
More
here:
With
parts of the country suffering drought conditions and some water undertakings
looking for compulsory water metering, Aquaflow
water regulators offer a low cost way to save water and reduce bills
More
here:
Roman
Ltd,
the UK shower manufacturer, has unveiled a new high quality collection,
the Roman Sculptures range
More
here:
Aqualux
says that it has proven that the saying: 'if it isn't broke, don't
fix it' is a myth with outstanding sales success of its recently re-launched
Elite range
More
here:
Argenta
is a new monobloc tap design fitting into the upper end of Carron
Phoenix's tap portfolio
More
here:
PJH
Group's
premier kitchen brand, Apple Studios has introuduced four new furniture
ranges, Marano, Zafiro, Barisi and Rocca
More
here:
Drawing
on the already popular PWS Gullwing
design, the new option offers a simply styled door in a beech finish
More
here:
Astracast
has announced some additions to its undermount range of stainless
steel sinks
More
here:
East
Coast Fittings has introduced three new curved carcasses
to its Superior Cabinet Solutions range
More
here:
Heritage
Bathrooms'
recently launched Compact Strata range offers contemporary modular
styling that anyone can achieve
More
here:
Window
blind manufacturer Louvolite
has introduced its advanced Ultra-Fresh treated fabrics which offer
proven and effective protection against bacterial and fungal growth
More
here:
Aquavision,
the bathroom television specialist, has introduced further options
to an already extensive range of water resistant LCD screens
More
here:
Eurobath
has introduced Suogiu which is designed by Antonio Bongio and is
part of the exclusive Il Bagno portfolio
More
here:
Victoria
& Albert Baths
recently launched a new freestanding bath called The Como. At just
1670mm long, The Como exemplifies V&A's 'small is beautiful'
design concept
More
here:
Bond
is a range of bathroom accessories launched by Miller
From Sweden, offered in both chrome and brushed nickel finishes
More
here:
KBB
2006 provided the launch pad for a new image for Gelson,
the professional and contract Croydex brand, enhancing its scope by
adding products to appeal to consumers who visit merchant showrooms
as well as making life easier for hotels, installers and merchants
More
here:
Competitively
priced, high quality table legs in chrome and satin nickel finishes
for supporting worktops, table tops, desks and bar units are now being
supplied by Prefit
More
here:
A
simple way to save energy in the home is provided by the electric
radiator from the Corner Fridge Company,
which offers an economical and stylish method of heating all
rooms - without affecting air quality
More
here:
Ideal
Boilers
has further strengthened its icos HE range of high-efficiency
heat-only boilers by introducing two new models - the icos HE
30 and icos HE 36
More
here:
As
part of the brand's development into new product areas, Bristan
is now offering its customers a full range of heated towel rails
More
here:
Members
of the WPG - Women in Plumbing Group - were recent attendees
of one of Aqualisa's
popular shower training courses
More
here:
The launch of four new training courses and the continued
expansion of its support infrastructure are the latest
initiatives from Planit International
More
here:
Inspired
by the sheer beauty of nature, H&R
Johnson Tiles Ltd., the UK manufacturer of ceramic tiles,
has launched Origins, a tiling range bringing the textures of the
beach, the dramatic effects of pure raindrops and Mother Nature's
own forest together in one collection
More
here:
BAL
is introducing a new grout range which combines colour with the
anti-bacterial protection of Microban®
More
here:
Warm
tones and clean lines, cool aqua's and co-ordinated wall and floor
tiles mark the Spring launch from tile brand and division of BCT,
The Candy Tile Company
More
here:
Whirlpool
Corporation
profoundly believes in the principles of corporate social responsibility
(CSR). Around the world it pursues its business objectives in
full respect of ethical values, while contributing to improve
the lives of people in the communities where it resides.
More
here:
With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pushing its 'Better Backs' initiative this summer, Granada Material Handling (Granada), one of the nation's leading material handling solutions specialists, is the sole UK distributor of Fezer VacuPowerlift handling units.
More here:
After family run business Arlington International Agencies achieved success in kitchens, the company was sought out to represent Driftmeier bedrooms as exclusive UK agents, for new product ranges including ADA upholstery, Hummelt living furniture and Brinkmann media furniture
More here:
American
Standard Increases Dividend but Sheds Jobs in Europe; Jacuzzi Drops
45% Net Income
American Standard yesterday announced a dividend of 18 cents
a share, and can celebrate the fact that first quarter Bath and Kitchen
sales were $608.7m, up 0.8% (up 4.8% excluding foreign exchange effects)
with growth around the world. However, GAAP segment income represented
a loss of $0.5m, down from a profit of $44.8m in first quarter 2005.
'We're working on the right things to improve Bath and Kitchen performance,'
said chairman and CEO Fred Poses 'we have announced plans to simplify
our new product development and manufacturing as well as administrative
support. These plans will result in the elimination of 320-380 jobs
in Europe.'
Jacuzzi, meanwhile, continues to go the extra mile for its shareholders:
despite a 1.6% decrease in bath sales, operating income for this segment
was up in the second quarter (compared to the same period last year).
However, overall performance was dismal, net earnings for the second
quarter of fiscal 2006 were $4.1m, compared to $7.4m in the second quarter
of fiscal 2005.
'Price increases throughout the segment helped mitigate higher raw material
costs, primarily oil-based commodities, and offset the continued volume
decline in the UK market that began in January 2005', says Jacuzzi.
Jacuzzi's performance has not been helped by two disastrous attempts
at vertical integration: losses of $1.6m related to the Company's investment
in Spear & Jackson, and a loss of $1.2m largely related to
the results of the Eljer operations prior to their disposal in
June 2005. Another $1.3m was lost in closing the Bradford site. Can
it get any worse? Yes: 'The Company is continuing to review a number
of further U.K. cost reduction initiatives'.
KBB exhibition organiser CMP reports that this year's show checked
in a record (ABC verified) 19,122 through the door - a 15% increase
compared to 2004. Adding Expotile to the mix may make up this
extra 15%, of course, and the organiser is further clouding the issue
by moving the show yet again, from January to March.
Gorenje, meanwhile, has teamed up with glass 'jewel' manufacturer
Swarovski to produce a chavtastic fridge freezer, a limited edition
of which (six) will be paraded at Harrods (Customers? Posh and
Becks, and, er, suggestions on an email please?...)
Finally, the sun is shining, and hopefully, wherever you are,
it's shining for you too. Take the rest of the afternoon off and get
those BBQs fired up!
If you do not already receive THE K&BZINE on a weekly basis, subscribe FREE OF CHARGE here
100%
Light Launches September 2006
100%
Light is a brand new show launching at Earls Court 1, 21-24 September
2006. The new lighting show will be located alongside 100% Design and
100% Detail, adding to these already highly successful international exhibitions.
More
here:
Speaker
List for Masterclass Conference
Some
of the world's most inspirational product, industrial and award winning
designers will be brought together under one roof in London this June,
at the Masterclass 2006 conference and seminar, to present their own unique
perspectives on design.
More
here:
interclima+
Confirms Cross Industry Approach
interclima+
elechome & building,
the international smart building technologies show, which ran from 17th
to 20th January 2006 at the Paris Parc des Expo-Porte de Versailles in
conjunction with Idéo Bain, was staged against a stimulating economic
and legislative background for all those involved in the HVAC and electrical
industries.
More
here:
Franke
Showcases at Waterline Show
Kitchen
systems manufacturer, Franke, is showcasing
a range of new products at this year's Waterline roadshow.
More
here:
Blum
at Sasmil
Italy's
premier international exhibition for furniture fittings and furniture
materials - Sasmil - takes place in
May alongside the international woodworking machinery show Xylexpo.
More
here:
KBSA
Awards and AGM Announced for 2006
A
date has been announced for the 2006 Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists
Association Design Innovation Awards presentation ceremony and AGM.
The event will take place at the Radisson SAS Hotel at Stansted Airport
on Thursday July 6th.
More
here:
Kitchen
Showcase & Masterclass 2006
Kitchen
Showcase 2006
is the only UK exhibition solely dedicated to the kitchen industry. The
event takes place over three days 27th -29th June 2006 (two trade, one
trade/consumer) at Olympia 2, Kensington, London.With more stunning kitchen
designs than ever before and a new product showcase, Design Additions,
Kitchen Showcase 06 will be the largest and best event since its launch
in 2003.
More
here:
More Events here
Imperial
Bathrooms,
offers an extended and inspiring new design guide that features more products
than ever before.
More
here:
Following
extensive customer research, William Ball
has now created a new Trade Price Guide that has simplified the pricing
process with the aim of making project quoting a pleasure.
More
here:
Anti-scald
equipment manufacturer Intatec has
just published its new price list, which this time contains more than
just prices.
More
here:
Shower
surround and bath screen manufacturer, Aqualux,
has unveiled its new-look brochure featuring its widest ever selection
of shower enclosures, steam cabins, shower trays and bath screens.
More
here:
Leading
kitchen systems manufacturer, Franke,
has appointed Diane Millington as customer care manager.
More
here:
Maytag UK has appointed Richard
Garrod to UK Sales Manager, Floor Care with immediate effect.
More
here:
Matt
Boardman rejoins the Merlyn sales
force on May 8th 2006, after 2 years absence. In this time, he enjoyed
success as National Sales Manager with Aquadart, and most recently in
the position of Area Sales Manager, with Dornbracht brassware.
More
here:
The
National Kitchen Bath Association
has announced the addition of Edward Pell to the National Headquarters
staff as the Manager of Market Research.
More
here:
Aqualux
is welcoming another new member of staff to its sales team as Mark Fahey
joins the awards winning company as area sales manager for North East
England.
More
here:
Thirty
one year old Michael Reay joins Miller from
Sweden to manage the North West sales region.
More
here:
Following
the success of its awareness campaign for 2005, De
Dietrich is running a consumer press advertising campaign using
both glossy magazines and national newspaper weekend supplements in 2006.
More
here:
For
a limited period from 14th April until 26th May 2006, kitchen appliance
manufacturer Siemens is running a
multi-level 'cash back' laundry promotion, aimed specifically at independent
dealers and their end customers.
More
here:
AEG
Premieres on the big screen with a strong, silent message as part of £3
million advertising campaign.
More
here:
Following
the recent launch of its new communications platform, ‘Electrolux
- Thinking of You’, the Electrolux Group
announced the start of a combined £10m Consumer Advertising Investment
into its portfolio of home appliance brands - Electrolux, AEG-Electrolux
and Zanussi-Electrolux.
More
here:
Following
the European Product design award for Kermi's
top of the range Toca Shower Enclosure range last year the company has
announced two further awards for the new Credo Towel Radiators launched
at the recent KBB Exhibition.
More
here:
The
team at Court Homemakers in Teesside is celebrating after scooping PWS'
national award for Second Nature dealer of the year.
More
here:
Maytag UK's
Agility Deep Cleaning Carpet Extractor has received the Good Housekeeping
Institute's accreditation for its outstanding performance.
More
here:
Bureau
Veritas Consumer Products Services
(BVCPS),
specialist in consumer product testing, inspections and auditing
services, has announced the launch of its newly designed and improved
website.
More
here:
Franke,
the kitchen systems manufacturer, recorded over 100,000 visitor
sessions on its new look website last month.
More
here:
With
reports of plumbers earning £100,000+ a year and charging
huge hourly rates it is nice to see that some plumbers are willing
to give help to consumers entirely for free.
More
here:
Grand
Designs Live Birmingham, 6-8 October 2006 at the National
Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.
More
here:
Grand
Designs Live 2006, 2-4 June, ExCel, London.
More
here:
100%
East returns to the Truman Brewery, from 21-24 September
2006.
More
here:
The
preparations for the première of the Deutsche
Ausbaumesse in Nürnberg from 27-29 April 2006 are in
full swing.
More
here:
Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Dubai, has finalised its plans for ISH
Kitchen and Bathroom Gulf.
More
here:
SUBSCRIBE FREE!
If you do not already receive THE K&BZINE on a weekly basis, subscribe FREE OF CHARGE here
TheK&BZine Team:
Richard Place
sales@thekbzine.com
MISSED LAST WEEK'S K&BZINE? IT'S HERE
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
The
UK’s 1st Odourless WC from Villeroy & Boch
Villeroy
& Boch, a world specialist in bathrooms, has developed
the WC that actively combats unpleasant odours. The fast
and reliable effect is based on PurAir technology and an
innovative ceramic air-flow control system.
[More
on this Product]
American
Standard Files Record Q1 Sales, but Declining Profits
American
Standard has announced first-quarter sales of a record $2.552bn, up
9% from the prior year, however, net income for the quarter was $84.1m,
down 32.7% from $124.9m in first quarter 2005. Fred Poses, chairman
and CEO (pictured), said: 'Bath and Kitchen performed as we expected
- about the same as fourth quarter - as we took actions to rebuild
its profitability and continue to build its global competitiveness.'
[More
on this Story]
Jacuzzi
2006 Q2 Profits Slashed by 45%
Jacuzzi
Brands, Inc. net sales and operating income for the second quarter
2006 were $289.2m and $21.6m, respectively, compared to $301.0m and
$22.5m, respectively, for the second quarter of fiscal 2005. Net earnings
for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were $4.1m, compared to $7.4m,
in the second quarter of fiscal 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Integrates Maytag, 4,500 US Jobs Lost
Whirlpool
Corporation announced on 10th May a series of changes within its North
American organisation relating to the integration of Maytag operations.
Locations affected by the changes include three manufacturing sites,
the former Maytag corporate headquarters and a research and development
centre in Newton, Iowa, and administrative offices in Illinois, Canada
and Mexico.
[More
on this Story]
Business
Ethics Magazine Names Whirlpool One of 100 Best Corporate Citizens
Whirlpool
Corporation has been named one of the 100 best corporate citizens
by Business Ethics magazine. The company is one of only 16 companies
named to the list each year since its inception seven years ago.
[More
on this Story]
Part
P Training And Assessment For KBB Industry From NICEIC Domestic
Installer Scheme
The
KBB industry has welcomed a programme of assessment and training,
launched by the KBSA, which offers retailers a clear route to
self-certification under the requirements of the new Part P legislation.
'This legislation has created havoc in our industry and I am delighted
that the KBSA has been able to offer a solution that will help
retailers comply and get back to running their businesses,' says
the KBSA.
[More
on this Story]
Masco
Corporation Announces New Share BuyBack
Masco
Corporation announced on 10th May that its Board of Directors
has authorised the purchase of up to 50 million shares of its
Common Stock in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions
or otherwise.
[More
on this Story]
Gorenje
Teases Luxury Fridge-Freezer Market with Swarovski
Gorenje
has launched two Premium Touch fridge-freezers, crystallised with
Swarovski - one with 7,000 hand-embedded crystals (on sale in
Harrods with an unusual POA ('Price on Application') ticket and
the other - much more affordable for the likes of you and I (not)
- with a mere 3500 glass beads (sorry, 'jewels').
[More
on this Story]
Record-breaking
Visitor Numbers at KBB/Expotile 2006
Now the ABC audit has been completed, KBB / Expotile has announced 2006
visitor numbers at an all time high, registering 19,122 through the
door - a 15% increase compared to 2004.
[More
on this Story]
The
Franke Sorter Achieves Red Dot Award
The
Sorter waste management system from Franke has recently achieved
a Red Dot Award for design excellence.
[More
on this Story]
HomePro
Guarantees Four-in-One Insurance Performance for the KBB Sector
HomePro
Insurance - one of the UK's leading providers of Insurance Backed
Guarantees (IBGs) - has introduced a dedicated warranty product
for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom retail installation sector
[More
on this Story]
De
Dietrich Reports Sales Increases
Premium
brand De Dietrich has announced excellent year on year sales increases
in many of its product categories for the first four months of
2006.
[More
on this Story]
Gaggenau
Launches First Totally Online Trade Promotion
In
what is believed to be the first below-the-line promotion of its
type in the UK kitchen industry, luxury built in appliance specialist,
Gaggenau has launched a totally online reward scheme for its retailers
via a specially created dedicated website
[More
on this Story]
William
Ball Star Retailer Hits the Small Screen
Premier
Kitchens & Bedrooms, an exclusive William Ball retailer with
six outlets across the East Anglia region, recently came to the
rescue of a family that had been ripped off by cowboy builders
when creating their new extension.
[More
on this Story]
Smarter
Working Campaign gets TUC Support
Work
Wise UK now has the backing of the TUC for its three-year initiative
to encourage the widespread adoption of smarter working practices,
such as flexible working, mobile working, remote working and working
from home.
[More
on this Story]
Everything
Bespoke from Holzma at Unibase
Unibase
is one of Northern Ireland's fastest growing specialist manufacturers
of kitchen and now bedroom carcases. With a bespoke service that
belies the huge volumes at the Antrim factory, Unibase relies
to a significant extent on the performance of the company's Holzma
saws and Magi-Cut software.
[More
on this Story]
AND
FINALLY...
How
Much Water Does Showering Use?
Kirsten
Gram-Hanssen PHD a senior researcher for the Department of Housing
and Urban Renewal in Denmark, recently undertook a study on cleanliness
habits amongst Danish teenagers. Kirsten came up with some observations
that you may find surprising.
[More
on this Story]
Are
Award Events Worth the Effort?
Awards
are glamorous, exciting and fun, but when the glittering ceremony
is over and the trophies have been received some may question,
'is it all worth it?' Ten years ago there was only one set of
awards for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom industry, today
we have at least six if you include those run by consumer magazines
that also cover design in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom
industry.
[More
Here]
SPECIAL FEATURE
Fagor
Celebrates Half Century
Fagor Electrodomesticos, the only Spanish multinational in the
home appliance sector and part of MCC, the largest co-operative
group in the world, has celebrated its 50th anniversary with
an international press conference in Bilbao. It also used the
conference to introduce the new head of Fagor General Management,
Txema Gisasola, who will be taking over when Pablo Mongelos
- current head and a major architect of change within the group
over the last few years - moves up to take a wider role within
MCC.
[More
on this Story]
The
K&BZine Search Engine
Just
type in your search term and hit the button to search over 700 pages
on The K&BZine website.
We have archived items from the following Channels: News, Appliances, Awards, Bathroom Products, Events, Kitchen Products, Literature, Marketing, People and Taps & Showers.
Should you wish to submit editorial to THE K&BZINE, please email Debbie Schwarz or telephone 0208 656 9878, mobile 07889 664061
Editorial is FREE OF CHARGE but may be edited to house style.
Write to
us at:
The K&BZine, PO Box 1488, Croydon CR9 7WH
ADVERTISERS
Should
you wish to advertise on THE K&BZINE, please
email Richard Place or telephone
020 8404 3825, mobile 07932 607142
A Ratecard is viewable on this link: http://www.thekbzine.com/RateCardKB/RateCard.html
Copyright
© 2004/6 Zenius (Croydon) Ltd.
Permission to use any of the material contained in this EZine should be
obtained from Zenius (Croydon) Ltd.
IF
YOU HAVE BEEN SENT THIS EMAIL BY A COLLEAGUE,
PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE