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Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
11th April 2008
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Franke Appliances
 

ATAG Kitchen Appliances
Appliances
ATAG's MAGNA Design Line

The Dutch designer brand ATAG says that it will impres the UK designer and kitchen specialist with an even more aspirational collection of luxury appliances available that delivers the very best in class, the MAGNA Design Line
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Food Fusion from Morphy Richards
Check out Food Fusion, a new range of appliances from Morphy Richards designed to change the way you think about cooking and your kitchen
More here:

De Dietrich 90cm Downdraft Extractor
De Dietrich has introduced the DHD7000X 90cm Downdraft Extractor. 'This state-of-the-art appliance will be the highlight of the contemporary kitchen yet is also its hidden gem.'
More here:

Maytag's 20 Series Refrigeration
Maytag UK has extended its Maytag refrigeration range to include 20 cubic foot models in the line up
More here:

CDA Integrated Draught Beer Dispenser

Appliance specialist CDA has exclusively introduced the ultimate luxury appliance for the home; the integrated draught beer dispenser
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Put a Splash of Colour into Spring Cleaning
Electrolux says that consumers who are looking for a great cleaner to tackle their household cleaning jobs should look no further than the new Electrolux Vitesse range of vacuum cleaners
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Whirlpool's 20SI L4 Fridge Freezer
As the Summer months are fast approaching we are eating more fresh fruit, vegetables and salads which are ideal for light meals and picnics. However, often we stumble across the problem of keeping fresh produce, just that, for more than a couple of days
More here:

Fagor Five-Zone Induction Hob
Fagor has launched a stylish new 90cm induction model to its range of hobs. This hob, with stylish bevelled edge features five cooking zones including a large 28cm zone for bigger pans
More here:


Surfaces

Cova Veneers ad


Edgeband from REHAU
'Inspiration' is the appropriate title for a new 160 page design guide produced by edgeband manufacturer REHAU
More here:

Veneers from EDP
As a pre-eminent supplier of surfacing and edging material to British and Irish manufacturers, EDP can offer a full selection of quality veneer sheets
More here:

Topping off with Walnut
PWS says that walnut is making a huge impression in both modern and traditional kitchen schemes, with consumers opting for the luxury and rich colour that walnut brings to an interior
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Melamine Edgings from Hafele
Hafele has launched a new range of melamine edgings that are designed to overlay existing carcass edge finishes deemed, for one reason or another, to be aesthetically inappropriate at the installation stage
More here:


LathamLGHiMacsAdvert
Taps & Showers
Franke Olympus with Side Spray
The new Franke Olympus Side Spray sees the classic Olympus mixer tap partnered with a highly practical yet elegant separate side spray - perfect for rinsing dishes and preparing vegetables
More here:

InSinkErator Brushes up its Look
InSinkErator, the manufacturer of sink appliances, has unveiled a new, brushed steel finish for its successful 98 degree Steaming Hot Water Tap
More here:

Hudson Reed Arco Brassware
Arco, a new brassware range from Hudson Reed, launches on May 1st as a complete programme for both the bathroom and shower
More here:

Savil Adds Two New Mixers

Brassware producer Savil of Italy has added two mixer designs to its extensive collection. These are Tondo and Due Due
More here:

Top Tip for a Tap from Franke

For a high-class precision tap with sleek styling, look no further than the elegant new Zurich kitchen mixer tap from Franke
More here:

Simpsons Space-saving Supreme
Squeeze a spacious shower into the smallest of spaces with this corner-entry model from Simpsons
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Kitchens
Pyramis 'Studio' Sinks snd Drainers
As part of its 'Elegant' range of luxury sinks, Pyramis has launched a collection of stainless steel sinks entitled 'Studio'
More here:

Carron Phoenix Fiji Range

For devotees of undermount sinks, the new Fiji granite range from Carron Phoenix offers creative freedom with a range of single, 1.5 bowl and double bowl options
More here:

Gloss Newcomer from PWS

Valais is the new high gloss range from PWS that unites two leading styles in kitchen design. The timeless Shaker is mixed with a white high gloss finish for a look that responds to the growing trend for clean, fuss-free styling
More here:


Bathrooms
Merlyn on the Big Screen
Merlyn Industries UK Ltd says that it is confident the company’s new dedicated collection of Overbath Screens will leave its customers star struck!
More here:

Imperial Furniture Range
Another range of handcrafted freestanding bathroom furniture has been unveiled by British sanitaryware and furniture manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms
More here:


KB Accessories
Sensio LED Flexible Strip
Manufacturer of high quality furniture and kitchen lighting, Sensio Lighting, has launched the LED Colour Changing Flexible Strip; a seven colour lighting system for the kitchen.
More here:

Schuller Storage
German Kitchen Manufacturer Schuller provides recycling solutions to aid the ever growing issues arising from kitchen waste and how it is distributed and discarded.
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Radiators

Vogue Contemporary Range
Premium Heated Towel Rail manufacturer Vogue (UK) recently launched a combination of hand crafted round and square tube chrome finished designs in the shape of a new 'Contemporary' range
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Revive from Hudson Reed
Many radiators adequately fulfil their role as room heaters, but spoil the decor effect the householder wants to achieve. Hudson Reed says that its Revive designer radiators add style and a finish quality that blends perfectly into the home design
More here:


Bedrooms
New Rialto Range from Hammonds
Whether you describe your style as vintage boudoir or elegant and sophisticated, Rialto, the latest design from Hammonds, offers versatility while providing storage solutions for the way we live today 

More here:


Tiles
Eco-Friendly Tiles Have Arrived
Kyoto Summit's environmental influences are far reaching, extending even to the world of tile development. The introduction of the aptly named ‘Kyoto’ wall and floor tile collection, from The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse, provides genuine choice for those searching for environmentally friendly materials.
More here:


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It's all Good News this Week

You can tell if an industry is in good shape if the acquisition stories are generally friendly and accompanied by photographs of people smiling and shaking hands. When the going gets tough, so called acqusitions are more likely to be purchases from the receivers, and are illustrated by press images showing irate and unpaid workers locked out of their factories.

So it's good news to learn of two company sales this week - Frighton has bought out Norske Interiors (Mermaid) and Danfoss has acquired ECO Heat Pumps - both in a friendly fashion. We also hear that bathroom manufacturer Provex Products is changing its name to Lakes Bathrooms, again for good reasons.

Meanwhile, the Dutch have gone over to the dark side. This week we learn from the Dutch Design Duo of ATAG Appliances and Keller Kitchens that there is a strong trend this year for confident dark and moody looks created through dark woods and finishes. ATAG reflects this with the introduction of a Graphite Black finish on the company's range of appliances, seen as the natural successor to stainless steel.

Finally, we learn this week that Electrolux has repositioned its Zanussi brand; it now sits midway between AEG and Electrolux in price - and has ditched its once highly memorable catchphrase 'The Appliance of Science' in favour of what is hoped will become equally memorable - 'Get a Life' Or was that 'Get a Living', I must check...

Aqualux

People

Duncan Hornett goes National for Reginox

Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox UK, has promoted Duncan Hornett to the role of national sales manager.
[More here]

Evitavonni Customer Care

Evitavonni
has appointed a new member of staff dedicated to enhancing customer service. Alison Jones has accepted the position of Customer Care Representative at the company's newly opened showroom in Chobham, Surrey.
[More here]

Drummonds Flooring Manager
Drummonds has appointed John Wilkinson as its new flooring manager. John will work with customers and clients throughout the UK to provide a complete flooring service using the very best reclaimed timber, stone and tiles.
[More here]

BCT Appoints National Housebuild Manager

British Ceramic Tile
has appointed Kevin Jackson as the new National Housebuild Sales manager. This appointment reflects British Ceramic Tiles continuing growth and development within the competitive Housebuild market. Kevin will be responsible for developing British Ceramic Tile’s position in the market, making the company first choice for major house builders.
[More here]

BCT Appoints National Account Manager

Devon based tile manufacturer British Ceramic Tile Ltd has appointed Gary Chaffey as its new National Account Manager.
[More here]

Gun Nilsson New CFO of Nobia
Gun Nilsson has been appointed new Chief Financial Officer of Nobia. In August she will succeed Jan Johansson.
[More here]

New Appointment at Maytag UK

Emmie Lindvig has joined Maytag UK - part of Whirlpool Corporation - as Product Marketing Manager for KitchenAid UK.
[More here]


Homepro

Brochures and Literature

Pyramis UK Launches New 'ELEGANT' Brochure
Pyramis, the premium kitchen sink and tap manufacturer has launched a new brochure for UK dealers. The brochure, entitled 'ELEGANT' highlights the Studio, Crystalon, Axon and Tetragon Collection of sinks together with its range of complementary taps
[More here]

Designed for Living from Stoneham
The new 2008 full colour brochure from English kitchen manufacturer Stoneham is entitled 'Designed for Living'.
[More here]

Deva's New Brochure
Deva has just launched its 2008 Taps, Showers and Accessories brochure - a comprehensive catalogue of the brassware manufacturer's portfolio.
[More here]

Three's the Magic Number for Franke

Committed to keeping the industry up-to-date with the latest kitchen systems technology, Franke has announced that a new suite of brochures is now available detailing the latest sinks, taps, decorative hoods and other innovations
[More here]


Exhibitions & Events

Expansion for Kitchen & Bathroom Show
The Kitchen & Bathroom Show has been extended from two to three days to enable visitors with a professional interest in the industries to spend time at the event during their normal mid-week working day as opposed to taking up their valuable weekend leisure time.
[More here]

ALNO at Eurocucina
The Eurocucina in Milan, 16th - 21st April, is the most important event for the kitchen industry worldwide. It is where the world's leading manufacturers set the trends for kitchen design for the following two years. Where else then, would Germany's second largest kitchen company, ALNO choose to reveal the prototype for its latest, cutting edge design?
[More here]

Bathroom Academy supports HIP!-Ex
The Bathroom Academy - a division of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) - is supporting the first ever HIP!-Ex show at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton on 22nd and 23rd April 2008.
[More here]

James Latham at NMBS Exhibition
Timber and panel products distributor, James Latham, is looking forward to exhibiting at the NMBS in May.
[More here]

Wayne Hemingway at Bathroom Conference
Wayne Hemingway MBE, who created the iconic Red or Dead fashion brand with his wife Gerardine, is to speak at this year's Annual Bathroom Conference 'Sustainable Solutions - Awareness, Engagement & Action' on 14th October at The Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club in Warwickshire.
[More here]

First News from THE Conference 2008
TV presenter and comedian Nick Hancock has been announced as guest host of THE Conference, which is taking place this year in Tenerife, 26-29 June.
[More here]

Grand Designs Live London
Grand Designs Live London, the UK's number one consumer show for innovation and design, returns to ExCeL (3-11 May 2008) for a fourth year.
[More here]

Tecnargilla 2008
Tecnargilla is the international trade fair on technologies and materials for the ceramic and terracotta industries, organised by Rimini Fiera in collaboration with Acimac, whose upcoming edition will be held from the 30th September to the 4th October 2008.
[More here]


Awards & Standards
Fourth RoSPA Gold Award for Ideal Standard
Ideal Standard International, a leading provider of bathroom and kitchen solutions, is celebrating its win of the prestigious RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Occupational Health & Safety Award, for the fourth consecutive year.
[More here]


Marketing & Promotion
Aqualux shows off 'Super Models'
Aqualux is washing away the myth that luxurious bathrooms are only for the rich and famous with the launch of a new advertising campaign to promote its new range of products that will transform the wet room market.

[More here]

Neff At Home With Jamie
Built in appliance brand leader Neff has teamed up with Royal Worcester and Jamie Oliver to offer a 16-piece starter set* from Royal Worcester's new 'Jamie at home' dining collection free to all consumers purchasing selected oven and dishwasher models from Neff's 2008 range during the promotional period.

[More here]


Internet
Franke's New Web Presence
Fresh from an impressive and eventful KBB 2008, Franke presents a redesigned website to accommodate the new and exciting products available and reinforce the company's status as the leading kitchens systems specialist.

More here:


Training
Tiling Training in Luton
Building Adhesives Limited (BAL) has franchised Craft Tiling Training to provide BAL-branded training for south-eastern England. Manager Gary Nash will lead a team of experienced professionals in offering a variety of courses, all carried out in a in a new purpose-built centre in Bilton Way, Luton.
More here:


Charity Events
PABL Sponsors Healthy Haven
Warrington based electrical company, Premium Appliance Brands is teaming up with The Mersey Forest this spring to transform a local school’s ground from tarmac into a healthy haven.
More here:



Ideal Standard
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PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Team UKI Introduces New Improved Glass Kettle
Team UKI, the Birmingham based small domestic appliance brand, has added a new and improved version of the classic glass kettle to its extensive range of small domestic appliances. Team UKI has redeveloped this classic stunning kettle, improving many of the features to give greater functionality and ease of use.
[More on this Product]


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LATEST TENDERS

Edinburgh Council Requires Provision of Turnkey Furnishings
City of Edinburgh Council is tendering for a comprehensive Turnkey furnishings contract dealing with all aspects for the supply, delivery and installation of household furniture, floor coverings, curtains, electrical appliances and kitchen utensils. (Time-limit 05.05.2008).
[More on this Tender]

NWUPC Needs White Goods
The establishment of a Framework Agreement is required for the supply of White Goods (fridges, freezers etc.) to NWUPC and CPC members. (Time-limit 2.5.2008).
[More on this Tender]

Scottish Power UK Requires Electrical Services
Scottish Power UK plc is tendering for the repair or replacement of electrical equipment in consumer properties affected by Neutral faults. (Time-limit 13.5.2008).
[More on this Tender]

Wessex Housing Tenders
Wessex Housing Partnership Limited requires kitchen, bathroom and cloakroom refurbishment (Time-limit 30.5.2008).
[More on this Tender]


THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Friarton Completes Purchase of Norske Interiors
On 18th March, Friarton Limited completed the purchase of Norske Interiors Limited for an undisclosed sum. 'I am delighted that we have completed the purchase,'says Chairman of Friarton Limited, Simon Howie. 'We can now concentrate on running the business'.
[More on this Story]

Demand Looks Steady, According to Galaxy
Despite increasing uncertainty over current economic conditions, the ongoing credit crunch and a decline in consumer confidence, the latest statistics for the UK's shower market indicate that demand will remain steady, according to Keith Bevan of Galaxy Showers.
[More on this Story]

GE Monogram Pro Canopy Hood - 'The Designer Label for the Kitchen'
GE Appliances has introduced its new Monogram kitchen appliance collection. Using the highest quality materials, Monogram is a striking range incorporating refrigeration, cooking, extraction and cleaning products.
[More on this Story]

T5 Sofitel Soars for Success with GROHE Atrio
When specifiers of the new £180m Sofitel at Heathrow Terminal 5 were in search of stylish bathroom fittings with pure understated design, GROHE had a perfect solution for this prestigious project.
[More on this Story]  

Danfoss Acquires British Heat Pump Company
Danfoss has entered into an agreement to take over the majority of shares in Sheffield-based ECO Heat Pumps, which sells heat pumps into the commercial and domestic heat pump markets.
[More on this Story]  

James Latham - Officially The Natural Choice!
The UK's leading timber and panel products distributor, James Latham, has announced that it is officially the 'Natural Choice' after registering the name - incorporating the company's renowned tree logo - and it being approved by the Patent Office.
[More on this Story]

Dutch-Design Predicts Kitchen Trends
The Dutch-Design duo of the premium Dutch appliance brand ATAG with the contemporary Dutch kitchen company Keller appreciate that colour satisfies our desire to display our individuality.
[More on this Story]

Lakes Bathrooms is the New Name for Provex
Established bathroom manufacturer Provex Products is changing its name to Lakes Bathrooms. According to sales director, Robin Craddock, the name change has been prompted by increasing awareness of the firm's leading brand of shower enclosures and bath screens; the Lakes Range.
[More on this Story]

Electrolux Announces Next Steps to Further Strengthen its Zanussi Brand
Since its acquisition of Zanussi in 1984, Electrolux Group has taken the brand from strength to strength - developing its ranges, investing in design and technology (take the IZ washing machine pictured as a good example) and consolidating Zanussi's position as one of the best known brands in the UK - the choice for the younger person who seeks good design and value for money.
[More on this Story]

Planit Fusion Signs European Agreement With Electrolux
Planit International has signed an agreement with Electrolux which allows kitchen designers across Europe to show their customers exactly how the appliances will look in their planned kitchen using industry-leading Planit Fusion design and visualisation software.
[More on this Story]

Maytag UK Announces New Customer Service Contact Details
Maytag UK, the supplier of premium household appliance brands Amana, Maytag and Admiral, has announced, with immediate effect, new Customer Service contact numbers.
[More on this Story]

Reva Industries Launches Stevens & Jubb
Reva Industries, the manufacturer of acrylic baths, has launched Stevens & Jubb, a new operating division to develop a collection of designer baths and bathroom equipment which will be sold exclusively through independent retailers.
[More on this Story]

Three Nominations for UK Tile Manufacturer at Industry Awards
The Tile Association has nominated UK tile manufacturer British Ceramic Tile for three awards at its prestigious annual awards ceremony, to be held on the 19th of April 2008. 
[More on this Story]

Roman Showers Saudi Hotel
UK shower manufacturer, Roman, has won a contract to supply products to a hotel in Saudi Arabia. Roman has supplied a large quantity of the company's Jupiter Quadrant shower enclosures and trays to suit, after fighting off competition to win the contract.
[More on this Story]

Whirlpool Corporation Wins Two ADDY Awards
Whirlpool Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of appliances, has received two Silver ADDY awards from the New York Chapter of the American Advertising Federation for its recent marketing and advertising work for the Maytag brand.
[More on this Story]

Siemens Takes to the Road with Branded Livery
Kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens has introduced five branded Lorries in to its transport livery for 2008. Based at the BSH National Distribution Centre in Kettering, Northamptonshire, the five new 40ft vehicles will be making daily deliveries to the company's six platform operations around the country.
More on this Story]

New Look for the KBSA
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has launched a modern new logo which is incorporated into a revamped, consumer facing, new look website, which went live on 1st April.
[More on this Story]

Ideal Standard International Reinforces Global Leadership Team
Ideal Standard International, a leading provider of bathroom solutions, has announced two new additions to its global leadership team. Gary Cleaver is appointed as Chief Financial Officer / Chief Administrative Officer, and Kenneth Ng becomes president of the company's Asia/Pacific region.
[More on this Story]

C&DHT Customers Have a Say on Everything Including Kitchen Sink
Chester & District Housing Trust (C&DHT) invited residents to decide which companies should supply new kitchens and front doors for the coming three year Improvement Programme
[More on this Story]

13 Red-Hot Red Dots for Electrolux
In recognition of their design excellence and innovation, thirteen Electrolux appliances received the international Red Dot Design Award 2008.
[More on this Story]

Blum Opens its Doors to ukfirst
Attendees from 11 UK furniture companies recently visited the manufacturing headquarters of Blum in Austria for a two day best practice programme organised by industry forum ukfirst.
[More on this Story]

Electrolux Launches New Anti-Finger-Print Coating
Gone are the days when the dishwasher and fridge door were covered with little finger prints - despite the fact that they were wiped clean just the day before.
[More on this Story]

Homag Increases Flexibility at L and R Kitchens
Southport based L and R Kitchens and Bedrooms has recently invested in two crucial Homag Group machines to give the additional flexibility, capacity and to further increase product quality.
[More on this Story]


KBB SHOW REVIEW

More reviews of product launches from the KBB Show 2008 can be found here.

Aqualux Show Success
Aqualux is proving its new 'super model' collection of enclosures has style as well as substance with record sales leads following a successful launch show at the Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom exhibition (KBB).
[More on this Exhibitor]

GROHE - Not the only Winners at KBB 2008
At this year's KBB 2008 GROHE displayed its range of stylish taps and showering systems, and says that the response was phenomenal. Highlights at the show included the Grohtherm Wireless, GROHE's state of the art digital showering system, the sleek and minimalist Allure collection, and star of the show -the GROHE Rapido.
[More on this Exhibitor]

Pegler Yorkshire’s BRITA Filter Tap Returns to KBB
KBB 2008 saw Pegler Yorkshire displaying a comprehensive range of its taps, mixers and showers and as well as new products launched for the first time, others made a triumphant return to KBB – in particular a working model of the Francis Pegler BRITA Filter Tap.
[More on this Exhibitor]

KBB Show is Best Ever for ArtiCAD
ArtiCAD, a supplier of CAD solutions to the KBB industry, reports that this year’s KBB show was the best ever. In particular, Theresa Turner, a director of ArtiCAD said: 'On Monday, we had the most successful single day we’ve ever had at any trade show anywhere in the world.
[More on this Exhibitor]

Coram Flies The Flag for UK Design
At this year's KBB show, Coram Shower Pods exhibited its high performance pod sporting a striking Union Jack design, to highlight how the company's latest generation of designs have been specifically developed to meet the needs of the UK market.
[More on this Exhibitor]

Metropolitan Wins the Day for Top RAK Retailer
The winners of RAK Ceramic's Metropolitan competition were announced at a special prize presentation at this year's KBB exhibition. Topping the charts as the retailer to sell the most Metropolitan sanitaryware between 2nd January - 22nd February was Southampton based company Drivers Wharf Surplus Supplies.
[More on this Exhibitor]

Geberit Challenges Visitors with Impressive KBB Display
Geberit, manufacturer of sanitary, supply and drainage systems, demonstrated its reputation for innovative design in style at this year’s KBB by setting visitors to the exhibition a unique challenge.
[More on this Exhibitor]


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BMA NEWS ...

Defra Claims Retailers are Key to Water Efficiency
In a new report titled 'Future Water - the Government's water strategy for England', Defra when referring to the Bathroom Manufacturers Association's (BMA) Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme claims that retailers are key in the development of water efficiency initiatives.
[More Here]


KBSA CORNER...

Building A Business In 2008
This time of year always brings numerous surveys and economic forecasts about what is in store for the coming twelve months. Now that the madness of the sales has passed retailers in the KBB industry can take stock and assess how their businesses are going to prosper during what is generally termed to be 'tough trading conditions'.
[More Here]


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Archive Section

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

KBB 2008:[Exhibitors] BKEXPO 2007: Exhibitor List here; Product Launches here: Reviews here


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