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European Commission Investigations in the Bathroom Fittings Sector

Following press inquiries, the European Commission’s spokesperson for Competition has confirmed that, on 9 and 10 November 2004, Commission inspectors, assisted by officials from the national competition authorities of the Member States concerned, launched simultaneous unannounced inspections at the premises of some of the major European manufacturers and importers of bathroom fittings in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Netherlands.

The purpose of these inspections was to find evidence of an alleged cartel arrangement between manufactures and importers of bathroom fittings, most of whom operate on a European level. The manufacturers are suspected of having exchanged information on price increases before their implementation, on rebates and discounts and other sensitive business information such as individual sales data. These practices are suspected of having taken place bilaterally and multilaterally between manufacturers and importers as well as via various trade and industry associations.

Surprise inspections are a preliminary step in investigations into suspected cartels. The fact that the European Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The European Commission respects the rights of defence, in particular the right of companies to be heard in antitrust proceedings.

There is no strict deadline to complete cartel inquiries. Their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the undertakings concerned co-operate and the exercise of the rights of defence.

Masco Corporation Comments on European Union Inquiry

In response to a number of investor inquiries, Masco Corporation issued the following statement on November 12th:

'The Company has learned that European governmental authorities are investigating possible anticompetitive business practices relating to the plumbing and heating industry in Europe. These inquiries appear to involve a number of European companies, including certain of the Company's European manufacturing divisions and a number of other large businesses. As part of its recently broadened governance activities, the Company, with the assistance of its outside counsel, recently completed a review of the competition practices of its European divisions, including those in the plumbing and heating industry. Based on this review and other factors, the Company believes that it will not incur any material liability as a result of the matters that are the subject of these investigations. The Company will be cooperating fully with these inquiries.'

Headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, Masco Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products as well as a leading provider of services that include the installation of insulation and other building products.

Web: http://www.masco.com

Sphinx Investigated by the European Commission

The European Commission published on the evening of November 11th a statement regarding its launch of investigations relating to allegedly suspected cartel arrangements between some manufacturers and importers of taps, mixers, showerheads and other bathroom fittings in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.

None of the Sanitec Group companies and business units were the subject of this inspection, with the only exception of Koninklijke Sphinx B.V. in the Netherlands. The offices of Sphinx in Maastricht were visited by the representatives of the Commission on November 10th, relating to alleged cartel arrangements in the bathroom fittings market in the Netherlands. Sphinx manufactures and sells ceramic sanitary ware in the Benelux area. It is not a manufacturer of taps, mixers or other bathroom fittings which are the subject matter of this inspection, but has acted as a small scale importer. In accordance with Sanitec's established policies, Sphinx has rendered the representatives of the Commission its full assistance and co-operation.

Sphinx became part of the Sanitec Group in 2000. Sanitec maintains a strict groupwide policy of adherence to all applicable antitrust and competition laws, and Sphinx and Sanitec are unaware of any alleged unfair trade practices.

Tretzo Seeks Distribution Partner

Tretzo, Ireland’s bathroom furniture manufacturer, is seeking independent distribution partners in the Midlands & Southern England. The company, a favoured supplier to Jacuzzi UK and Shires Bathrooms, is currently working with Althea UK in the North and Delphi Distribution in Scotland. With the objective of getting its products into retail showrooms, Tretzo also expects distributors to be lead partners in generating larger contracts with developers.

Tretzo can offer three competitively priced and well crafted bathroom furniture collections, Sixes (pictured), Zero and Module. Ultramodern with minimalist design, customers have a wide choice of styles, sizes and finishes to give limitless options for useful storage requirements. The bathroom compositions offer a cosmopolitan simplicity to highly functional items. High quality, sharp design and practicality are Tretzo’s key objectives in the selection of materials.

Tretzo can offer independent distributors distinctive and competitive products, enabling its selected partners to maximise the profit opportunities in a vibrant but over-crowded marketplace. To encourage a positive sales environment, the company is investing in marketing with a continuous campaign using PR, advertising and direct mail, supported by high quality product literature, including photography.

Swiftly expanding, ambitious Tretzo will be a good choice for an independent distributor who is looking for a supply partner who can offer a serious long-term service and product quality commitment. Tretzo has the resources to pitch for large projects as well as on-going distribution responsibilities and has supplied major developments in Scotland & Yorkshire with its designs which are suitable for refurbishment or new build projects.

Tel: 028 3752 3735
Email: mailto:sales@tretzo.com
Web: http://www.tretzo.com

Roundhouse Expands into Trade Sales

Bespoke kitchen manufacturer Roundhouse Design is to offer its quality kitchen furniture to selected trade outlets.

Established over eight years ago, Roundhouse Design operates from four London showrooms, manufacturing and distributing from its plant in the Midlands. Roundhouse is now to expand its horizons by looking for selected regional dealers through which to sell the company’s product.

MD Craig Matson explains, ‘While Roundhouse covers London, there are exciting opportunities in other affluent parts of the country. Sales figures and media coverage demonstrate how sought-after our designs are and we're delighted to extend our offering to other parts of the country.’

Roundhouse is not targeting the mass market but seeking to engage with experienced, like-minded businesses to grow with the company. Dealers will have access to a range of rigid bespoke furniture including in frame painted and solid wood kitchens, as well as lay on painted and veneered styles and Roundhouse's new executive fitted wardrobe and bedroom furniture ranges.

Roundhouse's reputation for classic furniture with a contemporary edge is reflected in the use of traditional detail combined with quality engineering, alongside a broad product range. Roundhouse sources the very best materials, fixtures and fittings and each piece is meticulously hand checked before leaving the factory.

‘Due to our design background we are constantly looking for innovative ideas and can offer customers an unparalleled choice, from high gloss acrylic or book matched veneer lay on doors to traditional in frame cabinets,’ says Matson.

Roundhouse's powerful back up and support package includes a detailed catalogue, a design and costing package for PC's based on standard software, training, display incentives, brochures and marketing support including national advertising and PR.

Matson continues, ‘We have always been receptive to new ideas. Our philosophy is to buy the best, rather than building to a price and making compromises. We hope to find similarly minded businesses through which to expand our customer base and share the Roundhouse vision.’

Masco Corporation Business and Financial Highlights

Masco Corporaton's income from continuing operations for the third quarter was $289m compared with $258 million for the third quarter of 2003net sales from continuing operations for the third quarter increased 12 percent, primarily from organic growth, with North American sales increasing 11 percent and International sales increasing 20 percent.

In local currencies, International sales increased nine percent compared with the third quarter of 2003. The Company’s sales growth benefited from market share gains, new products and positive economic conditions impacting the new home construction and home improvement markets.

• Sales of assembled cabinets, installation services, windows and plumbing products were particularly strong in the quarter.

• Income from continuing operations for the quarter was $289 million compared with $258 million for the third quarter of 2003.

• Earnings from continuing operations increased to a third quarter record of $.64 per common share (exceeding the Company’s recently increased guidance of $.60 to $.63 per common share) compared with $.53 per common share for the 2003 third quarter.

• Results for the third quarter of 2004 include income from the sale of financial investments of $.01 per common share, after tax, comparable with the third quarter of 2003, and compared with income of $.02 and $.04 per common share in the second quarter and first quarter of 2004, respectively.

• The Company previously announced, in the first quarter of 2004, the planned disposition of several European businesses that are not core to the Company’s long-term growth strategy. During the third quarter of 2004, the Company completed the sale of two of these businesses, Jung Pumpen in Germany and The Alvic Group in Spain. Total proceeds from the sale of these businesses were $191 million. The Company recognised a pre-tax, net gain on the disposition of these businesses of $108 million ($93 million or $.21 per common share, after tax). In addition, the Company recognised an additional pre-tax charge of $31 million related to the remaining businesses held for sale due to lower-than-expected operating results as well as weaker-than-expected demand for the businesses that the Company is divesting (these items are included in discontinued operations).

During the third quarter of 2003, the Company recognised a pre-tax gain from the sale of businesses aggregating approximately $91 million and also $6 million from the operating results of these businesses (aggregating $.12 per common share, after-tax; these items are included in results of discontinued operations). Including discontinued operations, net income for the 2004 third quarter increased to $359 million compared with $319 million for the 2003 third quarter, and earnings increased to $.80 per common share compared with $.65 per common share for the third quarter of 2003.

• Third quarter 2003 earnings from continuing operations, as previously reported, included the negative impact of accounting irregularities and impairment charges related to two businesses in the United Kingdom aggregating $.06 per common share. These items were offset by income from an adjustment of the Behr litigation accrual of $.07 per common share.

• Sales to key retail customers in the quarter (which were adversely affected by weather in certain parts of the country – particularly sales of architectural coatings), increased six percent compared with an eight percent increase in the third quarter of 2003.

• Sales increases by segment, which were substantially all organic growth, in the 2004 third quarter versus the 2003 third quarter were:

*Cabinets and Related Products sales increased 12 percent;
*Plumbing Products sales increased 12 percent;
*Installation and Other Services sales increased 15 percent;
*Decorative Architectural Products sales increased four percent; and
*Other Specialty Products sales increased 20 percent.

• Gross margins were 31.2 percent in the third quarter of 2004 compared with 31.0 percent in the third quarter of 2003. Operating profit margins as reported were 15.5 percent in the third quarter of 2004 compared with 16.8 percent in the third quarter of 2003. Excluding income related to the Behr litigation of $2 million in 2004 and $58 million in 2003 and the European charges of $42 million in 2003, operating profit margins were 15.4 percent in the third quarter of 2004 compared with 16.2 percent in the third quarter of 2003.

• Results in the third quarter of 2004 include the positive impact of higher sales volume, which was partially offset by the negative effect of previously communicated increases in a number of operating expenses, including such items as certain material, freight, energy and insurance costs, as well as costs and expenses associated with complying with the new requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Legislation.

• The Company achieved improved operating profit margins in three of its five segments. The lower margins in the Installation and Other Services segment resulted primarily from increased material costs and an increase in sales of generally lower-margin, non-insulation products. Historically, the Company has generally been able to increase its selling prices in this segment to reflect certain material cost increases. Typically, the benefits of such selling price increases are reflected in subsequent periods as there is a time lag as a result of existing contractual obligations. The lower margins in the Plumbing Products segment are primarily due to increased material costs and an increase in sales of lower margin products offset in part by higher sales volume of certain products.

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, ‘Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,’ the Company has accounted for the 2003 dispositions (Baldwin Hardware, Weiser Lock and The Marvel Group), the 2004 dispositions of Jung Pumpen and The Alvic Group and the remaining 2004 planned dispositions of certain other European businesses as discontinued operations.

Organisational Changes and New Appointments at Electrolux

President and CEO Hans Stråberg (pictured) has announced organisational changes within Electrolux white-goods operations, the purpose of which are to take further advantage of the Group's global position. These changes are effective immediately.

A new global white-goods leadership team will be established, chaired by Hans Stråberg. Other members will be Keith McLoughlin, Johan Bygge and Fredrik Rystedt. The new team will focus on increasing the integration within branding, design, product development, manufacturing and purchasing; these areas provide considerable global opportunities.

Keith McLoughlin, in addition to his present position as head of white goods North America, will also be responsible for Latin America. Latin America previously reported to Johan Bygge.

Johan Bygge is appointed new head of white goods Europe in addition to his present responsibility for Asia, Africa and Oceania.

Wolfgang König has decided to leave his position as head of white goods Europe in order to pursue other opportunities outside the Electrolux Group, and he will work closely with the new management to ensure an effective transition and continuity.

Fredrik Rystedt, previously Chief Administrative Officer, is appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Electrolux Group. His responsibility will now also include treasury in addition to controlling, accounting, taxes and auditing. Nina Linander will continue as responsible for Group treasury and report to Fredrik Rystedt.

'With the new global leadership team for white goods, we will better benefit from our leading global position. We will speed up our efforts to save costs, address underperformers and produce an even stronger offering to the different needs of the retail trade and the consumer in countries all over the world,' says CEO Hans Stråberg.

The Electrolux Group is the world's largest producer of powered appliances for kitchen, cleaning and outdoor use, such as refrigerators, washing machines, cookers, vacuum cleaners, chainsaws, lawn mowers, and garden tractors. Every year, customers in more than 150 countries buy more than 55 million Electrolux Group products for both consumer and professional use sold under famous brands such as AEG, Electrolux, Zanussi, Frigidaire, Eureka and Husqvarna. In 2003, Electrolux had sales of SEK 124 billion and 77,000 employees.

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

Maytag’s Dedicated Focus on Dealers

Maytag UK, the American appliance specialist, is continuing the evolution of customer care and its commitment to dealers with the implementation of a new department based at its headquarters in Redhill, Surrey.

The new Sales Planning and Inventory Department aims to build Maytag’s customer relationships and improve product availability for the trade by having a dedicated team to work with customer orders, from beginning to end. The team will be on hand to support Maytag’s Area Sales Managers in the field and to deliver the best and most up to the minute information for the company’s customers.

Heading up the department is Janet Holland (pictured), who takes on the role of Sales, Planning and Inventory Manager. She has been with the company since its inception in the UK. Previously Janet was Operations Manager and has spent the last year in Chicago, USA and Australia helping to set-up the new SAP system for the Maytag subsidiaries. She has returned to head up the new in-house team at Redhill, and reports directly to Maytag’s Managing Director, Richard Thompson.

Speaking of the new department, Janet Holland said: ‘This is a very exciting time for Maytag, as it continues to invest and build a firm and healthy relationship with its customer base. I am thrilled to be heading up the new department. In today’s increasingly challenging market it’s more important than ever before to provide a high standard of customer care.’

MD Richard Thompson said: ‘Janet’s previous background of Operations Manager, Maytag UK, and her recent experience with the augmentation of the SAP system with the subsidiaries makes her ideal to head up this new department. At Maytag UK we are striving to deliver information to customers in a timely fashion and believe in giving 110% service to our customers. The creation of this new department will help us on our way to deliver a high quality customer focused service through a responsive and integrated organisation’.

Tel: 01737 231000
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk

European Recycling Platform (ERP) Establishes first pan-European WEEE Compliance Scheme

Four leading manufacturers of electrical and electronic appliances, Braun, Electrolux, HP and Sony have recently set up the first ever pan-European take back and compliance scheme for waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). To administer the pan-European scheme, the companies have established the limited company ERP SAS, which is registered in Paris, France. The scheme, operating as the ERP WEEE Compliance Scheme, has been in development since December 2003 and is in response to the European WEEE Directive which is due to come into effect across Europe in the second half of 2005.

‘Our objective is to create the most cost efficient WEEE take back compliance scheme and to stimulate competition between WEEE take back systems in all EU countries,’ says Hans Korfmacher, assigned president of the ERP company. ‘We anticipate that the customers and consumers of each of the companies involved will benefit from the cost efficiencies we will achieve through the ERP.’

ERP will outsource all operational activities, including recycling, logistics and the administrative work to manage the operational activities to at least two general contractors. ‘ERP will take back WEEE from municipal and other collection points, such as retailers, in order to provide the best service for our customers and to ensure compliance for ERP Members.’ Korfmacher explains.

ERP WEEE Compliance Scheme will focus on operations in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK and will apply for any necessary permits as and when the legislation and procedures become clear in each individual market. Additional countries will be considered at a later stage. Based on the four founders, ERP represents an estimated 15 percent of the pan-European WEEE take back market. Negotiations are taking place with a number of other companies interested in becoming ERP Members. Membership of ERP will be limited to avoid ERP establishing any dominant position.

Background to the ERP and the WEEE Directive
The European Recycling Platform was set up in December 2002 by Braun, Electrolux, HP and Sony in response to the introduction of the European Union's Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive. The ERP's mission is to ensure cost effective implementation of the directive, for the benefit of the participating companies and their customers, through innovative waste management strategies and to encourage national implementation of the directive according to a set of core principles, fundamental to the protection of consumers and business, as well as the environment. More information is available at http://www.erp-recycling.org.

Reflections Showroom Opens with Music and Champagne

The new Hove branch of Reflections, the bathroom and kitchen showroom, opened its doors to the public last weekend with music from Southern FM, prize giveaways and Champagne for all.

The Reflections Showroom Manager, Paul Gillespie, is confident that the event has raised local awareness of the Reflections brand.

'We're on Portland Road, which is a great location for Hove, but without events like this it can take longer for people from all over the area to realise that we are here. Saturday was a good opportunity for new customers to come in and take a look, and the response I got from them was really positive. They were pleasantly surprised not only by the stock, but also by how nice the showroom is.'

As well as the prizes given away as part of a weeklong promotion on Southern FM, customers on the day took part in prize draws to win items ranging from Champagne to a shower bath worth over £1000. The complimentary entertainment and refreshments proved popular with the customers as well. 'Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves,' says Manager Paul, 'People were very interested in our stock, but they took time to enjoy the music too. The Southern FM DJ Chris Copsey was superb, he really made the day.'

Reflections, can be found at 123-129 Portland Road, Hove. Tel. 01273 746161.

CDA Full of Eastern Promise

Domestic appliance manufacturer CDA Group has beaten competition from some of the world’s biggest brand names to secure a first major contract in China.

Around £500,000 worth of appliances will be provided for exclusive apartments in Shanghai. This will include more than 1,600 ovens and around 800 dishwashers.

Managing Director Ian Kershaw explained that the order – from The Royal Beijing Kitchen Company - followed months of negotiations and could be the first of many. 'We are going through a period of sustained growth and this is a major ‘breakthrough’ order for CDA which we hope will help establish as a known brand of choice in the Far East.'

The Royal Beijing Kitchen Company works with building contractors constructing luxury apartments in the Chinese capital Beijing, its commercial powerhouse Shanghai and other major cities.

CDA’s John Hopwood (left) and Managing Director Ian Kershaw (right) prepare another shipment of products for a fast developing Chinese market.

Nottingham-based CDA was established in 1991. It now employs 80 people and has a turnover of £27m, has recently moved into larger premises in Langar as it seeks to cope with its continuing growth.

Ian Kershaw said: 'The Royal Beijing Kitchen Company had researched all the brands and said our style was the best and our brand was liked by the people they had questioned. This was great to hear because they were effectively ‘brand-blind’. They use European products because many of the people buying the apartments tend to be European business people living and working in the fast-expanding country.

'Our first order was for several hundred ovens and we have now sold something like 5,000 products to them – including ovens, hobs, dishwashers worth about £500,000. This is going to be our best year ever and we will be more profitable than we have ever been.'

Though CDA has a joint venture in America and is discussing a distribution deal in Spain, the main thrust of the business remains the UK market.

Tel: 0115 970 0111
Email: mailto:sales@cda-europe.com
Web: http://www.cda-europe.com

Maytag Announces Buoyant Third Quarter Results

As we first reported in The K&BZine on 22nd October, Maytag UK, the premium manufacturer of American appliances, has announced buoyant third quarter results. Sales are up 14% year on year, which is an impressive increase given the challenging market conditions.

‘The tenacious efforts of the team at Maytag and the unstinting support of our enthusiastic retailers have all contributed to this continuing success. Supported by the exceptional showroom facilities for training, and the investment in customer care programmes, have all expanded our profile and presence. 2004 has also seen Maytag fine-tune its supply and order chain with the introduction of a new department, Sales, Planning and Inventory. Set up and designed to support Maytag’s Area Sales Managers in the field and to deliver up to the minute information for their customers.’ says the company.

On-going promotions and production of eye-catching literature and point of sale materials have also continued to help drive sales and heighten awareness of the Maytag brand.

Richard Thompson is thrilled with the third quarter results and concludes, ‘Over the past year Maytag has built on key areas, such as its customer relations and product strength, through investment and sheer hard work from all involved. These figures highlight the positive effect of this investment on the business. We can now look forward to a promising year ahead with further investment and new products to come. It goes without saying, a big thank you to you all.’

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

Alliance Unveils ‘Aspirational’ Highlife Bathrooms Range

A month after announcing its launch into the UK bathrooms market, Alliance Sanitary Products has unveiled its first products. Aimed at the aspirational consumer, the Highlife Bathrooms Collection is a niche range of contemporary, high quality sanitaryware, furniture, towel warmers, taps and mixers sourced from leading manufacturers around the world.

Kerrera and Morey are two white vitreous china suites, comprising WC, washbasin/pedestal and bidet. The clean, sharp features of both suites are enhanced by practical benefits. The WCs feature water saving dual flush fittings. A major benefit is that water connections including the outlet, are all positioned where they should be, out of sight, making cleaning easier. The washbasins feature generous bowls and the tap and soap platforms are angled to ensure excess water drains in to the basin not on to the floor. Both washbasins and bidets are exclusively designed for single tap monobloc mixers.

Jura is a range of white, vitreous china, counter top, monobloc mixer washbasins available in a choice of exciting designs, shapes and sizes, including round, square and elliptical versions.

A collection of six freestanding and wall-hung washbasin furniture units complements the Jura range. Manufactured using a variety of material combinations, including wood, glass and chrome, all the units are of contemporary style and supplied semi assembled with pre-drilled waste and mixer tail hole.

All Highlife Bathrooms vitreous china sanitaryware is manufactured to BS3402 and Alliance Sanitary Products offer consumers and professionals peace of mind with a lifetime warranty against faults caused by manufacture. Furniture is supplied with a two years warranty.

The designs of Kerrera, Morey and Jura are matched by the Highlife Bathrooms range of luxury chrome plated taps and mixers, which features four distinctive contemporary minimalist styles – Spey, Tolsta, Lora, and Orkney. The range includes taps and mixers for washbasins, bidets, baths and showers. All are supplied in a cloth bag and boxed, with a 10 years warranty against manufacturing faults. The more budget conscious buyer is also catered for with Skara, Ellon and Barra, a contract range of quality brassware in a modern practical style.

Maree towel warmers complete the coordinated Highlife Bathrooms range. Featuring a high quality chrome plated finish, the practical warmers have a high heat output and are easy to clean. Available in flat and curved styles, a choice of sizes and one, two or three integral towel spaces, all Maree towel warmers incorporate silver/copper welded joints to guarantee a complete seal.

Alliance Sanitary Products director Charles Kyriacou commented: ‘We believe that we have a great initial product offer. The Highlife Bathrooms range offers top quality products, cutting edge design and value for money. All products are available from stock and we can offer a fast direct delivery service nationwide from our main distribution centre in Glasgow.’

The company is planning to distribute its products through independent showrooms, builders’ and plumbers’ merchants. Organisations interested in stocking Highlife Bathroom products can contact Alliance Sanitary Products Limited on 01355 241111 or at: mailto:sales@alliancegb.com

G&G Mobilise Internal Organisation

The growth in kitchen designers and manufacturers now fitting out their drawer interiors with flexible organisational systems, increases month by month. ‘The main UK (and international) protagonist of these bespoke products is the Manchester-based designer and manufacturer G&G Products, now supplying in excess of 80% of the UK market alone.’ says the company.

The internal organisation of kitchen and other fitted furniture drawers is fast becoming a major selling point for many manufacturers. With the emphasis now firmly on optimising the use of cabinet storage space, cutlery trays and dividers are becoming design items just as much as practical systems. The reasons are obvious when the product is viewed. The wooden trays are generally machined from laminated beech blocks – although any hardwood can be specified.

So trays can be produced to size, with specific cut outs to suit individual products and utensils or more general dividers that merely compartmentalise the drawer interior.

G&G realised that the company's products had applications beyond the fixed units in the kitchen - what about in use in the dining room at a dinner party or even al fresco at a barbeque? So the G&G systems are now also able to be incorporated in mobile island units with trolley-like mobility, integral worktop and various other features of the end manufacturer's choice.

These mobile units - as can be seen at G&G's showrooms can be designed to fit under or even at the same height as a run of kitchen base units so that they form an integral part of the kitchen when not ‘on duty’ elsewhere G&G products not only have production facilities for wood but also vacuum forming and injection moulding for a wide variety of plastic designs. The result is that, through mixing and matching different products, a limitless variety of design solutions can be arrived at.

In the showrooms at the G&G Products factory innovative concepts are on display – drop-down knife racks from underneath wall units, in-built scales in the trays…. and many more.

G&G Products’ designs are included in the products of most leading kitchen and bedroom brands as well as being used by all major drawer system manufacturers both across the UK and abroad. The company has interesting ideas for the home office and commercial sector markets and will work on customised solutions with individual customers. As MD Sam Grinshpan explains, ‘the only restriction on design possibilities is the imagination!’

Tel: 0161 723 1000
Email: mailto:mail@gandgproducts.co.uk

Belling Launches New DB Style

Cooking appliance manufacturer, Belling, is launching its two new db1000 and db900 range cookers.

Combining ergonomic design with the latest technology and practical functions, the two new db collections update Belling's popular db2, db3, db90 and db92 models. The db1000 100cm range cookers feature the clean lines of stainless steel, whilst the 90cm db900's are available in black with stainless steel handles.

Both of the new db ranges are available as dual fuel (DF) models, and with the increased demand for electric versions, Belling has introduced all-electric db1000E and db900E options. The db1000 collection also has an all-gas (G) version.
Both db's have two ovens and an integral grill. The DF and E models incorporate a large electric 55 litre multifunction oven and a second conventional electric oven, and the db1000G version has two conventional gas ovens.

The gas and dual fuel models feature five gas burners, including two wok burners, with three cast iron pan supports that fit perfectly onto an easy-clean, one-piece hob area. The electric version has a ceramic hob incorporating four Fastlite elements that heat up at speed alongside a warming zone.

On the ergonomic front, easy grip control knobs and sleek curved handles add to the aspirational feel while both oven doors are conveniently side opening to allow straight forward viewing of both ovens at the same time. Cookclean liners feature in both ovens ensuring that they clean themselves at temperatures over 220ºC.
Jane Rylands, marketing services manager for Belling, comments: ‘We had very clear aims when we started to develop the db900 and db1000 models - design, usable function and quality. Belling is continuously looking to refresh the range cooker market and when designing the db900 and 1000, we listened to the practical features that customers really want from a range cooker and incorporated them into two very different, but equally striking, models.’

Tel: 0870 458 9663
Web: http://www.belling.co.uk

Investment in Paste Plant Speeds up Distribution from Instarmac

A manufacturing capacity of up to 2,500 packs per eight-hour shift, created as a result of the recent commissioning of Instarmac’s new £500,000 paste plant facility at its Tamworth premises, is enabling the adhesives and grouts manufacturer to meet many orders directly from manufacturing output, rather than from stock.

The advantages to fixers are obvious and distributors also benefit through an extended shelf life for the materials as the materials are not kept in stock before shipping.

Since the equipment’s installation, Instarmac’s manufacturing capacity has been doubled, enabling the company to effectively ‘manufacture to order’. The concept is virtually unheard of in this product sector. In many instances, Instarmac is able to deliver freshly manufactured products within a few days of receiving the order.
This policy enabled Instarmac to score ‘world class Status’ for stock turnover during a recent benchmarking exercise with PICME the Process Industries Centre for Manufacturing Excellence.

In addition to providing Instarmac with an extended manufacturing capacity for its Ultra range of ready-mixed wall tile adhesives, the new state-of-the-art manufacturing resource is also providing greater manufacturing control, flexibility, speed and accuracy.

The unit incorporates advanced software and plc programming, which enables the Instarmac production team to control and monitor its every function. Weighing systems are more accurate and wastage has been virtually eliminated. In addition, changeover and washout cycles have been greatly reduced, fill weights (to plus/minus 0.1%) are more accurate and the system provides total traceability of all mixes and mix components.

Just one operative is required to supervise the new plant, which also palletises (using robotic equipment with an automatic hand) and stretch wraps manufactured products ready for storage and despatch.

Tel: 01827 872244
Email: mailto:email@instarmac.co.uk

Five Specialist Divisions Now Under One Roof

The new bespoke headquarters building totalling some 7, 500m2 in all at Hitchin is an exciting development for Dorma UK Limited in a number of ways. The three-storey office and adjoining warehouse houses all the main operating divisions and distribution under one roof for the first time, resulting in opportunities for improved teamwork, more efficient communication between departments and the general control advantages of being on one site, particularly improved customer service.

There are five main Dorma UK operating divisions now working out of the new Hitchin headquarters:

• Door Hardware
A comprehensive range of door closers, door furniture, locks, floor springs, fire protection systems and panic hardware.

• Automatic Doors
An extensive range of automatic sliding and swing doors is available, including folding and space-saving doors where circumstances demand. Dorma also offers a wide choice of manual and automatic revolving doors, along with low energy door operators.

• Glass Systems and Fittings
Architectural glass systems such as horizontal sliding walls (HSW), Manet and Rodan are complemented by a comprehensive range of patch fittings, rails and locks, door sets, shower enclosures and glass cubicles.

• Movable Walls
The Dorma range of movable wall systems offers a solution for practically every situation – from movable sound-insulated partitions for auditoria and large halls to sliding glass panel frontages and divider systems for commercial and retail environments.

• Door Service and Maintenance
The company provides a nationwide, but tailored local resource for the servicing and maintenance of all automatic, manual and industrial doors, as well as the supply and fitting of access control systems and windows.

Tel: 01462 477600
Email: mailto:info@dorma-uk.co.uk

Miele Steam Cooker Leaves Competition Standing

Miele's DG 4000 steam cooker was selected as 'Best buy' by the Dutch 'Consumentenbond' consumer magazine. Seven built-in appliances were tested and the DG 4000 achieved the best result with 74 points. The 'Consumentenbond' survey is the first major international comparative study of steam cookers.

The Miele appliance obtained consistently good, in some cases very good marks for cooking fish, potatoes, vegetables, chicken and rice. Evaluation criteria were 'degree of doneness', flavour, colour and texture.

The Miele steam cooker was the only appliance to receive a 'good to very good' for energy consumption. Above average marks were awarded for 'good user convenience' and 'good to very good' for operating instructions. The entire appliance design was awarded a 'good', giving the DG 4000 top marks in this category. Special mention was given to the fact that the DG 4000 pressureless steam cooker was much faster than most competitors.

The DG 4000, a new appliance concept which had only been on the market for a few weeks, left all competitors standing when tested. The DG 4000 is the only appliance equipped with patented Navitronic controls which store over 140 Automatic programmes to ensure perfect results, even for less experienced cooks.

The excellent marks for cooking results and top marks in the 'appliance design' category are attributable to Miele's principle of steam generation in which steam is generated in a separate compartment on both DG 4000 models and the smaller DG 2000 version. Steam is generated in a water tank and then fed into the oven cavity. Food is therefore gently exposed to hot steam from all sides and not subjected to direct dry radiant heat at the beginning of the cooking process which may cause discolouration and skin to form on delicate foods. On DG 4000 and DG 2000 models, the electronic controls ensure reliable, reproducible results – the user simply has to enter a specific cooking time for a particular type of food. This time is always the same, irrespective of the quantity involved and whether vegetables are fresh or frozen. The DG 4000's Automatic programmes obviate the need to consult the cooking time chart. All it requires to cook broccoli is to simply select 'Cooking vegetables', 'Broccoli', 'Florets' and the required degree of 'doneness', the DG 4000 takes care of the rest.
 
The 'Consumentenbond' also analysed the nutritional value of vegetables cooked in various methods and came to the conclusion: 'Steam cooking is healthy. .......No other method retains the vitamin C content in cauliflower better than steam cooking....Losses vary, depending on the type of vegetable, but steam cooking still remains the best option for cooking vegetables.'

Hannes Wettstein: Ever-Changing Sculpture Showcases Multi-Faceted Materials

At the 10th ‘Designer's Saturday’ held in Langenthal, Switzerland, November 6th 2004, Swiss designer Hannes Wettstein, joined forces with DuPont™ Corian® and DuPont™ Zodiaq® to showcase a stunning new functional sculpture. Made from Corian® Glacier White, the tall, powerful structure with its flowing lines, comprises substantial rotating elements that can each be opened out, changing the shape of the sculpture according to the number and direction of elements in rotation.

‘The basic idea for this project was to replace the conventional poster wall display with a new three-dimensional structure, which illustrates the properties and potential of both materials’, says Hannes Wettstein. ‘A three-dimensional, geometrical corpus has been created, consisting of superimposed layers which rotate on an axis. The outer shell of this body with its flowing lines is white. When the individual layers or a rotating element are opened, the body is broken down into its component layers. It assumes different shapes depending on the way in which it is opened. The colours and structures become visible, as if opening a fan. The ‘fan’ in its entirety is an attractive window onto the myriad facets of Corian ® and Zodiaq® - colour palette, processing possibilities, ability to combine, feel and texture of the materials – all aspects are shown in a fascinating, unexpected, playful and self-explanatory manner.’

For example, the topmost rotating element reveals the translucency of Corian®. The base, in Corian® Glacier White, carries a printed sky motif, and the rotating element is illuminated from the inside in such a way that the sky is revealed to the observer as soon as he opens it. Other compartments in the sculpture present the colour palettes of Corian® and Zodiaq® or illustrate them interplaying with other materials such as wood, stainless steel and glass.

The design also reveals the virtuosity of Corian®, ‘It’s an exciting material with a unique depth and consistency, extremely versatile in terms of fabrication and able to provide a fascinating three-dimensional effect’, comments Wettstein. ‘Corian® can achieve a monolithic look and apparently seamless surfaces without visible structural joints. The outer shell of this structure is smooth and silky like the skin of a fruit.’

The quartz material Zodiaq® offers different properties. ‘Zodiaq ® is a first class material,’ says Wettstein, ‘It’s very hygienic and therefore particularly suitable for use in bathrooms and kitchens. The material is at its finest when displaying its unique character and luminous colours that cannot be obtained in natural stone.’

Corian®
Invented by DuPont in its Research & Development laboratories, Corian® (http://www.corian.com) is used in a wide range of residential, commercial, furniture and specialty applications. It is a non-porous solid surface material that is stain-resistant, easy to clean, durable, renewable, repairable and recyclable. Available in about 100 standard colours, Corian® can be shaped into virtually any conceivable design. Scratches are easily removed without marring its beauty and uniformity of colour.

Zodiaq®
Zodiaq® (http://www.zodiaq.com) is a premium decorative surfacing material that combines the strength and beauty of natural quartz with a palette of attractive colours, and consistency of structures and tones. Zodiaq® has a distinctive, luxurious aesthetic that lends itself to a variety of horizontal and vertical surfacing applications in both residential and commercial environments.

DuPont
DuPont (http://www.dupont.com) is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel. DuPont is a leading supplier of science-based materials, products and technologies to the design community worldwide. About 75% of the most used commercial polymer-based materials have been invented by DuPont or are the result of research and development activities done by DuPont.

The DuPont oval, Corian®, Zodiaq®, DuPont™ and the miracles of science are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliated companies. Only DuPont produces Corian® and Zodiaq®.