Franke Kitchen
K&Bzine Logo
Franke Appliances

Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
24th August 2007
Links Not Working? Go to http://www.thekbzine.com

Homepro

Appliances

Perfect for those seeking a geometric look in the kitchen, Baumatic's new PI1SS hood is the ideal adornment for rectangular hobs
More here:


Just when you thought that all Amana refrigeration would be big and bold, the new matching under counter pair can be neatly tucked away under the worktop, but not out of sight
More here:


Franke
has extended its range of cooker hoods with a 40-model-strong portfolio including the novel Swing FSW 908 TC BK XS hood which has a black glass and stainless steel exterior façade that swings open in the middle to reveal bold, inset lighting
More here:


Surfaces

Cova Veneers ad


Express Line is an exceptionally versatile and fast edgebanding service from EDP Ltd. Essex based EDP is UK agent for Probos, the European Manufacturers of a extensive range of high quality Proadec edgebanding materials
More here:

The tactile Riverwash texture is a new entry to Bushboard's new Prima 40mm laminate worksurface collection
More here:


Latham LG

Taps & Showers


Geometric shapes are fast overtaking curves as the latest must-have for the kitchen, but achieving the crisp edges requires precision manufacturing. Enter the Mythos range from Franke with its angular sinks and taps that take the creation of perfect angles right to the edge
More here:


Aqualux
is extending its exclusive collection of steam cabins to offer installers and customers a new range of sizes, shapes and added-extras
More here:


Coram Showers
has expanded its retail range, Acora, with the launch of a new collection of wet room enclosures
More here:

The ultra modern Diagon tap from Abode has minimalist lines and angles which, not only look good, but complement any contemporary styled kitchen
More here:


Kitchens

Providing a stylish solution for the compact kitchen, Metro 90 from Carron Phoenix is cleverly designed to offer a space saving product which can fit into a 450mm cabinet
More here:

Midway rail systems are designed to make practical use of wall space and now Häfele have 'packaged' the latest bright or satin finished versions as a two part tubular system with two 750mm rail sections
More here:


Bathrooms


Bathroom and kitchen distributor, the PJH Group has launched the new NAPLES sanitaryware collection to add to its contemporary bathroom range, Moods Bathrooms
More here:


The new Nero & Claudia fitted bathroom range from William Ball has a classic styling with dramatic black gloss elements that add 'serious wow-factor'.
More here:


KB Accessories

Häfele's worktop standing Eclipse carousel unit, designed originally to complement the best selling Mondo base unit module, is now being supplied with a soft close mechanism
More here:


PWS
has introduced some illuminating ideas to its lighting range which has been updated to include the latest innovations in shelf lighting
More here:


Radiators


The new Yarmy radiator from Purmo has a smooth metallic sheen surface and curved edges, this combination of radiator and light comes with a chrome towel rail option
More here:

New from MHS, the Raven combines industrial chic with elegant minimalism
More here:


Bedrooms



Caple
’s popular Lattice wardrobe from the Smartrobe collection is now available in a Cocoa Walnut carcase with a dark, rich, chocolate finish
More here:

Extracting the Mythos

Plenty of new products this week, as usual, not least in the taps and showers section. Some interesting brand names have come up too - for example, the new square tap from Franke appears to be named after our favourite Greek beer, Mythos. One can only dream of it dispensing the amber nectar instead of plain old water.

Designed with similar geometric lines is the new cooker hood from Baumatic's very attractive Pythagora range, but branding it the 'PI1SS' might cause some mirth amongst retailers.

Not to be left out, Abode has entered the world of Harry Potter with its latest tap design - the Diagon, which fans will recognise as the name of the alley where the shops are in the magical topography of JK Rowling's hugely popular novels.

We have quite a bit of news this week as well, including details of the Now Kitchens acquisition by TSC and Whirlpool's record Q2 results, as well as news of a major sales push by Utopia in the UK, ahead of a major product launch later in the year.

Aqualux
SUBSCRIBE FREE!
If you do not already receive THE K&BZINE on a weekly basis, subscribe FREE OF CHARGE here


Exhibitions & Events

Maytag UK to Display at CIH Show
Maytag UK is attending the CIH show at the NEC on 9th and 10th September. The company will be displaying its latest Maytag European laundry ranges and the all-new Admiral refrigeration range.
More on this Event:

So What’s Next for Ebb?

Geoffrey Clarke, Alan Marks and Jack Wooley, the team behind the Ebb bathroom concept, which inspired global interest from the design world following its appearance at 100% Design 2005, will unveil two new product concepts at this year’s show.
More on this Event:


Awards & Standards

The 7kg Xpress Washing Machine, recently launched by appliance manufacturer BEKO plc, has been awarded the prestigious 'Plus X' Award for the most ecologically friendly appliance on the market Europe-wide.
[More here]

Ideal Standard, a leading provider of bathroom and kitchen solutions has been nominated winner in the ‘Best Bathroom Product’ category of the Grand Designs Awards 07.
[More here]


People


As a result of the increasing interest in the Merlyn product range a decision has been made to further develop the sales operation with the appointment of Mike Walker. Mike will be responsible for the key Midland Territory.
[More here]


Merlyn Industries UK Ltd
has announced the appointment of Vicki Hitchins to the position of Marketing Coordinator.
[More here]


Franke UK
has announced the appointment of Caroline Hardman as Northern Regional Sales Manager.
[More here]


Victoria & Albert Baths
has expanded its sales force with the recruitment of James Stickley and Adam Thresher
[More here]


Freestanding bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert has appointed Jonathan Carter as UK Marketing Manager.
[More here]

Utopia has significantly enhanced its marketing department with the addition of Helen Bray as Marketing Manager and Katie Lees as Marketing Assistant.
[More here]


Marketing & Promotion

Maytag UK's Admiral side-by-side fridge freezer was selected for a second competition appearance on ITV1's Daily Cooks programme, following its debut on the celebrity-hosted cookery programme in March.
[More here]


Following the introduction of a series of tile display boards, British bathroom manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms, has extended this successful format to flaunt its Stone & Marble Collection.
[More here]


Internet

ATAG UK is delighted to announce that it has finally managed to reclaim the domain name www.atag.co.uk from a third party and is now live.
More here:

Crosswater has restyled its website to complement the 2007 brochure and continue the company's ethos of continuous evolution.
More here:


Brochures and Literature



Franke
's commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, innovation and design is exhibited in the latest range of product brochures for kitchens without compromise.
More here:


Training
Developer of design and visualisation software for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and home improvement markets, Planit International has announced that the first of its Winning more Clients training courses was a success.
More here:


Charity Events
Rob Stewart, sales and marketing director for Waterfront Bathrooms, has completed the Coast to Coast Hadrian's Wall Challenge with long time pal Barry Snarr raising £3500.00.
More here:

Tiles
Taylor Tiles has announced the addition of the Norway range to its already extensive product portfolio
More here:





 


TheK&BZine Team:

Richard & Debbie Schwarz
news@thekbzine.com
  Richard Place
Richard Place
sales@thekbzine.com

MISSED LAST WEEK'S K&BZINE? IT'S HERE

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Mistral UK Launches the Must-Have Party Accessory for 2007
Mistral UK says that it is leading the industry in luxury appliances yet again as this season's must-have party accessory, the Indulgence drinks fountain, hits the shelves in Argos for £34.99. The 3-litre drinks fountain is part of the new Indulgence range of seven party products by Mistral.
[More on this Product]


THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Whirlpool Corporation Reports Record Results
Whirlpool Corporation has announced that second-quarter 2007 net sales increased 3 percent to $4.9 billion. Net earnings from continuing operations were $161 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, up approximately 60 percent.
[More on this Story]

Now Kitchens - A New Beginning
Now Kitchens of Preston has been acquired by TSC Industries Ltd, Glasgow. Following the acquisition, TSC has brought forward Now Kitchens planned move to a new 40,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution facility immediately adjacent to the M6.
[More on this Story]

Rogue Trainers - The Campaign Continues
The PHIA campaign to highlight the increasing number of complaints from people who have paid large sums of money for so called ‘Fast Track’ Training to become Plumbers, Fitters and now Electricians continues.
[More on this Story]

Utopia Strengthens Sales Team
Utopia Sales TeamUtopia has significantly strengthened its UK sales team with the addition of several high calibre industry professionals. There have been five new additions to the team of eight Areas Sales Managers covering the UK.
[More on this Story]

Wolseley Pre-Close Period Trading Statement
Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, issues its regular trading statement for the 11 months to 30th June 2007, prior to entering its close period.
[More on this Story]

BMA Conference Comes Closer
Time is whizzing by and the 2007 Bathroom Conference is coming closer. This year's event will take place at the Oxford Belfry on 30th October and promises to be an occasion not to be missed with expert speakers appealing to anyone who works in the Bathroom Industry.
[More on this Story]

Aqualux Takes Top Spot
Aqualux has officially been confirmed as the UK's number one volume supplier of shower enclosures. With a market share of 15 percent, the West Midlands-based manufacturer has topped the industry's official table according to results just released by BRG Consult.
[More on this Story]

Another Star in the Theatre
On visiting the Stonetheatre in Waterloo, actress Jane Asher was taken by the stunning colours of the slab of Jurassic Green. In addition to varying shades of predominately green, this stone features other delicate colour shades.
[More on this Story]

BMA Welcomes New Member Classic Marble
Northern Ireland manufacturer Classic Marble is the latest company to become a member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA).
[More on this Story]

Broughtons Adds New Ranges from Aqualux to its Portfolio
Broughtons, the bathroom division of the national distributor, Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix has added several new ranges from Aqualux to its portfolio.
[More on this Story]

Dimplex Returns to its Roots

To reflect a heritage going back almost 60 years, the UK's space and water heating market leader has changed its name back to Dimplex UK Limited.
[More on this Story]

Express goes 'Quackers' over Victoria and Albert
Personnel at Express Bathrooms of Hereford have been experiencing a new breed of visitor to the company’s 40,000 sq ft showroom off Holme Lacy Road, Rotherwas, in the shape of two wild Mallard ducks.
[More on this Story]

Showerlux Wins Contract at Fawsley Hall
Bathroom manufacturer Showerlux is celebrating after winning an exclusive contract with luxury country hotel, Fawsley Hall, following a dedicated focus on the specifiers market.
[More on this Story]

Planit Announces New Version of Fusion Design Software
Planit International is introducing a new version of its design and visualisation software for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and home improvement markets.
[More on this Story]

HPP Complete Warehouse Extension
Furniture component supplier, HPP has completed a warehouse extension at its Oldham headquarters which will help to improve the company’s efficiency.
[More on this Story]

Commited to Exceed Decent Homes Standards
Housing Hartlepool, a not-for-profit social housing provider, is working in partnership with Ideal Boilers, one of the UK’s leading heating manufacturers, to raise the energy ratings of its housing stock.
[More on this Story]

Jacuzzi® Brand Takes to the Road
During July bathroom manufacturer, Jacuzzi UK commenced a Roadshow taking in over 20 locations throughout the UK. The events were an opportunity for Jacuzzi brand retailers to meet with the team away from the distractions of their busy showrooms.
[More on this Story]

Lawcris Tops £1m Turnover in one Week
Against a background of difficult market conditions, Lawcris Panel Products has bucked current industry trends to top the £1m turnover mark in just one week.
[More on this Story]

Finnish are First for Panel Master UK Ltd
Cabinet and wall panelling company, Panel Master UK Ltd, based in Springvale Mill, Haslingden, has just fulfilled its first overseas order to Finland, with help from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).
[More on this Story]

Smallbone Opts for Weeke
As a brand name Smallbone of Devises needs no introduction. The premier kitchen, bedroom and bathroom manufacturer produces designs and products of distinction and quality for discerning customers up and down the nation and, indeed, overseas.
[More on this Story]


SUBSCRIBE FREE!
If you do not already receive THE K&BZINE on a weekly basis, subscribe FREE OF CHARGE here

BMA NEWS ...

Bathroom Academy Spreads the Word

The Bathroom Academy has had a very busy time recently. First, there was the launch of the new virtual Academy www.bathroom-academy.co.uk at B&K Expo back in May 2007 and the attendance at exhibitions hasn't stopped since.
[More Here]


MISSED LAST WEEK'S K&BZINE? IT'S HERE

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.

Google
The K&BZine


Archive Section

We have archived items from the following Channels: News, Appliances, Awards, Bathroom Products, Events, Kitchen Products, Literature, Marketing, People and Taps & Showers.

BK EXPO 2007

Exhibitor List here
Product Launches here
Reviews here


SUBMITTING EDITORIAL

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. An image manipulation charge may apply.
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 07962 370808

A Ratecard is viewable on this link: http://www.thekbzine.com/RateCardKB/RateCard.html


Copyright © 2004/7 Zenius (Croydon) Ltd.
Permission to use any of the material contained in this EZine should be obtained from Zenius (Croydon) Ltd.

TO SUBSCRIBE

IF YOU HAVE BEEN SENT THIS EMAIL BY A COLLEAGUE,
PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE