Twyford
Bathrooms launches Pure range to the Retail Sector at BK Expo
Twyford Bathrooms unveiled a comprehensive new range of sanitaryware exclusive
to the retail sector at Bathrooms and Kitchens Expo 2003.
The
range - Pure by Twyford - comprises a complete range of VC, baths and
brassware for the retail sector. The product has been developed either
within Twyford Bathrooms or other parts of the Sanitec group and is launched
with five completely new suites. In a choice of styles to suit all tastes,
the collection has been competitively priced to serve the mid market and
is Twyford Bathrooms' first dedicated product range for retail via distribution.
Pure by Twyford is a distinct new brand aimed at mid market showrooms
and offers an array of original product to what it describes as a comparatively
under served sector of the marketplace. The range is supported by dedicated
marketing support that not only capitalises on the strengths of the Twyford
brand but also emphasises the quality, design and breadth of the new retail
offer.
Each of the five suites aims for an aspirational bathroom aesthetic. With
names like Indulgence, Energy, Complements, lntegrity and Source, each
has a distinctive mood and visual energy that allows consumers to decide
on the suite that best expresses their own personal desires for their
bathroom space.
The five suites have all been designed to meet the needs of today's customers
and offer a choice of options such as close coupled, back to wall, wall
hung as well as semi recessed basins. In addition, the whole collection
incorporates Twyford's groundbreaking Total lnstall range of innovations,
which make bathroom installation quicker, easier and more reliable.
Tel: 01270 :879777
http://www.twyfordbathrooms.com
Ideal-Standard
Announces a Wholesale Review of its Retail Business
Ideal-Standard - part of the American Standard Group - is announcing a
wholesale review of its retail business with the launch of a major initiative
for showrooms covering the top-end of the bathroom market.
This initiative comes in the form of a new collection of brands all connected
by the theme of Art, Design and Sculpture (ADS). The name Art, Design
and Sculpture was chosen because each word defines the ideals that Ideal-Standard
sets itself in producing bathroom products worthy of the discerning consumer.
Ideal-Standard's research clearly indicates that the bathroom consumer
of 2003 is ever more demanding in the selection of the brands and the
products they want to live with every day. Furthermore, these customers
want to deal with showrooms that offer a complete and professional service.
The Art Design and Sculpture collections will encompass the products from
Sottini, plus the Jado range in full, the Borma range in full and selected
new Ideal-Standard developments that are targeted at the discerning end
consumer.
The first range to be launched from Ideal-Standard within the Art, Design
and Sculpture collection will be the Newson range. Designed by Marc Newson,
one of the world's most accomplished and influential product designers,
the range has already earned high acclaim at exhibitions throughout Europe.
Along with the new Art Design and Sculpture launch comes a major review
of outlets serving the needs of the bathroom consumer.
Despite major improvements across the whole bathroom market, consumers
still do not always receive the quality of service taken for granted in
other retail sectors. Bathroom showrooms must be of the right quality,
with well-trained staff to oversee and guide consumers through the whole
buying and installation process. It is no longer good enough just to sell
products to consumers - retailers must seek to 'delight' them.
Roger Cooper, Managing Director of ldeal Standard, made the point; 'working
with our partners in our retail programme is a continuous process - reviewing
services offered and raising standards in all areas.
'It is not intended simply to offer ADS ranges to everyone, or even those
who have in the past qualified for Sottini, only those showrooms that
really delight the consumer will go forward into the new Art Design and
Sculpture programme.'
Ideal-Standard Tel: 01482 346461.
Sottini Tel: 01482 449513.
A
World First for Miele: a Washing Machine Specially for Allergy Sufferers
Miele,
the household appliance manufacturer, has launched a first in laundry
care: the Miele Medicwash washing machine, designed specifically for allergy
sufferers. On the occasion of the official product launch, Dr. Markus
Miele, Managing Director and co-proprietor of Miele & Cie., explained
a significant new feature of this appliance, 'Miele has developed a special
allergen-reducing rinse process for the Medicwash machine in which every
trace of detergent residue is removed from the laundry'. Additional programmes
make for hygienic, gentle processing of fabrics and pillows to meet the
challenging requirements of allergy sufferers.
The W 2585 WPS Medicwash was developed in conjunction with the German
Allergy and Asthma Association which polled its members in a survey to
establish which standards allergy sufferers expect of a washing machine.
The survey showed that allergy sufferers placed great store by 'a programme
offering particularly high hygiene standards (including killing dust mites)
and a special programme for pillows'.
The results of the survey were incorporated in the Miele product development
process and influenced a number of programmes and functions not available
on conventional washing machines: A special 60°C Hygiene programme,
a Pillows programme, a programme for new fabrics and, above all, a new
rinse and spin process which ensures that all detergent residue is thoroughly
removed from fabrics.
The special rinse process, designed by Miele for the Medicwash machine,
is tailored to the needs of allergy sufferers. Programmes have three rinse
cycles as opposed to the conventional two. The 'Rinse Plus' additional
function pushbutton enables selection of a fourth rinse cycle, if required;
a fifth cycle is user-programmable. The new rinse process is complemented
by a special spin cycle, developed after extensive tests on different
types of fabric.
Features of the new washing machine not only include the new rinse process,
but also additional programmes: A 60°C Hygiene programme with an extended
temperature holding time (30 minutes) puts paid to bacteria and mites.
A special Pillows programme caters for the special requirements of those
affected by allergies: High temperatures of 60°C or 95°C and a
high water level ensure thorough removal of mites and their excrement.
The range is rounded off by programmes for new or slightly soiled fabrics.
The Medicwash machine is also equipped with load-size sensing technology
and a dispensing recommendation, eliminating the risk of overdosing, which
is particularly problematic for allergy sufferers.
KA
Injects a Breath of Fresh Air into Kitchen Design
KA Dlstribution's Milestone Altemative, a radical collection of standard
and feature doors, promises to break the mould of traditional thinking
and bring a breath of fresh air into kitchen design.
Created
for the designer with a mind open to new conceptual possibilities, the
Milestone Alternative is intended as an 'antidote to the mundane kitchen'.
The collection offers a new approach, using imaginative shapes, colours,
materials and effects to create more exciting possibilities, allowing
the kitchen designer to express creativity, and the consumer to express
individuality and a sense of fun.
The concept allows for a kitchen laid out on classically simple lines
to be transformed into an unusual, stimulating and vibrant environment
in which to live, cook and eat. And with ten refreshing new designs available
in fourteen contemporary colours and six different textured centre panels,
the kitchen can be as stylish, outlandish or as trendy as the owner wants
it to be.
The collection also offers a choice of stainless steel effects or glass
for centre panels, while in-cabinet and external lighting can be used
to enhance special features. This new approach also increases the potential
for the new and innovative lighting products that are constantly being
introduced to the kitchen market.
All Milestone Alternative doors are constructed to high standards using
the latest computerised machinery and are supplied undrilled as doors
only for incorporation into an existing kitchen, as well as being supplied
in component form for new kitchens. KA Distribution can even supply a
plain door with each feature door to enable the kitchen to be returned
to a more conventional look at any time.
Contact Richard Brown
Tel. 01772 698111
Fax: 01772 698855
email:richard.brownl@btconnect.com
http://www.kadistribution.com
Sheffield
MP Launches Campaign for Disabled Shower Access
An MP will outline her plans for a 'fast track' scheme for shower installation
for the elderly and disabled, with grant support for all house owners,
tenants, and or landlords.
Helen Jackson, MP, of Sheffield Hillsborough, said the scheme would work
in partnership with the building industry and shower suppliers, and focus
on level access showers for easy entrance and exit.
The move coincides with the introduction by Roman of the UK's first true
low-access modular showers for bathrooms and wetrooms. The system uses
brand new materials, including solid bases, doing away with conventional
moulded bases, which require deeper reinforcement.
Helen Jackson, speaking at a Roman-sponsored industry function, said the
case for a special project with public and private finance was overwhelming.
She said: 'A growing number of my constituents, who are either elderly
or have a disability, can no longer get in and out of a bath. Their lives
would be greatly enhanced if they could have a shower independently.
'I would like to see a streamlined response to bathroom adaptations to
aid independent living.
She said that the Disability Manifesto 2001 describes independent living
as enabling disabled people, regardless of age, impairment of where they
live to achieve the same rights and opportunities as non-disabled people.
'We need to remove barriers to independent living. The health and status
of older peopie cannot be divorced from their living standards, their
housing, and their relative poverty.'
'The test for whether a level access shower is recommended in Sheffield
is whether they can obtain an independent all over body wash. Unfortunately,
however, there can be years of waiting whilst assessments by occupational
health workers are made and finance assured. In the mean time, the individuals
rely on a strip wash at the basin, often needing the help of a personal
carer, either a relative or at public expense.'
Helen Jackson continued: 'A strip wash itself can also present many difficulties
for the frail and elderly, in terms of turning the taps on and off; making
the basin the right height to stand at; inability to stand for long enough
and the difficulty of reaching parts of the body.
'There are also questions of personal hygiene and dignity to consider,
after all, dignity and independence in the home begins in the bathroom.'
She also criticised the application process for private and council tenants:
'lnitial contact with Social Services is followed by assessment at home
within one month for urgent cases or 6 months normal. If the recommendation
is positive and the assessment is urgent, planning work should start within
four weeks, but others simply go on a date order list. There may be need
for planning regulation approval, and building regulation, before actual
work commences, which might itself take twelve weeks. Many cases can run
for well over twelve months from first request fo completed adaptation.'
The new proposals, she said, would cut through this, to benefit everyone
concerned.
Roman Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1325 311318
http://www.roman-showers.com
Top
Range German Scales from Korona Launched in UK
Korona, one of the largest suppliers of scales in Europe, has launched
its range of Bathroom and Kitchen Scales to the UK market.
Korona is currently number two in the German scale market with a share
of 35% and have become 'international' in the last five years, supplying
most European countries. Korona are on target to become number two supplier
in Europe by the end of 2005.
Shown' at the Bathrooms & Kitchen Expo, through their UK distributor
Easylabel Ltd the range includes Walo, the Electronic Kitchen Wall Scale
which, doubles as a digital display Kitchen Clock. Also shown was the
new Electronic Body fat Analysis Glass Scale, with programmable memory
allowing up to ten people to control and measure their body fat.
Korona offers a selection of some 120 different models encompassing mechanical
bathroom, electronic bathroom, body-fat analysis scales, mechanical kitchen
scales, electronic kitchen scales and hand-held precision scales
Maurice Wymer - Easylabel Ltd
Phone 01226-388-636
Mobile 07734-982-203
mailto:easylabelltd@aol.com
wedi
Warns on Banned Substances
wedi Systems (UK) Ltd today sounded a note of caution to architects, specifiers
and interior designers. They should, according to wedi Managing Director
lan Fyfe, 'be aware that certain tilebacker boards on the UK market could
have been manufactured using substances which deplete the ozone layer
and which are banned under European Environmental Regulations EC No 2037/2000'.
'wedi Tilebacker Board is an inert, dimensionally stable building board,
CFC and HCFC free, achieving zero depletion of the ozone layer both in
manufacture and usage. It is the first and only product of its type to
have achieved BBA Certification, guaranteeing compliance with building
regulations in England, Scotland, lreland and Wales', adds Ian.
'Those involved in the specification and application of extruded polystyrene
core building boards should take every step to assure themselves that
the products they select comply with international and national regulations',
Ian continues. 'ln the final analysis, non-compliant products may have
to be removed from constructions in which they have been installed'.
wedi Tilebacker Board is purpose made for the fast, lightweight construction
of a strong, durable substrate for tiling, particularly in heavy and frequently
wet areas e.g. showers, steam rooms and bathrooms. wedi Tilebacker Board
has a 10-year proven track record of installation in UK leisure, commercial,
domestic, hotel and public building applications.
Tel: 01706 647333
http://www.wedi.co.uk
mailto:vicki@wedi.co.uk
Pressalit
2002 Results 'Satisfactory'
'It
was as we expected' said Kim Boyter at the Pressalit Group board meeting
on 6th May. 'Turnover finished on the lines of last year, but rather lower
than budgeted, whereas profit was as we expected. The budget for 2003
is for a moderate growth in turnover and a strong growth in profit following
various adjustments in 2002. The investment budget is the highest since
1999.
'Unfortunately our expectations for 2OO2 - already moderate - have been
met in full, in particular because of a fall on the German market where
building activities and the economy as a whole are in a recession which
looks to be long-lasting. Nevertheless, we almost managed to equal last
year's turnover of DKK 396 million, as the decline on the German market
was offset by increases on other European markets such as Great Britain,
Norway and Sweden (the latter especially thanks to SaniScan).
'On balance, we consider the profit for the year of DKK 39.3 million to
be satisfactory.'
Adjustments to clear the way for improved results
'Several adjustments have been made in 2002: with one exception, the sales
representatives in Germany, Austria and Great Britain have now become
independent agents. The German subsidiary has been changed to an agency
and moved to a less expensive lease. The Austrian subsidiary has been
closed down.
'At the factory, the new generation has now taken over all management
functions after almost three years of dual management. The planned four-year
technology programme will also reduce unit costs considerably. The first
six months have already shown savings.
'On the whole we have reduced costs in all functions, except product development
and marketing. Nor the HR function - on the contrary. For 2003, training
costs make up 4.4% of labour costs (against 3.3% for 2002).'
lncreased productivity required
'We expect that 2003 will be another difficult year, with general financial
uncertainty and negative economic trends in the building industry throughout
Europe.
'Competition is constantly increasing. European toilet seat manufacturers
have over-capacity. Ceramic works as well as sanitary companies are joining
together in ever larger units. All of this puts pressure on our prices
and earnings. We are being forced to increase productivity all the time
throughout the company, for example by investing in new technoiogy and
constantly balancing in-house production against outsourcing of product
components, etc.
'lnvestments in the order of DKK 35.1 million are the highest since 1999
and are earmarked 'development': product development, IT development and
technological development at the factory.
'The requirements for streamlining do not only apply to the factory. If
we are to succeed in the future, we have to increase productivity generally
and are looking at a period where everything in the company needs to be
tightened up, processes streamlined and cutting-edge strategies applied.
We need to hit the target in everything we do. The project management
programme will also help achieve this. All activities and actions must
bring us closer to the road that will eventuaily lead to the vision formulated
for each of our three business units.'
Pressalit seats
'Activities and action plan are characterised by the long-term goal (vision)
of becoming a "Global Brand Leader'. Product development is in focus.
We most be able to offer the trade new and exciting products. We need
to go new ways, not only in toilet seats but in other bathroom products
too. Our principal task is to offer consumers attractive products and
to create new business opportunities for our customers (the sanitary trade).
'In keeping with tradition, we gave it all we've got at the ISH Fair in
Frankfurt at the end of March, with a stand of 200m2 at the Frankfurter
Festhalle featuring Raja as our major novelty. Raja is not only a new
toilet seat but also a folding seat and a wall mounted waste basket.'
Strategic focus
'In pursuing the 'Global Brand Leader' vision, it is important to make
the Pressalit brand even more interesting - for the trade as well as for
the consumers. And to consider the interests of both parties in our marketing
strategies. We have already done so in our new brochure concept: the technical
datasheets (one for each model) with all factual information in one place
help distributors select the right Pressalit models for projects etc.,
whereas the consumer-oriented inspiration brochure focuses on style and
bathroom layouts.
'The next step will be to optimise sales efforts in each market to make
the most of the individual sales potential. The markets are displaying
increasing diversity in terms of retail profiles etc.'
Pressalit Care
'The divisioning, the 'separation' from Pressalit (seats), which we began
in 1999 and completed in 2OOl has meant increased focus. Care had a small
plus in the result for 2002. The Danish and German sales organisations
were adjusted, costs reduced and investments scaled down. The intake of
orders over the last six months was considerably higher than in the corresponding
period last year. The cost adjustment will continue in 2003.
'With regard to product range, we aim at being the complete supplier of
bathroom solutions for the disabled, and in 2OO2 new initiatives were
launched, including an extension of the product range with special washbasins
and fittings.'
SaniScan
'Above all, the fine results originate from our intensive sales efforts
towards the Scandinavian DIY centres, including continuous introductions
of new seats and not least accessory lines.'
Global Compact
'Pressalit has signed up to the UN's global treaty of nine principles
or objectives for global responsibility as described on http://www.unglobalcompact.org
'In connection with our membership we have undertaken to report actions
taken by us or experience gained by us in relation to one or more of the
nine principles named in the treaty.
'One example is our commitment to AC lnternational Child Support. AC is
a Danish humanitarian organisation carrying out projects to improve the
conditions of children throughout the worfd. The project supported by
Pressalit concerns three kindergartens for orphans in slum areas of Addis
Abeba, Ethiopia.
'In the information to our staff we have chosen to link the AC commitment
to the values of the company (We listen. We give. We play. We act.) As
a socially responsible company we have an obligation to respond, both
locally and globally. And it is our duty to act.
Our modest contribution is a drop in the ocean compared to other efforts
being made to reduce inequalities in the world.
'But to the children of the three kindergartens in Addis Abeba, it is
making a difference, as to improving their conditions and giving them
a chance to play and thrive.'
Franke
issues 2002 Company Report and Resumé of First Quarter 2003
We reported on Franke's 2002 financial results in our first issue 3 weeks
ago. Franke has now issued its Final Company Report for 2002 which gives
an overview of its activities in the international Kitchen market, including
significant acquisitions, as well as a resume of performance in the first
quarter of 2003.
(Our previous report is here)
Investment
Total investment was CHF149.6 million (previous year CHF 103.1 million),
corresponding to 84.9% of generated cash flow. Of this, CHF 19.6 million
was invested in land and buildings, CHF 66.1 million in fixed assets including
IT and intangible fixed assets, and CHF 63.9 million in acquisitions.
Strategic developments within the Group
In May 2002 Franke created the necessary foundations for further growth
with its strategic and organisational restructuring. During the course
of the year under report these realignments - focus on growth in the core
divisions Kitchen Systems including WSE (Washroom and Sanitary Equipment),
Contract Group and profitable niche activities as well as the shifting
of Holding/Group responsibility to the divisions - were successfully implemented.
Strategically important acquisitions and targeted divestments came in
the wake of this sharper focusing, and the divisions were strengthened
with divisional functions such as finances & controlling, marketing,
production & technology, logistics, supply management and information
services. Following the acquistion of bremer, the Coffee Machines Business
unit was turned into the new 'Coffee Systems' Corporate Activity. The
sale of the company Franke Verpflegungstechnik AG, Aarburg, to the German
Equita Group, the planned sale of Franke Romont SA, Romont, to the management
(MBO) as well as the planned integration of Lanz lndustrietechnik AG,
Wolfwil, within the adval tech Group are similarly consequences of the
concentration on core activities.
Strategic development of the Kitchen Systems Division
The adjustment of the divisional structure during the year under report
involved dividing the country companies into 4 business units and making
the WSE Division an independent business unit. This will enable more effective
use to be made of growth potential and synergies in future. In order to
improve the optimisation of the overall divisional activities, functional
aspects were strongly expanded within the divisional organisation. The
newly defined functional strategies will optimise the overall division
more strongly than was the case in the past, and are expected to secure
a sustained improvement in results.
Two acquisitions and three new corporate foundations were of particular
importance for the Division last year. The stake in Franke Stamor AG in
St. Petersburg, Russia, was raised, which will strengthen activities in
Russia. At the end of the year an important milestone in the expansion
of the WSE business was passed with the acquisition of W & G Sissons
Ltd. in Chesterfield, UK. In addition, Franke sales companies were founded
in Tunisia (Tunis), Thailand (Bangkok) and Singapore.
Further strategic measures withln the Kitchen Systems Division comprise:
• In the spring of 2002 Franke Ural acquired a factory together with
land in Jekaterinburg, Russia.
• In June 2002 the construction of the new logistics centre for Franke
Gesellschaft mbH in Hard, Austria, was completed and the adjacent Ciba
property was aoquired.
• In September 2002 the construction of the new warehouse building
as well as the renovation of the office block at Franke France SAS, Chambly,
France, was completed.
• Also in September 2002, a new sink logistics centre became operational
at Franke GmbH in Bad Sackingen, Germany.
• In December 2002 Franke Douat Ltda., Brazil, commenced construction
of a new factory building.
• Franke Italy, Franke S.p.A., Peschiera, also began building an
oven factory, and this is due for completion in the autumn of 2003.
• During the course of the year 2002 further major operating investments
were made in Canada, USA, Italy, Switzerland, Scotland, Germany and South
Africa.
First quarter of 2003 and the outlook for the year 2003
In the first quarter of 2003 consolidated sales remained in line with
the previous year's figures in local currencies, although there was a
modest decline in Swiss franc terms. Both EBITDA and cash flow declined
in year-on-year terms and fell short of budget targets. The cost-cutting
measures implemented in the first quarter relate in particular to capacity
adjustments in the Contract Group Division. In April 2003 this led to
the closure of the production works Stainless Inc., Deerfield Beach, Florida.
In addition, personnel were also lost at other Contract Group sites in
the USA, Europe and Asia. On the industrial side, the closure of the metal
construction profit centre at Franke Industrie AG in Aarburg is planned.
Economic forecasts for the current year remain burdened by substantial
uncertainties, and general economic activity is likely to remain weak
at least until the end of the first half of 2003. Franke will find it
difficult to meet the budgeted sales and earnings figures for the year
2003, and is expecting substantial difficulties in particular on the Contract
Group side. From a geographical perspective, there are also likely to
be distinct problems in certain countries in Asia and South America, and
in particular in Germany.
Nevertheless, with its innovative product range, technical know-how, global
presence, and sound finances, Franke claims to be positioned to generate
solid results even if there is a further weakening of the global economy.
Web: http://www.franke.com
Lowe’s
and Whirlpool Send Materials and Appliances to the Jimmy Carter Work Project
2003
What
does it take to build 92 Habitat for Humanity homes in the course of a
week? A lot of sweat, dedication and materials! During Habitat's Jimmy
Carter Work Project (JCWP) 2003, which takes place the week of June 8-13,
Lowe's and Whirlpool will donate materials and appliances that will be
used to build adequate homes for more than 400 people.
Today, appliances and materials left Whirlpool factories and Lowe's stores
– providing a massive amount of supplies including 767 appliances,
3,852,680 nails, 55,200 pieces of lumber, 4,600 gallons of paint and 1,104
doors to help build safe, affordable housing.
Jimmy Carter Work Project 2003
The Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP) is an annual Habitat for Humanity
weeklong building 'blitz.' This year, during the week of June 8-13, 92
houses will be built in three cities: Aniston, Ala., Valdosta and LaGrange,
Ga. While many JCWP builds have been in major metropolitan areas, this
year Habitat for Humanity selected these three '21st Century Challenge'
communities – communities that have committed to ridding their neighbourhoods
of substandard housing. The JCWP 2003 marks the 20th year in which former
President Carter, his wife, Rosalynn and thousands of volunteers have
devoted a week to a labour of love all in an effort to build decent housing
for families in need.
The Lowe's/Whirlpool Partnership
Lowe's Companies, Inc. and Whirlpool Corporation have joined as the Premier
Sponsors of the Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP) 2003 to address the need
for safe, affordable housing for families across the country. As part
of the sponsorship, Lowe's and Whirlpool have donated appliances and materials
for the 92 homes being built during the JCWP 2003.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry
dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Founded by Millard Fuller, along
with his wife, Linda, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates
in more than 3,000 communities in 87 nations have built and sold more
than 125,000 homes to partner families with no-profit, zero-interest mortgages.
http://www.habitat.org
About the Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of major
home appliances, with annual sales of $10.3 billion, 65,000 employees,
and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centres around the
globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht,
Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries.
Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet
at http://www.whirlpool.com.
About Lowe's Companies, Inc.
With 2001 sales of $22.1 billion, Lowe's Companies Inc. is a Fortune 100
company that serves more than seven million customers a week at more than
860 home improvement stores in 44 states in the USA.
New
Purpose-Built Headquarters for Arrow
February
saw building work commence at Area Seven on the brand new headquarters
for Arrow Distributors. Area Seven takes its name from its convenient
location being situated near Junction 7, on the M5 in Worcester. The new
location, only a few miles from the current premises, makes the headquarters
ideal for motorway access and delivery throughout the UK, continuing Arrow's
national distribution service.
Arrow
has been providing a dedicated service to the house building industry
since 1985. The company is a distributors of electrical and gas appliances,
sinks, taps, showers and shower trays from leading manufacturers plus
the New Coastal Collection of fitted bathroom furniture. Arrow's continued
expansion over the past few years has meant that the existing site at
Shipston Close, Worcester has become too small. The relocation of the
head office and national distribution centre to Area Seven will provide
Arrow with almost four and a half acres, boasting an impressive 93,000
square feet approximately. Totalling 80,000 square feet in warehousing
space and 13,000 square feet of offices the new premises have been specifically
designed and will be purpose-built for Arrow. Contracts were exchanged
on 24th January 2003, and building work commenced on 10th February 2003.
The schedule for Area Seven is demanding with deadlines of September/October
for the shell completion followed by 6 to 8 weeks allocated for fit outs,
and occupation aimed for the end of the year. However, McAlpine Special
Projects, the developers and Arrow are confident that timescales will
be met. Mike Barnes, Arrow Distributors, MD comments, 'the new site is
double the size of our existing premises and provides great opportunity
and scope for future growth and expansion, it is in line with short to
medium term forecasts and forms a large element of our overall growth
plan.'
The relocation of the head office and national distribution centre still
within Worcester demonstrates Arrow's commitment to the area. Mike Barnes
continues, 'as skilled staff are our greatest asset remaining in the Worcester
area was always our first choice for the new development. Our continued
success has enabled us to invest in the future ensuring we maintain the
fast, reliable service that has helped us build our business.'
Tel: 01905 754200
David
Kohler Highlights Event at K/BIS
Owned
by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the Kitchen/Bath Industry
Show & Conference (K/BIS), held April 10-13, 2003, in Orlando, Florida,
was highlighted by keynote speaker David Kohler, Group President of the
Kitchen and Bath Group of the Kohler Company, who spoke to a crowd of
more than 600 about the growth of the industry and what consumers want
during the annual NKBA Business Meeting and Luncheon.
Kohler talked about the role of women as one of the most profound changes
in our world and in the United States. Today women comprise 49 percent
of the workforce.
'Women have contributed significantly in so many ways in terms of the
affluence of the household through dual incomes and single incomes,' said
Kohler. 'They are increasingly more the decision makers, not only because
of the influence they carry in the home socially, but because of the power
of the purse. They are major bread-winners today in society.'
He spoke about the growth in the last 20 years in the new construction
market as well as existing home sales, which provides the basis for the
whole remodelling and repair market. Also, noting that homes have grown
in size. Since 1966 homes have increased by 51 percent in size to an average
of 2,300 square feet. And bathrooms have also grown in numbers. More than
56 percent of homes today have 2.5 bathrooms and average 136 square feet.
Kohler noted Americans passion for kitchens and baths, and said, 'When
asked if they would rather take a luxury vacation or remodel their kitchen
or bath, more consumers said they would prefer to remodel their kitchen
or bath.'
A trend of 'mass luxury,' as Kohler phrased it, is a great opportunity
for the industry. America's middle market, household incomes over $50,000,
include more than 47 million households in the U.S. and more than $3.5
trillion in disposable income. As a result, consumers want to move up
to premium items. Kohler went on to list a few consumer wants: Viking
ranges, Sub-Zero, Starbucks, Kohler, Panera Bread Co., Mercedes and the
Duet washer from Whirlpool.
'The importance of the home will continue to grow,' said Kohler. 'People
are trying to personalise their homes, and the ideas are limitless to
bring more amenities into the home.'
Of the future, Kohler said, 'Americans have this search for integrity
and value. And that means all of our marketing approaches have to be more
real and more personable. ... This business is very much about being and
information and service business. We are in a sweet spot, and we need
to take advantage of that.'
A
new brand of kitchen furniture has been launched onto the UK market, offering
retailers and distributors a new alternative for flatpack kitchen sales
to consumers.
The
range, known simply as Kitchens, has been put together by a team of experts
from the kitchen industry, to meet market needs for high fashion, reliably
priced, midmarket products.
This new Kitchens range consists of, at launch, 12 fascias in fashionable
finishes, from top of the range birch T bar through gloss white, a 'Christians'
look, patina handpainted effect vinyl and of course, the market favourites
Shaker (pictured) and Saponetta. All cabinets are 18mm pearblock with
solid back panels and clip-on hinges.
Kitchens is headed by ex Regency Sales Director, Bryan Gates, who has
taken over the brand from Regency, having originally conceived the project
several years ago. Bryan explains, 'With private funding, we have bought
out the Kitchens brand from Regency to offer retailers a new package.
Conceived not as a bulk volume range, but as individual kitchens, handpicked
and delivered to order shrink-wrapped and palletised, Kitchens is intended
to offer showrooms that rarity - a complete kitchen!'
Kitchens is aimed at the showroom, high street retailer with a one week
turnaround from order to delivery. The retailer is often short-delivered
on kitchens, which affects the business's cashflow. A complete furniture
delivery means the customer can be invoiced, the fitter paid and the retailer
paid, ideally before the credit terms are due. All helping the profit.
Bryan Gates explains, 'We are not trying to be number one in the industry.
Instead, the Kitchens brand has been put together to offer reliable retailers
with a consistent source of supply. The range consists of fascias that
are all good sellers, it is not over-complicated which means we can keep
a greater depth of stock. This enables Kitchens to satisfy its retailers,
with a more reliable service, to help maximise profit.'
A brochure introducing the Kitchens range is available free of charge.
Tel: 0870 6090920
Continental Kitchen Furniture Supplier Joins KBSA
Members
of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association now have ready
access to a selection of contemporary Continental kitchen furniture, thanks
to new association corporate member Washington Sales and Marketing Ltd.
This company is the exclusive UK importer for Sedia, Bodenschatz and Etagair.
Sedia is a range of sleek Italian-designed chairs, stools and tables,
including the popular Astra stool, Bodenschatz manufactures bathroom accessories
and Etagair is a chrome modular shelving system.
'Association members will warmly welcome Washington Sales and Marketing
as a new corporate member - this company imports excellent and unusual
products that would enhance any kitchen or bathroom setting,' says KBSA
chief executive Graham Hayden.
WSM Ltd director Iris Washington commented: 'We are delighted to have
been admitted to the KBSA and to be able to offer our carefully chosen
ranges of Italian, Swiss and German products to association members.
'We believe we can expand our business considerably now this new market
is open to us and we are looking forward to working with KBSA retailers
and supplying them with a greater choice of stylish kitchen furniture
and bathroom accessories.'
Further information about Washington Sales and Marketing Ltd is available
on the company's website at http://www.iriswashington.com