BRE
Certification has received Government approval to run a Competent Person
Self-Certification Scheme for Part P, which has been developed in collaboration
with the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) and with the support
of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE).
From 1st January 2005, most electrical installations in dwellings are
covered by Approved Document P of the Building Regulations 2000. Part
P also applies to electrical installations in common access areas in blocks
of flats such as corridors and staircases and also any shared amenities
such as laundries or gyms.
Part P states that 'fixed electrical installations in dwellings shall
be suitably designed, installed, inspected and tested so as to provide
reasonable protection against their being the source of a fire or cause
of injury to persons and where an electrical installation is provided,
extended or altered, sufficient information shall be provided so that
persons wishing to operate, maintain or alter the installation in the
future can do so reasonably safely'. Part P advises compliance with BS
7671 or following the Guidance within the 'IEE On Site Guide' or relevant
other IEE Guidance Notes.
Type of Work Affected
ADP defines an electrical installation as 'fixed electrical cables or
fixed electrical equipment located on the consumer's side of the electricity
supply meter'. This encompasses all wiring and assemblies other than portable
or transportable appliances, i.e.
* Connection of an additional circuit(s) to a new or existing consumer
unit (e.g. fire or security alarm)
* Complete re-wiring
* Replacement of cables resulting from damage to more than one existing
circuit
* Electrical installations in kitchens, bathrooms, or other Special Locations
as defined by Part P (ADP can be viewed here)
The Result
Householders needing electrical work must either
a. inform the Local Authority Building Control office of their intention
to carry out electrical installation works and submit building notices
in advance of the works; Building Control will then carry out an inspection
of the work when it is completed. LABC inspection fees will be charged;
or
b. employ an electrical contractor who is registered as a 'Competent Person'
to Part P. For a full list of approved contractors please visit http://www.partp.co.uk.
BRE Certification Scheme
BRE Certification has received Government approval to run a Competent
Person Self-Certification Scheme for Part P, which has been developed
in collaboration with the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) and
with the support of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and
have launched a website entitled http://www.partp.co.uk.
This site provides information about Part P, including how to apply to
join the scheme. There is a discount for those who apply on-line. Once
a company has been approved, they are subject to annual surveillance visits
to ensure continued quality service.
CDA
Park Logistics Operation Locally
CDA,
the Nottinghamshire based domestic appliances manufacturer, announced
on 18th January the outsourcing of its logistics arm to local firm Park
Logistics, in a five-year deal worth around £1.5m each year.
Ian Kershaw, managing director of CDA explained:
'The primary reason for outsourcing our logistics arm is that it allows
us to focus on our core business, which is that of manufacturing.'
He went on to add that: 'Park has a proven reputation and the company
possesses a fantastic ‘can-do’ attitude, which is a similar
business philosophy to that of CDA.'
The deal, which means that CDA can now deliver to any UK and Republic
of Ireland address within 48 hours, comes after a fourteenth successive
year of growth. CDA has recently moved from its previous site in Dunkirk,
Nottinghamshire to new 180,000 sq ft premises in Langar to accommodate
this growth.
Speeding
into the New Year, L to R Commercial Director of Park Logistics, Ken Peet
and Ian Kershaw, Managing Director of CDA.
Ken
Peet, commercial director of Park Logistics comments:
'We first worked with CDA, when due to rapid expansion, the company called
on us to provide both warehousing and distribution support for its operation.
We were very pleased to be selected to convert that experience into the
current contract, transferring total responsibility to us for all of the
company's logistics requirements.'
The whole logistics arm of the business has been transferred over to Park
Logistics, including 14 CDA employees. Park personnel will also be working
alongside CDA workers to ensure the smooth transfer.
Ian Kershaw continues:
'Park has an established and proven delivery network across the UK and
Republic of Ireland and hopefully both businesses will be able to use
this partnership as a platform for growth in 2005. What is really fantastic
about the deal is that we are outsourcing to a local business, and this
reiterates our faith in the local economy.'
The five-year deal will also include a £440K investment in the complete
renewal of the CDA truck and trailer fleet. Park Logistics took delivery
of the first three CDA branded trailers in the second week of January.
Web: http://www.cda-europe.com
Web: http://www.parklogistics.co.uk
Wolseley
Pre-Close Trading Statement Shows Growth in UK and USA
Wolseley
plc, specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products and
a supplier of building materials to professional contractors, has issued
a trading statement for the five months to 31st December 2004 which show
a strong increase in sales and profits driven by high rates of organic
growth in North America and the UK and the beneficial impact of commodity
price inflation in the USA. The group's trading margin for the five month
period is also substantially up on the equivalent period in the prior
year.
After currency translation and including the effect of acquisitions, group
sales for the five months to 31st December 2004 were up by nearly 10%
and trading profit up by more than 25% on the same period in 2003. The
adverse currency translation effect on sales was approximately £242
million and £13 million on trading profit. On a constant currency
basis, and including the effect of acquisitions, group sales and trading
profit for the five months ended 31st December 2004 are up by more than
15% and 30% respectively.
Further details of market conditions in each of the group's business segments
are set out below.
North American Plumbing and Heating Distribution
The US plumbing operations performed strongly with sales in local currency
for the five months to 31st December 2004 up by more than 15% and trading
profit up by more than 40% on the equivalent period in the prior year.
The majority of the sales growth was organic, including the beneficial
effects of commodity price inflation. Approximately $10 million of the
increase in trading profit was due to commodity price increases in products
such as copper, steel and plastics. The year-on-year benefits of this
price inflation are unlikely to continue at the same rate into the second
half due to the generally higher level of commodity prices in the second
half of 2004. The trading margin increased substantially over the equivalent
period last year.
US housing related activity held up well and the more positive economic
environment has benefited the repairs and remodelling market. The commercial
sector continues to improve and the industrial sector is showing the initial
signs of improvement.
Ferguson's market outperformance continues to be driven by the commercial
advantage gained from its distribution centre network and from management's
focus on achieving organic growth in selective markets. The next distribution
centre in Iowa is on track for completion in this financial year.
In Canada, the construction and housing markets remained strong. In local
currency, Wolseley Canada achieved a double-digit increase in both sales
and trading profit over the equivalent five month period in the prior
year.
With effect from 1st August 2004 the recorded sales value in Ferguson's
Integrated Supply Division represents the gross profit rather than the
gross sales value which was recorded in the year to 31st July 2004. This
change is the result of a review of revised contractual arrangements and
following the guidance contained in the recently released Application
Note G to FRS5. The effect of this change in the five months to 31st December
2004, which has no effect on profit, is to reduce sales by $84 million.
There is a positive impact on the trading margin of Ferguson for the five
month period of 0.2%.
European Distribution
In European Distribution, sales and trading profit in the five months
to 31st December 2004 in sterling were both up by more than 10% compared
to the same period in the prior year.
The UK has been the most positive of the group's European markets in the
five months to 31st December 2004, with demand in the repairs, maintenance
and improvement ('RMI') sector remaining strong and the commercial sector,
including government spending, showing signs of improvement. Despite the
continuing weakness in the industrial market and the slowing of new residential
construction, Wolseley UK's operations recorded double-digit sales and
trading profit growth in the period, with organic sales growth of more
than 8% and an improved trading margin. However, higher pension and restructuring
costs, as previously announced, will be reflected in the second half trading
margin. Brooks, the Ireland based timber and builders merchant acquired
in August 2004, is trading in line with expectations.
In France, government tax incentives are helping the new residential market,
but RMI, the principal driver of both Brossette and PBM, continues to
show little growth. PBM performed in line with expectations with local
currency sales and trading profit up more than 7% and it remains on track
to achieve its return targets. Primarily due to some short term disruption
following the recent reorganisation of the branch and management structure
and distribution network, sales in Brossette for the five months to 31st
December 2004 were up only slightly compared to the similar period in
the prior year, whilst profits were marginally down.
In the rest of Continental Europe, nearly all of the group's businesses
showed sales and trading profit growth, despite most markets remaining
broadly flat.
SEB
- Slight Sales Growth in 2004, Solid Q4 Performance
SEB consolidated sales for the year 2004 totalled €2,336m, including a first-time contribution of €44m from All-Clad, consolidated over five months. At constant scope of consolidation, sales would have amounted to €2,292m, a decline of 1% at constant exchange rates and of 2.4% at current exchange rates. The currency effect was a negative €34m. These figures reflect the steady improvement in sales over the year, with several countries enjoying a recovery in the fourth quarter.
Economic conditions varied widely in 2004, by both period and region.
The year was notably shaped by :
* flat consumer spending in most developed countries;
* the rapid shift of the small domestic appliance market, focussing further
on entry-level and high-end products
* the growing strength of the euro, which reached a record high against
most other currencies
In this context, the Group met its objective of a slight growth in sales
at constant exchange rates, helped by ongoing expansion in international
markets, strong product momentum and the integration of the US-based company
All-Clad.
In France, after a difficult start to the year, the recovery observed
in the third quarter accelerated in the fourth quarter. The flagship products
were the Aquaspeed iron, the R2 and Artec 2 vacuum cleaners, the Krups
Essenza expresso coffee machine and the Iseo and Delicio small food processors.
Cookware sales (Thermospot and Ingenio ranges) were very satisfactory
and the Sesame low-pressure soft-cooker launched at the end of the year
was a big success.
The situation in the other European Union countries remained uneven.
The sales downturn was mainly due to problems encountered in Italy and
in Germany, although the strong fourth quarter performance in this country
helped to attenuate the full-year decline. In the United Kingdom, Spain
and Portugal, 2004 sales were up on the previous year.
In North America, the Group continued to grow its business in Mexico
and Canada, where the product offer was expanded. In the United States,
strengthening of entry-level non-stick cookware on the market and the
dollar's weakness against the euro adversely impacted sales throughout
the year. In the premium segment, Rowenta held onto its positions in linen
care and the new products launched by Krups got off to a good start thanks
to favourable slotting. All-Clad turned in a strong sales performance
in the last five months of the year.
In South America, sales grew by nearly 12% at constant exchange
rates, with Argentina and Venezuela leading the way. The Group also performed
well in Brazil, where strong product momentum in food preparation, linen
care and personal care appliances helped to drive up sales. At the end
of the year, the Group decided to extend its presence in South America
by setting up a sales operation in Peru .
In the other countries of the world, which now contribute around
one quarter of consolidated sales, the growth rate of more than 8% at
constant exchange rates testified to the progress made in the highest
volume markets (CIS, Turkey,
South Korea and Japan ), satisfactory performances in Central Europe and
the rapid take-off of business in new markets such as Thailand.
Showrooms
Capitalise on Growth of Ideal-Standard Filter Tap Sales
Following
the rampant growth in sales of the Ideal-Standard ClearTap™ in 2004,
a new range of Point of Sale Material has been designed for retailers
to capitalise on the obvious consumer demand for 2005.
With
an ever growing focus on healthy living and a conscience for the environment,
the purpose of this new promotional material is to reinforce the key benefits
of installing the ClearTap™ over traditional kitchen brassware.
The new showroom stands incorporate leaflet dispensers as well as the
tap itself and in a sense act as 'silent salesmen'.
Commercial Manager Alex Paul says, 'ldeal-Standard ClearTap™ was
launched four years ago and we saw steady growth over the first three
years but last year ClearTapTM really caught on.'
Paul puts this growth down to three factors, firstly water from a filter
tap is much more convenient than storing bottled water or constantly refilling
filter jugs. And for the growing numbers of people that now only enjoy
the pure taste of filtered water, ClearTap is a real money saver at 1.9p
per litre against an average 9.0p per litre for supermarket bottled water.
Underlying this cost savings and better taste are the obvious health benefits
of the ClearTap, which removes harmful bacteria such as Cryptosporidium
and Giardia as well as dangerous metals like lead that can still seep
into UK domestic water supply, especially in older houses. The filter
also cleans the water supply of taste influencing chemicals like chlorine,
which many authorities use to clean water. ClearTap™ does not however,
remove beneficial fluoride from the water system.
'One of the major features which differentiates ClearTap™ from other
filter taps is the ability that the tap has to 'manage' its filter use,'
says Paul. 'There is a very clear LED readout that shows the homeowner
when the filter needs changing, and it's a simple twist and pull to refit
the new filter.
'Features like these, along with the push fit connectors to simplify installation
and the simplicity of operation have all contributed to the success that
showrooms are having in selling ClearTap™,' concludes Alex Paul.
For further information or to order a brochure, please call: 0800 228
4766.
BMA
Formalises Relationship with PMI
The
Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) and the American based Plumbing
Manufacturers Institute (PMI) have formalised their working relationship
with a Memorandum of Understanding.
Martyn Denny, BMA President recently attended a PMI conference and outlined
the aims and objectives of the BMA. It became apparent that both organisations
had clearly defined similarities in most areas, such as organisational
structure, membership and key objectives along with facing the same industry
issues.
Martyn Denny stated that through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding,
both parties will benefit from shared information on technical, scientific,
legislative and, with an ever changing world market place, market intelligence,
reports and publications.
PMI Executive Director Barbara Higgins reported that 'The coming together
of the two organisations is another step in ensuring improved communications
and endorsement of its knowledge base. This can be further utilised through
open invitations to attend each others meetings'.
BMA Commercial Director, Yvonne Orgill commented that BMA and PMI had
a long standing relationship through the European organisation CEIR, the
Memorandum of Understanding can only act as the catalyst for greater sharing
to the benefit of all members. The BMA looks forward to working with Barbara
and her team at PMI.
The BMA, as the voice for the bathroom industry, looks after the interests
of manufacturers in many forums. With an enhanced marketing and training
programme planned for 2005, this will ensure greater benefits to all concerned.
For further information on the BMA and its activity please contact Yvonne
Orgill on 01782 747123 or email mailto:yvonne.orgill@bathroom-association.org.uk
Web: http://www.bathroom-association.org.uk
IDS
Breaks Through the £100m Sales Barrier
IDS,
national distributor of decorative surfacing products, has achieved a
significant milestone by breaking through the £100m sales barrier
in 2004.
Sales have grown by 70%, since the company was formed in 1999. Across
the UK, IDS has a national distribution network of ten regional branches
focussing on the furniture, shopfitting, construction and kitchen sectors.
The company’s product portfolio embraces the industry’s leading
and preferred brands in worktops, flooring, laminates and panel products.
The strong sales line has been achieved through organic growth in core
markets and acquisition. The flooring and worktop sectors have been especially
buoyant reflecting major consumer trends in home improvement.
Commenting on the sales achievement, managing director John Bagshaw says:
‘We have exceeded the sales target that we set ourselves, which makes
this an especially historic milestone. We are a young business and I am
very proud of this achievement over such a short space of time. We operate
in a highly competitive market and this result is down to the support
of our suppliers and the dedication and sheer hard work of my staff at
IDS’
Looking ahead to 2005, he continues:
‘Trading conditions are very tough at the moment and a key objective
will be to keep our products competitive in an aggressive and challenging
market. We have strong partnerships with our suppliers and customers and
our constant goal is to grow and create the market for our mutual benefit.
As the market evolves, it is important for us to understand customer requirements
and keep shaping our working practices to be responsive to their needs.
IDS has proved itself to be a robust and dynamic business and the ongoing
support of our suppliers, coupled with the commitment of everyone at IDS,
gives us a strong trading platform for 2005.’
Tel: 08457 298 298
Email: mailto:info@idsurfaces.co.uk
Web: http://www.idsurfaces.co.uk
Glass
UK Goes Down Under for the Perfect Colour Solution
Glass
UK, a manufacturer of toughened, oversized laminated double-glazed engineered
glass solutions, has secured sole UK rights to an Australian glass colouring
process which the company says is ideal for use with wall cladding, splashbacks
and kitchen work surfaces.
GlassKote
is a resin hardener which is added to approved two-part polyurethane paints
and is applied with a simple spraying technique. The manufacturers are
keeping their cards close to their chests with regard to the exact chemical
composition of the product, but in testing the additive which bonds the
paint to the surfaces of the glass has been found to be so durable that
the treatment is offered with a 20-year guarantee and is approved by the
Australian Gas Council at temperatures of up to 180 degrees Celsius.
GlassKote has been designed to be simple to apply - you can spray edge
to edge and there are no limits on size. It can be applied to tempered
or non-tempered glass and metallic finishes are easily achieved. GlassKote
can be applied post toughening over printed images and no stoving is required.
The fact that it is so simple to apply also make sit highly cost effective
– the lack of automated processes mean that it costs approximately
one third of the price of a traditional ceramic frit solution.
'One of the best features of the product is the issue of colour matching,'
says Glass UK Director Steve Laughton. 'We use computerised colour mixing
technology to ensure that we get a perfect match and this enables us to
offer the entire range of BS & RAL colours. There is no colour that
we cannot match. The colour range and durability make GlassKote absolutely
ideal for use with wall cladding, splashbacks and kitchen work surfaces.'
Web:
http://www.lmcgroup.co.uk
NRS
Makes Splash with Revolutionary New Bath Plug
A
new bath plug which has the capacity to prevent bathroom accidents has
been launched by Nottingham Rehab Supplies, a market leader in aids for
daily living and special needs bathroom and kitchen equipment. Nottingham
Rehab Supplies exclusively supplies the bathroom safety aid and is hoping
to reduce the many scalding injuries suffered by people in their own homes
with its new Magiplug.
This
dual-purpose plug works by using a pressure-activated system that releases
excess water when an unattended bath reaches a certain depth.
The plug also features a temperature-sensitive pad which alerts the user
to dangerously hot water by a special colour-change feature when temperatures
exceed 36C.
Said Jenny Fletcher, House & Home Product Manager at NRS: 'The most
recent DTI Government report, 'Burns and scalds accidents in the home',
suggests that anti-scald devices are key to quashing the number of fatal
and severe scald injuries sustained in the bath - the highest in the home.
'And with the advent of the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) and the
escalating ageing population, we are finding that people are becoming
more aware of products that can really promote independence and accessibility.'
She continued: 'The Magiplug is an ideal bathroom safety feature for everyone,
but is particularly useful for the elderly.'
Formed in 1947, Nottingham Rehab Supplies is a recognised market leader,
supplying an extensive range of daily living aids including a wide range
of special needs toileting and bathing products for adults and children.
Its diverse customer base spans professional healthcare establishments
and special needs mobility retailers, together with an increasing number
of builders, specifiers and architects and plumbing merchants who are
involved in the provision of special needs environments.
With more than 8 million disabled people, coupled with the demographic
and health trends of the ageing population, Nottingham Rehab Supplies
is confident the requirement for the Magiplug and its other bathroom equipment
will continue to grow.
A Magiplug sample is available on request. Please contact Jenny Fletcher
on 01530 418256 or mailto:jfletcher@nrs-uk.co.uk.
To reach the product advisory helpline, call 01530 418 222.
Waterline
Sponsors KBSA's Spring Meetings
Corporate
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association member Waterline is sponsoring
the association's spring regional meetings and will be presenting its
roadshow at each one.
The first meeting, an extra meeting for Central England (Region Eight)
takes place on Wednesday, March 2nd at the Sketchley Grange Country House
Hotel, Burbage, Hinckley.
Region Five (East Midlands/East Anglia) meets on Tuesday, March
8th at the Cambridgeshire Moat House, Cambridge. Chair will be Richard
Marr.
Region Six (London/Home Counties) meets on Wednesday, March 16th
at the Woodlands Park Hotel, Cobham. Chair will be Tony Nicholas.
Region Three (West Midlands) meets on Wednesday, March 23rd at
the Mere Gold and Country Club, Mere, Knutsford. Chair will be Mark Buchanan.
Region Four (Wales and South West England) meets on Thursday, April
7th at the Holiday Inn, Hambrook, Bristol. Chair will be Mike Ashton.
Region Two (Northern England) meets on Wednesday, April 13th at Ruddings
Park Hotel and Golf Club, Harrogate. Chair will be Ron Potts.
Region One (Scotland) meets on Wednesday, April 27th at Airth Castle
and Hotel, Airth by Falkirk.
A date has yet to be set for the meeting in Northern Ireland.
‘Our autumn meetings attracted some excellent turnouts and we look
forward to a series of successful spring meetings,’ said KBSA operations
manager Lucinda Kenny.
‘Our thanks go to Waterline for sponsoring all of the spring meetings
- we're sure members will find the company's roadshow most informative.’
Victoria
& Albert Targets Export Sales Growth
Specialist
UK freestanding bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert is gearing up
for major export growth around the world. Expansion of the international
sales & marketing team is well underway, with negotiations to secure
key personnel on schedule to be finalised by end of the first quarter
of 2005. Headed up by country specific experts, this team has the responsibility
of delivering the same sales success of both contemporary and classic
ranges experienced in the UK.
New models cast exclusively from solid surface QUARRYCAST™ are an
important part of Victoria & Albert's ongoing success story and this
year is no exception. The company says that Spring 2005 promises an exciting
time for trade customers eager to check out the latest trends in freestanding
bath design as Victoria & Albert's latest contemporary model is being
launched at Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO. Victoria & Albert Baths is
also exhibiting at ISH Kitchen and Bathroom GULF, Dubai - the Middle East
showcase for kitchen and bathrooms.
Joe Matthews, Managing Director of Victoria & Albert Baths says, 'In
the next few weeks we'll have some exciting announcements about the new
positions both here in the UK and overseas.' He continues, 'In the last
year Victoria & Albert has become a true global brand. Supported by
an enhanced range and expanded sales team our focus on key high end markets
in both Europe and the USA looks set to drive worldwide sales even higher.'
Web: http://www.vandabaths.com
Waterbury
Launches 'Five Star' Range in Homebase
Waterbury,
designer and manufacturer of quality bathroom accessories, is launching
a new collection into Homebase stores this season.
Offering
storage solutions that are stylish and practical, Waterbury's latest collection
Chia has a hotel bathroom look - a trend that is becoming increasingly
popular with homeowners.
Supplier to Hilton hotels worldwide, Waterbury has created a range that
combines the durability of bathroom accessories designed for commercial
use with designer appeal demanded by the domestic customer.
The range, which comes in chrome and features the simple angles and lines
found in contemporary hotel bathrooms, includes a wall mounted Mirror
with Shelf, Tumbler, Soap Dish, Towel Rail and Ring and Toilet Roll Holder.
Prices start at £22.99 for the Soap Dish or Tumbler Holder and the
Mirror with Shelf is priced at £69.99.
Sandy Madahar, Marketing Manager for Waterbury, said: ‘The new Chia
collection has been designed to help homeowners achieve designer-look
bathrooms without having to compromise on quality, practicality or price.
By offering the collection through Homebase, Waterbury can make premium
quality, stylish bathroom accessories available to everyone.’
Hand assembled and finished in the UK, every Waterbury product undergoes
rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest quality standards and
comes with a lifetime guarantee.
How is this quality achieved?
* Waterbury products start life as a tube made from brass, used because
it withstands corrosion
* It is then dipped in copper to highlight any scratches or imperfections,
which are removed
* Next it is coated in nickel for improved strength and durability
* The last layer is stylish chrome - or in the case of the premium Sienna
range, 22ct gold
Tel: 0121 333 6062
Update
Relies on East Coast Fittings for Quality and Service
The
quality of design, workmanship and attention to detail is what has created
the success story that is Update Interiors.
The Suffolk company says that it exemplifies the growing trend for using
very high quality cabinet makers to create bespoke designs for individual
customers.
Started
five years ago, Update has experienced year-on-year growth and has set
up a showroom of kitchen designs (accounting for some 70% of the company’s
work) adjacent to its workshops. The company also manufactures bespoke
bedroom, bathroom and, increasingly, home office designs. ‘We rely
on referrals and word of mouth for new business’ explains partner
Peter Esteller.
This reputation has been built on the use of only the best materials and
the latest technologies and fittings. ‘We concentrate on design behind
the cabinet door and drawer front just as much as we do on the visual
element. Function, storage and systems are all vital sales points and
advantages that our customers quickly come to enjoy, rely on and talk
about’ says Peter.
To achieve this Update is extremely discerning about who the company chooses
as suppliers: ‘We not only need the guarantee of quality products
but also the confidence to deal with suppliers who are right at the front
of their field in terms of new ideas and innovations’ Peter explains.
In this context East Coast Fittings is right up there as far as Update
is concerned.
East Coast Fittings is a British manufacturer and distributor of quality
components and fittings to the KBB sector. With its own door designs and
solution-providing fittings (for the bathroom/shower market particularly),
the company also supplies Update with flagship products from renowned
manufacturers like Blum and Hera lighting.
Update also sources high quality wirework from East Coast Fittings for
its cabinet interiors. ‘We know that East Coast Fittings will keep
us abreast of the most cutting edge developments in the industry. Already
we have introduced BLUMOTION self closing on all our drawers and doors
- a fabulous sales tool’ says Peter Esteller. He adds that the wide
choice of ingenious and subtle lighting options that East Coast Fittings
can offer from Hera show the company’s products off in the best way
possible and also generate satisfied customers.
In the company’s current showroom - and a new 1200 square feet facility
is soon to be opened at Neeedham Market near Ipswich - many of the products
supplied by East Coast fittings are used as sales points just as much
as the visual appearance of the furniture itself.
At East Coast Fittings expansion of the national sales force continues
and all products are on display in its new training and demonstration
area. The company is also in the process of publishing a new catalogue
of product brochures.
Tel: 01664 424288
Maytag
Corporation recently announced that two senior executives, both working
in the Office of the President, will leave the company, effective January
31st, 2005. William L. Beer, executive vice president and a 31-year veteran
of Maytag (pictured), will conclude his career with the company to pursue
personal and other professional opportunities. Thomas A. Briatico, executive
vice president, will retire from Maytag after a 30-year career with the
company.
Both executives were named to the post of executive vice president in
June 2004 during Maytag's 'One Company' restructuring initiative. This
effort integrated the systems, facilities and personnel from within Maytag
Appliances, Hoover and Maytag's corporate headquarters to form a leaner,
more efficient organisational structure. These positions will be eliminated
from the new structure going forward.
Ralph Hake, chairman and CEO, said, 'During our restructuring effort,
both Bill and Tom took on key roles, assisting with special projects to
ensure a smooth transition within the business. Our restructuring is now
complete and both of these highly capable executives have decided to pursue
the next phase of their lives. I am grateful for their efforts and wish
them well in their endeavors.'
Beer, 52, joined Maytag in 1974 as a market analyst and served in a number
of marketing roles in Major Appliances. He was named director of corporate
strategy in 1991 and then in 1993 vice president, marketing for Maytag
and Admiral Products. Beginning in 1996, Beer served as vice president,
strategic marketing, responsible for all of the corporation's Major Appliance
brands. He was named senior vice president, product supply in 1997 and
then took on the role of president of Maytag Appliances in 1998.
Briatico, 57, began his career in 1974 with the Magic Chef Corporation
in the Admiral Appliance Divisions where he worked in many financial roles.
Briatico served as vice president of finance before being named vice president
of manufacturing at Maytag's Cleveland Cooking Products in 1988. He was
named vice president and general manager at Cleveland in 1995 and then
president of Dixie-Narco Vending Systems in 2001. In 2003, he was named
president of Hoover.
Maytag Corporation is a $4.8 billion home and commercial appliance company
focused in North America and in targeted international markets. The corporation's
primary brands are Maytag®, Hoover®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®,
Dixie-Narco® and Jade®.
Vaillant
Group Continues on Profitable Growth Track
The
Vaillant Group has continued on its profitable growth track in 2004 for
the fourth year in succession. The increases it achieved in the first
nine months of the year (based on ongoing operations) were 6 per cent
in sales and 23 percent in the operating result. Financial indicators
and the key areas of the company’s development show its significant
progress compared to 2003.
Although the pan-European economic climate remains unfavourable, the Group
increased its overall sales by 6 per cent to €1.314 billion. While,
despite the weakness of the pound, the Hepworth Building Products division
maintained its sales level at €172 million, the Heating Technology
division improved its sales by 7 per cent to €1.123 billion and the
Household Products division (Abru) by 14 per cent to €24 million
to achieve significant growth.
Heating Technology
The Heating Technology division's overall sales rise of 7 per cent to
€1.123 billion was based on increases in all European regions: Western
Europe (7 per cent), Southern Europe (9 per cent), Central Europe (6 per
cent), Eastern Europe (15 per cent). In Germany, the important replacement
business achieved a rise of 6 per cent. One of the main reasons for this
was the 1 November deadline for replacements required under the German
Federal Imissions Control Act. The condensing wall-hung appliances and
air-conditioning systems segments in particular contributed to the Group's
Europewide sales success. The operating result (mEBITA) rose by more than
23 per cent to €132 million.
Household Products
Abru Ltd continued to develop well. Sales increased by 14 per cent to
€24 million. Both this positive development and the efficiency-boosting
programme the company launched last year have resulted in a successful
turnaround. At €2 million, Abru reported the best operating result
of its history.
- Investment
Optimisation of the Group's European manufacturing network is forging
ahead. Investment in concentrating the production of wall-hung appliances
in Remscheid (D), Nantes (F), Belper (GB) and Skalica (SK), as well as
that of boilers in Skalica, is currently being realised. A new module
factory in Trenèin, Slovakia, in which the Vaillant Group is investing
more than €6 million, will soon begin its first pilot production
runs.
- Research and Development
R&D projects continued both for the current heating technology brand
ranges, with focus on condensing technology, solar systems and modules,
and the Building Products and Household Products business divisions. Development
and test programmes for visionary products such as fuel-cell heating appliances
and zeolite heat pumps were implemented in accordance with the company's
longterm planning.
- Vaillant Group gains Italian heating market leadership with majority
stake in Hermann SRL
To strengthen its heating technology business, the Vaillant Group acquired
another 33 per cent of Italian manufacturer Hermann SRL, in which it has
had a similar interest since its acquisition of the Hepworth Group in
2001. The purchase price was €20 million on a cash and debt-free
basis.
Hermann, a family company based in Pontenure, in the Piacenza region,
employs 200 people and reported a turnover of €62 million in 2003,
selling more than 100,000 wall-hung boilers. During the last 10 years
the company has tripled both its sales and turnover.
Prior to this acquisition the Vaillant Group has been represented in Italy
by its Vaillant, Saunier Duval and Bongioanni brands. The takeover of
Hermann will increase the Group's market share in wall-hung boilers in
Italy (15 per cent to date) to 20 per cent and thus position it on level
terms with the current market leader. The brands will continue to be promoted
strictly separately in the markets.
Paolo Mazzoni, founder of the company in 1970 and owner of the remaining
33 per cent of Hermann, will continue to head the company. Vaillant Group
Managing Directors Dr Michel Brosset and Claes Göransson said: 'The
Hermann acquisition gives the Vaillant Group a leading company with excellent
products. We look forward to working closely with Paolo Mazzoni, whose
entrepreneurial vision and dedication laid the foundation for Hermann's
success.'
Sales of Vaillant Group wall-hung boilers now total more than 1.4 million
units per year, which with a market share of 26 per cent in Europe further
strengthens the Group's leading position.
Rochdale
Wood Products Supplies Kitchen Components with Hoffmann
Established
over 20 years ago, Rochdale Wood Products has grown steadily and has a
reputation for quality (mainly kitchen) cabinet components. The company's
25,000 square feet workshop in Rochdale is equipped with modem machinery
specified to give flexibility, productivity, quality and reliability.
Rochdale
Wood Products' reputation has earned the company a customer base that
covers, not only the whole of the UK, but the Republic of Ireland and
Denmark as well. The company is sought after to produce dimensionally
accurate and enduring products like face frames for in-frame cabinets,
wooden drawer boxes, accessories like canopies, wine and plate rack frontals
as well as a host of bespoke architectural joinery features.
In many cases RWP's Steve Holden relies on the tried and tested Hoffmann
system for dovetail jointing his products assemblies. Both for joining
haunched joints on rails and stiles or mitre joints on frames, the Hoffmann
serrated dovetail keys fit tightly and accurately into the designated
keyway routed on the Hoffmann PU2 router and pull the joint together into
a secure, permanent and seamless join.
Steve Holden says that the Hoffmann system is flexible enough to give
the same quality of joints across a whole range of products and designs.
The PU2 machine is a free-standing Hoffmann model with pneumatic clamping
operated via a foot pedal. Many other options are available from Hoffmann
for any application, company size and workshop conditions.
Steve Holden says that he can also create design versatility with the
system by having the joint hidden or exposed with appropriate capping
to create a feature.
The Hoffmann system is a key element of the flexible equipment at Rochdale
Wood Products - it allows Steve Holden to accept work with a great variation
of design with confidence. ‘Hoffmann not only secures joints at RWP
- it helps secure our reputation.’ says Steve.
Tel: 015424 62500
Email: mailto:info@hoffmann-uk.com
Web: http://www.hoffmann-uk.com
Homag
sets up Production Cell at Woodbury
The
modern Holbrook factory of Woodbury, part of the Omar Group of companies,
was set up in 2003 to manufacture luxury timber lodges and leisure holiday
homes of exceptional quality.
The range of designs, styles and options are wide and the internal appointments
of high quality. Lodges can include up to 3 or more bedrooms and kitchens
are also fully fitted.
When the Holbrook factory was planned a specific area was allocated for
the production of the fitted furniture and, following intensive research
into all the mainstream panel processing machinery suppliers, Homag U.K.
was appointed as both consultant and supplier to equip Woodbury's requirements
in this department.
The Operations manager at Woodbury said that the company wanted to set
up a production system that would process all bedroom and kitchen components
to assembled format on a flexible basis where sizes, dimensions and batch
quantities could be changed at will with minimum set-up time. He said
the company not only wanted Homag U.K. to specify and install the machines
but to project manage the whole section from floor layouts right through
to dust extraction and other ancillaries.
The Woodbury team worked with Homag U.K.'s Simon Brooks who has extensive
experience in production as well as his knowledge of CNC and other machinery.
In specifying and setting up an integrated production cell Simon Brooks
had the advantage of being able to draw on machines and equipment from
Homag Group members where systems, controls and components share common
technologies and ‘talk’ to each other efficiently.
The concept of the production cell is to integrate all processes from
the initial sizing of the panel through to the final assembly of the cabinet
carcase ready for installation.
The main material being processed for Woodbury is MFC and this is sized
on a Holzma HPP72 compact beam saw specified for its superior quality
of cut and dimensional accuracy. Both of these factors are crucial for
the success of downstream processes like edging and accuracy of drilling
and routing. The Holzma uses the mono-rail saw carriage guidance system
for a chip-free cut and a magnetic, contactless positioning encoder for
the program fence to ensure long-term accuracy. The CNC control is programmed
with the part dimensions and a bar-code printer at the outfeed produces
a label for the panel which contains all further instructions for the
controls of the edging and machining centre processes.
Once the panel is cut, edgebanding takes place on a Brandt KD66 single-sided
machine with all units operating via line control from the central control
panel.
The Brandt edgebander is fitted with a Ligmatech ZHR01 automatic panel
return device so that this area of operation is a truly one-man function.
The Ligmatech ‘Boomerang’, as it is known, is a popular piece
of equipment in workshops throughout the UK and offers a very quick payback
on investment with many years of future service.
The panels then move onto a compact Weeke CNC machining centre with a
high-tech engineered bed, flexible clamping and a multi-tool head which
operated in the X, Y and Z axes. All boring - vertical and horizontal
- as well as any routing and shaping work is carried out on the Weeke
which is programmed either via the bar code scanner from the label on
the panel or directly.
The prepared panels for the carcase sides, backs, tops and shelves are
then fitted with assembly fixtures and dowels and assembled on a Ligmatech
MPH automatic cramping clamp.
Woodbury's managment says that having Homag U.K. project manage the entire
production cell was an excellent idea. The operation went to plan and
schedule and training for 3 Woodbury operators at Homag U.K.'s dedicated
facilities at Castle Donington. This is also the headquarters for Homag's
high-tech service and after-sales division which was another important
factor in Woodbury awarding the contract for its production cell to Homag
U.K.
Tel: 01332 856500
Email: mailto:sales@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk