Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
18th February 2005
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Kitchen
manufacturer, Poggenpohl,
launched its latest innovation, PLUSMODO at IMM Cuisinale
More
here:
The
Prima Kitchen Collection has been upgraded by its parent, The
Kitchen Group. The result is a new carcase system and
three new kitchens – the first of which is the ‘Madison’
More
here:
DiLusso
Distribution
has started 2005 with the launch of its new range of doors, the
Pippy Oak design called Trieste being the most distinctive in
the range
More
here:
Stoneham's
Strata design incorporates a full range of units and cabinet dimensions
all internally fitted with the latest space saving storage features
and motion enhancement
More
here:
Alnofinn
is the latest design from the ALNO Group
and focuses on the natural beauty of spruce and features solid
frames and real wood panels
More
here:
Rational
has recently launched telaio, available in camee repro and all
micro-lacquer colours
More
here:
PWS’
new Gullwing Vanilla range blends a simple style with a soft cream
finish, creating the essential elements of light and space
More
here:
ALNO
(UK)
is offering a new, competitively-priced rippled aluminium kitchen,
Alnofun through its expanding nationwide dealer network
More
here:
Roundhouse
says that summer 2005 is the perfect time to give your kitchen
a zingy new look
More
here:
The
SieMatic SL kitchen, with
glossy chrome, stainless steel, warm elegant woods and natural
matt stones, 'conveys elegance and conclusive aesthetics'
More
here:
The
Lavella 100 from Carron Phoenix
is a good choice of sink for when size really does matter
More
here:
To
enhance it's existing brassware range and respond to demands for
contemporary styling, Fordham
has launched the new Vigo range
More
here:
Manhattan
Showers
is releasing a Wet Room Walk-In Shower Enclosure as part of its
recently launched M3 range of enclosures, screens and trays
More
here:
HSK
has announced the Quadrant 900, the all-in-one glass shower pod
experience offering style and functionality
More
here:
The
new Prism kitchen mixer from Bristan
adheres to the design philosophy less is more
More
here:
Hotpoint's EG600X 60cm Range
Cooker is designed to fit in smaller spaces whilst still providing
all the benefits of a full size range cooker
More
here:
Kitchen
appliance manufacturer Siemens
has introduced a contemporary stainless steel model into its laundry
line up for 2005
More
here:
UK
cookware brand Mermaid offers
a great selection of healthy cookware options including its Little
Gem Omelette Pan, Cast Iron Skillet and Reversible Griddle
More
here:
Smeg
has added three stainless steel compact ovens to its
‘Classic’ build-in appliances range, each measuring 38cm
high by 60cm wide
More
here:
Designed
by David Fox, the Kurve basin's individual form dramatically impacts
on any washroom. Pure and fresh, the Kurve Acryline solid surface basin
distributed by Avante® posseses
its own unique shape
More
here:
To
satisfy the UK demand for bottom fed flushing systems, Laufen
has introduced new bottom feed supply cisterns for floor standing WC
pans
More
here:
Suitable
for modern or heritage homes is Tretzo’s
new minimal washstand range Zero
More
here:
Spring
2005 sees the further expansion of the Venetian
Bathrooms range with the new Reef collection available in Ice Blue and
Metallic
More
here:
The
soft stone shade of Verona is the latest colour to join the timeless
classics of Norske Interiors’
Meridia collection of Mermaid waterproof wall panels
More
here:
Tubes
Radiatori, has launched
its contemporary and visually
dramatic Montecarlo heated towel
rail
More
here:
Myson
is adding a new square collection
to its existing contemporary
range. Adaggio, Fantasia, Libretto
and Soprano are based on existing
Myson towel warmers
More
here:
Cdx
has
launched
a
collection
of
mirrors,
cabinets,
shelves
and
accessories
designed
for
discerning
consumers
and
retailers
More
here:
Now
available
from
Aico
Lighting
is
a
new
range
of
luxury
bathroom
fittings,
which
includes
IP44
rated
bathroom
mirror
wall
lights
More
here:
Waterbury's
new
Astoni
Mirror
with
Storage
is
a
design
that
provides
optimum
use
of
space
in
the
bathroom
More
here:
Four
Seasons
has
introduced
a
range
of
new
accessories
and
upgraded
its
cabinetry
offer
to
differentiate
and
increase
the
design
flexibility
of
its
18mm
kitchen
collection
More
here:
The
latest
addition
to the
Embrace
Bedroom
Collection
has
an oriental
mood.
Mia
carefully
combines
contrasting
pearwood
and
wenge
to evoke
the
distinctive
Japanese
shoji
paper
screens
so typical
of oriental
interior
design
More
here:
Jacuzzi
UK,
the UK bathroom manufacturer,
has raised over £20,000
for the company's Corporate Charity,
the British Heart Foundation in
just 12 months
More
here:
A
somewhat revealing calendar entitled
'The Factory Tour' has been produced
by the beautiful and liberated
staff at Stoke-on-Trent-based
H &
R Johnson Tiles to
raise funds for the Douglas Macmillan
Hospice at Home Appeal
More
here:
H&R
Johnson, the UK
manufacturer of ceramic tiles, has unveiled
Elements, an exclusive new porcelain tile
range drawing on the natural weathered appearance
and textures of geological strata
More
here:
The
Candy Tile Co
has launched three new ranges and a wide variety
of new decorative tiles to further enhance
the company’s existing collection of
British-designed tiles
More
here:
Following
the success of its Strata large-format bathroom
wall and floor tile range, the Pilkington's
Tiles Group has launched the biggest
ceramic tile it has ever manufactured - Mura
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:
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:
What
are Your Profit Margins Like?
Nobia's
2004 results make interesting reading. Sales are obviously up, with
the integration of the Gower business and extra volume generated from
the three new Poggenpohl outlets. Demand is up 3% in the UK, which is
perhaps lower than average, but more importantly, profit margins are
up - from 7.8% in 2003 (ignoring the negative effects of the Goldreif
disposal) to a healthier 8.5%.
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FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY
In-toto, the UK’s largest kitchen franchise chain (with over
40 kitchen studios nationwide) celebrates its 25th anniversary this
year and is seeking to expand its network still further in 2005. In-toto
has openings throughout the country for experienced kitchen designers
and kitchen sales professionals who would like to own and run an In-toto
kitchen studio in their local region.
More
here
Tim
Foley - who has recently been commisioned to write the 'definitive
book on kitchens' and acts as Project Consultant to ITV's 60 Minute
Makeover - also runs a website which includes an excellent Discussion
Forum about all things kitchen related.
You'll
Find it here:
Maytag
UK, the American appliance manufacturer has announced
the appointment of a new Marketing Director, Mat Morrison-Clarke.
More
here:
National
kitchen distributor Waterline Ltd
has announced the appointment of David Rogers as a non-executive
Director.
More
here:
Henning
Storm (49) has been appointed as manager of Nobia's
Danish business unit, HTH. Henning was previously sales director
at HTH.
More
here:
Franke
UK
has strengthened its team with the appointment of two new members
of staff Caroline Hardman and Karen Arrowsmith.
More
here:
LG
is sponsoring the Masters Snooker Tournament currently being held
at Wembley Conference Centre, the final being this Sunday, 20th February.
The Masters is the most prestigious invitation tournament on the snooker
calendar.
More
here:
Cannon's
Professional 1000 range cooker is making a regular appearance on Channel
Four's TV series 'Return of the Chef'.
More
here:
Hotpoint
has launched an exciting new Schools Cooking Challenge, supported
by the Design and Technology Association.
More
here:
Following
the rampant growth in sales of the
Ideal-Standard ClearTap™ in 2004, a new range of Point
of Sale Material has been designed for retailers.
More
here:
Bauformat,
one of Germany's biggest kitchen manufacturers, has just released its
2005 Colour Brochure, showing a host of new designs for 2005.
More
here:
Now
available FOC is the interactive CD animated guide to the Hoover
Built-in range of appliances.
More
here:
UK
designer and manufacturer of fitted bedroom, bathroom and home office
furniture Daval, has published a corporate
brochure ahead of its kitchen launch in the spring.
More
here:
Sanitary-ware
manufacturer Laufen has issued a new
combined ceramic and bathtub price list for 2005, specifically designed
for Dream Dealers across the UK.
More
here:
Zendor
is launching a new ‘Online Experience Review’ service
to help retailers and manufacturers improve their e-commerce proposition
and increase response rates, average order values and profitability.
More
here:
Barnes
of Ashburton's
new website not only showcases the company's kitchens but also provides
design advice and planning tips that will help guide you through the
kitchen buying process.
More
here:
The
Tile Association
website is only just over one year old and it is currently attracting
over half a million hits per month.
More
here:
H
& R Johnson Tiles,
the UK manufacturer of ceramic tiles has launched an extensive new website
to answer the on-line needs of architects, specifiers and contractors.
More
here:
Lofra,
collected an award for its exclusive Curva range cooker at The Kitchen
and Bathroom Designer’s Manufacturer Awards.
More
here:
Jacuzzi
UK
gained three awards in the Manufacturers section of the 2004 Design
Awards.
More
here:
William
Ball’s carcases have undergone rigorous testing by FIRA
and have achieved the accolade of the FIRA Gold Award.
More
here:
On
Friday 12th November, 29 school children from Cavendish Primary School
in Eccleshill, aged between 9 and 10 visited the Jacuzzi
UK factories on the Euroway Trading Estate in Bradford.
More
here:
Planit
International,
the specialist industry software provider, has completed its first Sales
by Design training course and awarded two design professionals with
Diplomas.
More
here:
An
industry Scholarship Scheme pioneered by Roman
Limited, the UK shower enclosure manufacturer is continuing
to be successful following its launch in 2001.
More
here:
Exposure
to Experts at EXPO
Inspiration,
aspiration, knowledge and trend spotting - all can be found together
within the seminar programme on offer at Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO
during 8th - 10th May 2005 at London's premier exhibition venue, ExCeL.
More
Here:
Blum
at ZOW 2005
The
2005 edition of ZOW at Bad Salzuflen in Germany takes place this month
and maintains its reputation as a premier forum of future concepts and
cutting edge products. ‘Particularly’ says Blum
UK Managing Director Michael Powell, ‘as a venue for
design ideas and future orientated concepts.’
More
Here:
Bathrooms
and Kitchens EXPO set to ExCel
Bathrooms
and Kitchens EXPO 2005, the UK's premier trade show for the bathroom
and kitchen industry is set for another successful show with more exhibitors
than ever before signed up to exhibit.
More
Here:
Interclima
+ Elec home&building 2006
Reed
Exhibitions is launching Interclima + Elec
home&building a new trade event that covers all the trades
involved in finishing and smart buildings. It is the product of two
major events in the building market: Interclima, the HVAC show, and
Elec Home & Building, which focuses on electrical installation and
smart buildings.
More
Here:
KBSA
Launches New Industry Awards
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association is set to launch a
new series of awards to recognise and reward the best designers, retailers
and suppliers in the interiors business.
More
Here:
Brands representing over 80% of the Domestic Appliance market are
already fully committed to The AMDEA Show
(NEC 24-26 April 2005).
More
Here:
'Outlook - shaping water' is a topical design competition and exhibition
at ISH 2005 (15-19 March 2005).
More
Here:
Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Dubai, has finalised its plans for ISH
Kitchen and Bathroom Gulf.
More
Here:
Interbuild 2006 - The Building Show
takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from April 23 to 27.
More
Here:
However,
anything less than 10% should still have alarm bells ringing and I'm sure
there are plently of companies in the KB market with profit margins over
20%, so Nobia may yet have to dig a bit deeper. By way of a comparison,
Indesit's results show a profit margin of 5.8% for 2004, but this may
not be too much of a surprise for the appliance market.
See these links for information on Submitting
Editorial and Advertising
The B2BZine Team:
Tony Higgin
sales@thekbzine.com
KBSA
Advice to Retailers Struggling with Part P
The
KBSA has issued advice to its members advising them how to fulfill the
requirements of the new Part P legislation. ‘We have been working
closely with the KBB NTG, (Kitchen, Bathroom & Bedroom National
Training Group), the ODPM (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) and
a number of Competent Scheme Operators to help our members deal with
this legislation which has been introduced too quickly and without proper
planning,’ says KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden.
[More
Here]
FRANKE COMMENTS
Selling
a Tap? Check Water Pressure
As the most used appliance in the kitchen it’s
great to see that the humble tap not only offers a new range of practical
features, but is also making a real design statement. And as the popularity
of these modern, single lever taps and spray taps increases, retailers
need to be aware that some of them require high water pressure systems
and may not operate as effectively on a low pressure system.
[More
on this Story]
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Winning
Winter Warmer from Siemens
Just
arrived from Siemens is a luxurious addition to any new kitchen –
a Warming Drawer, designed not just to warm up plates, but also to keep
food and drink warm, defrost delicate items and prove dough.
[More
on this Story]
MACHINERY MATTERS
Mark
Cooper Cabinets ‘up for’ the new Hoffmann
Mark
Cooper Cabinets, based near Shrewsbury in Shropshire, is an established
company of 20 years standing supplying top quality products to individual
customers at the top end of the market. The company is primarily a kitchen
maker but also supplies bespoke designs for bedrooms, bathrooms and
some home office products.
[More
on this Story]
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
Nobia
Reports Higher Profit Margins in 2004 Results
Nobia's
net sales reached SEK 11,337m, a climb of 22 per cent compared with
last year (9,273m). Sales growth was generated equally by acquisitions
and organic growth. lntegrating the UK business, Gower, and three Poggenpohl
stores in the UK contributed to the sales growth from acquisitions in
2004.
[More
on this Story]
Indesit
Sales up 5.6% for 2004 but Pre-Tax Profits Dip
2004
was another year of growth for Indesit with sales of Euro 3,175m and
operating profits of Euro 248m, both figures slightly up from 2003.
Pre-tax profits dipped slightly at Euro 185m, down from Euro 197m in
2003. Vittorio Merloni remained upbeat: ‘For a year marked by fierce
competition and instability in currencies and raw material costs and
by the arrival of the new CEO Marco Milani half way through the year,
I’m satisfied with the results achieved and optimistic about the
future’.
[More
on this Story]
Häfele
Appointed UK Distributor for Gorenje
The
publication by Häfele of the second edition of its Space Aid for
Kitchens catalogue heralds the Rugby company’s move into the kitchen
- and lifestyle - appliances marketplace. A key element of the move,
according to sales director Ray Fisher, is the appointment of Häfele
as UK distributor by Slovenian appliance manufacturer Gorenje.
[More
on this Story]
Trade
Partners Given Special Section at AMDEA Show
A
special section of The AMDEA Show is being created for trade partners
offering services to the industry. Domestic and General and BEAB are
the first to take stands at the show, being held at the NEC on 24 –
26 April this year. The special section will be an added attraction
to dealers attending the show.
[More
on this Story]
‘8’
of the Best from Uform
Uform,
Irelands biggest distributor of kitchen doors and accessories, has just
launched its new ranges, featured as ‘eight’ kitchen combinations.
[More
on this Story]
Lofra
Announces New Distribution
Italian
range cooker manufacturer, Lofra, has appointed M&M Kitchen Accessories
as its new distributor for Northern Ireland. The Lofra range will complement
M&M Kitchen Accessories’ existing portfolio.
[More
on this Story]
Victoria
& Albert’s Taylor to Move to North America
The
British freestanding bath manufacturer, Victoria & Albert Group,
has targeted North America to produce significant sales growth in 2005
following another record trading year throughout the world.
[More
on this Story]
De
Dietrich Offers Free 2 Year Guarantee on all Products Throughout 2005
To
celebrate its 25th Anniversary in the UK, De Dietrich is offering a
free 2 year guarantee on all products in its new 2005 range – for
the whole of 2005.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
UK is Number One in Premium Refrigeration
From
January to December 2004, Maytag UK was, by value, the number one player
in the over £1500 sector for side-by-side refrigeration. Maytag
UK leads the way outselling its nearest competitor two to one.
[More
on this Story]
Aqualux
Fulfils South African Order in Record Time
Aqualux,
the bath screen manufacturer, has scooped a deal to supply over 3000
of its products to a major supplier of shower surrounds in South Africa.
Aqualux was able to supply its Energy Collection and Walk in Shower
within a month of the order being placed.
[More
on this Story]
Jacuzzi
Teams with Pininfarina to Create Morphosis® Line of Whirlpool Baths
Jacuzzi,
known for originating hydrotherapy, announced a new initiative called
Morphosis and unveiled a new series of whirlpool baths - Alpha, Gamma
and Sigma - that was designed in conjunction with Pininfarina, the Ferrari
car designer.
[More
on this Story]
A
New Era for Lathams at Gateshead
Timber
and panel distributor, James Latham’s newest depot at Gateshead
is already proving to be a success with significant sales growth achieved
in the depot’s first three months of trading.
[More
on this Story]
Franke
Sets up a Subsidiary in Japan
Franke
Coffee Systems Japan Ltd, which was set up in Tokyo in December 2004,
has started operating. For the first time Franke is represented in Japan
by its own sales and service company for professional coffee machines.
[More
on this Story]
Dual
flush WCs: Water Saved Could Fill Lake Windermere
Over
the last 35 years, the UK has displayed a huge and seemingly unquenchable
thirst for water. This has been fuelled by the rising number of homes
which has grown by over 30% since 1970. This trends looks set to continue
with the new ‘Homes for All’ initiative.
[More
on this Story]
East
Coast Fittings - 25 Years of Growth
UK
manufacturer and supplier of quality furniture fittings and components,
East Coast Fittings marks its
25th year in business with a major expansion of its production and
distribution facilities following the company’s recent move.
[More
on this Story]
World's
Largest Kitchen & Bath Event is Moving to Las Vegas
More
than 900 kitchen and bath companies will showcase the latest products
and cutting-edge design ideas at the sold out Kitchen/Bath Industry
Show & Conference (K/BIS), May 9-12, 2005 in Las Vegas.
[More
on this Story]
The
NKBA Announces 2005 Student Design Competition
The
National Kitchen & Bath Association's (NKBA) Endorsed Programs
department recently announced its schedule of competitions for students
to enter in 2005 and 2006.
[More
on this Story]
Homag
Group Registers Above-Average Benefit from Market Recovery
The
Homag Group AG benefited from the worldwide woodworking machine market
recovery during 2004 with a marked increase in sales and a gain in
market share.
[More
on this Story]
The
Board of Electrolux has Decided on De-Listing from NASDAQ
The
Board of Directors of AB Electrolux has decided to delist the Group's
American Depository Receipts (ADRs) from the NASDAQ Stock Market in
the US.
[More
on this Story]
Sanitec
International S.A. Commences Offer to Purchase
Sanitec
International S.A. announces the commencement of a cash tender offer
and solicitation of related consents (together the 'Offer') relating
to all of the Company's outstanding 260,000,000 9% Senior Notes due
2012.
[More
on this Story]
COMPANY NOTICES
Notices
from The Insolvency Courts, December 2004
The following Notices have been posted from the Insolvency Courts relating
to Kitchen and Bathroom companies from December 2004. Some of the recent
companies include Craftsman Kitchens (Swindon) Limited , East Midlands
Interiors Limited, J B Interiors Limited, The Kitchen Company (GB) Limited,
PMPS Limited, Bedroom & Bathroom Interiors Ltd , Bathrooms Plus
(Southern) Ltd.
[More
Here]
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