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Cosentino Appoints Christophe Gontier as Managing Director of its UK Operation

Cosentino, the manufacturer and distributor of quartz stone surface, Silestone, has appointed Christophe Gontier as managing director of its UK subsidiary. Mr Gontier, formerly managing director of kitchen appliance company, FagorBrandt UK, was approached by the Cosentino family in order to run the Woking-based operation, with a view to expanding its UK and Ireland network.

Cosentino is a wholly Spanish-owned family business group with worldwide distribution. Its activities focus on the manufacture and distribution of design and architectural solutions based on the production of natural stone. Cosentino, which has been established for over 70 years, has a strong focus for Europe with seven subsidiaries and 25 warehouses, many of which have opened in the last four years.

With global growth at an average of 54% per year for the past four years, Cosentino has made an enormous investment into the manufacture of Silestone and will in 2007 have 11 production lines producing over 1 million slabs. The company has also set its sights on the UK and Ireland, where the market is yet to be developed to its full potential. Since its creation as a subsidiary in 2002, Cosentino UK has already received notable investment in terms of structure and machinery, and following Mr Gontier's appointment, will embark on an impressive expansion in terms of sales staff and marketing.

Mr Gontier's goal is to further establish the premium product, Silestone to a wider audience. Silestone, the premier brand in the stable is the only type of quartz material that is already infused with Microban© antibacterial protection at the time of manufacture.

This helps prevent the growth of micro-organisms such as mould and harmful bacteria making it the most hygienic and durable quartz worksurface available. This patented technology is exclusive to Silestone, and there is no other manufacturer in the market that can offer this incredible type of surface product.

A major advertising and marketing investment is being made during 2007 in order to convey Silestone's unique benefits both in the trade and consumer press and to highlight the wide range of (50) colours and finishes.

Christophe Gontier, managing director of Cosentino UK says:

'This is a fantastic opportunity and a challenge for me. I will provide my knowledge, dedication, loyalty and commitment to make Cosentino UK the best in the business. The stone industry is very young, exciting and innovative and it is my intention to build the Silestone brand to where it is elsewhere in the world - making it the leading worksurface brand - and the one that people ask for!'

Cosentino UK: 08700 118 788
Web: http://www.silestone.com

Britons Spend Most on House Renovations

House-proud Britons spend the most in Europe on renovating and cleaning their homes, a recent report says.

Soaring property prices are encouraging people to splash out on sprucing up their houses, according to market analysts Datamonitor.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the two rooms most likely to get the makeover treatment.

A greater percentage of UK homeowners renovated one or both rooms within the last five years than elsewhere in Europe, Datamonitor's Consumer Insight report says.

Kitchens and bathrooms

Its pan-European poll showed around 40 per cent of UK respondents had renovated their kitchen or bathroom within the last three to five years.

This compared to around 30 per cent in Germany and dropped to around 10 per cent in the Netherlands.

The UK's enthusiasm for renovation also beat France, Spain, Italy and Sweden.

Datamonitor consumer markets analyst Nick Beevors said the rise in UK property prices made houses the biggest asset for many Britons.

'Many consumers, when they see their major asset appreciating in value, tend to feel richer and as a result are more likely to spend their extra cash on it,' he said.

Cleaning products
Britons have a higher spend on home cleaning products then the six other countries surveyed.

The average person shelled out £24 on home cleaning products last year compared to £16 in Spain and dropping to £10 in Germany, Datamonitor's report says.

Its findings are based on a survey of nearly 6,000 people carried out in June 2006.

Image Directors Take Increased Shareholding

Image Showers' Managing Director John Kelly has expanded his shareholding in the company to become the majority shareholder.

Previously one of three equity partners in the business, John has invested in his belief in the growth plans he has been instrumental in developing and wishes to carry these forward personally.

Irish Sales Director John Thompson has also increased his shareholding and continues as Sales Director, a position he has fulfilled since joining the company in 1999. He will continue to play a key role in the company's activities in Ireland and is the only other shareholder in the company. Image Showers has a large market share in the shower enclosures and bath surround market in its home market and has been growing rapidly in the UK.

‘I want Image Showers to become a major European brand and that requires significant investment and a commitment to a programme of planned expansion’ says John Kelly ‘I felt this could be best achieved with myself taking responsibility for the future European direction of the company's development. We now have a team clearly focused on our growth strategy and fully capable of achieving our goals.’

Image Showers was established in 1990 and has grown consistently since then. John joined Image Showers in 1998 when it was known as Sark International and then became Managing Director in 2001. He has led the company during its major growth to its present strength. In the same year the company adopted its popular brand name and became Image Showers.

John is keen to make the Image Showers brand a force in the UK by expanding its previous base as part of his strategy for European growth.

He is a firm believer in the importance of quality with the company's Allure and Ultra ranges of shower enclosures making excellent illustrations of this principle, featuring superior door roller systems, hardware and glass specifications.

To ensure quality is always up to the demanding standards, all manufacture of Image brand shower enclosures and bath screens is undertaken at the company’s modern production unit in Kilkenny including bespoke products which can be designed and produced in a matter of weeks.

John puts a commitment to customer service as a key factor in Image Showers success with a full pre and post sales support service and next day delivery service in Ireland - a service package which is also being replicated in the UK. The company’s National distributor network includes Ideal Bathrooms, Claygate Distribution, Formula One, Britten, Smiths Plumbing and Heating Supplies, JSB and Brian Covey.

Image Showers is also planning a move to larger warehouse premises in the UK in the near future to increase stockholding in addition to the Kilkenny stock.

John is always keen to be at the forefront of new products and technical advances as these are developed and the company is currently developing new concepts in glass technology which will lead the way to new product design.

Image Showers has shown strong sales performance in the last year with a 20% growth in the UK and 23% in Ireland. John and his team are particularly enthusiastic about future growth prospects for the UK spearheaded through their network of over 300 showroom outlets with displays. The company is also gaining market share in the house builder and developer sector especially because of its ability to produce bespoke products on short lead times.

Web: http://www.imageshowers.com

Twyford goes Rimless!

The world's first rimless toilet was launched last week by Twyford Bathrooms.

‘The Hospital’ Private Members Club in Covent Garden, London, provided the venue for the launch. It was an appropriate choice as the former hospital reflects the key market for what is likely to be a major seller in the health market.

Unique to Twyfords, the patented rimless WC is exactly that; it has no covered rim, no hidden channels, no box section and no tubes. The need for a rim is removed because the water distribution system removes waste as effectively as a traditional toilet. The self draining jets at the back of the bowl release water which flows round the inside of the pan with no hidden rim or water jets. This makes the pan both hygienic and easy to clean, as well as fully compliant with HTM64, the commercial health sector standard.

The design also removes the requirement for toilet duck style cleaners.

Initially designed for the healthcare sector, the rimless pan forms part of the redesigned Sola collection. But Twyford believes other markets offer considerable potential and the design will be extended to their domestic ranges.

The Sola range complies with water efficiency requirements, operating on either 4 litres per flush, 2 litres below the current 6 litre requirement.

The design is also incorporated in to the Avalon Rimless pan, which at 450mm high is compliant with Doc m, meaning it has the extra height required for use by disabled people. The product also has the HTM64 blue seat for increased visibility, but a standard white seat is available as an option.

Web: http://www.twyfordbathrooms.com

Zip HydroTap 40% More Energy Efficient than a Kettle

Newly commissioned technical research has revealed that the Zip HydroTap, the first tap of its kind in the UK to deliver freshly filtered chilled and boiling water from the same unit, is 40% more energy efficient than a traditional kettle and over 12% more energy efficient than other similar alternatives.

The research, undertaken by Aston University, involved setting up a test rig to operate the appliances over a series of 24 hour periods.

The test was designed specifically to simulate everyday family life and therefore based on the usage of each appliance by a family of five in a domestic environment.

The results showed that the HydroTap used only 2.1kW/hour whereas the kettle used 3.5 kW/hour. Over the course of a whole year this equates to 1,277.5 kW/hour for the average kettle and 768 for the HydroTap - a saving of 509 kW/hour - enough to power a hairdryer non-stop for 42 days!

Jim Foxall, Managing Director at Zip Heaters commented, "This research is conclusive evidence that the HydroTap is not only the first of its kind, but also the best in terms of energy efficiency. HydroTap is one of the most innovative appliances of its kind - as well as being highly energy efficient."

HydroTap is part of the Zip Designer Range comprising 4 products:- a boiling and chilled model, a boiling only, a chilled only and an ambient unit

For further information visit www.zipdesignerrange.co.uk or call 01362 852222.

BMA Chief Speaks at PMI in April

Yvonne Orgill, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), will speak at the spring meeting of the American Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) in the USA.

Building on the success of Orgill's participation in last spring's meeting, the PMI were keen to invite her back to tap into her extensive knowledge of the global bathroom industry, which spans more than 20 years.

Themed ‘The Future is NOW’ delegates of the four-day meeting will hear a variety of speakers addressing the future of things to come including environmental directives, water efficiency, plus regulations and legislation.

Speaking about the close relationship enjoyed by the BMA and the PMI, Orgill says: ‘The BMA and the PMI signed a memorandum of understanding in October 2004. We experience similar issues, such as climate change and water efficiency and we learn a great deal by pooling our knowledge, adding value to the work that both organisations are doing in this vital field.’

The PMI spring meeting runs from 1st through 4th April at The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina.

Web: http://www.bathroom-association.org

People Power: RAK Ceramics Recruits for Future Growth

Sanitaryware and tile manufacturer RAK Ceramics UK has announced the appointment of Charles Down as Sales Director.

The creation of this major role reinforces the RAK senior management team in advance of a host of entire product ranges being launched at EXPO along with a major recruitment drive.

It is expected that the appointment of several new sales managers will be announced within the next month, providing additional regional representation.

Down proved ideal for this senior position, having been responsible for managing strategic business growth for several major names in the industry, including the Paula Rosa Kitchens and the Snaidero Group, owner of several leading European brands including Arthur Bonnet. He will be based at RAK Ceramics' new 52,000 sq ft HQ located in Petersfield.

Charles Down, RAK Ceramics UK Sales Director says, ‘This is a time of great opportunity for companies with the right structure and product offering. Presently, RAK Ceramics are 45% up on sales compared to last year and that's before we've even launched this year's eagerly awaited new product ranges.

Led by exhibitions and corporate events, RAK has aggressive plans for more growth in 2007, which is excellent news for the customer - they will be getting enhanced service through our updated distribution channels, enhanced design through a raft of exciting new product launches and enhanced incentives thanks to an inspirational dealer programme which will be announced at EXPO.’

Tel: 01730 815507
Web: http://www.rakceramics.co.uk

Aqualux Website is a Big Hit with Google

Aqualux has proved its new website is a big hit as www.aqualux.co.uk reaches the first page of the world's leading search engine, Google.

Since the launch of its new website, Aqualux has moved from page 10 to the first page when searching for 'shower enclosures' in Google. This leap is without the widely used click per view or sponsorship fees and is based on the popularity of the site and the amount of visits it gets.

The UK manufacturer of bath screens and shower enclosures launched its new website last year to provide customers with extensive technical information and specification information in an easy to navigate format.

The website also offers Aqualux's trade customers a dedicated section where members can log on and find all the latest information on promotional offers such as point-of-sale and display discounts. Users can also search the site by product and collection name, door type, size specification or height. The website also offers technical tables for architects, builders and installers to allow simple specification.

Aqualux has also catered for the consumer with a stockist postcode search, Q&A section of frequently asked questions and a brochure request page.

Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk

New Tool Removes Gamble from Company Acquisitions

A new commercial tool is set to transform the way companies go about acquiring other businesses, according to its developers.

VIBE, which has been devised by Plimsoll Publishing, draws on a database of information covering virtually every company in Britain and Northern Ireland. It shows at a glance if a company is ripe for takeover – and why.

Plimsoll, which has a track record of predicting commercial success or failure and is one of the leading business analysts in the UK, France and Japan, says the service can be tailored to any one of around 1200 commercial sectors. The resulting report provides a detailed picture of the top 500 companies in each sector and delivers its verdict in both text summary and in graphics, under the categories 'eye-catching', 'desirable' or 'unattractive'.

Plimsoll’s senior analyst David Pattison says: 'This is not just a snapshot of company fortunes, but a package of key information that is not available anywhere else in a single document. It covers everything from the age of a firm’s directors to illustrations of where the company’s strengths and weaknesses lie. We also identify the firms we describe as hidden jewels, where the fees paid to directors have been distorting the profits for years.'

VIBE stands for Valuations, Industry analysis, Business acquisitions, and Electronic delivery, since each report is supplied via email, on CD or on USB memory stick. It comes in PDF format for clear and easy viewing.

Says David Pattison: 'All the work that any potential acquirer needs to do has already been done by Plimsoll. You can search the information by size of company, geography, directors’ ages, losses and much more. We also add internet links to allow further research. In addition, monthly updates to the analysis are available on request to assist those companies that are planning an acquisition but are not ready to act immediately.'

VIBE is the latest in a range of business analysis tools offered by Plimsoll, whose expertise is relied upon by 16,000 customers. It can be ordered from http://www.plimsoll.co.uk and is delivered the same day.

Tab UK is Pioneering New Technology to Support its Shower Enclosure Distributors

A new online issues management system is being pioneered by Tab UK, supplier of quality shower enclosures, steam rooms, hydro-massage units and bathroom furniture, to enable distributors and retailers to have instant access to its stock levels and delivery times.

Tab has acknowledged that to make technology work for itself, it must also work for the company's customers.

By opening up its technology resources, Tab is able to show its distributors in real terms which items are in stock and when items are due to arrive in the country for distribution.

Customers will be able to view the stage at which their order is within the supply chain so the end customer can be quickly informed and lead times are not concealed.

The company says that its investment in the new technology confirms Tab UK’s support for its distributors and strengthens its pledge to provide good quality products at competitive prices in reasonable time.

Tel: 0191-4695500
Email: sales@tab-uk.com
Web: http://www.tab-uk.co.uk

Electrolux Launches Reality Show on the Web

The kitchen has in recent years transformed from what used to be a separated closet to prepare food, into the social hub of the home.

Research carried out by Electrolux, a leading global appliance producer, shows that people today spend more time in the kitchen than ever before - not only for meals, but also to mingle, work, listen to music and watch TV.

In a effort to gain even deeper consumer insight into how families use their kitchens, the company is now launching Electrolux Kitchen Stage, the 'first kitchen reality show on the web'.

As of March, 1st, 2007, Electrolux brings an Italian family from Cagliari, on the island of Sardinia, to the forefront of the web. The family will be filmed by 3 webcams for 16 hours every day in their kitchen - a stage that, from time immemorial, has hosted food, chats and dramas in every household. The website can be accessed under http://www.kitchenstage.it.

‘The modern kitchen is a stage that inspires people to perform in different roles - for example as a chef, host, entertainer, or interior designer. It hosts all sorts of plays, from drama to comedy’, says Ulrich Gartner, VP Communications Europe at Electrolux, ‘Our Electrolux Kitchen Stage project will allow people all over the world to share some of these plays.’

The Manconi family, stars on the Italian Electrolux Kitchen Stage, were chosen in a recruitment process that Electrolux conducted in cooperation with the University of Padua. Unlike several TV reality shows, the show is not staged on an artificial set, but in the family's private home.

The six family members - Luigi, 60, Grazia, Francesca, 32, Margherita, 28, Lucia, 21, and Emanuele, 19 - will carry on with their daily lives and share their hopes, passions and problems with the web community. Viewers will be intrigued by their sympathetic pairing of the savvy use of new technologies with traditional values like the love for their island Sardinia and their passion for pasta.

‘At Electrolux, all product innovation starts with consumer insight - meaning a deep, intuitive understanding of what consumers really need. For the last few years we have had hundreds of research teams visiting and observing consumers in their homes, to detect the hidden problems they were struggling with in daily household chores’, Ulrich Gartner comments. ‘Electrolux Kitchen Stage takes this consumer insight to a new level. We are hoping to learn more about the daily life in the kitchen, the heart of the modern home. And we imagine that many people will be curious to learn with us. After all, however, it should also be a lot of fun.’

In the making of Kitchen Stage in Italy, Electrolux cooperated with several prestigious partners: MK Cucine delivered the kitchen furniture from design to creation; Beta80 Group is responsable for the technical set-up and broadcasting of the show; Tiscali is providing the broadband connection; and Dada.it will host a dedicated blog.

In order to grant the Manconis a reasonable level of privacy, the kitchen broadcast will be on-line between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m every day, from March, 1st to June 1st. In the beginning of April, the reality show will be expanded to a second family from Tampere in Finland.

Waterline Brings Spring Show to You

Waterline invites you to 'see all that's new in kitchen design for 2007' at The Spring Roadshow, which is touring six venues during April and May. The Waterline team will guide you through the latest products from the biggest brands and in full support will be appliance service specialists and training managers. You can benefit from exclusive Showcase offers, order displays and talk directly to manufacturers and software partners over lunch or dinner.

Each carefully selected venue offers free parking. The Show opens at Woburn Abbey on Sunday 22nd April and with tickets to the Safari Park included, you can make this a family day. The Show continues on Sunday 29th April, Tortworth Court, Wotton-under-Edge, Glos; Thursday 3rd May, Hilton Hotel, East Midlands Airport, Derby; Thursday 10th May, Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey; Thursday 17th May, Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford; Wednesday 23 May, Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire.

For further details, visit http://www.waterlineroadshow.co.uk, telephone 0870 5561560.

Recovery in Turkish Tile Exports

According to information provided by the Turkish ceramic tile manufacturers' association, 2006 could see the industry recover the losses it sustained in 2005 in terms of tile exports. In the first quarter of 2006, export volumes (49.1 million square metres) rose by 5% compared to the first quarter of 2005.

Not so positive, however, were the results for average selling price (down from 4.34 to 4.10 dollars/sq.m, dropping in almost all markets) and for export value which fell by 0.8%.

More specifically, the United States has become the top importer in terms of volumes with 6.3 million square metres (+20.2% in the first quarter of 2005), but reported a substantial loss in terms of value (-9.1%).

The UK has dropped to second place with 5.2 million sq.m (-5.2% in volume and -8% in value), followed by France (+36.7% in volume and +17% in value), Canada (+13.5% in volume but stable in value), Israel (-16.2% in volume and -10.6% in value) and Germany (+10.6% in volume and +8.3% in value).

Web: http://www.ceramicworldweb.it

Ceramica Imola Experiences Growth

Cooperativa Ceramica di Imola has launched an investment programme totalling 130 million euro over a period three years with the objective of increasing its output in Italy, in marked contrast to the internationalisation trend that is currently in progress in the Italian tile industry.

The Group closed fiscal 2006 with a total turnover of 390 million euro, of which 68% was generated by exports to Europe, North America, Russia and China. Turnover was 7% up on 2005 and according to initial estimates net profits also increased over the previous year's 5.3 million euro.

As well as upgrading existing plant, the new investment programme also includes the installation of four kilns (three in Imola and one in Faenza), which are expected to increase production by four million square metres of tiles a year, and two cogeneration plants (one in Imola and one in Faenza) to reduce energy costs, partly responsible for the general increase in prices faced by the sector over the last four years.

Web: http://www.ceramicworldweb.it

Servis is advising retailers to encourage consumers looking to cut costs when refurbishing their kitchens to buy dishwashers. Apart from the obvious aesthetic benefits of having matching kitchen appliances, consumers need to be made aware of the cost and energy savings of using a dishwasher.

The facts - washing dishes by hand uses 45 litres of water whilst an average dishwasher uses between 12 and 16 litres per wash - go a long way towards dispelling the long-held myth that dishwashers waste water.

Other benefits also need to be emphasised. Wash performance is far superior to hand washing given the high temperatures used by dishwashers. Hygiene also plays a big part, when considering the millions of bacteria and germs harboured by the dirty dishcloths and tea towels used for drying up.

Dishwashers free up valuable leisure and entertaining time too, making life easier. With the family in mind, dishwasher manufacturer Servis has developed the M4705 full size, 12 place setting family dishwasher - perfect for dirty dish storage - with an extensive choice of wash programmes from a rapid 30°C wash through to the more intensive, higher heat 65°C wash cycle.

Gill Hewitson, Marketing Manager for Servis UK, comments: ‘dispelling the myth that dishwashers are a more expensive to run is crucial; our challenge is to change consumer's mind set - it's not easy but it has started and must, we believe, be fully embraced if we are to increase the number of households owning dishwashers in the UK, currently this figure stands at just under one third of all homes.’

Tel: 0121 568 8333
Web: http://www.servisuk.co.uk

Galley Matrix Launches Candy Trio

Galley Matrix, the kitchens division of the national distributor Broughton Crangrove, has recently introduced Hoover Candy to the company's portfolio. This introduction brings the Hoover Candy brand to a wider retail audience, with the additional benefit of next day delivery with any combination of other models, products or brands from Galley Matrix‚ portfolio.

The new Candy Trio is a 3 in 1 appliance, combining a multi-function oven with a hob and a dishwasher. With the growing increase in single person households and the popularity of 'city living', where limited space is available, this new appliance is very appropriate for today's market place.

Chris Honer, Sales Director, Galley Matrix explains, 'Hoover Candy is phenomenal at addressing market needs, and the Trio hits right on the button. Space is an issue in the majority of households but especially in urban dwellings and single occupancy domains. This is also a gem of an appliance for the contract market, very innovative, extremely economical on floor space with the credibility of a trusted brand.'

The Trio is available with a choice of hob - either gas or ceramic; the multi-function oven is 'A' class and the dishwasher accommodates 6 place settings and has a 32-minute rapid programme. It also has expansive features such as hi-light zones on the ceramic hob with a unique 'sprinter design' to reduce cooking times by up to 15%. The gas hob has an ultra-rapid burner, single-handed ignition, flame failure and robust enamel pan supports. Not only is it economical on space, it is also easy to install, with adjustable feet to ride uneven floors.

The dishwasher is very neatly included in the design, with the controls intelligently integrated into the doorframe.

For added panache, there is an optional splash back and chimney hood. The Trio is available in stainless steel.

For more information on the Candy Trio by Galley Matrix call the company on 0870 60 60 601 or talk to your Galley Matrix Area Manager .

Double Carbon First for Altecnic

A Staffordshire plumbing and heating equipment manufacturer, Altecnic has become the first company in Staffordshire and the first in its industry nationwide to attain a carbon neutral status for its business. Environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important to businesses, but as it turns out, very few are making the effort as yet, to go completely CarbonNeutral®.

Being CarbonNeutral® means having zero net carbon emissions. This is achieved by measuring the carbon footprint of the company’s activities, then implementing reduction strategies to minimise the emissions and then ‘neutralising’ the remaining, unavoidable carbon dioxide through carbon-saving projects around the world.

In the case of Altecnic this has been invested in a New Zealand wind farm , an energy saving light bulb project in Jamaica and reforestation in Wales.

Cynthia Fisher, Altecnic’s Commercial Director said 'Our company has a strong focus on energy saving and safety. The products we produce, for instance include water saving taps as well as thermostatic controls and valves that can make domestic and commercial heating systems less wasteful. We also have a range of anti-scald taps and valves that not only reduce the amount of hot water that is used, but also seriously reduce the risk of personal scalding.

'We believe that it is important for businesses to look at the impact they are having on the environment, and working with The Carbon Neutral Company which has advised us through the process has made us think seriously about the amount of energy we consume and has certainly changed attitudes within our business. I’m delighted that we’re able to make this effort and that the benefits of our efforts are being felt across the world.'

Altecnic supplies its products through builders and plumbers merchants nationwide, which are used in domestic and commercial situations on projects such as the famous ‘gherkin’ building in the City of London and one of the UK’s most anticipated and sophisticated sports arenas.

Web: http://www.altecnic.co.uk
Web: http://www.carbonneutral.com

Prize for New Pull-Push Magic (Patent Pending) System

Magic (Patent Pending), the new system developed and patented by Agostino Ferrari S.p.A. received a ‘M Technology Award 2007’ at ZOW 2007 in Bad Salzuflen, in Germany.

This prize continues the winning tradition of the Italian company, which in the past has won several innovation, technology and design awards (for instance Interzum or ADI - Italian Design Association).

Agostino Ferrari is an Italian specialist in manufacturing furniture hinges, slides and fittings. The firm says that it is constantly observing the market to meet the customers' needs. That's why the product line is in continuous evolution.

‘Magic (Patent Pending) won the ‘M Technology Award 2007’ because it is a synthesis of innovation, technology, aesthetic, design and functionality.’

Magic allows furniture doors to open automatically with a smooth movement. The whole system is actioned with just one finger, all you need is one simple touch.

The system is composed by a magnetic pull push mechanism and special hinges with springs that open the doors automatically.

By closing the door a cylindrical magnet gets in contact with a metal plate fixed to the door, and a smooth closing is ensured.

By opening the door a plastic pin, coaxial to the magnet, takes the metal plate away, releasing the door.

Having an axial symetry and reduced dimensions, the product can be inserted into a 10mm diameter hole machined in the side panel, being actually invisible.

The metal plate can be fixed by bi adhesive tape. Further operations on the door are not required.

The tests carried out at Ferrari laboratories have shown that the system can last for 400/500,000 open/close cycles.


Magic is unique because it requires no operations on doors, it never locks in the closed position, the doors won't have any parts thrusting outward, and it's available for wood based and also aluminium framed doors.

The system is completely concealed, it requires no door handles.

Magic is available with many different variations, for instance with adaptors when holes can't be drilled in the cabinet side. The metal plate can be fixed with dowels, it can be glued or fixed with bi adhesive tape.

At ZOW 2007 in Bad Salzuflen Ferrari presented a new model of Magic, which is more powerful and gives more door opening. The new system can be used with standard hinges - special springs working in opening will no longer be necessary.

Web: http://www.ferrarispa.it
Web: http://www.zow.de

New Blum Products at New Look Interzum

The 2007 edition of Interzum - the world's largest trade fair for the furniture industry - will be all new. New dates, new hall and facilities, new products and innovations. ‘None newer and more innovative than some of the products from the world leader in fittings technology,’ says Blum.

‘Interzum 2007 will be a unique opportunity for UK manufacturers to view, inspect and see demonstrated the fittings of the future that will add both value and the unique extras to their products that will put them in the market spotlight.’

With new dates (Wednesday May 9th to Saturday May 12th) and new state-of-the-art northern Halls, the exhibitor list has never been more healthy with well over 1300 companies from 50 countries displaying their products and services to an expected 60,000 visitors. Blum will be at the forefront of these exhibits.

Over recent years Blum's innovations and products have made huge strides in maximising and organising storage in kitchens. This has led to the success of the kitchen planning system, DYNAMIC SPACE®.

Blum has focused on the finer points of ergonomics and has looked to ‘Perfecting Motion’ with the company’s BLUMOTION drawer and pull-out controlled and soft closing system which has now been so successfully applied to the Blum CLIPtop concealed hinges for the soft closing of cabinet doors. More recently Blum designers moved their skills into the area of overhead cabinets and the result was the effortless AVENTOS lift systems which also incorporated BLUMOTION.

All of these products in various configurations and formats will be on show at Interzum but arguably the star of the show will be Blum's new SERVO-DRIVE system for automatic drawer opening activated by the slightest pressure - either by pushing or pulling - with major benefits for the user and a great sales point for retailers and manufacturers.

Visitors to the stand which will be fully staffed by members of the Blum UK team should especially ask to be shown the following:

SERVO-DRIVE is an electric drive that makes for fascinating kitchen use. A small lever sends an opening signal which sets the pull-out in motion from the back of the cabinet. This leaves the user's hands free to ergonomically store away or retrieve items (as mere pressure from the knee or elbow activates the SERVO-DRIVE). Closing is as easy as the closing action initiates the integrated BLUMOTION system. It works as perfectly on high-fronted pull-outs as on slim-line drawers. Of course it is also a designer's dream allowing clean, handle-free lines to be created for styling.

Once the drawer is open, of course everything must come out on a full extension basis so that access to the very back of the drawer and cabinet is immediate both to view and retrieve or replace items. In deep, wide drawers Blum's dividing and gallery systems ensure that goods are stored efficiently and held in place. The BOXSIDE height extensions to the TANDEMBOX full extension drawers vary widely to ensure that each kitchen can be highly individualised. In the drawers and pull-outs beneath the worktops Blum's ORGA-LINE organisational and dividing system offers the user extreme flexibility so that they can organise drawer interiors to suit individual lifestyle requirements. Separate containers are removable and can be cleaned in a dishwasher, dividers can be moved to any position and Blum's special internal units like the Spice Holder and Knife Rack have proved highly popular as have the removable plate racks for bottom drawers or even wall cabinets. ORGA-LINE is equally applicable to Blum's unique SPACE CORNER corner units which maximises both space and accessibility to this traditionally difficult unit. The SPACE CORNER also incorporates the practical SYNCHRO-MOTION system allowing manufacturers to continue using standard drawerfronts. Other special drawers and pull-outs on show at Interzum will include the clever under-sink drawer and the space saving plinth drawer.

Above the work surface wall units have all benefited from the inclusion of BLUMOTION as an integrated part of the Blum CLIPtop hinge range which still benefits from the CLIP system of mounting without tools. On tall units with doors like larder units, even more space can be saved and the full width of the cabinet used by hinging the doors with Blum's special zero-protrusion CLIP hinges.

The display will also highlight the AVENTOS lift systems for overhead cabinets, again with integrated BLUMOTION soft closing. AVENTOS is a truly effortless experience and comes in different configurations - bi-fold, up and over, or straight up.

With all of the above incorporated in Blum's highly flexible DYNAMIC SPACE® planning system the ultimate ergonomic and pleasurable kitchen can be achieved. DYNAMIC SPACE® is based on planning the kitchen according to 5 zones of activity and storage - storage of consumable, storage of non-consumables, cleaning zone, preparation zone and cooking zone.

At Interzum Blum will show kitchen systems of the future - and it is worth remembering that many of these Blum products extend equally well into the bedroom, living room and home office.

Tel: 01908 285700
Email: info.uk@blum.com
Web: http://www.blum.com
Web: http://www.dynamicspace.com

2006 a Strong Financial Year for the Homag Group AG

Homag Group AG looks back on a highly successful financial year in 2006, with significant gains being made across all key indicators. Following provisional figures, orders received by the manufacturer of machines and plants for the woodworking industry were up 21 per cent to 626 million Euro (previous year: 517 million Euro) and orders in hand saw a 34 per cent increase to 193 million Euro (previous year: 144 million Euro). Consolidated turnover rose by 13 per cent to 705 million Euro (previous year: 625 million Euro). All these figures should be seen in the light of the retrospective effect of IMA Klessmann GmbH's deconsolidation on January 1st, 2005 - the previous year's figures are adjusted accordingly.

Following an ‘excellent first six months’, explained Board Spokesman Dr. Joachim Brenk, ‘as expected sales activity levelled off during the third and fourth quarters of 2006’. In a generally buoyant world market, the company group succeeded in making above-average gains compared to its competitors, so further expanding its market lead. Good capacity utilisation throughout all the Group companies and positive effects derived from the profit optimising scheme ‘Project 2008’ launched at the beginning of 2006 brought about a marked improvement in the HOMAG Group AG's profit situation. As Brenk explains: ‘We are highly satisfied with our 2006 result and have actually exceeded our planned targets.’

Lively incoming orders at the start of the year and healthy order books ensured ‘a good start to the current financial year’, in the words of Joachim Brenk. And the Board is looking toward to the 2007 results with confident optimism. ‘With all the market portents pointing in the right direction, we are hopeful of further growth in 2007 following a very good year’, stresses Brenk. Factors set to contribute towards the company's continued success in 2007 include this year's Ligna, the world's biggest woodworking trade fair due to be held in Hanover again in May of this year, which the Group is expecting to provide added impetus to an already buoyant market.

Over the past financial year, the Homag Group AG created 245 new jobs, increasing its workforce up to December 31st, 2006 to 4,694 as against 4,449 at the end of 2005. A good 150 of these new jobs were created in Germany - due in large part to Homag's heavy investment in its production plants in Schopfloch, in St. Johann-Lonsingen in Germany's southwest and in Herzebrock-Clarholz near Gütersloh. For Board spokesman Brenk, this expansion of the company's domestic production capacity testifies to Homag's intention to keep ‘Germany as the main focus of our production activity in the future’.

Looking at the individual markets, the global player has reported strong development in the Eastern European and CIS countries, as well as growth in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The Group is also satisfied with business developments in the other Western European export markets and in North America. Developments in the Asian markets are reported to vary - in some cases the rapid rise in growth was seen to level off, while the Chinese market registered a rise in turnover.

Tel: 01332 856500
Email: info@homag-uk.co.uk

Spring-Cleaning Hints & Tips from Electrolux

When it comes to cleaning the home, it's all very well wiping down work surfaces and clearing cupboard clutter but what about getting to grips with the cooker, oven, hob, fridge, dishwasher and washing machine? Don't neglect your appliances, as they also need some care and attention to keep them working like new.

‘It's important to use the right products for the job,’ says Dawn Stockell of Electrolux 'Stainless steel and aluminium hobs, cookers and ovens need non-abrasive cleaning solutions that won't scratch their surface while oven cavities require tough de-greasing. At Electrolux we pride ourselves in designing the very best appliances so it's only fair that we help you look after them, too.'

Caring for kitchen appliances
• Cooker hoods Metal filters can be washed in hot soapy water and some versions are dishwasher-safe, too. Charcoal filters should be replaced every three months and paper versions, every two.

• Dishwashers Clean filters after every use or look for a model with self-cleaning filters. Clean spray arms with hot soapy water and use specialist products to de-scale and freshen the interior.

• Fridges Even frost-free models need cleaning every now and again. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and prevent odours by placing an open container of bicarbonate of soda inside.

• Freezers Use a diluted bicarbonate of soda solution to clean the interior and if you don't have a frost-free model, make sure you defrost thoroughly when the frost is 3-4cm thick.

• Hobs Ceramic, halogen and induction hobs can be cleaned simply with a damp cloth or specialist non-abrasive cleaning solution. Gas hobs need a cream cleaning solution and a damp cloth. Some pan supports will be dishwasher-safe.

• Ovens Most modern versions have self-cleaning interiors but if you have an older model, place a bowl of water in the oven and heat for 20 minutes to loosen dirt and grease. Use a specialist cleaning product, wear rubber gloves and keep the room well ventilated. Soak shelves in biological detergent in the sink and remove stubborn stains with a mild abrasive cleaner.

• Microwaves and combination ovens Wipe down the interior with a hot water and washing-up liquid solution or specialist cleaning product. Always wipe the glass plate after use and wash once a week in the dishwasher or hot soapy water.

• Washing machines Keep the rubber seal clean by checking for loose debris and wipe the detergent drawer with a damp cloth. Check the drain filter regularly and remember to place a washing-up bowl underneath.

Cleaning tips for kitchens
• Crockery - Always check if china is dishwasher-safe. Hand-painted pieces or items with a metallic trim should be washed by hand using hot soapy water and a non-abrasive cleaning pad.

• Ceramic floor tiles - Simply sweep and wash with a mild detergent then rinse with clean water.

• Terracotta floor tiles - Use specialist cleaner, sealant and polish.

• Vinyl flooring - Wipe with a damp mop and specialist detergent then rinse thoroughly.

• Laminate flooring - Sweep and wash with a damp mop. Never use a wax polish or abrasive cleaners.

• Chrome, brass or stainless steel taps - Need a washing-up liquid and water solution with an old toothbrush to tackle awkward areas. Limescale can be removed from chrome by rubbing with half a lemon.

6 steps to a clean kitchen
1. Wood cabinets should be cleaned with a damp cloth and washing-up liquid, taking care to go with the grain.

2. High-gloss units can scratch easily so use a soft damp cloth to clean and dry thoroughly.

3. Cupboard interiors should be wiped down with a damp cloth and antibacterial surface cleanser.

4. Granite and laminate worktops need a washing-up liquid solution or antibacterial cleaner.

5. Man made solid surfaces as above but mop spills immediately on pale surfaces to avoid staining.

6. Stainless steel worktops need only a dab of cooking oil to remove finger marks.

Electrolux:
Trade contact details: 08705 650 650
Consumer contact details: 08705 950 950
Web: http://www.electrolux.co.uk