Ideal-Standard
Previews Top Designers at 100% Design
Ideal-Standard
has been a regular exhibitor at the 100% Design exhibition since the late
nineties. The internationally recognised show is held during London Design
Week in September and focuses on the latest contemporary interior products.
For the 2004 exhibition Ideal-Standard will feature a selection from its
portfolio of future bathroom ranges, from the pens of some of the finest
designers in Europe.
Ideal-Standard is dedicated to working with top designers such as Marc
Newson and David Chipperfield. This year's stand shows products from a
fresh array of designers including a walk-in shower from young, London
based design team Pearson Lloyd.
Other products to be previewed include a new style of freestanding bath
as well as new square bathroom basins added to the successful White collection
by David Chipperfield.
As well as products Ideal-Standard will again be hosting the Ideal-Standard
Design Forum with speakers Robin Levien r.d.i, as well as Luke Pearson
& Tom Lloyd, who will give some insights and background to the FX
design award winning work they did in designing in the restricted spaces
offered by Virgin Airlines and the latest Ideal-Standard Shower range
that will be unveiled at the exhibition.
Stand No J64
Web: http://www.ideal-standard.co.uk
POD:Life
Launched by LG at 100% Design
Come
along to the LG HI-MACS stand at 100% Design and view a new concept in
lifestyle – POD:Life. Pod:life is a ‘bolt-on’ property-enhancing
solution that provides functional design for your bathroom, kitchen, gymnasium
or wet room.
These tailored environment ‘pods’ are made entirely from LG
HI-MACS Natural Acrylic Stone and offer truly ‘homogenous’ environments
with smooth, blemish free surfaces and seamless joints.
The LG HI-MACS collection of beautiful ‘Volanics’ surfaces will
be on display and a number of key personnel will also be available on
the stand:
Martin Saxby, UK Manager, LG Chem
Dominique Tombeur, VP for LG Chem, Europe
Chris Sutton, Director, James Latham (LG distributor)
John Nordon, IDE-Architecture (Design)
Kohler
will be making its debut appearance at 100% Design with a range of iconic
products including the sok overflowing bath with chromatherapy, Purist
Laminar mirrored cabinet and Paradox Wet Surface basin. In addition, a
selection of directional vessels such as the Vessels Murraya and Vessels
Crucible and brassware such as Falling Water, Vas and Bol will be on show.
100% Design has a reputation for its stringent entry policy to ensure
the presence of the highest level of designers and manufacturers and to
encourage just the best and the latest in contemporary interiors products.
Kohler is pleased to be among the selected few chosen to exhibit at this
year's showcase
Stand No J130.
Web: http://www.us.kohler.com
LG
Electronics Bowled Over By ICC Champions Trophy
LG
Electronics continues to build on the success of its global association
with cricket through its successful sponsorship of the ICC (International
Cricket Council) Champions Trophy 2004, in which England displayed a brilliant
performance this week to beat Australia for the first time in six years
and set up a potentially thrilling match at the Oval on Saturday against
the Windies.
One
of the major tournaments in international cricket, the ICC Champions Trophy
is being staged in the UK between September 10th to 25th at three locations
– The Oval in London, Edgbaston in Birmingham and The Rose Bowl in
Southampton.
LG Electronics has already built a strong and successful association with
cricket and is actively involved with the game in Pakistan, South Africa,
India and England. This year will be the fourth event staged in the history
of the tournament, currently held every two years.
The ICC Champions Trophy sees twelve teams divided into four pool groups
based on their official ICC one-day international rankings, with the winners
progressing to the semi-finals and final. India and Sri-Lanka currently
share the trophy after a finals washout in 2002. It is estimated that
200 million viewers around the globe will watch the 16-day tournament.
The sponsorship provides LGE with a platform to showcase its stylish range
of high quality products to both UK and global audiences, and enables
it to engage with its customers through a number of highly successful
key initiatives including:
• Showcasing its home entertainment, appliances and PC products via
a branded road show truck at Edgbaston, Birmingham and promotional staff
at all the ICC Champion Trophy matches
• Creating a credible tie-in with England international Andrew Strauss
to communicate the benefits of LGE products and its association with cricket
to fans
• Launching ground-breaking research into ‘Cricket Greats’
where fans vote for their favourite cricketing heroes
• Engaging fans at matches via a high tech interactive cricket simulator
called ‘Hawkeye’
• LGE sponsorship of host broadcaster Sky Sports helping to deliver
the cricket to TV audiences across the globe. Local activity also includes
the funding of a TV blimp to give fans an enhanced viewing experience
via aerial camera shots
• Supporting the prestigious ICC Awards event – recognising
true cricket talent
• Bringing colour and support to the ICC Champions Trophy by creating
animations for the super-screens, giant on-pitch logos as well as sight
and perimeter board advertising
• Providing and installing over 100 top of the line, high tech, LG
Electronics Plasma Displays and LCD TV screens throughout the three cricket
venues ensuring great viewing for all the spectators
• Running sponsorship and promotions within national and regional
newspaper supplements in the UK.
James Jeong, president of LG Electronics UK says: 'LG Electronics is delighted
to have a new world cricket event to associate itself with. The pursuit
of excellence in cricket is as important to LG Electronics as it is to
the international fan base and to so many of our customers world-wide.
This tournament also provides an excellent opportunity to showcase LG
as a premium global brand. We look forward to continuing building on the
success of our existing and credible cricket portfolio through our partnership
with the ICC Champions Trophy.'
Convincing
Six Month Results - at Hansgrohe AG, Growth Continues
Once
again for the sixth year in a row, Hansgrohe AG, international provider
of technical plumbing appliance products and state-of-the-art design-oriented
bathroom solutions, is continuing down its path of growth. While the German
economy as a whole is still only sluggishly picking up speed, the Hansgrohe
Group, headquartered in Schiltach, the Black Forest, was able to record
a two-digit increase in turnover in the first six months of the current
year. That came out to total business volume for the first half of 2004
of Euro 215.8 million.
Correspondingly, the company upped its staff in the first half of 2004
to a total of 2,566 employees worldwide.
A majority of this rise in turnover was generated outside of Germany.
The total increase for the company abroad was 22 percent. But even in
Germany in an economic environment that is still very difficult, a positive
dynamic was obtained as the company posted growth of 10 percent.
CEO Klaus Grohe (pictured) described the fact that all four brands within
the umbrella of the Hansgrohe Group had improved their results as an especially
good bit of good news with respect to growth. A decisive factor in the
above average positive development was the company's continued firm hold
on the strategy of providing clear characteristics distinguishing it from
the competition by consistently concentrating and expanding on its innovative
strength and technological leadership. At the same time, systematic process
orientation in day-to-day business and the optimisation of existing processes
also contributed to increasing productivity and economic efficiency by
further improving product and service quality. The market success of the
Hansgrohe Group can be seen in several prestigious, major projects such
as the Bulgari Hotel in Milan, the cruise ship Queen Mary II (pictured),
or the ‘Colosseo’ in Europa Park in Rust, all of which were
accomplished in 2004.
Klaus Grohe and his colleagues on the Executive Board are also content
with the business trend in the first half of 2004. It is their common
goal to energetically continue down the path of growth that they have
already set out on. Whether the strong rate of growth from the first half
of the year can carry on will depend among other things on further developments
in the general economic situation. From the Board's overall point of view,
however, the odds are very good that solid growth will be generated for
the year as a whole and that budget goals will be achieved.
Web: http:www.hansgrohe.com
Falcon's
Infinity Fryer takes Sting out of Rising Gas Prices
William
McGrath, the chief executive of AGA Foodservice says that the new 'revolutionary'
Falcon Infinity Fryer would 'halve the running costs' for fast food chains.
The fryer uses one-third less oil than conventional fryers and the company
has already signed a deal with Whitbread, which owns Beefeater, Pizza
Hut and TGI Friday.
'It's
not just hot air that rises – electricity and gas prices are on the
increase and the outlook looks costly.' says Falcon. Forecasts suggest
that natural gas prices will steadily increase with industrial and consumer
demand on the increase and no production surplus available from the new
UK gas wells. The UK will soon become a net importer of gas with similar
trends to that of the electricity market.
Natural gas has been the fuel of choice for UK energy consumption over
the last 25 years, growing at an annual rate of 3.7% with 41% of our energy
demand now met by gas.
And this problem is not a short term one. Transco projected in their 10-year
statement that UK natural gas demand will grow at an annual rate of 1.7%
until 2012/13, with natural gas’ share of primary energy supply rising
to 46%.
But what has all this talk of hot air this really have to do with you,
your business and Falcon? The answer is simple. Your profits are under
threat from rising energy costs.
Falcon has been developing energy saving products to tie into, not only
the company's environmental stand point but also to pre-empt this global
prediction for rising natural gas prices. 'Our industry know-how in conjunction
with our design and technical expertise are combining to help save you
money and keep your profits healthy. Not to mention the environmental
benefits to the world at large.' says the company.
'Our revolutionary Infinity fryer uses up to 38% less energy than its
leading competition. That’s a whopping £180 saving on an average
annual energy bill. When the gas prices increase – and they will,
a 38% energy saving will really make a difference.' says Falcon.
'The Infinity design uses only 16 litres of oil which means less oil to
heat up, which in turn means quicker heat up times (37% faster than leading
competitor) which of course means less gas required. The revolutionary
pre-mix burner technology – combined with the patented bio-form heat
exchanger produces efficiency levels of over 80%. Compare this to 50%
efficiency from traditional fryers and you can begin to see how you can
save money on your energy costs with the Infinity.'
Web: http://www.falconappliances.co.uk
Franke
Achieves 30% Improvement in First Half of 2004
The
Franke Group achieved net sales of CHF 816.3 million in the first half
year of 2004. This corresponds to an increase of +CHF 93.6 million or
13% compared with the previous year. Operative results (EBITDA) have improved
by more than 30% compared with the same period of the previous year. The
Group is expecting business to continue its positive performance in the
second half of 2004.
The first semester of 2004 went well for the Franke Group. While net sales
improved in accordance with set targets, earnings too significantly exceeded
that of the previous year.
Franke
Kitchen Systems (sinks, fittings, hobs, ovens, extractor hoods etc.) continued
to perform well in the first half year and increased sales (+17.8%) and
earnings compared with the same period of the previous year. Franke Foodservice
Systems (kitchen equipment for fast food restaurants) exceeded the previous
year's sales by 1.5% and earnings were also up over the previous year.
While newly opened businesses continued to fall as expected, the increase
in replacement parts and rollout business was more than 30%. Even Franke
Coffee Systems increased sales by +21.8% in the first half year of 2004
compared with the same period of the previous year. Other activities of
the Group performed satisfactorily and so, for example, the Beverage Container
business showed an increase in sales of +13.1%. As far as income was concerned
all Franke activities were up on the previous year.
In the first semester, or rather the first 8 months of 2004, the Group
was involved in further strategically important activities: The Franke
company, Lanz lndustrietechnik AG, was sold to AdvalTech Holding AG on
24th June 2004 and in return Franke now has a 20.3% shareholding in AdvalTech.
On 11th August 2004 Franke took over 49% of Finfaber S.p.A, the holding
company of the ltalian Faber Group. Faber is one of the world market leaders
in kitchen extractor hoods. In 2003 Faber had consolidated sales of approximately
CHF 300 million and employs some 1,200 people in 14 companies all over
the world. On 25th August 2004 Franke took over the American distribution
partner in the coffee machine business, Espresso Specialists Inc. (ESI),
and thus reinforced its presence in the US coffee machine market. ESI
partners with more than 100 coffee roasters and almost 300 service organisations
in the United States.
The Group's order book as at 30th June 2004 was significantly up on the
corresponding period of the previous year.
Amongst other things the Group invested in new factories in Switzerland,
Turkey, Brazil and Italy. Further rather large business investments were
made in Germany, Russia, Canada and Holland. A new coffee machine factory
is currently being built at the head office in Aarburg. In addition, during
the first half year with Franke Caucasus Ltd. a new distribution company
was founded in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
The sales and earnings targets for 2004 are being achieved whereas reaching
the earnings targets depends on improved cost management. The main problem
still is the enormous price increase in stainless steel supplies.
Dumping
Allegation Upheld in Australia
Fisher
& Paykel Appliances Limited has announced that Australian Customs
has found that washing machines exported to Australia from Korea by LG
Electronics Inc, were considered to be dumped.
The company is delighted with the news, which follows an allegation made
by it dating back to July 2002. Australian Customs initiated an investigation
and in September 2003 a dumping duty notice was published in respect to
washing machines exported to Australia from Korea by Daewoo Electronics
Co. Ltd, Samsung Electronics Korea and other exporters excluding LG Electronics
Inc. Margins of dumping were spread across a range from 2 to 10 per cent
and 35 to 45 per cent respectively.
Fisher & Paykel and Daewoo then applied for a review of the Minister's
decision. As a result of Customs' new findings, exports of washing machines
by LG Electronics Inc. over the investigation period, were considered
dumped, with a dumping margin in the range of 2 to10 per cent. The findings
for Daewoo and Samsung remained unchanged.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Customs Service has subsequently
commenced a review of normal values, export prices and non-injurious prices
that constitute the anti dumping measures applying to certain washing
machines exported from the Republic of Korea. fhe Minister for Justice
and Customs in Australia, has requested that Customs initiate the review
as the factors relevant to the measures announced may have changed.
Hettich
Gets off to a Good Start in 2004 - Exchange Rates Stifled Growth in 2003
Hettich
Group turnover totalled approximately 530 million euros in 2003, the same
figure as in the previous business year. The company states that despite
a weak German economy, it was possible to maintain sales at the previous
year's level as business abroad had risen to 55 per cent. Whereas the
German furniture industry was suffering from a restraint in consumption
and the European office furniture industry was still having to cope with
a significant market slowdown, Hettich's international activities produced
an increase in sales, the company reports.
Employing a staff of around 4,800 worldwide (figure unchanged), of whom
3,000 work in Germany, the company group manufactures furniture fittings
at seven German and six international locations and delivers to some 100
countries around the globe.
From today's point of view, the Hettich Group is once again on an upward
trend, having seen turnover increase during the first five months. Even
if this rise cannot be projected over the whole year, there are already
signs of recovery on the domestic market and further expansion abroad.
However, higher prices for raw materials, in particular for steel, presented
a significant risk to any general economic pickup. These sharp price rises
will have to be passed on to customers in the value-adding chain.
The company's strong commitment to Germany was demonstrated by the company's
largest ever single investment of approximately € 25 million later
on in the year. Following the planning phase, construction of a new industrial
logistics centre is set to start in October at Bünde, East Westphalia.
Lathams
and Howden Flamebreak Agreement
Timber
and panels distributor, James Latham, has signed a trading agreement with
Howden Joinery for the supply of the high quality Flamebreak lightweight
door blanks.
The
agreement means that the company will supply a monthly volume of Flamebreaks
into Howden Joinery’s central store for its onward distribution to
any one of its 300 plus sites. The initial agreement is for 12 months
with both parties expecting to extend for a further period of time.
Howden Joinery is an expanding business supplying the building, joinery
and kitchen sectors and sees Flamebreaks as an integral part of its developing
product range.
Josephine Perkins of Howden Joinery says, ‘Demand for high quality
lightweight door blanks will continue to grow and we are delighted to
be able to offer Flamebreak to our existing and potential customer base.’
James Latham’s group panel products director, Chris Sutton adds,
‘We are delighted with the commitment made by Howden Joinery to our
company, and it is our responsibility to ensure guaranteed continuity
of supply and contracts have been placed to cover the additional, expected
demand’.
Flamebreak door blanks are available across the seven James Latham panel
product depots in a range of surface finishes, sizes and finishes.
James Latham continues to add to its extensive range of panel products
and high quality hardwoods, softwoods and timber flooring products.
Tel: 0116 281 2264
Email: mailto:marketing@lathams.co.uk
Web: http://www.lathamtimber.co.uk
Masco
Corporation Declares Increased Quarterly Dividend and Increases Earnings
Guidance
Masco
Corporation announced on September 13th that its Board of Directors has
declared an increased quarterly dividend of $.18 per common share payable
on November 8th, 2004, to shareholders of record on October 8th, 2004.
The 12.5 percent increase from $.16 to $.18 per common share reflects
Masco's favourable long-term outlook, its strong balance sheet and cash
flow and the recent tax law changes. This marks the 46th consecutive year
in which dividends have been increased.
The Company also announced that its third quarter results to the end of
August have exceeded its expectations and, based on current business trends,
the Company believes that its third quarter 2004 earnings from continuing
operations will be in a range of $.60 to $.63 per common share compared
with the previously forecasted range of $.57 to $.60 per common share.
The Company's favourable third quarter results reflect sales of new products,
market share gains, cost-reduction programmes and positive economic conditions
impacting the new home construction and home improvement markets.
Masco will update its previously given 2004 full-year earnings guidance
from continuing operations, of a record $2.25 to $2.30 per common share,
when it releases third quarter results in early November 2004.
Headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, Masco Corporation is one of the world's
leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products as well
as a leading provider of services that include the sale and installation
of insulation and other building products.
Web: http://www.masco.com
Mayfair
Brassware - ‘Excellence As Standard’
‘Founded
in 1985, Mayfair Brassware has built a reputation both here in the UK
and Internationally for service and quality that is synonymous in our
industry. This reputation and business principle is the fundamental driver
that underpins all the commercial activities of our UK and International
operations.
‘Our
warehouse in Hambleton, near Selby, Yorkshire, is the keystone of our
UK operation. Delivering in excess of 1,000,000 pieces of brassware each
year, providing our customers with the peace of mind that when orders
are placed, they can expect to receive their order ‘on time in full’.
‘At Mayfair we believe that commitment to quality, design and service
should be second to none. We ensure that our products are manufactured
from the highest quality raw materials, and in accordance with the Water
Byelaws Scheme; all products have KIWA accreditation. Mayfair products
are also supported with a full 10-year guarantee against manufacturing
defects.
‘Cutting edge design combined with performance continue to be ever
more important to the discerning consumer and we at Mayfair have not been
slow to recognise the continuing evolution of retail trends.
‘Recently we have launched our new comprehensive ‘Product Directory’
containing eight different brassware and shower collections and 50 different
modern and traditional ranges. 18 of these ranges are new introductions
this summer.
‘We are committed to introducing many new and innovative designs
to the market every year. We constantly monitor the trends within the
bathroom environment, no only here in the UK but throughout Europe in
order to ensure that we stay right at the forefront of consumer trends
and that we continually push the parameters of the design our products
in order to meet with the new market demands as they develop.
‘If you would like to receive one of our Product Directories please
call our sales office on – 01757 228421.
‘If you would like to become a stockist or distributor of our products
call Mike Campbell, Sales and Marketing Director directly on – 07793
651338.
‘Our customers have a right expect excellence as standard; we at
Mayfair are committed to delivering it.’
Premises
to Prosper With for Aqualisa
Aqualisa,
the award-winning designer and manufacturer of showers and bathroom brassware
has officially opened the doors to its newly extended and refurbished
flagship premises in Westerham, Kent.
The
£1m refurbishment of the company’s main offices and manufacturing
facility commenced 18 months ago and has been project-managed throughout
by Aqualisa Operations Director, James Bruton and West Midlands based
construction firm Well Construct.
Necessited by burgeoning growth, key successes such as the Quartz®
Digital shower, which has stacked up sales of over £20m in just
three years and the recent launch of the ‘Axis collection’,
the building works have encompassed all key areas of Aqualisa activity
– and staff have stoically endured finding new routes to their desks
for much of the time. Now, with new meeting rooms, reception foyer and
customer support area, all the dust and disruption has clearly been worthwhile.
James Bruton commented:
‘Our output has increased immensely over the last few years –
initially due to the popularity of the Quartz Digital, and now, with the
arrival of the Axis collection, we foresee even busier times for both
our product assembly and sales support teams. We also wanted to give employees
a more comfortable working environment – which – as we all know,
tends to be conducive to a better performance.
‘In addition to being able to offer enhanced after-sales and technical
support, we are known for our hands-on training courses, which are attended
by many plumbers every year and our newly revamped training room will
allow us to accommodate more installers than ever before. Vital, if we
are to continue to strengthen our market position and build installer
loyalties.’
Aqualisa has been based in Westerham for over 20 years and employs around
150 people at the company’s headquarters in ‘The Flyer’s
Way’. A recognised British maufacturer, the company’s Quartz
Digital shower revolutionised modern showering with its sophisticated,
digital electronic processor. Years previously, Aqualisa’s bi-metallic
shower valve had instigated a similar wave of change. Now, with the advent
of the design-led Axis collection of showers and taps – the former
which also use digital technology, Aqualisa has at last premises to continue
prospering with.
Tel: 01959 560000
Email: mailto:marketing@aqualisa.co.uk
Web: http://www.aqualisa.co.uk
Astracast
Now Available to the Housebuilder from On Site
The
PJH Group’s housebuilding division, On Site has announced it will
be adding a new range of kitchen sinks and taps from appliance brand,
Astracast, to its comprehensive appliance portfolio.
As
the country’s largest distributor and installer of home appliances
to the housebuilder and developer, On Site specialises in taking care
of the whole kitchen appliance supply and fit process for the new build
market.
Offering many other household brands, such as Whirlpool, In-Sink-Erator
and AEG, On Site constantly updates its portfolio to ensure housebuilders
have access to the very latest appliance styles at the most competitive
rates available.
Astracast kitchen sinks and brassware are manufactured from a wide range
of modern materials to provide the housebuilder with a vast choice of
options in design, colour and style. Stainless steel, quartz, rok and
ceramic sinks are available from On Site, to meet different home specifications
and budgets. Rok sinks come in a choice of colours including millstone
sand, sylvanite grey, island sand, olive green, topaz blue, smoke sand
and opal white. And ceramic sinks come in a choice of white or peppercorn
colours.
Astracast sinks can also be coordinated with a selection of Astracast
kitchen mixer taps, the finishing touch for the kitchen or utility room
– all manufactured to Astracast’s high quality standards.
For a brochure or further information on On Site, call 01204 707070 or
log onto http://www.pjh.co.uk
Inaugural
Visit to Viking Europe for UK Retailers
A
hand-picked group of UK kitchen retailers recently travelled to Viking
Europe to celebrate the official opening of the appliance company’s
Strasbourg based headquarters, showroom and culinary arts theatre.
Guests,
including representatives from Clive Christian, Kitchen Central, Crabtree
Kitchens and Alternative Plans, spent two days at the Centre in the company
of the Viking Europe team and enjoyed a jam-packed itinerary, which culminated
in a half-day’s live cooking demonstration from Viking Europe’s
resident chef, Patrick Boisjot.
Recently settled in Strasbourg after more than 20 years in the US, French-born
Patrick entertained guests with a dazzling display of culinary excellence
– all achieved with the assistance of Viking appliances, of course.
The ultra contemporary, architect-designed Centre and Culinary Theatre
seals Viking’s commitment to Europe and marks the beginning of a
new drive of activity for the US company that has long been revered on
its home territory for pioneering the concept of bringing professional
standard appliances to the domestic kitchen. The inaugural visit by British
retailers also emphasises the determination of Euroline, Viking’s
new UK distributor, to carve a niche for the brand in high-end outlets.
Euroline’s Nigel Jacobs commented:
‘This will be the first of many retailer visits to Strasbourg. Viking
is massively committed to Europe – and the Centre is a fantastic
resource, which really shows off both the appliances and – with a
little help from the culinary theatre – their functionality, too.’
Tel: 01376 564341
Email: mailto:sales@esml.net
De
Dietrich has secured placement for its DOD348 double pyrolytic double
oven and DTI309 induction hob to be used on the set of BBC2's new primetime
food and cookery show, 'Full on Food'. Starting in October, this programme
will feature big names as Heston Blumenthal, Bill Grainger and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
They will discuss all matters regarding British and International food
and perform live demonstrations in the studio with other celebrities and
VIP guests in a studio format that is similar to that of the current BBC
Top Gear.
There are two kitchen sets on the circular stage; one 'domestic' featuring
attractive mid market appliances by sister brand, Brandt, the other 'professional'
featuring state of the art appliances by De Dietrich.
Caroline Bovey, marketing manager for Brandt UK says:
'We are absolutely delighted to supply our appliances for this new programme
and with such a perfect target audience; We are particularly pleased that
the producers chose to use induction and pyro on the show, as these technologies
will be seen 'live' by millions over a seven week period.'
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk
Microcad
Adds Features to Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Software
Developer
of CAD software, Microcad Software UK, has released Autokitchen 7 (AK7),
the latest version of its Autokitchen package, designed to give professional
designers and space planners the best kitchen, bathroom and bedroom solution
for creating accurate plans, graphical displays and pricing estimates.
Incorporating extensive catalogues of European cabinetry, Microcad has
upgraded the Cabinetry feature to allow users to easily locate and insert
groups of cabinets in a proposed scheme, rapidly speeding up design time
without compromising style. At the click of a mouse, designers are able
to introduce groups of units which, once in place, behave as if they had
been inserted individually.
This latest enhancement allows design professionals to save customised
solutions for a wide range of features including sink units, corners,
breakfast areas, oven housing and hobs.
Autokitchen's established fast insert option now comes with easy-to-use,
drag-and-drop functionality. Units are moved using the mouse, and automatically
rotate when 'hitting' other units or walls, allowing the designer to find
the correct orientation. At the same time, the unit's distance to the
nearest object is displayed on the screen.
In addition, the new AK7 includes a tool to accurately create any shaped
wall, column, arch, cathedral ceiling and architectural element, using
curved or straight lines.
Other features include enhanced project presentation functionality and
the means to print onto any paper size. Tools to create 3D objects from
an outline in plan or elevation and an editor to control the drawing of
cabinets are also incorporated.
New controls for lights, allows designers to adjust intensity, shadows,
elevation, and the intensity of ambient light, while a variable editor
controls panel thickness, shelf-recess and thickness, and tolerance to
calculate door sizes.
As well as exporting TXT files, AK7 now exports XML files which hold information
such as measurements, materials, door models and dimensions, elevation,
handle model, and cabinet modifications.
The cost of the AK7 starts at £1950.
Contact: Julia Pearce
Tel: 01923 284001
Email: mailto:autokitchen@autokitchen.co.uk