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Unique Venue to Preview Neff's 2005 Collection

Built-in appliance specialist Neff recently unveiled 'Evolution 2005', a new cooking collection for 2005 and beyond.

Against the backdrop of 'The Concept Centre', a unique venue in Bedfordshire, Neff created a purpose built exhibition to showcase the new look range. As no appliance manufacturer has ever used this venue to date, the launch signifies yet another ground breaking first for the Neff brand.

Over a six-day period, first press and then trade partners, were given an exclusive preview of the new appliance collection, together with a series of working demonstrations to highlight all the outstanding new product features.

Amongst the appliances on display were new single and double ovens, plus the company's first built in coffee centre and freestanding range cooker.

Situated deep within the Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford, famous for its association with the motor industry, the exhibition structure provided a totally blank canvas for Neff to showcase its new product portfolio.

Sperialist exhibition designers created maximum visual impact by displaying all the new appliances in tailor made housings. Key features of the new range were displayed in imposing black units produced specifically to reflect the new stainless steel appliances to best effect.

A separate area built especially by kitchen furniture manufacturer Stoneham, showed off some of the new Neff appliances in a built in setting. In addition, a 'live' cookery demonstration was held throughout the event to simulate the sights and smells of the home cooking environment.

Comments Neff Brand Manager, Hannah Watson: 'This is a unique opportunity for our dealers to see every new product together under one roof. The 'Concept Centre' has enabled us to preview Neff's entire 2005 collection simultaneously and each visitor has had time to familiarise themselves with all the new appliances in an exclusively designed showcase presentation'

The Bedford launch in 2005 represents a total evolution of the Neff brand. It also heralds the arrival of a themed communications programme, including new advertising, new brochure, new website and new promotional material.

Electrolux Takes Lead in Built-In Cooking says GfK

The latest GfK* audited Major Domestic Appliance (MDA) sales figures for January 2005 reveal a significant market volume growth of 12.1% over the same month last year. The data, which notably includes the period from Boxing Day 2004 through to late January 2005, suggests that it was not all doom and gloom in the high street, despite earlier reports suggesting sluggish sales. Encouragingly, despite fierce and competitive trading, the market value also grew, though slightly slower at 10.2% ahead of January 2004.

Electrolux Major Appliances Group performed ahead of the marketplace showing a staggering volume growth of 17%. This performance follows on from an investment of £4 million into Consumer Advertising, including Zanussi-Electrolux TV campaigns and heavyweight AEG consumer Press advertising.

Built-In Cooking
Built-In Ovens and Built-In Hobs have both shown significant audited volume growth for the January period (39.6% growth in Oven sales over Jan 2004, and 41.8% growth in Hobs) to achieve an overall annualised volumes of 670,800 Hobs and 638,000 Ovens; representing around £350m retail value.

The Electrolux Group emerged to take Overall Market Leadership of the key Built-In Cooking Sectors (Ovens and Hobs) in January with a volume share of 16.2% sales

Commenting on the audit statistics, Steven Jobe, UK Market Analyst at Electrolux Major Appliances, said:
‘Against a market backdrop where volumes across the board have grown encouragingly by over 6% in the last year, the growth rate in January alone of 12.1% is indeed significant, and has set the Industry talking - reflecting the notable retail activity in the period beyond Christmas’

Laundry, Dishcare & Cooling Appliances
Also clear from the UK Audit statistics is the significant market growth in Other Kitchen Appliance Sectors with January Volume Growth in Front Loading Washing Machines of nearly 18%, Dishwashers up 22.9%, and Tumble Dryers ahead over 1% on the same month in 2004.

Add the Growth in the multi-faceted Refrigeration Markets of 11.2%, driven by both standard formats and the continued appeal of 'Outsize' American-Style units, and it becomes apparent that the UK Appliance Market has been very buoyant in all respects over the festive period and into the New Year.

In all these areas, the Electrolux Group has reinforced its trading position and gained market share over the early period last year; with the Zanussi-Electrolux Brand increasing its consumer position in real terms and % share across the board in line with the Brand Strategy set in place over the last year.

Commenting on the overall share gain, and market activity, Andrew Mackay, UK Brand & Marketing Director at Electrolux Major Appliances, said:
‘In Electrolux, Zanussi and AEG we have delivered an increased brand position across all areas of Kitchen Appliances - Built-In and Freestanding - fully vindicating the major investment in Brand Marketing and Product Innovation, and, laying the foundation for strong trading partnerships in the period ahead’

(* GfK Major Domestic Appliance Audit - MDA 6 - tracking Freestanding and Built-in UK Sales of all Laundry, Dishcare, Cooking, Cooling and Freezer products but excluding hobs, microwaves and vacuum cleaners)

Web: http://www.electrolux.co.uk

Maytag Emphasises 'Faster, Leaner' Organisation at Investors Conference

Maytag Corporation reaffirmed its business strategies and guidance on March 7th during the 26th annual Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference in Orlando, Fla., saying that Maytag is a much different company than it was a year ago.

Chairman and CEO Ralph F. Hake commented, 'We are realising the cost savings from our restructuring. We remain focused on developing preferred brands, creating innovative products and achieving best-in-class cost and quality.'

Hake said that the One Company initiative executed in 2004 has transformed the organisation into a faster, leaner and more unified Maytag. 'We're customer-focused and more responsive,' he explained. 'We are a flatter organisation with fewer layers. We're shortening the decision-making process and are reducing our time to market.'

The company demonstrated its commitment to product innovation by citing the numerous launches in the first quarter of 2005, including:

• New Maytag® Neptune® front-loading washers and dryers,
• Jenn-Air® floating glass appliance suite,
• Hoover® FloorMate™ hard surface floor cleaner, and
• Hoover® SteamVac™ Duo cleaner.

Maytag continues to look beyond North America as the company expands global sourcing opportunities. 'Our design centre in China will supplement existing R&D resources, while we further develop our product supply partnerships with Asian companies,' Hake said.

At the conference, Maytag executives reaffirmed plans to achieve improved earnings in 2005, expected by the company to be in the range of $1.10 to $1.30 per share, including about 5 cents of restructuring charges.

Hake told analysts that Maytag has already realised $30 million in cost savings and is on track to achieve $150 million in annual savings from restructuring. 'In addition to reducing the size of our salaried workforce, we have successfully completed the conversion of our computer systems and integrated our sales and marketing teams,' he added.

Two Maytag businesses continue to grow at double-digit rates. Maytag International grew 13 percent in 2004 and is expanding its product line up, entering new markets and adding Maytag Stores in Canada and Mexico. Another bright spot is Maytag Services with 27 percent growth in 2004.

George Moore, Maytag's executive vice president and chief financial officer, said aggressive cost-saving initiatives and appliance pricing increases are expected to offset steel and fuel cost increases, which continue to pressure profitability. He expects material costs to be an on-going challenge in 2005.

Maytag's presentation at the Raymond James conference will be webcast over the Internet. A replay of the conference will remain available online for 30 days on the Corporate News Center of Maytag's Web site, http://www.maytagcorp.com , under 'CEO Presentations.'

In addition to the Raymond James conference, Maytag took part in Smith Barney's 18th annual Global Industrial Manufacturing Conference in New York City on Wednesday, March 9th. On Thursday, March 10th, Maytag participated in the JP Morgan Small Cap Conference in Chicago.

Maytag Corporation is a $4.8 billion home and commercial appliance company focused in North America and in targeted international markets. The corporation's primary brands are Maytag®, Hoover®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Dixie-Narco® and Jade®.

BMA Training: Acting on Initiative

Yvonne Orgill Commercial Director of the BMA talks about how the newly appointed Training Co-ordinator will help further the implementation of the BMA’s Bathroom Education Initiative.

‘The Bathroom Manufacturers Association recently announced that Training and Development Specialist Phil Lumley has joined the company’s Stoke based team in the role of Training Co-ordinator.

‘In 2004 Martyn Denny, President of the BMA announced the Bathroom Education Initiative to formalise the work that the BMA had been undertaking regarding training, education and qualifications for all sectors of the Bathroom Industry.
Since then, the response from the members of the BMA to the Bathroom Education Initiative has been universally supportive, and a great deal of progress has already been made.

‘From the outset we were very clear that as the Initiative gathered pace, we would need to appoint a Training Co-ordinator to pull-together the many and varied Training and Development issues which the BMA membership is seeking to address. We have therefore, appointed Phil Lumley a Training and Development Specialist with more than 20 years experience in the Management, Training and Development field, to aid the organisation in achieving the objectives of the Bathroom Education Initiative.’

Phil says of her new role ‘From day-one I have received a warm welcome and support from the staff and members of the BMA and I already feel very much part of the team. I do not under-estimate the size and diversity of the role and I am enthused by the very real commitment and determination of the whole team to succeed in enhancing the Training and Development opportunities for people across the Industry. I feel very excited and privileged to be a part of such a major initiative.’

The BMA is eager to hear from Industry stakeholders on any experiences, ideas, or concerns you may have regarding current and/or future Training and Development needs within the Industry.

For further information email mailto:yvonne.orgill@bathroom-association.org.uk or mailto:phil.lumley@bathroom-association.co.uk or telephone 01782 747123

Strong Growth Boosts Laufen's Profits

Sanitary-ware manufacturer Laufen has announced substantial growth from 2003-2004.

'Continued investment in product development, distributor relationships and new acquisitions is undoubtedly the foremost reasoning behind the fantastic year-end statistics. An organised logistic operation has increased product availability and strengthened client retention.' said Russell Barnes, Managing Director for Laufen UK.

'Our solid growth last year exceeded set targets and I am absolutely delighted. It is great to see the hard work and commitment invested in the company shows these results. Business for the first quarter of 2005 has got off to a great start. I'm confident that with our strong distributor network, dedicated UK sales team and new product collections (which are being launched at ISH 2005) we have another interesting and exciting year ahead.

Tel: 01386 422768
Web: http://www.laufen.co.uk

Zeyko Joins KBSA as Corporate Member

One of Germany’s top kitchen industry brand manufacturers has joined the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association as a corporate member.

Black Forest-based Zeyko produces a wide range of top quality kitchens in distinctive designs and the company will this year be re-establishing a new dealer network throughout the UK.

‘We are delighted to welcome Zeyko aboard as a corporate member,’ said KBSA chief executive Graham Hayden. ‘This company has been in business for 35 years and has established an excellent reputation both throughout Germany and in numerous other countries.’

Zeyko Export Manager Joachim Lorenz added: ‘We look forward to networking with fellow KBSA members and are convinced that our membership of the association will help us to become a recognised partner in the UK market.

‘We offer an exclusive portfolio of kitchen designs, all of the highest quality and in distinctive designs, and one of our many strengths is flexible production.’

All Zeyko orders are handled directly by headquarters in Germany although the company has recently appointed a UK consultant who will be liaising between the factory and the dealer network.

Maple Industries t/a Discount Kitchens Direct Attracts Complaints

Complaints objecting to a magazine advertisement for Maple Industries t/a Discount Kitchens Direct of Oldham, Lancashire were upheld in all three of the objections according to published details from the Advertising Standards Authority.

Complaint:
Objections to a magazine advertisement, for kitchens, headlined 'BUYING A SOLID WOOD KITCHEN WITH SOLID GRANITE WORKTOPS DOESN'T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE'. The advertisement showed a photograph of a wood kitchen; text beneath stated 'At Kitchens Direct, we manufacture all our own cabinets and doors, but the difference is, that unlike other large kitchen companies we don't use chipboard to manufacture our cabinets, only solid wood. All the wood has been carefully selected and treated and comes only from forests that re-plant trees. Normally you would only find a solid wood kitchen at an expensive bespoke kitchen showroom, but now you can find it for less than chipboard. For example, all the solid birch cabinets, doors, cornice, pelmet and accessories featured above, including solid granite worktop can be yours for only £1495.00'. The complainants:

1. challenged whether the advertisers could supply real solid wood kitchens at £1495, particularly because one of the complainants received units made from composite 'wood'.
2. objected that the advertisement misleadingly suggested the kitchen pictured was available for the advertised price of £1495 and
3. objected that the advertisers had failed to refund their £100 deposit on request.

Adjudication:
1. & 2. Complaints upheld
The advertisers initially asserted that the kitchens they supplied for £1495 were solid wood; they sent cut-off samples of the wood used for the kitchen cabinets and the doors. They acknowledged after discussion with the Authority, however, that the kitchens they supplied for £1495 were not solid wood; they said they would not describe the kitchens as solid wood in future advertisements. They sent copies of 15 plans for kitchens that had been delivered to customers with the customers' contact details attached and a breakdown of the items included in the offer price.

The Authority noted the wood the advertisers sent was not solid wood and noted their acknowledgement that they could not supply solid wood kitchens for £1495. It was therefore concerned that the advertisement stated 'unlike other large kitchen companies we don't use chipboard to manufacture our cabinets, only solid wood'. Although it accepted that some customers had purchased a kitchen similar to the one shown in the advertisement for £1495, the Authority considered that the advertisement implied the kitchen pictured was made from solid wood.
Because it was not, the Authority concluded that the advertisement was misleading. It welcomed the advertisers' willingness to amend it and advised them to consult the CAP Copy Advice team for help with the amendment.

3. Complaints upheld
The advertisers asserted that they refunded customers' deposits; they sent copies of company cheques that they said had recently been issued to customers for returned deposits and a list of names and addresses for customers they said had been refunded their deposits at the time the advertisement appeared. They asserted that one of the complainants had recently been refunded his deposit because they had realised that the kitchens were not solid wood; they said they did not believe the second complainant was entitled to a refund but would be willing to issue one if the Authority disagreed.

The Authority noted the copies of cheques the advertisers had sent were for recently returned deposits and considered that they did not prove they had refunded customer deposits at the time the advertisement appeared. It noted the list of names and addresses the advertisers had provided showed sums of money that did not seem to be deposits; it contacted one of the customers on the list and was told that the sum of money refunded by the advertisers was not a deposit but was for the delivery of an incorrect item. The Authority was concerned that the advertisers had only refunded one of the complainants as a result of its intervention and that the second complainant, who was told he could not purchase the kitchen advertised for £1495, had still not received a refund. It was also concerned that both complainants had been told by the advertisers that they had to pay a £50 fine for cancelling their orders.

The Authority concluded that the advertisers had not proved they had refunded customers' deposits at the time the advertisement appeared. It reminded the advertisers of the Code's requirement that marketers refund money promptly if products were returned because they are not as described. Because the advertisers could not supply solid wood kitchens at the advertised price, the Authority considered that they should have refunded the complainants' deposits promptly or at latest within 30 days of cancellation. It told the advertisers to ensure that their refund policy complied with the Code in future.

Hotpoint and Westbury Work Together

Hotpoint and Westbury Homes have strengthened their relationship, with a new housing development in Longlevens, Gloucester. Hotpoint enjoys a strong relationship with Westbury which has developed since it was initiated in the early 1990s.

Both Westbury and Hotpoint say that they have a strong reputation for innovation and continue to be at the forefront of their respective industries. Westbury works with a number of suppliers, including Hotpoint, to provide a comprehensive range of products and services, while retaining the focus on building homes that suit customer's lifestyle as well as the local environment. Similarly, Hotpoint provides stylish built-in appliances that also offer exceptional performance and the latest technology.

Graham Ball, Built-In Commercial Director, Indesit Company comments: ‘Hotpoint built-in appliances offer a strong proposition to housebuilders. Not only are the products extremely stylish, but they also remain functional and offer many innovative features designed to suit consumer's busy lives. The Hotpoint built-in systems can be used to differentiate housing types - something which is unique to us. Hotpoint is a trusted and recognised brand, which adds value to today's housing developments. We are pleased to be working with such a prestigious housebuilder and look forward to developing the relationship further.’

Paula Gwilliam, Regional Sales Director, Westbury Homes, comments: ‘The Longlevens site is a popular development in Gloucester. The homes are built to exceptionally high standards and require kitchen appliances that are of a similarly high quality.’

For further information on Hotpoint call 08701 50 60 70 or visit http://www.hotpoint.co.uk

For further information on Westbury Homes visit http://www.westbury-homes.co.uk

Homecare Expands to Offer Total Bathroom Solutions

Homecare, one of the largest independent home improvement centres in the country, has recently expanded its showroom to offer an enhanced selection of bathroom solutions to customers.

Already offering a comprehensive range of sanitary ware products, the company has invested in a further 9000 sq feet across three floors to give its customers a wider choice of products. Key to Homecare's range are the contemporary suites from Ceramica Dolomite as well as new suites and shower enclosures from Ideal-Standard.

Based in Darlington, Homecare offers one of the largest selections of home improvement products on display in the North East of England. Homecare opened its first dedicated bathroom showroom in 1975 and has continued to grow due to its partnership with leading bathroom suppliers such as Ideal-Standard, Armitage Shanks and more recently Ceramica Dolomite.

Jenny Williamson, Ceramica Dolomite's Marketing Manager comments, ‘We are delighted to be working with Homecare. The expansion of the Darlington showroom has provided us with an ideal opportunity to promote the ever growing range of Ceramica Dolomite products. Homecare's impressive new showroom is the perfect environment for customers to browse through our latest room sets.’

Not only is Homecare investing in its showrooms, but 2004 saw the launch of Homecare's new online department store offering a vast range of bathroom and kitchen products to customers nationally. Homecare has a reputation for providing excellent quality, and the Homecare in-store café is just one of the latest developments to offer customers superior service. For further information on Homecare's bathroom supplies please contact 01325 390413 or visit http://www.HomecareBathrooms.co.uk

A Top Timber Offer from PWS

PWS is offering a 10% discount on bespoke timber worksurface orders placed between 1st April and 31st May 2005. The promotion applies to the complete range of 12 timber species, including the recently introduced wenge and bamboo options. PWS’ service commitment ensures bespoke worksurface orders can be fabricated in just four days from approval of drawings. It is this delivery time, coupled with competitive pricing that is proving to be a winning formula for PWS’ worksurface division.

The PWS timber worksurface collection has species to suit every taste and budget. Take rubberwood for example, keenly priced to rival a high quality laminate worktop but with all the added qualities and good looks of a natural material. And as rubberwood accepts stain so readily it is versatile in terms of the finished look and can be darkened to the customer’s individual requirement. At the other end of the scale are walnut and wenge, which are more luxurious and have a distinct appeal to the top end of the market. And with a host of other options in between, such as rustic oak, beech, iroko and maple, the range appeals across both classic and contemporary design.

Comments Philip Eeles, Worksurface Business Manager at PWS, ‘We have made significant investment in quality woodworking machinery, and our cnc machine has a level of precision simply not possible by hand, in fact so precise that if the customer can draw it then we are confident we can make it! Our fast turnaround assists customer scheduling and we hold £1/5million of timber blanks in stock to ensure we can fulfill every order’.

For further details on the bespoke timber worksurface promotion contact PWS worksurface department on 01325 505522.

Email: mailto:worksurfaces@pws.co.uk

Villeroy & Boch: Improved Sales and Result in 2004

The Villeroy & Boch Group announced its first provisional figures for 2004 at 'Ambiente', the international consumer-goods trade fair in Frankfurt.

Totalling EUR 925 mill. in 2003, structurally-adjusted consolidated sales rose roughly 4% in 2004 to EUR 960 mill. A considerable contribution was made to this sales increase by the Tableware Division (+ 11%).

Although the Group's foreign sales rose 6%, domestic sales saw a minimal decline (1%). Accounting for 70% of total sales, the share of foreign business was, therefore, sustained at a high level.

Also pleasing is the turnaround in consolidated result. While losses arising from high restructuring expenses characterised the year 2003, an EBIT of EUR 33 mill. is expected in 2004 (prior year EUR –17.7mill.).

Competitiveness improved in the Tableware Division as a result of modernisation measures carried out on production plant at the Luxembourg, Torgau and Mettlach/Merzig locations. Today, therefore, Villeroy & Boch regards itself not only as a leader in the area of design, but also that of technology. The Division was able to further increase its international presence in 2004 with a 15% increase in sales (domestic market +1%).

Following start-up difficulties requiring investment and the expense of restructuring measures incurred in the previous year, the Tableware Division was able to increase its EBIT from EUR 1.4 mill to a total of EUR 20.1 mill. in 2004.
Villeroy & Boch won the 2004 German Business Innovation Award not only for the outstanding design of 'NewWave Caffè' but also for the innovative die-casting technique developed specially for it.

A new-product campaign at the 'Ambiente' in Frankfurt should give rise to further growth stimuli and gains in market share.

Indesit Company Presents New Built-In Collections

In response to a significant growth in the built-in market, Indesit is adding to its existing range with a new collection of products which were launched in February 2005. The launch demonstrates the brand's commitment to offering a complete range of coordinated built-in appliances.

The new built-in collection features a selection of stylish single and double ovens designed by Italian stylist Giugiaro. These products offer aesthetic appeal while still maintaining a reputation for quality, products at affordable prices.

As interior design becomes a key focus in the home, consumer choice is another key consideration for this collection. The range of single ovens and hobs are available in a choice of black, white and stainless steel - allowing consumers to choose a range of colour options that best suits their individual décor style.

To complement the new range of ovens, Indesit has introduced its first ever 70cm hob and coordinating 70 cm cooker hood, as well as a semi integrated dishwasher available in 3 different finishes.

Commenting on the new range, Julie Watling, Indesit's Built-In Marketing Communication Manager comments, ‘The new range is ideal for consumers looking for stylish products at an affordable price. The Indesit offering gives consumers both practicality and functionality, along with up to minute design at a competitive price point. Combined with one of the largest after sales service operations, including a state of the art contact centre, to ensure speedy and efficient service, Indesit can now offer the complete built-in package.’

Tel: 08700 104 309
Web: http://www.indesit.co.uk

Lathams Provides Coordinating Portfolio of Products with Kolorband

Timber and panel distributor James Latham is supplying a successful range of coordinating products in the form of Kolorband, a portfolio that links concept and creation for a design solution.

The Kolorband range incorporates melamine faced chipboard, melamine faced MDF, co-ordinated melamine edging tape and matching high pressure laminates.

Developed to service all sectors of the industry including shop fitting, office furniture, kitchen and bathroom manufacturers, the product selection makes it much easier to source the complete package for any project, build or refurb.

All products in the Kolorband portfolio are available in a range of surface finished and decors, providing an attractive, yet simple solution to gaining a matching finish.

To find out more about the Kolorband product range, which is available across James Latham’s panel depots, e-mail the marketing department at email:mailto:marketing@lathams.co.uk or visit http://www.lathamtimber.co.uk.

Trade Mouldings Presents New Styles from Stock

Door and component supplier, Trade Mouldings, has launched a new range of solid and foil wrapped doors which are now held in quantities in stock for immediate dispatch from the company’s distribution centres in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, Dublin and Rochdale. All the new designs are accompanied by a complete range of perfectly matched accessories - reflecting Trade Mouldings' total manufacturing capability in this sector.

The new styles also demonstrate Trade Mouldings' competence in being attuned to market trends at both the rustic and contemporary ends of the spectrum.

Trade Mouldings' Rod Bairstow says that market has never been so adventurous in applying new colours and patterns: ‘Even in the area of traditional wood this ranges from the exciting variation of character timber like our new Pippy oak doors to the rich tones of Walnut. At the contemporary level gloss finishes are creating a strong attraction and we are able to supply all our customers with products to exploit these trends immediately.’

So four new important designs have been launched by Trade Mouldings as a result:

Turnberry is a solid, 5-piece character Oak door featuring the intricacies of Pippy Oak clusters and with a fine patina finish. It is subtly detailed with a flat centre panel and beaded surround. The timber has been expertly selected to coincide with the Egger H1381 Winchester Oak board for carcase matching.

To accompany Turnberry, Trade Mouldings has launched Westport - a Pippy Oak foil wrapped door which also matches Egger's Winchester Oak as well as the Nexfor Yeoford Oak board.

A new walnut finish foil wrapped door for kitchens and bedrooms is called Hebden. Walnut is very much a vogue pattern and colour at the present for kitchens, bedrooms and other living areas. The Hebden design has simple but elegant lines in the saponetta genre and matched to mainstream MFC colours and patterns like the Egger H3703 or the Kronospan BE388m.

Keld is the latest addition to the Trade Mouldings Lumi/Salva collection of gloss doors - this time in a rich cream colour with all the matching accessories required in modern kitchen design.

Because Trade Mouldings has one of Europe's most modern production facilities for wrapped components and foil doors at Cookstown, the company’s customers benefit from being able to source all products, including ancillary mouldings for architectural matching, from a single point where the material and final colour and pattern matches are guaranteed to be identical.

A new Trade Mouldings colour brochure is available as an extension to its overall 3D Solutions collection.

Tel: 01706 753600
Email: mailto:sales-uk@trademouldings.com
Web: http://www.trademouldings.com

Miele Takes Appliance Design To The Next Generation

Miele, a specialist in advanced appliance technology and design, is showcasing four of its premier kitchen appliances in the NextGen Demonstration Home during the International Consumer Electronics, National Associations of Broadcasters and Kitchen & Bath Industry tradeshows in Las Vegas.

The NextGen Demonstration Homes will feature Miele’s new CVA 2660 built-in capsule coffee system, DG155 Convection Steam Oven, plate and cup warmer, DA230 island hood and KM320G gas cooktop among other products that demonstrate the latest trends in home electronics and whole house design.

'Miele‘s105-year history of innovation began with our founder’s mantra of ‘Immer Besser’ – which in German means ‘Forever Better',' stated Paul McCormack, Senior Marketing Manager Miele, Inc. 'We are proud to continue that heritage by featuring our newest ground-breaking appliances in the NextGen Demonstration Homes - products that use advanced technology to offer luxurious convenience such as cappuccino, coffee or latte at the push of a button or to nourish a family with an entire healthy meal in under 20 minutes.'

The featured Miele products represent function, style and ease of use. The CVA 2660 built-in capsule coffee system uses Nespresso® capsules to turn kitchens into aromatic European cafés. The Convection Steam Oven allows time-stressed consumers to eat healthier meals and the plate and cup warmer add to the culinary experience by keeping crockery warm with Miele’s convection, forced air heating. The four-burner gas cooktop integrates high performance cast iron grates with completely sealed burners for easy cleaning and the powerful island hood effectively improves indoor air quality while adding a aesthetic design element.

Produced by iShow, the NextGen Demonstration Homes use cutting edge technologies, from advanced electronics to super-strong structures, to demonstrate the latest in how-to enhance quality, durability, efficiency, safety, and affordability. The homes include a contemporary floor plan with the kitchen at the centre, and an eclectic elevation that will fit into any neighbourhood. The theme of the demo homes at each tradeshow will represent the technological trends that are occurring in the electronics, media and home industries.
 
The 'Future is Here' Home kicked off the 2005 NextGen Demonstration Home Series at the 2005 CES in January with a first hand look at the converging trends of home electronics in a real home environment. Showcasing wireless, digital imaging, computing and networking technology to audio, video, electronic gaming, the International CES was the host to over 130,00 visitors and exhibitors from every consumer electronics niche.

In April, the 'First to the Future' Home at the 2005 NAB Show will showcase the many and varied choices that America has in the home when it comes to broadcast content, cable satellite signals, interactive TV , the internet and music subscription services. With more than 95,000 attendees from 130 countries gathering to network, collaborate and learn, the demo home will also today's most innovative ideas, presented by the broadcast industry's most influential thinkers.

NextGen is the Official Design Idea Home for K/BIS 2005 in May. Targeting dealers, designers, distributors, retailers, consumers, home centres and many other high-quality kitchen and bathroom professionals, K/BIS 2005 will bring together over 900 high-quality kitchen and bathroom companies and over 40,000 national and international industry professionals.

Villeroy & Boch Receives Highly-Esteemed German Industry Innovation Award for 2004

The world's first innovation award, 'the German Business Innovation Award', was won in 2004 in the 'medium-sized business' category by Villeroy & Boch for its 'NewWave' cup design and production techniques. 'Large Concerns' and 'Start-Up Companies' formed a further two categories of this highly-esteemed award. Following his words of tribute Federal Chancellor ret., Dr. Helmut Kohl, presented the award at a ceremony in the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, which was attended by more than 2,600 guests.

This award has been initiated and organised by the Wirtschaftsclub Rhein-Main, whose top-class plenum is composed of renowned personalities from the areas of politics, business and science and also of Nobel prize-winners. The Wirtschaftsclub Rhein-Main has joined with the 'Wirtschaftswoche' magazine to organise this innovation award, whose intention it is, 'to stimulate business performance.

Evaluation is based on the level of innovation, the market launch, benefits for society and environment, innovation management and economic efficiency. Attention is focussed on innovations which show that they can bring about change in the markets.'

The product's innovative content was the decisive factor for the eminent award, which was donated by Adam Opel AG, Rüsselsheim. This innovative content is found just as much in the product's unconventional design, as in the specially-developed production technique. The award is confirmation for a corporate strategy which establishes innovative abilities in all its Divisions and groups them together in an integral system of innovation management.

The aim is to gain market and competitive leads, using new products and concepts which are closely related to consumer needs, to strengthen international brands and open up further consumer circles. This has been achieved with the 'NewWave' series.

Wave of Success
Accompanying the sustained sales success of the 'NewWave' design is a considerable image boost resulting from the presentation of this globally unique innovation award. Innovation is not just some facet or other of this product: it is its character. Design here becomes the language of innovation. To begin with, there is the unusual, highly-exciting shape, which departs from the accustomed tableware symmetry, particularly that of the circular shape. It is replaced by the asymmetry of a wavy shape, which is just as ergonomic as practical. The flatly-worked, curved handle of the cup is pleasant to hold. The 'saucer' not only accommodates the cup firmly in a deep hollow, but also offers coffee-lovers the additional benefit of adequate space for croissants, cookies etc.

The Challenge of Innovative Design
It would not have been possible, however, to realise the 'NewWave' cup using conventional production methods. A decisive factor for the innovation award was the new, unique kind of production technique invented by Villeroy & Boch. It is the hollow die-casting method which is used in the production of tableware to manufacture precisely these asymmetrical shapes.

Villeroy & Boch enjoys technological leadership at an international level with this innovative, partly patented production technique. The technique's unique position and the design produced with it guarantee the company a considerable competitive lead. At the same time, this means that the production locations of Torgau in Saxony, Merzig/Mettlach and Luxembourg will be strengthened and their future safeguarded.

A design idea started the ball rolling. What resulted was 'New Wave', whose emotional purchase appeal led to an astounding global increase in sales. But it was not possible to foresee the scale of its success. It therefore also required that same courage to take risks, which is part of every business decision in favour of innovation and which motivates the investment associated with such an undertaking.

Innovation as Part of the Corporate Culture
Innovations belong to the Group's strategic orientation and are the ideal way to gain competitive advantages in glutted markets. For this reason the company introduced its Innovation Management Department – under the direction of Executive Board Chairman, Wendelin von Boch – four years ago. All Divisions and levels of the hierarchy are involved in the innovation process by way of 'innovation circles'. In this way the creative potential of all employees is activated. The clear structures and methodical approach leading to the realisation of an innovation always allow broad scope for open discussions and suggestions which are free from the constraints of daily life and the compulsion to succeed.

Looking back on the company's 256-year history, it is easy to recognise an enthusiasm to explore and a joy in experimenting which have given rise to epochal innovations in the areas of production techniques and product aesthetics since the company began. It is the spirit of these inventors which has paved the way to the modern-day innovation structures at Villeroy & Boch.

Earlier innovations in the 18th and 19th century, for example, include completely new kiln systems and extensive improvements to the ceramic material. By aligning the quality of ceramic with that of porcelain at a clearly lower price, Villeroy & Boch began making tableware available to everyone in around 1830.
Technically-optimised tiles with aesthetic refinement were already the export driving force in 1870.

The development of fireclay and the slip-casting technique – a technological leap at the end of the 19th century – led to the cost-effective manufacture of ceramic sanitary-ware products. This marked the beginning of an era in which hygiene was made accessible to everyone.

Villeroy & Boch and its products have furthermore shaped the long phase of historicism, in particular the 'Gründerstil' (style in the period of rapid expansion from 1871], and also the art noveau era, during which such famous designers as van de Velde, Behrens and Olbrich worked for the company.

In the 1970s Colani revolutionised the bathroom and focused his comprehensive design concept on ergonomics. In so doing he marked the start of a new era which moved away from the bathroom as a naked hygiene room and regarded it instead as a place for relaxation and regeneration. More than 30 years later, Conran followed on from this idea with an extended regeneration concept.

Eighty Three Companies Attend Homag CNC Event

A total of eighty three of the UK and Ireland's most progressive furniture, joinery and shopfitting firms at all levels attended three days of demonstrations of CNC and associated machinery at the Homag U.K. open house exhibition at its Castle Donington facility. Another 26 companies responded to the invitation, unable to attend but requesting full and comprehensive information along with follow-up visits from the Homag sales and technical teams.

Homag U.K. MD Paul Cooper said that was by far the most successful and best structured exhibition that the company had ever undertaken: ‘our focus on CNC machining and all the associated software opportunities found a strong chord of response from our existing and future customers. Many companies are realising that flexible production automation offers them the way forward for competitive, future success’ he said.

‘We were also able to aptly demonstrate our extensive international Homag Group strength in technical terms as well as our unmatched technical, engineering and back-up support in the UK and Ireland. With many new innovations and developments our entire staff has 'the bit well and truly between their teeth' and the success of this show and its ongoing results is testament to a great team effort.’

This was Homag U.K.'s largest ever dedicated exhibition of CNC machining centres and routers aimed at showing visitors the extreme extent and flexible capability that the new generation of these machining centres, combined with the latest software, can provide for users across the panel processing and solid woodworking sectors.

The exhibition aimed at and succeeded in demonstrating the range and extent of CNC machines available from Homag Group companies to fit all requirements and budgets.

There was also a strong emphasis on a wide range of software systems - all of which were involved in a planned number of real-time demonstrations. Invited experts from selected software providers attended throughout. A landmark point was the announcement of a step up in the marketing, sales and training for the complete Magi-Cut package from Bath Software Research with the appointment of Keith Bower as Homag U.K.'s software specialist for this and all other software systems involved in control and processing with Homag Group products.

Significant orders were taken at the show - almost a ‘showroom clear out!’. Among these was the first ever BHM200 gantry configured machine for processing nested components - this machine was shown as a European debut machine for the first time at Woodmex.

In all six machines formed the main exhibition:

The Weeke BHC250 ‘Special Edition’ is a low cost CNC centre designed for carcase work and general routing and boring. It was shown being involved in kitchen and bedroom cabinet production using WoodDesign and Magi-Cut software.

The Weeke Venture 3 is a high specification CNC machine for general purpose work. It was shown producing flush door products and 5-piece kitchen doors.

The Weeke Venture 5 CNC centre is suitable for the medium joinery or shopfitting workshop. It was demonstrated producing various joinery products including stair components via Alphastair software.

The Weeke BHP 200 is a low cost gantry configured CNC machining centre perfect for nested component production. It was shown producing carcase components using Magi-Cut.

The MAW ABD 100 is an automatic horizontal drilling and dowel inserting machine that uses Woodwop software and was demonstrated drilling and dowelling components produced on the Weeke BHP 200.

The Homag Venture 12 is a high specification CNC router and machining centre for heavy joinery work. This machine attracted intense attention and interest. It was shown producing solid timber window and stair components via Woodstair and Woodwindow software.

The exhibition proved its worth as an event for businesses of any size. And along with the technical, Homag U.K. continued in the company’s tradition as excellent hosts with the ever popular German-style buffet.

Any company that was unable to attend, but would like further information on any related issue, should contact: (Fax) Sylvia Albe on 01332 856465.

Tel: 01332 856500
Email: mailto:sales@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk