Weekly
Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
31st October 2003
http://www.thekbzine.com
Bathstore.com
has introduced the Freedom shower/bath system - a collection of complementary
products, specifically designed to encompass all the requirements of
today’s bathroom
More
here:
Opella
has just launched the Torbeck Compact, which incorporates next generation
equilibrium valve technology and is particularly suited for use in continental
style sanitary ware
More
here:
The
latest Impulse design to be launched by Birmingham-based Mandarin
Building Products, is the Intrigue toilet suite.
More
here:
W&G
Sissons
lmpera range includes five designs of toilets, urinals and washbasins
More
here:
Teuco
Hydrosonics is the first and only (domestic) whirlpool bath with ultrasound
(10 year international patent)
More
here:
Poggenpohl
says that there are two tiers of interior design within a Poggenpohl
kitchen. After the interior design of the kitchen comes the interior
design of the Poggenpohl cabinets themselves.
More
here:
Cheshire-based
sink specialist, Reginox UK adds
a new model to its RegiLux range of stainless steel sinks, the RL 204S
More
here:
The
new Chelsfield kitchen from Stoneham
comes in three different finishes - Maple, Oak and Cherry. All three
have the trade mark vertical hand-made inlays
More
here:
Appliance
manufacturer, CDA, offers a comprehensive
range of sinks to suit all situations. Seen here are two of the company’s
stylish and different sinks in stainless steel
More
here:
Further
innovation from the in-house design team at BA
Components has resulted in a solution to the problems in
fitting a Plate Rack feature in a kitchen
More
here:
Perrin & Rowe,
the British designer and manufacturer of luxury brassware, has newly
extended its collection of design from 'The Trademporary Collection'
More
here:
Sirrus
has announced the launch of Wheel and Steel - two new ranges of designer
taps and showers which complement the increasing trend toward minimalist
bathroom styling
More
here:
Aquaplus
Solutions has launched a diverse range of
frameless enclosures to suit virtually any bathroom
More
here:
Water
Front
has added new showerhead and brassware options to its Cross range and
introduced two new designs to its accessory ranges
More
here:
The
Evolution shower cabinet from Teuco UK
is described by the company as a marriage of innovative styling, ‘multi-functionality’
and ergonomics
More
here:
Miele's
IR 6001 industrial cleaner has proved its worth in critical cleaning
processes in many branches of industry
More
here:
A
new arrival from Neff is the H5970,
a combination microwave with a powerful maximum output of 1000W and
a large internal capacity of 34 litres
More
here:
The
FPD34 fridge-freezer is the latest result of Smeg's
ongoing collaboration with Piano Design, a leading design practice
More
here:
Premium
Appliance Brands Ltd,
exclusive importer of the ATAG brand into the UK, has added a Domino
hob system
More
here:
Petrus
is the latest addition to the Bisque
collection and is also included in the new Svelte range of space-saving
radiators.
More
here:
Claiming
‘uncompromising style and heating efficiency’, The Big One
from MHS Radiators features up
to five towering pillars of polished aluminium in a display of cutting
edge design.
More
here:
Aestus'
new 'Collection Inox' is a range of stainless steel radiators featuring
funky and innovative designs that are suitable for all areas of the
home
More
here:
Myson
has launched a towel rail specifically for the kitchen to complement
the Kickspace plinth heater
More
here:
Extensive
cooperation between Villeroy & Boch
and Graniti Fiandre has resulted
in a series of fine-stoneware. Both of these internationally-operating
companies are pooling their strengths to compete for market share
in the growing market for natural stone and natural-stone-like products
More
here:
Designed
to complement Vitra's contemporary
selection of sanitaryware, furniture, baths and accessories the 'Modern
Elegance collection' of ceramic wall and porcelain floor tiles
More
here:
The
Federation of Master Builders
has warmly welcomed the announcement by Secretary of State for Work
and Pensions, Andrew Smith, to provide £3m in funding for the
Worker Safety Advisers scheme
More
here:
Part
M
of the Building Regulations concerns access and facilities for disabled
people, including requirements regarding sanitary conveniences.
Anna Burns, marketing manager of Twyford
Bathrooms, looks at how it makes provision for those
with special needs.
More
here:
Under the Commonfield Contemporary Door and Slide & Store brands,
Commonfield Services Ltd is
a core producer of folded steel and extruded aluminium framed sliding
doors, now incorporating a choice of diffuse, coloured glass options.
More
here:
News
from Here, There and Everywhere
Quite an international feel to the News Section this
week, with a revealing interview with Wolseley Group Chief Executive
Charlie Banks, who sets out the Group's European strategy and acknowledges
the importance of the UK market. We also report on two interesting acquisitions
by Franke which suggests a trend towards downstream integration, since
both companies were former distributors. We also have a timely warning
from the European Chamber of Commerce to those companies about to make
deals in China: beware of red tape and use of non-tariff barriers.
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Exhibition
List
For upcoming exhibitions in the UK and the rest of the world in the kitchen,
bathroom and bedroom markets.
More
Here:
BMA
Conference 2003 - The Cost of Poor Design
A
record turnout of members is expected at the BMA
conference, held at Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire with 40 attendees from
25 companies.
More
Here:
ISH
Kitchen and Bathroom Gulf 2004
Epoc
Messe Frankfurt, Dubai, has finalised its plans for two trade fairs, which
are to be held in parallel from 16th to 19th May 2004: ISH Kitchen
and Bathroom Gulf, lnternational Trade Fair in the Middle East for Kitchen
and Bathroom Furnishings, and Lightstyle Gulf Light.
More
Here:
Villeroy
& Boch at 'Cersaie 2003'
One
year after the Tile Division merged with that of Bathroom and Kitchens,
Villeroy & Boch is presenting
a new marketing mix for the tile sector.
More
Here:
The
6th China International Building & Decoration
Fair - CBD 2004 - will be held from 6-9 July, 2004 in Guangzhou
(Canton). It is organised by the China Foreign Trade Centre Group in association
with MEREBO Messe Marketing based in Hamburg/Germany
More
Here:
ASFI
the UK furniture supplies event is being re-launched for 2004 in a refreshing
and exciting new format with an all inclusive package for exhibitors.
Sales are going well and companies that have booked so far, include:
More
here:
From
4th to 9th February 2004, is Idèo Bain
the Paris bathroom exhibition.
More
here:
M.C.E.
has become an important event for the bathrooms sector, to be held in
Milan, March 2-6, 2004.
More
here:
'Simple
Solutions' is a glossy 20-page A4 brochure and a guide to the extensive
range of built-in appliances currently available from Neff
for every style of fitted kitchen
More
here:
Domus
Ventilation Ltd,
manufacturer of extractor fans and modular ventilation ducting, has issued
its new ducting catalogue for 2003-2004
More
here:
To
support the recently launched new designs in the Marbrex range, Swish
Building Products has produced a suite of informative literature,
including a brochure, installation guide and price list.
More
here:
Broughton
Crangrove issues a new price book every quarter. The one for
the autumn, 1st October through to the 31st December is now available
More
here:
The Association of Suppliers to the Furniture
Industry has recently appointed Jenny Baldwin as ASFI Marketing
Manager
More
here:
Crosswater
has recently appointed dedicated sales representatives to cover the
north west
More
here:
LG
Electronics
named Vice Chairman S.S.Kim as the new CEO on September 30th following
Mr. John Koo's resignation as LG Electronics chairman
More
here:
The
Kitchen & Bathroom Design Awards organised by Kitchen &
Bathroom Designer Magazine was held at the Mezzo Restaurant in Soho, London
last week. Words and Pictures of the Event.
More
here:
The
Cooking Business Unit of Fagor UK’s Spanish parent company, Fagor
Electrodomesticos, has been selected as a finalist in the Large
Organisations category of the prestigious 2003 European Quality Award
More
here:
Villeroy
& Boch
has developed a series of important communication and presentation media
to support its market partners. The aim here is to communicate the corporate
philosophy at POS.
More
here:
The
Astracast Springflow™ dedicated
sales team is now 'on the road' within the M25 area equipped with specialised
sales presenters
More
here:
Maytag
UK
has introduced new point of sale for the Admiral refrigeration range.
More
here:
September
saw Topps Tiles' 'Fight the Mite'
month to support the work of the National Asthma Campaign. The company
has supported this charity since 1999, in particular raising awareness
of house dustmite issues.
More
here:
Bespoke
kitchen manufacturer Underwood Kitchens
provided the kitchen backdrop for a charity cookery demonstration in Aylesbury
recently.
More
here:
Moores
Furniture Group
has launched a new online service aimed at customers who have purchased
a new home with a Moores fitted kitchen
More
here:
Kaindl,
manufacturer of wood products and laminated flooring, launched its new
website in mid-September. The company is presenting itself as a B2B platform
More
here:
A
series of support seminars run by Planit International,
the industry software provider, have proved so successful that the remaining
dates for October are all fully booked.
More
here:
On the home front, we have an informed report from AMA Research on the
Bathroom Products Market, which says that the market only grew by 3% this
year, but is expected to grow by 4% in 2004. This still falls short of
the growth experienced in 2002, neither does it quite break the billion
pound barrier, with a forecast value of £827m.
We
also hear that Isaac Lord has teamed up with Burbidge to offer kitchen
fitters and retailers a one stop-shop, while in the tile market, Pilkington
Tiles has issued financial results which show that its survival strategy
is working, with increased sales and decreased losses in the first half
of 2003.
Happy Halloween! Debbie Schwarz,
Publisher
debbie@thekbzine.com
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
The
Bathroom Products Market 1998-2004
A major review of the UK Bathroom Market has been published by AMA
Research. The report is informed, comprehensive and up-to-date, and
represents an invaluable aid to sales and marketing professionals
involved in the industry.
[More
on this Story]
Franke
Acquires Distributors in France and Holland
The acquisition of B.L.INOX, its French distributor of Washroom and
Sanitary Systems (WSS), will enable Franke to further expand in the
French market for public and communal WSS products. Also acquired,
the Dutch distributor of Franke Coffee Machines, Ko-Ks Benelux B.V.
and its subsidiary LesAmis Dienstverlening B.V.
[More
on this Story]
Charles
Banks, Wolseley Chief Exec, Discusses the UK Market and the Group's
European Strategy
Q: UK sales increased by 12.6 per cent this last year, but
trading margins slipped to 7.6 per cent . Have you deliberately been
sacrificing margins for sales growth here?
A: I think in a couple of our businesses we probably have sacrificed
a little bit to try and maintain the growth that we have been having
and to increase our market share.
[More
on this Story]
EU
Firms still Face Problems in China Market
China's
push to implement WTO accession rules has benefited European companies,
but huge obstacles remain, with foreign firms notably in the auto
and construction sectors actually seeing the number of barriers to
business increasing, the European Chamber of Commerce in China said.
[More
on this Story]
Isaac
Lord Joins Forces with Burbidge to Service Kitchen Customers
Ironmongery and hardware distributor Isaac Lord has joined forces
with kitchen components manufacturer Burbidge, to offer its kitchen
fitter and retailer customers a complete one-stop-shop service. This
is a natural next step in the growth strategy of this family-run ironmongery
business for which kitchen fittings, including handles and hinges,
currently account for a significant percentage of overall sales.
[More
on this Story]
Pilkington
Tiles Increase Sales and Claw Back Losses
The
Board of Pilkington Tiles Group Plc initiated a programme of operational
improvements some eight months ago, which were focussed on the ceramic
business in particular. These are beginning to generate real benefits
and as a result Group sales increased significantly by 11% to £15.3
million in the six months ended 30th September 2003.
[More
on this Story]
New
Consumer Ad Campaign for Stoves & Belling
Glen
Dimplex Cooking is helping to drive sales of its Stoves and Belling
brands with an extensive consumer advertising campaign. Targeting key
high circulation interiors and women’s titles, the campaign will
run until March 2004.
[More
on this Story]
New
KBSA Ad Meets with Warm Response!
Members
of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association have warmly
welcomed the association’s new advertisement, designed to reflect
the key KBSA messages both to the consumer and to potential members.
[More
on this Story]
‘Planit
Fusion’ Kitchen Software Enhanced with Appliances from Bauknecht
Planit
International, the industry software provider, has announced the release
of a design function that will allow designers to select real appliances
such as the built in range from Bauknecht, instead of using generic
product images.
[More
on this Story]
Taylor
Woodrow Taps into Deva for Stylish Living
Housebuilder
Taylor Woodrow has chosen tap specialist, Deva to supply all bathroom
brassware requirements for its prestigious 262-apartment development
at ‘Aspect 14’ in Leeds.
[More
on this Story]
Boere
– Top and Bottom Meet Demand
The
boom in the UK and Irish construction industries has put unprecedented
pressure on suppliers. The joinery sector is no exception. A greater
number of specialist joinery companies than ever before are taking on
manufacturing and supply contracts to the domestic house building market
and the commercial sector alike.
[More
on this Story]
Investment
in Technology Feeds Success at Trade Mouldings
Trade
Mouldings, the UK and Ireland producer of wrapped vinyl doors, wrapped
mouldings and a range of other components for the fitted furniture industries
claims that its production facilities at the company’s Cookstown
factories in Northern Ireland are arguably the most advanced of their
type in Europe.
[More
on this Story]
Masco
Corporation Announces Key Management Changes
Masco Corporation announced on 23rd October the following key management
changes: John Wills, 50, Group President - Plumbing Products North America
and President of Delta Faucet, headquartered in Indianapolis, will return
to Masco Corporate Headquarters to devote his full time and attention
to strategic and executive management responsibilities in his role as
Group President of Plumbing Products reporting to Masco President Alan
Barry.
[More
on this Story]
Ruth
Ann Marshall Appointed American Standard Director
American
Standard Companies Inc.
announced on October 2nd that Ruth Ann Marshall, 49, president of MasterCard
North America, has been elected to the company's board of directors.
With Marshall's election, American Standard's eight-member board now
has seven external directors.
[More
on this Story]
Whirlpool
Corp. Reports 2003 Third-Quarter Results; Cites Strong Sales in North
America and Europe
Whirlpool
Corporation recently announced third-quarter 2003 net earnings of $105
million, or $1.48 per diluted share, compared to $101 million, or $1.46
per diluted share, in the same period last year.
[More
on this Story]
Broughton
Crangrove's New Commercial Director
Broughton
Crangrove has announced the promotion of Allan Nutter to the position
of Commercial Director. With over 20 years' experience in the industry,
Allan is well placed to take Broughton Crangrove forward into a new
era.
[More
on this Story]
SHOWERLUX HINTS & TIPS
Energy
Saving Every Which Way
Whether
aimed at helping the environment or helping yourself – energy saving
is definitely a good thing. Follow these hints and tips from Electrolux
to avoid making a meal of cooking and cleaning.
[More
on this Story]
SPECIAL FEATURE
Blum
– Helping to Create Premier League Retailers
'The
more things look the same the more important differences become’
explains Blum’s David Sanders, ‘as technology has developed
over the years kitchen retailers are finding it harder to design individual
kitchens specific to their clients’ needs. One frontal looks very
similar to another, one worktop looks the same as another so how does
the consumer differentiate between retailers?'
[More
on this Story]
MISSED LAST WEEK'S K&BZINE? IT'S HERE
We have archived items from the following Channels: News, Appliances, Awards, Bathroom Products, Events, Kitchen Products, Literature, 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
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© 2003 The B2BZine Company Ltd.
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