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Hettich Family Buys Back Company Shares

Furniture component giant Hettich International is back under full family control following the buy-back of 27 per cent of its equity from former investor, Lago Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH & Co.

On 1st January 2006, the German manufacturer of fittings and applications for the furniture and allied trades returned into private ownership.

Chief Executive Anton Hettich said: ‘This is a historic milestone for the business and will enable us to focus all of our efforts on building a range of the best products in the world-wide market place.

‘From now on, we can say that all of our products are once again 100 per cent Hettich. We remain totally committed to our manufacturing roots in Germany and, despite challenging market conditions, look forward to the future with optimism.’

The Hettich group was founded in 1930 as an independent company. It has since grown across 36 countries and has annual turnover of over £350 million. In the UK alone the company's turnover has grown by 30% in the last year.

Andrew Steele, Marketing and Training Manager of Hettich UK makes a
celebratory speech at the anniversary party

The move back into family ownership follows a split between shareholders in 1987. But following the recent buy-back of shares by Dr Andreas Hettich and Rainer Hettich, backed by their father Anton, all of the company's financial stock is now back under one roof.

Anton, Andreas and Rainer own 82 per cent, while the remaining shares are held by other family members Dr Erwin Hettich and Bruno Hettich.

‘This is a very exciting time for the company and we would like to thank all of our customers for their continued loyal commitment and support. For Hettich, it is not just business as usual, but the beginning of a New Year and a new era of opportunities.’

Maytag Stockholders Approve Whirlpool Merger

Maytag Corporation announced on 22nd December that Maytag stockholders approved the proposed merger with Whirlpool Corporation at the Special Meeting held that day. Based on the preliminary vote total announced at the meeting, the merger was approved by 68.5 percent of the shares outstanding and 97.8 percent of those shares voting. The proposal only required an approval of more than 50 percent of the shares outstanding.

Under the merger, Maytag stockholders will be entitled to receive for each share of Maytag common stock, approximately $21 in value, comprised of $10.50 in cash and between 0.1144 and 0.1398 of a share of Whirlpool common stock, depending on the volume weighted average trading prices of Whirlpool common stock during a 20-day trading period ending shortly prior to completion of the merger.

Whirlpool Corporation responded to the announcement by Maytag Corporation that its shareholders have voted to approve the merger agreement with Whirlpool.

'We are very pleased that Maytag’s shareholders have fully endorsed the merger,' said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool’s chairman and CEO. 'The combination of Whirlpool and Maytag will create very substantial benefits for consumers, trade customers and our shareholders. We believe this transaction will result in better products, quality and service, as well as efficiencies, which will enhance our ability to succeed in the increasingly competitive global home-appliance industry.'

The Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice is reviewing the proposed merger. Last month, Whirlpool and Maytag announced that both companies have certified substantial compliance with the Antitrust Division in response to its request for additional information ('second request') and that, in order to facilitate the Antitrust Division’s review, Whirlpool and Maytag have agreed not to close the merger before February 27th, 2006, without the Division’s concurrence, although the Division may request additional time for review.

Whirlpool and Maytag continue to expect the transaction to close as early as the first quarter of 2006, following regulatory clearance.

Lec Gathers Momentum under GDHA Banner

Lec Refrigeration’s domestic business is starting the New Year from a position of strength after ending 2005 with the completion of its move to Glen Dimplex Home Appliances’ head office in Merseyside and a number of appointments to strengthen the sales and marketing team.

In December, Marie Mayor, Dan Lamb, Gary Welsh and Neil Davies joined Vicki Hollings and Robin Floyd in the Prescot based sales team. Their appointment means that Lec is now represented throughout the UK. Reporting into Robin Tillbrook, who joined Lec as business development director in August, the team is already meeting with retailers to share Lec’s vision and plans for its revamped 2006 product range.

The marketing team has also been strengthened with the appointment of Caroline Johnson as cooling product manager and Vicki Yates as brand executive. Both join the Lec team from GDHA’s cooking products division.

In addition, Lec has also now been integrated into GDHA’s award winning customer services operation, with a dedicated team assigned to handling Lec customer queries.

Meanwhile, Lec has introduced a new frost-free fridge freezer in response to consumer demand. The TF3004, an A-class 600mm fridge freezer, fills a gap in Lec’s in-demand frost-free range. With frost-free appliances accounting for 47% of the domestic refrigeration market, the TF3004 is a strategic addition to the Lec range and will provide retailers with a competitive offering for this key market segment.

Business development director, Robin Tillbrook comments:
'Since coming under the GDHA umbrella, the team has been working hard to capitalise on the energy, enthusiasm and capital that has been injected into the Lec business and thanks to the preparations already made, 2006 promises to be a tremendously exciting year for Lec. In April we will be introducing our all-new range of fridges and freezers. This will see Lec providing a family of complementary products which follow a common design ‘signature’ aesthetic and feature the high specifications and features that customers demand.'

Electrolux Announces New UK Brand & Marketing Director

Electrolux has announced the appointment of Andy Mackay to the position of ‘UK Brand & Marketing Director’ for both Electrolux Major Appliances and Electrolux Floorcare, with immediate effect.

Andy Mackay has been Brand & Marketing Director for Electrolux Major Appliances since 2003 and has extensive experience in the management and direction of the Electrolux Brand portfolio across both Indoor and Outdoor Products.

The new appointment of Andy to also head up the UK Electrolux Group Floorcare Brand & Marketing activities signals a major move to focus and invest in the Electrolux brand across all sectors and build upon the strength of Electrolux Brand in the competitive Vacuum Cleaner Market.

Andy will be responsible for all Regional Brand and Marketing Management & Communications Activity, and report to Roger Taylor (Vice President & Managing Director, Major Appliances UK & Ireland) and also to Patrick Le Corre (Vice President of Marketing Floor Care Europe) – as part of the UK Electrolux Floorcare Management Team headed by Nick Munton.

Andy Mackay commented,
'As we seek to leverage the Global Strength of the Electrolux Brand & Portfolio, I am very much looking forward to the challenge – and to working with the teams in both business areas'.

Win a Chrysler Crossfire with Maia from Orama

Visit Maia at KBB 2006, on Orama’s stand p85 hall 17, for a chance to crack the safe to win a new Chrysler Crossfire.
Orama is introducing Maia, the new solid work surface product range at KBB 2006 on 22 – 25 January 2006, at the NEC in Birmingham. Made from the finest materials Maia is aesthetically pleasing, highly durable, has a smooth tactile surface and is heat and stain resistant.

The new Chrysler Crossfire

With the appearance of real stone but without the associated cost or inherent drawbacks, Maia’s solid surface presents many benefits over stone such as its great heat resistance, virtually inconspicuous joints, superior visual appeal and natural tactility. Maia offers a seamless luxurious finish ideal for many applications.

Visitors can try to crack the safe, which is security-locked containing the correct combination, for the chance to win the Chrysler Crossfire.

See Orama at KBB 2006 to view the complete Maia collection, including exciting new range developments. Stand P85, Hall 17.

Grand Designs Live Launches New Event at NEC Birmingham

Following the successful launch of Grand Designs Live 2005 at ExCeL London, Media 10 Limited has announced the launch of Grand Designs Live Birmingham, 6-8 October 2006 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.

Following research of visitors to Grand Designs Live 2005, studies of the TV shows viewing demographics and feedback from readers of Grand Designs magazine, it is clear that there is demand for a second season event further north.

Like its London counterpart, Grand Designs Live Birmingham will be a spectacularly vibrant exhibition following the same sectionlised format.  It will feature a host of celebrities, creative displays and show-stopping features and of course will showcase the UK's leading companies from the design and build sectors.

'Grand Designs Live Birmingham, 6-8 October 2006 - to be a part of it contact us today! 

'To reserve the best stands please contact us by phone on 01992 570030 or mike@media-ten.com'

Grand Designs Live London - ExCeL, 2-4 June 2006
Grand Designs Live Birmingham - NEC, 6-8 October 2006

Web: http://www.granddesignslive.com

Imperial Bathrooms Expands Irish Sales Operation

Bathroom manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms says that it looks set to strengthen its market position in Ireland following the recent appointment of Sam Brown as Sales Manager.

Covering both Northern Ireland and Eire, Sam will be responsible for developing relationships with new and existing retailers and merchants, strengthening the company’s brand-positioning platform ‘Imperial Bathrooms – A Modern Classic, and introducing a portfolio of high quality, handcrafted bathroom products.

Sam will also assume responsibility for supporting customers with an ongoing programme of product and marketing activity that will include new and refreshing Design Guides, display material, ongoing product promotions and extended in store displays.

Having held a series of senior sales and business development positions with a variety of companies – including Keen-M Imports, Lomac Tiles Ltd and Heaton Floors – Sam brings a wealth of experience to the role. His most recent position was with Pilkington’s Tiles where he was Business Manager for the Republic of Ireland.

Commenting on Sam’s appointment, Imperial Bathroom’s Managing Director, Antonio Garrido said: 'The arrival of a new Sales Manager exclusively for Ireland is further testimony to the company’s ambition to expand its operations both here in the UK and overseas. Sam’s career experience and personal enthusiasm will be an invaluable asset to both Imperial’s management team and our growing customer network.'

He added: 'This appointment continues a series of exciting strategic developments for the company, including the creation of our new management team, a new-look comprehensive design guide and web site, an intensive trade and consumer PR and advertising campaign, and a new and improved customer services offering.

'Imperial Bathrooms is renowned for the quality, function and form of its stunning range of bathroom suites, furniture, fixtures, fittings and ancillaries. Covering the spectrum of both traditional and contemporary design styles, all Imperial products are manufactured by skilled specialists and are hand-finished to exacting standards that set the benchmark for quality throughout the bathroom industry.'

Tel: 0870 60 61 62 3
Web: http://www.imperial-bathrooms.com

GE - Official Olympic Worldwide Partner

'2006 will see GE propelled into the spotlight in the UK and Worldwide,’ says the company. GE Appliances UK, the white goods manufacturer, is showcasing a new range of refrigeration styles, and water treatment products at KBB2006.

2006 also sees GE make its mark internationally at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Italy, as one the official Olympic partners.

As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Games, GE is the exclusive provider of a wide range of innovative products and services that are integral to a successful Games. From providing power, lighting, security and modular space solutions at Olympic venues to supplying ultrasound and MRI equipment to help doctors treat athletes.

GE works closely with the Organising Committees, local municipalities and other Olympic Partners to understand their needs and then deliver solutions that only GE can. NBC Universal, a division of GE, is the exclusive U.S. media partner of the Games. The GE and NBC Universal partnerships extend through 2012.

Neil Jaques, UK Marketing Manager, GE Appliances says;
‘2006 is going to be a momentous year for GE, we are delighted to be an official Olympic Sponsor and we are also very proud to launch our brand new collection to the UK, complementing our existing range of market leading refrigeration and wine coolers. Featured is an image of the GE Ice Plaza, located in the centre of Torino, which is a free public skating rink and will be a stunning focal point during the games with daily entertainment for visitors’.

Tel: 0800 731 8657
Web: http://www.geappliances.co.uk

Gorenje+Pininfarina - Better by Design

The Italian design house of Pininfarina which, under the banner of the 'flying horse' of Ferrari, has signed its name to some of the most beautiful motor cars the world has ever seen, is to feature in the growing appliance portfolio of Häfele with some new designs in conjunction with appliance maker Gorenje.

Gorenje Pininfarina products available from Häfele will include a fridge-freezer, single oven, several hobs and an extractor. These new Pininfarina design inspired products feature a combination of fashionable, corrosion free brushed aluminium and sleek fascia design features in black glass. Both construction materials are brought together under the designer's hand of Paolo Pininfarina - seductive, flowing curves with contrasting hard edged materials and colours.

All are precision-built and environmentally friendly - A-energy rated or better - and all meet the technology standards with which the Slovenian maker says it has become synonymous during the past five years. Technology features include touch-sensitive control panels and displays and record and play voice memos and problem alerts - pressing the touch screen itself even turns it transparent, a window to the working interior of the appliance itself.

Touch controls on the new Gorenje-Pininfarina oven allow easy, accurate cooking temperature settings and timing controls - even recordable storage of recipes - and a matching fascia panel is available to disguise a microwave. Three newly designed ceramic hobs, chic in black glass and featuring a slider touch control for heat adjustment, are accompanied by a state-of-the-art induction hob and an aluminium and glass combination gas hob - an auto-sensor on the extractor even detects rising temperature and activates automatically.

A brief story of the respective roles being played by Gorenje functionality and Pininfarina design on the living, working side of kitchen life is told by a short, moving picture website (with spooky musical backing) at: http://www.gorenjepininfarina.com/_en/gorenje.html

Ormerod Expands Trading Relationship with Norwood Interiors

J & J Ormerod PLC, the independent manufacturer of kitchens and bedrooms, has seen an increased commitment to its leading Colonial and new eco kitchen ranges from the successful retailer, Norwood Interiors of Yorkshire. A significant expansion of the number of displays dedicated to J & J Ormerod's ranges is a development of a well established and successful relationship between the two companies.

Norwood Interiors, established for nearly 20 years, has two showrooms in Brighouse and Leeds, West Yorkshire. In a recent refit of the Brighouse showroom, Norwood has committed to eight displays of designs from J & J Ormerod's brand leading Colonial kitchen range. Colonial is an established, high quality kitchen range that includes designs at the leading edge of kitchen trends from solid timber through to the latest ultra high gloss finishes. In keeping with its market position, the Colonial range has a wide range of units and accessories available to allow Norwood to deliver outstanding designs to the most demanding of consumers. Colonial will also be introduced, for the first time, to Norwood's prestigious Leeds showroom.

J & J Ormerod's new eco range is a completely new addition to Norwood's kitchen range offer and will be displayed in both the Leeds and Brighouse showrooms. eco is an entry level kitchen range that delivers quality and design choice at a reasonable price point and will be the focus for Norwood's pro-active direct sales team. With a choice of 12 new door designs and an extensive choice of floor and wall units available, eco will allow Norwood to deliver a high quality product and contemporary design to customers with restricted budgets.

Norwood won the coveted Master Retailer Award for Kitchens, presented at the prestigious Bathroom and Kitchen Industry Awards ceremony in 2005. The award is recognition of a kitchen designer's demonstration of skills and experience in overcoming a problematic kitchen design brief.

Richard Proctor, Sales and Marketing Director of J & J Ormerod commented: ‘I am delighted that Norwood has chosen to increase its commitment to J & J Ormerod's kitchen ranges. The award is recognition of the quality and expertise that Norwood delivers to its customers, the key to its success during the last 20 years. We look forward to building on this achievement together with the extended Colonial ranges and the introduction of eco.’

J&J Ormerod is a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association), a long term member of ASFI (Association of Suppliers to the Furniture Industry) and a supporter of FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association).

J&J Ormerod PLC can be contacted directly on 01706 877877 or alternatively email Natalie Peters on npeters@jjoplc.com

Australian Market Opens Up to UK White Goods Firm Premium Appliance Brands

Warrington based white-goods firm Premium Appliance Brands (PAB) has won a major export contract to supply the leading Australian brand Mistral with a range of built-in ovens and hobs.

The new product portfolio, designed specifically for the Australian market, includes a 58L fanned electric oven and two hobs, one gas and one electric, each available in either a white or stainless steel finish.

This is a major step for the Warrington-based firm as it has achieved worldwide quality recognition, and is making British design accessible to a global market, offering huge growth potential for the company.

Premium Appliance Brands designs and sources unique product ranges for individual trade customers with the aim of helping retailers to increase sales and profit. The company says that it is fast becoming a strong contender in the own-label market, and sees enormous potential for growth in the independent retail sector as well as the large multiple outlets, as the over distributed branded ranges become a less attractive proposition.

Guy Weaver, Managing Director of Premium Appliance Brands, comments, ‘We have a long running partnership with Mistral, which is one of the leading brands in Australia, but up until now we have purely been the UK distributor of Mistral products. This new export contract not only takes our partnership to a completely different level but also opens up a significant new market for Premium Appliance Brands.’

Keller Invests in the Future

Dutch manufacturer, Keller Kitchens has invested 10 million euros in a modernisation of the company's now state-of-the-art 21000m2 factory in Roosendaal. With an extension of the factory floor, new warehouse facilities and advanced machinery, the new-look Keller organisation is focusing on streamlined production, cost efficiency and quality.

The new Homag Tandemline, which incorporates an edge-band machine, is one of only seven worldwide. It is designed to process high gloss, veneer and melamine sides with two types of glue so that the glued joint will always match the front and edge band.

In addition, the ultramodern MOS lacquer line from Giardina (pictured) has been installed. This system applies water-borne coatings to three-dimensional turned components which are then cured by the MOS microwave system. Keller's Roosendaal factory is the first one in the Netherlands, and the fifth factory in the world, which employs this system which, incidentally, fulfils the new environment thermionic norms, which will be active in 2007. This lacquer line, which features spraying robots and the MOS microwave system, provides a high quality end product. Moreover, the advanced lacquer line allows Keller to produce lacquered models also in high gloss.

Peter Bastinck, Keller's Commercial Director, comments, ‘This considerable investment programme is Keller's largest ever. By the middle of 2006, the Keller organisation and production will be so tightly streamlined and efficient that we will be an even more important player in the international kitchen market.’

Tel: 0031 165 594 300
Web: http://www.KellerEurope.com

William Ball Announces Trade Sale

William Ball is offering its existing customers 75% off trade price on selected door fascias while stocks last.

In the New Year all orders placed on the Monza, Pimenta, Lily, Roma, Milano, Tansy, Fern, Bluebell, Comfrey and Pearl ranges will receive this generous discount.

These products are being discontinued to make way for some new product ranges.

Tel: 0800 581107
Web: http://www.wball.co.uk

Home & Gift Revises Show Layout for 2006

Following the success of this year's Home & Gift, exhibitors will benefit from a revised fair layout which will include the following sites: Harrogate International Centre; Cairn Hotel; Design Point marquees; George Hotel; Majestic Hotel; Collectible and General Gift marquees and the Old Swan Hotel and marquee. However, due to planning restrictions the Interiors Accessories marquee will no longer be situated at the Harrogate Ladies College.

As Home & Gift enjoys its 45th successive year in 2006, Clarion Retail continues to improve and develop the show while maintaining and nurturing its relationships with local businesses, institutions and residents. The initial planning application to house a marquee at the Ladies College was withdrawn by Clarion Retail in good faith following a joint decision with the Ladies College and local residents as it was felt that the marquee would prove to be too disruptive to the local residents.

Joanna Carter, Show Director of Home & Gift said, 'Naturally, we are disappointed not to be able to use the playing fields at Harrogate Ladies College but due to planning restrictions and our concern for the impact on local residents, this is not possible. We are looking forward to another busy and successful fair as it continues to attract more exhibitors and visitors every year. Home & Gift makes a considerable financial contribution to the Harrogate economy, and we will continue to work with the Harrogate Borough Council to ensure that the fair remains the most successful event in the Harrogate calendar.'

http://www.homeandgift.co.uk

Creativity in Kitchen Design will be Key in 2006

Innovation will be key in 2006, says Ben Burbidge, managing director of kitchen frontals and accessories manufacturer Burbidge. Rather than manufacturers slowing the pace of development in the current cautious market, Ben believes that the key to success lies in continuing to develop innovative kitchen designs. ‘It's just as important to focus on introducing exciting designs that use new materials, new colours and innovative features in a slow market as in a fast one. People like novelty - and the kitchen buying public is no exception.’

So what can we expect in 2006?

Finishes
According to Ben, red woods such as dark cherry and pale woods such as birch and beech will be less in demand in the coming year, although demand for Oak will remain strong. The emerging trend will be towards darker woods such as American Black Walnut and preferences in terms of wood finishes will be for kitchens to have a natural finish rather than a high sheen or gloss appearance.

Colours
There will be a wider variety of coloured kitchens on the market, with muted blues, greens and natural coloured kitchens sharing space with dramatic black and white designs. Where gloss will not be popular in wooden kitchen designs, it will certainly be more visible within the contemporary coloured kitchens market.

Mix and match
We'll also see a continuation of the mix and match theme that's been occurring over the past couple of years.

Where natural woods have been combined with painted woods; or different woods have been combined with one another - we'll now see natural finish wood kitchens being combined with high gloss frontals. Rather than kitchens having a consistent appearance throughout with one style and one finish 2006 will see more designers mixing different kitchen styles and different finishes to create truly unique kitchen designs.

Styles
While in the classic kitchens category there will continue to be further variations on the shaker style - a style which is fast becoming the 'the most popular design of today', the contemporary kitchens market will see kitchens becoming more slab fronted with clever, unobtrusive and sometimes hidden handles. More kitchen designs will incorporate the use of curves to add interest and there will be further innovative developments with glazed doors. Rather than different styles of glass being used to differentiate designs, this year we will also see different colours of glass being introduced.

‘It's an exciting time to be in the kitchen manufacturing industry,' says Ben Burbidge. ‘While at the moment the market is somewhat subdued, the fact is that consumers are becoming far more adventurous when buying a kitchen. They're interested in new ideas and new features. They want the kitchen to make a style statement in their home, which is enabling designer/manufacturer companies such as Burbidge to be much more creative.’

Burbidge is a UK kitchen frontals and accessories manufacturer. For further information on the company's range of wood, painted, foil wrap and metal frontals and accessories, please visit http://www.burbidge.co.uk or call 024 7667 1600. Burbidge's products can also be viewed in realistic room sets in the company's showroom at its Coventry manufacturing facility. The showroom is open five days a week between 9am and 5pm.

Small Firms Fear the Hand of Big Business

Britain's small businesses see the increasing might of their larger competitors as the most significant challenge to their future, according to new research from Lloyds TSB Business and the SERT team at the Open University. Almost half the nation's small businesses (46 per cent) cited competition from national companies, including the high street chains, as their most pressing concern.

Growing competition from international firms is a particular worry to small businesses in the manufacturing sector, with over half of these (58 per cent) saying they see this trend as a major challenge to their continuing ability to do business.

Another issue which ranks highly on the list of concerns is tax. More than a third (38 per cent) of firms said the rise in 'local taxes' such as business rates are leaving their mark on their business. In addition, more than a third of small firms (36 per cent) shared a concern over the impact labour and skills shortages might have on the running of their businesses, while a similar number (33 per cent) also said they were worried about the rising cost of labour.

Other issues seen as challenges to small businesses were:
* Falling demand (30 per cent)
* Competition from other local businesses (19 per cent)
* Rising crime (9 per cent)
* Declining urban infrastructure (7 per cent)

Stephen Pegge, head of Communications, Lloyds TSB Business, said: ‘It is clear that small businesses are facing the double whammy of big business competition in their traditional local markets and in the national and international markets they are seeking to develop.

‘In facing up to the many challenges for small businesses, having the right locally based support is essential. Our research shows small firms have a strong appetite for local support through membership to local business networks and access to local business bankers - and it is these services that we are providing to our customers’.