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KBSA Launches New Website Services For Members

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association today launches a range of new website services designed especially to benefit its members.

The new services, available exclusively to members both retail and corporate, include ‘Lead Link’ (a streamlined consumer enquiry lead system) and a comprehensive Mapping System.

Lead Link, the ‘Dotty Map’ and a preview of the new website product catalogue will all be introduced by KBSA Operations Manager Lucinda Kenny, chief executive Graham Hayden and corporate chair Barbara Leech will host the event and Andy Harrison from Storlogic Systems, the company managing the website, will be on hand to answer technical questions.

Lead Link is a complete service that automates the sending of website leads to dealers or branch networks and is far more cost effective than processing these inquiries manually.

The Mapping System has developed from the KBSA’s need to see a complex amount of geographical information in a concise form – and to monitor how this information changes over time. It could be used to show corporate members the location of types of different dealers, for example, or to reflect the success of advertising or promotional campaigns in specific areas. It provides a wealth of valuable information, is always accurate and is consistently up to date.

The new-look website product catalogue offers corporate members a stronger brand presence and opportunities for more advertising. Already popular with many members, the catalogue has been re-designed and will offer corporate members some new added value benefits.

'Our website has proved invaluable both for members and consumers and we’re delighted to be utilising this state of the art technology to develop these unique web service for members,' says Graham Hayden.

'The lead link system in particular will be of great benefit to many members. Already, they attract a huge amount of consumer leads via the website but this system will streamline the process by which they receive key information about their own website leads.'

The KBSA website can be accessed at www.kbsa.co.uk.

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Budding Teenager Bids for Pole Position in Motor Sport

Teenager, James Nash is on the road to living his dream of competing in the world of F1. James finished second at Silverstone’s National Circuit in the first round of the BRDC Formula Ford Single Seat Championship.

James, who is just 19, came second in the British National Karting Championship, TKM Senior Extreme, probably the most competitive class of all motor sport. In March, at Silverstone, he tightened the grip on motor sport with setting the quickest times and began the BRDC Formula Ford Single Seat Championship in first standing start and first qualifying, a hard earned position in the world of motor sport.

James had a phenomenal race and came in one tenth of a second behind the winner, and three seconds ahead of the rest of the field. James said of his achievement, ‘This was just a fantastic first single seater race for me. It was such a close result that the next races will be extremely exciting. I am so determined to reach the top of this profession, that I am prepared to do all I can to achieve the result.’

Looking for sponsorship in helping him on his way to becoming an F1 driver James continues, ‘This is a great sport and I have achieved a lot through the support of my father and my determination, but now I am focused on getting to the next level and for that I need more support. We are looking for sponsors for the year. This is a great start to the season. The next 14 championship races over eight circuits in the UK should be really exciting and great exposure for sponsors.’

To contact James, please call; Jacqueline, JM Marketing on 01536 414555/07968 122017 or email mailto:jmmarketing@virgin.net

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Double Investment in Customer Service

Bradford-based bath manufacturer Clearwater Collection has made a double investment in customer service. Clearwater has created a new service team and appointed a new service manager, Peter Armstrong, to head it up.

Peter, from Keighley near Bradford, has 23 years of experience in the bath industry and has been involved in all aspects of production. He moved into customer service six years ago.

Peter’s job is to manage the service team, which is predominantly road based. Team members Andy Pyrah and Perry Cooper cover the whole of the UK, solving customer’s problems and servicing baths while Jackie Levi is based in the office as a point of contact for customers.

Managing director Darren Allison said: ‘The new service team is an important tool with which to continually improve customer service. Having people like Perry and Andy on the road enables us to respond quickly to a customer’s needs.

‘Peter’s appointment is integral to the team’s success. His wide range of experience in the industry will help us to remain at the top of our game in customer service.’

Tel: 01274 738140

Schmidt Demonstrate Virtuosity with Aquilon

Aquilon Brilliant is the new range from France's leading kitchen manufacturer that demonstrates their flair for 21st Century design.

Sweeping, clean lines in a variety of gloss surface finishes create stark architectural styles with a combination of broad low drawers and towering cupboard units.

The wood grain option is a rich brilliant Cherrywood with a horizontal grain (vertical is possible) and trimmed with clinical aluminium to accentuate the stylish recesses that are used as pulls and textured in Aluminium, Black, Pear or White.

By mixing the Cherrywood units with, for instance, with tall cupboard units in Brilliant White, Brilliant ice blue, Brilliant natural grey or Brilliant vanilla all designed to carry an elegant stainless steel bar handle, a striking effect can be arrived at.

Of course Schmidt's virtuosity with Aquilon Brilliant is further enhanced with a full choice of 14 carcase interior colours, a variety of edge colours and patterns including matching or multiplex and various special features like glazed doors.

Fitted with their striking cooker hoods and recessed appliances the Aquilon Brilliant Schmidt design is contemporary, versatile and aspirational.

With over 450 prestige dealers throughout Europe, Schmidt's extensive design range is now available in a fast growing basis throughout the UK.

Schmidt Kitchens UK Ltd
01622 812123
www.schmidt-kitchens.com

Maytag UK Launches New Deep Cleaning Vacuum Cleaner

Maytag UK, the American appliance specialist, is launching a new deep cleaning vacuum cleaner. Made by the inventors of the upright vacuum cleaner and the largest and most experienced vacuum cleaner manufacturer in the world, means it delivers excellent cleaning and retailer performance.

The new Agility by Maytag is the first of a raft of new innovative vacuum cleaners to emerge from Maytag UK. Mat Morrison-Clarke explains, 'Maytag UK brings to the market a complementary addition to the market to enhance the normal cleaning routine. For the retailer this is an opportunity to sell an extra vacuum cleaner into the home with the additional benefit of deep cleaning. For the consumer who really cares for their home and welfare of their family and environment, the Agility delivers combined with extending the life of a valuable asset within the home. Deep carpet cleaning and care is set to become part of the consumers normal routine and this is a fantastic opportunity for the retailer to take advantage of this new wave of activity.'

The Agility versatile deep cleaner has been engineered and designed for carpets, rugs and upholstery materials throughout the home, with the benefit of lightweight design for ease of use and manoeuvrability. The ready to use format, fast and easy set up, designed for thorough deep cleaning performance, guarantees success.

Features of the new Agility by Maytag

• Deep down heated cleaning system designed for the entire home -carpets, rugs and upholstery.
• Extracts deep down dirt and grime and removing efficiently and effectively to promote quick drying.
• Lightweight and manoeuvrable.
• Low profile floor head for reaching under and around furniture
• Removable and easily located side-by-side tanks
• Five rotating SpinScrub™ brushes for powerful deep dirt cleaning and removable for easy maintenance.
• Clean Surge™ for concentrated treatment of particularly stained or areas subject to heavy traffic.
• On board powered hand tool for deep cleaning confined spaces, upholstery and stairs.
• Choice of cleaning solutions available for a variety of tasks.
• Detachable tool caddy to make for even more lightweight cleaning and convenience.
• Folding handle for to make storage easy.
• Delivered fully assembled and ready to use straight from the box

The Agility will be available from May and is expected to retail at around £239. To take advantage of this new floorcare opportunity call your Maytag Area Sales Manager or Maytag UK directly on 01737 231000.

http://www.maytag.co.uk

Dyson Gives up on Revolutionary Washing Machine

James Dyson has given up on his revolutionary Contrarotator washing machine, because the product is making a loss. The Contrarotator, which costs around £1,000, has two counter-rotating drums which replicate the action of handwashing. The company would not say yesterday how many of the machines, which have only been on the market in the UK, have sold, but said that the product 'has done well in the market'.

A spokesman said the company was not exiting the laundry sector, and would continue to research a product that could be sold internationally.

The Dyson machine is made in Malaysia, with the vacuum cleaners, after the company took the decision to move its manufacturing from Malmesbury, Wiltshire. The spokesman added that the move to Malaysia had not been about reducing the company's cost base but reinvesting the savings in research and development.

The Dyson machine has been on the market since the end of 2000. Which? magazine said in 2001 that it was not good value for money, although it was complimentary about the machine's cleaning power.

Mr Dyson replied the machine cleaned better than the one it was compared with. He said Which? had said something similar about his vacuum cleaner and it was later featured as its Best Buy.

Dyson engineers will now develop a next generation washing machine, which will use innovative technology designed for a global market.

Whirlpool Corporation Reports 2005 Q1 Results - Higher Material Costs Mitigated by Price Increases
 
Whirlpool Corporation today announced first quarter 2005 net earnings of $86 million, or $1.26 per diluted share, compared to $101 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, in the same period last year. The decline was driven by significantly higher material and oil-related costs.

Net sales of $3.21 billion were a first quarter record and increased 6.7 percent from last year. Excluding currency translations, net sales increased by approximately 4 percent.

'Our first quarter results reflect the positive benefits from our previously announced price increases, which we initiated to mitigate the significant increases in raw material and oil-related costs,' said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool’s chairman, president and chief executive officer.  'The results of pricing actions over the first three months of this year, including product and brand mix, were in line with expectations.  Our operating results were significantly impacted by approximately $190 million in higher material and oil-related costs compared to the prior year’s quarter.  We were able to mitigate most of this through global price increases, productivity improvements, cost controls and a lower effective tax rate.'

Fettig added: “Our first quarter operating margin performance improved versus fourth quarter levels, which reinforces the actions we have been taking to adjust to the global cost environment. These actions include implementing global price increases, driving record levels of controllable productivity, leveraging our global operating platform, reducing non-product related spending and accelerating our rate of innovation to the market. We remain confident that these actions are appropriate to address the current operating environment. In addition to deploying these key operating actions, we also continue to make investments that fuel continuous innovation and improve the capabilities of our global operating platform. Although the global cost environment remains challenging, we remain confident that we will grow our business, improve earnings and deliver our cash flow projection for the year.'

During the quarter, cash used in operating activities was $285 million compared to $141 million last year. As expected, inventories for the quarter increased in support of improved levels of product availability, rising material costs and increased transregional shipments. Cash flow also was negatively impacted by higher capital spending to support key innovation projects and manufacturing investments. Free cash flow was down $176 million, as expected, compared to last year. (See the reconciliation table below for a comparison of cash used in operating activities to free cash flow.)

RECENT MILESTONES

* Whirlpool Corporation ranked 18th among the 100 best corporate citizens according to Business Ethics Magazine. Whirlpool has been named to the list every year since its inception six years ago.

* The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy named Whirlpool Corporation an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for the sixth consecutive year.  Whirlpool received the award for leadership in manufacturing and promoting appliances that reduce both utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

* Black Collegian Magazine named Whirlpool Corporation one of the top 100 employers for college graduates for the second consecutive year.

* TUV Institute, the renowned German testing organization, awarded the in-home service program of Whirlpool’s Bauknecht brand its highest marks.

* German consumers selected Bauknecht’s print advertising campaign as the best of the “Most Liked Ads of 2004” in the white goods category, according to the German firm Research International.

* Whirlpool Corporation received 14 patents during the quarter for proprietary new design and technology innovation.

NEW INNOVATIONS

* Whirlpool brand introduced a new line of Whirlpool Gold built-in cooking products (ovens, combo-microwaves, and electric and gas cook-tops) that feature European design and advanced technologies that help speed cooking.

* The KitchenAid brand introduced a new seven-cup food processor and launched a new countertop oven with built-in oven features, such as bake, broil, toast and warm functions.  Both products expand the brand’s portfolio of innovative countertop appliances.

* KitchenAid extended its brand presence with the introduction of a new line of professional-style cutlery.

* The launch of the new Kenmore HE4t front loading washer and dryer pair, featuring bold new colors, generated strong consumer interest during the quarter.

* Whirlpool Europe launched its new "Origami" range of innovative cooktops. The new line is manufactured in different sizes and finishes and includes a variety of accessories, such as a cooking stone and a grill plate.

* In Brazil, Whirlpool’s Consul brand launched two new refrigerators—one featuring in-door water dispensing and the other offering frost-free performance in a space-saving design.

FIRST QUARTER REGION REVIEW

Whirlpool North America operations delivered record first quarter revenue. Sales of $1.98 billion increased 4.5 percent from the prior-year period, as price increases ranging from 5-to-10 percent across product lines were implemented.  For the quarter, industry  shipments for major appliances (T7) are estimated to have declined by approximately 2 percent, due primarily to fewer shipping days in the current period and trade inventory reductions.  Price increases, productivity improvements, and strong cost controls helped mitigate higher costs. Operating results declined 14 percent to $182 million year-over-year, due primarily to significantly higher material and oil-related costs. 

Based on current economic conditions, the company continues to expect full-year industry unit shipments in 2005 to increase approximately 2 percent.  

Whirlpool Europe sales of $729 million increased 7.3 percent from the prior-year period, representing a record first quarter in units and sales.  Excluding currency translations, sales increased approximately 2 percent.  Price increases of 3-to-5 percent were implemented across all products and markets during the first quarter. Despite flat industry growth during the quarter, Whirlpool Europe volume improved on the continued strength of the built-in segment and performance of the Whirlpool brand.

Price increases, productivity improvements, strong product mix and favorable currency offset higher material costs and increased operating profit by 7.6 percent to $33 million. 

Based on current economic conditions, the company continues to expect full-year industry unit shipments in 2005 to increase approximately 1 percent.

Whirlpool Latin America’s sales of $442 million increased 15.9 percent from the prior-year period, driven by price increases and improved product mix. Price increases on appliances and compressors were implemented during the first quarter. Excluding currency translations, sales increased approximately 8 percent. Industry unit shipments of appliances were up modestly during the quarter.  Price increases, productivity improvements, and aggressive cost reduction actions offset significantly higher raw material costs, heightened freight costs associated with product exports from Brazil, and unfavorable currency. Despite the challenging cost environment, operating profit advanced 12.9 percent to $25 million.
The region is currently implementing its previously announced additional 6-percent price increase to mitigate higher costs.

The company expects macro-economic conditions to remain positive and consumer interest rates in Brazil to begin easing during the second half of the year. As a result, the company continues to anticipate a 4-to-5 percent increase in industry unit shipments in 2005.

Whirlpool Asia sales of $94 million advanced 7.6 percent from the prior-year period. Excluding currency translations, sales increased approximately 5 percent. Operating profit improved 44 percent over last year’s levels, led by improvement in India and China. The improvement was driven by strong industry growth, market share gains, regional price increases and new product introductions. The prior-year quarter also included costs associated with the Company’s trade management strategy in India.

Based on current economic conditions, the company continues to expect full-year industry unit shipments to increase 3-to-5 percent.

'The challenging cost environment we are experiencing is evolving as expected,' said Fettig. 'Material and oil-related costs are expected to increase between $500-to-$550 million during the current year.  We continue to execute global price increases, and are aggressively implementing plans to drive higher levels of controllable productivity, reduce non-product related spending and accelerate the introduction of new products.  We will continue to focus on these four priorities in all markets around the world. Based on our assessment of the current environment, we continue to expect full-year earnings-per-share of $5.90-to-$6.10, and free cash flow to be in the $250-to-$300 million range.'

Omega Microban® Worktops Provide Peace Of Mind

The Kota Gloss design from Bushboard’s Omega Microban® collection is a realistic natural granite design available as a Worktop, Splashback and Upstand. Making a real design statement in the kitchen, the stylish design incorporates Microban® antibacterial protection, ensuring it also provides exceptional peace of mind for consumers.

Microban® antibacterial protection helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria, and is therefore particularly relevant to the kitchen area. Significantly, Microban® now has almost 60% consumer awareness which is growing rapidly in the UK through a wide range of household products, from soaps to dishcloths, kitchenware and even fridge linings.

Available on Bushboard’s Omega and Odyssey ranges Microban® antibacterial technology lasts the lifetime of the worktop and cannot be washed or worn out. Whilst it is not a substitute for a good cleaning routine, Microban® antibacterial technology is essential to protect busy households. Bushboard effectively combines the practical attributes of Microban® antibacterial protection with a wide selection of stylish, contemporary designs to suit any kitchen.

Omega Microban® Worktops from Bushboard are available in generous 4.1 metre lengths and its 28 best selling decors can now be combined with the 3 metre Odyssey worktops to save money and reduce waste. A complementary range of Omega Splashbacks and Upstands are available in a range of natural stone finishes to complete the kitchen look.

For further information on Bushboard call 01933 232 242 or visit www.bushboard.co.uk
For further information on Microban® visit www.bushboard.co.uk/microban

Plumbworld Prefers Aqualux

Aqualux, the UK's leading bath screen and shower surround manufacturer, has scooped a significant contract with multi-million pound online bathroom retailer Plumbworld.

The Wednesbury-based company has won preferred partner status and will be supplying a wide selection of products across its entire range including the economically priced Euro bath screens through to its luxury Energy Steam Cabins.

Mike Jones, Sales and Marketing Director, said: 'We are delighted to have struck up such a strong partnership with Plumbworld. We pride ourselves on being competitive and cost-effective as well as providing an excellent customer service, a business ethos that closely matches our new partners. We are looking forward to a long and successful relationship.'

Plumbworld has enjoyed considerable growth since it was established in 1999 and is now the largest independent online retailer of bathroom, heating and plumbing supplies.

Selecting preferred partners is part of Plumbworld's strategy to enable the company to achieve continued revenue and profit growth.

Julian Smith, Trading Director at Plumbworld said: 'Aqualux were selected because they couldn’t be beaten when it came to cost effectiveness, quality and service. I was very impressed with all aspects of the company, especially their product range, which is now an exciting extension of our already strong portfolio.'

Aqualux Products Limited is the UK's leading supplier of shower screens and enclosures. The company holds 40 per cent of the UK shower screen market and 18.5 per cent of the enclosure market. It offers an extensive range of shower enclosures and bath screens in its collection: Energy, Aquarius, Elite, Euro, Steam Cabins and Walk-in. It supplies the independent, DIY multiples and export markets. It is based in Wednesbury, West Midlands where it employs 275 people.

For further information please call: 0870 241 6131 or visit www.aqualux.co.uk

Hot News from Siemens! Free Pan Set with Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are hot news in the kitchen as they heat food up 25% faster than gas hobs, are safe to operate, energy efficient and easy to clean. What’s more, they look extremely sleek and stylish on any kitchen worktop!

Due to the direct transfer of heat via a magnetic field underneath the hob, only pans made of ferrous metal are suitable for use with induction hobs. This often means the costly purchase of a completely new set of saucepans by the customer before the new hob can actually be used for cooking.

Leading manufacturer Siemens is solving the problem this spring by offering a brand new 4-piece set of stainless steel saucepans free with every induction hob sold from the current range between now and the end of the year. All four shiny stainless steel saucepans are attractive, robust and durable.

Siemens induction hobs boast a plethora of special features that make them stand out from the crowd; like sleek touch controls, automatic safety cut out and LED electronic digital displays. All models are designed to co-ordinate with other stainless steel cooking appliances in Siemens’ built in range.

The free pan offer also includes three non-induction hobs from the company’s new ‘s-line’ cooking collection, namely ER77160GB 5-burner gas hob plus the two ‘Piezo’ ceramic hobs, models ET73P501E and EH77P501E.

Special leaflets promoting this offer are available at point of sale from Siemens’ stockists nationwide. Pan sets will be provided direct to the trade in advance to ensure that customers receive them when purchasing the hob, rather than having to send off a claim form and wait for the pans to arrive.

Comments Siemens Brand Manager, Jane Massey:

'This promotion highlights the many benefits of investing in a Siemens induction hob. In addition to heating up and cooling down faster than any other hobs in the range, the free pan sets are valued at over £100 so there’s never been a better time to buy Siemens built in cooking appliances!'

Hoffmann Sponsors Intriguing Exhibition

World leaders in dovetail key joining technology for wooden components recently conducted a dual sponsorship of a unique art exhibition in Hoffmann Germany's home town of Bruchsal.

The ‘Natural Worlds’ exhibition exhibited paintings from local artist Jürgen Spaske (sponsored by Hoffmann Germany) and Lancashire woodturning expert John Grimshaw - a past Axminster award winner - who displayed intriguing nature-related concepts of seascapes and fossils mainly turned from characteristic burrs. He was sponsored by Hoffmann UK and resides in Hoffmann UK's managing director John Galvin's home town of Bentham.

The whole exhibition was a truly collaborative effort and John Galvin's long association with Hoffmann Germany, his knowledge of the locality and the long standing contacts and friendships he's made there led to the exhibition being held in the prestigious surrounds of the fabulous baroque Schloss Bruchsal following the involvement of Willi Heist, a local landscape expert and friend of John Galvin's.

Held over three weeks and culminating over the Easter weekend the exhibition was hailed a great success with many fascinated and appreciative visitors.
The Hoffmann product - because of its many technical attributes and great versatility, has been involved in many artistic applications apart from its normal commercial uses. From picture frame construction through to three-dimensional murals, and many other imaginative schemes where wooden components need to be joined in a variety of angles and patterns.

Tel: 015242 62500
Email: mailto:info@hoffmann-uk.com
Web: http://www.hoffmann-uk.com

Electrolux AGM Re-elects Board and Proposes Dividend

The Annual General Meeting of AB Electrolux was held on Wednesday, April 20, in Stockholm.

Peggy Bruzelius, Aina Nilsson Ström, Hans Stråberg, Barbara R. Thoralfsson, Michael Treschow and Karel Vuursteen were re-elected to the Board. Tom Johnstone, Caroline Sundewall, Marcus Wallenberg and Louis R. Hughes were elected as new Board members. Louis R. Hughes thus returned to the Board after leaving it in September 2004, when he was appointed Chief of Staff for a group of advisors to the Afghanistan government.

The number of Board members elected by the AGM has thus increased to 10, as against in January-September 2004, and seven since October 2004.

The proposed dividend of SEK 7.00 per share was adopted. The record date was set as April 25, 2005, and dividends are expected to be paid by VPC (Securities Register Center) on April 28, 2005.

The parent company's and the Group's Income Statements and Balance Sheets were adopted. The Board of Directors and President were discharged from liability for the fiscal year 2004.

The AGM elected Michael Treschow as Chairman of the Board. At the statutory Board meeting Peggy Bruzelius was re-elected Deputy Chairman.

Performance-based long-term share program

In accordance with the previously announced proposal by the Board of Directors, the AGM adopted a performance-based long-term share program for 2005 that is substantially identical to the program resolved for 2004.

The program covers less than 200 senior managers and key employees, and is based on value-creation targets for the Group that are established by the Board of Directors. The program provides for allocation of shares if these targets have been reached or exceeded after a three-year period. Allocation is maximized to a specific level which may not be exceeded regardless of value created. A minimum level must be exceeded to enable allocation.

The program comprises B-shares. Participants are permitted to sell some allocated shares to cover personal income tax, but the remaining shares must be held for two years

The program is in line with the Electrolux principles for remuneration based on performance, and is an integral part of the total compensation for the Group's senior managers and key employees. The Board of Directors considers that the program will benefit the company's shareholders and also facilitate recruitment and retention of competent employees.
If value created is at the "stretch" level, i.e. the maximum level, the cost of the program is estimated at approximately SEK 267m, including employer contributions and the financing cost for repurchase of own shares. If value created is at 'target' level, the cost is estimated at a maximum of approximately SEK 165m. The cost of the program is comparable with previous share and stock-option programs. The program is expected to result in a maximum increase in the number of shares of approximately 0.51%. Repurchase and transfer of own shares

The Annual General Meeting approved, as in previous years, a new program for repurchase of A- and/or B-shares during the period prior to the Annual General Meeting in 2006.

The purpose of the repurchase program is to continuously enable adaptation of the Group's capital structure, thus contributing to increased shareholder value. Electrolux should also be able to use repurchased shares in connection with financing of potential acquisitions and the option programs for 2000-2003, the 2004 share program, and the 2005 share program.

The company may repurchase shares in an amount such that, following each repurchase, the company holds a maximum of 10% of the total number of shares in the company. Purchases may be made only through transactions on the Stockholm Stock Exchange at a price per share within the prevailing registered price interval.

As of April 20, 2005, Electrolux held 17,733,300 B-shares, corresponding to5.7% of the total number of outstanding shares. With reference to the current holding of own shares, a maximum of 13,158,730 shares may be repurchased.