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Sanitec Corporation to Focus on Core Business - Evac sold to Zodiac Group

Sanitec Corporation has signed an agreement with the French Zodiac Group to divest its Evac Environmental Solutions business. The debt free purchase price is EUR 60 million, payable in cash by the Zodiac Group. Sanitec intends to use the net proceeds from the transaction for early repayment of its senior bank debt.

The transaction allows Sanitec to focus on its core business as a leading European provider of bathroom solutions. The acquisition of Evac will allow Zodiac to further develop its activities in the area of professional marine equipment and as an equipment supplier for the aviation business.

Evac is a world leader in vacuum technology and total wastewater management systems for marine, train, aviation and building. Evac’s net sales in 2002 were approximately EUR 70 million and currently the company employs 260 people mainly in the United States, Germany and Finland. Evac joined Sanitec Group in 1979 and since 2000 it has been one of the three Sanitec business segments, along with the core businesses Bathroom Ceramics and Bath and Shower Products.

The completion of  the transaction is subject to the approval of Sanitec’s senior banks and relevant regulatory bodies.

John Kinder Becomes Sole MD of Alno (UK) Ltd

Following the departure of Alno (U.K.) Ltd.'s joint managing director, Eugene Rembor, John Kinder has been appointed sole managing director of the company.

John Kinder (pictured) was managing director of Wellmann (U.K.) Ltd and its' franchise subsidiary In-toto up to the take over of Wellmann GmbH by Alno in July.

John's responsibilities include Alno and Wellmann retail and contract operations, with each brand retaining its' own management and marketing structure. The head office for Alno (UK) remains at Hanworth, Middlesex, with administrative support for both In-toto and Wellmann contracts at Shaw Cross in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

For further inforrrlation, contact John Kinder on 0208 744 8909 or john.kinder@alno.co.uk
http://www.alno.co.uk

In-toto Performance Awards

In-toto's performance shields were presented at its recent two-day national conference. In-toto at Edinburgh, with a seven-figure turnover was the top invoiced account and In-toto ofthe year. 'This was a tremendous achievement based on a good mix of retail and contract sales' explains marketing Director David Watts.

In-toto at Ipswich sold more kitchens to homeowners than any other showroom from the franchise and Stockport's In-toto won the service excellence shield.

In-toto at Northampton and the new In-toto at Woking won special recognition awards in light of their sales, after sales, professional fitting, designs to suit individual user's needs, well managed business practice and clear evidence of very satisfied customers.

The In-toto franchise saw showroom numbers grow to forty in 2003 and enjoyed a 12% increase in sales. This year the franchise expects to open at least three new outlets and sales to date show growth.

For further information, contact Graham Russell on 01924 487904.
http://www.intoto.co.uk

FdF Adds Norcool Products to its Domestic Collection

FdF (Fourneaux de France), already well-known for its semiprofessional range cookers and extraction hoods, has been appointed the exclusive UK agents for Norcool, European manufacturer of advanced refrigeration products. This means that FdF is now a major player in the domestic appliance market, with a complete collection of 'cool solutions' to complement its cooking and extraction products.

One of Norcool's star products is the CoolGiant Corner Fridge, which represents a revolution in food storage. With 1200 litres af storage space (the equivalent of four large fridges!) and 3m2 of interchangeable shelving, the Cool Giant disappears discreetly into the kitchen plan - but only requires a mere one m2 of corner floor space. Available in three finishes of brushed stainless steel, the fridge also can be clad in any material or can stand alone as a single unit. It is quiet and also is claimed to be the most energy efficient domestic fridge available in the UK.

Norcool's wine coolers are a must-have for wine enthusiasts. Each NorCave unit ensures perfect wine storage conditions, with temperature ranges of between 8 and 15degC. Smoke-tinted or opaque glass doors keep out damaging UV light, and a low-noise cooling unit maintains consistent temperature and optimum humidity without dangerous vibrations from fans or motors. Norcool's NorCaves also feature oak shelving and can hold 30-100 bottles of wine according to the model chosen. Available in black, brown, or stainless steel, the coolers can stand alone or can be integrated under the kitchen worktop.

Years ago, many people had space for pantries. With cool stone shelves and no daylight, they provided cool conditions for food storage. Now those conditions can be reproduced - and even bettered! - with CoolMaster, Norcool's modular walk-in cold rooms. The CoolMaster's revolutionary construction and energy-efficient technology provides mould-free food storage to extend the shelf life of all kinds of food. Like Norcool's fridges, the CoolMaster units can be clad in any material. With modular units ranging from 2420 to 7140 litres of space, they are perfect answer for families, 'foodies,' or anyone who entertains a lot. Norcool also offers the equipment for people to create their own bespoke cool rooms - ideal for converting areas such as under stairs cupboards into a cool new space.

All Norcool appliances come with FdF's delivery and assembly services, along with technical support and dealer marketing services.

Tel 01202 733 011 or visit http://www.fdef.co.uk

Homag Open House to Feature Production Cell Techniques

Homag U.K. will host an open house exhibition at the company’s Castle Donington headquarters on April 22nd, 23rd and 24th.

The latest technology from Homag Group members will be on ‘live’ display as well as joinery technology from specialists Martin and Joos.

In particular Homag technical and sales staff will demonstrate how to set up designated production cells for specific sectors using quality German equipment – especially where machine integration depends on shared component and software technologies. The concept of production cells is applicable to large and small production facilities alike and offers flexible solutions to the demands of today’s markets.

Homag will have a variety of systems set up to run and demonstrate full product manufacture from design to finished item.

Information on invitations, bookings and times can be obtained from Sylvia Albe on 01332 856500 (fax 01332 856400) or by emailing mailto:sylvia.albe@homag-uk.co.uk

Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk

James Latham’s Flooring Division Goes from Strength to Strength

Six months on from its launch, James Latham says that its specialist flooring division is going from strength to strength, increasing its product offering and securing a number of lucrative contracts. The division was set up last summer to provide customers with a ‘one-stop’ shop, supplying everything that shop fitters, specialist flooring contractors and timber merchants need.

The extensive range of flooring products provided, include a number of exclusive distribution agreements for the UK, with some innovative and original ranges, such as a selection of engineered timber from Spanish flooring specialist, MH Parquets. And in keeping with James Latham’s tradition of sourcing certified timber, MH Parquets has achieved PEFC status for its flooring products.

The MH engineered flooring is made from a composite of raw materials, using three layers, which are joined transversely to compensate for the natural expansions and contractions of the wood. The top layer is made from high quality selected hardwood, which is then coated by five layers of acrylic lacquer, making it resistant to scratching as well as increasing its durability.

Also available, is a range of solid pre-finished hardwood flooring available under the brand, Bausen, which is supplied in 90mm, 120mm, and 150mm widths, and coated in five layers. Species include the most popular, such as White Oak, Beech, Maple, Birch, Walnut and Merbau as well as a ‘distressed’ range of red, dark and golden oak.

Each James Latham branch now carries the flooring products, available directly from stock.

Flooring supplied by James Latham will also be cropping up in some unusual places across the UK this year - 2000 metres of Oak been provided for the Millennium Stadium Auditorium Art Centre in Cardiff.

Flooring specialist, John Mitchell, who was brought in to head up the division, says, ‘The division is already an overwhelming success with customers across the UK showing lots of enthusiasm for the products available.

‘We are able to keep a large amount of stock across the depots, and have been continually improving our product portfolio, as well as the marketing support we offer. For example, we are now starting to provide eye-catching stands for retail outlets.’

Tel: 0116 281 2264
Web: http:// www.lathamtimber.co.uk

Falcon Appliances Introduces Free 3 Year Guarantee

'Falcon prides itself on high performance, durability and excellence in design. To reinforce this message and to demonstrate just how confident we are with the product quality and performance Falcon Appliances is launching a three year parts and labour guarantee', explains Falcon's Clare Harris.

The offer covers all Falcon range cookers, new wall mounted grill, splashbacks and hoods purchased from January 2004.

lt's a value added initiative introduced following a busy year of enhanced product development and marketing activity, all of which strengthens Falcon's position in the domestic kitchen sector.

'Following extensive consumer research we know that Falcon consumers demand high performance and value good build quality', adds Clare. 'The introdudion of Falcon's three-year guarantee is the latest in a long line of brand investment, and goes a long way to highlight the confidence we have in our products.'

A leaflet has been produced to communicate the offer and details the terms and conditions.

For trade enquiries, please call 0115 946 6143
Web: http://www.falconappliances.co.uk

Strong Impulse to Enter Commercial Market

Better known for its sanitary-ware for new build and refurbishment projects, Mandarin Building Products is now highlighting it's extensive range of specification products aimed at the commercial market. Low level pan for children; cloakroom basins, urinals; cleaner sink; semi-recessed basins and big sinks suitable for washrooms and laundry use are now available from selected stockists.

The 'Kinder' children's pan should prove popular with those designing nurseries, schools, hospitals and leisure facilities. Measuring a mere 335mm high, this vitreous china low level pan has a washdown flushing action, a round front P trap with open rim and can be accompanied by a suitable vitreous lever operated cistern.

There are two urinals - the Prince which measures 510 x 410 x 280 mm and the Unicorn which measures 570 x 350 x 320 mm. Both are available in white vitreous china only. They are back to wall mounting with either a top or back water inlet. Chrome trap and spreader sets are available. They are designed for installation in high use environments such as pubs, clubs and public buildings where design, functionality and reliability are essential.

The sinks and sluices meet the call for washing and cleaning facilities in all types of commercial operations. The largest sink - the Utilo design - measures 650 x 520 275 mm and is a rectangular design, with a deep basin, large waste aperture and two tap holes. It is designed to be mounted on the counter top and is available in white vitreous china. Another functional yet attractively designed sink is the Ruby. A rectangular, counter top mounting design without tap holes, it has a large waste aperture and measures 550 x 377 x 228 mm.

The Cleaner sink, a square design sluice is mounted on a pedestal, with a back to wall mounting. A functional asset to any cleaning facility, it measures 545 x 420 x 660mm.

Alongside a number of semi pedestal washbasins suitable for all locations, Impulse has produced a line of quality, functional sanitary ware that will enhance all types of commercial situations.

Gary Hawkins, General Manager of UK Distributors of Impulse, Mandarin China
Building Products, said: 'We have always had a full range of commercial products
but to date we have concentrated on the consumer led designs for bathroom sanitary ware. Now, due to demand from commercial installers and designers we have decided to actually promote the fact that we have these items and further information can be found in our Specification and Commercial Catalogue.

'Since we announced the fact that we offer these niche products we have received a lot of interest and people should contact us in the first instance to find their nearest stockist.'

Tel: 0121 328 6824

Dornbracht needed the two major orders that were paid in January to achieve positive - albeit only just - results for 2003. The forecast for 2004 is the same, and is based on an average dollar rate of 1.275 euro, an increase of 3.8%. And yet the company is optimistic as it looks towards the future, as Andreas Dornbracht confirms: "The continued commitment to culture has led to a positive brand development with a distinct increase in brand familiarity. And it has helped to create a new awareness of the bathroom that is now the starting point for innovative products and subject-based communications."

At 31.12.03 Dornbracht employed a total of 563 employees, a slight increase over the previous year (561). The training rate for 2003 was 4.8%.

Dornbracht is planning to further increase international project business in 2004, concentrating on five-star hotels and high quality apartment buildings, especially abroad. The license business with Villeroy & Boch fittings and accessories is developing successfully abroad, which is also cause for all concerned to extend.

The production facilities in Iserlohn-Sümmern are being strengthened by further investments, which emphasises the commitment of the family company's management - as represented by Andreas (sales, marketing, finance), brother Matthias (production, logistics, IT, personnel) and father Helmut Dornbracht (procurement) - to the location. It also means additional capacities for Dornbracht x-tra-Services, the special facility that was set up as a separate self-contained production unit.

Dornbracht is concerned by the aggressive pricing of a number of Internet providers who are putting specialist retail partners under price pressure, and the overall decline in payment morale abroad.

Bemis Europe Expands Hotel Line

Bathroom accessories manufacturer Bemis Europe has added to its Bravo Suite line to appeal to the hotel sector. The range is a complete collection of accessories in polished chrome-plate.

The combination of contemporary style and nostalgia gives a simple look a modern twist suitable for any bathroom.

Designed specifically with the hotel and tourist trade in mind, Bravo Suite accessories meet the contract sector's high standard demands of practicality, simple installation, easy maintenance, and value for money.

These simple but sophisticated accessories, which are bright and resilient, adapt easily to many different bathroom styles.
Bravo Suite accessories include wall mounted towel rail, hand towel ring and magnifying mirror with adjustable arm.

http://www.bemiseurope.com

Intatec's Anti Scald Minimalist Shower Valve meets with Approval of Governments New 'Make Bath-Time Safer' lnitiative

lntatec Limited has introduced the lntaflo Minimalist which is claimed to be the only minimalist style shower valve with TMV3 approval.

Stuart Gizzi, lntatec 's managing director said: 'More and more families see the bathroom as a focus of the home where the emphasis is on high class design and top quality fittings. More importantly, the bathroom should be a place where all the family can bathe and shower in comfort and safety.

'Three quarters of all serious scalding injuries involve children under five years of age and we welcome the announcement on Tuesday 6th January by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for a review of building regulations with a view to requiring safety devices, that is thermostatic mixing valves, to be fitted to all newly built or converted private properties.'

Designed in Italy, the lntaflo Minimalist temperature controlled shower valve has a fail-safe anti scald device to protect all the family, particularly children and the elderly.

Moreover the Minimalist shower valve delivers 14 litres per minute at low pressure which means you can enjoy exhilarating showers at a factory set temperature of 43 degrees C.

The lnta range is suitable for any plumbing system and for either new or replacement installations. lntaflo shower valves are available in modern, traditionai or minimalist styles, concealed or exposed and have single piece replaceable cartridge technology for easy maintenance. All are stylish and functional and are TMV3 and WRAS approved with safety built in.

lntatec Limited, based in Hixon, Staffs offers the lnta range of bathroom and washroom products through a nationwide network of distributors and merchants.

Tel: 01889 207 200

As the table illustrates, the bedroom furniture market is a mature sector, and thus has tended towards gradual sustained growth over the period 1997-2003.

During 1997, the bedroom furniture market experienced high levels of growth, due, in part, to building society de-mutualisation dividends, fuelling high levels of consumer spending on big-ticket items such as furniture. The following two years saw a slowdown in growth in the market, reflecting a more stable economic environment. Growth continued during the period 2000-2001 as interest rates remained low and the housing market enjoyed a certain degree of buoyancy. These conditions helped to maintain consumer confidence and underpin high spending levels.
Despite weak equity markets and slow growth in the manufacturing sector, the UK bedroom furniture market remained relatively buoyant during 2002. Interest rates remained low, whilst a booming housing market and high levels of employment helped maintain growth in the bedroom furniture market of between 2-3% for the year.

Market activity during 2003 was subject to more uncertain trading conditions, with the Iraq war and general recession in the world economy, but consumer confidence and retail sales remained higher than anticipated in the first half of the year. Sales began to slow in the second half, hampered by the very hot weather and the interest rate rise in November.

The furniture market is more responsive to swings in consumer confidence, changes in disposable income and activity in the housing market. Due to the deferrable nature of big-ticket items such as bedroom furniture, there is often a lengthy replacement cycle, with purchases often seen as non-essential and delayed during financial uncertainty.

The bedroom furniture market continues to be dominated by the free standing sector, with market share remaining constant and estimated at around 75% in 2003. The increase in new entrants to the homewares retail market offering flat-pack products, and the rising level of low value imports within this sector continue to affect value growth. The fitted sector accounts for the remaining 25%, but continues to be constrained by pricing pressures and is driven by activity in the housing sector.

The self-assembly sector has gained share in recent years with the introduction of IKEA, retailers such as Marks and Spencer and mail order companies such as Argos, all active in this sector. Recent innovations in production techniques have enabled retailers to target a wider audience. The convenience and immediacy of self-assembly furniture is also a key factor.

The market for children's and teenage bedroom furniture appears to be growing and remains a relatively large niche market, as the general enthusiasm for home improvement has extended to junior bedrooms. More larger retailers are making room for a wider selection of children's furniture within their ranges, and many suppliers are also expanding into the junior market and offering innovative products, which grow with the child. Junior consumers are often now targeted through direct advertising in children's media.

Bedrooms are increasingly used as multi-purpose areas, often combining home office activities. This is particularly seen with a second or third bedroom, and in children's rooms, where the need for a second computer has led to increased demand for dedicated bedroom/office ranges which will fit into smaller spaces.

The trend towards clean and contemporary styles within the bedroom furniture sector continues to grow, with the popularity of light materials and finishes such as beech, cherry and light oaks taking precedence over darker ranges. The pine market has experienced a decline in demand in recent years, but still continues to feature well in the independent and mail order sectors of the retail market.

Within the supply sector, there are estimated to be around 4,000 companies engaged in the manufacture of bedroom furniture, with established leaders such as MFI Furniture Group (Hygena/Schreiber), Silentnight Holdings and the Homeform Group (Sharps Bedrooms) continuing to take a major slice ofthe market. During 2003, over 30% ofthe market was composed of manufacturing businesses with less than 1% value share.

Within the distiribution sector, there has been a blurring of the traditional retail product boundaries as a number of specialist retailers such as Marks and Spencer and Laura Ashley move into associated home furnishings markets in search of growth. Department and variety stores have considerably improved their product ranges retaining a significant share of the market at 11%. The fumiture multiples continue to take the largest share of the retail market with an estimated 41%.

This 122-page report is available now and is priced at £565.

Tel: 01242 235724
sales@amaresearch.com
http://www.amaresearch.co.uk

American Homes are Run Like Businesses says Whirlpool Survey

American homes are being run like businesses according to the first-ever State of the Home survey from Whirlpool® Home Appliances, unveiled at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas recently. With more women in the workforce than ever before, homes are being run with the help of computer scheduling and basic business technique focused on activities like delegation, prioritisation and task completion.

'Today's moms are taking the techniques they've learned in the workplace and using them to great effect in the home,' said Stacy DeBroff, president of Mom Central, Inc. 'With the growth of two-income families, a multitude of children's activities and households headed by singles, the only way that all the tasks can get done is if the household is organised. Moms are now using high tech tools like Personal Digital Assistants and computer spreadsheets to run their homes efficiently.' 

Whirlpool is using the term Chief Home Officer, or CHO to describe this new breed of home manager - typically Mom - that is taking on the role of delegating tasks and assigning responsibility within the family.

According to Whirlpool's State of the Home survey of 1,000 women:
 - Ninety-five percent of moms delegate household tasks to other family members
 - Nearly 40 percent say they run their home like a business
 - Almost two out of three (61%) rank themselves as 'very efficient' in managing their homes
 - More than half (58%) say they keep to-do lists at home for themselves and family members

The tasks CHOs most often delegated to other family members include: cleaning bedrooms (65%); doing dishes (62%); vacuuming (61%); and putting away groceries (57%).

Appliances Designed to Meet the Demands of CHOs
Whirlpool has seen this trend coming for several years and has used these insights to create products that meet the needs of the new generation of American households. 'The CHO is at the heart of everything we do,' said Jeffrey Davidoff, director, Whirlpool brand. 'Every appliance we create is designed with her in mind. Our goal is for CHOs to feel that they can delegate the task to our products, and know the job will get done.'

Whirlpool Home Appliances is showcased its latest insights on the market and innovations for CHOs recently at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas. From design and engineering to colour and ergonomics, Whirlpool says it is is the industry leader in developing products that save time, require less effort and provide more space.
 
On display at IBS 2004 were advancements in each of the four major appliance product categories that were driven by research on the new ways in which homes are run:

Fabric Care

Problem: CHOs don't want to spend the time or money required to take clothes to the dry cleaner or hand wash delicate items. In fact, Whirlpool research indicates that 83% of consumers try to avoid buying clothes that require dry cleaning or extra care.
Solution: The Whirlpool Duet® HE is the first washer in North America certified by The Woolmark Company as being safe for laundering machine washable wool. The world-renowned Woolmark insignia now appears on the control panel of Whirlpool HE washers. Duet HE is the centrepiece of the new Whirlpool Family Studio.

Food Preservation

Problem: CHOs like to buy in bulk, but often lack the necessary storage, particularly in the freezer.
Solution: The Whirlpool In-Door-Ice® ice dispensing system creates up to 19 percent more room in the freezer compared to standard 25 cu. ft side-by-side refrigerators. It delivers enough space to store eight additional 12-inch pizza boxes and several models come in the Satina® finish, which has the stylish look of stainless steel, but does not show fingerprints and holds a magnet.

Food Preparation 

Problem: Twenty-six percent of in-home suppers are made with a microwave oven due to ease of use and time constraints, but most CHOs prefer the taste of food prepared in a conventional oven or on a stove top. 
Solution: The new Whirlpool g2microven™ Speedcook Appliance combines the speed of a microwave with the results of an oven-without compromising taste or texture. The g2microven allows people to grill, bake, brown, crisp or even pan-fry foods in its special Sizzle Pan. When teamed up with the new Whirlpool Polara® refrigerated range, the g2microven can help make healthy, family dinners a reality.

Cleaning 

Problem: Whirlpool research indicates consumers are often frustrated over finding room for awkward-sized objects like cookie sheets, mixing bowls and tall glasses in the dishwasher.
Solution: The new Whirlpool Tall Tub dishwasher is 15 percent larger than standard models and was built to handle tall and odd shapes.  With a 2-inch adjustable top rack, it can fit a 9-inch plate, a 13-inch vase, cookie sheets or serving platters on the bottom rack.  In addition, the movable AnyWare Plus™ silverware basket allows for 100 percent of usable space in the bottom rack.

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