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Baumatic Targets Asian Market

Baumatic is surging forward with its global expansion plans with the company setting its sights on the Asian market, bolstered by the opening of a new showroom in Hong Kong, the hub of Asian business.

The showroom opened with a fanfare to potential customers and invited guests with entertainment and a professional chef on tap to demonstrate the appliances' versatility.

Baumatic's first foray into Asia came when the company set up a factory, office and showroom in Shunde in China which preceded the launch of the Hong Kong showroom in Causeway Bay.

 
(Left) Enzo Balestrazzi, Group President of Baumatic Holding speaking at the opening of the Hong Kong showroom; (Right) The new Hong Kong showroom

Following the official opening of the showroom, over the next four years Baumatic intends to expand its operation further into China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

Enzo Balestrazzi, Group President of Baumatic Holding says: ‘Asian economies are expanding and, especially in China, there are a lot of people looking to buy quality products. Over the last few years we have been looking at Southeast Asia as an important area for expansion and Hong Kong is the logical place to base our Asian headquarters.’

He adds: ‘Hong Kong has a small population in relation to other countries but it has big purchasing power. We are looking for a lot of expansion through our Hong Kong operation. What's more all the major cities in Asia are expanding and with that come exciting opportunities for our company. We believe in our products and we know that the market likes our products, that is what has encouraged us to make this substantial investment to capture our share of the Asian market.’

Tel: 0118 933 6900
Web: http://www.baumatic.com

Scottish MP backs Bathroom Manufacturers' Special Needs Initiative

Anne Begg has been the Labour MP for Aberdeen South since May 1st 1997 - she has an inherited, enzyme deficiency, disorder which requires her to use a wheelchair. She recently attended the House of Lords luncheon where the Bathroom Manufacturer's Association (BMA) launched the first results of its survey into Inclusive Bathroom design.

Her comments highlight the need for accessible and inclusive bathrooms in all homes:
'Using a wheelchair has made me appreciate the importance of a well designed bathroom. It is not just that I need an accessible bathroom in my own house, but also in the homes of my friends otherwise I can't visit.

'I therefore think it is great that the Bathroom Manufacturers Association has launched an initiative to encourage its members to incorporate accessible design in their bathrooms.

'I have just bought a new house and I have spent a small fortune on a new en-suite bathroom. It will be fantastic once it is finished yet the only piece of specialist equipment I require is a shower seat. Get the bathroom right and the rest of the house will follow.'

http://www.bathroom-association.org

Fisher and Paykel Appliances Acquires Elba Spa

Fisher and Paykel Appliances has acquired Elba (‘Elba’) Spa from De Longhi Spa. Elba manufactures and distributes cookware products including freestanders, built-ins, and cooktops. Brands acquired include Elba (100% owned), De Longhi and Kenwood (both 20 year licences).

The manufacturing facilities are located in Bassano Del Grappa, near Treviso in Northern Italy. Current output is 390,000 units with sales of €84.3 million.

Elba products are distributed under a number of brands across the world. ‘We expect that we will be manufacturing some Fisher & Paykel branded product in the Elba factory and in turn supplementing the Elba product range with Fisher & Paykel manufactured products from our facilities in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. This will vary market by market and brand by brand.’

John Bongard, Managing Director and CEO of Fisher & Paykel Appliances said "Elba is a well run, flexible cookware facility that will provide us with products and customers to help grow the sales of Fisher & Paykel and De Longhi products in our key markets including Europe and the UK. Elba will also provide further geographical diversification for us, balancing our exposures to the US, Australian and New Zealand markets.’

Strategic Rationale
‘Following our success in the USA, continued growth in the International market place is a core strategy. Europe has been identified as the next area of focus for expansion and cookware is an essential part of providing a comprehensive European product offer. Elba delivers a high quality European cooking range, a flexible manufacturing plant with surplus capacity and a wide customer base in which to increase distribution of Fisher & Paykel product.’

John Bongard continues ‘We are also excited by the prospect of developing a closer working relationship with De Longhi and exploring mutually beneficial opportunities in the future’

Mark Celik-Alvis, General Manager of Fisher & Paykel Appliances UK, states ‘This acquisition gives us a huge opportunity to work with Elba and further develop our key European markets with an immediate focus on the UK’.

Fisher & Paykel also announced the appointment of Stuart Broadhurst as the Chief Operating Officer, Europe. Stuart will be based in England and will be responsible for all European and UK operations of Fisher & Paykel Appliances, including Elba.Timeframes

Ownership is effective immediately. A team from NZ and the UK will be working with the Elba management as early as next week to begin the process of incorporating the Elba business.

‘This is an exciting opportunity for FPA to access a broader range of cooking product and expand our brand portfolio. We firmly believe that this broader offering will provide our many old and new customers with even more opportunities in the market place.’

Tel: 07740639040

Maytag Launches Free 5-Year Guarantee on Refrigeration

Maytag, the manufacturer of genuine American refrigeration, has launched a free five-year guarantee on all Maytag refrigeration models for the summer season.

Maytag's innovative and contemporary styled refrigeration range is now available with a full 5-year parts and labour guarantee to any consumer who purchases a Maytag refrigerator between the 1st July and 30th September 2006.

The promotion entitled 'Chill Out. You're covered for 5 years...free,' is a strong one, giving a solid incentive for retailers during a key refrigeration buying period.

Stuart Frost explains, 'This is a superb opportunity for the retailer to reap the rewards of refrigeration sales throughout the summer season, offering huge added value. For the consumer, it affords total piece of mind encouraging replacement and trading up.'

The promotion is fully supported with colourful point of sale material for use on all Maytag display models, with claim forms available for the consumer.

For more information call your Maytag Area Sales Manager or Maytag UK on 01737 231000.

Lec Shines in Which? Reliability Survey

Lec, the refrigeration brand recently re-launched by owner Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, is celebrating after receiving excellent reviews in the recent reliability survey of kitchen appliances by leading independent consumer body Which?.

The Which? annual product reliability survey drew together the experiences of over 13,500 Which? readers to reveal Britain's most reliable home appliance brands. In the fridge and freezer categories, Lec out performed many of its similarly priced competitors, with reliability ratings rivalling many 'prestige', upper market brands.

In the freezer category, Lec was placed second, scoring a 99% reliability rating, and one of only five brands to achieve an above average score. In the fridge category, Lec was placed third with a score of 95%, again above the average. One in three Lec fridge owners contributing to the survey also said that they would definitely recommend Lec to their friends.

Robin Tillbrook, business development director at Lec comments:
‘Just like the Lec brand, Which? surveys are a British institution, so we're especially proud to have performed well in this latest reliability survey. We take great pride in manufacturing reliable, practical, attractive and value for money cooling appliances and the results of this survey confirm that Lec is a brand consumers trust. Combined with a fresh new range launched in March and the Domestic & General TEQ award winning customer service support of Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, retailers can be assured that Lec is a reliable sales opportunity.’

Barwick Launches Gelson

Bathroom Distributor Barwick has announced a new addition to its portfolio of brands. Aimed at the mid-market, Gelson presents an extensive range of bathroom cabinets and vanity units along with a variety of mirrors and accessories that give a stylish finish to any bathroom. This new collection offers retailers a chance to increase sales through a range of products that are in tune with modern bathroom styles and satisfy the increasing demands for storage.

Gelson offers a range of bathroom cabinets in varying shapes and sizes and a range of colour finishes including Cool Silver, Gloss White or Luxurious Walnut Veneer. Options include mirrored doors, shaver sockets, down-lighters or strip lights.

A feature of some cabinets is the Hang 'N' Lock system, which uses a bracket with an in built cam and spirit level to provide an easy way to hang cabinets.

Gelson vanity units with ceramic vanity tops will suit all tastes, providing a storage solution for the modern bathroom. From compact units that will fit into even the most modest cloakroom to large two door units that provide storage for all the family.

Gelson also provides a range of contemporary mirrors, all made from 5mm safety glass. The illuminated mirrors create a practical yet elegant solution using state of the art lighting. Ranging from the Classic Art Deco Illuminated Mirror to the contemporary Starburst Illuminated Mirror, which casts a sparkle of shimmering lights around the room, there is choice for all.

Gelson products will be available from Barwick from July 2006, with attractive terms available for all bathroom retailers.

Brochures and price lists are available on request from the company’s sales office. This introduction is part of Barwick's commitment to improving and extending its service and portfolio of quality products.

Tel: 01274 687555
Email: info@barwick.co.uk
Web: http://www.barwick.co.uk

C.P. Hart Launches a ‘Premier Account’

Bathroom specialist C.P. Hart has launched a Premier Account for professional customers.

There are many advantages to opening a Premier Account, including receiving regular updates of the latest news from the company, the latest product releases and any promotions that may be running.

No deposit is required when purchasing through the premier account, and full payment is not required until 30 days after delivery of the goods, allowing designers and specifiers to benefit from increased cash flow and minimal administration.

'The launch of the Premier Account, combined with the vast product exclusivity, further strengthens C.P. Hart as the destination for designers and architects specifying bathroom products for their clients, as the service provided excels any other bathroom retailer.' says the company.

C.P. Hart showrooms can be found across the country. There are five in total including Waterloo, Primrose Hill, Guildford, Esher and Manchester.

For further information on applying for a Premier Account or any other products and services offered by C.P. Hart please call 0845 600 1950 or visit http://www.cphart.co.uk.

Dynamic Space® Success for Martin Leighfield

Since installing a demonstration area of internal workings and storage solutions for the company’s kitchens in a compact showroom, conversion of enquiries to sales have leapt from around 25% to 60% at Martin Leighfield.

Based in a rural village near Reading in Berkshire, Martin Leighfield Ltd has been designing and making hand-made kitchens of distinction for discerning clients.

The emphasis is on traditional craftsmanship, natural products for the frontals and accessories and wholly bespoke designs for each, individual customer.

However no matter how quintessentially English and traditional the design, Martin Leighfield is acutely aware of the modern needs and requirements of kitchens in today's lifestyle and the interiors of the company’s kitchens reflect this with some of the most advanced fittings and storage solutions.

Martin Leighfield's son Matthew works on both the design and sales side of the company: ‘We have always realised the importance of the interior performance of nay of our products in their success and our customers' satisfaction. Making the kitchen a pleasure to use long after it is fitted is a major reason for our progress and the word of mouth referrals we rely on for sales.’

On example of this is Matthew Leighfield's insistence that no base units should contain fixed shelves but full extension drawers and pull-outs for total and easy access to any point inside the kitchen. So when he decided to attend one of the regular seminars presented by David Sanders of Blum UK on the company’s Dynamic Space kitchen planning concept, you could say he was half way converted.

Blum is the world's leading manufacturer of advanced fittings, storage and motion systems for kitchen furniture. The company’s products are included in all Martin Leighfield designs. The Blum Dynamic Space concepts involve using the company’s storage solutions in five separate zones of activity in the kitchen for the best ergonomic use and pleasure. The concept can be applied to any layout - from the smallest galley kitchen (as demonstrated at Martin Leighfield) or the most expansive island spread.

The compact but effective display that Martin Leighfield has created in the yard of its workshops shows both a traditional in-frame design and a contemporary shaker design (in a tight galley layout) both fully fitted with Blum interiors and the latter laid out according to the principles of Dynamic Space. Both are fully propped out with goods, utensils, crockery, cutlery etc. This is vital to the success of the remarkable impact these displays have has on sales at Martin Leighfield.

The galley kitchen is organised into the five Dynamic Space zones - consumables, non consumables, wet (cleaning), preparation, cooking - and the associated storage units and systems are allocated to each of these accordingly. Some of these zones include some of Blum's more innovative solutions like the under-sink drawer the space corner and the full access larder unit. All drawers, pull-outs and wall cabinet doors are fitted with the superlative Blumotion controlled closing and soft seating integrated system which, says Matthew Leighfield, is an ‘absolute winner as a unique selling point’ (USP). All units also contain the Blum Orga-Line systems for internal dividing and organisation of kitchen interiors.

Martin Leighfield has now designed and sold a number of very prestigious kitchens along the lines of Dynamic Space. ‘Even where the kitchen design or room architecture doesn't allow us to stick strictly to just five zones the general principle can still be successfully applied to the great satisfaction of the customer and to our credit’ explains an enthusiastic Matthew Leighfield.

BLUM UK
Tel: 01908 285700
Web: http://www.blum.co.uk

Kermi Changes Sales Strategy

In light of the success of recent product additions to the Living Design ranges of shower enclosures and towel rails, Kermi has decided to change its sales strategy in the South East of England in favour of directly employed sales staff.

Brian Tipping - Business Development Manager for Kermi commented:
‘We believe that following the host of recent product additions to our
range we need a more focused approach from our sales force’

Kermi would like to thank Tony Shakespeare and his team at Sharay Marketing for their past efforts and to wish them success in the future.

Tel: 01536 44 66 08

Credibility and Growth Beckons through Britain's Largest Vetted Trade Association

Finding reputable trade professionals for home improvement works has always been a dilemma for home owners - and concerns over reliability, quality of work and 'cowboy builders' all add to the stress. But homeowners can now have greater confidence in their choice, thanks to FairTrades - the UK's leading multi-trade association.

FairTrades has been promoting its vetted trade professional members to the public for over 20 years and, beyond the credibility and extra work members reap from the organisation's 'scales of justice' hallmark; they also benefit from increased marketing, business support, sales leads and special offers. Whether as a facilitator of more, better work; a source of discounts on a wide variety of goods and services or as a provider of an enhanced and more professional business profile; FairTrades has something to offer all committed trade professionals.

The organisation's Find-a-Pro directory service is a sure means for sourcing sales leads, achieving growth and improving business. Free to consumers seeking to locate quality professionals tackling projects in their local areas; Find-a-Pro, in 2005, helped match many thousands of homeowners with tradespeople - resulting in millions of pounds in project value. This project value is shared between on-line and off-line activity.

FairTrades also cuts discount deals on behalf of its members - saving them thousands of pounds on a range of goods and services from vehicles and plant. Members similarly get the chance to offer Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) from HomePro Insurance, the UK's leading provider of the schemes. Being able to offer IBGs is a powerful marketing tool that increases consumer confidence the tradesperson's business, displays an enhanced level of professionalism and can increase sales conversions by up to 30%.

Members have access to conciliation services, when customer relationships breakdown, and the vetting process automatically removes the need for FENSA approval, if required, saving up to £200.

Marketing support for members includes vehicle and showroom displays, ID cards for all customer-facing employees; letters of introduction to prospects; handy leave-behind cards and point-of-sale literature where applicable. Furthermore, the organisation also operates highly popular Yellow Pages and Thomson Local corporate advertising schemes.

Becoming a member of FairTrades involves the fairly simple requirement of having been trading for at least one year, and having a good credit and legal history; and satisfactory references being obtained from 10 randomly selected former customers. As a result of this vetting process, the company now holds over 500,000 customer remarks on over 100,000 projects.

To find out more about FairTrades membership, the benefits of Insurance Backed Guarantees and the Find-a-Pro service and the chance to share in millions of pounds worth of home improvement projects; call 08707 38 48 58 or visit http://www.fairtrades.co.uk.

Frasers Property Group selects Nicholas Anthony

Frasers Property Group (formerly known as LCR Developments Ltd) has selected Nicholas Anthony to design, supply and install luxury Poggenpohl kitchens for its prestigious Vincent Square development. The properties, with prices ranging from £320,000 to £1.4 million, will offer the very best in contemporary living in what has become Westminster's premier address.

The historic Grade II listed Westminster Police Station and Magistrates Court will become 49 one, two and three-bed apartments and all have been specified with Poggenpohl's Horizontal Oak kitchen with beach white composite stone worktops and matching splashbacks. Nicholas Anthony has selected a range of Siemens and Gaggenau appliances including ceramic hob, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, washer-dryer and overhead extractor.

To further enhance the extravagance of the penthouses wine fridges, integrated coffee machines and American style fridges have also been specified. The larger apartments will also incorporate a breakfast/dining peninsular.

The contract is worth over half a million pounds to Nicholas Anthony.

Geoff Brown, Contract Sales Director at Nicholas Anthony, said: ‘Many of the properties in the development have already been sold which just goes to show that there is undoubtedly still a market for outstanding properties with luxury fittings in prime locations.’

Nicholas Anthony's contracts division offers a full design and installation service of Poggenpohl kitchens as well as its own brand, the Nicholas Anthony Collection. The division is dedicated to providing added value and has the capacity to process and manage large orders throughout South England.

For more information about Nicholas Anthony Contracts, please telephone
020 7620 3636, visit http://www.nicholas-anthony.co.uk or email contracts@nicholas-anthony.co.uk.

For more information about 68 Vincent Square please visit http://www.68vincentsquare.com

Galley Matrix Introduces New Boxed Packaging for Franke Sinks

Galley Matrix has improved the packaging of Franke products to ensure they remain in peak condition throughout transit to the point of delivery. This follows the introduction of the new Galley Matrix, Franke price guide in October 2005, designed to make life easier for the retailer.

The company is now boxing the Franke range of stainless steel inset sinks. 'With our new one box packaging solution, we box each sink incorporating the relevant wastes and accessories, which ensures that the sink reaches the retailer in good condition and complete. This will radically improve things for the retailer, as they now know that Franke sinks from Galley Matrix will arrive in one piece and completely accessorised,' says Richard Houghton, Category Manager for Galley Matrix.

Galley Matrix introduced a new catalogue format for Franke sinks late last year, simplifying the layout and making it easier for the retailer to find product, specification and prices. Richard Houghton says, 'The Franke range is an extensive one and we wanted to make the whole process of selecting and ordering Franke sinks less challenging for the retailer. We have introduced a completely new format which has been so well received that we have had a dramatic upturn in sales.'

The catalogue is segmented into nine sections clearly depicting each range from Professional propacks, specialist stainless steel, specialist franganite, ceramic and undermount sinks. At the back of the catalogue there are detailed sink dimensions, specialist taps and a colour and material selector, plus a performance comparison chart. The new catalogue is available from Galley Matrix and the new packaging has been implemented with immediate effect.

For more information contact your Area Sales Manager or Galley Matrix at the National Sales Office on 0870 60 60 60.

Bureau Veritas Provides Cost Effective Last Minute RoHS Compliance Advice

With the impending introduction of the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS) Directive, Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services (BVCPS), specialist in consumer product testing, inspections and auditing, is offering its range of compliance solutions to help ensure the company’s clients demonstrate due diligence and comply with the Directive. With the July 1st 2006 RoHS compliance deadline rapidly approaching, BVCPS is providing cost effective advice and services to help ensure its customers demonstrate due diligence and conform to the new regulations, including a one day RoHS compliance review and a quick and cost effective test solution. These services include:

* Testing (full RoHS testing, finished product RoHS verification and detection of specific substances)
* IECQ Hazardous Substance Process Management (HSPM) Gap Analysis, Audit and Certification
* Training/Seminars
* Compliance Assistance (RoHS Compliance Review, Material Risk Profiling, Supplier Assessment, RoHS technical documentation analysis)
* Regulatory Impact Assessment (Scope analysis, substitution solutions research, re-approval assessment (EMC, RF, Safety, Environmental Simulation) and exemption analysis).

BVCPS has built upon its expertise in electrical testing and quality standards to provide a global RoHS service to electrical equipment retailers, manufacturers and importers, highlighted by RoHS capabilities in BVCPS locations in USA, Germany, France, UK, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

The objective of the RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC amended by 2005/618/EC) is to restrict the use of six specific hazardous chemicals, including lead, mercury and cadmium, in electrical and electronic equipment. BVCPS can assure regulatory compliance from the product manufacturing stage right through to the point of distribution. With the impending implementation of the RoHS Directive, one of BVCPS's key offerings is a fast, flexible and cost effective test solution for finished products.
Should manufacturers, importers or retailers wish to discuss their RoHS requirements in more detail, BVCPS is offering guidance or a best fit solution, delivered by one of their RoHS experts around the world.

The full RoHS testing service provided by BVCPS is the most complete method available of checking compliance. The tests are conducted by measuring the concentration limit of all the hazardous substances per homogenous material of a product or compound. BVCPS can also measure the concentration limit of specific hazardous substances in high risk parts of the product.

The IECQ HSPM certification service offered by BVCPS is a scheme for providing a clear statement to third parties regarding the lack of hazardous substances in a component or product.

In addition, BVCPS's new services include assistance with the preparation of the required RoHS technical file. This consists of a review of the supplier's test reports and the identifying and rectifying of missing documentation in the design or engineering stage. BVCPS also offers a comprehensive programme to assist manufacturers in building in-house laboratories for achieving the targeted quality level and technical competency. This programme includes on-site auditing, test method verification, inter-laboratory preparation tests and final approval.

Changing chemical substances or layout in a product or component may have consequences on its performance, qualifications and certifications. In recognition of this, BVCPS can help identify substitution solutions. The company can also carry out tests to verify a product's stability as well as identify necessary tests to apply for product re-approval.

Chris Baird, International RoHS Programme Co-Ordinator and Marketing Manager, at BVCPS, comments: ‘As there are so many aspects to consider when ensuring compliance to the new RoHS Directive, manufacturers, importers and retailers are well advised to get professional help. As a trusted expert within this field, BVCPS can offer all of its customers a comprehensive service which takes into account most possible eventualities, giving producers peace of mind that they are selling fully compliant products.’

For more information on BVCPS's RoHS Directive compliance capabilities, please visit http://www.bvrohs.com, http://www.cps.bureauveritas.com or alternatively email chris.baird@uk.bureauveritas.com

Stoneham Selects G&G for Interiors

Designer and manufacturer of traditional and contemporary kitchens, Stoneham, is installing customised drawer interiors in certain products from specialist G&G Products.

Stoneham is a family-owned company with a 140 year history and is a holder of The Royal Warrant to HM The Queen. The company’s designs are hallmarked by the high attention to quality and detail and, in particular, the attention paid to the design and function of cabinet and drawer interiors. A central part of this is the storage organisation of drawer interiors.

G&G Products is an expert in the design and manufacture of both fixed and flexible systems for drawer interiors. Stoneham is using one of G&G's flagship products - the solid beech block 'gadget tray' for specific utensils. Apart from being expert on the working of wood for such products, G&G is equally adept at creating vacuum formed plastic products and the two are often successfully mixed and matched for individual solutions.

G&G has created products not only for the drawer interior, but for deep storage drawers in base units, plate and pot racks and special drop down storage trays that are suspended under wall units on a spring forward mounting. G&G Managing Director, Sam Grinshpan explains that there is no limit to the designs and ideas that the company’s systems should be applied to.

G&G supplies top kitchen manufacturers around the UK and Europe as well as prominent component distributors. The company continues to invest in new and advanced machinery in its Manchester factory as demand on capacity and design flexibility grows.

Stoneham Managing Director Adrian Stoneham says that ‘the innovative aspect of the G&G interiors combined with their unquestionable quality makes them an ideal component for inclusion in certain Stoneham designs’.

Tel: 0161 723 1000
Email: mail@gandgproducts.co.uk
Web: http://www.gandgproducts.co.uk