Sunshine
Through McCloud at BK EXPO
Visitors
to the opening day of Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO on Sunday May 11 will
not only be the first to see the striking range of products and innovations
on show, but will also be able to witness the show's official opening
by TV's Kevin McCloud (pictured right), followed by a short talk by the
man himself.
Kevin is best known as the presenter of Channel 4's hit TV show 'Grand Designs', which follows the trials and tribulations of members of the public taking on a range of ambitious self build projects. However, he has a long history as an architect and designer, as well as having run his own lighting firm for several years. Having also appeared on TV's 'Home Front' and the daredevil architectural programme 'Don't Look Down', he is no stranger to the limelight.
With a degree in the history of art and architecture, many years' experience in the design industry, and several books to his name, Kevin's blend of architectural know-how and design talent make him the perfect celebrity expert in everything that is of interest to the Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO visitor.
Bathrooms & Kitchens EXPO 2003 takes place on 11-13 May 2003 at London's ExCeL exhibition centre in the Docklands. For free tickets please register online or call 0870 429 4498.
Bathrooms
& Kitchens Expo 2003 - Seminar Programme
The Countdown to BK Expo continues: final details of the (excellent) seminar Programme have been announced. Highlights include Kevin McCloud from Channel 4's Grand Designs (see above) talking about some of the Bathrooms and Kitchens he has encountered during the making of the show. Another one to look out for is Meryka Currie of Colour Effects, talking about the psychology of colour.
Sunday
11th May 2003
12.00pm Grand Bathrooms & Kitchens
Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs
The third series of Grand Designs was recently shown on Channel 4 with
projects including a high-concept modern house on a woodland site, a huge
derelict water works turned into a loft-style house and a completely sustainable
house. Joining us at EXPO, Kevin will tell tales of the designs for kitchens
and bathrooms that he has come across during the filming of Grand Designs.
1.00pm History Repeating Itself
Graeme Kynman, Bathroom & Kitchen Academy
From Georgian and Edwardian through to Art Deco and Minimalist, there
have been many different styles through time. Many of which are now being
revived according to individual taste. This seminar will evaluate different
historical design periods and relate this knowledge to design styles found
in current bathrooms and kitchens and their influence on current practice.
2.00pm Designing Open Plan Living Spaces
Les Petrie & Larry Spangler
National Kitchen & Bathroom Association (USA)
The 21st century ushers in larger appetites for the good life, fuelled
by rising consumer demand for quality products serviced by qualified professionals.
The design community is subsequently confronted with increases on demand
for larger, better designed kitchens that appeal to our renewed appreciation
of home and family. This seminar is an introduction to the open kitchen
plan. It explains some of the reasons for the popularity of the open plan
and discusses the pitfalls and advantages of this design. There will be
a time for questions at the conclusion.
3.00pm Showroom Design
Steve Esdaile, Group Showroom Design Manager, C P Hart & Magnet
Customer behaviour and attitudes can be influenced by everything they
see, hear and touch. The design of your show room along with lighting,
background music and flooring choice can significantly improve competitiveness.
Steve Esdaile, Showroom Design Manager at C P Hart and Magnet, will explain
techniques they have used which have successfully improved their customers'
impressions.
4.00pm Designing to Enable (RIBA - CPD approved)
Jonathon Waggott, Armitage Shanks
'Designing to Enable' explains design requirements within buildings for
less abled and elderly users - this is an essential tool for architecture
as almost all buildings now have to include provisions. The seminar will
include advice on the very latest standards.
Monday 12th May 2003
12.00pm The Psychology of Colour
Meryka Currie, Colour Affects
Backed up by over twenty years research in the 'how and why' of colour,
the Colour Affects system has been validated at the highest academic level.
The seminar presents an opportunity for you, as an architect or designer,
to learn how to create the mood, or evoke exactly the response you are
trying to achieve.
1.00pm Showroom or Sanctuary? - Future Trends
Helen Carey, FOCUS DIY
Based on findings from the FOCUS WICKES DIY MONITOR* and from her experience
in answering customers design queries, via the FOCUS DIY website, Helen
Carey aims to find out what the DIY customer hopes to achieve when planning
a new kitchen or bathroom.
Do we want a fashion statement space or a comforting cocoon? How have
the roles of our kitchens and bathrooms changed over the last few years?
What are the most popular DIY tasks in kitchens and bathrooms? What are
the latest trends and colours and how are they set to evolve? How much
influence do the media have in our choice of styles? How are DIY retailers
keeping in touch with what the public want?
*The Focus Wickes DIY Monitor, compiled by retail analysts Verdict Research,
is the UK's most comprehensive report tracking consumer trends in the
DIY market.
2.00pm Architects in Product Design
Ideal-Standard
During this year's exhibition, Ideal-Standard is exhibiting the White
& Silver suite designed by architect David Chipperfield. In this seminar
Ideal-Standard will demonstrate what architectural experience can bring
to product design.
3.00pm Water saving (RIBA CPD approved)
Angie Salter, Deva Tap Company
This seminar will cover the Manufacturing Process, Water Regulations,
Design Considerations, Environmental Issues including Water Saving &
Temperature Regulation, Occupied / Public Buildings, Disability Discrimination
Act, Durability, and Aesthetic Properties.
4.00pm Danger! Bathrooms threaten safety
Philippa Turrell, Bathrooms+Kitchens magazine
Did you know around 91,000 people had to go to hospital last year following
injuries in the bathroom? (according to figures from the Royal Society
of the prevention of Accidents ROSPA). The Editor of Bathrooms+Kitchens
magazine, Philippa Turrell, asks what are we doing as an industry to provide
and promote safe bathing environments?
Tuesday 13th May 2003
12.00pm Workshop for Architects
Russell Hargreaves, Wentworth Consulting Group
Benchmarking your business is a very effective way of understanding your
current position and planning for the future. The Benchmark Index is one
of the most powerful performance benchmarking tools of its kind in the
world and offers superior capabilities for you to understand issues and
improve your business performance.
1.00pm Showroom or Sanctuary? - Future Trends
Helen Carey, FOCUS DIY
Based on findings from the FOCUS WICKES DIY MONITOR* and from her experience
in answering customers design queries, via the FOCUS DIY website, Helen
Carey aims to find out what the DIY customer hopes to achieve when planning
a new kitchen or bathroom.
Do we want a fashion statement space or a comforting cocoon? How have
the roles of our kitchens and bathrooms changed over the last few years?
What are the most popular DIY tasks in kitchens and bathrooms? What are
the latest trends and colours and how are they set to evolve? How much
influence do the media have in our choice of styles? How are DIY retailers
keeping in touch with what the public want?
*The Focus Wickes DIY Monitor, compiled by retail analysts Verdict Research,
is the UK's most comprehensive report tracking consumer trends in the
DIY market.
2.00pm Getting The Colour Right (RIBA - CPD approved)
Marilyn Sturgeon, NCS Colour Centre
Marilyn is a colour consultant and director of the NCS Colour Centre.
She will explain how the NCS - Natural Color System can help both specifiers
and manufacturers to get the colour right. The seminar covers: how to
specify colour accurately and efficiently, how to create successful colour
combinations, and where to look for inspiration.
Are you looking for quality CPD? The RIBA can provide it.
RIBA's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme is designed
to keep its members and all other construction professionals up to date
with new ideas, techniques, and regulations. 'We offer quality CPD through
seminars, courses and conferences in our regional offices and through
the RIBA CPD Providers Network. The RIBA are pleased to be providing a
series of CPD seminars at the show including 'Designing to enable' and
'Natural Colour Systems' as well as other highly topical sessions.'
Each
session will seat 40 with plenty of room for standing. The organisers
are able to take excess bookings to allow for those unable to attend.
These will then be allocated on a first come first served basis for those
who have reserved.
Visit the website to book places at the seminars of your choice simply
by selecting the appropriate seminar and submitting the form to update
your information. Places are limited and the deadline for booking is 7th
May 2003.
Web: http://www.bkexpo.co.uk
Wolseley's
Proposed Acquisition of PBM Gets Workers' Councils Agreement
Further
to the announcement on 24th April 2003 regarding the proposed acquisition
of Pinault Bois & Materiaux ('PBM'), Wolseley plc confirms that a
sale and purchase agreement was signed on 30th April, following approval
from PBM's workers' councils.
The offer remains conditional upon approval of the appropriate competition
authorities.
The announcement made on the 24th April was as follows:
Offer for PBM
Wolseley plc announced on 24th April that one of its wholly owned subsidiaries
has made an offer, conditional upon approval of the appropriate competition
authorities, for Pinault Bois & Materiaux ('PBM') for a cash consideration
of Euro 565 million (£390 million), including net debt acquired.
The offer, which is recommended by PBM's parent company, Pinault-Printemps-Redoute,
is to be submitted to PBM's workers' councils by 30th April 2003. The
acquisition will be financed from Wolseley's existing resources.
The
PBM business
PBM is the second largest heavyside distributor in France with a market
share of just over 8% on a national basis. Approximately 85% of PBM's
business relates to the distribution of building materials and 15% to
the importation and distribution of timber. For the year ended 31 December
2002, PBM reported sales of Euro 1.3 billion (£897 million) and
operating profit, before goodwill amortisation, of Euro 72.3 million (£49.9
million). Net assets, excluding debt, at that date were Euro 349.7 million
(£241.1 million). It operates from approximately 300 locations in
France, including 22 timber import and processing units and has approximately
5,300 employees.
Management
Wolseley
will appoint Jacques-Regis Descours, to have overall responsibility for
the PBM business, in addition to his existing responsibility as Chief
Executive of Brossette, Wolseley's existing French business. The key operational
management of PBM will stay with the business and join the Wolseley group.
Acquisition
strategy
The acquisition of PBM is in line with Wolseley's strategy of wider
expansion of its continental European operations into heavyside, spares
and industrial commercial markets, based on the success of the UK model.
France is the second largest construction market in Europe with an estimated
annual construction spend of Euro 147 billion compared to the estimated
UK spend of Euro 125 billion.
Acquisition
benefits
Wolseley believes that there will be significant opportunities for
creating synergies between PBM and Brossette, which is the leading lightside
distributor in France, as well as between PBM and Wolseley's other building
materials businesses in the UK and the USA. Growth in the PBM business
will be achieved by a combination of organic growth and acquisitions,
particularly in the south eastern part of France where PBM is not well
represented. Benefits are expected to be generated from diversification
by product, by customer and by geography and from the use in both PBM
and Brossette of the 'branch within a branch' concept which has been so
successful in the UK.
Under
the 'branch within a branch' concept in the UK, additional sales have
been generated at low incremental cost from existing floor space by the
installation of trade counters from one business stream into another;
for example, a Hire Center counter into a Builder Center or an HRPC spares
counter into a Plumb Center. This concept facilitates cross selling a
wider product range to
existing customers and helps attract new customers for the existing business
stream.
Additional
benefits are expected in PBM from the introduction of increased marketing
focus adopted in the UK heavyside business which has enabled Builder Center
to significantly improve both its gross and net margins over the last
few years through expansion of the customer base and product range together
with improved purchasing leverage.
Financial effects of acquisition
The
PBM acquisition will be earnings enhancing from the outset. One off acquisition
integration costs of Euro 5m are expected to be incurred.
The return on capital on PBM in the first full year of trading is expected to be in excess of Wolseley's current weighted average cost of capital. Within three years, the return is expected to be in excess of the return of 16.7% achieved by the Wolseley group for the year ended 31st July 2002.
Wolseley's financial position remains strong. The acquisition of PBM represents only 18 months free cash flow based on free cash flow for the year ended 31st July 2002 of £248 million. The acquisition of PBM will take Wolseley's gearing to approximately 56% with pro-forma interest cover (after goodwill amortisation) in excess of 11 times.
This will be Wolseley's 16th acquisition this year, taking total acquisition spend in the current financial year to £462m.
OFT
Issues Proceedings against Kitchen Company Directors for Contempt of Court
The OFT has issued proceedings for contempt of court against Vance Miller,
formerly involved with Craftsman Kitchens Ltd and Craftsman Kitchens Manufacturing
Ltd. A hearing is scheduled to take place on 21st May 2003 at Manchester
County Court. This is the first time the OFT has taken court action for
breach of a Stop Now Order.
The OFT obtained a Stop Now Order in April 2002 requiring Mr Miller to
stop breaching specified consumer protection legislation. It is the OFT's
case that Mr Miller has breached the terms of the Order. The maximum penalty
for contempt of a county court order is two years imprisonment and/or
an unlimited fine.
Craftsman Kitchens officers stopped from trading unfairly
Four company officers involved with Manchester-based Craftsman Kitchens
Ltd and Craftsman Kitchens Manufacturing Ltd were subject action by the
OFT in April 2002 with a view to preventing them from trading unfairly.
A Stop Now Order was granted by Manchester County Court against Vance
Miller, George Brown, Nichola Brodie and Sadiya Hussein.
The OFT and trading standards had received a very large number of complaints
from all over the country about these companies supplying shoddy kitchens
or failing to deliver ordered parts.
The Stop Now Order requires the individuals to stop breaching consumer
legislation. This includes supplying goods not of satisfactory quality
and supplying goods not as described. Other parts of the Order made by
the court also prevent the individuals from failing to deliver goods and
using an unfair contract term which imposes unfair charges on consumers
who cancel their contracts.
In a separate action by the Department of Trade and Industry, Craftsman
Kitchens Ltd and Craftsman Kitchens Manufacturing Ltd were wound up in
the High Court on 27th March 2002. However, the individuals trade under
other names. This order applies to any business they operate.
John Vickers, Director General of Fair Trading said:
'This is the first court action under the new Stop Now Regulations. It
is a warning to any individual or business that is harming consumers by
breaching consumer law.'
Whitehall
Secures Substantial MFI Deal
Whitehall,
the UK fabricator of luxury worksurfaces, has recently agreed a significant
distribution deal with furniture retailer, MFI. The Leeds based fabricator
is installing Corian and granite worktops in 94 stores across the UK as
part of the retailers' design-led revolution, which reflects the aspirations
and needs of modern living.
'We are delighted to be developing our relationship with MFI,' said Stuart
Daniels, sales director, Whitehall Fabrications Ltd. 'We have already
distributed and installed Corian and granite in approximately 120 MFI
stores and the new distribution deal further underpins the retailers'
commitment to provide their customers with top of the range product ranges.'
In addition to Corian and granite, Whitehall has recently launched two
new luxury worksurfaces in the UK, Luxore and Swanstone. Luxore® is
a new range of engineered quartz stone worksurfaces comprising natural
quartz and polymer resin, Luxore® is non-porous, colour-consistent
and highly scratch and chip resistant. Swanstone® is a quality solid
surface material comprising of a blend of acrylic resin, ATH filler and
fine reinforcing strands creating a surface with superior impact resistance.
Tel: 0113 222 3000
Web: http://www.whitehall-uk.com
Villeroy
& Boch Q1 Interim Report 2003
A further deterioration was seen in the international economy in the first
quarter of 2003. Economic indices fell back even further both in Europe
and the USA. Additional uncertainty was created among consumers in Germany
by the start of the war in Iraq in particular. Fear of war and job losses
heightened the restraint in consumer spending. In addition, export opportunities
declined owing to revaluation of the Euro against the Dollar.
There has not been any improvement in the world-wide demand for architectural
ceramics. In addition to the existing, weak consumer demand, sales of
hotel porcelain have also declined as a result ofthe war in Iraq.
Sales Decline Due to Weak Environment
When compared with the relevant period of the previous business year,
Villeroy & Boch Group sales fell by 3.9% in the first quarter of 2003,
owing to the weak market environment. In contrast to the first quarter
of 2002, the Group was unable to compensate for the domestic-market decline
(-6.5%) with higher foreign sales (decrease of 2.7%). The difference between
exchange rates in the first three months of 2003 and those in the same
period of the previous year gave rise to a sales decline of Euro 3.4 million.
The volume of orders in the Villeroy & Boch Group as of 31st March
2003 totalled Euro 53.9 million, as compared to Euro 43.3 million at the
start of this business year.
Owing to the decline in sales and also sustained pricing pressure, Villeroy
& Boch was unable in the first three months of 2003 to achieve the
level of eamings reported in the Group for the comparable period of the
previous business year. The operating result (EBIT) fell from Euro 7.0
million to Euro 5.7 million. Cost-cutting measures were unable to completely
compensate for this decline in profits.
Trend Within the Divisions
Bathroom, Kitchen and Tiles Division: weak demand for construction pushes
down sales and result
In the year 2002, sales increases secured in foreign markets virtually
offset the weak domestic demand. In the year 2003, however, a downward
trend is becoming increasingly apparent in this sector too. Once again
in the first quarter of 2003, a sharp tumble in sales was prevented by
the recently achieved orientation towards a system of export which is
broadly distributed among diverse regions and countries. Reporting net
sales of Euro 146.8 million, the Division fell minimaliy short of the
Euro 150.9 million total secured in 2002.
A varied situation exists in the Division's individual business segments.
While measures aimed at integrating the Tiles business segment are beginning
to achieve the desired results with regard to costs, competitive conditions
in the market continue to prove extremely difficult. The creation of even
more surplus production capacity in Germany and Europe is exerting additional
pressure on the already tough price competition. For this reason, the
Division was unable to achieve the targets set for the first quarter of
2003. Sales of Euro 65.7 million (previous year: Euro 68.5 million) were
reported and an operating result of Euro -1.4 miliion, as compared with
Euro -0.4 million in the previous business year.
The business segments Ceramic Sanitary Ware/ Kitchens and Bathroom Furniture
/ Fittings (formerly the Bathroom and Kitchen Division) were still able
to assert themselves satisfactorily against the competition, even though
expectations here were not totally fulfilled either. Sales totalling Euro
81.1 million were achieved, these being slightly lower than the prior-year
level of Euro 82.4 million. The result of Euro 6.2 million is somewhat
lower than in the previous year (Euro 6.5 million).
No fundamental changes are expected for the year as a whole, owing to
the poor level of construction activity and consumer uncertainty about
the economic trend. The implemented cost-cutting measures should, however,
have a positive effect on result, particularly in the second half of the
year.
Tableware Division: result increased by cost-cutting measures
The Tableware Division's business trend was influenced throughout the
world in the first three months of 2003 by the difficult underlying macroeconomic
conditions. A noticeable influence was exerted on Tableware Division sales
and orders received, not only by the constantly weak demand for consumer
goods in Germany and other major export markets, but also by the widespread
uncertainty arising from the war in Iraq, which particularly affected
the willingness to invest in the hotel and catering sector.
Orders received in the first quarter of 2003 totalled Euro 80.3 million,
slightly lower (-1.0%) therefore, than the prior-year value. While the
volume of orders received in Germany increased by 1% to a total of Euro
29.2 million, it declined by 3% for the export market, bringing the total
to Euro 51.1 million. A particularly pleasing trend was seen in the Italian,
Norwegian, Swedish and Japanese markets. A welcome increase in the volume
of orders received was also noted in eastern Europe and the double-figure
increase in orders received in Australia is worth a particular mention.
Sales declined by a total of 5.4% to Euro 65.4 million. Factors which
exerted a considerable influence on sales were the poor exchange rate
of the US Dollar against the Euro (-20%), as well as weakened business
in America owing to the catastrophic onset of winter in the USA in February
of this year. Despite the decline in sales, cost-cutting measures nevertheless
made it possible to increase the result in the first quarter of 2003 to
Euro1.3 million, as compared with Euro 0.8 million in the previous year.
Customers responded extremely positively to the new Villeroy & Boch
product introductions presented at the spring fairs in 2003. When compared
with the previous year, this response led to a clear increase in the number
of orders received which were registered at the trade fairs.
The Tableware Division expects both sales and result in 2003 on prior-year
level. Achievement of these targets will depend on whether the macroeconomic
scenario becomes brighter. Rationalisation measures continue to be implemented
according to plan in the production sector. Capacity is being constantly
adjusted and supply shortages eliminated, so as to be able to satisfy
the growing demand for products from the 'Metropolitan' segment. Owing
to the generally strained economic situation, the company will not only
continue the stringent system of cost management implemented in previous
years, but also identify and use further cost-cutting potential.
Rise in Volume of Investment
Villeroy & Boch invested a total of Euro 8.2 million in the Group
in the first quarter of 2003, as compared to Euro 7.0 miilion in the same
period of the previous year. 29% of this sum was invested in Germany and
71% abroad.
The Bathroom, Kitchen and Tiles Division invested a total of Euro 4.0
million (previous year: Euro 3.5 million) in the first three months of
2003. Investment in the Tiles business segment totalled Euro 1.O million,
42% of being made in Germany. In addition to investment made in the Merzig
factory's body preparation plant, further rationalisation was carried
out on production in France, Hungary and Italy. The Bathroom and Kitchen
business segment invested a total of Euro 3.0 million, 18% of which being
allocated to Germany, predominantly for the production sector. Investment
was made in EDP systems in Hungary and in buildings and production facilities
in Sweden.
Investment made by the Tableware Division in the first quarter of 2003
totalled Euro 2.8 million, 52% of which being allotted to Germany. Investment
was made predominantly in the factories at Merzig and Luxemburg, for the
purpose of further rationalising production.
In-Sink-Erator
Tackles the Daily Grind
In-Sink-Erator,
the manufacturer of food waste disposers, has recently invested close
to a quarter of a £million in a comprehensive UK marketing campaign,
the most significant of its kind in the food waste disposer sector.
With increasing success of national distribution In-Sink-Erator has developed
a campaign which focuses more heavily on the consumer and today's changing
lifestyle than ever before, raising brand awareness and increasing demand.
'Not only has this had an influence on the nature of the photography that
we've taken for the campaign, which now has the same quality production
values as oven, sink, fridge and washing machine brands, but we are now
heading up our consumer promotional literature focusing heavily on consumer
benefits rather than product features,' said Ashley Munden, sales and
marketing director, In-Sink-Erator.
He continued:
'For the trade, the emphasis is on informative and well-written sales
literature, impactful POS and motivating sales promotions.
'With relatively low penetration into UK households, compared to the US,
the campaign not only aims to reinforce In-Sink-Erator's position as the
market leader in the food waste disposer category, but also, in the first
instance, to build the category by supporting the sales effort across
distribution and retail channels.'
In conjunction with the campaign, In-Sink-Erator has appointed two new
area managers, who will focus on managing growth and development amongst
key distributors across the region as well as supporting the training
needs and development of retail and contract sales.
Tel: 01371 873 073
Email: mailto:insinkeratoruk@insinkerator.com
Web: http://www.insinkerator.com
bluestone
Kitchen Studio to Open in London
Supplier
of bespoke fitted kitchens to house builders and developers bluestone,
is opening its first London showroom in partnership with Just Add Water.
The already vast Just Add Water showroom is to be extended by a further
200 square metres to accommodate seven bluestone kitchen displays including
the company's Cappucino and Latte with American Black Wanut and Horizontal
Grooved Birch, framed in Anthracite ranges.
Launched as a separate entity in 2001, bluestone is a part of the Moores
Furniture Group empire and has since become the preferred supplier of
innovative and leading edge kitchens to many small and large private housing
developments. The company's flexibility and its desire to move with the
latest trends, makes it an ideal partner for some of the more difficult
brownfield sites that are so prominent in today's market.
The Just Add Water showroom was opened in early 2002 and specialises in
supplying the contract trade including specifiers and designers with bathroom
products from an array of leading suppliers including Duravit, VitrA,
Jacuzzi, Jacob Delafon, Grohe and Hansgrohe.
The showroom opening follows the appointment of Daniel Coe and Adrian
Conroy as Sales Manager and Designer (Kings Cross) respectively. Speaking
from bluestones main studio in Yorkshire, Brand Manager Richard Fitzmaurice
comments 'We have identified the necessity to provide a London base to
enable existing and potential customers in the southern region to view
our latest ranges and visit the bluestone team on a regular basis. Our
customer base mirrors that of Just Add Water and therefore smaller developers,
interior designers and architects will now have access to the very latest
in bathroom and kitchen design locally'.
Speaking on behalf of Just Add Water, Showroom Manager Terry Rudd added
'The synergy between both businesses in terms of both customer base and
market positioning is immense. However, we hope that the ultimate winner
is the customer as we can now provide so much for them to see on each
visit. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with bluestone'.
To find out more about bluestone Kings Cross, contact Richard Fitzmaurice
on 0870 124 0090 or Terry Rudd at Just Add Water on 020 76987 3161
Orama
Creates New Position to Support Strategy
The
independent manufacturer of worksurfaces for kitchens, bathrooms and associated
industries Orama is taking a strategic shift in direction during 2003.
As part of this move, Orama has created a new position within its management
team to focus on new opportunities.
The
new position, Distributor - Branded Sales, was created to give Orama a
focus on branded products, for current and future developments. The Derbyshire
company has appointed West Sussex based Steve Klose (pictured, left) to
the new role.
Steve has worked in both the fumiture and construction industries and
comes to Orama with more than 12 years' experience in the development
of branded worksurface products for the retail industry, having spent
many years at Perstorp Surface Materials where he was one of the managers
responsible for the development and launch of the Axiom brand of worktops
and previously handled sales of laminates and worktops to distributors,
before moving more recently to Multi Surface Solutions as Sales Director.
Orama is actively planning its future growth in the supply of quality
worksurfaces and decorative pane!s. Steve's appointment marks an integral
part of this development. In the new role Steve has the opportunity to
deliver a dedicated approach to working with distributors, retailers and
kitchen manufacturers.
Steve comments, 'I joined Orama because the company has a refreshing approach
to development of branded sales of worksurfaces. I am joining in a new
role, with the opportunity to not only develop existing product sales
for Orama but also to coordinate the distribution for new worksurface
product lines. My focus is on kitchen and bathroom/worktop distributors,
but we are actively targeting retailers for the first time to encourage
pull-through. Orama is a refreshingly focussed company, and I have come
in at the start of new and exciting developments. My role is to ensure
the market thinks of Orama first for worksurfaces, and shares our vision.'
Orama offers decorative panels and worksurfaces. Established for many
years, Orama holds ISO 9002 certification and the Fumiture lndustry Research
Association Gold Award for product performance. The company is also a
corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association).
Tel: 01773 520560
Email: mailto:enquiries@orama.co.uk
Web: http://www.orama.co.uk
American
Standard Reports Double-Digit Increases in Sales, Net Income and EPS
American Standard Companies Inc. announced on 16th April first-quarter
earnings of 87 cents per diluted share, up 12 percent from first quarter
last year. These earnings are consistent with the company’s January
estimate for the quarter of 85-90 cents. Sales were a record $1.95 billion,
up 11 percent from a year ago. Net income rose to $63.8 million, up 12
percent.
'We’re pleased with our results, particularly in this challenging
economic environment,' said Fred Poses, chairman and chief executive officer.
'All three business segments demonstrated solid sales growth and continued
to outperform their markets. We achieved especially strong performance
from our vehicle control systems and residential air conditioning products.
'We have the right initiatives in place to deliver both short-term performance
and long-term growth. Our productivity efforts continue to produce significant
savings and enable us to increase our investments in new products and
marketing programmes, which are producing increased sales and market share.
'During the second quarter, we expect a continuation of current economic
conditions, with ongoing industrial sector weakness that affects the commercial
equipment part of our air conditioning business,' said Poses. 'Given that
environment, we estimate second-quarter sales growth of 5-7 percent and
diluted earnings per share of $1.78-$1.88. We reaffirm our 2003 earnings
estimate of $5.40-$5.80 per diluted share as well as our cash flow targets,
which are net cash provided by operating activities of $650-$690 million
and free cash flow of $410-$450 million. To reach the higher end of our
earnings estimate for the year, we will need a modest improvement in economic
conditions.'
In the first quarter, segment income was $164.8 million, up 7 percent.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $39 million, $44 million
more than first quarter last year. Free cash flow represented a use of
$1 million, $33 million better than a year ago. Total operating margin
for the quarter was 8.4 percent, down 0.4 percentage points. Equity income
was $4.5 million, down $1 million from first quarter last year. The company
reduced interest expense by $3.2 million because of lower average debt.
Corporate and other expenses increased by $5.4 million, reflecting higher
pension, medical and insurance costs as well as higher minority interest
expense. The tax rate was 31 percent, down from 33.3 percent a year ago.
BATH AND KITCHEN sales increased 16 percent to $542.9 million.
Segment income was $35.1 million, down 10 percent compared with last year.
Volume growth, productivity initiatives and favourable foreign exchange
effects softened the impact of price pressure, unfavourable mix and cost
escalations, as well as the impact of isolated operating issues and investments
in new products and marketing programmes. Operating margin was 6.5 percent,
down 1.8 percentage points.
'While Bath and Kitchen’s operating margin is disappointing,' said
Poses, 'our investments are producing improved sales growth and brand
positions. These investments, coupled with our improved productivity and
cost-reduction actions, will yield a better product mix and operating
margin in the future.'
During the quarter, Bath and Kitchen introduced new bathroom suites and
expanded distribution around the world. In the U.S., The Standard Collection™
continued its strong rollout, and the Sottini® 'total bathroom' brand
launched successfully at 450 Lowe’s stores. At the ISH fair in Germany,
which attracted more than 180,000 trade and consumer visitors from 92
countries, Bath and Kitchen created a major presence and introduced eight
product lines under the Ideal Standard, JADO® and Børma®
brands. In China, 20 retail dealers renovated or opened new showrooms
that exclusively feature American Standard brands.
Kitchens
With A Vision - Be Entertained With Audio Visual Solutions
Kitchenvision
is a UK nationwide supplier of audio visual solutions designed specifically
for the kitchen environment. Kitchenvision has taken kitchen design and
entertaining one step further by supplying audiovisual solutions.
Kitchenvision is a trade only based organisation promoting its range of
hi tech products into middle to high-end kitchen studios.
Early results through Kitchenvisions existing clients show over 30% of
kitchen sales include a TV or audiovisual product of some sort which substantially
increases turnover.
Icebox
Kitchen Entertainment Unit
The Icebox entertainment unit is essentially a fitted flip screen television
that incorporates a DVD and CD player, FM radio and Internet browser with
'touch screen' technology. The built in audio system, designed by Redrock
Acoustics offers two detachable speakers and 2 built in sub woofers. The
unit also incorporates a dual USB port, Ethernet/56Kb modem, stereo audio
in/out, composite video in and MP3. The unit simply affixes underneath
a wall-mounted cupboard, the screen can swivel and slide back up into
the entertainment unit.
There is the option of a monitor input that can enable you to see what's
going on in other areas of the house, particularly useful as a baby monitor
or as a video entry phone.
Furthermore, the unit is also supplied with a cordless and waterproof
keyboard and remote control that both operate on infra red. The Icebox
is the first of a range of 'connected' small home appliances, known as
'Beyond', manufactured by Salton Europe.
Dimensions of unit: 600w x 300d x 95h
Built in Kitchenvision LCD TV
The Kitchenvision 15" LCD TFT remote control built in television
includes matching build in frame and swivelling bracket. The frame can
be produced in any RAL colour to compliment the kitchen furniture. The
unit is silver in colour and fits most standard 50 or 60cm wall unit microwave
housings with aperture height at least 38.2cm.
Dimensions of unit: 495/595w x 382h
As part of the launch Kitchenvision is also offering a 7" free-standing
mini wide screen LCF with a full viewing angle. The unit comes with auto
tuning, multi picture format, AV input, earphone output and compact remote
control unit. The TV runs off of a 12v power supply and comes complete
with a cigarette lighter adaptor for use in the car, boat or bathroom!
Both the Icebox and the Integrated Kitchenvision TV will be on show at
this years Bathrooms and Kitchens Expo, held at London's Excel from 11th
to 13th May.
Tel: 01932 252458
Email: mailto:davidm@kitchenvision.co.uk
Web: http://www.kitchenvision.co.uk
Whirlpool
Brand Named Most Trusted Appliance Brand in France, Slovakia and Hungary
in Reader's Digest Survey
Whirlpool
Corporation's Whirlpool brand, a relative newcomer to the European home
appliance market, was named the top and most trusted appliance brand in
France, Slovakia and Hungary in the most recent European Trusted Brands
Survey by Reader's Digest.
The annual European-wide survey sampled readers' brand preferences in
30 product and service categories, ranging from home appliances and computers
to credit cards and airlines. The survey's results are scheduled to be
released in the magazine's June issue.
Whirlpool Corp. began manufacturing and marketing the Whirlpool brand
in Western Europe, including France, in the early 1990s. The company's
operations in Eastern Europe, including Slovakia and Hungary, also have
been in place for about a decade.
'The results of the Reader's Digest survey are very gratifying and a tribute
to the hard work that the people of Whirlpool Europe have put in to make
this happen,' said Michael A. Todman, executive vice president and president
of Whirlpool Europe. 'It shows how far we've come in such a short time
in the highly competitive European market.'
Today, Whirlpool Corp. holds the No. 3 position throughout Western and
Central Europe, reporting 2002 sales of $2.2 billion and an operating
profit of $81 million. The company has 14,000 employees in Europe, with
manufacturing operations in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovakia and
Sweden.
Whirlpool France has about 900 employees and manufactures clothes dryers
in Amiens. The company also has about 900 employees in Slovakia and manufactures
top- and front-loading clothes washers in Poprad. In Hungary, Whirlpool
maintains a sales and service force of about 30 employees.
Among Whirlpool's latest product launches that are further strengthening
the brand's reputation in Europe are the Dreamspace front-loading clothes
washer, the Conquest side-by-side refrigerator and the award-winning Max!
Advance microwave oven.
Web: http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com
KBSA
On Hand to Advise at EXPO
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association will be out in force
at the second Bathrooms & Kitchens EXPO industry show in May.
This will be the first time that the association will attend the show
as the KBSA. Formerly known as the Kitchen Specialists Association, the
organisation changed its name late last year to reflect an ever-growing
commitment to the wider interiors industry.
KBSA agents will be on hand at the association stand (number 1490) to
advise on the considerable benefits of association membership, and there
will be an opportunity to take a look at the award-winning KBSA website.
'We're delighted to be returning to Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO - last
year's event proved enormously successful in terms of communicating our
key messages to potential members,' said KBSA chief executive Graham Hayden.
'This year's event looks set to be even more important to us as a trade
association. It's twice the size of the original show and all the major
players within the kitchen and bathroom industry will have a significant
presence, in addition to smaller specialist suppliers.
'We hope that bathroom suppliers in particular will come along to our
stand to find out more about the very real benefits that KBSA membership
can offer.'
Bathrooms & Kitchens EXPO runs at Excel, London's newest exhibition
centre, from May 11th to 13th.
The KBSA was set up some 26 years ago, initially to promote excellence
within the kitchen industry as the KSA. In 2002 the association changed
it trading name to KBSA to reflect the growth in the bathroom, bedroom
and home office markets for many of its members. The KBSA now works across
all four homes interest sectors to ensure quality of product, service
and installation. KBSA members are monitored regularly to make sure they
continually meet the organisation's stringent criteria.
Tel: 01905 621 787
Email: mailto:info@kbsa.co.uk
Web: http://www.kbsa.co.uk
AW
Andes go 'All Brand' with VitrA
AW
Andes has announced that it has been appointed as an 'all brand' distributor
for sanitaryware giants VitrA. The appointment means that AW Andes is
the first southern based VitrA 'all brand' distributor.
Director Ray Andes says 'We are delighted to be appointed by Vitra. Apart
from their range dovetailing beautifully with the other products in our
extensive portfolio, it coincides with the expansion of our delivery area
this year to include the south coast and south west areas. We have been
dealing with VitrA for the last year in a smaller way with great success
particularly with their Arkitekt range; we are therefore excited at the
prospect of distributing their entire range.'
VitrA's Managing Director Levent Giray says 'We are delighted to have
AW Andes as an 'all brand' distributor for VitrA. They are a very well
established distributor in the UK bathroom market and they have already
performed brilliantly with VitrA's Essentials and Arkitekt ranges. With
a whole range of exciting new products to be launched this year AW Andes
will strengthen our presence in the South of England.'
Tel: 01920 404040