Matki
Showering Acquires Swadling
Matki
Showering has announced the acquisition of Swadling Brassware, the upmarket
shower valve and brassware manufacturing company.
The
benefits of this to both companies are immense. Swadling Brassware's facility
in Waterlooville, Hampshire, will provide Matki Showering with a manufacturing
base in the UK for the successful Elixir product range. In return, the
sales and marketing strength of Matki will help build the already respected
Swadling Brassware brand still further.
With over twenty years experience Swadling is a brand renowned for its
design and manufacturing of shower valves and thermostatic shower systems.
As a British company it specialises in making products that are straight
forward to install and work with both gravity and high pressure water
systems suitable for British plumbing systems and will increase the water
flow with both traditional gravity and high pressure water systems.
‘Matki Showering is very excited to be working with Swadling. There
is a strong synergy between both brands of design, innovation and reputation
in the industry. For Matki the acquisition cements our industry position,
as a leader in our field, offering the customer the very best in product
and state of the art design.’ Said Francis Cunild - Managing Director
of Matki Showering.
A large portion of the UK housing market still uses a gravity plumbing
system which when combined with many European products requires a booster
pump to ensure a good shower. However, Swadling has patented and designed
a mixing chamber that allows maximum water flow even when combined with
a standard gravity system and no booster pump. The Swadling system has
been TMV2 approved, having been independently tested and certified. Swadling
offers multi-outlet systems that are flexible which work for both shower
and bath mixers and offer the consumer the maximum number of design combinations.
Swadling products are available in Chrome, Nickel and Antique gold finishes.
Their ranges have been designed to suit all tastes and the collections
offer both modern and traditional inspired products. The Swadling showerheads
offer sensitivity and the majority of the showerheads have been designed
with an easy clean system to make them user friendly.
Swadling Brassware will maintain its separate identity as a stand-alone
brand, and will retain the Hampshire location. ‘We are thrilled that
Jeremy Swadling, the driving force behind Swadling Brassware and its groundbreaking
products, has committed to continue his involvement with us as design
consultant. Working along-side the Matki Showering design team, he will
help develop exciting, innovative products for both the Swadling and Elixir
ranges.’ Said Francis Cunild.
Swadling products are sold through quality Bathroom Shops in the UK and
abroad.
Tel: 01454 322888
http://www.matki.co.uk
http://www.swadlingbrassware.com
Pegler
Sold to Aalberts Industries N.V.
Pegler
Holdings Ltd announced on 26th August that it has signed an agreement
to sell its entire share capital to Aalberts Industries N.V. of the Netherlands.
Aalberts Industries is an international industrial group with two core
activities, Industrial Services and Flow Control. It is a world leader
in valves, fittings and flow control systems and has an impressive growth
record achieved through organic sales and value enhancing acquisitions.
Its portfolio of businesses around Europe and North America experienced
strong results both in 2004 and in first half 2005.
With its aggressive commitment to new product development Pegler has also
experienced strong growth over recent years and says that it brings to
Aalberts Industries a market leading position in the UK coupled with strong
brands and a highly automated production facility in Doncaster which has
one of the largest and most modern Chrome plating facilities in Europe.
Tony Clarkson, Pegler's Managing Director, said of the deal: ‘This
puts Pegler at the heart of Aalberts Industries core business and represents
a major opportunity for us to continue to trade independently whilst achieving
further advantage through group leverage and expansion into new markets
through Aalberts Industries' sister companies.’
European
Recycling Platform Kicked off on August 13th
The
European Recycling Platform (ERP) announced on 13th August that it started
take-back and recycling operations for waste from electrical and electronic
equipment in Austria, Ireland, Portugal and Spain on August 13th, 2005.
The five other countries in the scope of ERP (France, Germany, Italy,
Poland and the UK) will follow according to the specific requirements
of national legislation.
ERP was founded in 2002 by Braun/Gillette, Electrolux, HP and Sony to
implement highly efficient recycling services on the best possible terms
using European synergies to minimise cost to the benefit of the consumer.
The advantages of a European compliance scheme have been recognised by
numerous producers. ‘Companies such as Elica, Logitech, Lucent, Omron,
Saeco, Samsung, Toshiba and Varta/Remington have joined the ERP and we
are continuously in contact with many other producers interested in contracting
with ERP’ says Hans Korfmacher, President of ERP and Director Environmental
Affairs at Braun/Gillette.
The ERP is the first WEEE compliance scheme to be permitted and launching
operations in multiple European countries and therefore the first scheme
to pass on the advantages of multinational logistic and recycling operations
to the consumer.
Web: http://www.erp-recycling.org
Armitage
Shanks Sponsors Loo of the Year
Commercial
sanitaryware manufacturer Armitage Shanks is sponsoring the ‘Loo
of the Year Awards’, which will be presented on 27th September, during
the World Toilet Summit, at a Gala Dinner at Belfast City Hall. The Loo
of the Year Award is run by the British Toilet Association and recognises
good practice in supplying and maintaining away-from-home toilets. Judges
inspect over 800 facilities throughout the United Kingdom and examine
signage, maintenance, layout, decor and cleanliness which include hand-wash
facilities and quality of the air within the washroom.
Away-from-home
toilets are those which are found in Retail Outlets, Hotels, Schools,
Offices, Beaches or Service Stations – anywhere but domestic installations.
The awards also encompass the Attendant of the Year and are supported
by the Tourist Boards of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Armitage Shanks has sponsored the Awards for the past two years and has
supported the BTA since Year 2000, marketing manager Tony Rheinberg says:
‘’Away-from-home toilets are an important part of our business
and Armitage Shanks is delighted to support the work done by BTA and its
enthusiastic leader Richard Chisnell in protecting public conveniences
from further dissolution.’
Armitage Shanks is the preferred choice of many public convenience providers
from the London Underground to the ‘Swiss Re’ building (the
Gherkin) and provides specific away-from-home products including the water
saving Aridian Waterless Urinal in vitreous china to specialist facilities
for prisons and hospitals, as well water efficient brass fittings.
A full range of products from Armitage Shanks can be found at http://www.thebluebook.co.uk
alternatively call 01543 490253. For further information on the BTA please
visit http://www.britloos.co.uk
for Loo of the Year http://www.loo.co.uk.
The
latest range from Polypipe Building Products is the PolyFit hot and cold
plumbing and heating system. With polybutylene barrier pipe, conduit pipe
in polypropylene and a whole host of fittings, the PolyFit system is designed
to be as plumber-friendly as possible. The push-fit connections are simple
and quick to install, with a high radial sealing force and three-pin security
feature to protect against accidental demounting.
Joints can be demounted and remounted in seconds yet provide a secure
seal when assembled and the entire system is Kitemarked to BS7291 Pat
1 & 2, WRAS accepted and tested to DIN 4726/7. PolyFit is designed
to be fully compatible with rigid pipe systems and if required the white
pipes can easily be painted with emulsion paint or undercoat with gloss
to blend with surrounding décor.
The Fittings range is comprehensive including couplers, elbows, tees,
reducers, connectors, adaptors and valves of many configurations. In line
with Polypipe’s intention to provide everything a plumber could need
to install PolyFit there is also an ancillary range with EPDM washers
and rings, pipe stiffeners, clips and cutters, bend formers and nail-in
clips. Pipe insulation complementary to the system’s pipe sizes,
underfloor ducting & accessories plus lubricants, solvent cement and
even cleaning fluid are also included.
The barrier pipes are offered in cut lengths or coils and are in 10, 15,
22 and 28mm diameters while the coils of conduit pipe are sized at 15
and 22mm.
The new PolyFit system was conceived to satisfy the installer as well
as the end user and every care has been taken from the design stage to
ensure simple fitting and a seamless finished product.
Web: http://www.polyfit.co.uk
KBSA
Members Call Croner for Business Support
There
are times when everyone in business needs expert advice - and KBSA members
can call on one of the UK's leading business consultancies for free professional
guidance.
Croner Consulting is one of the country's leading providers in the field
of business consultancy and says that it is unrivalled for the quality
of the service it provides for companies of all sizes to help resolve
business issues.
Croner provides a Business Support Helpline for KBSA members, which offers
immediate, unlimited access by telephone to expert advisors.
‘We're delighted to be able to offer the services of Croner to our
members, free of charge,’ said KBSA Operations Manager Lucinda Kenny.
‘This is an excellent service and one I know many of our members
make good use of.’
All KBSA members have to do to use the Helpline is call Croner and quote
the scheme number of the advice card the KBSA has sent them. The helpline
is available between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.
‘Areas of advice available from Croner include employment and personnel,
tax and VAT, payroll, commercial and contract law, company law and consumer
protection,’ added Lucinda.
ELECSA
Identity Cards Make it Easier for Householders and Electricians
ELECSA
registered businesses are being issued with identity cards to help them
reassure householders when visiting homes to undertake electrical work.
The ELECSA identity card contains the business name registered with ELECSA,
the type of work undertaken that is self certified under Part P and the
ELECSA registration number. As Julian Carter, General Manager commented
'The ELECSA identity cards will offer reassurance to householders that
the electrician they are employing is competent and committed to complying
with Part P of the Building Regulations. Check that your electrician is
Part P registered with a Competent Persons Scheme sucA as ELECSA before
letting them into your home.'
Householders can search for a Part P registered electrician on the ELECSA
website at http://www.elecsa.org.uk.
For further informatian on the ELECSA identity cards or any aspect of
the ELECSA Scheme and Part P, please contact the Registration Team on
0870 749 0080 or email mailto:enquiries@elecsa.org.uk.
Tapping
into the latest trends, PWS has turned its attention to contemporary styling
with its latest launch of Bristan taps. Six new taps have been added to
the collection, chosen to reflect the ongoing popularity of simple styling
and understated elegance in modern tap design.
Included in the new line-up is Hydrapure, a sleek tap with a softly contoured
spout, united with a filter system for refreshing clean water. A dual
flow mixer, Hydrapure has ceramic disc valves so just a quarter turn of
the handles controls the flow, enabling extreme ease of operation. In
contrast the Synergy, Qube and Torre ranges offer a more striking look,
combining square shaped columns with clean lines.
Comments Andrew Langford, PWS' Marketing Manager, 'With accessorising
of the kitchen becoming increasingly fashionable our new Bristan tap introductions
are ideal for contemporary kitchen settings. The collection offers retailers
and consumers a stunning combination of great looks and practicality for
one of the most important finishing touches in the kitchen'.
The new introductions bring the PWS tap portfolio to forty-six. Encompassing
a wide range of modern, classic and traditional styles the collection
includes designs from two of the top brands in the market, Bristan and
Perrin & Rowe.
Tel: 01325 505555
Email: mailto:mail@pws.co.uk
Web: http://www.pws.co.uk
Whirlpool In.Kitchen Design Concept Recognised by Design Museum
The
Design Museum's biennial selection of Europe's most inspiring design projects
over the last two years has selected Sam Hecht's 'Equipment' module from
Whirlpool's 'In.Kitchen' design project as an example of how todays technology
can help designers achieve remarkable advances.
The exhibition celebrates the diversity of design, from fashion to furniture,
including ingenious web-sites, innovative product design and packaging.
The European Design Show is at the Design Museum, London until September
4th.
Whirlpool has a history of innovative design, and with the company’s
'In.Kitchen' project, moved beyond the conventional confines of individual
appliances to look at the whole built-in kitchen. Working closely with
designers such as Sam Hecht, who created 'Equipment', and kitchen partners,
the project looked into ground-breaking packaged solutions to challenge
and shape the built-in kitchen industry.
'Equipment' measures only 2.3m high, by 1.6m wide and appears from the
outside like an oversized fridge freezer, but within the unit is a small,
compact kitchen.
For more information on Whirlpool's In.Kitchen project visit http://www.inkitchen.whirlpool.com
Sales
Growth Stimulates Manufacturing Move to North America for Fisher &
Paykel Appliances
Fisher
& Paykel Appliances (FPA) recently announced plans to relocate part
of its manufacturing operations to North America.
The Smart Drive® clothes washer line that is currently located in
Cleveland, Australia and a motor manufacturing line, located in Auckland,
New Zealand are to be moved to North America in order to reduce costs
of production, freight and working capital associated with supplying that
market. The move will involve shifting injection moulding machines and
dies; roll-forming machines; wire-winding equipment; and ancillary assembly
jigs and fixtures.
Many of the parts for the washing machines are large or are very specialised.
The plant and machinery for producing many of these parts has been developed
and built in-house by the Company's Production Machinery Division. By
relocating this equipment and balancing the other production requirements
across its existing facilities in New Zealand, the Company is better placed
to satisfy demand for its products.
As part of the previously disclosed supply agreement with Whirlpool Corporation,
FPA is providing a motor for Whirlpool's high efficiency machines. The
machinery and equipment required to produce this design, as well as the
equipment which produces FPA's main motor for its washer production, will
be relocated to the new washer production plant in North America.
The work involved in these moves is expected to take place in two stages
over the next 12 months and will require additional capital of approximately
$5.5 million. In preparation for the moves, stocks of washers and motors
will be built to cover the lead-times for the transfer and re-commissioning
of the plants.
Once the plants are fully operational in North America, the expected benefits
are a reduction in working capital of approximately $15 million and an
earnings improvement (at EBlT level) of approximately $3.3 million per
annum, at current sales levels.
'Having plants located in the South Pacific, and shipping to and across
the North American continent incurs a sizeable freight bill and ties up
cash in finished goods,' said John Bongard, Chief Executive Officer and
Managing Director. 'With the expected increase in washer sales in the
USA, placing a plant closer to that market shortens lead times and means
that we are better placed to capitalise on growing sales opportunities.
The strength of the New Zealand and Australian currencies against the
United States dollar is also impacting the economics of doing business
in this major export market.'
The relocation will lead to a reduction in the work force on the Company's
site at Cleveland, Australia of 10 to 15 positions. The balance of the
people employed manufacturing washing machines on that site will be utilised
to increase output from the refrigeration plant in order to meet higher
sales volumes. While the Company regrets the loss of some jobs in Australia,
it is confident that production facilities will be retained in that part
of the world. The Company currently employs 580 people around Australia.
'The New Zealand and Australian markets are very important to us,' says
John. 'We have strong relationships with many retailers and consumers
here and have a wealth of talent working for us in these countries. We
base our design and manufacturing teams alongside each other in New Zealand
to ensure that we continue with the innovation and technology developments
that give us our competitive edge.'
The Company has seen rapid sales growth in North America since launching
its brand six years ago. It sells DishDrawer® dishwashers, wall ovens,
cooktops, SmartLoad® clothes dryers, Smart Drive® clothes washers
and refrigerators that are manufactured in New Zealand and Australia.
In October 2004 the Company purchased Dynamic Cooking Systems Inc, a manufacturer
of indoor and outdoor cooking products. DCS has manufacturing facilities
in the United States.
Glen
Dimplex Home Appliances still Number One
Six
months on and the latest June Gfk figures reveal that Glen Dimplex Home
Appliances (Stoves, Belling and New World) is still holding the number
one slot for value market share in the cooking appliance sector.
GDHA first announced its number one position in November 2004, just 18
months after its formation, and now, with 24% value market share, June
figures show that the company is still in pole position, making it the
largest cooking manufacturer in the UK.
Following the introduction of a complete new product package to its Stoves
collection and additions to Belling's product lines, GDHA is also enjoying
success in the range cooker market having achieved 32% volume market share
and again putting it in pole position.
On a brand front, Belling remains the number one cooking brand in the
UK with 12.8% value figures and has also overtaken its nearest rival in
the freestanding sector to take the top slot with 16.1% volume share.
Jayne Hall, marketing director of GDHA commented:
‘We are delighted to have retained the number one position six months
down the line. We have really focused our attention on each individual
brand and product range to offer the most comprehensive packages for retailers,
the latest innovation and features for the end users and new and improved
customer service to back it all up - and it is now paying dividends.
‘With new products being introduced across all three of our cooking
brands through out the remainder of the year and with Lec Refrigeration
now on board, we hope that these figures will prove even better in the
next six months.’
For further information about Glen Dimplex Home Appliances visit http://www.gdha.com
or call 0870 458 9663 for brochures.
Ideal
Bathrooms - The Chosen One
Ideal
Bathrooms has just signed an exclusive UK distribution deal for Stelrad's
new range of designer radiators.
Following
the current market trend for designer style radiators, Stelrad has a new
range available from the UK's national bathroom distributor - Ideal Bathrooms.
Ideal Bathrooms is the only distributor in the UK chosen to stock the
complete new range because the company is so popular with UK bathroom
retailers. Stelrad wanted a partner which would provide the best distribution
service for the new designs, so they researched UK retailers and Ideal
Bathrooms came out as the top choice.
Retailers chose Ideal Bathrooms because of its reliability of service,
excellent stocks and meticulous attention to detail.
There are 10 different types of radiator style within the new range and
some have various style options - so there are many to choose from. Ideal
Bathrooms stock the radiators in White, Chrome, Black and Grey and many
more colours can be specially ordered and delivered in just 14 days.
There are radiators to suit all tastes - Lecco is a simple classic bar
on bar towel radiator, Optia is a curved arc shape with integral shelves
and Wave meanders into an interesting feature in any room.
These ultra modern, radiators are available on the normal next day delivery
service and offer designer style to UK retailers without the 'designer
delay', all available from Ideal Bathrooms.
Freephone 0800 634 2600
Geberit
Spares - Fast and Easy
It's
hard to admit when you have just seen a vital washer roll away under the
floorboards into infinity, or you think you might have thrown away that
essential part with the packaging and instructions!
It
will be less of a problem now with Geberit sanitary system products, because
a new direct spares service has been introduced to help all types of customers
- anyone in need of a spare part.
Anyone can order from the 01622 795286 spares hotline with a Mastercard,
Visa and Maestro/Solo credit and debit card. Normal postage or a next
day delivery can be guaranteed if the order is received before 2pm.
This service is for all parts within Geberit's sanitary system products,
which includes Duofix frames, taps, wastes, traps, cistern fittings etc.
Retailers and Builders Merchants can give the phone number confidently
to installers, consumers and DIYers knowing that a good service will be
received. Trained Geberit personnel will be answering the phone to help
identify the parts needed and will provide a good, positive service.
Hansgrohe
Revenues Up 7% in First Half of 2005
The
Hansgrohe Group once again saw increased revenues in the first half of
2005. The provider of plumbing appliance products and state-of-the-art,
design-oriented bathroom solutions headquartered in Schiltach, the Black
Forest, generated net revenues of Euro 231.3 million from January to June.
In comparison to the previous year this reflects an increase of seven
percent (adjusted for currency differences: eight percent). Last year,
the company, originally founded in 1901, achieved record revenues of Euro
428.1 million (2003: Euro 368.9 million).
The Hansgrohe AG Executive Board considers the fact that the internationally
operating company was able to increase both domestic as well as foreign
business in the first six months of the current year to be an affirmation
of its growth strategy. ‘It just goes to show,’ sums up Deputy
Chairman and CFO Siegfried Gaensslen, ‘that for one thing, innovative,
quality products that bring true added value to the user also bring market
successes. And something else that ensures growth – fast-paced innovation
resulting from the continuous optimisation of production and business
processes. To this end, we invest in research and development, but also
in measures that help us to become more productive and more efficient,
in short, measures that help us to economise over the long term.’
In this way, despite higher raw materials prices and the persistent strength
of the Euro, the company was able to hold earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of some Euro 40.4 million at roughly
the same level as the previous year.
Growth opportunities taken
As in the previous year, business in the first half of 2005 developed
more dynamically outside of Germany than in the domestic market. With
an export rate of 75 percent, turnover volume generated abroad increased
by nine percent over that of the same period of the previous year. The
company took it as a particularly good sign that in most European markets,
increases were in the double digits, and determinedly took advantage of
growth opportunities in emerging markets outside of Europe. Contrary to
the industry trend, turnover also increased within Germany in the first
six months of the year. After a difficult first quarter – as expected
in advance of the ISH, the world’s largest plumbing appliances trade
fair – the subsidiary German sales organisation once again generated
an increase of two percent in the shrinking domestic market, and so further
expanded its market share in Germany. Performance in the second quarter
has provided good cause to hope that domestic growth will also continue
to gain momentum.
The Raindance shower line and the Hansgrohe fittings lines Talis, Metris,
and Metropol, as well as primarily the designer collections Axor Starck
and Axor Citterio in the luxury segment were largely responsible for increases
in turnover at both the international as well as the national level. Growing
significance for the market success of the Hansgrohe Group can be attributed
to its international project business. Examples that bear this out are
contracts for the facilities at major hotels such as the Maritim in Berlin
and the Hilton in Vienna, the International Financial Centre in Dubai,
and the over 200-meter-tall residential tower ‘The Arch’ in
Hong Kong with some 2,000 bathrooms.
Jobs creator in Germany and abroad
Thanks to the continuing positive business trend in the first half of
2005, the company once again created new jobs both in Germany and abroad.
Following growth of somewhat more than three percent at the Hansgrohe
Group’s German facilities in 2004, the organisation recorded yet
another increase from January through June of just under 3.5 percent.
All in all, the plumbing and bathroom specialist employed a workforce
of 1,627 in Germany as of June 30th, 2005 (December 31, 2004: 1,573).
Added to this are another 105 trainees as well as 34 part-time workers
and interns. As of the June cutoff date, 2,737 employees worked for the
Hansgrohe Group and its subsidiaries worldwide (December 31st, 2004: 2,672).
According to head of finance Siegfried Gaensslen, a good 100 positions
more worldwide – a quarter of those in Germany – should be created
by the end of the year in the wake of continuing revenue growth. This
is because – and CEO Klaus Grohe agrees – ‘As a company
with surpassing innovative capacity, which through its technological leadership,
exceptional design skill, high level of production flexibility, and customer-oriented
quality service – in short, a company that gets ahead thanks to its
quality workmanship in the best sense of the word – we couldn’t
manage without exceedingly well-skilled and dedicated employees.’
Web: http://www.hansgrohe.com
Homag
U.K. will stage another of its popular open house events from October
11 - 13.
With
its extensive showroom and demonstration bay as well as the training and
service facilities, customers have found these events to be a good way
to see high quality demonstrations in a working environment.
Homag U.K.'s exhibitions have as much come to be known for their professionalism
as well as the warm and informal atmosphere and superb hospitality.
On this occasion machines on display will include a range of Brandt single-sided
edgebanders from both the 300 and 600 series and a Homag KL310 edgebander.
Martin classical machines will include the high specification T26 spindle
moulder, the T45 planer thicknesser, the T73 sliding table panel saw and
the new and very high specification T92 throughfeed moulder. Two beam
saw models from Holzma will be the HPL 380 rear feed saw and the compact,
high spec and entry level Hpp250. CNC machining centres from Weeke will
be the affordable Venture 1 and the flexible Venture 3 while Homag's BOF
311 CNC router will display its solid wood processing capabilities. Also
on display will be a flexibly configured wide belt sander from Bütfering.
Anyone wishing to attend or requiring further information should contact
Sylvia Smith on (Fax) 01332 856400 or (email) mailto:sylvia.smith@homag-uk.co.uk.
Maytag
Announces Board Resignation
Maytag
Corporation announced on 31st August that Lester Crown, 80, Maytag Board
Member since 1989, has resigned from the company's Board of Directors,
effective August 30th, 2005. Mr. Crown resigned to fulfill other professional
and personal obligations.
'I would like to thank Lester Crown for his many contributions to Maytag's
Board of Directors and to the company's shareholders during the last 16
years,' said Ralph Hake, Maytag's Chairman and CEO. 'We appreciate his
support and commitment to the company throughout his tenure.'
Lester Crown, who currently serves as Chairman of Material Service Corporation,
said, 'I have enjoyed the opportunity to be part of Maytag's board and
to work with its directors and management in service to shareholders.
However, now that we have reached a merger agreement, I have fulfilled
my obligation to the shareholders and believe it is time for me to concentrate
on other commitments.'
Mr. Crown's current term would have expired in 2006. The Maytag Board
now has 10 members, all of whom are independent, except for Mr. Hake who
also serves as its chief executive officer.
Westye
Group Invites European Delegates to Visit the Sub-Zero/Wolf U.S. HQ
Westye
Group Europe Ltd, sole UK and European distributor of luxury American
appliance brands Sub-Zero Refrigeration and Wolf Cooking Instruments,
invited a select group of European delegates to visit the Sub-Zero &
Wolf headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, for a four day intensive training
session, early in September.
The twenty-eight strong group leaves Heathrow on Saturday 10th September.
The group includes representatives from top-end kitchen design companies
Arclinea Brussels, Living in Style, Interiors of Harrogate, C & F
Quadrant, Brandreth Interiors, Alternative Plans as well as Boffi Cannes
and Lyon. The delegates are heading first for Chicago where they will
have a day to savour the delights of ‘the windy city’ before
moving on to Sub-Zero's cutting edge H.Q, - the Westye F. Bakke Center
in Madison, Wisconsin for four days of intensive training.
Delegates will have the opportunity to see the Westye development labs;
they will also have a tour of the manufacturing plant where Sub-Zero and
Wolf appliances are meticulously hand-built. More than 90% of the components
are manufactured in-house, each appliance is rigorously tested and all
diagnostic results are kept on record for future reference.
There will be a series of in-depth product lectures, films and discussion
sessions allowing delegates to exchange views and ideas with key Sub-Zero
U.S. management as well as key members of the Westye Group Europe team.
Delegates will also have the chance to enjoy creating their own dishes
during a 'hands-on' cookery session in one of the three cutting-edge Sub-Zero
and Wolf demonstration kitchens. Best of all, delegates will be treated
to three sumptuous meals a day created by Sub-Zero's in-house team of
superb chefs, headed by the irrepressible 'Chef Eric'.
It was the dynamism and foresight of Westye F. Bakke, who recognising
the potential for refrigeration in post-war USA, started the Sub-Zero
Freezer Company in 1945 from his garage in Madison, Wisconsin. From these
humble beginnings has grown Sub-Zero/Wolf which is still 3rd generation
family-owned, with Jim Bakke as the incumbent US President. Today the
company comprises 450 employees worldwide with an annual turnover of £900
million.
Craig Davies, President of Westye Group Europe shares the Bakke vision
and enthusiasm for the Sub-Zero and Wolf products. He comments, ‘I
am delighted that this group of industry professionals has committed to
visit the Sub-Zero/Wolf H.Q. in Wisconsin. I am convinced that they will
find this intensive training session both rewarding and very exciting.
It is a great opportunity to more fully understand the unique design and
manufacturing process that goes into these world-class products.’
Tel: +44 (0)208 418 3800
Email: mailto:info@sub-zero.eu.com
Web: http://www.sub-zero.eu.com
Homestyle
Group Decrease Losses for the 52 Weeks to 30th April 2005
Homestyle
is a multi-site retailer operating across the UK and specialising in furniture
retailing through its Fumiture Division (177 Harveys stores) and its Beds
Division (436 outlets across Bensons, Sleepmasters and Bed Shed Brands).
Financial Performance
• Turnover from continuing businesses up 20% at £453.6 million
(2004 - 53 weeks: £379.5 million)
• Profit before interest, exceptional items and goodwill amortisation
of £15.6 million (2004 - 53 weeks: £18.3 million)
• Exceptional items of £38.8 million (2004: £110.0 million)
• Loss on ordinary activities before tax of £32.3 million (2004
- 53 weeks: loss of £107.8 million)
• Adjusted EPS* of 11.3p (2004: 12.4p)
• Bed Division continues to perfom well
• Furniture Division stabilised with good medium term potential
• Trading performance has been severely constrained by re-financing
issues
Refinancing and benefits
• Group's primary focus to reduce indebtedness has been achieved
in June 2005 through a £100 million share placing underwritten by
Steinhoff Europe AG
• HM Customs and Excise claim satisfactorily resolved
• Strong financial position now gives Homestyle solid foundation
to achieve long term growth
• Commercial opportunities in product sourcing and innovation to
be developed through relationship with Steinhoff
Board Structure
• David Brock is standing down as Chairman following completion of
the refinancing
• Donald Macpherson, Senior Non-Executive Director, to act as lnterim
Chairman - a new independent Non-Executive Chairman to be appointed
• lan Topping appointed as Chief Executive
• Ron Spinney retires as Non-Executive Director and Rian du Plessis
appointed
• Markus Jooste and Jan van der Merwe appointed as Steinhoff Non-Executive
Directors
Commenting on the outlook for the Group, Donald Macpherson, lnterim Chairman,
said :
'The recent refinancing has enabled us to keep the Group intact, eliminate
debt, improve our competitiveness, settle our outstanding dispute with
HM Customs and Excise and begin to realise commercial benefits from our
strategic partnership with Steinhoff lnternational Holdings. The business
now has a strong balance sheet enabling management to focus on the development
of our retail operations. However, as has been recently widely publicised,
trading in our home related markets has been highly competitive and consumer
confidence weak.'
*Adjusted for goodwill amortisation and exceptional items
Orama's
Worksurfaces are so Hardwearing - It's Child's Play
Bumpi's
Big Adventure, a children's indoor adventure play facility, has chosen
an Orama Maia worksurface for its reception as it's hardwearing, durable
and stylish. Orama, the independent manufacturer of work surfaces and
associated decorative products launched the Maia range of solid worksurfaces
in December and offers a selection of modern colours suitable for a variety
of applications, not just kitchens.
Bumpi's
Big Adventure became aware of Maia through kitchen retailer Divine Innovations.
The children's indoor adventure facility was specifically looking for
a solid surface due to its hard-wearing properties and refurbishability.
Divine Innovations recommended Maia to Bumpi's Big Adventure as they had
been very impressed with the product and thought it would be suitable
for this application.
Owners Gavin Cox and Adrian Phillips have done a complete re-fit of the
building which houses the new Bumpi's Big Adventure on the Meridien Leisure
Park in Leicester. This is the second Bumpi's Big Adventure facility,
with the original site at Derby. Cox and Phillips have planned to develop
facilities in three locations within three years, the Leicester site being
the second of these.
Gavin Cox, director of Bumpi's Big Adventure comments: ‘We are very
pleased with our Maia worksurface as it is perfect for our busy reception
area. The expert fitting team from Divine Innovations has rounded all
edges to ensure there are no sharp corners which could be hazardous to
children and we are thrilled with the overall result. The Maia Lava fitted
in perfectly with the rest of the decor in the reception area.’
The Maia range is made from the finest materials, is highly durable and
has a smooth tactile finish. It is impenetrable to dirt, dust and bacteria
which made it a good choice for Bumpi's Big Adventure reception. It is
easy to clean and maintain and scratches can simply be polished away.
Another benefit of the Maia range is that if it does sustain damage, the
surface can be regenerated and refurbished to look like new. Bumpi's Big
Adventure chose their Maia worksurface in grey Lava, but the range is
also available cappuccino (warm, light brown), vulcano (black), corallo
(rose), cream and vanilla.
Orama offers high quality durable decorative panels and worksurfaces.
Established for many years, the Company holds ISO 9001 certification and
the Furniture Industry Research Association Gold Award for product performance.
Orama is a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist
Association). All Orama's chipboard and solid timber products are sourced
from 'responsibly managed' forests.
For more information about Orama worksurfaces, please contact Orama directly
on: 01773 520560 or visit the website on http://www.orama.co.uk.
To contact Divine Innovations, phone 0116 247 7015 or visit http://www.divineinnovations.co.uk.
Bumpi's Big Adventure can be contacted on 01162 825 822 or visit http://www.bumpi.co.uk.
Two
versatile adhesives, manufactured by Tamworth based Instarmac Group plc,
have assisted the speedy and successful installation of large format ceramic
tiles at a trendy new fish and chip bar, being built as part of the new
development at Dickens Heath, Solihull.
Dickens
Heath is fast developing into one of the foremost and innovative village
projects the UK. During the past ten years the hamlet has been transformed
from a very diminutive and quiet parish, into one that is now very popular.
As well as the new fish and chip bar, a number of other new developments
are happening in the locality, which despite being much sought after,
is still managing to retain its original charm and character.
The finish to the floors and walls of the new fish and chip bar were required
to a very high standard. In addition, contractor Ceramic Tile Supplies
of Stirchley, Birmingham, had to work to a tight deadline. Since the tiles
selected for the shop fitting were very large, their size and weight demanded
adhesives with the capability of providing high initial grab in order
to prevent slippage.
The large format ceramic tiles chosen for the wall areas were fixed using
UltraProStick HG, a ready mixed acrylic wall tile adhesive for interior
use. Its properties make it suitable for fixing ceramic, glass and mosaic
tiles to most building substrates. UltraProStick HG is specifically formulated
to have 'high grab', non-slip qualities, which allow the speedy application
of large format tiles. Once the wall tiles were in place, UltraProRapid
RS, a rapid set high strength wall and floor tile adhesive was used to
fix the porcelain floor tiles. This versatile adhesive fixes natural stone,
porcelain and ceramic tiles and is suitable for applications where exceptional
bond strength and rapid setting are essential.
Tel: 01827 872244
Email: mailto:email@instarmac.co.uk
Web: http://www.instarmac.co.uk
NKBA
Chief Executive Officer Named
The
National Kitchen & Bath Association has named its new Chief Executive
Officer. After an extensive interview process by an executive search committee,
Michael Kelly was offered the position of CEO for the National Kitchen
& Bath Association.
Kelly holds a MBA in Marketing and International Finance as well as a
Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major in Management and Computer
Science. Most recently, Kelly was President and CEO of General Wire &
Stamping Co., Inc. in Randolph, N.J. In his previous position, Kelly
was responsible for a staff of more than 50 employees as well as the implementation
of marketing programmes, the management of strategic planning and budgeting
and leadership of finance, marketing and sales, purchasing, administrative
and IT departments. Kelly lives in NJ with his wife Linda and their
children, Melissa, Matthew and Connor.
Under Kelly's leadership, the NKBA will continue offering services in
certification, education, marketing and addressing legislation to benefit
its membership, the industry and the public.
NKBA is a non-profit trade association that has educated and led the kitchen
and bath industry for more than 40 years. With nearly 30,000 members and
growing at more than 6 percent this year, NKBA's mission is to enhance
member success and excellence by promoting professionalism and ethical
business practices, and providing leadership and direction for the kitchen
and bathroom industry.
Web: http://www.nkba.org
Far
Less Rain and a Growing Thirst for Water…
… UK Construction Industry must Help Reduce Consumption Now
With
average daily consumption per person at around 150 litres, the UK’s
growing demand for water has been well documented. Although calls for
the introduction of water saving measures have been commonplace, statistics
reveal that the issue is now a matter of urgency. Far less rain is falling
than in previous decades with below average levels recorded in an alarming
18 of the last 23 months.
Reservoirs in the UK are on average only 87% full with the figure as low
as 62% at a regional level. With less fresh water coming in to replenish
existing supplies, the stark reality is that we have to act immediately
to reduce the amount being used.
With this firmly in mind, environmentally friendly manufacturer Thomas
Dudley Limited has stepped up its campaign to increase water conservation,
urging the UK construction industry to begin fitting water-saving products
as standard. Ivan Isherwood, Joint Managing Director at Thomas Dudley
commented 'architects, specifiers, contractors and other professionals
responsible for deciding which products are used in buildings must start
to identify those areas that use most water and specify products that
can help minimise consumption'.
Pro-active measures prevent panic…
As is so often the case, prevention is better than cure. Water-saving
measures such as hose pipe bans do reduce consumption but only start to
do so once there is a shortage. By taking a more pro-active approach,
the construction industry can help to prevent the problem arising.
The
toilet is one of the heaviest users of water and there are an estimated
90 million 9 litre suites in the UK, providing an immense potential for
water savings to be made. The toilet accounts for up to 30% of water used
by a typical household and a far higher proportion in commercial and industrial
applications.
Although water displacement devices such as bricks and plastic bags that
sit inside the cistern can reduce the quantity of water flushed, they
often impair the ability of the WC suite to efficiently remove waste.
Some displacement devices save two or even three litres per flush. However,
it is important to remember that they reduce every flush. The drain line
carry of most sewer pipes in the UK is designed for larger flush volumes.
Putting a displacement device into a six litre cistern could reduce the
flush volume to four or even three litres which could lead to problems
when flushing solids.
Thomas Dudley says that dualflush flushing syphons however are the proven
solution. They provide the ability to save water but still select a full
flush when required. Furthermore, unlike unreliable outlet valves, syphons
cannot leak. In addition, they can be configured to deliver a reduced
flush that complements the WC suite.
Thomas Dudley’s research reveals that a dualflush WC can probably
help a family of four to cut the volume of water used for toilet flushing
by almost a quarter.
As part of the Company’s own water-saving initiative, Thomas Dudley
has added a Duoflush facility to its Dudley Turbo 88 2-part syphon, providing
a syphon with full and reduced flushing capabilities.
The Turbo 88 Duoflush can be fitted into most lever operated cisterns
and will deliver water-saving benefits in low level 9, 7 and 6 litre installations.
The Turbo 88 Duoflush is 6/7/9 litre convertible, WRAS approved and readily
available as a replacement for existing syphons, can be supplied in most
Dudley plastic cisterns and specified as a fitting in many new ceramic
cisterns.
Thomas Dudley manufactures a range of other water-saving products including
traditional and concealed cisterns, flushing valves and electronic flushing
devices. Further details are available at http://www.thomasdudley.co.uk