The
BMA Looks at the UK Shower Enclosure & Bath Screen Market
Real
growth continues to be present in the showering sector in the UK Bathroom
market. Within this, the specific market for shower enclosures and bath
screens has been enjoying sustained levels of higher growth over recent
years as fashion and lifestyle trends have moved to strongly favour designed
showering.
This has lead to more focus on the showering area in terms of space, style
and functional benefits. A more educated and discerning consumer base,
already hooked on showering, has challenged manufacturers to innovate
in a highly competitive and crowded market. Members of the BMA have taken
on this challenge and introduced stylish and innovative products at all
levels of the sector.
Over the years the UK shower enclosure evolved offering a choice of basic
door styles to suit a small range of standard tray shapes and sizes; bath
screens were designed for straight baths of varying length and height.
The pace of change has never been so fast.
Manufacturers urged on by competition have been made to think outside
the 'box', enclosures use corners to create attractive features; but the
emergence of curved glass technology has made the shower a more fashionable
place. Curved glass allows space to be used more effectively – an
enclosure can fit neatly into a small space but can maximise entry and
showering area. These many new curved shapes have brought the shower enclosure
and shower tray manufacturers closer together – curved enclosures
require specific trays to match their radius and distinct shapes. Never
has there been a time when two different industries, inextricably linked
by products, have worked so closely together. Trays have developed as
a result and many new materials are available to tailor a look.
A number of fashion changes are clearly evident with enclosures and screens.
The 'less is more' minimalist fashion has influenced the upper end of
the shower enclosure and screen sector where the look of frameless, or
semi-frameless, glass is overtaking demand for traditional enclosures
with high aluminium content. Clear unprinted glass now dominates across
all market sectors. Coloured glass has also become important – at
the expense of glass designs.
New brighter silver finishes now dominate the middle and upper market
sectors on aluminium framing, white and standard silver finishes are still
important to the lower market sectors. Gold finishes have fallen away
in importance dramatically – to the point where many showrooms have
none on display.
Bath screens had seen little change away from one and two piece screens
and multi-panel folding options. Once again curved glass has been paramount
to designers. The bath still occupies the majority of showering installations.
This has lead to the emergency of the 'showerbath' – a bath with
a curved area at one end designed for a designated showering area. Curved
glass panels surround such areas to create a stylish showering environment
where a separate enclosure is impossible.
Such proliferation has meant standards have had to be addressed. Largely
influenced by the efforts of the BMA, a new Shower Enclosure Standard
is shortly to emerge which for the first time addresses water tightness
in enclosures. This clearly explains what is a fair test to simulate showering
and what constitutes leakage – a vital and long overdue recognised
Standard for members of the BMA and everyone involved with the industry
at every level.
Innovation shows no sign of slowing and as new products are constantly
launched in the UK to clearly identify the British market as the most
dynamic in Europe. The UK pioneered 'Walk-in' style showers using curved
glass panels – now Europe and the rest of the World is following
our lead.
Web: http://www.bathroom-association.org
IBM
Signs 7-year Service Agreement with Electrolux
International Business Machines Corp. said on Sunday June 1st it signed
an agreement with Electrolux AB ), maker of Frigidaire appliances and
Eureka vacuum cleaners, to manage the company's desktop computers in Europe.
One analyst put the value of the seven-year contract at 180 million to
220 million euros. While the contract calls for supporting 13,000 to 19,000
desktop PCs, that figure will likely increase, said Stratos Sarissamlis,
vice president of technology research services for Meta group in Europe.
'I wouldn't be surprised if over the years to come the scope of the work
is extended to include servers, mid-range systems, applications, maintenance,
development and so forth,' Sarissamlis told Reuters.
He added that IBM landed the deal because it has a relationship with Electrolux
that spans decades.
'Basically, IBM has a long-standing relationship with Electrolux and they
leveraged this relationship at the right point in time,' Sarissamlis said.
Armonk, New York-based IBM said that Electrolux will pay IBM according
to a variable pricing model in which the Stockholm-based company will
pay on a per-user basis.
IBM will provide PCs, local area networks and its Lotus Notes e-mail programme
with an IT support staff using IBM's Tivoli network management system
software.
Under the agreement, more than 100 Electrolux information technology workers
will transfer to IBM, and service will commence August 1st, the companies
said.
Heritage
Announces Key Senior Appointments and New Product Launches
Heritage
Bathrooms has announced a number of significant senior appointments and
the addition of over one hundred new products to its product portfolio.
Rob
Carter has been appointed Chief Executive of the Heritage Group; he was
formerly Managing Director of Heritage Bathrooms Distribution. In addition
Steve Kenny and Bryan Benfield have been appointed Operations Director
and Sales and Marketing Director respectively of Heritage Bathrooms Distribution.
'These key appointments are part of our overall strategic plan to strengthen
the brand and re-focus the business,' says Rob Carter.
'Our aim at Heritage has always been to provide the best and keep our
business processes simple but effective. In order to help us achieve this
we have also created a new customer liaison team, which will be based
at our Bristol headquarters, so that all customers will have one single
point of contact.
'Our regional depots will continue to supply and distribute products as
before but the centralised processing of orders, sales and administration
will enable us to be more responsive and effective, thereby improving
customer service levels.'
The new products introduced include many contemporary styles in line with
the continuing consumer demand for modern styling in the bathroom.
The two new sanitaryware suites, the Varronne (pictured) and Caprieze
combine the strength of the Heritage brand with cool clean contemporary
design.
The latest furniture range to be introduced, Fourre, is a collection of
minimalist and contemporary pieces, available in a natural or dark beech
finish.
Additional brassware, showers and accessories have also been introduced
to complement the Heritage bathroom package offered to the bathroom retail
specialist.
'I am delighted that we are introducing so many exciting new products,
which were all well received when they where previewed at the Ideal Home
Show, earlier this year.' says Bryan Benfield.
'The Heritage brand is well recognised by the consumer as a symbol of
quality, this is enabling us to develop and maintain our core market of
traditional products whilst expanding into the growing contemporary sector.'
De
Dietrich Launches its 2003 Range - Intelligent and Enviromentally Friendly
De
Dietrich is a kitchen appliance brand that combines aesthetics with products
that make life easier in the kitchen. Pioneers in the development of technologies
in cooking, dishwashing and refrigeration, De Dietrich has introduced
its 2003 built-in range, the highlights of which are as follows:
For
Autumn 2003, De Dietrich introduces ICS technology throughout its appliance
range. ICS, indicated by its logo, is where the appliance can intelligently
act for itself, using sensors, making usage much easier. The ICS oven,
for example, at the touch of a button, can calculate the optimal cooking
function and cooking time of the food placed within. The ICS hood uses
sensors to detect cooking smells or steam and automatically switches itself
on accordingly. The ICS dishwasher can determine how dirty the dishes
are and which cleaning cycle would be the most effective and economical.
All single and built-in double models are now 'A' rated for energy, which
is represented by the A Class logo. All dishwashers are now 'A' rated
for wash performance and all static refrigeration products are either
'A' or 'B' rated.
How to cook? - Ask the chef!
Pyrolytic or catalytic functions are standard in all single and built-in
double ovens in the new de Dietrich range. The top of the range model,
DOP390, has three cooking modes suitable for different cooking expertise
-from 'Chef' mode, where you can control all the parameters using the
Multifunction facility, to ICS, where all you have to do is choose the
type of food you will be cooking and the oven will do the rest.
New range cookers
De Dietrich is launching a new range cooker collection. Choose from 90,
100 and 120 cm models, all of which have cast iron pan supports, multifunction
main ovens and LED displays with minute minders. Their aesthetics lend
a professional look to any kitchen. The 120 cm model has a fish and wok
burner as well as a steak griddle and rotisserie.
So
good, we put them on a pedestal!
All new framed De Dietrich induction and vitroceramic hobs are available
with the new 'pedestal' frame. All induction hobs now have 15 power levels
instead of 12, for greater controllability and they all feature five safety
features: anti overflow, temperature limiter, residual heat indicator,
child lock and automatic stop. The De Dietrich induction range features
the largest cooking zone available and certain models also feature the
'Start control' function. With this feature, a zone can be pre programmed
to start and finish cooking at a specified time- ideal to heat a casserole
or to simmer vegetables ensuring they are ready at the right time.
De Dietrich also introduces its ICS glass gas hob with electronic touch
controls. Offering direct access and six safety features including one
touch disabling, it also features a timer and an auto switch off facility.
This offers the best of both worlds, where you can have the controllability
of gas with the safety and easy clean features of vitroceramic hobs.
Silence is golden - style and power without the noise
Aesthetics and electronic controls are the main visual features of the
De Dietrich Hoods range, however the emphasis is on noise reduction across
the range. De Dietrich introduces its new hoods with ratings as low as
38 db - quieter than most day to day household domestic noises like a
coffee machine or even a sleeping baby! The range offers high extraction
matched with intelligence and quiet performance.
Clean, dry, economical and environmentally friendly dishwashers
All De Dietrich 60cm dishwashers in the range are 'A' rated for wash performance.
There is a triple A rated semi integrated model with ICS technology that
can automatically assess how dirty the dishes are and choose the best
and most economical programme for its load. They all feature a newly designed
cavity optimising the use of space, a new hydraulic block with improved
insulation for increased noise reduction and better performance. Additionally,
they have 100% stainless steel filter system and turbo ventilation for
faster drying and noise levels as low as 45 to 52 decibels.
Tel: 01256 308 000
Brochureline and stockist finder 08707 503 503
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk
Swish
Bathrooms for Park Homes
The
decision by Tingdene Homes to switch from tiles to Marbrex decorative
panels from Swish Building Products for the bath and shower rooms of the
park homes it builds has made fitting easier and cut installation time
by up to 50% the company claims.
Marbrex
panels in Beige Marble are installed in shower rooms, around baths and
over basins in the majority of the units that are fabricated by Tingdene,
which is the UK's largest manufacturer of residential park homes.
Steve Walker, Product Development Manager of Tingdene, explains, 'We produce
approximately 18 units a week, and the use of Marbrex really helps to
speed up the process, because it is simple to install and does not require
gluing and grouting. What's more, the panels are waterproof and look good.'
'We build residential park homes for both the standard and luxury ends
of the market, as well as leisure homes and log cabins for holiday use.
We are also called upon occasionally to build extensions for schools and
we need to know that the products we install are of the very highest quality,
and will conform to the relevant Building Regulations.'
Marbrex panels conform to the Food Safety Act 1990, the General Hygiene
Regulations 1995 and achieve a Class 1Y fire rating. Available in a variety
of different designs, the versatile panels can be easily fitted to walls
or ceilings, even over existing tiled surfaces.
The panels have waterproof tongue and groove joints that do not require
grouting, producing a surface that is easy to clean. Their honeycomb structure
helps to insulate the room and so reduce condensation. This in turn helps
to discourage the growth of mould.
Available from a national network of stockists, Marbrex wall panels are
available in 2.6m and 2.7m lengths with ceiling panels of 4m, and come
with a comprehensive selection of fixing trims to ensure a professional
finish. Some designs take decorative strips in gold and silver to form
striking highlights between panels.
Tel: 01827 317200
Airbath
Group Reports 'Challenging Conditions' in 2003 Trading Update
At the time of the announcement of the interim results on 19 December
2002, Chairman Clive Gilham stated that: 'Trading in the third quarter,
as indicated, has been affected by some short term problems and the seasonal
increase in sales has been slower than anticipated. Therefore we remain
cautious about our immediate sales outlook'.
'The challenging trading conditions referred to in December have continued
into the fourth quarter in Aquabeau and particularly Brampton Housewares.
'Aquabeau's sales have not increased as anticipated, in part due to the
change of some of Appollo's suppliers in the third quarter, and this is
likely to result in a small drop in full year profits compared with last
year. However, Aquabeau remains profitable with good operating margins.
We remain committed to our strategy of focusing on our niche and more
profitable product ranges and to the marketing, of Airbath products through
our now established 'Centres of Excellence'. We believe that there are
numerous opportunities for profitable growth in most of the markets served
by Aquabeau. The Appollo range of assisted bathing products is directed
at a growing market of both institutionai and private clients. The moving
water segment of the market is growing significantly and this is served
by both our Airbath range of products as well as our small but increasing
range of whirlpools,' he says
The Aquabeau division had a turnover of £9.85m in 2002, while Brampton
enjoyed sales of £6.65m. Profit after tax for 2002 was £663,000.
'Brampton Housewares has continued to suffer in an increasingly tough
market and we expect that profits for this company will be considerably
behind those for the same period last year. We have been monitoring the
bathwares marketplace since the announcement of the merger of two of our
major customers and are currently reviewing the situation. We intend to
announce the outcome of this review at the same time as our preliminary
results.
We anticipate that these difficulties will result in Group profits before
tax and exceptional items for the full year being up to one third below
current market expectations. Exceptional costs associated with reorganisation
and redundancy in both companies will total up to £400,000 before
accounting for the successful recovery from Aquarius Group plc of a £250,000
claim arising from the demerger agreement.
Following the considerable operational changes that took place within
the business last year, Glenn Powers has relinquished his role as Operations
Director and replaces Phillip Bennett, who has resigned as a non-executive
Director. Clive Gilham will remain as Executive Chairman supported by
Mike Dunn, Finance Director.
Preedy
Glass at House and Garden Fair
Preedy
Glass will be exhibiting at the House and Garden Fair at Olympia from
the 26th June -29th June 2003. The company will be showing the vast number
of ways that glass can now be used in the home.
There will be a number of new products: eg 'Power Glass', a new laminated
glass with LED light spots in the glass, which can be used in shelving,
balustrading, screens, beams and canopies. Individual signs can be made
to order with the lights forming company logos or names for an unusual
look.
Another new product is glass laminated together with marble inside, for
worktops, upstands, or used as cladding.
There will be lots to interest Kitchen and Bathroom specifiers with frameless
glass shower screens and doors, ultra clear mirrors, Precolour painted
glass splash backs, and glass tops for basins and kitchen worktops.
Preedy will also be displaying a glass table, glass sliding internal doors,
and a glass entrance door, complete with a full height handle with a lock
that has a central cylinder, that locks the door top and bottom, and saves
the need for crawling on the floor, or getting a pair of steps out to
reach those inaccessible locks on large doors.
A new range of unusual antique mirrors will also be on show.
See Preedy at stand B41 or visit http://www.preedyglass.com
for more information.
Fisher
& Paykel Takes Legal Action against Korean Competitior over Patent
Issues
Fisher and Paykel Appliances Ltd has commenced legal action against LG
Electronics, Inc. and LG Electronics, U.S.A., lnc., a major Korean manufacturer
and exporter of appliances and its United States subsidiary.
The company filed papers in the United States District Court for the Northem
District of lllinois in Chicago in early April 2003.
Fisher and Paykel Appliances introduced SmartDrive motor technology for
washing machines in 1991. SmartDrive is a computerised control system
enabling the machine to readily adjust its wash actions according to the
fabric types and clothes loads in the machine. Fisher and Paykel Appliances
obtained a United States patent for this technology the same year.
Mr John Bongard, managing director of Fisher and Paykel Appliances, says
other overseas companies had endeavoured to develop their own systems
to compete with the popular SmartDrive system with limited success.
However, the company believes LG Electronics had infringed patent rights
by directly duplicating Fisher and Paykel's technology.
'The key to Fisher and Paykel Appliances' international success is the
superior technology developed in New Zealand, including major breakthroughs
such as SmartDrive, the DishDrawer concept for dishwashers, Active Smart
refrigerators and the recently announced SmartLoad clothes dryer developed
for the United States.
'We hold some 400 international patents on the technology behind various
features which motivate customers to choose our brands, and we are resolute
about enforcing them.
The SmartDrive technology is protected by patent for a further 10 years.
We have no intention of just standing back when we believe that innovations
developed at significant cost to us have been flagrantly copied by a competitor,
with no respect for their patented status,' said Mr Bongard.
Fisher and Paykel Appliances has total revenues of some $800 million,
of which about $600 million is achieved through international sales.
Fordham Bathrooms on TV Makeover Show
Jacuzzi UK has appeared once again on the hit ITV 1 makeover show, Carol Vorderman's Better Homes.
Scottish show designer, John Amabile, selected Ratio, the new space saving bathroom range from Fordham, to revamp a 2m x 2.3m compact bathroom in Warrington.
The show, the first in the current series, was aired on the 20 May and presented a realistic bathroom makeover where a bathroom costing £2600 put £6000 on the price of the house. The homeowners were delighted.
The Fordham Ratio range has been designed specifically for the smaller bathroom. A unique offset shape toilet cistern can be fitted at any point along a wall or into a corner of the room. Its dual flush top action WC cistern also allows for more economical water usage.
A choice of corner basins or short projection basins offer ultimate design flexibility and combine with stylish cabinetry to maximise storage.
The shower bath (900 x 1500mm) has a contoured shape to give extra width and offers a spacious showering area within the bath. A dedicated curved glass shower screen completes the look.
"This is the third bathroom makeover completed by Jacuzzi UK for the show in the last year and it is a tremendous compliment that these established designers have selected product from the Jacuzzi UK brand portfolio. Over 14 million viewers watched this hit show and the response in terms of sales leads has been fantastic," said Martin Mongan, Group Sales Director, Jacuzzi UK.
Hopkinsons
puts You in the Mood
To build on the success of its Moods bathroom collection, launched over
a year ago to target the contemporary, high-end market sector, Hopkinsons
Fourways has extended its Moods brand portfolio with a wider choice of
ceramics, baths, brassware and accessories - including the technically
advanced ISY brassware range.
As featured in an enlarged 32-page brochure, the Moods collection continues
to focus on high quality products mixing European art form with modern
practicality. Two new ceramic ranges, the Panorama and the Roma aim to
appeal to the rising number of users who are seeking clean designer looks.
Panorama also comes in wall hung and back-to-wall options, with linear
properties that will sit comfortably with any modern dècor, room
size or room shape. Meanwhile, the curvaceous Roma suite is subtle, rounded,
fresh and simple.
Hopkinsons Fourways continues to follow Moods' philosophy of offering
various 'mix and match' options on ceramicware by also introducing further
choices on its existing Loa and Elia ranges - with wall hung variations
- plus a new range of free-standing ceramics, entitled, Luxor. The Luxor
basin range follows the popular rectangular theme sweeping through Europe,
designed with flexibility in mind. Its classic lines come in 50cm, 60cm
and 100cm sizes, and can be used as a wall mounted, countertop or inset
basin.
Within brassware, the Moods range has been extensively enlarged to incorporate
the award-winning ISY collection. Isy from Zucchetti claims to be the
first mixer tap in the world containing a hidden cartridge system, located
below the surface of the basin, that is accessible from the top. Three
designs feature in the brochure, IsyStick - a single lever system, IsyLine
- a T-shaped handle and IsyArc - cross handles and arch spouts, plus a
selection of Isy universal accessories.
On the bath front, as well as two new free-standing bath designs and a
new standard showerbath, Moods has introduced a ClearSpa System which
can be factory fitted to any of the baths in the collection. Baths fitted
with the encapsulated jet system come ready for installation with all
pipework and electronic controls fitted.
The Moods web site, http://www.bathroom-moods.co.uk
has also been enhanced to incorporate the new comprehensive collection.
Tel: 01204 707070
Planit
Fusion Enhanced with 3D World
Planit International, the industry software provider, has announced the
release of a new drawing catalogue, 3D World, which will enhance and improve
the performance of the recently launched Planit Fusion package.
3D World is an easily navigable catalogue of over 10,000 drawings contained
in the Fusion drawings database. All drawings are graphically represented
for easy selection allowing Fusion users unparalleled design flexibility
whether working with a Universal catalogue solution or supplementing dedicated
manufacturers catalogues. This easy access to thousands of special shapes
and units saves significant time in selection and ordering.
Created with similar search and selection functionality as all standard
Fusion catalogues, existing and new users alike will be able to immediately
access the extensive range of additional units and graphic items to further
augment Fusion's class leading graphic capability. Essentially, additional
units selected from the 3D World catalogue can be listed in all standard
reports with associated description and pricing detail as required.
Planit Fusion, which was launched earlier this year, combines a computer-aided
design package with a comprehensive customer information management tool,
simultaneously offering retailers new design functionality with back office
improvement.
According to Planit MD Patrick Love, Planit Fusion continues to set new
standards for the industry. 'Utilising the latest technology, we've combined
professional design and presentation software with effective customer
information management,' he says. 'This latest addition illustrate our
commitment to continually innovate and establish new boundaries so that
Planit Fusion remains a market leader in the industry.'
Tel: 01233 649700
Email: mailto:sales@planit.com
Web: http://www.planit.com
Saint-Gobain
Oberland Brings Glass Blocks back to the Forefront
A nearly-forgotten construction element has made a dramatic comeback,
regaining its place in the new language of forms in daylight architecture.
Completed projects in Germany and abroad suggest that the glass block
is back. The flexible application possibilities of the material range
from facades to interiors in commercial as well as home architecture.
It is even used to build stalls in trade fairs.
The Construction Glass division of Saint-Gobain Oberland AG, Germany's
leading manufacturer of glass blocks is based near Koblenz in Germany.
The company's product palette includes a wide array of glass blocks to
cater to every taste and a wide range of applications. Besides producing
glass packaging at a total of four sites in Germany, the company makes
the Solaris line of glass blocks, a segment which has rapidly grown to
become a core product.
The product palette includes the classic white transparent block in addition
to coloured and special purpose glass blocks. The Construction Glass division
was certified as early as in 1994 according to the stringent standards
of DIN ISO 9002 and went on to acquire the coveted Environmental Compliance
Certificate in 1997. The product palette features different decors such
as 'Light Diffusing', 'Satinised', 'Light Directing' or 'Cross-Ribbed'
in a variety of colours: rose, turquoise, light green, blue, grey and
azure blue.
Special solutions such as the new 45" edge block, glass corner elements
and toughened glass blocks round off the range of products.
Almost all Solaris glass blocks meet the requirements of fire-protection
class G 30 and G 60; special glass blocks even meet G 90 and G 120. Walls
and ceilings built with Solaris glass blocks can also be built to meet
the next higher F class in accordance with DIN 4102 , Parts 2 and 13 class
F 30 to F90. Glass blocks also provide excellent sound insulation without
affecting transparency. Not least, they are robust and resistant to impact,
scratching or even acids, making them ideally suited for much-used spaces
such as bathrooms and kitchens. Glass blocks retard projectiles and can
be reinforced to inhibit physical intrusion.
A second, equally important key to the company's success is the fact that
the Construction Glass Division works in close co-operation with architects
and users. The company redesigned its lnternet presence last year, in
order to facilitate information updates, reflecting the company's policy
of staying close to its customers.
Saint-Gobain Oberland AG exports its products all over the world to more
than 70 countries.
Tel: 0049 2602 6810
Web: http://www.solaris-glasstein.de
Sub-Zero
Freezer Co and Wolf Appliance Co Announce Kitchen Design Contest Call
for Entries
Sub-Zero Freezer Company, the manufacturer of residential refrigeration,
and Wolf Appliance Company, a manufacturer of professional cooking instruments,
announced on May 28th the official call for entries for the company's
2002/2003 Kitchen Design Contest. This prestigious contest honours design
professionals who have helped make Sub-Zero and Wolf definitive components
of the kitchen.
'We are pleased to once again recognise innovation and craftsmanship in
kitchen design,' said Jim Bakke, president and chief executive officer
for Sub-Zero and Wolf. 'The kitchen design professional is such an integral
part of the creation of a beautiful kitchen and we are proud to recognise
their contribution to making beautiful kitchens come alive. We look forward
to another exciting contest.'
Contest categories for the 2002/2003 Kitchen Design Contest are:
*Best kitchen utilising a full-size Sub-Zero 600 or 700 Series unit and
Wolf cooking instrument(s)
*Best dealer showroom using both Sub-Zero and Wolf
*Best use of 400 Series and/or Wolf outside of a kitchen
*Best use of a Sub-Zero and/or Wolf outside of a kitchen
*International Category: Best use of a Sub-Zero and/or Wolf
Contestants first compete at the local level among fellow design professionals.
The 50 regional winners from throughout North America then receive cash
and a trip for two to Arizona where they compete for national honours.
Cash prizes totaling $85,000 will be distributed to the national winners
during the celebration in Arizona March 18-22, 2004. Regional winners
will be featured in the book Great American Kitchens, a custom-published
book distributed nationally.
All design and construction must be fully completed within the contest
period of January 1st, 2002, to December 31st, 2003, and all entries must
be received by Sub-Zero/Wolf no later than January 16th, 2004.
Contest judges from various disciplines within the kitchen design industry
will review the entries and select what they feel to be entries with a
good use of space, innovative and brilliant kitchen design and good use
of a Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance in a well-designed and beautiful home.
Last year's judges included Fu-Tung Cheng, Cheng Design, Berkeley, Calif.;
Mick De Giulio, de Giulio kitchen design, inc., Chicago, Ill.; Jeff De
Mure, AIA, architect with Bloodgood Sharp Buster Architects & Planners,
El Dorado Hills, Calif.; Jamie Drake, ASID, Drake Design Associates, New
York, N.Y.; B. Leslie Hart, senior account director for Meredith Corporation
and a National Kitchen and Bath Association Hall of Fame member, New York,
N.Y.; Tom Kelly, NorthShore Kitchens Plus, Inc., Marblehead, Mass.; and
Joan Kohn, producer and host for HGTV, Chicago, Ill.
The Sub-Zero/Wolf kitchen design contest is held every two years and recognises
kitchen designers, architects, interior designers and builders for advancing
outstanding kitchen design.
For further information and the complete downloadable rules and entry
blanks, visit http://www.subzero.com/trade
or contact a Sub-Zero/Wolf distributor representative.
Hoffmann
Shows Machinery Diversity at Ligna
The increasing variety of applications that are now using the Hoffmann
system of jointing worldwide has led the German manufacturer to develop
more customer-driven innovations many of which were on show on the company'sstand
at Ligna.
Apart from its traditional mitre and complex mitre jointing examples using
a variety of standard and customised Hoffmann machines, the company also
showed how its systems are now being widely applied in the architectural
sectors and window industries. The furniture industry continues to be
a growingly important user.
The complexity of components, shapes and designs that can be constructed
using the Hoffmann jointing system seems to have no end. The intrinsic
strength and durability of the joints provided by the dovetail keys in
actually pulling joints together and ensuring permanent bonds has given
the construction sector the confidence to start using the system widely
and in diverse applications. For instance the entire faÁade framework
for the showpiece Mercedes Benz Hamburg showrooms is constructed with
the Hoffmann system.
The system continues to grow in popularity for its flexibility and joinery
firms and shopfitters particularly recognise the benefits that the Hoffmann
system gives for final on-site assembly work. As a result Ligna saw the
launch of a new Hoffmann hand-held keyway router with full adjustment
facilities for the on-site and final assembly of items like staircase
hand rails, complex shopfitting displays etc.
A new range of full-colour, highly informative literature was also launched
at Ligna and can be obtained on request from Hoffmann in the UK on tel:
015242 62500.
Maytag
Corporation is Energy Star® Partner 2003
The
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy
(DOE) have named Maytag Corporation
as their Energy Star Partner of the Year. Energy Star is the mark of environmental
protection through energy efficiency.
Maytag has been awarded the Energy Star Partner accolade for its outstanding
contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through manufacturing
energy efficiency and the promotion of energy efficient products. Maytag,
which has been a partner in the programme since 1997 was honoured at an
awards ceremony in Washington D.C. in April.
For the consumer, choosing an Energy Star certified appliance means that
an 'average household can save up to 30% on its energy costs. In 2001,
Energy Star saved enough energy to power 10 million homes and reduce air
pollution to the equivalent to taking 12 million cars off the road.
Ellis Bardsley, Sales and Marketing Director Maytag UK says, 'Energy efficiency
is an important purchasing driver with tangible consumer and environmental
benefits. Maytag is committed to manufacturing energy efficiently, exceeding
the demands of the consumer with an energy efficient range of appliances,
enhanced with dependable performance, and at the same time minimising
the impact on the environment. We work closely with the Energy Saving
Trust in the UK, emphasising our environmental commitment on every continent.
We are proud to use the Energy Efficiency Recommended logo, identifying
Maytag's efficiencies and differentiating us from our competitors.'
Tel: 01737 231 000
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk