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Bathroom Furniture 'Non-Core' for MFI, 1,500 Jobs to be Shed

MFI Furniture Group PLC is to axe nearly 1,500 jobs as it cuts manufacturing capacity in the UK by 40% and closes stores. Sales of non-core products, such as bathroom furniture, will be progressively reduced. However, MFI will consider granting concessions for these products to third parties.

The majority of the job losses will result from the closure of two of MFI's five manufacturing plants, at Stockton-on-Tees, where 533 jobs will go, and at Scunthorpe, where 397 will be shed. A further 126 manufacturing jobs will be lost at Howden in Yorkshire, although the plant will remain open, as will factories at Hull and Runcorn. More jobs will go from the group's retail operations.

'Our existing manufacturing was inflexible and not fit for purpose and would have required £40 million of capital expenditure over the next three years,' MFI's new chief exec Matthew Ingle commented.

MFI, which trades from around 200 stores in its UK Retail business and over 300 Howden Joinery depots, also reported an expected full-year loss, continuing poor trading in UK Retail, and moves to reduce its hefty pension deficit.

The job cuts form part of the strategic review, announced in October when Ingle replaced John Hancock as CEO. He detailed the reorganisation of the group's UK operations into three separately run businesses - Retail, Howdens and supply.

He plans to re-focus the UK Retail business around kitchens and bedrooms and associated products, with a concentration on higher margin products. By the end of 2006 MFI plans to reduce the number of bedroom ranges from 53 to 31 and kitchen ranges from 63 to 38.

Ingle plans to increase third-party sourcing to 75% by 2007 from the current 50%, improve currently 'poor' customer service levels by incentivising staff, and accelerate new Howdens depot openings at the rate of about 30 per year.

He is carrying out a store-by-store assessment of the group's UK retail property portfolio and has already identified 11 stores for closure, resulting in 95 potential job losses. Another 275 jobs in UK Retail are flagged to be lost. He also plans to close three of the company's eight regional home delivery centres as it trials a new local delivery model. This could result in around 180 potential job losses.

The measures announced this week are expected to deliver benefits of around £11m in 2006 and annualised benefits of £23m from 2007 onwards, as well as working capital and capital expenditure savings. However, there will be cash costs of £34m in 2006 and associated write-offs of £36m, plus fees of £12m.

'We are at the start of a major turnaround programme and have a huge opportunity to rebuild this group,' said Ingle. 'However, there's no silver bullet and 2006 is going to be a year of transition.'

For 2005 the group reported a loss before tax and exceptional items of £0.6m, a major decline from last year's profit of £54.5m. The Howden UK business saw its pre-exceptional operating profit up 1% to £103.6m but the UK Retail business saw its pre-exceptional losses widen to £85.1m from £31.3m last time.

The group pretax loss after exceptionals was £110.8m compared to a pretax profit of £20.6m last time, achieved on total sales up 2.5% to £1.55bn. In the Dec 26th 2005 to Feb 22nd 2006 Winter Sale period UK Retail's orders on a same-store basis were 14% lower than the same period last year.

Decorative laminate producer, Wilsonart, a subsidiary of Chicago based Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), has acquired the laminate worktop business of Orama Holdings Ltd.

Wilsonart is recognised as one of the world leading high pressure decorative laminate producers with manufacturing and distribution activities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. With UK operations based in Shildon, County Durham, Wilsonart International has been producing laminate worktops and since the late nineties and has developed into one of the most innovative and design-led manufacturers of worktops and components in today's kitchen market.

Orama has established itself as a leading UK independent manufacturer and supplier of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom worksurfaces, with production sites in Derbyshire and North Yorkshire.

Both companies cite product development and design innovation as key drivers to their success. As Dale Alexander, Managing Director of Wilsonart (pictured) comments, 'Having laminate production as our core business provides us with a leading edge in both new surface technology and design creation enabling us to react to, and at times create, new market opportunities. Our knowledge and expertise within the laminate market has helped establish Wilsonart as a major UK supplier of worktops to the biggest DIY retailers, furniture manufacturers, kitchen distributors and builders merchants.'

On the acquisition Alexander continues, 'This further strengthens the commitment to our UK manufacturing operations and the expansion of laminate decorative surfaces. We are excited by this new venture and look forward to integrating the Orama operation under the Wilsonart banner helping to further strengthen our market position.'

The acquisition of Orama comes on the back of a recent £0.75 million investment in a new, fully automated Accessories Line at Wilsonarts manufacturing operation in Shildon

Kitchen Master Attracts Complaint

An objection to a regional press ad for Kitchen Master, Liverpool, Merseyside was upheld according to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Complaint:
Objection to a regional press ad headlined 'Don't even think about buying a fitted kitchen without a free quote from Kitchen Master's colossal Summer Sale'. Text linked to tick boxes listed features of the advertisers' services and included the claim 'Established over 12 years'. The complainant objected that the claim was misleading, because following a recent spell in administration, Kitchen Master were trading under new management.

Adjudication:
Complaint upheld
Kitchen Master did not respond to our enquiries.

The ASA was concerned by Kitchen Master's lack of response, which we considered a breach of the Code. We reminded them of their responsibility to respond to our enquiries and told them to do so promptly in future. Because we had not seen evidence to substantiate Kitchen Master's claim 'Established over 12 years', we considered that it was potentially misleading. We told them not to re-use it unless they could provide documentation to show that they had a continuous trading history over the last 12 years.

The ad breached CAP Code clauses 2.6 (Non-response), 3.1 (Substantiation) and 7.1 (Truthfulness).

New Name in Work Tops Will Add Sales and Profit

Lechner is a new name to the UK's kitchen and bathroom industry. The company says that its entry to the UK brings a new approach to the supply of working surfaces which will, Lechner believes, give dealers the confidence to offer a wider range of surfaces, so improving sales and margin. Lechner says that it is the only company that can supply a complete range of surfaces, all made in its own factory in Rothenberg, in Southern Germany.

Established in 1974 Lechner is a family owned and family managed company that has grown to be a market leader in working surfaces in Continental Europe. It has over 400 employees.

As the kitchen and bathroom markets have grown in sophistication so Lechner says that it has kept pace and led the customer demand for greater choice in work top materials, design and features. At KBB it showed examples of its choice of surfaces as well as the accessories that complement them.

LaVico, a surface developed and made exclusively by Lechner, has 12mm thick safety glass permanently bonded to a ceramic coating on its reverse side. This allows great choice of colour and a completely smooth and hygienic finish.

Elements is another range made only by Lechner. This mineral based product has a hygienic and an easy to clean homogenous structure. The matt finish is completely smooth and warm to the touch. The range has 20 colour choices and sinks and basins are available which fit the design of Element's surfaces.

Two-Lux is the company's top of the range offering. Glass is bonded onto a wide range of stone finishes which both protect and accentuate the natural beauty of the material.

As important as the choice and quality of the chosen surface is the level of service to the retailer. To ensure that orders are delivered on time and to requirement Lechner will use its established and proven logistic chain. This means that the retailer is in direct contact with the Lechner factory so that understanding of the specified surface is clear and the delivery timing is known to both parties. A dedicated English speaking team deals with the UK and understands UK installation practice. A templating service is available with templates sent to Lechner by UPS. A specialised kitchen logistics contractor is used for delivery.

Hubert Bodachtel, speaking at KBB stressed the width of range and service Lechner's entry will mean to the UK market, ‘This is, I believe, the first time that the kitchen and bathroom industry has been able to order, from a single source such a wide range of materials and finishes. We feel that this gives designers and installers the confidence to offer greater choice of working surfaces to their customers and so attract more business and improve margins.’

Web: http://www.lechner-ag.de

2005 Results: Mixed Performances for Groupe SEB

In a highly competitive, varied business environment, SEB reported a 7.6% increase in sales, reflecting new advances in international markets and the impact of recent acquisitions. Operating margin was stable at €262m.

Attributable profit declined by 21% to €103m, after restructuring costs, and higher interest expense and income taxes than in 2004.

Net debt stood at €418 million at 31st December 2005, reflecting acquisitions made during the year. The debt-to-equity ratio was virtually unchanged at 52%, attesting to Groupe SEB's healthy balance sheet.

‘Our 2005 performance was mixed. While it confirmed the validity of our strategic focus on international development and acquisitions, it was nonetheless impacted by structural changes in European markets. That's why we have acted resolutely and responsibly, taking measures that will enable Groupe SEB to continue building its future in a reshaped market.’ said Thierry de La Tour d'Artaise, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Operating margin stable in value, as in the first half
The 2005 business environment remained highly varied from one region to another, with persistent difficulties in Europe and very strong demand in North and South America and Asia. While sales growth was led by advances in international markets, it also benefited from the full-year consolidation of All-Clad (consolidated for five months in 2004) and the contributions from Lagostina and Panex, consolidated over eight and seven months respectively, for a total of €102 million. A favourable currency effect added an additional €58 million. At constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates, revenue was up by 0.6%.

Operating margin amounted to €262 million, unchanged from 2004. Changes in the scope of consolidation, mainly the additional contribution from All-Clad, added €6 million. At comparable structure, operating margin declined by 1.9% to €256 million, mainly due to difficulties in Europe where margins and market share were affected by stronger competition from very low-price, entry-level products. The situation was especially challenging in the most undifferentiated product families, such as coffeemakers, kettles and toasters, which require industrial adjustment.

Attributable profit down 21%
Pursuing a policy of constant adaptation, Groupe SEB carried out two restructuring programmes in 2005, in Germany and Spain. It also announced in January 2006 a project to reorganise French manufacturing operations in 2006 and 2007. A portion of the expenses related to these measures was recognised in 2005, causing operating profit to decline by 1.6% to €184 million.

Attributable profit declined by 21%, reflecting higher interest expense due to recent acquisitions and, as forecast, an increase in income taxes.

Stable debt-to-equity ratio and a solid balance sheet
Net debt rose to €418 million at 31st December 2005, from €330 million one year earlier. The €88 million increase resulted mainly from the acquisitions of Lagostina and Panex, which were financed entirely by borrowings, but also from changes in working capital requirement. Capital expenditure programs were also pursued with roughly €100 million allocated during the year, of which 80% dedicated to manufacturing resources and new products. At the same time, equity increased to €802 million, bringing the debt-to-equity ratio to 52%, virtually unchanged from 31 December 2004.

Outlook
While the early 2006 outlook in Europe is still uncertain, Groupe SEB is pursuing its international development policy and its research programmes, which are expected to fuel a return to organic growth. At the same time, it will deploy the resources necessary to carry out its reorganisation programmes in France in the best possible conditions for everyone concerned. Building on these foundations, Groupe SEB is committed to maintaining its forefront positions in a fast-changing industry that enjoys considerable growth potential.

Taking into account these results and today's challenges, the Board of Directors will ask shareholders at the next Annual Meeting to maintain the dividend at €2.40 per share.

Servis Built-In to Get McDarren's Touch

John McDarren, managing director of Lanzet (UK) Ltd and formerly managing director of Merloni Domestic Appliances (pictured), has put together a strong team of industry specialists within Lanzet and secured UK distribution of Servis Built In appliances.

As the driving force behind the success of Indesit and Ariston in the UK, McDarren and his team aim to win Servis Built In market share over its built-in market rivals in an increasingly competitive UK market.

His team includes the marketing director Nigel Grasham, formally marketing director of Merloni Domestic Appliances, and Chris Richardson, sales director.

The Servis brand, while highly regarded by UK consumers for 75 years, has concentrated in recent times on Freestanding products within freestanding markets with the Built In range not available in the UK for nearly seven years. This new partnership will bring a new focus on its built-in product technologies and specialist channels of distribution.

McDarren, himself a kitchen retailer in his early career and now heading up the specialist built-in kitchen company Lanzet in Reading, saw an untapped opportunity to put together a brand with a great British heritage with a strong product proposition; he aims to emulate his Indesit/Ariston success.

‘Built-in has always been a personal passion of mine’ says John. ‘Products that offer brand recognition, quality and style at the right price still offer retailers a rich margin opportunity.’ He explains. Franco Bandegiati, MD of Servis adds ‘This represents an exciting opportunity to establish Servis as a force in the built in market, and I see John and Lanzet as a perfect partner in achieving this’.

The Servis Built-In portfolio comprises single and double ovens, gas and ceramic hobs, chimney hoods along with fully integrated refrigeration, dishwashing and washing.

Roman Distribution Centre Grows

Roman Limited, the UK shower manufacturer, has expanded its distribution centre in Daventry to cope with the increasing demand for its large range of showering products.

The depot has been doubled in size to hold Roman’s products to be distributed in the South of the country.

Roman is already sending stock of its new top-of-the-range Sculptures Enclosures to the Daventry distribution centre. Roman Sculptures is a range of products that sit at the top end of the showering market, officially launched at the KBB exhibition in Birmingham, after being first revealed at Expo 2005.

The company says that the styling and features of this new collection is a first for the UK shower market. All Roman Sculptures products have 10mm thick toughened glass, and are located together by chrome plated brass joints, then finished using an efficient sealing system utilising a clear water-resistant sealant.

Trevor Small, Paul Spark and Steve Smith load Roman products for new distribution centre

Roman’s managing director, David Osborne, said: 'The Daventry extension will allow Roman to keep greater volumes of stock ready to be quickly delivered on request to retailers, especially with Roman’s new Sculptures range leaving the production line. This provides us with a highly efficient distribution service giving customers the best possible service.'

Roman has also re-branded its entire transport fleet with distinctive new livery colours of silver and black.

The County Durham-based company has 18 vehicles in its fleet, delivering Roman products to retailers across the length and breadth of the country, with more due to be added to help service the extended distribution centre at Daventry.

There are a range of vehicles in the Roman fleet from articulated to seven-and-a-half tonne trucks.

Roman’s marketing director, Loraine Gamblin, said: 'The new livery will make our transport fleet very distinctive as it moves along the UK’s roads. We want to make Roman instantly recognisable as the country’s leading and innovative showering company.'

It is the latest in a number of major changes County Durham-based Roman has introduced. Roman has developed a state-of-the-art 12,000 square feet showroom to display all of its products, developed a Tray plant and launched a new website as it pushes further into the export market.

Ideal Standard Sponsors Helen Hamlyn Research

With design roots all over Europe, particularly strong in the UK, Italy and Germany, Ideal Standard Europe, a provider of bathroom and kitchen solutions, recently announced its continued commitment to design and innovation through a £15,000 sponsorship of the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre in the UK.

During an event on 30th January at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London, hosted by Ideal Standard, Helen Hamlyn Associate and designer, Julie Mathias, unveiled her concepts on Indulgent Bathing.

Entering its 21st year, the Helen Hamlyn Foundation was established to improve the lives of over 50's. Through close collaboration with the RCA, the Foundation has successfully helped to creatively address the needs of the ageing population. Helen Hamyln Research Associates work directly with research partners, such as Ideal Standard, on one-to-two year projects giving them experience in working with industry, and providing research partners with insight into fresh, modern ideas of talented RCA graduates.

Independent living and choice in the home are key issues for both the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre and Ideal Standard. Working with Helen Hamlyn Associate, Julie Mathias, Ideal Standard has been introduced to a new way of approaching bathroom design for the aging population.

Robin Levien, Royal Designer for Industry and Ideal Standard Design Director in the UK explains, ‘Ideal Standard viewed becoming a research partner not as a way to unearth the next bathroom trend, but to escape the usual focus on form and function. We saw this as a source of inspiration from an up-and-coming designer. Julie's concepts tap into the emotions of the end user and do not just focus on the practicality of the product.’

Our attitudes to bathing are changing. Time is an ever precious commodity and the bathroom has become a haven for relaxation. Manufacturers are responding with products that focus on 'well being', but are overlooking an untapped, growing market - the over 50s. Julie Mathias believes indulgent bathing is about personal experiences. Her study has explored the feelings of ten real people aged between 50 and 70, and translated them into physical spaces.

Key concepts in Julie Mathias's project include:

Concept Jungle - exploring the enjoyment and emotional attachment that is associated with the garden, creating a nature-inspired network of hoses with changeable heads to stream water, blow hot air or create suction;


Concept Tree - applying the same principles around a freestanding tree-shaped unit complete with branches that turn into showerheads or act as seat supports;


Concept Waterdrop - landscaping the floors, walls and ceilings of the bathroom into a rich, organic surface. Rolling, sensuous curves form washbasins, bathing areas and storage space;


Concept Extension - addressing the desire for more bathing space by creating a semi-permanent structure made up of sections of timber and glass that take the bathroom into the garden.

With the over 50s owning 75% of all financial assets in developed countries, Ideal Standard believes this could well be how this age group bathes in the future. Robin Levien continues, ‘Creative designs such as Julie's would obviously be a specialist, luxurious product but there is no reason why in 10 years we could not see bathing taking place in this way.’

Marc Sadler, Designer and Ideal Standard's European Art Director based in Milan, Italy, added, ‘More than ever before, design and trends from all over the globe, with particular prominence in Europe, influence our homes and lives. Style and comfort form a powerful combination to our overall quality of life. Bathrooms are increasingly being perceived as a pleasure sanctuary with differing desires linked to age categories. Julie has captured the importance of nature and environment through the use of innovative shapes and textures linked to the earth's elements, with water being woven throughout as the underlying source.’

Rama Gheerawo, Programme Leader, Research Associates at The Royal College of Art comments, ‘The RCA's Helen Hamlyn Research Centre employs around 15 Research Associates a year in a variety of design disciplines to work with leading companies all over the world. Research Associates are new RCA design graduates who are interested in exploring opportunities for new products and services created by social and demographic change. They are chosen on the basis of their interests, skills and ability to work with an industrial partner. The RCA has a strong track record of design research into the aspirations of older consumers and we were delighted to collaborate with Ideal Standard on such a challenging brief.’

Ideal Standard was the first bathroom manufacturer to work with designers when it commissioned design genius Gio Ponte in 1954. Since then, Ideal Standard has established market leading design heritage by appointing signature designers for all aspects of its product range. This heritage also extends to supporting designers of the future and important projects, such as the Helen Hamlyn Foundation.

For further information regarding Julie Mathias' Indulgent Bathing study and other projects visit her website http://www.wokmedia.com

Tel: 01482 346461
Web: http://www.ideal-standard.co.uk

Two Exclusive Promotional Offers for 'Nespresso'

In March, kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens will be launching two promotional offers for the company’s 'Nespresso' coffee machine range.

There is a choice of two 'Nespresso' models in the Siemens range: silver TK50 and anthracite TK70. Both models are designed for use with sealed 'Nespresso' capsules to ensure that each cup of fresh coffee is prepared according to individual taste.

A. Cash back offer - A £40 cash back offer will be available on each Siemens 'Nespresso' model if purchased during the promotional period from 16th March until 1st June 2006. Special point of sale material has been produced for the promotion together with vouchers to claim back the money directly from Nespresso after purchase.

B. Dressman offer - Every retail customer who buys Siemens's 'Dressman' ironing robot from appointed stockists during the strictly limited promotional period between 13th March and 31st May 2006 will qualify for a Siemens 'Nespresso' coffee machine, model TK50, worth £299 absolutely free of charge. Vouchers will be given to customers at point of sale to claim their free coffee machine from Siemens.

Comments Product Category Manager, Florian Pfister: ‘Both promotions are specifically tailored to support our retailers during a traditionally quiet time of the year for small electrical appliances. We are confident that these limited offers will be popular with our retailers and their end customers when closing appliance sales around Mother's Day and the Easter period.’

Both promotional offers are for limited periods. An original proof of purchase must be submitted to Siemens with the vouchers to claim these two offers.

For brochures & stockists, call 0870 840 3300 or visit http://www.siemensappliances.co.uk

Gorenje Launches Free 5-Year Parts & Labour Guarantee

European appliance manufacturer Gorenje has announced a free 5-year parts and labour guarantee across nearly all its built-in range.

From March 2006, a free 5-year parts and labour guarantee is now available on Gorenje built-in appliances that are sold through its network of nearly 1,000 retailers in the UK and Ireland. The guarantee covers all built-in ovens, hobs, hoods, integrated cooling products and the company's range of freestanding retro fridges and two freestanding washing machines from its laundry range.

‘We are delighted to announce the launch of our market leading free 5-year built-in guarantee,’ says Bill Miller, Sales Director of Gorenje UK. ‘This will provide a superb selling point for our independent retailers and kitchen specialists, and will give consumers confidence and peace of mind when purchasing a Gorenje product.’

Bill adds, ‘We want to get the message across to consumers that when you buy any Gorenje appliance you can be assured that you have purchased a high quality, reliable, environmentally friendly, innovative and stylish product from one of Europe's leading domestic appliance manufacturers; an appliance that is well-designed for long lasting performance. We are so confident of the quality of our products, that we are able to offer this free 5-year parts and labour guarantee.’

The launch of the free 5-year guarantee is backed up with POS materials, a new built-in brochure, give-aways, consumer competitions and a 6-figure national consumer and trade advertising and PR campaign.

The Slovenian appliance manufacturer offers nearly 60 built-in products in the UK, nearly all of which are A energy rated. These include ovens, hobs, hoods, integrated dishwashers and integrated cooling products, as well as a coffee machine and a state-of-the-art combination microwave. Also in the built-in range are a wine store and a drinks chiller, which offer a solution for wine lovers.

Gorenje has recently launched a range of built-in appliances designed by the legendary Ferrari designer Paolo Pininfarina. Finished in brushed aluminium and black glass, the new Gorenje Pininfarina range is designed to complement any contemporary kitchen furniture range.

‘The discerning, design-led consumers, at which the Gorenje Pininfarina collection is targeted will appreciate both the beauty of the appliances as well as the peace of mind that a free 5 year guarantee offers,’ continues Bill.

Tel: 0208 247 3980
Web: http://www.gorenje.co.uk

Fagor Offers Five Year Guarantee on a Range of 'A' Rated Products

Mid market appliance brand, Fagor, is offering a full five year parts and labour guarantee on many 'A' rated appliances in its range of built - in and freestanding products until 31st March 2006.

The collection consists of highly specified enamel and catalytic single ovens along with complementary stainless steel gas hobs to enhance the overall aesthetics of the kitchen. Also available are built - in and freestanding washing machines with Turbo Time, a super fast wash function; a freestanding washer dryer; and dishwashers with A.I.S. (advanced intelligent system) intuitive diagnostics. Both tall and standard sized freestanding fridge freezers come in white or stainless steel and benefit from Multi Fresh and Super Fresh compartments in the fridge, with Super Freeze functions in the freezer compartments.

With the added benefit of this 5 year guarantee offer, dealers have the opportunity to market these competitively priced products to customers who want a single unit, or trade up all their kitchen appliances to Fagor.

‘As with all Fagor products, innovation is the key element of the range, which is aimed at a young, mid market and environmentally aware audience,’ says the company.

Products included in the offer are:
* 5H - 185X 'A' rated catalytic multifunction plus single oven.
* 5H - 196X 'A' rated enamel Single oven with rotisserie.
* 3FI - 4GLSX Gas hob with auto safety.
* 3FI-4GLSTX Gas hob with auto safety and wok burner.
* FU - 4613 'A' rated white freestanding washing machine with 'Turbo Time'.
* FU - 4613X 'A' rated stainless steel freestanding washing machine with 'Turbo Time'.
* 2FU3611IT 'A' rated 1100 rpm built - in electronic washing machine.
* FUS3611-T 'A' rated 1100 prm built - in washer dryer.
* LFU013SX 'A' rated freestanding stainless steel AIS dishwasher.
* LFU073IT 'A' rated fully integrated electronic AIS dishwasher
* FC37XLA 'A' rated stainless steel fridge freezer with Super Freeze.
* FC37LA 'A' rated white fridge freezer with Super Freeze.
* FC39XLAM 'A' rated tall stainless steel fridge freezer with Super Freeze.
* FC39LAM 'A' rated tall white fridge freezer with Super Freeze.

Brochures and leaflets are available from FagorBrandt Marketing on 01256 308 068, or e-mail marketinguk@elcobrandt.com.

Jason Grinton Promoted to Business Manager for UK and Ireland

Jason Grinton has been promoted to the newly created position of UK and Ireland Business Manager for Pronorm, the German-based manufacturer of contemporary, rigid kitchen furniture.

Promoted from the position of National Sales Manager, Grinton's new role reflects overall general management responsibilities for UK and Ireland as an autonomous business unit within the European division of the Nobia Group.

Grinton will look after all aspects of the business and report directly to Pronorm's managing director in Germany.

The change to the organisational structure comes on the back of impressive sales performance in recent years and reflects the company's strategic drive to increase the dealership network to 100 premier retailers and double sales again within the next three years.

Comments Jason Grinton on his new role:

‘Pronorm is an intelligent kitchen brand that delivers on many levels what the market is demanding in contemporary kitchen furniture.

We are ambitious about our growth plans for the UK and Irish markets and this new role gives me the opportunity to develop the brand to a wider audience and drive our growth potential further.’

For more information on Pronorm products, please contact Jason Grinton.

Web: http://www.pronorm.co.uk
Tel: 07801 862691
Email: jason.grinton@pronorm.de

In-toto Opens in Milton Keynes

In-toto has opened a large kitchen showroom at 9 Grafton Retail Park, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes. As part of the nationwide franchise of almost fifty showrooms, it features ten kitchen displays from parent company, Wellmann of Germany.

Labour and energy saving appliances from Neff, Miele, Whirlpool, Britannia and Elica are fitted within the kitchens, complementing Wellmann's contemporary designs.

Worktop options include solid wood, glass, Corian and granite.

Steve and Ellen Littlewood are the franchisees. Five years ago they opened an In-toto showroom in Northampton and quickly established a reputation for design excellence, reliability and top notch installation.

The Littlewoods noticed real demand from Milton Keynes and so it made sense to open another showroom there.

In 2000 Northampton In-toto was one of the largest and certainly most stylish in the franchise.

Milton Keynes is twice the size, with 1500sq.ft. for kitchen displays and a further 1200sq.ft. showing Italian furniture upstairs.

PJH Announces Group Changes

The kitchen and bathroom distributor, the PJH Group has re-launched itself, revealing a new divisional structure, new brand identity and new logo incorporating the corporate strapline, ‘making a difference’.

Established over 30 years ago, the £150m company has shown significant growth ahead of market in the last five years, thanks to improvements in the product range and in customer service. To continue this growth the company will be launching a number of new initiatives in 2006.

Commented Phil Anderson, Group Commercial Director: ‘Our customer research shows that many of our retail customers and national contract builders see us as the UK's leading distributor, however our image has not always reflected this.’

A full business strategy review and in depth customer research, has led to the re-structuring of the business and the development of a new company and brand identity:-

PJH distribution: (formally known as Hopkinsons Fourways and On Site) which covers kitchen and bathroom specialist sales.

PJH d2m: (formally known as Instore Logistics) which covers design to manufacture, end to end retail solutions.

PJH installation: This encompasses the installation of kitchens as well as the development of a new bathroom installation business.

These three divisions will all be included in the corporate brand of the PJH Group, with the branding focused on 'making a difference'. This is a challenge for all of those within PJH Group as well as suppliers, on how they can 'make a difference' to all PJH customers and jointly help to develop business.

Tel: 01204 707070
Web: http://www.pjhgroup.com

Style and Environmental Credentials in One Radiator?

With new targets set by the Government last month [Defra, 14th February 2006] to encourage individuals and businesses to recycle, MHS’s new Decoral Ten radiator means householders hoping to ‘do their bit’ for the environment, do not need to sacrifice on aesthetics.

This contemporary radiator brings together the benefits of recycled aluminium with designer style, to create a practical and beautiful heat emitter.

Ian Bradley, MD for MHS Radiators, said, 'Nearly four million tonnes of aluminium were scrapped in the EU during 2004, so recycling the material can only be positive for the environment.'

Recycled aluminium is also not the only reason that this radiator has less impact on the environment: it is also extremely energy efficient with a better ratio of size to output than a conventional steel panel radiator of identical dimensions.

Aluminium is also a solution for homeowners looking to be creative with their heating systems, offering far greater potential for unusual and original shapes and styles.

For those who love column radiators but don’t really have the space, Decoral Ten is the futuristic alternative.

Tel: 01268 591010
Web: http://www.mhsradiators.com

Image Plans National Showroom Network

A key element in Image Showers plans for growth is to establish a national network of flagship showrooms throughout the UK, building on its present base. The sales force is currently recruiting prestige showrooms in strategic locations with a mid to upmarket clientele in-keeping with the Image product range, offering a strong incentive package for quality displays.

The latest addition to this network is Home & Trade of Burton on Trent. Established over 30 years ago, Home & Trade services both the trade and consumers throughout the East Midlands from its out of town location which is a focal point in the area for those looking for new ideas for the bathroom and shower room.

Brian Roberts, Showroom Manager, says ‘everyone wants a shower in their bathroom today, preferably a stand-alone type. We like the Image range which offers good products and good service support. The Image Showers range will be a valuable addition to our displays.’

Image Showers' Neil Beswick comments ‘Our philosophy working with our showroom customers is one of partnership. We provide the quality products they require for a demanding market, together with full service support which includes an excellent display package, focal marketing help, priority service and after sales assistance together with excellent distribution backup to provide rapid and reliable deliveries to their showroom network. We feel Home & Trade is an ideal partner because it has a first rate reputation and an ethos of quality and service similar to our own - an important factor because the manufacturers reputation relies on the retailer and installer who recommend and fit our showers.’

Image Showers says that it is Ireland's leading manufacturer of shower enclosures and bath screens. It has its own UK warehouse in Daventry, a national network of service engineers to support bathroom showrooms and installers and a range of quality products to meet most requirements. Image also offers a bespoke service for those who may require unusual sizes or have special requirements.

Agreement Reached on Closure of Nuremberg Factory

Electrolux and IG Metall, a German trade union for the manufacturing industry, have reached an agreement on the terms and conditions for the closure of the appliance factory in Nuremberg, Germany.

The agreement gives employees a severance package including a payment of 1.8 months of salary per year of employment with the company, and training in a qualification company. Pre-retirement schemes have also been agreed upon.

A staged closure of the factory is estimated to begin in July and to be concluded by the end of 2007. The detailed timetable is being discussed with the local works council.

'We have reached an agreement despite difficult and tough negotiations during an ongoing strike,' comments Johan Bygge, head of Electrolux Major Appliances Europe. 'For our employees, it is a very good agreement that underlines that Electrolux lives up to its responsibilities towards the affected employees.
A vote among the trade union members on ending the strike is expected to take place during the week.

Electrolux confirms that the total cost for the closure of the factory will be approximately SEK 2.3 billion, as previously communicated.

EPA and DOE Recognises Maytag Corporation with Energy Star® Excellence

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy has recognised Maytag Corporation with the Excellence in ENERGY STAR Outreach 2006 Award for its outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy-efficient products, services and/or homes. Maytag's accomplishments will be recognised at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 21st, 2006.

Maytag, an ENERGY STAR partner since 1997, is being honoured for promoting the DOE's 'Spring into a World of Savings' appliance programme to advance consumer awareness and purchases of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. The annual appliance promotion encourages consumers to remove old, inefficient appliances from the electric grid and, when making a replacement, to choose appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating to save energy and money.

Last year alone, with the help of ENERGY STAR, Americans saved $12 billion on their energy bills and enough peak energy to power 28 million homes. Through those savings they avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 23 million vehicles.

'Maytag is honoured by our partnership with ENERGY STAR,' said David Steiner, vice president of Maytag governmental affairs. 'We know that through the use of ENERGY STAR appliances consumers can save money and contribute to a healthy environment. We are proud to help raise awareness about energy efficiency through our efforts.'

Maytag offers an extensive laundry lineup - including more high- efficiency washers than any other brand, saving consumers money in water and energy every year. The Maytag brand's entire line-up of dishwashers is also ENERGY STAR-rated.

The Excellence in ENERGY STAR Outreach award is given to a variety of organisations to recognise their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution, resulting in significant cost savings. Award winners are selected from more than 8,000 organisations that participate in the ENERGY STAR programme.

'Partners such as Maytag are spreading the word about the importance of energy efficiency in all aspects of our lives,' said Kathleen Hogan, director of EPA's Climate Protection Partnerships Division. 'They are doing an outstanding job of promoting products, services, homes and programmes that help consumers save money and importantly, help protect our environment.'