Waterford
Wedgwood Reports Satisfactory 2002 Results, but Takes Drastic Action to
Stop the Rot in 2003
Waterford Wedgwood achieved improved profitability and a very creditable
sales performance despite the on-going economic uncertainties in the key
global markets' says Chairman Sir Anthony O'Reilly.
'All of our core lifestyle brands demonstrated resilience. Operating profits
have grown and the Group continued to reduce debt, with net debt of Euro356.7
million as at 31 March 2003, a Euro33.5 million reduction. Waterford Wedgwood
has succeeded in maintaining its sales performance, through both core
programmes and acquisitions, notwithstanding the poor market conditions
of the past two years. The market environment remains challenging and
the outlook for improvement in trading conditions remains uncertain.
'The trading environment continued to be tough in April and May. During
this period, sales were 10% below last year. Although we anticipate a
difficult first quarter, there are some signs that consumer confidence
is beginning to return in the United States.
'Given the ongoing global uncertainty, the Group has continued to show
resilience but is not immune from the impact. Our current focus is to
maintain our strong market positions and improve operating efficiencies.
The Board's decision to restructure our earthenware businesses and produce
Johnson Brothers' products at substantially lower costs overseas is in
line with this strategy and will yield important benefits in the coming
years. A combination of a competitive cost base, innovative product strategy
and improved capacity utilisation will result in a swift upturn in profitability
when demand grows again.
Total Group sales of Euro951.3 million were 4.6% below at prevailing rates
(2002: Euro997.6 million) and equalled last year at constant exchange
rates, demonstrating the strength of our core brands during difficult
times. Operating profit was ahead at Euro64.2 million (2002: Euro56.5
million). Pre-tax profit before exceptional restructuring costs and goodwill
amortisation was Euro38.9 million, up 24.3% (2002: Euro 31.3 million).
Redmond O'Donoghue, Group Chief Executive Officer, added the following:
'In recent years, the mid-priced earthenware segment of the ceramics market
has become highly competitive. This trend has been exacerbated by deteriorating
economic conditions during the last two years. These circumstances have
led to margin pressure and an imperative to reduce unit costs of Johnson
Brothers' earthenware products significantly. These earthenware products
are currently manufactured in the UK at significantly higher unit costs
than similar products manufactured overseas.
'During the past eighteen months, technical and engineering staff have
worked intensively with carefully chosen ceramics manufacturers in Asia.
Our aim was to mirror the uncompromising Johnson Brothers' quality standards
at out-sourced costs, which will transform margins. The project has been
successfully completed. As a result, it has been decided to relocate Johnson
Brothers' production to dedicated out-sourced plants in Asia. This action,
which complements the many out-sourcing initiatives we have successfully
implemented in the past, will allow the production of Johnson Brothers'
earthenware products at significantly increased margins, and the creation
of new ranges aimed at capturing sizeable incremental volumes.
'Inevitable consequences flow from this significant re-basing of our moderately
priced ceramics business. Sadly, this action will entail the closure of
two factories in Stoke-on-Trent and the regrettable loss of 1,058 jobs.
However, the Group could not continue to sustain the losses which were
occurring at Johnson Brothers.
'These initiatives, when coupled with other actions across the Group,
will result in reduced costs of Euro28.7 million on an ongoing annual
basis for an exceptional restructuring charge of Euro35.7 million in the
financial year 2003 and Euro28.7 million in 2004. The cash element of
the restructuring charge is all incurred in 2004 fiscal year, and has
a one year pay-back.
'Our world-renowned Wedgwood-branded earthenware will continue to be crafted
by Wedgwood in the UK, as it has been for almost 250 years. Currently
manufactured in the two UK factories due for closure, Wedgwood earthenware
will transfer to Wedgwood's existing factory at Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent,
a state-of-the-art facility. This action will achieve further significant
economies and will preserve 275 jobs in England.
'The Group's crystal brands continued their dominance of the world's largest
markets, showing market share gains in the United States, Ireland and
the UK. Sales of Euro314.3 million were 4.6% down at constant rates of
exchange on prior year while operating profits rose 29%, largely reflecting
tight cost control, improved exchange yield from currency management,
and the closure of the Stuart Crystal factory in Stourbridge, England,
which improved Waterford Crystal's capacity utilisation.
'Sales of ceramic products were Euro414.2 million, down by 5.3% at constant
rates of exchange. Profits were reduced to Euro3 million from Euro9.6
million as margins were adversely impacted by competitive activity, unfavourable
mix and unused production capacity. The German market has proved particularly
difficult throughout the fiscal year.
'The launch of Vera Wang at Wedgwood has been a remarkable and rapidly
growing success, and the performance of the Jasper Conran at Wedgwood
range is also making significant contributions to sales. 'Rosenthal meets
Versace', among the Group's highest-priced products, showed strong growth.
'The Johnson Brothers planned sourcing actions and plant closures will
substantially improve ceramics profits in 2004 and 2005 with a cash pay
back in less than one year.
'Premium cookware had an outstanding year with sales up 43.6% and with
profits more than doubled. A range of introductory products met with great
success and the Emeril Lagasse range goes from strength to strength. The
acquisition of Swiss-based Spring has spearheaded the Group's entry into
the European premium cookware market and will contribute to profits this
year.'
AMA
Publishes 6th 'UK Domestic Kitchen Furniture Market' Report
AMA Research has published the sixth edition of the ‘UK Domestic
Kitchen Furniture Market’ report and covers the following product
sectors - Kitchen Furniture, Sinks and Worktops. The report analyses the
overall market, as well as including reviews on product sectors, manufacturers,
suppliers and distribution issues.
The research was carried out using information gained from a number of
sources, including government and official statistics, information from
trade and company literature, primary research with manufacturers/ suppliers,
in conjunction with AMA's experience gained from general research into
kitchen products.
Summary
The Kitchen Furniture market has experienced a modest increase in sales
during the last two years, with lower levels of growth predicted for 2003.
The kitchen furniture market has experienced erratic growth since the
mid 1990s. Following the significant growth experienced in 1997, the market
declined in 1999 largely due to the unfavourable economic conditions at
the time, but recovered steadily in 2000 as consumer confidence and spending
recovered.
The buoyant housing market and the high levels of consumer confidence
have continued to influence the market during 2001 and 2002. Other key
factors include low interest rates, which have continued to support the
high levels of consumer confidence, in addition to the wide range of products
available and the influence of the media.
However, the growth of house prices is unlikely to be sustained with the
market already showing signs of slowing down in early 2003. The global
political and economic situation at present is also likely to dampen consumer
confidence during 2003 and affect the growth of a number of consumer durables.
Consequently, the kitchen furniture market is likely to experience lower
levels of growth in 2003 of around 2% - or around flat in real terms.
In terms of mix, the kitchen furniture market is comprised of furniture,
sinks and worktops. Kitchen furniture is by far the largest sector accounting
for around 80% of the market in value terms, while sinks and worktops
each account for around 10%. Sinks and worktops have both benefited from
product development in recent years, which has boosted average values.
The kitchen furniture market is in the mature stage of its product lifecycle
and is increasingly reliant on replacement purchases. In 2002, replacement
purchases were estimated to account for 58% of sales. This sector is benefiting
from the increased importance of design and style encouraging a higher
level of replacement, in addition to a more experienced and knowledgeable
customer base trading up to higher quality products.
Sinks and worktops are following a similar trend. Trading up by consumers
is boosting this sector, with manufacturers incorporating a wider choice
of materials and accessories. The kitchen sink is now offered with a range
of accessories by an increasing proportion of manufacturers, which enables
the consumer to use the sink as a food preparation area. Interior decor
television programmes and cooking programmes are providing an additional
inspiration to consumers to be more imaginative in their kitchen refurbishment
plans and demand a higher level of performance.
In contrast to many continental European countries, flat-pack continues
to dominate sales of kitchens in the UK market, accounting for around
72% of sales. The rigid sector has benefited slightly from the trend towards
higher quality products and some suppliers in the flat pack sector are
responding with improved quality and service levels aimed at targeting
more affluent customers. One particularly important factor concerns the
rapid growth of IKEA. Although their sales of kitchens are relatively
low, they are expanding in terms of outlets and the range of kitchens
now offered. Further stores are planned in the UK and the growth of IKEA
is likely to benefit the flat pack sector in the medium to longer term.
The trend towards minimalist, continental designs are still apparent.
Door fronts are becoming increasingly plain with square designs and lighter
woods are still dominating, particularly in the flat pack sector. Darker
woods such as cherry are growing in popularity, particularly in the mid-upper
sectors of the market. There is also a current trend towards the use of
a wider range of materials combined with traditional wood, such as cream
and metallic effect doors, in line with the popularity of stainless steel.
In addition, cabinets sizes are now more varied, to accommodate the wide
range of kitchen sizes and styles and make maximum use of available space.
Deeper drawers are now available in all sectors of the market, along with
a range of corner solutions for restricted access areas and a variety
of storage accessories.
In general, function and ergonomics is playing a greater role in kitchen
design.
In terms of worktops, growth looks set to continue especially at the top
end of the market, in line with the trend towards higher quality products.
However, current differences in price between laminate worktops and other
work surfaces, combined with limited distribution, is likely to result
in a slow increases in market share by solid surfaces and other more expensive
products. Other popular worktop materials include granite, which has experienced
growth, wood, marble and stainless steel.
Sinks are made in a variety of materials, with stainless steel still leading
the market in volume terms, accounting for 61% of the market. The other
major sector is composites, which take 37%, with others such as ceramic
and clay accounting for 2%. Stainless steel remains fashionable due to
the popularity of the high-tech look in kitchens and demand for stainless
steel kitchen appliances.
In terms of designs, under-mounted sinks are increasing in popularity.
However, growth is likely to be modest in the medium term due to the high
cost of a solid surface worktop to which these sinks are ideally suited.
Key suppliers to the market include MFI with Hygena/Schreiber, Magnet,
Bernstein, Symphony, Moores, PJH, MKD and Gower.
The distribution mix has remained fairly stable in recent years, with
the kitchen specialists gaining share as a result of the trend towards
higher quality products and service. Share by the discount/furniture warehouses
sector has seen some growth due to positive performances from Magnet,
MFI and IKEA, with this sector accounting for an estimated 37%.The UK
Kitchen Furniture Market
Overall Market Size & Trends
The kitchen furniture market has experienced erratic rates of growth since
the mid 1990s. Following the significant growth experienced in 1997, the
market declined in 1999 largely due to the unfavourable economic conditions
at the time.
The market’s performance during 2000 showed reasonable growth on
an overall basis. The buoyant housing market and high levels of consumer
confidence have continued to influence the market during 2001 and 2002.
Other key factors include low interest rates, which have continued to
support the high levels of consumer confidence, in addition to the wide
range of products available and the influence of the media.
As the table below illustrates, the total market value for kitchen furniture,
worktops and sinks is estimated at approximately £1.07 billion in
2002 at MSP (manufacturers selling prices).
Kitchen Furniture and Worktops
Background & Current Trends
The kitchen furniture and worktops market was valued at an estimated £957m
(MSP) in 2002, excluding installation costs. Kitchen furniture sales are
estimated at £848m, with the worktops market valued at £109m
with recent trends illustrated below:
The market for kitchen furniture and worktops experienced strong growth
of approximately 6% during 1997, supported by the buoyant economic conditions
and the building society windfalls. The buoyant economic conditions continued
to support the market during the first half of 1998, however a sharp fall
in economic growth, continuing early into 1999 and resulting in subdued
kitchen furniture and worktop sales for the year. The poor global economic
climate and rising interest rates particularly affected consumer confidence
levels at the time.
The market experienced an improvement during 2000, with reasonable growth
on an overall basis. In 2001, consumer confidence and spending levels
remained high supported by low interest rates and a buoyant housing market.
These factors have supported the growing level of home improvements undertaken
with homeowners looking to add further value to their property. Replacement
purchases remain the key sector in this market, particularly as the level
of new house build completion declined in 2001 and has remained erratic
in recent years despite the high demand for additional housing.
The unstable global economic conditions during the last year have failed
to influence the high level of consumer confidence and spending during
2002. Low interest rates and the strength of the housing market have fuelled
consumer confidence and spending levels. House price inflation has been
the major driver in a number of consumer durable markets, particularly
higher value products such as kitchens, conservatories etc. House prices
are estimated to have increased by 25% in 2002 with mortgage equity withdrawal
reaching the £13bn level in the final quarter of 2002; the highest
figure recorded to date.
However, this growth is unlikely to be sustained with the housing market
already showing signs of slowing down in early 2003. The global political
and economic situation at present is likely to dampen consumer confidence
during 2003 and affect the growth of a number of consumer durables.
Cost of report: £565
AMA Research
Te: +44 (0)1242 235724
Fax: +44 (0)1242 262948
Email: mailto:sales@amaresearch.com
Web: http://www.amaresearch.co.uk
Plimsoll
Analysis Names the 48 most Profitable Companies in the Bathroom Industry
If your company made an enviable profit, would you want to shout about
it or keep the news to yourself? 48 companies in the UK Bathroom Equipment
& Fittings industry have precisely this dilemma, as for the last two
years these companies have been making nearly five times the profit of
the rest of the industry, according to the latest analysis from Plimsoll.
These 48 companies were revealed as having an average margin of 16.8%,
compared to the industry average of just 3.6%.
Two different views
Yet this issue of exceptional profit making raised an interesting conundrum
for those concerned. If you are one of these companies making enviable
profits should you be:
a) Concerned that once your competitors, suppliers and customers find
out about your good business they will start to work against you threatening
this profitability?
b) Or proud of your achievements and would want to share this with the
industry.
'Without doubt, these 48 companies are proving the industry can reward
success.
It is surely the ultimate measure of a good company, good employees and
good management to succeed in profitability,' says David Pattison.
Pattison concludes, 'Of course, their dilemma, yet one we would all like,
is how to spend their profits wisely to preserve and maintain their lead
in the market.'
Not all companies enjoying a spell of profit making
A staggering 9% of the companies Plimsoll could study are currently loss
making. Looking at the difference between the 48 most profitable companies
and the 42 companies making a loss, the gap was astounding.
Findings from the Plimsoll profitability analysis:
The
Third Edition 2003 Plimsoll Analysis has identified trends in profitability
of the top 476 companies in the Bathroom Equipment & Fittings industry
over the last four years. Order the analysis for £305 and receive
a free listing of the 48 most profitable companies in the industry.
You can reach Plimsoll Publishing on 01642 626400
Web: http://www.plimsoll.co.uk
Readers of The KBZine will receive a 5% discount if mentioning this article
upon ordering.
Fisher
Paykel Announces 'Outstanding' Financial Results
In its first full year as a separately listed Company, Fisher & Paykel
Appliances Holdings Ltd posted a net profit after tax of $73.5m for the
year ended 31st March 2003.
Profit after taxation attributable to the Appliances and Finance businesses
was $64m compared to $41.5m for the corresponding previous year. A $9.5m
dividend paid by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (the Healthcare
Dividend) during the year, lifted the Profit after taxation to $73.5m.
Appliances contributed strongly to the result, as reflected in its operating
profit before interest and taxation. At $91.3m, it was a 44% increase
on the corresponding previous year.
Finance contributed $7.8m, pre- taxation, an increase of 25% on the previous
year.
Total operating profit before interest and taxation, which included the
$9.5m Healthcare Dividend, was $108.6m. There were no abnormal items for
the current period. The result has been summarised in the table below:
Appliances sales volumes grew by 11.6% to exceed 1 million units for the
year due to strong growth in most markets. However, this was not directly
reflected in Appliances sales revenue due to currency translation effects
related to the appreciation of the New Zealand dollar during the year.
Total sales revenue at $834.9m for the year was up $31.4m (3.9%) on the
corresponding previous year. This increase included the $9.5m Healthcare
dividend.
'In New Zealand, sales volumes were up by 11.5% (9.5% in NZD terms).
This was due to strong growth in the overall market size and market share
gains stimulated by aggressive marketing initiatives. Prices were reduced
for selected models in the second half in response to low priced imports.
We were pleased with our 10% volume growth in the very competitive Australian
market (7.9% in AUD terms). Whilst we performed well in most product categories
in Australia, market conditions for washing machines continued to be extremely
difficult and we had to drop prices further to meet competition from Korean
imports. The Australian Customs’ Report on the dumping investigation
into washing machine imports from Korea found that the majority of Korean
imports were not being dumped. Further information on this matter has
been provided. The Minister of Customs has yet to make a final decision
on the report.
'Sales volume growth in the USA at 15.3% (15.3% in USD terms) was satisfactory.
The upper end of the market, where our brand is positioned, was especially
undermined by the turmoil of capital markets and uncertainty caused by
world events. Furthermore, changing price points in the USA market temporarily
slowed growth in washing machine sales. The new Titan cooking products
have been well received in the USA and production is being ramped up to
meet demand. We continued to improve our position in the very competitive
Singapore market, lifting sales volumes by 9.7% (4.8% in SGD terms). In
the UK we continued to target the upper end of the market, with limited
distribution. Volumes grew by 39.3% (22.5% in GBP terms) to 8,500 units.
Our launch into Europe late in the financial year lifted our sales volumes
to 9,100 units. Ongoing levels of sales will become evident once these
products sell through at retail level. While the Pacific region performed
well, sales in Asia and Japan were affected by a slowing of their economies.'
Outlook
'After the cyclical highs that we have experienced in the New Zealand
and Australian markets through the year just reported, there is a prospect
of some easing in sales from these markets.
'This anticipated reduction in volume is expected to be offset by increases
in other markets, particularly in the USA, the UK and Europe. During the
year we will be introducing the SmartLoad dryer into the USA to complement
our continued washer sales growth. Our Titan cooking products have been
well received and are still to be fully introduced across our existing
distribution. As the market becomes familiar with these cooking products,
we expect growth in this market. Our 39% sales growth in the UK was achieved
through approximately 280 retail storefronts. We are targeting to increase
the number of storefronts to around 500, by fiscal year-end. Based on
projections from our European distributors and OEM customer, we are expecting
sales of around 1000 units per month into Europe. The slowing economic
conditions in Asia have been exacerbated by the SARS health scare. Market
conditions are expected to remain flat. The New Zealand dollar has strengthened
sharply over the last 6 months, however, the impact has been cushioned
by the Company’s foreign exchange hedging policy. We have a natural
hedge for a number of currencies, including the US dollar. Our greatest
exposure is the AUD/NZD cross-rate for which 50% of our forecast exposure
to 31st March 2004 is hedged at around 0.81 cents. This rate will stabilise
our earnings. Given the outlook summarised above, the Directors expect
a similar performance in the year ending 31st March 2004, to that of the
current year.'
A
New Facelift for Old Tools - The Perfect Present for the Man in your Life!
The DSF425 4-in-One Power Sharpener from Plasplugs will rejuvenate DIY
and household tools to their younger sharper days.
Simply
slide the required module onto the powerful 70 watt motor unit, and follow
the step by step instructions provided, to sharpen with ease:
1. Knives & Scissors - with precise angled sharpening slot
2. Chisels and planes up to 50mm wide - powerful magnet to hold blade
secure, features adjustable grinding angle from 20-80 deg
3. Masonry drill bits up to 10mm - includes additional silicone carbide
grinding wheel and changing kit, for standard and hammer sharpening
4. High speed steel drill bits from 3 to 10mm - with true point action
for accurate finish
The 4-in-One is sold in a transparent storage casing with eye catching
and informative product graphics. The Sharpener can be operated in this
casing or on any level work surface, whilst the built in handle allows
complete portability for sharpening in the house and garage/workshop.
With an RRP of £29.99, the 4-in-One Sharpener offers good value
and will be used time and time again - making it the perfect present for
the man in your life. A new 30 second TV commercial for the 4-in-One Sharpener
can be viewed on UK Style and Discovery Home and Leisure throughout 2003.
Tel: +44 (0) 1283 530303
Email: mailto:sales@plasplugs.com
Web: http://www.plasplugs.com
New
InstaQuick 'Frame in the Wall' Systems
The
InstaQuick In-wall Systems recently launched by Polypipe Bathroom &
Kitchen Products under the Macdee banner offer a simple, speedy and safe
method of wall hung bathroom installation. The sturdy, square section
frames are in high quality steel that is powder coated to give excellent
corrosion resistance and, thanks to the adjustable feet and user-friendly
sliding fixing brackets included, installation time is cut to a minimum.
The four InstaQuick frames are designed respectively to fix high and low
WCs, bidets and basins and are suitable for use in dwarf or full height
stud walls. They are designed to fit most wall-hung sanitaryware and the
WC frames incorporate rubber lined clamps to minimise sound.
Tested to a 400kgs load bearing capacity, enough for a horse never mind
a human, these strong and rigid Instaquick Systems have been designed
to meet the growing demand for the modern, more hygienic off-the-floor
bathroom installations. The adjustment factor available with both the
WC frames also make them ideal for wheelchair users where the differential
height between chair and pan is crucial for safe transition, eliminating
the need for a raised toilet seat or high floor standing pan.
Tel: 01302 792188
Record
Turnover Leads to new Trading Centre Acquisition
To
build on the success of the last three years, and to meet continuous growth
plans, the UK distributor of bathrooms, kitchens and appliances, the PJH
Group Limited, has acquired a new Trading Centre. Over 100,000 sq.ft.
of added warehouse space in Walkden, Greater Manchester, in addition to
its existing Bolton and Kitchen Group Trading Centres, will enable new
targets to be met and allow the company to strategically move forward.
On
a par with its Cannock Trading Centre in terms of size, the PJH Group's
latest distribution centre will utilise the latest technology in a bespoke
warehousing system, involving new radar frequency bar coding. Providing
significant stockholding for the company's extensive product portfolio,
Walkden will contribute to the enhanced service levels and streamlining
of the business.
The PJH Group estimate the creation of up to at least 40 jobs at the new
Trading Centre, headed up by Simon Fletcher, who has been promoted to
General Manager from within the Group. To support the operational side
of the business, Neil Palfreeman has been newly appointed as General Manager,
Operations Support. Neil brings with him extensive logistics-based experience
that will help enhance the performance of the Operations team.
Commenting on the new investment, Operations Director, Kevin Powell said:
'Consistent growth across all product categories is set to continue, so
as a forward-thinking organisation, we have taken steps to meet our five
year business plan. Customer service remains top of the agenda so we are
consistently ensuring our service remains sleek, innovative and competitive.
'I would like to welcome Neil to the team and look forward to seeing Simon
successfully head our eighth depot, in Manchester.'
The PJH Group Ltd, services the home improvement market via its divisions,
Hopkinsons Fourways, In Store Logistics, On Site and The Kitchen Group.
Wilsonart
Raises the Curtains on New Livery
Decorative
surfacing specialists, Wilsonart, has created a striking new full colour
livery that will adorn the curtain walls on a new fleet of 16 trailers,
soon to be on the road. The new vehicles were delivered to the Company's
Shildon (Co. Durham) headquarters during late March and April.
Manufactured
mainly in Germany, the trailers are of outstanding quality and in the
words of the Wilsonart slogan, 'make a statement'.
The design and the fixing ofthe graphics to the curtain walls was created
and produced locally and the end product establishes a new, higher standard
of on-road marketing.
'We have made a significant investment in this project', confirms Wilsonart
Managing Director, Dale Alexander, 'and in so doing, I hope we will be
creating more of a presence on Britains roads'.
This latest purchase brings the total of new trailers to 20 and further
enhances the level of service available to both direct customers - many
of which are household names - and the growing numbeer of Distributors.
Wilsonart is a specialist in decorative surfacing and manufactures a substantial
range of worktops and high pressure laminate products and worktops throughout
the United Kingdom. The company is part of the wider Wilsonart International
Inc. which operates throughout the world and has its Headquarters in Temple,
Texas, USA.
Tel: 01388 774661
Web: http://www.wilsonart.com
Great
Retailer Opportunities from Maytag UK
Retailers
can steal a significant saving with Admiral's genuine American frost-free
refrigeration, the Admiral 60ADiW/B. Maytag is promoting the highly featured
entry model side-by-side to the trade for just £860 plus VAT, representing
a saving of £165. The offer runs from the 1st June 2003.
The Admiral 60ADiW/B with 22ft/603 litres of cooling capacity, claims
to offer more space than any other entry model side-by-side in counter
depth, with the 'must have' illuminated, ice and water dispenser, spill
proof slide-out tempered glass shelves, adjustable humidity controlled
crispers arid temperature controlled deli drawer. The extra deep flexible
door storage is ideal for bundles of cans, giant bottles of fizzy drink
and cumbersome milk containers. The model is available with the easy clean,
scratch resistant, no show finger mark, textured exterior in either white
or black.
The Admiral 60ADiW/B is delivered free of charge and boxed to every consumer's
home, ready for locating in to its ultimate position at a convenient time.
All product information and installation details are available through
Admiral's literature and website.
Ellis Bardsley, Sales and Marketing Director explains, 'This offer delivers
superb profit opportunities for the retailer and great value for the consumer
who appreciates the benefits of genuine American engineering with performance
and dependability built in as standard.'
Tel: 01737 231 000
MPH
Windows Recipe for Success
A
partnership between MPH and C & D Design is resulting in an imaginative
and authentic look for the ongoing Quality Street development Windows
by the Preston-based manufacturer of uPVC windows. Each 'house' on the
new style showroom is currently having a brand-new, full-working and fully
fitted kitchen installed by C & D Design to a high standard of specification,
so that customers may benefit from this new concept.
Phase 2 of the 'Quality Street' in-house development at MPH Windows has
just been completed at this new-look prestige showroom. The full working
representation of a variety of typical Lancashire street scenes is currently
being prepared by MPH Windows and represents a selection of houses in
a real-life Lancashire street. The concept being developed consists of
a walk-through street scene where customers can view all types of PVCu
products in-situ, including a range of doors and windows. The first of
its kind, the new customer experience will soon be launched and has involved
over £100,000 of investment in creating a unique environmental experience.
Director Greg Kane said: 'The directors of MPH Windows are pleased to
support local business. Working with the local community secures the trust
of Lancashire people and pay mutual dividends. C & D Design are playing
a significant part in ensuring the Quality Street development looks its
very best. It is a new concept in the display of PVCu windows and doors
in an infomal environment. MPH Windows is currently enjoying considerable
growth in our Domestic Home lmprovement Division and this is a practical
way of:allowing customers to view all PVCu products under one roof. By
creating this facility the benefits are that customers can experience
a finished product first-hand and can see how it will fit in with their
home'
Tel: 01772 463694
Web: http://www.mphwindows.co.uk
Photo: Greg Kane director of MPH Windows and
Craig Brown of C & D Design.
Americans
Crave Comfort On The Road - Temperature Is the Number One Concern of Hotel
Guests
Americans nationwide say that adjusting the temperature in their hotel
rooms is their number one priority upon checking in, taking precedence
over turning on the TV or checking out the mini-bar, a 'Trane Home Comfort
Institute' survey has found. The new survey series, which examines how
Americans stay comfortable at home and on the road, found that the hotel
room is one place to which travellers turn to gain temperature comfort.
Nearly 31 percent of adults surveyed chose adjusting the temperature as
the first thing they do when checking into a hotel room. Unpacking and
hanging up clothes came in second with 29 percent, followed by turning
on the TV (19 percent), reading safety instructions (10 percent), checking
out the mini-bar (3 percent) and getting ice for the room (3 percent).
Five percent said none of these choices would be their top three options
upon checking into a hotel room.
'When travelling, things are often out of control and comfort is hard
to come by,' says Robert Helt, technical director of the Trane Home Comfort
Institute. 'So, it’s nice to settle into a hotel and take control
over the things that allow people to gain ultimate comfort, whether it’s
changing the thermostat to the ideal temperature or watching a favourite
TV show without any interruptions.'
Demographic Differences
* Craving Comfort: People 35-44 years old are the ultimate comfort seekers,
with 41 percent adjusting the temperature in their rooms first.
* Not Hot or Cold, Just Right: Some 67 percent of respondents chose adjusting
the temperature as one of the first three things they do.
* TV Junkies: Adults ages18-24 are most likely to turn on the TV (27 percent).
* Safety First: People ages 65 and over are most concerned with their
safety, as they are the most likely age group to read the safety and evacuation
instructions; 42 percent identified this as one of the first three things
they do.
* Stock Up: Adults ages 18-24 are the most likely age group to check out
the mini-bar; 32 percent reported that grabbing snacks and drinks from
the mini-bar is one of the first three things they do. People under 34
are more likely to check out the mini-bar than their elders are.
Trane is a leading global manufacturer of air conditioning and heating
systems to customers in industry, retail, health care and government markets.
Trane provides a full line of air conditioning systems for hotels around
the world that gives guests control of their room comfort. For residential
customers, Trane has launched a new family of high-efficiency air conditioning
systems, including its newest product the Trane XL19i. These Trane units
are 20 percent smaller than their predecessors and have 60 percent fewer
parts. Trane residential products can be found across the United States
through Trane dealers or at the Home Depot.
Trane is a business of American Standard Companies. American Standard
is a global manufacturer with market leading positions in three businesses:
air conditioning systems and services, sold under the Trane® and American
Standard® brands for commercial, institutional and residential buildings;
bath and kitchen products, sold under such brands as American Standard®
and Ideal Standard®; and vehicle control systems, including electronic
braking and air suspension systems, sold under the WABCO® name to
the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks, buses, SUVs
and luxury cars. The company employs approximately 60,000 people and has
manufacturing operations in 29 countries. American Standard is included
in the S&P 500.
KRC Research conducted the national Trane Research of 1,043 adult men
and women between April 9 – 15, 2003. The random sample is comprised
of adults 18 and over. The sampling error is +/- 3.1% at the 95 percent
level of confidence.
Living
Design from Kermi - a Bright New Future
Kermi
has introduced the Living Design Programme, transforming the Company`s
presentation in the UK.
Two new ranges of Shower Enclosures, Aska XP and Siesta have been introduced
plus the addition of bi-fold doors to the successful Ibiza range. Aska
XP is in line with the growing trend for minimalist design, is virtually
frameless and features High Lustre Silver
Siesta
is also a modern design in High Lustre Silver finish with a Chrome finish
option on the Pentagon and Quadrant Models. The telescopic adjustment
on all models makes Siesta easy to install.
Three new ranges of Designer Towel Rails also come to market. Visto is
a new contemporary design and is joined by Credo Twist a new curved ladder
radiator with one or two optional outswinging towel rails. Credo Uno is
also introduced, a competitive curved ladder rail which is available Chrome
Plated and carries a five year guarantee.
Completing the programme and in response to the new fashion for metallic
finishes throughout the home Kermi is introducing two metallic finishes
- metallica Silver and Graphite which are available across the full range
of Kermi Designer Towel Radiators.
Contact: Gwynn Smitham,
Tel: 01536 446608
Email: mailto:gsmitham@kermi.co.uk
ASFI
Bursary
Last year three MA students in Furniture Design and Technology were awarded
a Bursary by ASFI to continue working towards their Masters degree in
Furniture Design and Technology at Buckingham Chilterns University College
in High Wycombe.
The award enabled students to further develop their furniture design skills
and ideas, establish new contacts within the industry, and obtain valuable
preparation for practice within this field.
A further award will be made by the Association during 2003/4. Board Members
are currently in discussion with High Wycombe College and more information
will be released shortly. A spokesperson from ASFI says, 'ASFI is a forward-looking
Association and one of our primary aims is the strengthening of the supply
sector. If we can play a small part in the creative development of these
students, and in turn influence the industry's future, then we're more
than happy to do so.'
Web: http://www.asfi.co.uk
Laguna
Clay Co. to Manufacture Thorley Refractories
Jon
Brooks, President of Laguna Clay Co., and David Pegg, President of Thorley
Refractories, Inc., announced that Laguna Clay Co. has completed the asset
purchase of Thorley. 'For nearly 60 years Thorley has been a leading
manufacturer of kiln furniture for schools, artists, potters and industry,'
stated Brooks, 'and Laguna feels fortunate to add the Thorley name and
Thorley refractories to the broad selection of products we manufacture
for the ceramic industry.'
Pegg added that 'while it is difficult to leave something that has been
near and dear to me and my family for so many years, we couldn’t
have found a better fit than with Laguna Clay Co. Blending our reputation
and our expertise in manufacturing refractories with Laguna's distribution
network and their respected position in the industry makes this a natural
fit.'
Jim Kassebaum, Laguna’s General Manager, stated 'although administrative
activities have been moved to Laguna, Thorley shelves and posts will continue
to be made in South Gate by the same people who have made them for years. We
have some exciting plans for the future, but first and foremost we want
to ensure that Thorley customers continue to receive quality products
in a timely manner.'
Email: mailto:thorleyrefractories@lagunaclay.com