Franke
Group 2005: Renewed Double-Digit Growth
The Franke Group increased its net sales in 2005 by +20.3% to CHF 1,959.0
m. The operating result (EBITDA) increased by +11.4% to CHF279.2m and
consolidated cash flow by +33.2% to CHF 245.8 m. Consolidated profit
reached CHF153.6m - an increase of +89.6% over the previous year. A
separation of consolidated or core business and non-manufacturing activities
was carried out.
Sales
and earnings growth Consolidated sales in 2005 reached CHF1,959.0m.
Compared to the previous year's CHF1,628.0m, sales increased by CHF331.0m,
or +20.3%.
In local currencies organic sales for the group increased by +6.2%.
Sales growth as a result of acquisitions was +14.8%. Currency effects
accounted for 1.2% in sales growth and disposals (Lanz lndustrietechnik
AG, Franke Foodservice Equipment Spain) caused a 1.9% reduction in net
sales.
Reduced sales of about CHF6m in Switzerland were due principally to
the sale of Lanz lndustrietechnik AG, Switzerland. In Franke's core
business, sales in Switzerland increased.
The
operating result (EBITDA) of CHF279.2m (14.3% of net sales) exceeded
the previous year's (CHF250.6m, 15.4% of net sales) by +11.4%. The acquisitions
made in 2005 were for the most part fully consolidated in the second
half of 2005. These newly consolidated companies were not yet at the
Franke level in 2005 in terms of earnings or cost structure. As a result
of this 'underperformance', as well as the acquisition costs incurred
and the 'step-ups' (stock revaluations) undertaken, the operating result
did not increase proportionately to sales.
Consolidated cash flow rose from CHF 184.6m (11.3% of net sales) by
+33.2% to CHF 245.8m (12.5% of net sales).
Spin-off of non-manufacturing businesses
The strategic goal of making Franke a group of purely industrial companies
again was a primary aim for 2005. In a special dividend distribution
on 30 June 2005, Franke Holding AG transferred its holdings in Forbo
(28.1%) and advalTech (20.3%) to Artemis Beteiligungen I AG and Artemis
Beteilungen II AG, subsidiaries of Artemis Holding AG. Similarly, Franke
lmmobilien AG was spun off from the Group to Artemis Holding AG. Franke
lmmobilien AG has a significant property porfolio and has grown substantially
as a result of its own building projects and investments in other property
companies. The owner of Artemis Holding AG is Michael Pieper.
Group Development
Franke Kitchen Systems (sinks, taps, hoods, cooking hobs, ovens) achieved
sales growth of +26.8%. Particularly important in strategic terms was
the 100% acquisition of the ltalian Faber Group, the world market leader
in decorative extractor hoods (air management). The eleven production
facilities and five sales organisations were fuily consolidated into
the Franke Group as of 01.07.2005.
The acquisitions of two South African water heating system manufacturers,
Supa Heat Geysers (Pty.) Ltd. and The Geyser Company (Pty.) Ltd. (domestic
kitchen boilers) were also of great significance, as was that of Noss
Küchentechnik GmbH (waste management).
With these acquisitions, Franke Kitchen Systems is setting a clear focus
on 'Water Management' (sinks, taps, water filtration), 'Air Management'
(hoods) and 'Waste Management' (waste sorting systems).
Within the Division, corresponding centres of competence were built
up worldwide. Franke also acquired Nile Metallic lndustries Company
Ltd, the leading producer of sinks in Egypt. This is yet another milestone
in the development of African markets.
Grand
Designs Live Grand Opened Today June 2nd at 10am
Grand
Designs Live, the event that 'changed the face of the home show industry
last year' is back at London's Excel and throughout the three-day event,
2-4 June, over 500 exhibitors will be showcasing some of the latest
products and innovations.
The five show sections cover all areas of the home, inside and out:
*In the GRAND VILLAGE see the latest compact and prefabricated
homes, from PAD(tm) and M-ch (who are both making their UK debut) as
well as HUF HAUS and Container City™, representing the way forward
for the traditional family home.
*In GRAND Build, WWF, the worlds largest conservation organisation,
creates a feature based on the philosophy of 'One Planet Living', educating
visitors on what they can do to be more environmentally conscious, every
day!
*GRAND Kitchens+Bathrooms - celebrity chefs Giorgio Locatelli,
Gary Rhodes and John Burton Race have come together to create a larger
than life food fantasy in the Celebrity Chefs Surreal Meal feature.
*In GRAND Interiors actors will demonstrate life in the House
of the Future...Today with a feature full off innovative and imaginative
technologies for the home.
*GRAND Gardens is full of inspirational ideas for the outdoors
including in season and drought resistant plants in Diarmuid Gavin's
Garden Market
*Shop till you drop in the Shopping Arcade picking up the latest
household accessories from high street and beyond.
Throughout the show Kevin McCloud will be joined by a cast of celebrities
and experts to debate and discuss the latest issues in the world of
architecture
Grand Designs Live have joined forces with Climate Care giving visitors
a chance to offset the CO2 emissions generated by their travel to the
exhibition by making a voluntary £1 donation at the show.
Web: http://www.granddesignslive.com/
AFG
Signals Impressive Growth Plan
Dr.
Edgar Oehler, President and CEO of AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG (AFG)
recently presented the third annual report since taking over the helm
at AFG.
After
a spectacular 2004 financial year marked by several acquisitions, the
company recorded another year of impressive sales growth in 2005, although
the weakness in the construction sector in Germany exerted a drag on
the results of its largest Division, Heating Technology and Sanitary.
Edgar Oehler (pictured) emphasised that the company will continue to
pursue the growth strategy he initiated. The market value of AFG shares
has more than quadrupled since September 15th, 2003, the day preceding
the announcement that Edgar Oehler had become AFG's majority shareholder.
More than 50 media representatives and analysts attended the media orientation
session of March 21st, 2006, at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Zurich. In his
elucidation of the financial results, Edgar Oehler stated that the company
in 2005 took a giant step forward in achieving its goal of becoming
a ‘One Building - One Stop’ supplier, thanks to a large extent
to the acquisition of Miele Küchen, which gave AFG access to an
international distribution network.
Edgar Oehler also told his listeners that AFG had now laid out a path
to the future. With the globalisation of AFG's business activities well
under way, the efficient use of the synergies that are available within
the large product offer - of which the newly proposed Heating Ventilation
Cooling initiative is an example - and the new marketing concepts for
strengthening the AFG brand, the company is on the road to continued
success and creating long-term added value for its shareholders.
Further growth thanks to intensified globalisation
The company's intensified globalisation is of decisive significance
for AFG from a strategic viewpoint. With as springboard its two domestic
markets of Switzerland and Germany - where AFG is well positioned with
several strong brands - the Group will continue to expand its international
activities. Its goal is to tap into the enormous market potential of
other significant and growing markets in the new EU member states, Russia,
the Middle and Far East, North and South America, Oceania and North
and South Africa. The creation of support bases in Shanghai, Beijing,
Dubai and other locations and access to the distribution network of
Miele Küchen represent the first groundbreaking steps.
New AFG dimension in Heating Ventilation Cooling
The capacity to develop innovative products is a crucial factor in AFG's
success. Using both its self-developed and acquired technologies as
well as its accumulated expertise in the areas of heating, cooling,
ventilation and windows, AFG is developing a room comfort system that
is based on the combined core competencies of the Heating Technology
and Sanitary Division, the Windows and Doors Division and the Cooling
Business Unit. ‘Climate changes are affecting the standards for
working and living environments, with ever greater attention being paid
not only to environmental but also to health considerations. The crucial
first steps have been taken and the systems on the market are being
methodically expanded. Any further and new developments at AFG are geared
towards this goal,’ stated Edgar Oehler.
Startup of marketing programme for the AFG umbrella brand name
The new soccer stadium in St. Gallen - scheduled to open in the summer
2008 - will be called the AFG ARENA. AFG's acquisition of the name rights
represents a central component of the Group's long-term marketing strategy.
It will strengthen AFG's media presence and raise brand name recognition
for both AFG and its subsidiaries. It also represents an open declaration
of the company's commitment to Eastern Switzerland.
Construction
of new Corporate Centre in Arbon: ground-breaking ceremony planned for
August 2006
AFG's fast growth gave new impetus to the plans for moving both the
executive and management functions into a new, central Corporate Centre.
Construction of AFG's new head office, behind the Forster Kitchen Centre
in Arbon (pictured), is scheduled to begin in the middle of the year.
It is partially thanks to the willing cooperation of the Town of Arbon,
which approved the land exchange and switch to industrial zoning quickly
and without unnecessary bureaucracy, that the project is making such
excellent progress. In the midterm there are also plans to centralise
the company's industrial activities. The construction of the Corporate
Centre is yet a further confirmation of Edgar Oehler's commitment to
Arbon and the region of Oberthurgau as the home of AFG.
2005
financial year of AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG
AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG strengthened its market position as international
supplier to the construction industry in 2005. Net sales rose by 9.5%
to CHF 1.124 billion. Except in the Heating Technology and Sanitary
Division, which suffered from the continued slowdown in the construction
and equipment sectors in Germany, developments in the Divisions lived
up to the high expectations. Due to significant increases in supply
costs and pressure from the competition, the earnings picture is different
for each Division. EBIT grew due to lower amortisations by 7.1% to CHF
72.8 million. Corporate profit rose by 4.6% to CHF 51.5 million.
BSH
on Course for Further Growth
For
BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 2005 brought further consolidation
of its position as market leader in Western Europe and a larger market
share in virtually all countries where it is represented worldwide.
With what was once again a very good overall result, the sales figure
increased for the fourth year in a row. Commenting on this sustained
positive trend, the Management attributed it mainly to the company’s
long-term global growth strategy. Other keys to this success had been
systematic cost and process management and a clear commitment to product
innovation and product quality. And there is much to suggest that, having
got off to a very good start in fiscal 2006, BSH is on course for more
business success this year
Fiscal 2005 was yet another successful year for BSH Bosch und Siemens
Hausgeräte GmbH. Group sales rose by about 7 per cent to over €
7.3 billion (2004: € 6.8 billion). At € 500 million, the income
before tax figure was once again a very good result.
'We
have met our targets,' said Dr. Kurt-Ludwig Gutberlet, Chairman of BSH’s
Management Board, at the press conference on the financial statements
held in Munich. 'We have grown much faster than the rest of the industry;
we were able to gain additional market share in virtually all markets,
including our home market in Germany; and we achieved our goals in terms
of international expansion.'
BSH also continued to expand its international operations in fiscal
2005 and now runs 42 production facilities at 30 locations in 15 countries.
In 2005, 78.4 per cent of the total sales figure was accounted for by
business transacted outside Germany (2004: 77.1 per cent). The key regions
here were Eastern Europe, in particular Russia, Poland and Ukraine,
with a total growth figure of just under 26 per cent, and North America
with approximately 20 per cent. Sales in Latin America increased by
12 per cent. In the Asian region, China did particularly well with a
33 per cent increase, while sales in Australia and New Zealand doubled.
The markets of Western Europe (including Turkey but excluding Germany),
also produced positive sales figures for BSH, showing 3 per cent growth
despite the continuing price erosion affecting household appliances
here; BSH was thus able to further strengthen its position as market
leader within this region.
In the German market, the successful launch of new product series plus
additional investments in the facilities in Nauen (laundry care), Traunreut
(cookers) and Giengen (cooling appliances) made it possible to reverse
2004’s negative trend (- 3.6 per cent) and raise sales by over
1 per cent to almost € 1.6 billion. Market share increaseded by
1 per cent to reach 36 per cent. BSH is market leader in Germany.
'This success has come from systematic effort', Dr. Gutberlet stressed
at the press conference. 'Whereas others are trying to attract business
by paring down prices, we are relying on offering superior products,
innovative technology, excellent design, top quality and the added value
which these represent for the customer.'
BSH products were awarded top marks in 50 out of 62 tests conducted
by European institutes on such appliances last year. Products such as
the lift oven, the battery-powered handheld mixer, the new dishwasher
with automatically controlled spray pressure, and the new nofrost tall
freezer have all helped to secure additional market share.
Opening up new markets and expanding the company’s global presence
were again key features in BSH’s corporate strategy in 2005. In
Russia, construction work started on a factory for cooling appliances
and a logistics centre in St. Petersburg. In Poland, a laundry dryer
plant was opened and additional production capacity created at the dishwasher
factory . In China, operations started at the facility for manufacturing
small consumer devices at the Appliance Park in Nanjing. In the USA,
the Siemens brand was launched on the market alongside the Bosch and
Thermador brands already available there.
The positive business trend for BSH was also reflected in the profile
of the workforce. Whereas it was possible to keep employee numbers largely
stable in Germany (- 200 employees), new jobs were created elsewhere,
mainly in China, Poland and Turkey. The Group had over 35,500 employees
on its global payroll on 31.12.2005 (2004: approx. 34,500).
BSH is again making a significant contribution towards training the
workforce of the future by means of its initial training programme,
and once again trained more young people this year than needed to meet
its own skill requirements. BSH is the largest employer in the household
appliance industry in Germany, employing some 14,000 people there. Almost
45% of the Group’s global output is generated at the seven BSH
facilities in Germany.
One important investment being made in the future of the Group came
in the form of a research and development budget to the tune of almost
€ 200 million in 2005. An investment which pays dividends: the
number of first patent registrations increased by more than 20 per cent
over the figure for the previous year.
Dr. Gutberlet ended the press conference on a positive note: 'We expect
business to remain good for the rest of the year and are anticipating
that BSH will achieve a global sales growth of 6 to 7 per cent in 2006.'
Note: For its 2005 annual financial statements, BSH switched its Group
accounting system from the German HGB system to the International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) system. This also entailed changes in the
key performance indicators. The annual statement of accounts as drawn
up on the basis of the IFRS was presented and explained in detail at
the press conference.
BSH
is European Supplier of the Year
At
the annual conference of Euronics International, Europe's leading buying
group in consumer electronics, held in Cologne on 16th May, Bosch Siemens
Hausgeraete GmbH, (BSH), was awarded the coveted accolade of 'white
goods supplier of the year 2006'.
More
than 6000 member dealers of Euronics International from a total of 25
different countries in Europe took part in the poll to select their
preferred manufacturers for both white goods and brown goods. Pioneer
Home Business Division won the award for the corresponding brown goods
category.
In both categories, the winning criteria included product innovation
and performance as well as margin performance and price stability. Other
vital factors taken into consideration for the award were marketing
support, after sales service and delivery.
BSH, manufacturer of Bosch, Siemens, Neff and Gaggenau appliances, scored
an overall 7.4 points out of 10, which was the highest number of points
in the white goods category in 2006.
As the photograph shows, the 'White goods supplier of the year 2006'
trophy was presented to Ditmar Krusenbaum, Vice President of BSH Bosch
Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH (pictured left) by Werner Winkelmann, President
of Euronics International (pictured right).
In his acceptance speech on behalf of BSH, Mr Krusenbaum commented that
this award is a stimulus for even further effort to be channelled into
all areas of the business to ensure that this coveted trophy is retained
by BSH in 2007.
Indesit
1st Quarter 2006 Figures Approved
Meeting
in Fabriano, the Indesit board of directors approved the consolidated
figures for the 1st quarter, which closed with sales of €695.8m
(up 6.4% on 2005) and an operating margin before restructuring costs
of €36m (up 16.7% on 2005). Net profits moved to €12.3m (up
9.3% on 2005). The net financial position also improved, from €699m
in 2005 to €613m, while net working capital was €195m against
€258m in 1st quarter 2005.
'The quarter saw a good sales trend, which significantly improved our
operating margin,' said CEO Marco Milani. 'The bottom line reflects
the latest stages in the rebalancing of production provided for in our
3-year plan, which entailed an increase in extraordinary charges from
€3m in 2005 to €9.5m in 2006'.
As scheduled, Indesit Company has launched some innovative products
in the last few months.
The new Aqualtis washing machine was a big success in Italy, the UK,
Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands, Russia and the CIS.
In April, during the 'Salone del Mobile – Eurocucina' trade fair,
Indesit Company presented Attitude, the new Scholtès line designed
by David Lewis.
Within the framework of ongoing rebalancing of production capacity between
Western and Eastern Europe, the Lodz cooling products plant, which opened
in 2004, started up production on a second line, which will increase
output to 600,000 appliances a year.
Gorenje
Launches New Expanded 'Built-In' Kitchen Range
Gorenje,
the Slovenian kitchen appliance manufacturer, has launched its updated
and expanded 'Built-In' range of quality kitchen appliances.
With a host of new models to enhance the already comprehensive line-up,
Gorenje is building on the reputation for high quality, great design
and good value that it already enjoys in other parts of the world.
The new built-in appliances will be distributed through Gorenje's network
of nearly 1,000 retailers in the UK and Ireland.
The range includes ovens, hoods, hobs, integrated fridges and freezers,
integrated dishwashers, washing machine & washer dryer, a microwave,
a coffee maker, a wine store and a drinks chiller.
The top of the built-in range is a series of appliances designed by
legendary Italian Ferrari supercar designer studio Pininfarina, which
takes crisp modern styling to a new level of artistry. Launched at the
end of 2005, the exclusive
Gorenje Pininfarina range (comprising one 'fridge-freezer, two ovens,
a hood and a choice of 5 hobs, as well as matching panels to bring the
Pininfarina look to existing appliances) is already proving a big hit
amongst kitchen designers, top-end developers and discerning consumers.
Among many new appliances you can also find a steam insert that instantly
converts any of Gorenje's single ovens into a steam oven.
The emphasis of the new range is very much on environmentally friendly,
energy efficient appliances, with almost the entire range boasting an
A or A+ energy rating.
Most Gorenje Built-In products now come with a free five-year parts
and labour guarantee, which highlights Gorenje's confidence in the quality
and reliability of its products.
For more information on Gorenje, call 0208 247 3980 or visit http://www.gorenje.co.uk
Sleeping
Giant is Ready to Roar
Tap
manufacturer Mayfair Brassware says that it is now actively ensuring
its name is taken to a wider audience.
Since its formation in 1988, Mayfair Brassware has become an established
supplier in this market sector, and the company is determined that its
name becomes a part of the everyday language in bathrooms and kitchens
brassware.
Newly-appointed
Commercial Director Tony Robson states: ‘We have an extensive range
of products, bringing a wide selection to merchants and distributors,
architects, specifiers and end users’.
Robson - who joins Mayfair Brassware from Jacuzzi UK - continues: ‘This
is an exciting time for the company. Following the opening of our purpose-built
UK distribution operation last year, our business is now in the perfect
position to drive our five-year growth plan’.
Mayfair Bathrooms' extensive selection is split into seven ranges -
Designer-, Contemporary-, Standard-, Traditional- and Kitchen-Collection
- along with the Design Series, and a comprehensive range of showers.
Between them, these six ranges bring a total of more than 50 designs
to the market place.
10 different styles feature in the Design Series, with handwheel options
including crosshead, lever and thumb.
Individual styling is a feature of each option, from the traditional
feel of the Series C, D, and E, to the modern clean lines of the Series
K, M and N.
Apart from Series K, M and N which focus solely on mono basin mixers
(each available in three sizes), all other ranges offer bath and basin
taps, bath fillers, bath shower mixers, mono basin mixers and mono bidet
mixers.
Whatever the room setting, the Design Series offers a style to suit.
Traditional bathrooms are well catered for with Series C, D and E, while
Series F, G, H and P will bring fresh ideas for modern or minimalist
decors.
All feature high quality chromium plating for durability and ease of
cleaning.
All products are manufactured by Mayfair Brassware in its purpose-built
plants in Thailand and China, while the new UK distribution centre ensures
plentiful supplies are stocked ready for immediate dispatch.
Web: http://www.mayfairbrassware.com
Sanitaryware
manufacturer Ashley Bathrooms has appointed Newry-based RomAqua as Irish
distributor for the brand. The announcement comes at a time of steady
growth for Ashley, which has invested in the company’s own manufacturing
plant in the potteries, Stoke-on-Trent.
David Smith, Ashley Bathrooms Marketing Director says, ‘I'm delighted
that our home grown mix of peerless British build quality allied to
cutting edge contemporary design is being promoted outside our traditional
home marketplace. In recent years Ireland has emerged as a major European
market and under the local stewardship of RomAqua I'm confident that
our brand will be very successful.’
For more details of Ashley Bathrooms and the company's lifetime guarantee
on all sanitaryware, telephone 01332 830 404 or visit http://www.ashleybathrooms.com.
The Repton basin from Ashley Bathrooms - one of
a range of high quality British made sanitaryware heading to Ireland.
Fisher
& Paykel Refrigerators Give you Five Years Peace of Mind
For
the first time ever Fisher & Paykel is offering consumers throughout
the UK an extended warranty on refrigeration products purchased between
5th June and 31st August 2006.
A two-year warranty is standard on the purchase of all Fisher &
Paykel appliances, however, for a limited time, consumers are being
offered a full five year, parts and labour warranty on the company's
entire range of refrigeration products.
Fisher & Paykel's UK Sales Manager, Andrew Smith comments, ‘this
extended warranty programme will give consumers confidence in selecting
a Fisher & Paykel Active Smart™ refrigerator during the important
summer months’.
With both beauty and brains, the company's EZKleen stainless steel refrigerators
are a sophisticated addition to any kitchen. Active Smart™
is the intelligent technology platform incorporated into the range -
a network of sensors positioned throughout the interior of the fridge
monitors and detects temperature fluctuations, which occur when room
temperature food is placed inside. Immediately on communicating this
information to the refrigerator's central 'brain', Active Smart™
can direct extra cooling power to the designated area, bringing food
to temperature fast.
Specially designed humidity controlled vegetable storage bins keep perishable
foods fresher for longer as Active Smart™
controls the internal environment, ensuring a stable climate for long
term storage.‘Our refrigerators are amongst the most stylish and
intelligent in the UK. This five year warranty offer ought to inspire
consumer confidence in our brand, leading to a strong sales result,’
said Smith.
For further information on Fisher & Paykel appliances, visit http://www.fisherpaykel.co.uk
or contact the Fisher & Paykel Customer Care Centre on 0845 0662200
Origin
Worktop Range Wins Award
Origin
~ the new laminated chipboard worktop range from Spain has just been
awarded the prestigious FIRA Gold Award for Product Excellence.
Origin ~ is manufactured by Top From S.A. of Spain and is imported and
distributed in the UK by Co Tops Ltd.
Available in a 4120mm length and 40mm thickness the range has four widths
available in 36 decors in a standard hard wearing texture:
600mm and 620mm with a single long post-formed edge, both at the same
price., plus 670mm and 900mm with both long edges post-formed.
Nick Weall, Managing Director of Co Tops quotes ‘With Origin ~
Co Tops is back in the full board distribution game operating from its
new purpose built high level narrow aisle storage facility for 8500
worktops located in Dunstable as an extension to its three year old
factory producing ‘Cut & Edged’ worktops.
‘The 620mm depth worktop in particular is receiving a lot of interest.’
Top Form S.A is a major producer in Europe exporting to over thirty
countries around the world. The company has been at the forefront of
post-forming technology ever since it introduced the concept to Europe
back in the early Seventies.
Grand
Designs for Genus in Cedia Installation
The
Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) has selected
Stoves' Genus oven for the kitchen of its House of the Future, one of
the star attractions at this year's Grand Designs Live exhibition which
takes place from 2nd - 4th June at Excel in London.
CEDIA's members specialise in the planning, design, supply and installation
of automated electronic systems for the modern, intelligent home and
the innovative House of the Future will feature the latest cutting edge
technology throughout. Stephen Dickson, built-in product manager for
Stoves, comments:
‘Since the launch of Genus; its extensive benefits have been widely
recognised in both trade and consumer circles. Where cooking technology
is concerned, Genus is at the forefront and we are therefore delighted
that CEDIA has recognised this and chosen to install Genus in the House
of the Future.’
Incorporating 16 interactive functions plus an additional eight high-speed
cooking modes programmed to cook food perfectly up to four times faster
than conventional ovens, Genus gives customers the ultimate in flexible
cooking options - conventional or high speed - depending upon the time
they have to spend.
In Genus mode the oven uses a combination of convection, conduction
and radiant heat plus Genus technology to increase the speed and efficiency
of the cooking process and heats food uniformly throughout - rather
than from the outside in as with conventional cooking, or the inside
out as with microwaves. No turntable is needed and any kind of tray,
including metal, can be used inside the oven.
Despite its advanced technology, Genus is simple to use. In conjunction
with an independent home economist the cooking times for most foods
are already pre-programmed. Customers simply switch to Genus, select
the programme that suits their meal, input the conventional cooking
time and Genus will then recalculate the new time required.
Genus is available in stainless steel or black finishes. For further
information visit http://www.stovesgenus.co.uk
or call 0870 458 9663.
UN
World Environment Day 5th June 2006
'Small
promises make a big difference: fit a Blanco Filtrafresh tap to save
water and reduce rubbish' says Blanco.
Fact: Since the beginning of April nearly 13 million people have had
a restriction placed on their water supply.
Fact: The UK's love of bottled mineral water accounts for around half
a million tonnes of rubbish each year.
By
simply changing the tap on your kitchen sink, you can significantly
reduce the amount of water you consume, the amount of waste you generate
and drink fresh drinking water.
The Blanco Filtrafresh 4200 features a screw in its cartridge which
will restrict the flow of water from the tap - a very useful feature
now that it is so vital to save every possible drop of water. The screw
is easily adjusted, either when fitting the tap or retrospectively.
The multi-talented Blanco Filtrafresh also filters regular tap water
to provide a source of wholesome, fresh drinking water which tastes
good. The tap combines the regular hot and cold water and the filtered
drinking water in one unit. The filtered water supply is operated by
a small lever at the base of the tap, completely isolating it from the
hot and cold water. Full operation and installation instructions can
be found on http://www.blanco.co.uk.
The water-saving feature is also available on a number of other taps
from the Blanco range - including the Blanco OXI 9001, BlancoAdelphi
2050, BlancoApollo 2000 and BlancoEye 5300.
Big Promises Make a Bigger Difference: Blanco Appoints Head of Sustainabilty
Like its parent company Blanco Germany, Blanco UK takes environmental
issues so seriously that last year the company appointed Dr. Chris Moon
as 'Head of Sustainability'. He is a member of the Conference Board's
European Council on Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, the
largest business research organisation in the world, and is founder
of CSR Global, researching and consulting on matters of corporate social
responsibility;.
Since his appointment, Dr, Moon has been involved not only on product
development on recycling systems but on a review of Blanco UK's energy
use and waste. The company is now in the process of developing a sustainability
policy and strategy, and will be implementing a number of measures in
the offices and warehousing to ensure that more environmentally friendly
practices are adopted'.
Technical specifications and information on all the taps mentioned can
be seen on the Blanco website, http://www.blanco.co.uk
or contact Blanco on 020 8450 9100 for more details.
New
Sliding Door Closure System for Walk-In Closets from Häfele
A
new sliding door system from Häfele principal Hawa for glass or
timber doors is ideal, according to architectural glass products manager
Gary King, for increasingly trendy walk-in closet or storage facilities
for kitchens, bedrooms or bathrooms. Sliding door systems are suitable
for a new generation of walk-in spaces - they look good closed and being
frameless, conceal nothing when opened.
The
new Hawa Ordena 70 is a multi-talented closure system that allows optimal
use to be made of awkward or restricted spaces using floor to ceiling
wooden or glass sliding doors at weights up to 70kgs per panel. Ordena
70 dispenses with the need for elaborate frame systems and therefore
opens up the entire space for easy visual and physical access - and
whether used in conjunction with glass panels or wood, the system also
admits maximum light.
Ordena 70 is suitable for 8 to 10mm frameless glass doors and for solid
wooden panels 30 - 40 mm in thickness, either individually or in series.
And an option to combine wood and glass brings maximum design freedom
to architects and interior designers for distinctive walk in closets
or partition systems.
The Hawa system is top running, occupying the space at ceiling height
that household dirt pollution can least easily affect; it is therefore
virtually contamination free. The enclosed dual support track effectively
conceals the running gear and door panels in glass are suspended on
visually subtle patch fittings. Track endings are also concealed using
cover caps in two alternative styles and in a range of finishes to match
the track sections.
Ordena 70 is available in two versions which are both top hung but run
on two
different guide options at the bottom. Hawa Ordena 70/P features point
fixing
in rattle proof bottom guides dispensing with the need for guide tracking
at floor level. Higher precision demands are met by Hawa's Ordena 70/F
option which is supplied with a discreet continuous track system for
the bottom guides.
Bottom guides are sprung to counter unevenness at floor level and a
centre stop retains panels in the desired trajectory while still allowing
a degree of side movement. As with all Hawa products, Ordena 70 has
a silky smooth and near noise free running action and is available in
the UK exclusively from Häfele.
Tel: 01788 542020
Email: gary.king@hafele.co.uk
American
Standard Appoints John Rietveldt VP, Bath and Kitchen, Europe
American
Standard Companies Inc. announced on May 23rd the appointment of John
Rietveldt as vice president and general manager for its Bath and Kitchen
business in Europe, which is based in Brussels, Belgium. American Standard
is the world's largest manufacturer of bath and kitchen products and
Europe represents its top market for those products.
‘John has an excellent track record of business success and is
well-suited to lead our efforts to rebuild Bath and Kitchen's profitability
in Europe. He has proven himself as a well-rounded, versatile leader
who can create revenue growth, operational excellence, positive customer
relationships, brand strength and teamwork. I'm delighted to welcome
John to American Standard,’ said James E. Dwyer, president of American
Standard's global Bath and Kitchen business.
Rietveldt, who is scheduled to assume his new position at the end of
August, comes to American Standard from Tarkett, one of the world's
largest flooring companies. There he served as president of the company's
residential division for the last three years, leading sales, marketing
and operations for this global €1 billion business.
Prior to this, Rietveldt spent eight years in leadership roles at Whirlpool.
As Whirlpool's vice president of sales for Europe, he played an important
role in turning the business around in a difficult market environment,
taking it from a money losing position to profitability in just two
years. Earlier in his career, he served in sales and marketing positions
at household appliance companies Electrolux and Moulinex.
Roman
Plans for Showering Designs of the Future
Roman,
the UK shower manufacturer, has recently opened a new state-of-the-art
Design Centre within its manufacturing plant.
The 1,400 square feet Design Centre will be manned by a team of four
in-house design specialists to produce future generations of Roman showering
products. It will also have a dedicated designer working exclusively
on the company’s expanding Bespoke service.
The Centre is equipped with the latest Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology,
where initial ideas are developed, created and electronically tested
for any potential flaws or manufacturing problems.
Once the computer tests have been carried out the team can then start
to build a prototype which will be put through its paces in the state-of-the-art
testing room.
Sunday
Mirror Votes Prism Top Tap!
Bristan
has once again hit the headlines - this time with its flagship Prism
tap, which was voted one of the UK's top kitchen taps by the Sunday
Mirror.
In a worldwide search for great value taps that offer fantastic style,
the Sunday Mirror, which has a readership of more than 4.6m, has chosen
Bristan's stylish Prism mixer tap as one of the top 10 best taps available
on the market today.
This follows hot on the heels of the company's Luxor basin mixer, which
was named in the top 10 bathroom taps available in the UK by the national
newspaper recently.
With its minimalist design and easy-use sequential operation, the Prism
kitchen mixer is currently one of Bristan's best selling models and
features stylish good looks alongside high quality, durable construction.
The Prism range also includes bath taps, bath shower mixers, shower
controls and bidet mixers for a coordinating look throughout the home.
The Prism mixer costs £118 and is available in chrome.
For further information contact 0870 4425556 or visit http://www.bristan.com
Miele:
World Wash Champions for Figo, Raúl & Co.
All German hotels providing accommodation for teams taking part in the 2006 World Cup currently have all hands on deck. First-class service is a matter of course but this also requires highly-organised logistical operations, as most national teams have about 50 people in their entourage including players, trainers, physiotherapists, masseurs and chefs. This is why many hoteliers are offering their guests an in-house laundry service: 'We are more flexible if we wash sportswear, sauna towels and bathrobes ourselves,' says Reinhold Frie, the owner of the newly-opened 'Eleven' sports hotel in Marienfeld, Westfalia, where the Portuguese national team will be staying. Miele laundry machines will be providing service to the 'Seleccão' – and many other national teams – during the World Cup.
Felipe
Scolari (left), trainer of the Portuguese national team, inspects Miele
laundry machines at the new 'Eleven' sports hotel. When his team stay
here during the World Cup, football shirts, shorts and socks will be
washed directly after training – also by the Portuguese kit manager
who will be assisted by Reinhold Frie's (right) team.
The
newly-opened Kaiserau sports hotel in Kamen, which is part of the sports
centre of the same name (base for the Spanish national team), is relying
on Miele machines, just as are the 'Freizeit In' hotel in Göttingen
(Mexico), the Adler Parkhotel in Hinterzarten (Netherlands), the Celler
Tor Ringhotel in Celle (Angola) and the Landhaus Wachtelhof hotel in
Rotenburg Wümme (Trinidad and Tobago). Staff at the in-house laundries
are experienced in dealing with soiled football shirts, shorts and socks:
Administration Director Carsten Jaksch-Nink remembers that 'in 1990,
the German national team including Rudi Völler and Lothar Matthäus
stayed at the Kaiserau sports centre during preparations for the World
Cup in Italy. We were washing sportswear in Miele machines even then'.
Staff at the new 'Eleven' hotel also know how to take care of sportswear,
as Bayern Munich FC are among the regular guests at the nearby Klosterpforte
hotel, which is managed by the same owner. 'FC Porto was also here in
a training camp to prepare for a Champions League game,' says hotelier
Reinhold Frie.
Temporary
home for the Portuguese national team: The newly-opened ‘Eleven’
sports hotel in Marienfeld, Westfalia.
Kits
washed directly after training
'We wash kits as soon as possible after training, which means twice
a day from May 20th on' says Elisabeth Heine, Senior Manageress at the
Celler Tor Ringhotel. All Miele machines are up and running to deal
with a total of 48 kg of tracksuits, socks and other sportswear. 'This
figure comes from past experience after training sessions involving
Germany's U 19 and U 21 teams and a summer training camp with the national
team from Qatar'. The 'Minimum iron' programme is used to wash laundry.
'Shirts are washed inside out to stop numbers and players' names from
fading'.
Stain remover is the ultimate tip from all laundry care experts to get
socks spotlessly white again, as these particular items are often soiled
the most.
Multi-language machine interface
'It is a simple fact of life that sportsmen need more laundry than other
hotel guests,' says Beate Steinhausen, housekeeper at the Klosterpforte
and 'Eleven' hotels. In order to be able to cope with the mountains
of laundry caused by training sessions and time spent relaxing in the
spa, two washing machines (10 kg and 7.5 kg) and a 10 kg tumble dryer
have been purchased to serve the guests in the 38 rooms and three suites.
During the Football World Cup, the Portuguese kit manager will also
operate these machines, and terms such as 'Minimum iron' and 'Cottons'
will appear in the display of the 10 kg machines in his native language.
A revolutionary set of controls allows user interface to be easily changed
from German to Portuguese or one of 11 other languages. Machine operation
is made even easier by the new 'Sportswear' programme package where
individual programmes have names such as 'Tracksuits' or 'Shinpads'
and wash temperatures and cycle times are selected automatically. This
programme package will also be used at the 'Eleven' sports hotel, but
instead of 'Tracksuits' the term 'Fatos de treino' will appear in the
display.
A large number of staff at host hotels now speak the native language
of their guests. According to Carsten Jaksch-Nink from Kaiserau sports
hotel: 'Our service staff are learning Spanish to facilitate communication
with Rául and his team mates'. A top Portuguese chef and some
of his German counterparts have planned the meals for Luis Figo &
Co. so that the guests at the 'Eleven' hotel can enjoy perfectly prepared
food. Everything has been arranged to perfection. Now all hotels playing
host to football teams have one common wish: That their guests progress
to the World Cup Final to enable them to stay as long as possible, and
that these guests tell many other teams in their respective countries
about the first-class service they have experienced.
Tradesmen
Urged to Help Local Groups Improve Community Venues Through New Scheme
Decorators,
jobbing builders and contractors are being asked to consider donating
a day or two a year to help local groups refurbish their facilities,
as part of a nationwide initiative launched by Dulux Decorator Centres.
Its revamped 'Colouring the Community' programme follows research that
found two in five people described the physical condition of their local
community venues as poor or very poor. Cosmetic flaws like graffiti,
tired fixtures and fittings and deteriorating paintwork were mainly
to blame, though one in five said significant structural damage to a
community building was a problem in their area.
As a result, Dulux Decorator Centres is asking tradesmen to sign up
to its 'Colouring the Community' roster, which will allow them to be
contacted when local groups are looking for professional volunteers
to undertake refurbishment work.
The merchant chain already donates approximately £10,000 worth
of decorating materials a year to local community projects, and wants
other suppliers across the industry to support this with similar donations.
Anne Tattersall, Head of Commercial at Dulux Decorator Centres, said:
'We‚ve worked with community groups for seven years as part of
our donation scheme and have seen how simple things like a lick of paint
can make the world of difference to local groups.
'By launching this new 'Colouring the Community' programme, we're trying
to generate a collaborative approach across the building and decorating
industries.
'We want to join forces with fellow suppliers, tradesmen and local authorities
to make an even bigger difference to local community facilities by donating
small amounts of time and resources.'
To sign up for the Colouring the Community roster or nominate a local
project for assistance, visit http://www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/colouringthecommunity.