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Ceced 'Chain', the First Standard for Home Automation Systems

A household appliance interoperability platform to build an effective, user friendly home automation solution, has been announced by Ceced (European Committee of Manufacturers of Domestic Equipment), the association of 200-plus industrial companies in the appliance sector.

The Ceced Convergence Working Groud of major European home appliance manufacturers is the first to jointly define, develop and support a common protocol which enables domestic appliances to fully interoperate in an automated home system.

The new plafform, called Chain (Ceced Home Appliances Interoperating Network), defines the protocol for connecting appliances in a single multibrand system designed for control and automation of key services in a home: e.g., remote control of appliance operation, energy or load management, remote diagnostics and automatic maintenance support to appliances, downloading and updating of data, programs, and services from the Web.

Products complying with the protocol will receive a special certification, to be agreed with the leading international associations which develop and maintain open communications protocols on home automation. Such a certification is a guarantee to the customer that the product is compliant with the common standard, while fully delivering its performances within the home automation system.

The connections inside the house will either use power lines or go through radio frequency to avoid any impact on the structure and finishing of the building. Smart users and appliance installation crews should manage to install the whole system without calling for specialist's assistance.

'Household appliances become the first set of fully interoperable home devices and equipment: they confirm the leading role in the increasing automation of everyday domestic chores - commented Mr. Luigi Meli, director general, Ceced - 'The very large appliance installed base opens the possibility of reaching the industrial critical mass to lead the actual implementation of home automation solutions. We are committed to work with other interested parties for further development of an open-system interoperable framework'.

The key steps taken by the Ceced Convergence Working Group have been summarised by its convenor, Mr. Fabrizio Dolce, Electrolux: 'We applied a clear approach in our work: we started from the user's viewpoint of the most attractive applications of the appliances, then we defined the suitable technology to guarantee ease of installation and a seamless link within an automated home. The basic concept of the whole standard is the separation of communications (i.e. the connectivity technology) from the functions (i.e. applications) that each device has been designed to perform. On the basis of the common architecture, the brand-specific added value solutions and appliance performances have been preserved. We defined a wide open, interoperable framework, open to all leading communications protocols'.

The Convergence Working Group issued an Application Interworking Specification in three volumes. A fourth volume deals with the implementation of the specifications within each selected communications protocol. It will be jointly agreed with the leading home-bus protocol organisations.

The coming steps will refine the interface to answer user demand in an easy and effective way. A Ceced Demonstrator will show how Working Group's specifications could be implemented into a multibrand test system linking appliances, controls, and devices of a home automation/networked home system.

The following manufacturers support the Chain standard:
ARCELIK, BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, ELCO BRANDT S.A., CANDY ELETTRODOMESTICI Srl, DE'LONGHI S.p.A., ELECTROLUX HOLDINGS Ltd, FAGOR Electrodomesticos S.Coop, GORENJE d.d., LIEBHERR HAUSGERÄTE GmbH, MERLONI ELETTRODOMESTICI SpA, MIELE & Cie. GmbH & Co., WHIRLPOOL EUROPE Srl

Rune Andersson Declines Re-Election as Chairman of Electrolux Board

Rune Andersson, Chairman of the Board of Electrolux, has announced that he will resign as Chairman and leave the Board in connection with the Annual General Meeting in April 2004.

Mr. Andersson was elected to the Electrolux Board at the AGM in 1998, and was appointed chairman.

'My work as chairman of Electrolux has been very stimulating, and by April 2004 I will have held this position for six years. During these years my own group of companies has grown substantially and requires more of my time', says Rune Andersson.

The Electrolux Group produces powered appliances for kitchen, cleaning and outdoor use, such as refrigerators, washing machines, cookers, vacuum cleaners, chainsaws, lawn mowers, and garden tractors. Every year, customers in more than 150 countries buy more than 55 million Electrolux Group products for both consumer and professional use sold under famous brands such as AEG, Electrolux, Zanussi, Frigidaire, Eureka and Husqvarna. In 2002, Electrolux had sales of SEK 133.2 billion and 82,000 employees.

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

Research Unveils a Demand for Food Waste Disposers in Today’s Kitchen

Independent research commissioned by In-Sink-Erator has shown that one in six people claim to want a food waste disposer when buying a new kitchen. This is clearly at odds with the current 6% market saturation level, indicating a huge potential for new uptake amongst consumers.

The research revealed that the main reasons why people wanted a food waste disposer in their new kitchen were associated with the lifestyle benefits of improved hygiene and convenience. However, those interviewed that didn’t want a food waste disposer said that it was because they had ‘no need’ for one.

‘The results of the survey suggested that those who said they had no need for a food waste disposer were largely unaware of the advantages of installing one,’ said Alan Jarmain, managing director of Delphi Research Ltd. ‘This can be attributed to a general lack of knowledge and understanding of the product, an issue which In-Sink-Erator is currently addressing with its consumer focused marketing campaign.’

In addition to the lifestyle benefits, installing a food waste disposer also has a number of environmental and, ultimately, economic advantages. Food waste accounts for 25% of household rubbish so by using a food waste disposer the amount of waste going to landfill is reduced by as much as a quarter.

‘This could soon have a financial impact on the consumer,’ said Ashley Munden, sales and marketing director, In-Sink-Erator. ‘Local councils will seek ways of reducing the amounts of decaying food going to landfill and households will inevitably want to avoid the possibility of heavy costs imposed on them for daily collection of food waste.’

It seems likely therefore that there will be a need for food waste disposers in today’s kitchen, a need which will only gather momentum as In-Sink-Erator’s campaign to educate consumers continues to extend across the wide ranging home interest media.

Tel: 01371 873 073
Email: mailto:insinkeratoruk@insinkerator.com
Web: http://www.insinkerator.com

Central London Location for KBSA AGM

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has announced that next years (2004) AGM will be held on Saturday 3rd July at the Commonwealth Institute, London followed by a gala dinner and entertainment at the 5* Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington.

‘This will be a very important AGM for the Association,’ says KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden. ‘We have experienced a period of growth and change during the last twelve months as we have begun to fully embrace the interiors industry as a whole.

‘We know that many members will want to come along to share their views and as places are limited we would urge anyone keen to join us to make their reservations as soon as possible.’

The Royal Garden Hotel is a 5* hotel situated on Kensington High Street, overlooking Kensington Palace Gardens. The Royal Garden Hotel is in a perfect position for all the sites of London, Theatres and shops. It hosts two fine restaurants including the acclaimed ‘The Tenth’ restaurant which is situated on the top floor with panoramic views over Hyde Park and the skyline of London.

The price is just £199 per person (sharing a double or twin room) for a package that includes Saturday lunch and AGM, overnight stay at the Royal Garden Hotel, the gala dinner and entertainment and breakfast on Sunday morning. Alternatively Members also have the option to stay at the 4* Thistle Kensington Palace for just £119 per person (if sharing a double).

This year the AGM will run alongside the Kitchen Showcase exhibition hosted by The Kitchen and Bathroom Designer Magazine. On Friday 2nd July Kitchen Showcase will play host to the increasingly successful Masterclass. KBSA members who book for the AGM will be entitled to a fantastic 25% discount for this event.
‘We are delighted to be able to offer members such an attractive package for next year,’ says KBSA Operations Manager Lucinda Kenny.

All members are welcome at the AGM, please call the KBSA office on 01905 621787, for more information.

New Regional Chairman Hosts KBSA Regional Meeting

The new Chairman for the London and the South East region of the KBSA, Tony Nicholas, hosted his first regional meeting at Watford Football club this month.

Tony is Managing Director of award winning kitchen and bathroom retailer Nicholas Anthony, which has five showrooms. He was voted in as the new chairman at the last KBSA AGM, which was held in June.

Fred Richards, Articad, Sandra Baker, Amtico and Tony Nicholas, Nicholas Anthony in the Elton John Suite at Watford Football Club.

The meeting was one of a series of regular meetings that take place in all six KBSA regions, usually held in the spring and autumn.

Tony introduced guest speakers, from corporate KBSA members, Amtico and Articad. KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden also gave a presentation on industry matters.

Graham updated members on current issues such as; insurance backed guarantees, new legislation and the KBSA’s new consumer advertising campaign.

Flooring company Amtico reminded members about the special initiatives and offers on their new bathroom and kitchen ranges for KBSA members.

CAD software supplier Articad updated members on their latest product ranges; they also sponsored the evening and provided the hospitality.

‘The regional meetings offer a fantastic opportunity for members to become involved and contribute to the Association,’ said Tony.

‘The KBSA is undergoing a period of growth and change and I am delighted to have the opportunity to play an active part at this exciting time.’

KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden added. ‘We are extremely fortunate in being able to attract business people of the highest calibre to our Association. Tony is well recognised as a captain of our industry and is sure to make an impact during his first year in office.’

Tel: 01905 621787
Email: mailto:info@kbsa.co.uk
Web: http://www.kbsa.co.uk

Cook the Christmas Dinner in Style with a new Range Cooker

With the Christmas Season soon upon us it's time to think about the ever important Christmas cooking. If your oven is looking a little worn out and it's time to start looking around for something in time for Christmas to produce that perfect crispy turkey, then why not go for a Range Cooker.

For those looking for a serious design statement in the kitchen, as well as a real cooking machine, then a range cooker has to be the option for you. No longer do people have to have a huge budget to buy a range cooker. The K&BZine suggests a choice of range cookers for all budgets:

Best 'Budget' Buy
Indesit's K9507 Range Cooker is a good first time buy, or for shoppers on a budget. Offering a professional stainless steel styling, which will fit in both a contemporary or traditional kitchen setting. Costing around £500. For more information call lndesit on 08700 104 309 or visit http://www.indesit.com.

Best 'Family' Buy
Hotpoint's EG900 Range Cooker is great for the family and home entertaining. Creating a focal point to the kitchen with state-of-the-art features wrapped in a stainless steel exterior. Costing around £899. For more information call Hotpoint on 08701 50 60 70 or visit http://www.hotpoint.co.uk.

Best 'Professional' Buy
Cannon's lcon 1200 Range Cooker offers all a budding chef would desire in their home kitchen. Equipped to handle the largest of occasions, both looks and performance will impress any dinner guest. Costing around £1999. For more information call Cannon on 08701 54 64 74 or visit http://www.cannongas.co.uk.

Liteflam Glass Flooring for the Home

Renowned for its expertise in installing bespoke glass flooring and structural glass block work in the commercial arena, Roger Wilde Ltd is now pioneering the use of fire rated glass flooring panels in the private residential market.

The company has designed an easy-to-install version of its patented Liteflam Firefloor system specifically for use in the domestic market. This new system enables architects and interior designers to offer homeowners the practicality and cutting edge style of glass flooring in areas previously prohibited for Building Control fire safety reasons.

The new Liteflam units are designed to transform interior living spaces by introducing a stylish design feature, whilst maximising the availability and impact of natural light in dark and gloomy lower storey rooms. lncorporating the very latest developments in glazing technology and benefiting from extensive load transfer and fire-resistance testing by BRE Borehamwood, Liteflam glass flooring panels are constructed to the same exacting performance specifications as those destined for heavily trafficked commercial interiors.

Measuring 750mm x 750mm, Liteflam is ideally sized for domestic properties, and can be installed in just a few hours by a builder. A hole is cut into existing flooring and the Liteflam framework is bolted into the joists allowing for the double glazed unit to fit snugly into the floor. Once the glass unit, which can be supplied with a choice of clear or frosted glass panes, is in position, the glazed panel becomes an integral part of the floor and can be safely walked upon.

Installed individually, in parallel, or randomly across the floorspace in the contemporary home, Liteflam panels provide highly individual design features and allow light to flood from one floor to another.

Web: http://www.liteflam.com

Kitchendraw V4.5 Released

'The release of KitchenDraw V4.5 now makes it the most powerful Space/Design Planner in the market.' says the company.

'With over 1000 registered users in 18 months, Kitchendraw has fast proven itself as a desirable product in the Kitchen Planning market.

'Early December saw the launch of the latest version of the package which now makes it the most powerful of Planning systems for not only Kitchen planners but for anyone involved in interior design or space planning - and it can be downloaded from the Internet free of charge.'

The are a number of features which set Kitchendraw apart from other planning systems the two main ones being the availability of the software with no capital investment, and the built in Catalogue Editor which users and product manufacturers can use to produce/modify their own Catalogues.

With the release of V4.5 the Catalogue Editor has seen significant enhancement to allow the import of existing 3D models (3D Studio Format) directly into KitchenDraw catalogues. So now catalogues can be easily produced for items such as Bathroom Ware, Office Furniture, Appliances, Household Furniture - in fact anything that a product manufacturer would find useful.

In addition, a facility has also been added to enable the addition to catalogues of complete parts lists and cutting list information which can be printed or imported to other software packages such as Order Systems, Stock Control, Board Optimisation and CNC Contol Software. An SDK is also available to allow manufacturers/developers to integrate information from KitchenDraw Plans into any application they require.

Interior Designers and architects can also create their own catalogues for use in presenting design ideas to customers by importing 3D models which are available in their hundreds on the Internet. (some free, others available commercially for a small charge.)

Another useful facility included in V4.5 is the ability for designers who plan rooms using Carcasses from one supplier and Doors from another to mix and match suppliers - generating customer quotes and individual orders for each manufacturer.

In V4.5, KitchenDraw has also improved the Tiling features making it easier for designers to create designs to match the customers exact requirements very easily, and to support them with full quotation/ordering facilities.

A number of new support features have also been added to the package, which includes a facility for KitchenDraw technical staff/trainers to offer customer support/training over the Internet live on the customers computer.

KitchenDraw Features now extend to:
- Easy to use (Windows Drag and Drop)
- Cost Effective ( No up front cost and pay as you go with a Maximum annual charge)
- No Extra cost for installing on multiple machines on a Network
- Synchronise plans on multiple machines (for out of office work)
- No annual Maintainance Charges
- Free Manufacturers Catalogues
- Full fitters plans, 3D plans and Photorealistic Output.
- Fully Customiseable - ideal for bespoke manufacturers.
- Catalogue Editor included for the production of cabinet, appliance and custom catalogues (such as labour and sundry items costs)
- Produces full customiseable customer quotes
- Produces orders for Manufacturers
- Can be linked to full specification sheets for each catalogue item - either on the planners computer, a network server or the Internet.
- Plans/Quotes can be uploaded to the Internet for customer viewing - including the ability for customers to select different ranges from the catalogue and view revised quotations instantly.
- Allows planners to produce complex tiling arrangements using customer specified tiling - and will produce quotes including labour an ancillary material costs such as spacers, tile cement, grout etc.
- plus many others

For further information or to download the software, visit the Kitchendraw web site http://www.kitchendraw.com, the UK support site at http://www.easycadplus.com. Or call Easycadplus direct on 01278 653726.

Whirlpool Corp. to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 3% from 1998 Levels; Equivalent to Emissions from 28 Coal-Fired Power Plants

Whirlpool Corporation announced on 10th December that it is committed to reducing its global greenhouse gas emissions by 3 percent from its 1998 emissions level.

Whirlpool expects to achieve this reduction target by 2008 while also increasing global home appliance production by nearly 40 percent over the same 10-year period.

The 3-percent cut in carbon emissions translates into an annual reduction of approximately 4 million metric tons, or a more than 15-million-metric-ton reduction from Whirlpool's 1998 emissions level.

The 15-million-ton reduction annually is equivalent to the carbon emissions released by 28 coal-fired power plants or 10 million U.S. cars.

Whirlpool made its announcement in Milan, Italy, during the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Kyoto Protocol.

'Whatever political solution the global community agrees on with regard to the best mechanism for collectively addressing climate change, our company will continue its efforts to do our part, while at the same time bring unique, innovative and energy-efficient products to our customers,' said Tom Catania, Whirlpool's vice president of government relations. He added that Whirlpool believes that enough is known about the issue of global climate change to indicate that a prudent and responsible course of action is for companies globally to initiate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Most of Whirlpool's efforts to achieve its emissions reduction through 2008 will be focused on its continued industry leadership drive to produce energy-efficient home appliances. These efforts will help to sharply reduce the emissions of electrical utilities, which produce the power that run appliances.

Whirlpool Corporation is a manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of over $11 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries.

Masco Corporation Announces New Common Stock Repurchase Programme and Declares Quarterly Dividend

Masco Corporation has announced that its Board of Directors has authorised the purchase of up to 50 million shares of its Common Stock in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. This authorisation replaces the Company's existing programme under which approximately 34 million of the 50 million shares previously authorised had been repurchased. The Company had approximately 465 million common shares outstanding at the end of the 2003 third quarter.

Masco Corporation also announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $.16 per common share payable on February 9th, 2004 to shareholders of record on January 9th, 2004.

Web: http://www.masco.com

Optiplan Face Up with Hoffmann

Established in 1984 Optiplan Kitchens has become one of the UK’s largest kitchen specialists supplying customers in London, the Home Counties and the South of England through an established retailer network and also supplying some of the best home builder names in the industry.

The main factory (under the name of Manor Cabinets) is in Swindon, Wiltshire and comprised of three main workshops equipped with state-of-the-art production machinery. Nevertheless the company’s designs retain the distinct qualities of essentially being handmade.

Optiplan’s main showroom in Swindon (one of eight) displays the designs in tasteful room sets and customers are able to examine the obvious quality and attention to detail that gives Optiplan the confidence of offering a 20 year guarantee. Among these designs are styles like the ‘Quebec’, the ‘Harrow’ and the ‘Highworth’ – all in-frame door style options.

The in-frame style is very much back in vogue and many manufacturers have created such styles without the old reluctance in the knowledge that they no longer have to dedicate manpower and time to the laborious construction, assembly and clamping of the frames. The reason for this only takes up a small area in the Manor Cabinets workshop – a Morso notching guillotine alongside a bench-mounted Hoffmann MU2 dovetail keyway router. This and the dovetail keys themselves are all that is needed to create perfect, secure frame joints time and again and in the fraction of the time taken by the old, conventional process.

The Hofmann dovetail jointing system is now in widespread use throughout the furniture, joinery and construction industries over a whole range of applications. When it comes to kitchen manufacturing, the construction of face frames is an obvious application.

The frame lengths (either with or without an integral cock-bead) are either notched for a haunch joint at the ends on the Morso guillotine or mitre cut.
The haunch joint apertures and ends are for the rails and stiles are then notched out. The sections that will meet at the joins are routed on the Hoffmann keyway router (various models available depending on application) and the frame components than joined by the application of the serrated Hoffmann keys into the joints. These have the effect of pulling the joints securely and cleanly together without the need to pin, staple or clamp.

The result is a perfect, permanent and strong frame, ready for mounting and accepting a door or drawerfronts.

The Hoffmann system ensures clean and accurate joints every time. It is an inexpensive investment that has a rapid payback time and remains reliable. It is easy to set up and use in any part of the factory.

When Optiplan designers decide to come up with future in-frame styles, the workshops won’t think twice about putting them into production.

Tel: 015242 62500
Email: mailto:info@hoffmann-uk.com

Fisher & Paykel Annual Report Published: Investment Plans Increased

Fischer & Paykel has reported an outstandlng net profit after taxation ol $73.5m, in it's first full years trading since listing separately. Executive Chairman Gary Paykel (pictured), made the following statement:
'I am pleased to report, on behalf of the Directors, on the results and progress of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2003. Profit before taxation at $103.2m was up 57% on the previous year. This was due to strong peformances by both the Appliances and Finance businesses, which was boosted by the dividend income of $9.5m received (from Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd).

'Our Appliances business continued to build on its cornerstone markets of New Zealand and Australia while expandiny into the newer export markets of the USA, the UK, and Europe. Maintaining and communicating our reputation as an innovative Company is fundamental to our ongoing success, especiaiiy in our new markets, where our brand is not as widely known.

The Finance companv supporls the sales of appliances in the New Zealand market, as well as providing finance services that appeal to a broader merchant base.

This year's excellent trading performance by the Company has resulted in dividends totaliing 74 cents per share. The Directors intend to maintain the practice of distributing to shareholders approximately 60 per cent of net profit after taxation derived from the Appliances and Finance business as dividends and 100 per cent of dividend income received from Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd.

Since separation from Fisher & Paykel Industries Ltd on 12 November 2001, borrowings have been reduced by $64m due to strong operational cash flows. As a consequence the Company's debt io equity ratio, excluding the investment in Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd, has improved to approximately 13 per cent. This places the Company in a strong financiai position to take advantage of any expansion opportunities that may arise.

Appliance Division Managing Director John Bongard added the following:

'Without doubt the major milestone for the Applianccs business was achieving sales in excess of one million units in a 12 month period. This milestone was reached just days before the end of the financial year and represented an increase of 11.6% on the volume sold in the previous year.

The operating profit before interest, taxation and abnormal items of $91.3m was up substantially. The production facilities in Auckiand and Dunedin, New Zeaiand, and Cleveland, Australia have been operating at high output levels. This higher volume was also handled efficiently through our logistics and sales and marketing functions.

Total sales revenue for Appliances increased by 2.1% to $180m. While unit volumes showed encouraging growth, revenue was affected by currency translation related to the appreciation of the New Zealand dollar during the year.

Over the last three years our target has been to maintain capital spending at an average of $25m per year. For the past two years we have come in under that target, however, we are now anticipating sales growth which will put pressure on production capacity. As a consequence we have had to change our pians. New expenditure required to support that growth will see us investing around $42m this year, increasing the three year spend to $84.5m.

We continue to be innovative with technology and design, particularly with the 'Quantum' range of products. During the sucond half of the financial year we introduced our Iridium products under our Quantum brand. Iridium provides our Selected range with a new non marking brushed stainless steel finish. We are confident that this new range will be successful in all markets. We have an exclusive supply arrangement for this material.

The Titan range of ovens and cooktops were also released with the Iridium finish. These products were designed specifically for the American market al 762mm (30ins) in width and incorporate a 'pyrolytic' self cleaning feature.

Full report (PDF file) here.

F&P also announced earlier in the year that investment in the UK would increase. Read the story here:
http://www.thekbzine.com/newsarchive/news130603.html#FisherUK

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