Manufacturers
Can't be Forced to Recall Dangerous Products and the Government is Dragging
its Feet on Plugging this Gaping Hole in the Law
'According
to a recent report at Which Online, seven people are killed every year
by unsafe products which haven't been recalled - and 35 new products go
on sale every year that prove dangerous, but aren't recalled. These estimates
are from a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) study in 2000 - yet
the same department has missed a deadline for introducing new legislation
to protect consumers from unsafe products. While it dithers, we all remain
at risk. What's more, we think its proposals even when introduced could
allow unscrupulous traders to continue to be irresponsible.' says the
Consumers Association.
One such trader, Ritestar plc, was fined £500 plus costs last November
after being found guilty of selling a dangerous folding chair. The metal
chair could easily trap children's fingers and cause serious injury. Somerset
Trading Standards had ordered Ritestar and three other traders to stop
selling it back in 2002. But, while the other three traders immediately
withdrew and recalled the product, Ritestar tried to prove it was safe.
Trading standards prosecuted the company. Ritestar was found guilty and
fined, but it did not recall chairs it had already sold.
Somerset Trading Standards told the CA: 'Although they did stop selling
the chair, there's no law we can use to force them to recall chairs already
sold. All we can do is warn parents who might have bought the chair to
stop using it immediately.'
This case highlights the weakness in legislation that's meant to protect
consumers from dangerous products. Products can be banned or suspended
from sale, but, apart from for medicines and food, companies cannot be
forced to issue product recalls.
Even when there are recalls, they have varying degrees of success. The
average recall recovers just 37 per cent of the products sold. In April
2001, electric blanket manufacturer Dreamland recalled 246,000 electric
blankets which could catch fire.
It advertised the recall in national papers, but it didn't say why the
blankets might be dangerous. It also wrote to customers who had registered
with Dreamland. But by November, just 30,000 - around 12 per cent - of
the blankets had been returned. Sally Weiser, who owned one, found out
about the recall only after hers had nearly burnt her house down, causing
£2,500 of damage.
Companies' safety decisions are sometimes, not surprisingly, affected
by commercial pressures - the DTI reckoned in 1999 that the average recall
cost £39,000. Opinions differ on how dangerous something is, so
companies might decide the risk doesn't justify the cost of a recall.
In any voluntary recall system, there will be inconsistencies and the
potential for safety to be ignored. This is why Consumers' Association
(CA) has been campaigning for years for mandatory regulations. The Association
wants legislation that can force recalls of unsafe products.
A new system is supposed to be in place this year. An EU directive, the
General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), which came into force in December
2001, required governments to strengthen product safety laws. If a dangerous
product is discovered, authorities should have the power to withdraw it
from sale and, if necessary, order a recall.
Another significant part of the directive says that, in future, companies
will have to notify the government when they issue a voluntary recall.
This information will then be passed on to other European Union countries,
where relevant.
An example of the importance of notification happened last year. The Yo-Ball
toy was a craze that swept schools across the country. The toy was a yo-yo
with an elasticated string, but the ball could easily swing around a child's
neck, and possibly suffocate him or her. There were several reports of
children having to be cut free as they nearly choked to death. In March
2003 authorities in France issued a warning, and the DTI banned it from
sale here a month later. This stopped new Yo-Balls being sold - but there
was nothing the DTI could do about the millions of toys already sold,
except tell parents to throw them away.
An incident like this should make the Secretary of State for Trade and
Industry, Patricia Hewitt, and her department realise why beefing up product
safety laws is a priority. The directive states that new legislation should
have come into force by 15th January 2004. But the DTI is aiming for some
time in October - and it's not clear if it is going to achieve even this.
Without a national enforcement body, there are no easy answers to these
problems. But it seems the DTI isn't keen on such a body, as it would
mean a fundamental change in its approach to enforcement. 'We want it
to keep this issue under review, with a view to introducing a national
enforcement body at a later date. In the meantime, it looks like the new
legislation will be a compromise. Let's hope it's not a compromise at
the expense of innocent consumers.' says the Consumers Association.
ElcoBrandt
Reinforces Leading Market Share in France but Turnover is up Only 1.3%
The ElcoBrandt Group presented its results yesterday for the year 2003.
Reporting turnover of 857.6 million euros, with 40% of its sales outside
France, and 16.6% of market share in France, the ElcoBrandt Group thus
confirms its position as the Number 1 in household appliances in France.
During its second financial year, the Group consolidated its positions
in all of its markets and proved that its strategy was bearing fruit.
Taken over on January 15, 2002 by the Israeli Group Elco Holdings Ltd.,
and associated with the Spanish household appliance leader Fagor Electrodomésticos,
the ElcoBrandt Group ended the year 2003 with turnover at 857.6 million
euros - up by 1.3% - and EBITDA of 47.2 million euros.
The ElcoBrandt Group has reinforced its leading position in France with
a market share of 16.6%* in volume, representing 0.8-point growth compared
to last year.
'The Western European market showed little growth overall (+1.2%),' declared
Bruno Vendroux, Chief Executive Officer of the ElcoBrandt Group. 'In France,
the market was also slightly positive. Nevertheless, our Group succeeded
in gaining market share in the three main activities of the sector (Refrigeration,
Washing, Cooking). This is a very positive sign two years after the takeover
of the Group. Moreover, we have continued our international expansion,
particularly in the Eastern European countries with the opening of a sales
branch in Russia. In addition, we have strongly developed our exchanges
with Fagor by pooling some of our component procurement and sharing research
and development costs on a wide variety of highly promising projects'.
'Our objectives for this year are few in number but they are ambitious:
we would like to speed up our development outside France by investing
in production facilities in association with Fagor, especially in Eastern
Europe,' continued Bruno Vendroux. 'Furthermore, we must develop out presence
in France through our brands and opportunities that arise in the built-in
product markets. Our strategy is based on two important levers: growth
and value creation through product innovation".Innovation: the core
of development policy.
The Group has made innovation the focus of its development policy to ensure
that ElcoBrandt is the leading and the best choice for customers. In just
two years, 70 million euros have already been invested to introduce a
new range on the market in every product family. A further 50 million
euros will be invested in 2004, representing a total of 120 million euros
earmarked for innovative development projects in Cooking, Washing and
Refrigeration. The Group stands out from all the other household appliance
majors for its R&D investments, in terms of both human and material
resources.
Cutting-edge production:
Production is at the heart of the ElcoBrandt company project. At the 8
production sites, research and development teams carry out their activities
in line with the Group's philosophy: 'a good innovation is an innovation
that sells'. Very high upstream, manufacturing involves more than production
tools; it is a genuine source of innovative proposals, and works in close
cooperation with the Sales and Marketing departments.
As customer satisfaction is a fundamental objective in a rapidly changing
market, reducing design lead times has become a priority that production
teams have met by implementing strict processes.
Furthermore, the ElcoBrandt Group is committed to a sustainable development
approach, and therefore takes into account the environmental impact of
products in the design stages. The choice of more eco-friendly manufacturing
techniques has led to a noticeable reduction in raw material consumption
as well as emissions. This area of development is now a strategic direction
for the company.
Ultra-modern logistics:
During the year 2003, the ElcoBrandt Group also made sizeable investments
to improve logistics and customer service. In concrete terms, this has
resulted in a total reorganisation of logistical flows around two European
platforms, one in Meung-sur-Loire (Loiret department) and the other, in
Saint-Quentin-Fallavier (Isère department).
Inaugurated in May 2003, the Meung-sur-Loire site is currently the largest
logistics platform in the sector in Europe, with a surface area of 71,470
m2 and an inventory of more than 230,000 appliances.
Thanks to the new organisation, shipments can be grouped together more
efficiently according to the principle of: 1 order / 1 delivery / 1 invoice
and service quality has been given a boost in terms of precision and lead-time.
The strength of our brands:
Our brands do not appear in the company's share capital, because they
are beyond mere figures. Though they do not appear in the balance sheet
or in any accounts, they are definitely one of the fundamental Group's
fundamental assets.
ElcoBrandt has 8 prestigious brands with high levels of awareness in their
respective territories: Brandt and De Dietrich, the two international
brands, as well as local brands, such as Sauter, Thomson and Vedette in
France, Ocean, Samet and SanGiorgio in Italy and Crystal in Israel. As
genuine assets, their value is unique, and each one is different. Ensuring
the life of these brands and enriching them means turning them into powerful
competitive advantages. ElcoBrandt's brand portfolio, both in Free-standing
and Built-in models, still offers the widest, most coherent selection
in the market.
The impact of advertising:
In 2004, the ElcoBrandt Group intends to invest nearly 20 million euros
in advertising in France and in its new markets. A sustained advertising
plan is now in the launch phase in certain Eastern European countries.
In France, these investments have already produced a commercial on the
new range of Brandt washing machines, as an extension of last year's 'washing
machine' commercial, which was a great success with the public. Significant
investments have also been made in billboard displays of De Dietrich ('Setting
new values') and Sauter ('Women's secrets, chefs' secrets') brands.
High international ambitions:
The ElcoBrandt Group became involved at the international level during
2003 in an in-depth analysis of the timeliness of taking over the Chinese
brand Royalstar. Although the project was ultimately abandoned, international
development remains a top priority of the ElcoBrandt Group, particularly
in the direction of Eastern Europe, which offers a high degree of development
potential.
The leader in France and fifth-ranking household appliances group in Europe,
ElcoBrandt was established on 15th January 2002 after the takeover of
the major industrial and commercial activities of Brandt S.A. by the Elco
Holdings Ltd. Group, in partnership with the Spanish-based Fagor Electrodomésticos.
The ElcoBrandt Group now employs up to 5,000 people and sells more than
3.5 million appliances designed and manufactured every year in its 8 European
industrial sites (7 in France and 1 in Italy).
In 2003, it made 857.7 million euros in turnover of which over 40% was
made internationally. Backed up by its 8 sales subsidiaries (France, UK,
Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Asia, Brandt Overseas, Russia), the Group
distributes its products in more than 100 countries worldwide. ElcoBrandt
has a portfolio of prestigious brands consisting of Brandt, De Dietrich,
Ocean, Samet, SanGiorgio, Sauter, Thomson, Vedette and Crystal.
De
Dietrich Announces Positive Sales Results for 2003
De
Dietrich reports that its technologly-led appliances contributed to a
good financial performance during 2003. Sales of American refrigeration
have more than doubled year on year, while the runaway success in cooking
products has been induction hobs, with sales up by over 54%
With the housing market threatening a slow down in the near future, and
the continued message from TV makeover shows to upgrade the home, many
homeowners have decided to capitalise on the potential of their properties.
As a well specified kitchen is often the deciding factor when potential
purchasers are looking for a new home, De Dietrich has benefited from
its ability to offer state of the art appliances that do so much more
than just cook or clean.
Pyrolytic ovens are now the top selling ovens in the range with sales
up 16% year on year. However, the runaway success in cooking products
has been in the super fast and economical induction hobs, with sales up
by over 54% - proving that the investment De Dietrich has made in marketing
this technology, from training through to advertising and PR, has paid
off.
There has also been a marked increase in the sales of refrigeration products.
For example, sales of the De Dietrich stunning American frost-free refrigeration
have more than doubled year on year. Washing and dishwashing have all
seen increases also. Sales of 60cm dishwashers are up by 26%, particularly
the top of the range intelligent DVI360 model. This market segment is
one that De Dietrich sees as having the most growth potential of all,
as more and more people are realising all the huge advantages of owning
a dishwasher.
Paul Dominy, director of sales for De Dietrich says:
'We are very pleased with these results for 2003, however that has made
us even more keen to achieve higher sales for 2004. We have expanded the
sales team to give our dealers an even better service and are continually
improving our offer.'
Tel 01256 308 067
www.dedietrich.co.uk
In
Memory of Simon Austin
Simon
Austin, 51, UK managing director for the Vaillant Hepworth Group, has
died tragically following a car accident on Saturday 13th March 2004.
A well-respected and influential figure in the heating industry, Simon
joined Vaillant Limited as MD in 1997 and steered the company through
a period of significant growth. Vaillant reaped the benefits of Simon’s
open and approachable style, which helped to forge many close relationships
right across the industry.
Last year he was promoted to the wider role of UK managing director of
the Vaillant Hepworth Group where his enormous drive and enthusiasm had
already made a significant impact.
Previously, he worked for many years for Otis Elevators where he was the
sales director.
Simon was a keen golfer and an avid horse racing and football fan, enthusiastically
following his favourite team - West Ham United - at every opportunity.
Full of positive energy, generosity and kindness, he brought all of these
qualities to bear in both his professional and private life.
Simon leaves a wife and two children and his loss is deeply felt by his
family, many friends, and colleagues.
All of us at The K&Bzine extend our sympathy to those left behind,
and on behalf of many of our readers.
Here are just a few of the many people who wished to pay a personal tribute
to this remarkable man: Click here
to read tributes.
Design Awards 2004 Named in Honour of Leading Industry Figure
5th
Element Publishing Ltd, publishers of The Kitchen & Bathroom Designer
magazine and organisers of The Design Awards has announced that the 2004
competition will include an award dedicated to the memory of Simon Taylor
of Four Seasons in Leeds, one of the industry’s most respected kitchen
designers, who died in January this year.
The Simon Taylor Award will be one of the main highlights of the 2004
Design Awards. It will be presented to a maximum of three individuals
in any one year, whom in the opinion of the judges, have over a number
of years made a significant contribution to kitchen and bathroom design.
The award will be open to those working in both manufacturing and retailing.
The Design Awards were founded in 2003 and are backed by a supporter member
scheme that includes forward–thinking manufacturers who recognise
the need to invest in the talent of today. The 2004 awards ceremony will
take place on 21st October in London. Anyone wishing to submit an entry
should contact Wendy Price at Fifth Element Publishing on 01803 839399.
•
5th Element has also appointed Russell Morrow as Commercial Director.
Kevin John, M.D, said: 'I am delighted that Russell has agreed to join
us. His knowledge of the kitchen and bathroom markets and his experience
of the international exhibition and conference industry, will enable us
to deliver current exciting plans and further develop our portfolio.'
RUSSELL MORROW joins 5th Element from Gartner, where, for the past three
years he headed up the international exhibition and conference sponsorship
business.
Prior to this, Russell spent 6 years at United Business Media, (now CMP Information), latterly as Event Director on the leading kitchen and bathroom event, KBB.
Boform
Opens Today at Smirk
Established
in 1998, Smirk has successfully created a unique service in designing
bespoke furniture and interior designs for discerning private clients.
2004 marks the opening of their new showroom, showcasing contemporary
furniture manufacturers from around the world and, exclusively to the
UK, featuring Boform kitchens from Denmark.
Boform, which was originally founded with the intent to simplify kitchen
design, builds on clean simple lines to create the ultimate luxury kitchen
environment. Since 1980, Boform has developed into Denmark’s premier
kitchen design brand and today offers a range of creations, which combine
functionality with aesthetic beauty.
Having worked on designing unique living spaces of the highest quality
the Smirk partnership wanted to create a showroom to help customers work
on their dream projects. This showroom will house all design equipment
and all aspects of Boform kitchens to help customers form and execute
their concepts and ideas.
Located on Old York Road, SW18, the Smirk showroom will be open Mon to
Fri 10 to 6 (closed Wednesdays) and Sat 11 to 4 or by appointment. To
view the Boform collection or to work on projects with Smirk please contact
Chris Organ.
Tel: 020 8870 5557.
Jorge
Pensi to Design Kitchen for Poggenpohl
The Argentine Jorge Pensi, a specialist in the design of furniture and
lamps, will soon be designing kitchens for the luxury brand Poggenpohl.
As Poggenpohl CEO Elmar Duffner disclosed, the renowned designer, who
resides in Barcelona, is now under contract with the East Westphalian
kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl Möbelwerke GmbH.
'We are extremely pleased that such a creative, intelligent designer like
Jorge Pensi, who also has a very pleasant personality and a wonderful
sense of humour, will be working with us,' said Duffner. 'We are truly
fortunate. The first promising drafts have already been created.'
Jorge
Pensi was born in 1946 in Argentina, where he studied architecture and
presented his first designs. He has worked in Barcelona since 1977 and
has become internationally the most renowned designer in Spain. He is
a proponent of 'expressive minimalism', in which form and function are
equally balanced. Jorge Pensi celebrated his greatest success in the 1990s
with award-winning furniture designs, primarily in aluminium. These include
the 'Toledo' (Amat), 'Hola' (Kusch+Co) and 'Duna' (Cassina) chairs as
well as the 'Regina' and 'Bluebird' (B. Lux) table lamps, along with pieces
created for Disform (Spain), Ciatti (Italy) and WMF (Germany).
Jorge Pensi’s most important awards include the Spanish National
Design Award, presented by King Juan Carlos, the Australian 'Excellence
in Design and Manufacture of Fixed Seating' award and an honorary award
in the context of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia Design Award (Germany).
In 1993, Pensi held a teaching position at the Kunstakademie Stuttgart
(Stuttgart Art Academy). He has worked in design research and teaching
in Barcelona for many years. Since 1998 Pensi has presented his work in
16 separate exhibitions throughout the world.
Poggenpohl will be showing the superior concept of the +INTEGRATION kitchen
from 14th – 19th April, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily c/o Magna
Pars, Sala Domino, Via Tortona 15, 20144 Milan, Italy
LG
Electronics Unveils Front-loading Washing Machine with World's Largest
Capacity
LG Electronics (LGE) unveiled the 13kg front-loading washing machine (front
loader - model: WD-R130AH) in Korea on February 25. As a home front loader
boasting of the world's largest capacity, the model reflects consumers'
demand for larger types. In North America, 10Kg top loading washing machines
were the mainstream in the past. Today, however, demand for front loaders
are on the rise, with their share expected to grow from 5% in 2001 to
20% this year.
'Seeing
how consumers let laundry pile up and wash it once a week, LGE developed
the large-capacity washing machine', the company explains.
'In addition, demand for washing machines with larger capacity that can
wash even beddings is expected to increase, considering the increasing
number of people who are growing aware about the health and living environment
and washing even their beddings once a week in addition to their clothes'.
The 13kg new front-loading washing machine has the same exterior size
as the 12kg model but boasts of larger capacity and enhanced space efficiency.
In general, the bigger the washing drum is, the more difficult it is to
develop large-capacity motors and control vibrations. To address these
problems, LGE has developed and adopted the New Direct Drive, and Triple
Damping System technologies.
The company's 13Kg new front loader improves washing power and draining
power by 11% and 60%, respectively. Likewise, up to 12% water and 10%
electricity are saved.
In unveiling this new product, LGE expects to reinforce its technological
leadership in the global front-loading washing machine market.
Model: WD-R130AH Features:
- Washing capacity of 13Kg and drying capacity of 8Kg (Compact exterior
with a larger drum made possible through innovative technology)
- Ag Antibacterial Tub / Lift that uses silver nanoparticles (Ag)
- Multi-function lift that improves washing power and reduces damage to
clothes
- Shower Spray System that improves washing and rinsing power
- Smart dry and digital sensor that measures the humidity of clothing
to optimise drying
- DD (Direct Drive) -inverter method that enables low noise and low vibration
- Never Rust Steel Door
Latest
Design Innovation from Missel: Combined Diagonal Installation
Missel,
the specialist in innovative bathroom design, has had a new idea that
will enable it to offer even more attractive possible uses for all Missel
compact elements. It involves attaching two structure-borne sound-insulated
compact elements such as a compact toilet cistern and a compact element
bidet to a large triangular unit.
This design form achieves an effective but still compact placement that
allows individual bathroom plans to be executed even in small bathrooms.
It also creates spatial niches that offer a great deal of freedom of movement.
The individual Missel compact elements can be put together in any required
combination. A washbasin can be combined with a WC, a WC with a bidet,
a WC with a urinal, or any two of the same item. The individuality of
the design can be further enhanced by the many possibilities provided
by Missel décor variants.
A wide range of attractive décor surfaces are available for the
front face and the triangle: stainless steel, for instance, and many variants
in glass, wood, and quarry stone.
There is a total of 169 possible combinations of materials.
Hansgrohe
Strikes a Happy Balance for 2003
The Hansgrohe group in Schiltach, the Black Forest, leading manufacturer
of bathroom fixtures and décor, is reporting a fairly good fiscal
year 2003. ‘In view of the unfavorable general conditions and a plumbing
appliances market in its 7th year of decline, Hansgrohe has managed a
turnaround in the long-standing crisis,’ as President and CEO Klaus
Grohe expressed it in a statement to the press.
According to this information, the Hansgrohe group increased turnover
by two percent, to 369 million Euros (2002: 360.4 million Euros). Especially
good news: Contrary to the turnover slump in the German plumbing appliance
market, Hansgrohe managed an increase in turnover in Germany of three
percent, to 102 million Euros (2002: 99 million Euros), and with it, an
increase in its market share. Adjusted for currency differences, the amount
of turnover growth goes up to 6.5 percent.
Klaus Grohe named the following as reasons for the trend's reversal:
- successful company innovations, above all with the world market leader's
Raindance shower line,
- establishment of new fittings lines in Germany and internationally,
- progressive internationalization of Hansgrohe business that makes up
72 percent of turnover.
In addition to the good news from the German market, most of the over
20 international subsidiaries also reported happy news of gains.
Klaus Grohe's summary displays the optimism that exemplifies a successful
family businessman: ‘We are meeting the growing pressure of the competition
head on with our innovative power. If we keep up at this pace, we will
have no reason to join in the general lament, and we will enjoy success
in the new year as well.’
Homestyle
Group Announces Good January Sales and New Chairman
Homestyle Group announces that in the seven weeks to 17th January 2004,
orders taken amounted to £113.8m (2003: £112.5m), with like
for like sales 1% ahead (excluding Kitchen Studio). There was also an
improvement in the Group gross margin. The Beds Division achieved a 6%
increase in like for like sales at improved margins.
As anticipated the Home Textiles Division's like for like sales were down
4% however, its gross profit improvement more than made up for this shortfall.
Harveys' like for like sales were up 1% with margins showing a small decline.
In the core furniture range an improved sales performance of 4% reflects
the success of new products introduced in the autumn. The conversion of
the textile and bed departments is on schedule and due to be completed
by the summer.
The company adds: 'In line with our announced intention, we have now disposed
of the Kitchen Studio business to its supplier for a nominal consideration.
The write off of fixed assets in the non transferring stores and other
closure costs are estimated to amount to £1.5 million.
'Also, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of David Brock,
aged 54, as part time executive Chairman with immediate effect to succeed
Sir Gordon Hourston. He was a Board Director at MFI Furniture Group PLC
from 1984 to 1997. He is currently Non-Executive Chairman of a number
of private equity owned businesses, including Jane Norman and Actif Group
Plc and former Chairman of The Card Warehouse.
Commenting on his appointment, David Brock, said: 'Homestyle enjoys leading
positions in each of the home related markets in which it operates. My
role will be to ensure that greater value is created from these businesses
following a review of all elements of our operations.'
Michael Rosenblatt, Chief Executive, said: 'David's considerable experience
will enable him to make a significant contribution to the Board. I would
also like to wish Sir Gordon Hourston a long and happy retirement and
express our thanks for his considerable contribution to the business over
the years.'
Bluestone
Kitchens Makes Most of MASCO Parent
bluestone
kitchens
is a brand of Moores Furniture Group. the supplier of kitchen and bathroom
furniture to the house building market in the UK. bluestone benefits from
a wealth of resources and infrastructure as Moores Furniture Group has
a turnover of c.£90m, whilst its parent company (Masco Corporation)
has a global turnover of $9.49bn. The Masco Corporation has world-wide
kitchen sales of $2.8bn. with immense resources in product design, purchasing
and manufacturing technologies. Masco specialises in products for the
home, its portfolio of UK companies includes New Team, Bristan and Heritage.
'bluestone was created in 2001 to meet the needs of the changing housing
market and the trend towards special projects and the use of brownfield
sites following the Governments stricter planning guidance rules. The
bluestone philosophy is based around some basic rules, developed through
listening to our customers and designing products that not only look outstanding,
but are practical to use and suited to today's lifestyles.' says the company.
'bluestone is now in its third year of business and has been fitted in
some of the most upmarket and high profile housing developments throughout
the UK with outstanding results. Wilcon Homes Western Ltd, Crosby Special
Projects Ltd, Persimmon Homes and Dandara Ltd are just some of the housing
developers who have chosen bluestone for their developments.
'The bluestone team is a small team of eight, designed specifically for
its flexibility and desire to change with the very latest trends. Four
of the team are designers who are experienced in interior and furniture
design. They continually source materials from around the world in order
to bring the very latest look into UK homes combining unusual materials
with the latest production methods in order to create stunning kitchens.'
Tel: 0870 124 0090
Web: http://www.bluestonekitchens.co.uk
KitchenVision
Granted Design Registration
KitchenVision™,
manufacturer of the integrated stainless steel LCD television, has been
granted design registration by the Patent Office.
Managing Director David Moore says ‘although televisions in the kitchen
are not a new idea, the concept of building them into wall units is, and
our Integrated LCD TV is the only one of its kind in the world, so naturally
we are determined to protect our investment both in the UK and abroad.
With our new stainless steel model, launched at KBB in January, we have
created a true kitchen appliance to co-ordinate with other stainless steel
appliances and make the TV part of the kitchen, not an afterthought sitting
on the worktop.’
Electrolux
Indian Subsidiary Issues New Shares
As
part of the ongoing changes within the Indian operation, Electrolux Kelvinator
Limited, the Group's subsidiary in India, is inviting its shareholders
to subscribe to new shares totaling approximately INR 2.0 billion (approximately
SEK 300m).
AB Electrolux has stated its intention to subscribe proportionally and
take up any un-subscribed part of the issue.
AB Electrolux holds 76% of the shares in Electrolux Kelvinator Limited.
The company is listed on Indian stock exchanges.
The Electrolux Group produces powered appliances for kitchen, cleaning
and outdoor use, such as refrigerators, washing machines, cookers, vacuum
cleaners, chainsaws, lawn mowers, and garden tractors. Every year, customers
in more than 150 countries buy more than 55 million Electrolux Group products
for both consumer and professional use sold under brands such as AEG,
Electrolux, Zanussi, Frigidaire, Eureka and Husqvarna. In 2003, Electrolux
had sales of SEK 124.1 billion and 77,100 employees.
Merloni
Puts the Spotlight on Cannon and Creda
Merloni
has launched its latest edition of its monthly newsletter 'Spotlight',
for its cooking brands Cannon and Creda. Spotlight is designed to keep
retailers updated on all the latest news, products, promotions and contact
information. Providing information on new developments, such as Cannon's
status as the leading cooking brand in 2003, and a focus on the cleanability
of Creda's new cookers, the newsletter acts as an communication tool to
retailers.
The newsletter also contains up-to-date information on new point-of-sale
materials, brochures and accessories and can be used to highlight important
changes, for example, Cannon renaming its website http://www.cannoncooking.com
The glossy design uses relevant graphics and photography to illustrate
significant developments, which ensures it is comprehensive, yet easy
to read. Clearly listed are essential helpline numbers for both Cannon
and Creda sales, product information, service, parts, training and brochures,
all of which provide retailers with a quick and easy reference for Cannon
and Creda kitchen appliances.
Merloni is launching an electronic version of spotlight from March; to
request this via email call 01733 556671.
Glaverbel
Launches Matelux Linea Azzurra
Available
in thicknesses of 15 mm and 19 mm, Glaverbel's new Matelux Linea Azzurra
is a blue satin finish glass. Its translucent aspect is in line with the
current trend towards minimalism, simplicity and pure forms.
Matelux
Linea Azzurra features an azure tint that is especially visible along
the finished edges of the glass. This product is based on high-quality
clear float glass that has been treated with acid to create a velvety
look that plays with light and softens contours.
Although smooth and delicate to the touch, Matelux Linea Azzurra is stain
and scratch resistant. It was designed for use in kitchens, bathrooms,
offices and other interior applications, and is totally unaffected by
grease and dirt. The treated side of the glass can face up or down depending
on the application, but either way it will give a unique and sought-after
look to tables, basin units, counters, work surfaces, shelves, floor tiles
and steps.
Matelux Linea Azzurra can be toughened or laminated as required.
Matelux Linea Azzurra's characterictics also make it suitable for use
in facades and roofs where it can provide a better filter for incoming
light.
Glass professionals will appreciate the fact that the high-quality float
glass used to manufacture Matelux Linea Azzurra makes it easy to cut and
shape.
Web: http://myglaverbel.com
Striking
Design & Enterprising Japanese Food
Located
between the City and the West End, Matsuri High Holborn is designed to
appeal to those who might not venture inside a traditional Japanese Restaurant,
although traditionalists enjoy the high quality of service and tastes
on offer. The project interior by Kajima Design involved the collaboration
of, among others, Broughton, Tricon, Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks.
The
ground floor of a standard retail unit has been transformed into a deceptively
simple interior. A long screened, burnt orange wall separating the kitchen
and sushi counter from the express dining and bar areas complements a
palette of neutral materials and colours.
There are no high divisions down this long space for full dramatic effect.
A teppan yaki room seating 32 people, private dining room, staff facilities,
office and preparation area are located in the basement.
As Designers, KDE worked closely with the client to create the open plan
express dining kitchen and all operational details essential to servicing
this specialist restaurant. KDE mechanical and electrical provided the
heating, lighting and drainage scope ensuring operational smoothness and
customer comfort.
Project Name: Matsuri High Holborn
Client: Central Japan Rail and kikkoman
Floor Area: 592m2
No. Of Floors: 2
Project team:
SeniorDesigner: Toshinori Okino
lnteriors Team: Kajima Design Europe; Akiko Koga, Helen Roe, Jim Jupp
Mechanical and Electrical: Kajima Deslgn Europe; Stephen Briggs, Ashok
Muru,
Selected Contractors, sub contractors and suppliers:
Blinds: Claxton Ceilings: Danogips Contur and plasterboard; Disabled lift:
Stannah lifts; Fit Out
Contractor: lbex Interiors
Floor tiling: Buchtal (UK) Ltd, Trima timber flooring, Forbo safe step,
lnterface carpet tiles
Furniture: European Design Centre; Ironmongery: Allgoods Modric specified
Joinery including counter tops, stained screen, sushi counter: Broughton
joinery; Kitchen design: Tricon; Kitchen equipment: Lockhart
Lighting: Guzzini, Modular; Sanitary fittings: ldeal Standard, Original
Bathrooms Ltd, Disabled sanitary fittings: Armitage Shanks Doc M
Wall hanging: B and B Italia
Tel: 020 7465 0007