Eleven
Regional Offices to Close as Wolseley Consolidates Head Office into Two
UK Centres
Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing,
heating and building materials products, announces the consolidation of
the head office operations of its UK business, Wolseley UK. Wolseley
UK plans to consolidate its offices into two UK centres. The company will
retain its Ripon office in North Yorkshire and open a new, purpose-built
headquarters near Warwick.
The new HQ will house, amongst other functions, the strategic and executive
leadership team, brand management, marketing, fleet and human resources.
It is expected that staff will start to move to Warwick over the next
eighteen months.
As part of the consolidation, eleven regional offices are planned to close.
Employees in those offices will be offered the opportunity to relocate
to one of the two new centres.
None of Wolseley UK's 1,400 branches will be affected by the head office
changes nor its five distribution centres in the UK.
At the present time the estimated net cost of the relocation, after offsetting
the expected profit from the sale of surplus land and buildings, is around
£7 million. This will be incurred during the current and the next
financial year. The actual cost and the timing thereof, will depend upon
the outcome of consultation with staff, which will commence immediately.
It is anticipated that annual net cost savings of around £3.5 million
per annum will be achieved during the year ending 31 July 2006 and each
year thereafter.
Wolseley UK's Managing Director Adrian Barden said, 'We recently announced
the streamlining of our operations into seven specialist brands under
the umbrella of Wolseley UK. To underpin this new unified business structure
we need a more centralised and cohesive office set-up. The move to Warwick
signals the next important stage in our development. It enables us to
integrate the business and gain greater focus and synergy to support our
continued growth plans, providing significant opportunities for people
wishing to develop their careers within Wolseley UK'.
Merloni
First Quarter Sales up 3.9%, Operating Margin up 9.2%
Merloni Elettrodomestici growth continues into the first quarter of 2004,
closing with sales up 3.9% and operating margin up 9.2% against the first
quarter of 2003. These results reflect good sales performance in all markets,
innovative products that offset falling prices across the market and tighter
cost control. In the first quarter, which is normally a flat season, the
Company launched new Indesit, Ariston and Hotpoint ranges, the benefits
of which are expected in the second half of the year.
Key
figures for first quarter 2004
Sales, at Euro 730m, are up 3.9% on the first quarter of 2003 (Euro 703m).
Growth in terms of volume was 5.5%, with demand in Europe growing by 5%.
Gross operating margin, at Euro 83m, is up 6.3% on the first quarter of
2003 (Euro 78m). Over sales, this figure is 11.4%, against 11.1% for the
same period in 2003.
The operating margin rose to Euro 46m, up 9.2% on the first quarter of
2003 (Euro 42m). Over sales, this margin reached 6.3% against 6% in the
same period in 2003.
Profit before tax was Euro 38m, up 4.9% on the first quarter of 2003 (Euro
36m).
Net financial indebtedness at the end of the first quarter stood at Euro
337m (Euro 292m first quarter 2003). Gearing moved from 66.5% at 31st
March 2003 to 63.7% at 31st March 2004.
In the course of disclosures to press agencies regarding the meeting of
the Board of Directors in Fabriano, CEO Andrea Guerra announced that the
Company was expecting to close 2004 with sales up 5% on 2003 and EBIT
also up on 2003.
A More Independent Board
Innocenzo Cipolletta, Adriano De Maio and Mario Greco have joined the
Board of Directors of Merloni Elettrodomestici, bringing the number of
independent directors to eight.
'This decision will mean even more transparency in the workings of our
Company, - said Vittorio Merloni. "The competencies and rigor of
persons of this calibre, coming from industry and the academic and finance
communities, will further strengthen our corporate governance system'.
The new Board, chaired by Vittorio Merloni, now includes eight independent
directors (against seven in the previous Board) out of 13, namely: Innocenzo
Cipolletta, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Adriano De Maio, Andrea Guerra,
Alberto Fresco, Mario Greco, Carl H. Hahn, Hugh Malim, Andrea Merloni,
Antonella Merloni, Ester Merloni, Roberto Ruozi.
Innocenzo Cipolletta is Chairman of UBS Corporate Finance Italia and President
of the University of Trento. Adriano De Maio is Rector of Luiss Guido
Carli. Mario Greco is CEO and General manager of Ras. Luca Cordero di
Montezemolo, who was recently made Chairman of Confindustria, has nonetheless
confirmed his commitment as a director of Merloni Elettrodomestici.
Luca Cordero di Montezemolo and Adriano De Maio also sit on the new Innovation
and Technology Committee formed on 23rd March to direct Company strategy
and investments to develop the level of innovation in the enterprise.
Alno
Appoints Three New Specialist Kitchen Showrooms, Bringing Total to 38
Alno has appointed three new specialist showrooms, bringing the total
number of Alno outlets to thirty eight plus John Lewis Partnership department
stores. Bradbury's of Exeter displays exclusively Alno kitchens and is
located on Exeter's Matford Park. Sixteen kitchens demonstrate a wide
span of Alno designs and incorporates the latest labour saving accessories.
Proprietor is Andy Bradbury and he expects to attract homeowners from
a wide area, being the only Alno specialist in the region and the most
exclusive showroom in Devon and Cornwall. His official opening on March
18th attracted over 200 guests including TV/radio presenter, Judy Spiers.
Canapes were prepared by celebrity chef, Michael Caines and a local jazz
band entertained until the small hours.
This new showroom is in addition to Bradbury's Torquay studio opened two
years ago. Brian Stewart of Design House, Belfast has a contemporary twist
to his Boucher Centre showroom with the addition of five displays, bringing
fine German kitchens to this part of Northern Ireland.
An ambitious new opening is Ron Potts‚ second Norwood Interiors outlet.
This one is at Leeds‚ Abbey Retail Park and Alno's kitchens occupy
most of the first floor in an impressive contemporary display that truly
demonstrates the abilities of Norwood‚s designers.
Further space in Norwood's building has been converted for administrative
use and well equipped training/meeting rooms. Norwood Interiors kindly
made one such room available for the northern Alno specialists conference
recently.
Managing director of Alno (U.K.) Ltd. John Kinder is delighted to welcome
these three major showrooms to Alno. 'The high quality, design ingenuity
and range flexibility of Alno kitchens makes them a superior choice for
the serious kitchen specialist. Bradbury's, Design House and Norwood Interiors
have displayed Alno to great effect, demonstrating the benefits while
uniquely styling the displays to suit their own particular client base.'
For further information, contact John Kinder on 0208 744 8909 or john.kinder@alno.co.uk
http://www.alno.co.uk
Masco
Corporation Reports Record First Quarter and Increases Earnings Guidance
for 2004
Masco
Corporation has reported net sales from continuing operations for the
first quarter ended March 31st, 2004 increased 19 percent to a first quarter
record $2.8 billion compared with $2.4 billion for the first quarter of
2003. Income from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2004
was $241 million compared with $158 million in the first quarter of 2003.
Earnings from continuing operations increased to a first quarter record
$.52 per common share compared with $.30 per common share for the 2003
first quarter.
Results for the first quarter 2004 and 2003 include income related to
adjustments of the Behr litigation accrual of $.03 and $.02 per common
share, after tax, respectively, and incremental income from financial
investments of $.03 per common share, after tax compared with first quarter
2003.
The Company previously announced the planned disposition of several European
businesses that are not core to the Company's long-term growth strategy.
These businesses had combined 2003 net sales in excess of $350 million
and the Company expects net proceeds from the dispositions to exceed $300
million. The dispositions are expected to be completed within the next
twelve months. First quarter 2004 results include an after-tax charge
aggregating $76 million ($.16 per common share) to reflect those businesses
that are expected to be divested at a loss, and after-tax income from
their operations of approximately $4 million, both of which are included
in discontinued operations.
Any gains resulting from the disposition of individual businesses, which
are expected later this year, will be recognised as such transactions
are completed and are expected to substantially offset the first quarter
2004 charge. Including these discontinued operations and the anticipated
loss on the disposition of certain of these businesses, net income for
the quarter increased to $168 million compared with $166 million for the
2003 first quarter; earnings increased to $.36 per common share compared
with $.32 per common share for the 2003 first quarter.
The Company's strong first quarter performance, including 19 percent organic
sales growth, benefited from market share gains, new products and positive
economic conditions impacting new home construction and home improvement
markets. First quarter 2003 operating performance was negatively impacted
by adverse weather conditions which reduced demand for certain of the
Company's products.
The Company continues to experience better than expected sales performance
so far in 2004, and, based on current business trends, believes that it
will achieve record sales and earnings for 2004 with full-year earnings
from continuing operations in a range of $2.00 to $2.10 per common share.
The new earnings guidance represents an increase from the previous guidance
of $1.80 to $1.90 per common share. This year's new earnings guidance
includes the benefit of recent common share repurchases and reflects increases
in certain operating expenses, including such items as energy, insurance
and certain material and freight costs, and excludes first quarter income
related to the Behr litigation and the charge for businesses to be divested.
The earnings projection does not reflect any potential additional income
related to the Behr litigation for the remainder of 2004, as such amounts
cannot be predicted.
Based on current business trends, the Company anticipates that second
quarter 2004 earnings from continuing operations will be in a range of
$.50 to $.53 per common share compared with second quarter 2003 earnings
of $.44 per common share.
Arrow
and Kermi get Straight to the Point
Having
established a reputation for providing a high level of service Arrow has
decided to strengthen its Shower Enclosure programme and has teamed up
with Kermi UK in a quality based partnership supplying and fitting Kermi’s
full range of products. Kermi products will be displayed in the new showroom
facility at Arrow’s head office in Worcester.
The Sales Teams will work closely together offering technical competence
upfront to establish the best specification. For its part Kermi will underpin
service levels with its scheduling service. This service oils the wheels
of getting there on time and will put Arrow in an off the shelf stock
position married to the developers build programme and todays needs for
sound supply chain management.
Commenting on the new approach Mike Barnes Managing Director of Arrow
stated:
‘Both companies have proven records with housebuilders and both share
the view that the trend is increasingly for well engineered design, recognisable
product quality and a service level that brings with it a trouble free
fitting service.
'Together we meet all the criteria and the streamlined all in service
will remove one of the developers long standing headaches. Arrow and Kermi
are getting straight to the point !’
Pictured at Kermi’s Training Centre at Corby are the Directors and
Sales Executives of Arrow Distributors Ltd of Worcester with their counterparts
from Kermi UK.
Arrow Distributors Ltd.
Tel: 01905 363000
Web: http://www.arrow-distributors.co.uk
Kermi (UK) Ltd.
Tel: 01536 446609
Email: mailto:info@kermi.co.uk
BC
Partners May Soon Choose Buyer for Grohe
Buyout firm BC Partners may decide soon on a bidder for Grohe, the bathroom
fixture maker which has been valued at up to 2.0 billion euros ($2.36
billion). BC Partners got final bids for the German business in March
from Bain Capital, CVC and a joint bid from Texas Pacific Group and the
private equity arm of Credit Suisse, sources said.
The sellers hope to progress on their sale plans, possibly by going into
exclusive talks, by next week in the hope of announcing a deal when Grohe
publishes results early in May.
The appetite shown by buyout firms for the business makes it less likely
Grohe will proceed with an initial public offering, which Deutsche Bank
was helping to plan.
East
Coast Fittings are North, West and South
One
of Britain’s emerging suppliers of fittings and components to the
furniture industry held its first sales meeting in the new facility at
Gaddesby near Rearsby in Leicestershire to advance a nationwide strategy
for the future.
East Coast Fittings holds a large portfolio of quality products ranging
from doors, carcasses, handles and accessories … to advanced storage
solutions in wirework, the full range of Blum products, lighting technology
from Hera and much more. The company says that its design, manufacturing
and R&D capability invites customised products and solutions.
East
Coast Fittings Sales Director, Glen Coleman (right) and National Key Accounts
Manager, Terry Robertson (left) flank their experienced sales team who
cover the whole country.
Sales Director Glen Coleman says: ‘With the new facility – including
a purpose-built demonstration, design and training centre – our trained
sales staff are ideally equipped to help their customers benefit from
international advances in fittings and components technology.’
Nine permanent sales staff gathered at the new facility representing territories
from Yorkshire down to Dorset and including South Wales, the West Midlands,
and Norfolk. They were joined by Key Accounts Manager Terry Robertson
who supports all areas and by Glen Coleman himself who will assist the
team at any level in any part of the UK or Ireland. A national Sales Manager
is presently being recruited.
East Coast Fittings’ new location, not far from the middle (J21A)
of the M1 motorway, is ideally central to service the furniture manufacturing
industry. As an additional benefit to customers in the south and west
a fully operational and permanent satellite distribution centre operates
out of Swindon.
East Coast Fittings says that it now supplies British and Irish customers
across the entire spectrum – from high volume manufacturers to small
outfits operating on a bespoke basis with equal quality of product and
service.
Tel: 01664 42428
John
Sydney Goes to the Top at the Hyatt Regency
John
Sydney has reached the top at the luxurious four star Hyatt Regency Birmingham
hotel. The company has supplied its prestigious range of Elite basin mixers
and shower equipment, which have been fitted into the opulent Presidential,
Executive and Junior Suites at the hotel in a major refurbishment project.
The Elite range is made from solid brass and is supplied with the ten
year John Sydney guarantee.
The Hyatt Regency has a canal side location in the heart of the city of
Birmingham and has the largest conference facilities for events and conferences
in the area. The 319 room hotel is renowned for its modern and luxurious
décor and John Sydney's Elite range of contemporary, cross head,
bathroom fittings are in keeping with the hotel's style.
John Sydney has supplied both the Elite small basin mixers and the 3 hole
version with swivel spout, 3 hole bath filler and the recently introduced
Rigid Riser Rail plus thermostatic blending valve. The Elite range is
designed to cater for low and high water pressure and is the most popular
design in the John Sydney Collection.
Tel: 01827 304000
Web: http://www.johnsydney.com
Whirlpool
Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend; Four Directors Elected to Board
Whirlpool
Corporation’s board of directors, meeting in regular session on April
20th in Chicago, declared a quarterly dividend of 43 cents per share on
the company’s common stock. The dividend is payable June 15th, 2004,
to holders of common stock at the close of business on May 20th, 2004.
Also on April 20th, at Whirlpool’s annual meeting of shareholders,
four individuals were re-elected to the board. Allan D. Gilmour, Michael
F. Johnston, Janice D. Stoney and David R. Whitwam were returned to the
board for three-year terms, expiring in 2007. Gilmour is Vice Chairman
of Ford Motor Company; Johnston is President and Chief Operating Officer
of Visteon; Stoney is a former Executive Vice President of US West Communications
Group, Inc., and Whitwam is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Whirlpool.
Web: http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com
New
Kohler Bathroom Lavatories Challenge Traditional Uses of Materials to
Create Pieces of Functional Art
Kohler
Co. introduces a new category of Kohler products called Nature’s
Chemistry™ that transform indigenous materials, like metal, glass,
clay and stone, into evocative fixtures for the kitchen and bathroom while
retaining intrinsic properties. Two new additions, Tableau™, a wall-mount
Kohler Cast Iron lavatory, and Twirl™, a vitreous china lavatory,
join popular Nature’s Chemistry products such as Vessels Botticelli™,
Spun Glass™, Ricochet™, Purist™ Marble Wet Surface and
Marble Wading Basin lavatories.
From its introduction of Vessels™ lavatories in the ‘90s to
its growing collection of flat surface lavatories, Kohler continues to
challenge traditional perceptions of what bathroom and kitchen fixtures
should look like. More recently materials have played a role in redefining
the shape, colour and texture of sinks and lavatories, elevating them
to the status of functional art.
'Consumers increasingly want to surround themselves with products that
create an emotional connection and instinctively tie back to nature,'
said Mary Reid, director of advance concept development at Kohler. 'When
one looks at a bath lavatory from the Kohler Nature’s Chemistry offering,
they intuitively know what material it was crafted from and there is a
connection to that material.'
Tableau Lavatory
Craftsmanship
and exotic art come together to create the new Tableau lavatory, an exquisite
example of the versatility of Kohler Cast Iron. The wall-mount lavatory
exhibits graceful curves that contrast dramatically with the simple edges
along the perimeter of the fixture. Like a continuous sheet, the lavatory’s
side edges roll from left and right to a glossy enamelled countertop and
then glide into a hollow bowl to form a basin.
This integrated countertop design provides a streamlined aesthetic, while
wall-mount and tabletop installation options offer enhanced versatility.
Tableau is available in the Kohler Vapour™ colours – light blue,
pink, green, orange and indigo – new translucent colours which all
demonstrate the dramatic effects that colour can achieve on cast iron.
Twirl
Lavatory
Evoking the handcrafted appeal of wheel-thrown pottery, the new Twirl
lavatory reinforces the guiding principles of Nature's Chemistry with
its intriguing bowl surface made possible via the manipulative properties
of clay. Horizontal grooves spinning downward into the lavatory create
a shifting canvas of peaks and valleys. This enables the glaze to pool
and cleave in a random fashion revealing the colour of the clay body beneath
veils of rich colour.
'Consumers connect with products that compel them to touch and run their
fingers across the material,' explained Reid. 'Twirl elicits a similar
emotional response.'
The Twirl lavatory is available in Earthen White and Copper Verde, both
are Kohler colours that offer a translucency that reveals itself perfectly
along the round lavatory's grooved interior.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is
one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States.
Sally
Anderson Ceramics Ltd, the designer of hand painted tiles for swimming
pools, has discovered that wedi Systems Tilebacker Board not only keeps
the company's intricate and beautiful designs securely fixed in place,
but also brings another very significant benefit to its customers which
could cut their pool room heating costs by two thirds.
Reductions
in overall heat loss through using wedi board on swimming pool walls are
reflected in reduced heating costs estimated at between 33% when using
12.5 mm thick board and up to 66% for 50mm thick. For example, if a swimming
pool room costs £10,000 per year to heat, this represents a saving
of between £3330 and £6600 every year for the life of the
building. Sally Anderson Ceramics Ltd had been aware for some time of
the benefits of using wedi Tilebacker Board as a tiling substrate for
its designs through its involvement in the building of pool areas. It
advises its customers on every aspect of tile installation as well as
working closely with clients on the interior design.
Roger Lee, General Manager of Sally Anderson, commented: 'wedi board is
the ideal product for this type of application and offers many benefits.
It does not expand or contract with temperature variations, it's extremely
versatile, quick to fit and, of course, totally water-proof. All these
elements are vital in ensuring our hand painted designs stay firmly in
place throughout the life of the building.'
'However', Roger continued, 'one of the most significant benefits to the
customer is the thermal insulation value of wedi Tilebacker Board which
provides a substantial reduction in heating cost for the swimming pool
room. wedi Tilebacker Board has long been established as providing the
only sure solution to waterproofing and insulation problems for tiled
bathrooms and wet areas, but in no other application does it offer such
a dramatic reduction in heating costs.'
lan Fyfe, Managing Director of wedi, explained; 'This is due to the board
core material which consists of Dow Styrofoam, a heavy density extruded
polystyrene foam. When used in wall and floor linings wedi Board puts
insulation directly behind the tiles, creating a 'rapid thermal response'.
As heat passes through the tile surface it is simply reflected back into
the room.'
Web: http.//www.wedi.co.uk
Ideal
Stelrad Heating System Specified for Bellway Homes Development
Bellway
Homes made full use of Ideal Stelrad’s ‘one-stop-shop’
approach when deciding which type of heating system should be installed
in one of the company's luxury apartment complexes in North Lanarkshire,
Scotland.
By using Ideal Stelrad’s free Design Service for housing developers,
Bellway was able to have a heating plan drawn up which was ‘site
specific’ for The Fairways development in Bothwell.
The plan, which helped Bellway to meet building regulations approvals,
specified a high-efficiency Ideal icos boiler and Stelrad Compact With
Style radiators for each of the 51 apartments on the exclusive development.
The Stelrad Curved Ladder Towel Rail features in the main bathroom, and
Bellway is also giving purchasers the option to upgrade from that model
to a top-of-the-range Stelrad Optia designer radiator.
Bellway Homes Scotland Technical Director Norman Yardley said: 'The Fairways
at Bothwell is a very high quality development and it was crucial that
the boilers and radiators selected would meet those same high standards.
'Ideal
Stelrad’s Design Service paid close attention to site specific details
and gave us a heating plan which met the needs of the development in terms
of the appearance of the boilers and radiators, as well as the overall
efficiency of the system which we wish to provide to our clients.'
The icos modulates its heat output between 30,000 btu/h and 80,000 bth/h
to suit the demands of the heating load. The boiler is 90.2% efficient,
which means that for each £1 of gas delivered to the boiler, 90p
is converted to heat.
Stelrad’s Compact With Style radiator was chosen for the apartments
because it is unobtrusive and has an attractive fine-lined flat surface
which complements the modern finishes within the accommodation. The range
comprises 52 models with outputs from 400 watts to 3,000 watts. Heights
are from 300mm to 600mm and lengths are from 600mm to 2m.
Bellway has completed the first 14 apartments, and the remainder are due
to be available for sale by Autumn 2004.
Stoneham
Invests in Storage System from OHRA
Kent-based
Stoneham kitchens has long had the word 'storage' in its every day vocabulary
- usually associated with the internal fittings and systems designed into
its quality kitchen ranges. Stoneham has come to know the value of using
premium space effectively which is why the company turned to German specialist
OHRA to provide a solution to extend the external storage of its raw materials.
OHRA
offers solutions to storage across a wide range of products and industries.
The company’s systems are customised to individual requirements and
conditions. At Stoneham OHRA has delivered the first ever ‘Rack Clad
Warehouse’ to be constructed in the UK. While this particular design
has been well proven in other countries the installation at Stoneham is
synonymous with the forward thinking ethic of the customer.
The ‘Rack Clad Warehouse’ concept involves the actual racking
systems forming the structure of the building itself which is then appropriately
clad with a weather-proof and durable external ‘skin’. The structure
will be used for the storage of sheet material, mainly MFC and MDF.
OHRA's UK representative Rob Meadows says that the system is highly flexible
and adaptable: ‘It can be added to at any stage and also gives Stoneham
the opportunity to re-locate it if necessary in the future.’
At the same time OHRA also constructed a single-sided row of racking to
the exterior of one of the existing Stoneham buildings. This is weather-proofed
with a 4-piece curtain 20m long, a roof and end panels.
Stoneham MD Adrian Stoneham says that the installation by the team who
travelled from Germany was professional and efficient. The construction
time was rapid and involved minimum disruption to the normal activities
at the site.
Web: http://www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk
Web: http://www.ohra.co.uk
Maytag's
Amana® Brand Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Commercial Microwave
In
1969, restaurants across America forever changed the way they prepared
food for customers. Restaurant owners added a new appliance to their kitchens:
the first Amana® Radarange® commercial microwave. Hailed 35 years
ago as a technological breakthrough, the Amana microwave is now a staple
appliance in foodservice kitchens around the world.
Amana® - a brand owned by the Maytag Corporation - continues its tradition
of innovation by designing commercial microwave ovens to keep pace with
the ever-changing foodservice industry and American consumers.
'It's amazing to see the impact the commercial microwave has had on the
foodservice industry,' says Kami Poppen, manager of commercial product
development for Maytag's Amana brand. 'As more restaurants take advantage
of ready-serve options, the microwave is a primary piece of equipment
in today's cooking lines. Under the Amana brand, we're continually looking
at ways we can help simplify chefs' lives while allowing them to quickly
prepare their signature menu items.'
From 1969 to 2004: The Evolution of the Amana® Commercial Microwave
Oven
'It's only fitting that Amana led the way for the commercial microwave
industry. Amana also introduced the world's first household microwave
oven, the Amana® Radarange®, in August 1967.' says the company.
Two years later, the first Amana Radarange® commercial microwave oven
featured a 115-volt current and only two buttons: 'start' and 'light.'
It also included two control knobs, one for cooking times up to five minutes,
and the other for longer cooking times up to 25 minutes.
Now celebrating their 35th anniversary, Amana commercial microwaves feature
up to 3,000 watts of power, 11 power levels, a 100-programme memory, and
four cooking stages to prepare food with the push of a button.
Recent innovations further accelerate the cooking process. The Amana®
Convection Express™ oven combines microwave energy with convection
heat to bake foods twice as fast as traditional ovens - allowing restaurants
to quickly serve up oven-quality food. Heavy-duty models feature stainless
steel inside and out for outstanding durability and easy cleaning.
Portable, efficient, safe and economical, few restaurant owners can imagine
life without the microwave oven.
'The introduction of the Amana microwave revolutionised the way restaurants
cooked,' says Audra Rectenbaugh, food application specialist for the Amana
brand. 'Not only did it allow restaurants to cook food quickly, it also
offered incredible flexibility. Imagine if restaurants had to wait for
frozen items to defrost in the refrigerator before serving. They'd lose
out on potential sales and customers. With the commercial microwave, they
can quickly defrost and heat foods so they are ready-to-serve in minutes.'
About Amana®
The Amana brand provides high-speed cooking solutions to the foodservice
industry with a complete line of commercial microwaves, combination ovens
and steamers as well as residential appliances. Amana Commercial Products
is part of the Maytag Specialty Group, a division of Maytag Corporation.
Maytag Corporation is a producer of home and commercial appliances with
12 manufacturing facilities in the United States. Its products are sold
to customers in the United States and in international markets. The corporation's
principal brands include Maytag®, Amana®, Jenn-Air®, Jade®,
Hoover® and Dixie-Narco®.
Email: mailto:amanacommercial@amana.com
Web: http://www.amanacommercial.com
Williams
Refrigeration and Falcon Foodservice Announce Strong Global Prospects
for 2004
Williams
Refrigeration and Falcon Foodservice Equipment, both part of the Aga Foodservice
Equipment (AFE) Group, announce a strong global position as the companies
further expand in the global market place in 2004.
Both Williams and Falcon benefit from worldwide manufacturing facilities,
sales offices and distributors ensuring the highest product development
and standards to meet both local market specifications and global quality
standards.
Both Williams and Falcon are driven by their joint philosophy of strengthening
their top position in the international refrigeration and prime cooking
equipment market. Williams provides a wide range of globally suitable
products, backed by local service, performing in extremes of Antarctica
through to the deserts of the Middle East and Falcon’s extensive
product range is currently being developed to appeal to the global marketplace.
Offering global 'know how', Williams Refrigeration and Falcon Foodservice
Equipment benefit from a worldwide network of experienced distributors
and dealers who have extensive product knowledge of the Williams, Falcon,
Victory and Bongard foodservice equipment solutions The Victory brand
and the Northland Group provide refrigeration solutions to the thriving
USA market and the well-known Bongard bakery subsidiary supplying Europe.
As part of the 11-company strong Aga Foodservice Equipment Group, Williams
and Falcon have sales offices worldwide, including the UK, Eire, Dubai,
Hong Kong and Shanghai with an office soon to open in Beijing as well
as Lyon and Strasbourg in France. Sales offices are also located in Benelux,
Italy and Spain, USA and in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in Australia.
The newly opened sales office in Dubai has provided added support to Williams
and Falcon's extensive network of customers, distributors and dealers
in the Middle East market and the expansion reflects a growing demand
for Williams' and Falcon's commercial refrigeration and prime cooking
equipment across the region, driven by the extensive growth in tourism.
Similarly, Williams is seeing steady growth in China, where in Shanghai
a new sales office has been opened to support the established manufacturing
facility and the company will be looking to maximise on vast opportunities
as China expands and prepares to host the Olympic Games in 2008.
Kenny Maguire, International Sales Director, Aga Foodservice Equipment,
explains: 'We have an exceptionally strong global position with a global
manufacturing capability backed-up by local specification and a high standard
of service and support. As we head into 2004 we are building even closer
relationships with our customers and we are supplying more and more refrigeration
and prime cooking equipment solutions to our customers. It's crucial that
we can not only offer superior products to our global customers, but that
we can continue to do this quickly and efficiently.'
Showcasing global capability in 2004, Williams, Falcon Foodservice Equipment
and Bongard will be exhibiting their extensive range of products and services
at trade shows across the globe including Williams, Falcon and Bongard
exhibiting at Gulf Hotel, Dubai, 17-18 May 04, and Falcon exhibiting at
NRA, Chicago 21-26 May 04.
More details on Williams' extensive range of products from commercial
refrigeration to bakery equipment including a wide range of Gastronorm
cabinets and Reach-in and Roll-in Blast Chillers and local distributors
are available on + 44 1553 817 000.
For more information on Falcon's range of Dominator Chargrills and many
other quality performance products, please call Falcon on 01324 554221,
or visit http://www.falconfoodservice.com.
To contact Gerry Coffey at the Williams Refrigeration Dubai sales office
e-mail mailto:gcoffey@williams
dubai.com or telephone, +44 971 4 3921082.