Government
Part P Announcement Welcomed by Electrical Associations
The
Government announced on 29th June that from 1st January 2005 anyone undertaking
domestic electrical installation work must comply with Part P of the Building
Regulations. The announcement has been warmly welcomed by the Electrical
Contractors’ Association (ECA), which has lobbied for such regulatory
control. Furthermore, the Association is pleased that the application
by BRE Certification (BREC), developed in partnership with the ECA and
with the support of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE), to run
a Part P Competent Person Scheme has received Government approval.
ECA has argued for better regulation of electrical work for some time.
The need for this is underlined by the fact that every year some 41 people
die and over 1,000 are injured due to unsafe domestic electrical installation
and appliances.
To address this, ECA has called for statutory support for the IEE Wiring
Regulations, BS7671, and for well-defined minimum standards of technical
competence for electrical installers. As a result of constant lobbying,
the estimated 40,000 electrical contracting firms in England and Wales,
not currently working within existing voluntary controls, will have no
choice but to change their working practices because anyone carrying out
electrical installation work in dwellings that does not comply with Part
P will be committing a criminal offence.
Welcoming the Government’s announcement, David Pollock, ECA Director,
said: 'The implementation of Part P will protect consumers from incompetent
electrical installers. This is the culmination of a long and energetic
lobby on the part of the Association and other industry organisations.
We are also delighted to hear that the application by BRE Certification
to run a Part P Competent Person Scheme has been successful'.
This scheme was developed, and will be operated by BREC, in close collaboration
with ECA, and is supported by the IEE. It is based on the Electrotechnical
Assessment Scheme. Applicants, once successfully assessed and registered,
will be able to self-certify that their work meets the requirements of
Part P of the Building Regulations.
Firms not registered as Competent Persons will need to notify Local Authority
Building Control before any work commences and their work may also be
subject to an inspection. As this service is not provided free of charge,
firms need to balance the cost of becoming registered as a Competent Person
against the costs and bureaucracy associated with repetitive Building
Control. Application for Competent Person status from BRE Certification,
ECA and IEE will cost £540 (£634.50 including VAT).
Unlike some schemes currently being touted, there are no hidden extras.
Contractors should take careful consideration and look at the small print
before choosing a scheme.
'The challenge now will be to process the many thousands of electrical
firms who, it is anticipated, will want to become approved as Competent
Persons in time for the implementation of Part P at the start of 2005,'
said Pollock, who warned electrical contractors to apply for ‘Competent
Person’ status sooner rather than later. 'It is important that firms
undertaking electrical work, whether as their primary or ancillary business,
fully understand the changes and prepare for them. Firms have a 6-month
window of opportunity in which to become approved as Competent Persons.
Firms leaving their application to later in the year run the risk of not
achieving approval in time.'
'The introduction of Part P of the Building Regulations and the approval
of the Competent Person Scheme is a significant step forward for the protection
of consumers against risks created by sub-standard electrical installation,'
said Pollock.
Carol Atkinson, Managing Director of BRE Certification said 'We can now
start processing applications from firms that want to become Competent
Persons and to this end the partners, BREC, ECA and the IEE, have launched
a special purpose website, http://www.partp.co.uk,
which provides details of the Government approved scheme through which
application for assessment as a Competent Person can be made.'
Nick Canty, Business Development Manager and Geoff Cronshaw, Chief Engineer
at the IEE said, 'The IEE welcomes the introduction of robust competent
persons schemes as a way of enhancing the professionalism of the industry
and ensuring consumer protection. The scheme meets the Electrotechnical
Assessment Scheme (EAS) which was drawn up by bodies representing the
electrical installation industry and consumer safety in order to enhance
the safety of electrical installation work.'
KBSA
Reports Plans to Deliver Training Initiative at AGM
The
KBSA reported that its plans for the formation of a National Training
Group (NTG) were progressing well, at its recent AGM.
KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden presented an update on the proposal
and said, ‘I cannot find an equally vital outcome that we have set
to deliver whilst I have been at the association over the last eight years.’
‘This initiative is equally important and relevant for retailers
and manufacturers and has been supported at all the regional meetings
at which it was initially presented. Many volunteers have already come
forward to be part of the NTG board, the operations group or to offer
practical support with venues or equipment.
‘The
formation of the board will be complete by September and the first taster
courses will be available by the end of the year.’
The NTG board is being set up as an independent company with articles
of association and its role will include the vetting and approval of companies
that can deliver meaningful and relevant training for the industry.
The outgoing national chair and corporate chair, Mark Buchanan and Patrick
Love respectively, also spoke of their support for the training initiative
when they reviewed their time in office. Both have now stepped down and
handed over to Jane Cheel and Barbara Leech who were voted in by the members
during the meeting.
Outgoing
National Chair Mark Buchanan with KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden
KBSA treasurer Richard Gee presented the accounts for 2003/04 which were
approved by the members and Carol Downing of Carol Downing Communications
presented a review of the associations pr activities over the last twelve
months.
Carol reported that coverage was continuing to rise with a total of £121,000
worth of coverage for the six months ending December 2003, this represented
a 19% increase on the previous six months. Total circulation for the same
period was 6.5 million giving a readership of 19.5 million.
A gala diner at the Royal Garden hotel in Kensington followed the AGM.
More than 100 guests enjoyed dinner and entertainment that included a
Frank Sinatra tribute singer, a 16-piece band and a disco.
‘Members enjoyed the opportunity to mix business with pleasure and
relax in the company of friends from the industry,’ said KBSA Operations
Manager, Lucinda Kenny.
Sue Lawrence, Graham Hayden KBSA Chief Executive,
Mike Lawrence of Waterline at the KBSA Gala Dinner.
Pilkington's
Tiles Sold to Surface Coatings
Pilkington's
Tiles has sold all of its operating businesses to Surface Coatings for
£3.1m including debts. The company will effectively be a shell with
its main asset a property in Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset.
In the year to March losses also came in at £1.5m with little improvement
in the scale of the losses since the year-end.
Pilkington's Tiles Group recently appointed David Cicurel as a non-executive
director. He is now a director of Judges Capital, David Cicurel (Investments)
Limited, David Cicurel (Investments) 2002.
Pilkington Tiles improved by 0.5p, or some 15.4%, to close at 3.25p on
19th June after Judges Capital, the investment vehicle of company doctor
David Cicurel, increased its holding to 13%.
http://www.pilkingtons-tiles.co.uk
New
Chief Executive Turns Up the Heat at Glen Dimplex Cooking
Glen
Dimplex Cooking has appointed Denver Hewlett as Chief Executive. Denver
was previously Chief Executive of Belling for three years until 2003,
during which time the business enjoyed a period of excellent growth.
In the last 12 months he has been part of the Executive team responsible
for amalgamating Belling, Stoves and New World into a leading player in
the UK cooker market.
His appointment marks the consolidation of the new business and marketing
strategies which reposition the Stoves, Belling and New World brands within
the cooking market.
Denver commented: ‘Glen Dimplex Cooking is at the forefront of the
cooking industry and it is fantastic to be involved with these three great
brands at a time when they are really forging ahead in the marketplace.’
Design
Centre expansion at PWS
Renowned for keeping their finger firmly on the design pulse PWS have
announced plans to extend their Design Centre. Although less than three
years since the Design Centre was opened, the 500sqm facility has quite
simply run out of room. To keep pace with a packed program of product
development and innovation, a further 25% floor space will be created
to present the growing PWS portfolio and allow further scope to respond
to emerging trends. The Design Centre has been an unprecedented success
for PWS, with customers coming back time and time again to soak up the
latest concepts and fashions, and then leave buzzing with new ideas for
their own showrooms and portfolios.
The Design Centre will be redesigned to create a completely fresh look
with a greater emphasis on the finished kitchen scheme. Comments Stuart
Clarkson, Design Manager at PWS, 'The aim is to regenerate the Design
Centre every three years to ensure we always have the most up to date
sales tool in the industry, as trends evolve the presentation of our extensive
product portfolio is key. The Design Centre allows our customers to experience
a hub of design where exciting and innovative product schemes are presented,
all in an environment that has a great sense of space, a lifestyle approach
and an atmosphere that is totally conducive to kitchen design.' All will
be revealed when the new-look Design Centre is open for inspiration in
September.
Tel: 01325 505 555
Web: www.pws.co.uk
IMI
Trading Update Indicates First Half Volumes up 5%
IMI
plc - the parent company of Polypipe - has issued a trading update in
advance of its interim results announcement: 'The steady improvement in
general conditions is continuing and we expect to be able to report overall
like for like volumes 5% higher than the first half of 2003. Order intake
is running around 7-8% ahead of this time last year.
'In Severe Service the growth in order intake has slowed marginally to
around 10% reflecting our decision to focus, for a period, on the consolidation
of the operational infrastructure after three years of very strong growth.
Sales in the first half will be lower than last year as a result of scheduled
shipment timing, although margins will show some improvement. Our Fluid
Power business continues to improve, with good growth in both the US and
Asian markets, and an accelerating contribution from new products in our
targeted end market segments.
' The improvement in Europe however, is more subdued. In Indoor Climate,
German thermostatic radiator valve sales continue to show a small improvement,
reversing a long downward trend, and balancing valve sales in Eastern
Europe, albeit at lower margins, remain strong. Volumes will be higher
than 2003, although margins are being impacted by raw material costs and
exchange rates.
'Despite the negative impact of raw material costs on Beverage Dispense
and Merchandising Systems, we have made progress in both our Retail Dispense
businesses. Volumes in Beverage Dispense have steadied with some moderate
improvement in the US and the Far East. Operational efficiencies continue
to improve at our Mexican facility. Merchandising Systems is enjoying
another good period with growth coming from our Cannon business, continued
strong performance at DCI and a pleasing contribution from a full six
months at Artform.
'UK volumes in the Building Products business of Polypipe remain reasonably
healthy. Raw material price increases however, which show little signs
of abating, continue to put pressure on margins and profit will be lower
than last year.
'Rationalisation costs for the first half and for the full year are expected
to be at similar levels to last year at around £2.5m and £6m
respectively.
'As normal for the first half of the year there will be an increase in
working capital resulting in a small increase in gearing. Cash generation
remains strong.
'Movements in average exchange rates will reduce reported profits for
the half year by around £3m and the net impact of raw material cost
increases is likely to be around £4m. Despite this, profit for the
six months is expected to be around 10% higher than last year.
'We have in a separate release today announced the acquisition of Fluid
Automation Systems, a high technology Swiss company specialising in miniature
solenoid valves which will enhance our Fluid Power capability in medical
and semiconductor market segments.
'In respect of the ongoing European Commission enquiries, a decision on
the copper tube case is expected shortly, but a decision on the copper
fittings case is unlikely to be made before the second half of 2005. It
is not possible to give any reliable estimate of the likely level of fines
in either case.'
The interim results announcement for the six months ending 30th June 2004
will be published on 6th September 2004.
American
Standard Forecasts Strong Second-Quarter Performance, Raises 2004 Earnings
Range
American
Standard Companies Inc. expects results at the top end of its second-quarter
earnings range. The company is also raising its earnings estimate for
the year.
In April, the company estimated earnings of 67-72 cents per diluted share,
adjusted for the company's May 28th three-for-one stock split, for the
second quarter ending June 30th, 2004.
The company said its second quarter estimate includes stronger business
performance, second-quarter restructuring expenses, net of taxes, of 4-5
cents per diluted share and a one-time tax benefit of 1-2 cents per diluted
share.
'Improved operating performance in all our businesses and revenue growth
are contributing to a better-than-expected second quarter, even after
the effect of charges related primarily to production consolidation, '
said Fred Poses, chairman and chief executive officer. 'We're seeing particularly
strong sales in Vehicle Control Systems' original equipment business,
the residential part of Air Conditioning Systems and Services, and Bath
and Kitchen products sold in the Americas.
'For the full year, we expect business performance to continue to improve,
and we are raising our 2004 earnings estimate range from $2.08-$2.20 to
$2.17-$2.27 per diluted share on a split-adjusted basis. This revised
estimate represents an 19-24 percent increase over 2003 full-year earnings,'
said Poses.
American Standard will announce second quarter financial results on July
19th.
Web: http://www.americanstandard.com
Baumatic's
headquarters in Reading now has a new showroom, with more product than
ever before on display. Two new Baumatic Centres are now open in Glasgow.
‘The Cooker Factory’ has two new locations; St Georges Place
and Langside Lane, Queens Park. The company has added over 70 new products
to the Baumatic portfolio for 2004/5.
'Baumatic's new MegaChef ovens encompass all the most innovative features
to ensure it deserves its position at the very pinnacle of our cooking
portfolio, with a memorising 13 cooking functions, ceramic grill and 180°
side opening door we are positive you will be impressed.' says the company.
'We are all a little more health conscious these days, so tapping into
this trend we have also introduced a steam oven, with the facility to
cook from frozen or fresh the results will be tasty and best of all good
for you.'
To
arrange an appointment to view the Reading showroom call 0118 933 6900.
Glasgow locations: St Georges Place - Telephone 0141 332 1040 or Langside Lane, Queens Park - Telephone 0141 332 1040 or visit http://www.cookerfactory.co.uk.
Industry
Awards are Seeking Someone Special
For
the first time, in its 11-year history and alongside its existing design
and business categories, the Bathrooms And Kitchens Industry Awards has
announced the launch of the Special Achievement Award.
Sponsored by Hansgrohe, the Special Achievement Award will celebrate the
outstanding contribution of an individual to the industry. And Bathrooms
And Kitchens Magazine is looking for industry professionals to make the
nominations.
The individual can be from any part of the bathroom or kitchen industry
including; retailers, product designers, manufacturers or trade associations.
And the nomination can be for either a single achievement or a lifetime's
commitment to the industry. The eventual winner will be chosen by the
editor of Bathrooms And Kitchens Magazine.
So, who do you believe should be presented with the Special Achievement
Award, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on February 1st, 2005?
Making a nomination is simple. All you have to do is request a form and
offer the name of the individual, company and reason for nomination in
no more than 250 words.
Alongside celebrating the accomplishments of an individual, the 11th annual
Bathrooms And Kitchens Industry Awards will also be recognising the importance
of product design.
The Product Innovation Awards will be presented to one kitchen and one
bathroom product that boast imaginative, exciting and above all useful
design.
All professionals are invited to make a nomination, before September 1st,
which will be shortlisted by a panel of distinguished judges. Readers
of Bathrooms And Kitchens Magazine will cast the final vote.
For a complete list of the Award categories, visit http://www.bathroomskitchens.co.uk/awards
or email mailto:jillianm@quantumbusinessmedia.com
or call:0202 8565 3091.
A
complaint, objecting to an insert in a specialist magazine by laundry
equipment distributor JLA Ltd of Ripponden, West Yorkshire was upheld
in both of the objections according to published details from the Advertising
Standards Authority.
Complaint:
James Armstrong & Co Ltd, trading as Armstrong Commercial Laundry
Systems, objected to an insert in a specialist magazine by a laundry equipment
distributor. Headlined 'JLA™ CARE LAUNDRY NEWS NEWSFLASH STOP DRYER
FIRES', text stated '... following two major tragedies, a growing number
of homes are taking steps to combat blazes in an area particularly at
risk - the laundry room ... laundries are among the most common sources
of fires in care homes. And according to official Government figures,
fires in commercial dryers are on the increase and are now occurring at
the rate of more than one a day. Over-drying small loads and spontaneous
combustion are often the cause ... But a revolutionary tumble dryer which
both prevents and puts out fires is now available ... The D20 is regarded
as a safe replacement for Maytag, Meile, Speedqueen, Whirlpool dryers
and all domestic models ...'.
The complainants challenged:
1. whether the claims 'laundries are among the most common sources of
fires in care homes' and 'according to official Government figures, fires
in commercial dryers are on the increase' were misleading and denigratory
to the laundry equipment industry and
2. the claim 'the D20 is regarded as a safe replacement for Maytag, Meile,
Speedqueen, Whirlpool dryers and all domestic models'.
Adjudication:
1. Complaint upheld
The advertisers sent Home Office figures that gave the causes of fires
in commercial buildings in 1998 and 1999; they said those were the most
recent figures available. The figures showed that the number of fires
caused by tumble-driers and spin-driers had increased by 8% from the previous
year. They sent figures, published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister,
that gave the causes of fires in care homes for the elderly from 1998
to 2000: the figures showed that, each year, the most common cause was
'misuse of equipment or appliances', followed by 'faulty appliances and
leads'; the advertisers asserted that both these categories included laundry
equipment because virtually all care homes had on-premises laundries.
The advertisers emphasised that the advertisement had stated 'Along with
electrical faults and discarded smoking materials, laundries are among
the most common sources of fires in care homes.' They said the claim was
based on both the figures from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
and their own experience in the care market; they asserted that they supplied
eight out of ten of the UK's major care groups and more than 8,000 independent
care homes; they said they were in constant touch with their customers
because most of their machines were rented and were aware that fires in
laundries were commonplace; they said, since July 2002, their engineers
had investigated 19 serious fires in customers' tumble-driers. They provided
an editorial from a specialist magazine in the laundry industry that referred
to the problem of tumble-drier fires and an article, from a similar magazine,
which also referred to the issue.
The advertisers said the claims were not denigratory to the laundry equipment
industry because the claim 'over-drying small loads and spontaneous combustion
are often the cause', made clear that user error and a natural phenomenon,
instead of faulty equipment, were often to blame for the fires. The Authority
considered that the Home Office figures substantiated that 'according
to official Government figures, fires in commercial driers are on the
increase', although it noted the figures were only for the period up to
and including 1999. It noted the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's
figures were the only statistics the advertisers had sent on the cause
of fires in care homes.
Because the statistics from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister showed
merely that fires were caused by the 'misuse of equipment or appliances'
and 'faulty appliances and leads' in general and were not restricted to
laundry equipment, it concluded that those statistics did not prove the
claim that 'laundries are among the most common source ... of fires in
care homes.'
The Authority noted the advertisers' advertisement had made clear that
fires could be due to the misuse of equipment or spontaneous combustion.
It nevertheless considered that, because the claim was not substantiated,
it was misleading and might be denigratory to the laundry equipment industry.
It told the advertisers to remove the claim 'laundries are among the most
common sources of fires in care homes' and advised them to seek advice
from the CAP Copy Advice team.
2. Complaint upheld
The advertisers said, with the exception of the Speedqueen, none of those
manufacturers' tumble-driers featured built-in fire extinguishing systems;
they acknowledged that Speedqueen offered one on some of its large driers
but argued that the feature was less sophisticated than the Sensor Activated
Fire Extinguishing (SAFE) system featured in their D20 tumble-drier. The
advertisers said, because it featured the SAFE system, the D20 was obviously
a safe replacement for driers without fire-extinguishing systems.
The advertisers sent a statement from the Greater Manchester Fire and
Rescue Service that endorsed any tumble-drier that featured a fire suppression
system and a statement from BUPA that said it was replacing its tumble-driers
in care homes with those that featured the SAFE fire extinguishing system;
the Authority noted both statements were given to the advertisers after
the insert was published and it noted BUPA was a client of the advertisers.
The Authority acknowledged that the built-in fire extinguisher, in the
advertisers' D20 tumble-drier, was an effective safety feature in dealing
with tumble-drier fires. It nevertheless considered that the claim implied
an official body had concluded the D20 was a 'safe replacement' for the
listed tumble-driers. Because the claim was merely the advertisers' assertion,
it told the advertisers to remove the claim that the D20 was a safe replacement
for the listed manufacturers' tumble-driers or amend it to make clear
it was their opinion; it advised them to seek advice from the CAP Copy
Advice team.
Boere
Expands Sales and Service in the UK
Dutch
widebelt sanding specialist, Boere, has entered into an agreement with
Calderbrook Woodworking Machinery in Lancashire to progress the company’s
UK sales and service operations as a result of successful and increasing
sales activities.
Until now Boere UK has operated out of its West Yorkshire base in Ripponden
but the expanding customer base has led the company to conclude a deal
with Calderbrook which has an established logistics base and sales force.
Boere MD, Pieter Boere, says ‘Calderbrook has valuable previous experience
of the Boere product and an excellent reputation for expertise in this
specialist field’. He adds that, ‘in future, Boere customers
will greatly benefit from dedicated after sales facilities and spares,
and a trained and expert after sales service team.’
Over 600 Boere widebelt sanders are in operation in the UK.
From July 1st, the contact details for Boere widebelt sanders are:
Calderbrook Woodworking Machinery Ltd.
Unit 7, The Sidings, Newline Industrial Estate
Bacup, Lancashire OL13 9RW
Tel: 01706 873344
Fax: 01706 873388
Email: mailto:sales@woodworkmachinery.co.uk
Web: http://www.boere.com
Electrolux
Challenges Conventional Design with University Students on a Global Scale
Eight
leading design institutions from across the world have taken on the challenge
to support Electrolux in its drive to develop household appliance designs
of the future. From Australia to the United States and China to Sweden,
students will design household appliances intended to make 'life a little
easier for consumers', wherever they may be. Electrolux and experts from
various related fields will judge individual contributions and present
awards in various categories at a ceremony in New York City in the latter
part of 2004.
Participating institutions are the University of New South Wales in Australia,
Umeå University in Sweden, Central St. Martin’s College in
the UK, Porto Design School in Portugal, ESDI Design School in Brazil,
the University of Notre Dame in the U.S., the Design School of Southern
Yangtze University in China and a collaboration between VSUP in Czech
Republic and Bratislava Design School in Slovakia.
The Design Laboratory 2004 is a follow-up of its European predecessor,
which ran in 2003. During that year, design institutions from Milan, Budapest,
Paris and Stuttgart developed new appliance concepts within a European
framework. Many of those concept appliances are now being further investigated
for potential production in the near future.
In 2004, the design schools will work on appliances from four product
areas: cooking, laundry, refrigeration and dishwashing. Students will
explore current technologies in the sector and attempt to move beyond
these by developing new and intriguing solutions for its future audiences.
Keeping in line with Electrolux’s brand strategy, the institutions
will target specific consumer segments identified as 'those seeking extra
time and ease of use from their appliances' and 'those seeking appliances
that reflect their particular lifestyle in extraordinary design and features'.
The segments are based on recent research conducted by Electrolux, where
more than 6.000 face-to-face interviews with consumers in key markets
were held. Each school will design and develop their own concepts, building
the first prototypes for initial presentation. The goal of the teams is
to satisfy the consumer segments’ needs as interpreted by them.
'In our many thousand conversations with, and studies around, consumers
it has become clear that design is a deciding factor when household appliances
are purchased. With the kitchen increasingly becoming the center of many
households, design has become an expression of its owners’ lifestyle',
says Sean Carney, Director of Design at Electrolux. 'We have high expectations
from this project, which yielded some astounding results last year in
Europe. It is very exciting to see what students from five different continents
will come up with.'
Electrolux, a producer of powered appliances for kitchen, cleaning and
outdoor use, supplies customers in more than 150 countries with more than
55 million products annually for both consumer and professional use. With
such a large geographical and cultural area to cover, the company is continuously
seeking new ways to provide solutions to consumers, meeting their specific
needs, wherever they may be. The International nature of The Design Laboratory
2004 will help drive Electrolux’s continued efforts to meet these
global requirements.
Llandaff
Laminates Moves to Improve
Welsh
distributor, Llandaff Laminates has moved to purpose built accommodation
on Cardiff's newest industrial estate, Capital Business Park. The company
was established in 1968 originally as a distributor of decorative plastic
laminates. Over time the company has diversified its portfolio and extended
the product range to its customers. It is now established as a supplier
of laminate, worktops, sheet materials, appliances and kitchen products.
The original premises were set within a residential area and were not
able to cope with expansion, transport and storage. Also customer facilities
were restricted. The new unit has a larger well equipped customer reception
with a snack bar, tables and chairs, product displays and a large trade
counter. The welcoming atmosphere shows that Llandaff is just as efficient
for those customers that want to collect and the huge parking/turning
area is more than adequate for both.
A purpose built multi- direction forklift truck designed with specialised
racking allows Llandaff to increase its stock holding especially on the
more bulky products like worktops. Duropal remains one of the main brands
and Llandaff Laminates are one of longest established Duropal distributors
in the UK.
Tel: 029 20 777 333
Email: mailto:sales@llandafflaminates.co.uk
U.A.W.
Local Ratifies New Labour Contract with Maytag
Maytag
Corporation announced on 2nd July that Local 997 of United Automobile,
Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers (U.A.W.) ratified a new four-year
contract covering production and maintenance employees at Maytag's manufacturing
facilities in Newton, Iowa.
With the contract ratification, all production and maintenance employees
at the facilities who were actively employed by Maytag on June 10th, 2004,
were instructed to report to work on their normal shifts and job assignments
on Tuesday, July 6th, 2004.
'The new contract is a positive development,' commented Mark Krivoruchka,
senior vice president of human resources. 'We are pleased that union members
recognised that cost improvements are a necessity in this competitive
environment.'
The contract addresses key cost issues including employee and retiree
health benefits and work rule flexibility. Information related to estimated
impact on Pension and Post Retirement Medical costs will be provided with
second quarter results when they are announced on July 23rd.