Maytag
UK is investing in several promotions for the fourth quarter trading period
for both the consumer and the retailer. Maytag UK has added even greater
value to its lead in brand, Admiral, with a consumer cashback promotion.
Consumers purchasing an Admiral 60ADi in either black or white between
the 1st October and 31st December 2003 can claim £100 cashback.
Graham Gleave, Sales Director, Maytag UK says, 'Admiral already represents
phenomenal value for an authentic American fridge freezer, and this additional
support will attract even more consumers adding valuable sales for the
retailer in the run up to Christmas.'
The Admiral is a genuine American fridge freezer offering:
•
Shallow depth advantage and 22.2cu.ft/6291itres of capacity.
• 'B' energy rating.
• Spill proof, slide out tempered glass shelves, which are also fully
adjustable.
• Two flexible humidity crispers for fruit and vegetables: a temperature
controlled drawer for cheese, meats etc
• Adjustable fridge storage
• Illuminated cubed ice and water dispenser.
• The freezer is totally frost free with 4 star ratings throughout
including the door.
• Fully supported with 5-year warranty on the compressor and sealed
refrigeration system.
Fully supported with colourful point of sale material to emphasise the
cashback offer, as well as product specific point of sale to highlight
the products benefits and features.
Also running throughout the fourth quarter is a retailer promotion for
Maytag branded refrigeration, the SOV60 and the SOV60CZ (with ClimateZone™).
From 1st October through to the 31st December Maytag is offering the retailer
greater profit opportunities. Maytag is fully supporting the SOV60/CZ
with an additional £200 discount off the published trade price.
This offers an exceptionally competitive deal, driving sales for the retailer.
In support of this there is a staff incentive for the sales team, which
entitles the salesperson to a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher for
each SOV60/CZ sold.
Graham Gleave explains, 'This is a superb opportunity for the retailer
to play at new price points with a genuine American fridge freezer that
offers superior functionality for the consumer. The additional staff incentive
is designed to really drive sales, increase the number of units sold and
deliver a profitable opportunity for everyone during the forthcoming trading
period.'
For further information on all Maytag's promotions call your Area Sales
Manager or Maytag UK on 01737 231000.
Stoves
Launches Winter Retailer Promotion
Stoves
is launching a promotion for all independent retailers and kitchen specialists
to encourage sales throughout the key pre-Christmas selling period.
Until 31st December, retailers purchasing any four sets of Stoves Premier
or Newhome built-in ovens, hobs and hoods, will receive a fifth set absolutely
free. The orders do not have to be placed at the same time and there is
no limit to the number of ovens, hobs and hoods that can be claimed, so
it really is a case of the more you buy, the more you benefit.
To qualify for the complimentary oven set, simply complete the redemption
card issued by Stoves, including serial numbers of all models ordered.
Upon receipt an additional set of the lowest value oven, hob and hood
will be dispatched immediately allowing retailers to reap the rewards.
The Stoves Premier and Newhome built-in collections have some innovative
features. The Premier range includes cookers offering ‘Duo Cook’
– a double oven with both a gas and electric oven in the same appliance.
The gas ovens in the Newhome collection offer traditional ‘zoned’
heat allowing consumers to benefit from the varying temperature levels
– hotter towards the top and cooler towards the base. Both collections
are available in a variety of sizes, styles, fuels and colours to cater
for all consumer needs.
Additional redemption leaflets can be obtained by calling Glen Dimplex
Cooking on 0151 432 7259.
Broughton
Crangrove's Winter Promotions
Broughton
Crangrove, distributor of kitchen appliances, sanitaryware, tiles, heating
and plumbing products has several promotions planned for the fourth quarter
of 2003.
Broughton Crangrove issues a quarterly price book to keep the trade informed
of new products and prices. This is supported with a regular Bulletin
that highlights trade promotions for the season.
There are many offers available, but one of the most exciting includes
a free football shirt, either premier, league or retro with the purchase
of five Mira Sport 9kW showers. Available from now until the 30th November
2003.
There are great deals to be had on Belling. Broughton Crangrove has tied
up an exclusive offer of a comprehensive stainless steel Belling package.
The entire pack is £796 - a £100 saving on Broughton Crangrove's
published trade prices.
Belling Stainless Steel pack includes;
• Single multifunction oven - the XOU270
• Built in microwave oven - BIM60
• 70cm gas hob - GHU573
• Splashback - SPL7O
• Stainless steel chimney hood - CHIM70
• Valid from 15th October until 31st December 2003.
Broughton Crangrove has several offers from Stoves including the NewHome
550SIDLm cooker with a double gas oven. It is available in either white
or silver at just £285 (normally £360) from 1st October to
31st December 2003.
The second offer with the Stoves brand is the Dual fuel cooker with double
oven, the 600FDOa. Normally trading at £578, it is on offer at just
£459 from 1st October until the 31st December.
Commercial Director, Allan Nutter comments, 'These are fantastic deals
for retailers, delivering even greater profit opportunities in the run
up to Christmas. The promotions are all backed by our next day delivery
to the majority of conurbations in the UK. It's an opportunity not to
be missed.'
For more information on Broughton Crangrove's latest promotions contact
the national hotline on 0870 606 0601.
Travis
Perkins Acquires B&G (Plumbing & Heating) for £23.5m
Travis
Perkins plc, one of the UK's leading builders merchants, has acquired
the entire issued share capital of B&G (Plumbing & Heating) Ltd.
Consideration for the purchase is £23.5m, payable in cash from existing
resources, based on enterprise value subject to final agreement of the
net asset value at completion.
B&G has a network of 12 branches mainly in South London and Surrey
selling plumbing and heating products. For the year ended 31st August
2003 it achieved a turnover of £38.3m and underlying operating profits
of £2.1m.
The acquisition of B&G will enhance Travis Perkins' expanding network
of specialist plumbing and heating branches, increasing the total to 164,
while complementing the sale of plumbing and heating products from the
group's other merchant outlets.
Frank McKay, chief executive of Travis Perkins, said:
'The acquisition of B&G extends further our offering to the plumbing
and heating sector and is consistent with the established strategy of
investing in growth opportunities within our chosen areas of product specialisation.
We welcome the management of B&G to our group.'
Management
Splash out £5.25m on Sovereign Shower Group
Sovereign
Woodmet Group based in Dukinfield, Manchester has been sold to its management
team, in a deal totalling £5.25m. The deal was funded by Barclays
Ventures and Barclays Bank and advised by Ford Campbell and Addleshaw
Goddard.
The Group manufactures shower enclosures and screens whilst also offering
external aluminium anodising and polishing services. Its customer base
includes Focus and Homebase, whilst it has a strong representation in
the independent retail sector with alternative product ranges. The original
company has been in business for 58 years, and now employs over 200 people,
turning over in excess of £10m annually.
The MBO team is led by Managing Director Iain Cherry, and includes Finance
Director Ian Martin, and Production Director Paul Hannan.
(L-R)
Ian Martin, Iain Cherry and Paul Hannan
Commenting on the MBO Iain Cherry said, 'These are exciting times for
us. The MBO means that we can now drill down to improve customer care,
service, design and innovation. The bathroom market is extremely buoyant
- the timing for this deal couldn't have been better. Whilst the transaction
was somewhat of a roller coaster at times, I am delighted with the support
we received from Barclays, Ford Campbell and Addleshaws, especially their
level headed approach to doing business'.
Paul Taberner and Chris Mitchell led the deal for Barclays Ventures. Chris
Mitchell commented 'We are delighted to be able to support the management
team in purchasing this very progressive business. There is a good market
opportunity and Iain and the team have a clear vision of what needs to
be done to continue their recent excellent growth performance.'
Chris Froggatt of Ford Campbell also commented, 'We first discussed the
possibility of an MBO with Iain Cherry two years ago, but some of the
key ingredients necessary for a MBO were missing. In the period since
Ian Martin and Paul Hannan have been recruited to assist with the MBO,
the Business has grown over 40%, and the team have developed a strategy
to grow the business further. Sovereign is now a strong and balanced business
with a solid client base. It has an excellent team and we wish them every
success for the future.'
Working with Chris Froggatt was Corporate Finance Executive Nathalie Blake.
Matthew Martin Corporate Relationship Director at Barclays Bank added
'Sovereign has been a long standing customer of Barclays and we are delighted
to have supported the new team in this venture'.
The Addleshaw Goddard legal team included Jim Tully, Mike Hinchliffe,
Elaine Charrot, Nick Roome and Martin O'Shea.
Gary Black together with Jonathan Dover, Keith Kennedy and Joanne Toomy
from Berg & Co provided legal advice to the Management Team. Financial
Due Diligence was performed by Gary Houghton of Baker Tilly.
The Vendors were advised by Mitchell Charlesworth (Bob Gore) and Pannone
& Partners (John McMuldroch).
KBSA
Advises Members to Gain Benefit from CITB Levy whilst Opposition Continues
The
KBSA has advised members that they will be working towards gaining some
benefits for members who may have to pay the CITB training levy, whilst
continuing their long held opposition to its application for kitchen specialists.
The news follows the lifting of a moratorium for members by the CITB who
will now be re-visiting any outstanding levy collections.
The KBSA agreed with CITB last year that the only positive way forward
was to research the market in order to ascertain what the training needs
were and then, using the levy, provide meaningful and relevant training
that could be accessed by those companies that were in scope. This research
has now been completed and the CITB has lifted the moratorium, whilst
the recommendations and implementations are being considered.
‘We are disappointed that the CITB has made this move but realistically,
there is no immediate prospect of changing this law. This means that at
the present time the levy will be collected although there is no relevant
kitchen training available via the CITB. We must therefore use our best
endeavours to work with the CITB so that relevant training becomes available,’
says said KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden.
‘Meanwhile
we will continue to oppose the fairness of this levy and unravel the problems
associated with how the CITB determines whether a firm is ‘in scope’
and therefore liable to the levy.
‘The CITB has confirmed that for every pound collected it would be
able to offer in the region of £1.40 for relevant industry training
and qualification, so we must strive to get our fair share of this money
for our members.’
B+K
Industry Awards Closed - But Still Time to Book a Table!
For
the past ten years, the Bathrooms+Kitchens magazine Industry Awards have
recognised and rewarded excellence in retailing. Originating from two
business categories presented at a lunchtime event in front of 20 people,
the Bathrooms+Kitchens magazine Industry Awards now span 13 categories.
These are presented by a TV celebrity at a black tie gala ceremony, in
front of 900 industry professionals.
These Awards have helped to raise the profile of the bathroom and kitchen
industry and build not only upon the kudos of high street showrooms but
help individual designers carve their future career path.
The 13 categories now span Business Awards and Designer Awards. They are
as follows:
DESIGNER AWARDS
Student Designer Award
Young Designer Award for Kitchens
Young Designer Award for Bathrooms
Designer Award for Kitchens
Designer Award for Bathrooms
International Designer Award for Kitchens
International Designer Award for Bathrooms
BUSINESS AWARDS
Showroom Award for Kitchens
Showroom Award for Bathrooms
Marketing Award for Kitchens
Marketing Award for Bathrooms
Master Retailer Award for Kitchens
Master Retailer Award for Bathrooms
This year, expertise from the industry and associated professions has
culminated in one of the most experienced judging panels to date. For
2004, the distinguished judges will include:
Robert Torday - Richard Rogers Partnership
Sebastian Conran - Conran & Partners
Matthew Hilton - Habitat UK
Robin Levien RDI - Studio Levien Royal Designer for Industry
David Chaloner - Conran Design Group
Ian Silverstein - Creative Action Design Consultants
Alison Cardy - FutureBrand
Jon Rosby - MFI
David Wright - Chartered Institute of Marketing
Brian Cotterill - President of the Chefs and Cooks Circle
To book a table call Jillian Meade on 020 8565 3091 or to book online,
visit http://www.bathroomskitchens.co.uk/awards2004
Frank
Boddy Chairs most Successful CLA Game Fair
The
world’s largest countryside event, the CLA Game Fair, was recently
held at Harewood House in North Yorkshire and turned out to be the most
successful ever.
John
Boddy Timber managing director Frank Boddy was approached to
be this years Local Committee Chairman and worked with the small team
of permanent staff and a locally recruited voluntary committee of 20 to
attract a record crowd of 131,000 which broke the previous record of 126,000
set at Broadlands last year.
Frank Boddy commented: 'We are thrilled that the CLA Game Fair’s
reputation and the enthusiasm so many people have for the countryside
has attracted this number of visitors. Harewood House is a wonderful venue
and the perfect site to stage the world’s largest countryside event.'
Panama hats rather than heavy tweeds were the order of the day as temperatures
soared into the high 20’s. The talk around the 450 acre site was
about the many pleasures of the countryside and the feeling amongst the
crowds and 850 plus exhibitors was distinctly upbeat and enthusiastic.
The overall opinion was that Harewood 2003 was the best CLA Game Fair
ever.
Tel: 01423 322370
Fax: 01423 324334
Email: mailto:info@john-boddy-timber.ltd.uk
Dansani
UK has announced that two new appointments have been made to keep up with
rising demand for the company's Danish design bathroom furniture.
Christian Asmussen has been appointed National Sales manager for the UK
& Ireland and Michael Kimball-Smith has joined as Area manager for
North England and Scotland.
Michael joins the Dansani team after some years with the Pennybee group.
'With a solid showroom background he will no doubt be a great addition.'
says Christian Asmussen.
Dansani is now offering its dealers complete partner concepts with shop
in shop solutions and shared partner advertising for the company's Calidris
range.
Dansani has also launched the new Mono range of ready assembled furniture
and accessories with porcelain basins in 60cm and 80cm widths. Danish
design aimed at the middlemarket and suitable for the housebuilder segment.
Email: mailto:ca@dansani.com
Web: http://www.dansani.co.uk
Heritage
Announces New Look and Products Launch
Heritage
Bathrooms has launched a major new look for its brochure that is part
of a programme to refresh, revitalise and rejuvenate the brand. The new
branding was unveiled to dealers at a three-day seminar held last month
in Stratford-Upon- Avon.
More than 130 products due to be launched this month (of which 90% are
contemporary) were also previewed. The new products will span across the
complete bathroom portfolio and include suites, furniture, walk in shower
enclosures and wet room solutions, baths, towel rails and shower valves.
‘This is a very exciting time for Heritage Bathrooms,’ said
Sales and Marketing Director Bryan Benfield.
‘Whilst we are still dedicated to developing our ‘Traditional
Collection’ of suites and products we wanted to reinforce our contemporary
credentials and benefit from the growing consumer demand for more modern
styling.
‘These stunning new collections, which include some of the most innovative
bathroom products available in the market place, will extend our offer
of quality products for retail specialists and enable them to cater for
a variety of styles and taste.'
The new brochure has been updated to include all of the products that
will be introduced in October. The fresh contemporary branding is evident
throughout with a new logo on the front and easy to read.
‘I am delighted that we have had this opportunity, at our recent
seminar, to demonstrate to our dealers our complete commitment to their
future growth,’ adds Bryan.
‘We have invested heavily to develop our brand and extend our product
range so that we remain at the forefront of the market.’
Visit http://www.creatingbetterhomes.com
to view Heritage bathroom products in the home industry online exhibition.
Launch
of Formica® 'Design a Laminate' Competition 2004
Celebrating
90 years of laminate design and manufacture, Formica is launching the
'Design a Laminate' Competition 2004, offering designers the chance to
be part of this interior design classic. This competition has been created
to help mark the 90th Anniversary of the birth of the Formica Corporation
and its invention of decorative laminates.
Along with the prize of an Apple Powerbook, the overall winning entry
will be included in the Formica® range and the winner will receive
a 12% royalty on all sales of the design over a three-year period. There
will also be five runners-up prizes of an Apple iPod MP3 player for 'Best
in Category' winners. All short-listed and winning entries will be exhibited
at a Central London gallery in early 2004.
Entries can be made into five specific design categories:
• Urban - a design that is cosmopolitan and cutting edge and will
work in a variety of urban contexts.
• Contemporary - a design that is chic and modern and provides a
smart and sophisticated look for any interior.
• Classical - a design that has a timeless look and will provide
a style that's always in vogue.
• Retro - a design that reflects the beginnings of modern interior
design, influenced by the second half of the 20th Century.
• Organic - a design that is influenced by Nature and takes natural
elements to create a feeling of being one with our environment.
Full details of this competition can be found on the web site http://www.designalaminate.com
along with the history of Formica Limited and the invention of laminate,
an explanation of how Formica® laminate is manufactured and a full
RIBA approved interactive CPD presentation covering all aspects of the
design and manufacture of Formica® laminate.
Tel: 0191 259 3000
Bathroom
specialist Showerlux has upgraded its collection of luxury steam showering
enclosures. Sales of the Showerlux Bodyzone Collection are already up
by 175% compared to the same period last year and new additional features
which include a flat ‘tropical rain’ overhead shower rose for
more effective showering, a sleek hand shower attachment with three spray
settings and new lateral and back massage jets for an enhanced massage
effect, are expected to further stimulate demand.
The new features are added to both models in the collection – the
Bodyzone Steam and the Bodyzone Steam Deluxe– which already have
impressive lists of features. The Bodyzone Steam features five neck jets,
ten back jets, luxury shower seats and easy to use on/off controls, making
it popular with consumers who are looking to bring a touch of showering
luxury into their bathroom.
For homeowners with a slightly larger budget,, the Bodyzone Steam Deluxe
features include five directionally adjustable neck jets, ten back jets,
four independently oscillating body jets, a steam sauna facility with
timer options, easy to use programmable electronic controls with nine
memory settings and two luxury shower seats, as well as optional extras
including multi-colour lights and an audio speaker.
Sarah Lindsey, Product Manager, comments: ‘Our Bodyzone Collection
has displayed impressive sales growth since it was launched and we are
confident that these new features will tempt more consumers to splash
out on what is a truly luxurious showering experience.
‘The growth in popularity of health spas, fitness clubs and luxury
hotels that often feature steam rooms, together with increased consumer
interest in health and well-being, means that more and more homeowners
are looking to bring the therapeutic benefits of steam and water massage
into their own homes. With modern living becoming increasingly hectic,
this market sector is sure to continue to grow and we are confident that
the sleek, stylish design and stunning range of features will position
the Bodyzone Collection at the forefront.’
Tel: 02476 88 25
Web: http://www.showerlux.com
The
Kitchen Company Offers the Bespoke Option with Hoffmann
Tony
Ellis started The Kitchen Company from rural workshops in Somerset in
1994. Since then the company has expanded steadily based on the quality
of product and service that Tony Ellis set out to achieve and on what
the company reputation has been built. Initially The Kitchen Company concentrated
on a contract customer base supplying architect’s projects, developers,
builders and the like. Tony Ellis has always invested in the best, fit-for-purpose
technology to achieve his product quality. In time this has required expansion
of factory floor space and buildings to the present 14,000 square feet
capacity.
As the technical capabilities of his workshops have developed so Tony
Ellis has been able to widen his market scope to include the growth of
a truly bespoke kitchen design service for discerning customers looking
for a very individual product. These are hand-made kitchens with little
input from high volume production machinery. One area, however, where
the Kitchen Company’s factory manager Gerard van der Ende does rely
on technology to ensure absolute accuracy is in the construction of frames
for in-frame kitchen facias and other pre-assemble components relying
on secure jointing.
This is the Hoffmann system of using dovetail keys to secure mitre and
other complex joints. Face-frames in particular are a case in point and
Gerard says that the Hofmann system has not only ensured that each frame
is guaranteed to be perfect, but that a significant amount of time and
labour has been saved.
With the popularity of the cabinet-face-frame design of kitchens on the
steady increase, many manufacturers still struggle to perfect this series
of jointed components. Disproportionate and expensive production time
is wasted involving costly manual labour. The results are often inconsistent
and a badly constructed frame can compromise the entire product.
The Hoffmann system of manufacturing face frames is fast, flexible and
ensures accurate and enduring joints.
Manufacture of the frames is achieved with a combination of Morso notching
and Hoffmann dovetail routing machines. The Kitchen Company uses the free-standing
PU2 pneumatically-operated model and the electro-hydraulic NLEH Morso
notch cutting guillotine.
The system involves three simple steps: The stiles of the frame are notched
and the rails coped using the Morso NF range guillotine (which is available
either in a manual or a electro-hydraulic version). Then the dovetail
keyways for the Hoffmann keys are quickly and accurately routed on the
Hoffmann machine. Finally glue is applied to the joints, the dovetail
keys are inserted and the frame is ready for sanding within minutes.
The system offers certain advantages over traditional methods. The combined
use of Hoffmann and Morso machines ensure accurately prepared sections
with no need for hand finishing. No additional fasteners like screws or
dowels are required as the Hoffmann keys actually draw the jointed components
together to remain tight and permanently secure. Clamping or cramping
is not necessary so saving space and additional equipment. Large frames
can be shipped as components and assembled on site. The Hoffmann system
is versatile and will allow the perfect assembly of frames with mitre
joints, butt joints or compound mitre joints as well.
The Hoffmann and Morso machines are available in a variety of models ranging
from bench mounted manual machines to free-standing pneumatic and electro-hydraulic
automats. Bespoke machinery can be designed and manufactured to suit the
customers’ exact requirements.
The Kitchen Company says that the Hoffmann system is key to ensuring the
quality of its bespoke products.
Hoffmann Machine Company
Tel: 015242 62500
Partial
Sale of Franke Metal Construction to Senn AG Secures Jobs for Entire Metal
Construction Staff
Proceedings
initiated in May 2003 to close the Aarbutg-based Metal Construction profit
centre resulted in a partial sale of the profit centre to Senn AG of Oftringen.
Efforts to secure jobs either inside or outside the Franke Group for the
profit centre's 35 employees have proved successful.
Franke will close its Metal Construction profit centre (a division of
Franke lndustrie AG) as of the end of October 2003. The Oftringen-based
Senn AG will take over a major part of the Metal Construction division's
operations as of 1st November 2003. In addition to 10 employees, the takeover
encompasses technical know-how, the machine park and the product line.
The takeover will allow the Oftringen-based Senn AG, which already has
experience in the area of stainless steel, to convert its stainless steel
product line into an independent business unit and to effectively expand
its already broad range of services, extending from steel and metal construction
to sheet metal processing, emergency power generators, cranes and heavy
equipment transport vehicles.
Efforts made during the last several months to secure the continued employment
of all 35 employees affected by the Metal Construction division's closure
have proven successful - with the employees being placed either at Senn
AG, at other companies within the Franke Group or at external companies.
Franke regards the completion of the closure/takeover proceedings as an
extremely positive development for all parties involved.
NB: On June 30th, 2003, Franke Romont SA was sold retroactively as of
January 1st, 2003 to the latter's current management team.
The letter of intent to sell Franke Romont SA (fabrication of bathroom
furniture) followed the Franke Group's policy of strategic and organisational
refocusing. Franke is concentrating on growth in the core activities Kitchen
Systems, Washroom- and Sanitary Systems, Foodservice Systems (formerly
Contract Group), and Coffee Systems.
At the same time as the sale of Franke Romont SA to its current management
team, the company name changed to Framo SA. Framo SA will further use
the brand name 'Franke' for a limited period of time. No more changes
are expected with respect to management structure or number of staff.
Duncan
Reeds Invests in Homag for Expansion
Over
the past five years laminate fabricator and panel component manufacturer
Duncan Reeds has significantly expanded. A key factor in this has been
MD Tony Atkins’ strategic investment in advanced production technology
that not only guarantees the throughput and quality they require, but
also allows them specific design advantages that favourably position their
products to win major orders.
Now with a turnover of around £4.5 million, Duncan Reeds is supplying
contract orders to both large and medium sized projects across the UK
and Ireland. Since investing in a throughfeed Homag postformer and a Homag
BAZ CNC static processing centre some four years ago, Tony Atkins has
continued to rely on the range and reliability of the leading edge technology
from the Homag Group as a whole.
‘We have had experience of many other machinery makes and types’
explains Tony Atkins, ‘but we and our customers’ requirements
have evolved to where we need an ever wider range of functions and flexible
production options to ensure our competitiveness. We can achieve all of
this from a single source in the Homag Group and have the confidence in
the essential engineering back-up and support we receive from Homag U.K.’
The latest tranche of investment in Homag Group equipment at Duncan Reeds
is a Holzma HPP11 high capacity beam saw, and two Homag single-sided edgebanders
with very differing specifications.
Homag
U.K.’s Steve Appleby examines the excellent quality coming off the
Homag edgebander
Supplying laminated and furniture components to the architectural, joinery
and outfitting sectors has become ever more specialised. Tony Atkins says
that architects and specifiers are particularly aware of long-term product
performance and the fit-for-purpose parameters have tightened noticeably.
So, for instance, one of the Homag edgebanders has been specified with
a PUR adhesive application system and magazine for bonding 20mm solid
hardwood lippings (Homag also supply a 25mm capability). This allows Duncan
Reeds to supply moisture resistant components from the washroom markets
right through to external projects and specialised marine work.
The second Homag edgebander differs in as much as it is specified with
a hotmelt EVA glue tank and configured for the application of tapes including
3mm and 2mm PVC. Both edgebanders are highly specified in terms of units
that give them a single-pass capability – like pre-milling units,
auto tool-change, scraping, glue jointing and buffing as well as in-line
contour rounding.
With these two machines and the various permutations in terms of performance,
the edging options at Duncan Reeds gives the company flexibility for both
current and future requirements.
Duncan
Reeds MD Tony Atkins (left) with Homag U.K.’s Steve Appleby and the
Holzma beam saw
Dimensioning panels is obviously a fundamental aspect of production at
the Billingshurst factory in West Sussex (a second Duncan Reeds facility
at Trafford Park in Manchester is also Homag equipped) and the new Holzma
beam saw is arguably the ‘heart’ of the factory. Here again
Duncan Reeds has worked closely with Homag U.K. and particularly with
area manger Steve Appleby to secure a future-proofed specification. The
Holzma HPP11 is a versatile saw with large capacity and fast, optimised
programming via its CNC controller. Critically for Duncan Reeds, which
is cutting mainly faced substrates be they HPL or MFC, the Holzma benefits
from the patented mono-rail guidance system of the high-speed saw carriage
which ensures a perfect alignment between the scoring and main blade so
that the cut is precisely clean and a perfect edge is presented to the
edgebanders.
The other essential aspect of the Holzma (aside from its large blade projection
and cutting cycle times) is the dimensional precision it delivers. This
comes through a combination of highly sensitive aligning devices, pressure
units and the magnetic contactless encoding system to position the main
fence which guarantees no wear or long-term deterioration of accuracy.
Most of Duncan Reeds’ shaping and drilling work, as well as shaped
edging, is ably performed by the Homag BAZ that originally replaced a
number of CNC routers/machining centres. The throughfeed Homag postformer
also plays an essential role in worktop fabrication among other functions.
Interestingly, all of the laminated panels that enter this Homag-equipped
fabrication area of the factory are supplied via two stalwart Joos presses,
still working perfectly (and overtime if they could talk!) by Homag U.K.
Tel: 01332 856500
Email: mailto:sales@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homaguk.co.uk
Wood
Machine Makers Carve out Exports Market
Wood
machine manufacturer, The Air Press Company, is branching out into new
overseas markets and has won £22,000 worth of new overseas business
with help from Trade Partners UK - the government network that gives UK
companies a head start with trade and investment overseas.
The Salisbury-based company, which designs and makes vacuum presses for
the woodworking and furniture industry, signed up for the Trade Partners
UK your passport to export success programme after meeting its local international
trade adviser at Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire.
The company was given advice, training and support on developing its website.
It also used the New Products from Britain Service, which places articles
about products in overseas specialist trade press. The key step for The
Air Press Company, however, was attending the leading specialist trade
fair in their field, the Ligna Exhibition in Hanover.
Peter Hoggard, The Air Press Company's managing director, said, 'We wanted
to establish an international name for ourselves and build up contacts
across Europe and beyond. The advice and information we have received
through the Passport programme has been very helpful. The guidance we
received coupled with the very informative training courses we went on
gave us the confidence to take things further and has meant we are going
into new markets with knowledge and a well planned strategy.'
As a result of attending the exhibition the company has made contact with
70 potential distributors looking to sign deals to sell The Air Press
Company products in Europe, Canada, New Zealand, South East Asia, China,
Japan, Russia and Romania.
Bathstore.com
Opens its 50th Showroom
Bathstore.com,
the showroom based bathroom retailer opened its 50th store in Sheffield
on Saturday 6th September 2003.
‘Sheffield is a truly cosmopolitan city and we are very proud to
be opening our 50th Bathstore.com showroom here, we have spent the last
18 months searching for the right premises in Sheffield and are delighted
to have found the perfect location here at Archer Road’ said Stephen
Parker, Property Manager at Bathstore.com.
The brand new 3,000 sq. ft. showroom is located on the popular and convenient
Archer Road Retail Park in Millhouses.Inside the showroom the vibrant
paint colours provide the perfect backdrop for the stunning pure white
sanitaryware, so whether you prefer the contemporary chic of an Italian
basin or the traditional glamour of a freestanding slipper bath, Bathstore.com
is the place to be.
‘I’m sure the people of Sheffield will be inspired and excited
by the stylish range of affordable, design led products on offer at Bathstore.com’
said David Reynolds, Store Manager at Bathstore.com, Sheffield.
For more details call into the showroom or alternatively visit http://www.bathstore.com
and request a free brochure pack.
Bathstore.com, Archer Road Retail Park, Millhouses, Sheffield, S8 0LB.
Tel. 0114 235 6800
Opening times – Mon to Fri 10 – 6, Sat 9 – 5, Sun 11 –
5.
BSH
Honoured: Named as the German Company with the best Innovation Management
System
BSH
Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH emerged as the winner of the 'Best
Innovator' competition run by the business magazine 'Wirtschaftswoche'
and top international management consultants A.T. Kearney involving the
400 largest German companies posting sales exceeding one billion euro.
In the competition, conducted for the first time this year, A.T. Kearney
and 'Wirtschaftswoche' honour outstanding management achievements in the
shaping and implementation of innovations. At the same time, the competition
is intended to enable the companies in contention to come up with an objective
appraisal of their innovation capabilities. Here, there is a systematic
evaluation of the quality of management in relation to innovation strategy,
innovation culture, innovation processes, factors supporting innovations
and successful innovation. BSH emerged as the victor in two of the five
areas, and was also overall winner. Dr. Robert Kugler, BSH Executive Vice
President with special responsibility for the Product Divisions, Corporate
Technology, Logistics and Environmental Protection, sees this success
as vindicating his strategy:
'Over the last few years we have pursued a consistent quality and innovation
policy with the clear objective of being the leading innovator and a benchmark
for the sector. I believe that this competition shows that we've made
good progress along this path.'
The jury, headed by Dr. Michael Träm, Central European boss of A.T.
Kearney, and the Editor-in-Chief of 'Wirtschaftswoche', Stefan Baron,
praised BSH for its outstanding and broad-based innovation performance.
The assessment team was particularly impressed by the consistency with
which all functional areas are integrated into the innovation process,
and the extent to which this characterises the corporate culture as a
whole. 'BSH's excellent innovation performance is characterised in particular
by the combination of three factors - the embedding of the innovation
strategy in the business strategy, the stringent systematisation of the
processes and in particular the marked commitment of senior management
to this topic,' is how Dr Kai Engel, the responsible project manager at
A.T. Kearney, sums up the jury's conclusions.
BSH approaches innovation management in a systematic manner, using short-,
medium- and long-term planning tools:
In ongoing development projects, so-called roadmaps are used to set out
all the steps involved in the development process, from design through
to production and market launch, are described in detail, and the connections
and interactions between the various fields are pinpointed. These roadmaps
both provide clear guidance for planning and target-setting, and allow
flexible reaction to variances.
An innovation steering-committee set up to handle the medium-term direction
of innovation takes the form of an interdisciplinary body to take decisions
relating to the promotion of cross-product topics, and provides venture
capital funds for the development of products selected.
For long-term innovations, the company makes use of the 'Pictures of the
Future' tool developed by Siemens AG, which enables experts from various
disciplines to extrapolate global trends and to derive scenarios for future
developments. From these projects emerges a wide-ranging technological
vision of the future, with entirely new possibilities for the application
of innovative products and services.
A total of 1400 developers work at BSH, in a global development network.
A development platform supported by a database permits cooperation on
projects across national boundaries and in different continents. This
means, for example, that experts in Spain, China and Latin America can
develop an appliance simultaneously. The design process for tailormade
products for the local market concerned can then take place on the basis
of a common underlying technological concept.
The company files more than 300 patents and utility models every year.
Current examples of BSH developments include the OptoSensor, which detects
even the most minimal scale deposits on glasses, and automatically controis
the wash process. Or in the field of refrigeration, the antibacterial
system AgION™, a silver compound that reliably prevents the growth
and spread of bacteria and mold. Another important milestone is the serve@Home
system, which is based on open standards and offers the possibility of
communicating with a wide variety of internet-capable, networked home
appliances. Here, for example, a holidaymaker can use their mobile phone
to switch on the washing machine or check on the operating status of their
cooker. The intelligent networking of internet-capable appliances will
also become the focus of future development effort. In addition, BSH is
in particular backing the areas of electronics, sensor systems, display
technology, new operating phiiosophies and fibre-optic technology.
'By comparison with our competitors we have a relatively high profile
on the innovations front. We drive forward the development of the global
home appliance market, instead of following in its wake.' is how Dr. Kugler
explains BSH's strategy. Nevertheless, he stresses that for BSH, innovation
is not an end in itself. 'Here we always have in mind the enhanced quality
of life we are creating for people. And that may be achieved by way of
greater efficiency, convenience and user friendliness, though it might
equally well be via the innovative technology with which we are actively
contributing to the conservation of environmental resources.'
Web: http://www.bsh-group.com
Domestic
Appliances Sector is Gearing up for HomeTech 2004 in Cologne
From
25th to 27th February 2004, when the top managers from the world’s
small and medium-sized domestic appliances manufacturers arrive at HomeTech
in Cologne, their common aim will be to focus on the world market. By
registering for HomeTech Cologne, 650 international suppliers have already
clearly expressed their desire not to miss this opportunity. Whether they
come from the key core markets of Europe such as Italy, France, Spain,
Great Britain, Scandinavia and Germany or major overseas business centres
such as China, Taiwan and the USA: they are all represented in Cologne
with a multitude of companies.
It is the contingents from Italy - currently 150 participating suppliers
- and Germany – previously 130 registered suppliers - in particular,
which confirm the attractiveness of HomeTech within the small and medium-sized
business sector. In addition, company representatives from markets such
as South Africa, New Zealand, Jordan, Bulgaria and Argentina are adding
an extremely international flair to the event in the exhibition halls
on the bank of the Rhine.
As a primarily specialist trade-orientated fair, HomeTech offers all of
them the best pre-requisites enabling them to internationalise their own
sales network. At HomeTech, technicians and specialists from the industry
come together with buyers from the trade to communicate in a professional
environment.
To this end, the strategic exchange of ideas on new sales and marketing
concepts provides the participating companies, particularly those from
the small and medium-sized sector, with new organisational possibilities
and new impulses.
Web: http://www.hometech-berlin.de
Maytag
USA Announces Neptune
Drying Center
On
September 19th, Maytag Corporation introduced its latest product - the
Neptune Drying Center - at a special analyst presentation in New York
City. The presentation allowed the US financial community its first look
at a category-defining product.
The new Maytag Neptune Drying Center - or Neptune DC as it is called -
pairs a traditional tumble dryer with an upper drying cabinet. The company
says that like the Neptune washer before it, Maytag has created an innovative,
high quality product that changes how consumers approach everyday laundry
tasks.
'Maytag's growth strategy is built on preferred brands and innovative
products,' said Maytag Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Hake.
'The Neptune DC demonstrates the strength of our strategy and further
extends our legacy in the laundry industry. With this addition, we have
created a product that leverages the Maytag Neptune brand position and
creates a suite of appliances with obvious consumer benefits.'
The Neptune DC not only dries clothes, but also minimises shrinkage, hastens
the drying process, reduces wrinkles, eliminates odours and refreshes
clothes. The multi-purpose format, which fits in approximately the same
floor space as a standard dryer, responds to consumers' cries for better
garment care from their dryers.
'In the past, the dryer industry has been driven by washer sales - we
feel the Neptune DC will change that,' Hake said. 'This is a product that
consumers will simply want to have. The Neptune DC meets unmet needs and
consumers quickly grasp how this appliance will make their lives easier.'
Hake and Maytag Appliances President Bill Beer addressed the strategy
behind this new innovation.
'The Neptune washer was introduced in 1997 and created its own premium
laundry category,' said Beer. 'It's our intention to continue to focus
on creating value across all laundry categories but particularly at the
high end.'
Beer added that the introduction of the Neptune DC is one of many new
product launches in 2003. 'We are excited about the many new innovations
we have introduced across all of our platforms,' he said. 'But Maytag
has long been known as the company that revolutionised the way consumers
clean clothes, and we feel the Neptune DC will extend the company's established
position in a new category.'
Maytag
Names Harley-Davidson's James McCaslin to Board of Directors
Maytag
Corporation announced that it has named James A. McCaslin to the company's
Board of Directors effective September 22nd, 2003. McCaslin is currently
President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company,
based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
'Jim McCaslin will make a superb addition to the board,' said Ralph Hake,
Maytag Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 'His perspective, leadership
and breadth of experience - particularly in branding, manufacturing and
enhancing Harley-Davidson's dealer network - will be very valuable as
we continue to pursue our growth strategies in the appliance industry.
He understands our environment and, like Harley-Davidson, the importance
of being a long-standing company with an excellent reputation and heritage.'
McCaslin joined Harley-Davidson in 1992 as Vice President and General
Manager of the Company's York, Pennsylvania Operations. He was appointed
Vice President, Continuous Improvement in 1997. In 1999 he was made Vice
President, Dealer Services, a position he held until accepting his current
position in 2001.
Prior to joining Harley-Davidson, McCaslin worked in plant management
at JI Case and also has significant experience in automobile manufacturing
having worked for Chrysler Corporation, Volkswagen and General Motors'
Chevrolet Division.
McCaslin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering
from the General Motors Institute and a Masters of Science degree in Industrial
Engineering from Virginia Tech. He also attended the Advanced Management
program at Harvard University. He currently serves as board chairman of
the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, a non-profit industry coalition,
and is a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee.
The addition of McCaslin to Maytag's board will increase the total number
of directors to 11.
Maytag Corporation is a leading producer of home and commercial appliances.
Its products are sold to customers throughout North America and in international
markets. The corporation's principal brands include Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air,
Jade, Hoover and Dixie-Narco.
Sanitec
gets Moody about Rating Downgrade
Moody's
Investors Service has downgraded the senior notes of Sanitec International
S.A. from B2 to B3. The senior implied and issuer ratings for Sanitec
and the rating for the senior secured credit facilities at Sanitec Oy
have also been downgraded. Affected ratings include:
- Senior implied rating to B1 from Ba3;
- Unsecured issuer rating to B3 from B2;
- Euro 260.0 million in senior notes due 2012 at Sanitec International
S.A. to B3 from B2; and
- Euro 555.0 million in senior secured credit facilities at Sanitec Oy
to B1 from Ba3.
The outlook for all ratings is negative.
The one notch downgrade reflects: (i) Sanitec’s highly leveraged
capital structure and the limited improvements in credit metrics evidenced
to date; (ii) the poor operating performance in Q2 2003, with improvements
from cost initiatives insufficient to offset weak top line performance,
adverse exchange rate movements and certain one off costs; (iii) ongoing
weak market conditions in a number of Sanitec’s markets, particularly
Germany and the Netherlands, combined with Moody’s expectation that
there will be no improvement in the company’s trading environment
in the short to medium term; and (iv) short term liquidity concerns given
the forthcoming step downs in financial covenants included in the company’s
senior secured credit facility.
The negative outlook reflects Moody’s view that the company’s
liquidity is currently constrained given its low cash balances, continued
weak operating conditions and availability restrictions contained in Sanitec’s
senior secured credit facility.
Sanitec remains highly leveraged and due to weak operating performance
in Q2 2003 Total Debt/EBITDA (on a last twelve months trailing basis)
increased marginally over the period, despite the fact that Q2 is normally
a strong quarter. This was principally due to ongoing weak conditions
in the German market as well as low demand in the Netherlands, combined
with adverse exchange rate movements and certain one off costs, which
more than offset the improvements from cost initiatives and production
efficiency gains. Moody’s believes that there is unlikely to be a
marked improvement in the company’s operating environment in the
near to medium term.
However, Moody’s believes that the management has performed well
in light of difficult operating conditions and that the company is well
positioned to benefit should the operating environment improve. Nevertheless,
Moody’s views the company’s current liquidity position as weak
given its low cash balances, minimal free cash flow and scheduled debt
amortisation (c. Euro 32 million in the next twelve months). Given the
scheduled step downs in financial covenants, the company may seek to increase
its financial flexibility going forward through a loosening of financial
covenants. Should the company successfully renegotiate its financial covenants,
Moody’s would consider changing the outlook from negative to stable.
Domiciled in Luxembourg, Sanitec is a leading European manufacturer and
supplier of sanitary ceramics and bath and shower products. For the twelve
months ended 30th June 2003, Sanitec reported revenues of Euro 963.9 million
and EBITDA of Euro 146.7 million.