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Whirlpool Strengthens Manufacturing Capabilities in North America
 
Whirlpool Corporation plans to invest approximately $180 million to strengthen the company’s manufacturing base in North America and extend its leadership position in the U.S. appliance industry. The 2004 investments are expected to result in a series of innovative new product introductions and improved cost competitiveness for the company’s North American business.

'These investments will support the continuing efforts of our brands and operations in North America to deliver a constant stream of innovation to customers in the U.S. domestic market and throughout the world, ' said David L. Swift, executive vice president, North American Region.  'In addition, the investments will help us drive improved productivity and efficiency across our North American manufacturing platform.'

Approximately $100 million of the 2004 investment will fund initiatives at the company’s manufacturing facilities in the United States.  These initiatives will lead to the production of a number of new and innovative Whirlpool brand and KitchenAid brand products, including:

  -  Several significant new laundry product innovations, which will be produced at the company’s manufacturing facilities at Clyde, Ohio, and Marion, Ohio.  These products include  the company’s new generation of top-load washers and front-load dryers.  Current plans call for an investment of up to $145 million in these Ohio-based initiatives over a three-year period.  These investments remain subject to state and local incentive approvals.  The projects are part of the company’s ongoing effort to expand its innovation capability and optimize its global operating platform.
 
  -  The completion of a production line for new counter-depth, side-by-side refrigerators at Ft. Smith, Ark.

  -  A new line of top-mount refrigerators at Evansville, Ind.

  -  New built-in refrigeration products at Lavergne, Tenn.

  -  New cooking products at Tulsa, Okla.

  -  A wide range of new dishwasher models at Findlay, Ohio

These new investments, along with the company’s $100 million investment announced in November of 2003, reflect the strategic role of Whirlpool’s U.S. manufacturing base within the company’s global manufacturing and distribution network.  Products from the U.S. facilities are sold to customers domestically and in markets around the world.

Approximately $80 million of the 2004 investment will be used to begin work on the expansion of the company’s washer production facility in Monterrey, Mexico, and the construction of a new refrigeration facility in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuilla.  The projects are part of the company’s ongoing effort to expand its innovation capability and optimize its global operating platform. 

Court Orders Steel Supplier to Continue Deliveries to Whirlpool
 
Whirlpool Corporation announced yesterday (20th May 2004) that the Circuit Court of Berrien County, Mich., has issued a temporary restraining order that requires steel supplier ISPAT Inland Inc. to continue providing steel to Whirlpool under the terms of the current supply agreement between the two companies.  A court hearing is scheduled for June 2 to address Whirlpool’s request for further injunctive relief.

Whirlpool filed the motion for injunctive relief to prevent ISPAT from unilaterally imposing surcharges or terminating steel shipments.  By terms of the agreement, ISPAT Inland is obligated to supply Whirlpool’s requirements for specific types of steel used in the manufacture of clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers in the United States.

Based on the court order, the company remains confident in its previously announced full-year earnings guidance of $6.20 to $6.35 per share. This view is based on continuing demand growth for Whirlpool’s innovative products and expected improvements in the company’s productivity performance in 2004.

Whirlpool Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of over $12 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries

Planit to Sponsor Kitchen Showcase MasterClass Conference

Software provider Planit International is sponsoring the 2004 Kitchen Showcase Conference. The conference will be held on Friday 2nd July at the Commonwealth Institute Galleries in London as part of Kitchen Showcase 2004. Internationally renowned speakers such as, Mark Wilkinson (Mark Wilkinson Furniture), Richard Eisenman (Head of The Design Council) and Antonio Astori (Architect Designer, Driade) will be speaking at the conference.

‘We are delighted to be able to support Kitchen Showcase which provides an ideal forum for design innovation, education and networking', says Sales Director at Planit, Mark Plant.

Planit will also be offering retailers an opportunity to find out at first hand just how the latest Planit Fusion release really could benefit their business, with a series of presentations and training sessions, which will be available in the Herschell Room.

Planit Fusion, set new standards for the industry when it was launched last year, by combining a market leading computer-aided design package with a comprehensive customer information management tool, simultaneously offering retailers amazing new design functionality with dramatic back office improvement.

Planit has led the market worldwide for over 20 years, providing CAD solutions to the kitchen retail industry. They are the only accredited Microsoft Solutions Providers in the marketplace, testament to the highest quality standards of the company’s software engineering, as well as to the robustness of their systems.

Planit International has sold over 40,000 systems and clients includes MFI (worldwide), Wickes, Grahams, Jewsons, Ikea, Intoto (UK) and John Lewis.

Roman's Mike Transformed by Fairy Godfathers

Roman's Transport and Distribution Manager Mike Spink appeared on the debut episode of Channel 4's recent series, Fairy Godfathers, and was transformed into a domestic God. Each week two women leave their homes and their men, and two gay lifestyle experts move in. Fashion designer Colin Wolfenden and stylist Nick Bagrie are two stylish, sensitive and sophisticated gay men with a mission to save straight men who are stuck in a rut.

Mike said, 'The first couple of days, it was a bit standoffish. Then he rammed the message home that he wasn't going to break down my door at night. There was trepidation to start off with but we finished really well. I was sorry to see him go.

'I do the washing and I tidy up now. I'm trying to make more of a conscious effort although I can't stand ironing.‚
Mike‚s wife Annabel added, 'He's a lot more thoughtful and will get on and do things. His shirt and tie combinations were really bad and people at work have noticed that he isn't wearing them anymore'.

When Mike isn't being a domestic God he is busy managing Roman's transport fleet, and co-ordinating delivery of Roman product nationwide.

Roman has dramatically increased the capability of its transport fleet with the addition of a 46ft long articulated box-van trailer and tractor. The twin-axle trailer is equipped with a tail lift and can take two rows of pallets side by side.

The new vehicle is finished in Roman's distinctive corporate livery, complete with its 'coin' logo, and also bears two advertisements from Roman's current national campaign. The trailer will be used primarily for deliveries from the company's factory at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to its Southern Distribution Depot at Daventry, Northamptonshire. It will also deliver to Belfast and Dublin twice a month and be used to carry major orders directly to customers' premises.

Mike explains: 'Before we got the articulated trailer, our largest 17.5 tonne lorry could carry typically 150-160 packages in protective cages when fully laden. The corresponding figure for the trailer is more than twice that - say 350 average-sized packages. We are also getting some great publicity from the outside of trailer, which covers some 2000 miles in a typical week.'

Lorry spotters are most likely to see the new Roman trailer on its runs between Newton Aycliffe and Daventry, using the A1, M18 and M1. It travels to Ireland via Stranraer using the A66, M6 and A75

Which Annual Survey Asks Members how Appliances Have Lasted, and Which Brands they Recommend

Response to the Which? survey shows three brands that are more consistently reliable than others. Miele and Bosch dominate domestic appliances - washing machines and the like. 'They both stand out as particularly dependable in three out of the six categories. And their appliances aren't just reliable, they're well designed, too - both have several Best Buys to their names.' says Which?

Of the brands people would recommend, Miele and Bosch get a big thumbs-up. Miele stands out in all six categories, and Bosch in four.

In the laundry department, Hoover is a definite damp squib. Just as in last year's survey, its washing machines, washer-driers and tumble driers are all distinctly lacking in dependability.

Dyson is little better. Its vacuum cleaners are below average for reliability again this year. 'They do consistently well in our lab tests, and owners of uprights would recommend them. But we can't make them Best Buys because of the chance that they'll need a repair before time.' says Which?.

No single electronic brand stands out as particularly unreliable.

Several brands receive multiple below-average levels of recommendation in the Which survey. Hoover, Hotpoint, Servis, Electrolux, Bush/Alba, Matsui, Samsung and Sharp are all below average in four or more categories.

In October 2003, Which? sent questionnaires to 30,000 Which? readers. It received 13,821 replies.

The tables list brands in relation to the average reliability or recommendations. They also show the extreme scores in the highest and lowest categories. For example, 'Best, Up to 94 per cent' in the dishwashers category means that the brand with the highest reliability score in the 'Best' category scored 94 per cent.

Dishwashers: 86 per cent of dishwashers up to six years old haven't required repair

Best Up to 94% Bosch, Neff
Average AEG, Ariston, Candy, Hotpoint, Hoover, Miele, Siemens, Smeg, Tricity Bendix, Whirlpool, Zanussi/Zanussi-Electrolux
Worst 76% Indesit
Total base size: 3,631

In this year's survey, Bosch - the most frequently owned brand in the survey - joins Neff at the top of the chart. And Hotpoint has joined the average category - which is good news because it's one of the most common brands of dishwasher.

Washing Machines: 81 per cent of front-loading washing machines up to six years old haven't required repair

Best Up to 95% AEG, Bosch, Miele, Tricity Bendix
Average Candy, Creda, Siemens, Whirlpool, Zanussi/Zanussi-Electrolux
Worst low as 67% Ariston, Hotpoint, Hoover, Indesit, Servis
Total base size: 6,349

A couple of changes at the top of the table this year, as Candy and Siemens are no longer above average. And the only new brand at the top is AEG - so you're now looking at around £300 minimum if you want to buy a washing machine from the most reliable brands.

Hoover and Hotpoint stay at the bottom of the table, where they're joined by Indesit, Servis and Ariston.

Washer-driers: 71 per cent of washer-driers up to six years old haven't required repair
Best - Average Up to 77% Bosch, Hotpoint, Indesit, Whirlpool, Zanussi/Zanussi-Electrolux
Worst 56% Hoover
Total base size: 949

Zanussi (which has now been rebranded as Zanussi-Electrolux) joins most of the other brands as average for reliability this year. No change for good old Hoover, though - if there's one thing you can rely on, it's that Hoover will still be bottom of the pile.

Tumble Driers: 89 per cent of tumble driers up to six years old haven't required repair

Best up to 95% Miele, Servis
Average AEG, Bosch, Creda, Crusader, Hotpoint, Tricity Bendix, Whirlpool, White Knight, Zanussi/Zanussi-Electrolux
Worst 79% Hoover
Total base size: 3,388

There are two different types of tumble drier, each roughly as reliable as the other. Vented models expel damp air through a hose; condenser models turn moist air back into water and collect it in a reservoir.

For a free 30 day trial of Which? Online visit the website here:

http://trial.which.co.uk

KBSA Sponsors 2004 Award for New Designer

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association is once again sponsoring a special award for new designers at The New Designers Exhibition, which will be held at The Business Design Centre in Islington on 7th July.

The ‘KBSA Award for the Kitchen Bathroom or Bedroom’ will be judged by KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden, Essential Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom magazine editor Gail Major and The Kitchen Designer magazine editor Grahame Morrison.

Any design relating to the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom industry is eligible to be submitted by the graduate entrants who will be submitting designs during the two-week exhibition.

‘The New Designers award scheme serves as an invaluable link between the best graduate designers in the country and industry professionals,’ says Graham Hayden.

‘The KBSA is delighted to be sponsoring an award for the third year running. We are totally committed to supporting the design education process and feel this award scheme provides young, talented designers with a much-needed national showcase.’

The winner of the award will receive a £1,000 prize, provided the KBSA.

Around 4,000 graduates from some 200 colleges around the country will take part in the design awards, and it is expected that 25,000 plus visitors will attend the exhibition.

News of Great Import from Dream Leisure

Tylö of Sweden has appointed Twickenham-based Dream Leisure Ltd as an official UK importer of the company's sauna, steam-room and shower products.

Dream Leisure is a specialist in the bespoke design, co-ordination, supply and installation of a whole range of products dedicated to overall well-being and making the most of people's precious leisure time.

The purpose-designed Dream Leisure showroom in the Squires Garden Centre complex, Twickenham, features a range of co-ordinated sauna cabins and steam-rooms from the Tylö range.

Director of Dream Leisure, Kicki Carlsson-Boyd, said: 'We are delighted to be appointed as an official Tylö importer, and look forward to bringing the undoubted benefits of Tylö products to an even wider audience.'

Contact: Kicki Carlsson-Boyd
Tel: 020 8977 9900
Email: mailto:info@dream-leisure.co.uk

Tap into Freedom - Bathstore.com Franchise

Bathstore.com, the UK bathroom retailer continues to expand and now has 58 stores nationwide.

The company attributes such growth and success to the franchise package Bathstore.com offers. The franchise model has been specifically designed to provide maximum support and minimum risk to franchisees. It provides everything from finding premises, refurbishment, training and on going support.

The revenue created for the franchisor is directly derived from sales in the franchised stores and as such ensures that both parties have an equal stake in the maximisation of sales and subsequent success of the business. Managing Director Wayne Lysaght-Mason explains, 'The success of our franchisees is directly related to the success of the Group....to run a franchised store, a capital investment of just £15,000 is required and then the rest is down to hard work and the unmitigated support of the well established parent company.'

The market for bathroom products continues to grow and the factors, which have brought about this demand, are set to continue. These include: an increase in number of households in the UK, an increase in number of bathrooms per household - over 70% of new houses have more than one bathroom and finally increased consumer interest in interior style and design thanks to the proliferation of DIY television programmes and magazines.

'The extensive product range from Bathstore.com incorporates designer style and quality at competitive prices.' continues Wayne, 'This ideal combination places Bathstore.com in the heart of the market where the biggest spending on bathroom products takes place.

'The philosophy to date has been based on aggressive marketing and competitive pricing. Latest designer products sourced worldwide make for good profit margins, all of which contribute to rewarding sales figures and satisfied customers. As such the Bathstore.com franchise strategy contains all the necessary components to ensure pleasing results for all.

'lmagine having the independence of working for yourself and making your own business decisions, while at the same time having the reputation and support of a nationwide organisation. With such an exciting and innovative bathroom range, coupled with the current boom in interior design and DIY, running your own Bathstore.com franchise is increasingly becoming an irresistible opportunity.'

Tel: 07000 228 478
Web: http://www.bathstore.com

PWS Takes Further Action Against Croft Oak Copy

In January PWS pursued a successful legal action against Doors & More of Northern Ireland for the misuse of the company's design rights in its Croft Oak range. PWS is currently engaged in a similar case against J & J Ormerod. PWS alleges infringement of its design rights in the Croft Oak design by the promotion and sale of the Ormerod Pippy Oak kitchen range.

In response to an urgent preliminary application to the High Court by PWS, a court order has been granted to prevent Ormerods promoting and selling their Pippy Oak door and drawer fronts. Ormerods decided not to contest the application and the case will now proceed to a full trial later this year, in the meantime sales of this Ormerod Pippy Oak door and drawer fronts have been suspended as a result of the court case taken by PWS.

Comments John Lennon, Marketing & Sales Director at PWS, 'PWS is strongly committed to providing its customers with a progressive and innovative product offering. We apply considerable resources to our product development process and we are determined to enforce our intellectual property rights in the face of copycat products. We fully encourage competition, but we are simply protecting our rights to eliminate unfair competition. Our successful action against the Doors and More Croft Oak copy was widely publicised by the media in January so there should not be any excuse for other suppliers to unknowingly follow this copycat approach. We are aware of other copies of our Croft Oak design and are currently taking legal advice in relation to these. However, it is likely that action will be taken against any other company copying this design, or indeed any other designs protected by design registration and other rights; it is our policy to act in defence of our intellectual property rights wherever we believe infringement has occurred.'

PWS is renowned for its innovative approach, with a strong emphasis on new product development to keep pace with its regular product launches. PWS take intellectual property very seriously to ensure any designs with distinguishable and original features are fully protected. A number of doors and feature products in the PWS portfolio carry UK and EU wide design rights, across both modern and traditional styling, including the rustic Eden door family and the curved feature doors in the modern Fresco and Alustyle collections.

Design Knowledge Network Launches in West Midlands

The West Midlands furniture industry is one of the largest industries in the region but is little known by those outside of the trade. Consumers buy all sorts of furniture items every day, costing hundreds, if not thousands of pounds apiece. So how do they arrive at their purchasing decisions when they know very little about what is available? West Midlands based companies should be flying the flag. They represent an industry, which has its roots in skilled craftsmanship, founded on a basic need for human order and comfort.

Problems facing the furniture industry include competition from abroad and the decrease in demand for some 'bread and butter' products. The result? An ongoing need to locate new customers. So, what does the future hold and how can furniture companies move forward?

The answer is simple. Companies must drive their business forward by harnessing current resources and promoting their capabilities to the max, creating opportunities for growth and market development. Now, 'Design Knowledge Network' aims to help West Midlands based companies cope with these and other issues, providing free support to eligible small and medium sized companies
The idea driving this new project is to help businesses add value to existing products and services by increasing innovation through design and new product development. Additionally, the project can also provide marketing advice on targeting and communicating with prospective customers.

Design Knowledge Network has already been assisting companies in identifying new opportunities and developing action plans. Team members take a proactive approach, analysing and working with a company's existing resources to create the foundations for sustainable business. Furniture companies throughout the West Midlands are among those benefiting from the project's business support and research services.

Design Knowledge Network is keen to work with companies from a range of product-related backgrounds. Team members meet with businesses on site as well as providing on-line support. Kathryn Burns, Project Manager said:
'This is going to be a significant resource for companies so we want to hear from people irrespective of their business needs. They are welcome to contact us and let us know what their specific wants are and how best we can help them.'

Design Knowledge Network is based at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design. The project receives funding from the European Union and Advantage West Midlands. To find out more call 0121 331 7925. You can also learn more at http://www.designknowledgenetwork.co.uk

AGA Foodservice says Current Year Started Satisfactorily

AGA Foodservice Group PLC re-iterated the current year has started satisfactorily, particularly for the consumer activities in the UK. It is starting to see more opportunities for those businesses that had a challenging 2003, like Domain in the US and its European foodservice operations, which should lead to an improved performance later this year.

The company added that it is confident that the benefits of its strategic planning of recent years will be demonstrable and expects to see further growth this year.

In a statement prepared for its AGM, Vic Cocker, said: 'We move into 2004 confident that, after a period of consolidation and investment, we are ready to deliver the growth that the reinvestment process started in 2001, was designed to achieve.'

A Taste of Pepper for New Build Kitchen Projects

Pepper Kitchens Ltd was established in 1997 by a team with more than 40 years experience, the company emerged from a family owned business which started in 1964.

Pepper Kitchens Ltd specialises in high rise and fast track brown-field developments as well as green-field projects requiring contemporary kitchens. Pepper manages design and manufacturing, through to delivery and installation and takes control of, and responsibility for, the client's kitchen installation programme.

Pepper combines professional expertise in the kitchen industry with bespoke management software, which has been created to ensure that every project runs as efficiently as possible and is monitored in real time. This in turn enables Pepper to help clients achieve a fast return on investment.

By recognising changes in any programme early enough and creating solutions to ensure that deadlines are met, Pepper is able to maintain its objective of ensuring that the final build cost for the kitchens remains as originally quoted. 

Pepper's experience in managing the budgets and installation of high capital value projects  has led to a sustained growth record, an increasing portfolio of projects throughout the UK and a corresponding expansion within the market.

Web: http://www.pepperkitchens.com

Cronation Flush at Canary Wharf

Minimising water wastage and ensuring thorough and efficient flushing of urinals is a high priority for any modern toilet facility. Heron Quays 5 building at Canary Wharf had such a requirement and Cronation Limited was contracted to design a distribution pipework system that would enable adequate and efficient flushing.

Special to HQ5, the system was to be ‘mains’ fed with a controlled flush cycle/duration, operation on demand facility, as well as safeguarding against loss of pressure and supply failure to avoid possible contamination of the building’s plumbing system.

Working with main and relevant sub-contractors, Cronation designed, tested and delivered a system meeting all requirements. The water flow-rate needed to be confined with no more than 7.5 litres per hour water usage and a minimum of 8 minutes between each flush. As the equipment was serviced by mains-fed potable water and not from traditional cistern feed, it was necessary to ensure that should there be a water supply failure, back siphoning would not occur.

The sanitaryware used was standard proprietary ceramic product with suitable, specially manufactured flush-water delivery spreaders to ensure correct, splash-free flushing of the urinal bowls. And with the absence of cisterns, with their attendant noise and maintenance, a flushing cycle self-tailored to the facilities usage ensures best sanitary conditions are maintained between cleaning cycles.

While the equipment Cronation supplied was particular to the needs identified at the Canary Wharf location, the solution would be suited to any modern building toilet facility.

Tel: 0121 359 7567

Electrolux Settles Vacuum Cleaner Lawsuit in the US

Electrolux and the plaintiff John North have reached a settlement agreement in the vacuum cleaner trade secrets case regarding certain upright, cyclonic vacuum cleaners. As a result, the case will not be decided by a jury in El Paso, Texas, USA and the matter is concluded.

Per the agreement, Electrolux will pay the plaintiff USD 30M and the plaintiff has agreed to drop all claims, including future claims, in the matter. No further details of the settlement are available.

Electrolux entered into the settlement because it brought the matter to an end with a known outcome rather than the uncertainty of a jury decision. The Group maintains that there is no merit to the charges.

Electrolux will Close Vacuum Cleaner Factory in Västervik, Sweden

Electrolux has decided to discontinue production of vacuum cleaners in Västervik, Sweden. Production will gradually be transferred to the Electrolux vacuum cleaner factory in Hungary. Production will continue during 2004, and is expected to end in the first quarter of 2005.

In February 2004, Electrolux announced that it was investigating a possible transfer of the vacuum cleaner production in Västervik to Hungary.

'We have now finalised our investigation of the factory in Västervik,' says Magnus Yngen, head of the Floor Care & Light Appliances business sector. 'We have also carefully studied the investigation performed by the employee consultant. Both investigations show that it is not possible to overcome the cost disadvantages of manufacturing vacuum cleaners in Sweden. We will now go forward with the discussions with the unions regarding the conditions for the closure.'

The Electrolux vacuum cleaner factory in Västervik has approximately 500 employees. The closure of the factory will incur a total cost of approximately SEK 200m, the majority of which will be taken as a charge against operating income in the second quarter of 2004. The yearly savings are estimated to be approximately SEK 150m.

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

Kohler Cimarron Comfort Height™ Toilet Puts an End to the Low-Flow Toilet Debate Over Plugging

Kohler Co. has introduced a new toilet with exceptional flushing power, designed for extraordinary situations. The Cimarron Comfort Height™ toilet – the first Kohler toilet to feature the Class Five™ flushing system, a 3 1/4-inch flush valve, and direct-fed jet technology – is engineered to provide extraordinary bulk flushing performance for even the most demanding circumstances. Also making its debut on the Cimarron toilet is a Drylock™ installation system that allows plumbers and do-it-yourself homeowners to install a toilet faster and easier than a typical installation.

Inspired by the raw power of class five whitewater rapids, the Cimarron Comfort Height toilet with Class Five flushing technology represents a new category of Kohler flushing systems. Class Five flushing technology provides the answer to consumers who have expressed the need for a gravity-fed toilet that effectively removes ultra bulk waste without ever plugging. 'Even under the most demanding 'commercial use', Class Five technology ensures a powerful, effective flush each time the toilet is utilised.' says the company. This is a commercial-grade toilet, designed for both residential and commercial applications.

Exceptional flushing power: With the increased diameter of its 3 1/4-inch flush valve, Kohler Class Five flushing technology creates strong gravity-fed flushing power while also maintaining the efficient use of 1.6 or 1.4 gallons of water. Additionally, a fully glazed 2 1/8-inch trapway and an optimised siphon jet ensure a powerful flush every time the toilet is used. Lastly, the Cimarron Comfort Height toilet features an 11-by-10 inch water surface to provide for better hygiene as it helps maintain a more overall clean and odourless bowl.

Water savings: The Cimarron toilet offers water savings via a 1.4-gallon flush setting option that can be adjusted during installation to help conserve the environment and reduce demands on water supply – not to mention saving consumers significant money on their water and sewer bills over time. Over a one-year period, a family of four can save over 2,000 gallons of water simply by using the 1.4-gallon flush setting instead of the 1.6-gallon industry standard. Even though a smaller amount of water is used, the Cimarron Comfort Height toilet will still flush effectively due to the design of its internal working components.

Quick, easy installation: The DryLock installation system makes installing a toilet fast and easy without fear of breaking the tank or leaking water onto the bathroom floor. Traditional installation of a 2-piece toilet usually requires a socket wrench and a screwdriver to be used simultaneously to tighten two to three bolts that went directly thorough the vitreous china tank. Obstructions in the tank, such as the fill valve, made this process awkward, and installers would need to be careful not to over-tighten the bolts and break the vitreous china tank. Additionally, if the bolts were not tightened enough, water could leak out onto the bathroom floor.

The new DryLock installation system uses a metal bracket plate that snaps easily around a rubber gasket on the bottom exterior of the tank. Two bolts slide and snap effortlessly into the bracket plate rather than sticking through the vitreous china tank. The tank is then set down on the toilet and only one tool – a 1/2-inch socket wrench – is needed to fasten the tank tight. The absence of holes in the tank for the bolts ensures a dry installation and no damage to the tank.

Ergonomic benefits: The Cimarron Comfort Height toilet offers comfortable, chair-height seating for people of all ages and statures, and complies with the height requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Comfort Height toilets are comparable to the height of an average household chair – just over 17 inches – making sitting down and standing up easier.

Style: The transitional design of the Cimarron toilet allows it to blend seamlessly into both traditional and contemporary bath and powder rooms. The toilet also offers two bowl shapes: the popular elongated bowl and a round-front bowl, which is ideal for small bathrooms as it takes up less space. Like all Kohler toilets, the Cimarron Comfort Height toilet is available in a wide selection of Kohler Full Line and High Fashion colours to complement any bathroom décor.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin Kohler Co. is one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States.

£50 Million Call for Innovative R&D Proposals Under New Technology Programme

Science Minister, Lord Sainsbury, has called upon Britain's businesses to put forward new project ideas for a £50 million programme now available to support technological innovation.

Speaking to over 500 business leaders, researchers and university academics at the Government's Technology Strategy and Programme Information Day at the Business Design Centre in London on 26th April, Lord Sainsbury said:

'We have put aside at least £150 million over the next three years to support research and development and the sharing of technology innovations, areas critical to the growth of the UK economy.

'Today, I have announced the first funding tranche of £50 million and I am calling upon businesses to work with research bodies to put forward projects for funding that could make a real difference to our economy.

'Proposals are being invited for seven priority areas where businesses have told us that public support can make the biggest difference.'

The seven priority areas are:
* bio processing;
* technologies to support environmentally-friendly transport;
* advanced composite materials and structures;
* inter-enterprise computing;
* renewable technologies;
* disruptive technologies in electronics and displays; and
* sensor and control systems.

'These represent emerging technologies that have wide and pervasive applications in business, and achieve environmental and social benefits,' Lord Sainsbury added.

The money will be made available by open competition through two of the DTI's new business support products: Knowledge Transfer Networks and Collaborative Research and Development. These products were developed as part of a restructuring of DTI's business support that replaced a complex array of schemes with just nine products that are easier to use and understand.

Grants of between 25 and 75 per cent will be made available for collaborative projects and 100 per cent grants will be available for proposals that help develop dynamic knowledge transfer networks in the specific key emerging technology areas. Applications can be made on-line via the DTI website.

'Encouraging innovation and the demand for new technologies is essential to ensure UK businesses remain competitive in the tough global marketplace.' Lord Sainsbury said. 'Today's announcement marks a key step in the development of our Technology Strategy and Programme as recommended in our Innovation Report.'

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