Ellis
Appoints Maytag UK A-Team
An
on-going commitment towards continuous improvement. exceeding quality
targets through the supply of high quality products and excellence has
always been the main objective of Maytag UK. The appointment of Ellis
Bardsley as Managing Director of Maytag UK on 15th September 2003 has
resulted in a new senior management team to champion best sales, marketing
and service practice in the white goods arena.
New
to the company is Dan Andrew, who joins as Finance Director. Dan is a
qualified Chartered Accountant. Prior to joining Maytag UK, Dan was with
NSSL, the UK's leading lnmarsat Satellite Service Provider, part of the
Telenor group. He has also worked for the Schlumberger Oilfield Services
based both in the UK and Germany, as Controller. He is a member of the
Association of Corporate Treasurers. Dan will be responsible for the entire
financial activity at Maytag UK and will also take on the responsibilities
for IT and logistics. Dan remarks, 'lt is not often you get an opportunity
to play such an influential role in shaping a company's future and ultimately
the market. This is a very challenging time for us all, and a very exciting
one. I look forward to working with Maytag's knowledgeable and experienced
team.'
Maytag UK has also rewarded the efforts of the team with several promotions.
Graham Gleave has been promoted to Sales Director. Graham is well known
in the industry and his extensive experience and knowledge and unstinting
commitment has been recognised. He will continue to direct his loyal sales
team and work with them to build an even stronger future.
David Gooch becomes Customer Care Director. David has been responsible
for driving the Customer Care strategy for Maytag UK and has created 'Better
than Best' customer care in a very short time.
The responsibilities for marketing have been overseen over the last two
years by Holly Burrow. Holly has been responsible for driving the marketing
strategy for the Maytag brands and has achieved significant impact. Holly
is promoted to Senior Marketing, Manager.
Ellis Bardsley explains, 'These significant appointments reward the great
effort and achievements that Maytag UK has enjoyed. The Senior management
team is now in place, demonstrating an excellent track record of effective
sales and marketing initiatives, and I am confident that this will help
our business achieve its strategic potential.'
BSH
Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte - €80 Million Investment in Innovations
from Traunreut
The
autumn of 2003 sees sales of an 80% new product range in the cooker and
hob sector commence, marking one of the most important investment projects
so far undertaken by BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH in Germany.
The company has invested some 80 million euros in the Development and
Competence Centre for the Cookers Product Division, in the Bavarian town
of Traunreut, which as part of the manufacturing network with the other
BSH factories in Bretten (Baden-Würtemberg) and Montanana (Spain),
will be serving the entire European market with the new built-in appliances.
Traunreut is the largest of BSH’s 14 cooker factories, and its workforce
of around 2,200 also makes it the largest employer in the administrative
district of Traunstein.
Development was preceded by a careful examination of the trends and expectations
relating to the lifestyles and culinary habits of potential purchasers
in the most important European markets. Almost 50% of the ovens manufactured
in Traunreut go for export, primarily to neighbouring European countries.
'BSH’s developments are characterised by innovations and 'world firsts'
in all areas, and the Traunreut cooker and hob plant in particular has
notched up an impressive series of 'victories' in consumer tests with
its product developments, demonstrating the quality and outstanding user
features that present a persuasive argument for growing numbers of consumers
in numerous countries.' says the company.
Web: http://www.bsh-group.de
Glen
Dimplex Acquires Siemens Electrical Heating AS
Glen
Dimplex has acquired Siemens Electrical Heating AS, the Norwegian Electrical
Heating business of Siemens AG. The business which has a turnover of €30
million, is based in Trondheim, Norway and was the last remaining electrical
heating business within the Siemens Group. Glen Dimplex has had a long
and successful business relationship with the Siemens Group having previously
acquired all of their other electrical heating businesses. Under the agreement
Glen Dimplex has obtained the right to continue using the Siemens brand
name on electrical heating products for a five year period.
Glen Dimplex Chief Executive, Sean O’Driscoll said 'This is a very
significant strategic acquisition for the Group. The Nordic market is
the second largest market for installed electrical heating products in
Europe, after France. Following on our acquisition of Nobo Electro AS
in Norway last year, the Siemens acquisition further strengthens our position
in this very important market'.
Glen Dimplex, a privately owned Irish Group has an annual turnover of
€1.5 billion and employs 8,500 people worldwide, of whom 2,500 are
employed in Ireland (North and South). It has substantial electrical appliance
manufacturing operations in Ireland (both North and South) England, France,
Germany, The Netherlands, Hungary, Norway and Canada. Its manufacturing
operations in Ireland are located in Dunleer, Co Louth, Tralee, Co Kerry,
Newry, Bangor, Co Down and in Portadown, Co Armagh.
Electrolux
Considers Closing US Plant
Electrolux
warned recently that it may close its Greenville refrigerator plant in
the US with the loss of 2,700 jobs as production is moved to Mexico.
The Swedish group said the plant had a 'weak financial performance' and
its future was being evaluated with a closure entailing a SKr1.2bn charge
($154m).
The company has recently indicated that it is planning to move more and
more of its production to low-cost countries in order to cope with the
relentless price pressure in the consumer goods sector.
The announcement came as Electrolux reported a 26 per cent fall in third-quarter
profits. Excluding one-off items, profits fell just under 3 per cent
with the company blaming the strength of the krona, and lower profitability
in its vacuum cleaner and professional kitchen equipment divisions.
The figures disappointed investors and Electrolux's most traded B share
fell 8 per cent to SKr165 in Stockholm. Analysts said the tone of the
report was a concern, with several references to continued price pressure.
In the three months to September 30th, pre-tax profit was SKr1.29bn compared
to SKr1.73bn in the same period a year earlier. Sales fell 4 per cent
to SKr30.39bn. For the nine months to September 30th pre-tax profits fell
33 per cent to SKr5.42bn on sales down 7 per cent to SKr95.76bn.
The company said pre-tax profit had been adversely affected by changes
in exchange rates in the amount of SKr740m. In the third-quarter the affect
was SKr220m. This was mainly due to the strengthening of the krona against
the US and Canadian dollars and the UK pound.
The company maintained its forecast that demand for appliances in the
fourth quarter would be flat to slightly higher in Europe and North America,
with full-year operating income expected to be 'somewhat lower than in
2002, excluding items affecting comparability'.
Hans Straberg, chief executive, said Electrolux was taking market share
in major appliances, a group which includes fridges, freezers and ovens,
in both the US and Europe. In the US Electrolux market share was now 23
per cent while in Europe it was about 20 per cent, he said.
However, operating profits fell substantially in the vacuum cleaner division
due to tough price pressure in the US, especially from Asian producers.
'Before we were selling our products above $100 and now we are selling
the bulk under $100,' Mr Straberg said.
Another weak segment was professional food-service equipment, such as
ovens and dish washers used in restaurants. Here demand was weak in Europe
Broughton
Crangrove's New Commercial Director
Broughton
Crangrove has announced the promotion of Allan Nutter to the position
of Commercial Director. With over 20 years' experience in the industry,
Allan is well placed to take Broughton Crangrove forward into a new era.
Allan joined the company as Commercial Manager some sixteen months' ago.
He has many years of sales, marketing and purchasing experience within
the distribution industry, and this promotion is an accolade to his contribution.
Based at Broughton Crangrove's headquarters in Accrington, Allan remarks,
'We have experienced much success and rapid growth, supported by a band
of loyal manufacturers and suppliers constantly providing innovative and
market stimulating products. We support this with our dedicated team who
are seriously oriented to meet the high standards required by our customer
base. I am delighted to play a role in the development and success of
the company, and to be working with a great team of people who are dedicated
to provide and meet all the service aspects our industry requires.'
Chris Kitchen, Managing Director comments, 'Allan has been a great asset
to the business throvgh a period of rapid growth and we are pleased to
reward him with this new appointment. Allan's experience and expertise
is instrumental to our business expansion plans for the future, and to
meet the expectations of our challenging environment.'
Tel: 0870 6060601
American
Standard Reports Record Third-Quarter Sales, Net Income and Diluted EPS
American
Standard Companies Inc. announced on 15th October record third-quarter
sales, net income and diluted earnings per share. Earnings were $1.66
per diluted share, up 7 percent from third quarter last year, and consistent
with the company's July estimate for the quarter of $1.60-$1.68. Sales
were $2.234 billion, up 8 percent from a year ago (up 4 percent in local
currencies). Net income rose to $122.5 million, up 7 percent.
'The people of American Standard Companies delivered another quarter of
solid performance, despite continued challenging economic conditions,'
said Fred Poses, chairman and chief executive officer. 'All parts of the
company contributed to our success, with particularly strong results from
vehicle control systems and the residential portion of our air conditioning
business. We still faced tough market conditions in U.S. commercial air
conditioning equipment, but we outperformed that market.
'Bath and Kitchen improved its operating margins during the quarter and
made progress on a number of fronts, including 'total bathroom' suites,
higher-value faucets and the new top-performing Champion toilet, designed
to better address consumer needs and enhance ongoing operating margin,'
he said.
'We're well-positioned in this economic environment because of our geographic
and business diversity as well as our commitment to continually improving
every part of our company,' said Poses. 'Our investments in new products
and marketing programmes are strengthening our current competitive positions,
while preparing us for improved conditions. In addition, the productivity
initiatives we started three years ago, coupled with an increased focus
on operating cost control, are producing needed savings in our price-sensitive
markets.'
In the third quarter, net cash provided by operating activities was $229.1
million, and free cash flow was $183.5 million. Segment income was $251.1
million, up 6 percent from third quarter last year (up 3 percent in local
currencies). Total operating margin for the quarter was 11.2 percent,
down 0.3 percentage points. Debt now stands at $1.8 billion, down from
$2.6 billion at the end of 1999. The tax rate remained at 31 percent.
Corporate and other expenses were up $9 million, driven by adverse foreign
exchange effects and escalation in pension, medical and insurance costs.
Overall, foreign exchange had no impact on the company's growth in earnings
per diluted share.
'We are reiterating our earnings range for the year of $5.40-$5.50 per
diluted share, an increase of 7-9 percent over 2002. For the fourth quarter,
we anticipate earnings in the range of $1.04-$1.14,' said Poses. 'We're
on track to achieve our 2003 cash flow targets and reduce debt to our
previously announced target of $1.7 billion by year-end.'
Third-Quarter Business Highlights
Bath and Kitchen sales increased 9 percent to $556.7 million. Segment
income was $43 million, up 16 percent compared with last year. Segment
income benefited from resolution of the isolated operational issues that
affected last year's results as well as from productivity savings and
increased volume, which offset the negative impact of cost escalations.
Operating margin was 7.7 percent, up 0.4 percentage points from the prior
year and up from 6.3 percent in the second quarter of this year.
Bath and Kitchen's first model of the new Champion toilet with America's
Best™ Flushing System is selling well to wholesalers in the U.S.
and Canada, who started placing orders in June. Retail rollout will take
place over the next six months, with additional models planned for next
year. Around the world, Bath and Kitchen enhanced its distribution, including
about 50 new or renovated outlets in China and the redesign of 300 showrooms
in Germany. During the quarter, Bath and Kitchen also showcased its design
expertise at large customer events in China, France and the UK and launched
new marketing efforts in Eastern Europe, Italy and the UK.
Web: http://www.americanstandard.com
Brandt
Easycook Scores High at Good Housekeeping Institute’s Christmas Dinner
Test
The
November issue of Good Housekeeping featured the latest road test done
by the Good Housekeeping Institute, entitled ‘Which Oven Will Cook
Your Christmas Dinner Best?’
Of the 12 ovens tested, the Brandt FP229, with its Easycook facility,
had the second highest score with The Institute noting that the Easycook
technology worked well. The ovens were all manufactured by leading brands
and in the face of such stiff competition, Brandt is delighted to have
achieved such a high score.
The FP229 is an ‘A’ rated multifunction pyrolytic single oven
which features 10 cooking functions: fan, conventional eco, conventional,
pulsed conventional, pulsed bottom element [bottom element plus fan],
pulsed grill [grill and fan], variable grill, warming function, Easycook
and Grill+. There is an electronic programmer with preset cooking temperatures
to make life easier also.
The Brandt patented ‘Easycook’ cooking system acts ‘intelligently’
to make cooking really simple. It works by placing the food in the oven,
choosing the dish required, i.e. pizza, poultry, pies, fish and beef and
the oven will select the right cooking function, temperature, shelf level
and duration – regardless of fresh or frozen.
It also benefits from the Brandt patented Grill+ feature. Once selected
the grill is automatically activated five minutes before the end of cooking
to brown the food, ideal for cheese toppings. This grill is variable,
which means that the grill automatically adjusts from the lightest to
the most thorough grilling levels dependent on the level of heat required.
It also has an eco function, which allows the user to reduce the level
of energy used by 20% on the cooking and pyrolytic options.
Tel: 01256 308 000
Web: http://www.BrandtUK.com
Maytag
Corporation Reports Third Quarter Earnings
Maytag
Corporation reported on 16th October third quarter consolidated sales
of $1.221 billion and operating income of $61.4 million. Reported net
income for the period was $36.6 million, or 46 cents per share, consistent
with previously announced management expectations. Third quarter earnings
were negatively impacted by 10 cents per share due to an after-tax restructuring
charge of $8.8 million for the closing of the company's manufacturing
plant in Galesburg, Illinois, and other discontinued operations. Reported
results for discontinued operations benefited from an after-tax gain of
$1.2 million primarily related to a note payment for the 2001 sale of
Maytag's Blodgett line of cooking products. Partially offsetting this
amount was an additional loss recorded on the company's anticipated sale
of its joint venture in China.
A year ago, Maytag reported third quarter operating income of $108.7 million
on consolidated sales of $1.168 billion. Reported net income for the period
was $60.8 million, or 77 cents per share. These results included a $5.5
million after-tax gain, or 7 cents per share, on the sale of a distribution
centre.
'We are encouraged by a strong third quarter for major appliances,' said
Ralph F. Hake, Maytag Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 'Maytag Appliances
witnessed solid gains in market share as a result of new product introductions
within an environment of strong industry shipments.'
Hake also noted that Maytag Appliances achieved a record quarter for unit
sales. However, as compared to the second quarter 2003, increases in advertising
spend to correspond with the introduction of several new products and
burden absorption tied to lower production levels reduced profitability.
For floor care products, sales volume, pricing and mix were dramatically
lower year-over-year. Unit sales and earnings improved marginally from
the second quarter 2003.
'Hoover continues its recovery strategy and is planning to introduce two
new, low-end upright products - one bagless and the other a bagged unit
- in the fourth quarter,' Hake said. 'We are implementing a plan for innovation
at the high-end, have developed diversified product and service offerings
and are working to reduce the overall cost structure.'
Hake added that the introduction of new, innovative product lines from
across the company is proceeding very well. 'This has been an exciting
quarter for the company in terms of new product launches,' Hake said.
'In September, we introduced the Neptune Drying Center (DC) and we have
high expectations for this category-defining product. The Neptune DC,
coupled with the new top-load Neptune washer, continues our refreshed
suite of home laundry products.'
Also in the third quarter, Maytag experienced strong response to its new
line of cooking products. At the end of the fourth quarter, the company
will begin selling new products, including a stainless steel version of
the three- rack Jetclean dishwasher, the Jenn-Air Attrezzi blender and
mixer and the category-exclusive SkyBox home vender.
Maytag International and Maytag Services both experienced revenue growth
in the quarter. In Maytag's commercial segment, vending products continued
to perform well even in an industry where sales are declining. Corporate-wide
cost reduction initiatives, including the restructuring efforts announced
earlier in 2003, are in place and having the expected impact.
Maytag's strong cash flow this year has enabled the company to reduce
its debt by $85 million to date and is well on track to meet the $100
million target in 2003. In addition, Maytag has already met its 2003 goal
of contributing $135 million to the company's pension plan.
The company expects fourth quarter earnings to be in the range of 40 to
45 cents per share, which includes after-tax restructuring charges of
approximately $8.5 million or 11 cents per share. Full-year 2003 reported
earnings are expected to be in the range of $1.62 to $1.67 per share which
includes after-tax restructuring charges of approximately $42 million,
or 53 cents per share, for the Galesburg closing and salaried workforce
reduction. Also included in these expected results is a 1 cent per share
gain in discontinued operations.
Third Quarter 2003 Financial Highlights
• Maytag's home appliances segment, which includes major appliances
and floor care products, had third quarter 2003 sales of $1.155 billion,
up 4.8 percent from $1.101 billion in the third quarter of 2002.
• Operating income for the home appliances segment was $68.5 million,
compared with $112.8 million a year earlier. Current year operating income
includes $13.1 million in charges for the Galesburg closing.
• The corporation's commercial appliances segment, composed of Dixie-Narco
vending equipment and Jade Products, had third quarter sales of $66.7
million, flat compared with the third quarter of 2002.
• The commercial segment reported operating income of $4.7 million,
versus $6.0 million in last year's third quarter.
• Cash flow continued strong, resulting in an $85 million reduction
in debt to date.
Nine-Month Performance
Maytag's sales in the first nine months of 2003 amounted to $3.520 billion,
nearly flat from sales of $3.539 billion in the first nine months of 2002.
Operating income was $181 million, down 46 percent from $337.7 million
in the year-earlier period.
Reported net income was $96.3 million, or $1.22 per share. Included in
these results are after-tax restructuring charges of approximately $33.8
million, or 43 cents per share, for the Galesburg closing and salaried
workforce reduction. Also included in these results in discontinued operations
is a 1 cent per share gain.
In the first nine months of 2002, Maytag's reported net income was $185.5
million, or $2.36 per share, which included a gain on the sale of a distribution
centre of 7 cents per share and a loss from discontinued operations of
2 cents per share.
Maytag's home appliances segment had nine-month sales of $3.315 billion,
down slightly from sales of $3.337 billion in the first nine months of
2002. Operating income for the segment was $203.6 million, down 43 percent
from $359.6 million in last year's nine-month period. Current year operating
income includes $49.1 million of restructuring charges for the Galesburg
closing and salaried workforce reduction. Included in prior year operating
income was a pretax gain of $8.3 million for the sale of a distribution
centre.
The commercial appliances segment reported nine month sales of $205.6
million and an operating income of $14.5 million. In the first nine months
of 2002, commercial sales were $202 million and operating income for the
segment was $14.9 million.
Braille
and Arthritic Controls Available for Cannon Cookers
Braille
Controls are now available for a wide range of Cannon Cookers. Wherever
possible Tactile Braille (incorporating the use of a single stud or dot
to mark a programme or setting) is used. These studs or dots are mostly
of an aluminium rivet type which are hard wearing and do not move about
when heated.
Cannon says it aims to make a product that is easy to understand for all
members of the family whether they are sighted or visually impaired.
For customers who have difficulty turning control knobs Multipurpose Arthritic
Handles are available on Cannon products.For people who may have difficulty
in picking up such a device the company can supply a specialist handle
to attach to each control knob.
For those who have an appliance that has all push button controls and
who find pushing in these buttons a problem a Button Pushing Arthritic
Handle is available.
To order your Braille Controls and Arthritic Control please telephone
The Service Centre on: 08709-066066. An operator will be waiting to take
your call and be pleased to help you, just simply explain to them you
wish to order a Braille Control or Arthritic Control for your appliance.
All you will be asked to do is provide them with the type of appliance,
model number, required colour and, for Braille controls, whether you would
require the instruction on CD or cassette. Braille Controls are fitted
by one of Cannon's Service engineers and Arthritic Handles will be sent
to you in the post.
The Braille Controls and Button Pushing Arthritic Handle are Free of Charge
as part of Cannon's after sales service Customer Care. There is a charge
for the Multipurpose Arthritic Handles.
Email: mailto:david.smith@merloni.com
Whirlpool
Corporation Appoints Michael Johnston to Board; Declares Quarterly Dividend
The
board of directors of Whirlpool Corporation, at its regular meeting on
21st October in Chicago, appointed Michael F. Johnston, president and
chief operating officer of Visteon Corporation, to the board. Johnston's
appointment increases the size of Whirlpool's board to 12 directors.
Prior to joining Visteon, a Dearborn, Michigan.-based automotive supplier,
in 2000, Johnston held a number of senior executive posts at Johnson Controls,
Inc., and Microdot, Inc. In addition to being a member of Visteon's
board, he also serves on the board of Dallas, Texas-based Flowserve Corporation.
'Michael comes to our board with three decades of experience in the automotive
supplier and aerospace industries,' said David R. Whitwam, Whirlpool's
chairman and chief executive officer. 'We will benefit from his deep operating
experience in a number of businesses, both domestically and internationally.'
Whirlpool's board also declared a quarterly dividend of 34 cents per share
on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable December 15th,
2003, to holders of common stock of record at the close of business on
November 24th, 2003.
Articad and easyquote Join Forces to Create Prophet
CAD supplier, ArtiCAD, and easyquote, the quotation and business management
solutions specialist, have joined forces to present a totally new product
called Prophet.
Prophet is a complete sales lead to design, quotation, ordering, fulfilment
and management system. Prophet tracks all of the essential processes,
giving the designer accurate up to the minute business information. 'It's
very easy to master and delivers unparalleled features at an affordable
price.' says the company.
ArtiCAD-Pro Version 10.5 is an interim release arriving fully tested,
just six months after the release of Version 10. Version 10.5 has new
features including 'Preview Windows' - before confirming any item for
inclusion in a design, the designer can open a full colour, photo-realistic
preview window to display that item. For a more detailed view, the item
can be rotated and manipulated by running the mouse cursor over it. This
useful feature is fast and does not affect the speed performance of ArtiCAD.
Another major feature of Version 10.5 is the ability to easily remove
or recess plinth, replace plinth with skirting board and add legs to base
cabinets at the click of a button. A whole host of additional graphics
have been added and more than 30 enhancements are featured in Version
10.5.
Tel: 01923 246586
Web: http://www.articad.cc
Stoneham
Applies Hoffmann Technology to Age-Old Craft
Stoneham,
a fifth generation family-owned kitchen manufacturer, says that its constant
expansion and increased success is due to the company’s ability to
apply up to date manufacturing techniques to traditional crafts.
The factory near Sidcup in Kent is strategically equipped with state-of-the-art
production equipment but a visit to the showroom or paging through the
brochure tells a story of a company that has never forgotten its roots
with designs that range from evocative quintessential English styles right
through to the contemporary and avant garde.
An example of Stoneham applying technology to traditional skills has been
in the area of constructing face frames for its in-frame kitchen facias.
Some manufacturers still struggle to perfect this series of jointed components.
Disproportionate and expensive production time is wasted involving costly
manual labour. The results are often inconsistent and a badly constructed
frame can compromise the entire product.
Following inspections at national exhibitions and then on-site demonstrations,
Stoneham has installed a Hoffmann MU2 dovetail key router and a NLF Morso
notch cutting guillotine for the accurate cutting of haunch joints.
The Hoffmann system of manufacturing face frames is fast, flexible and
ensures accurate and enduring joints.
Manufacture of the frames is achieved with a combination of Morso notching
and Hoffmann dovetail routing machines, (different versions available
depending on the level of production).
The system involves three simple steps:
1. The stiles of the frame are notched and the rails coped using the Morso
NF range guillotine (which is available either in a manual or an electro-hydraulic
version).
2. The dovetail keyways for the Hoffmann keys are quickly and accurately
routed on the Hoffmann machine.
3. Glue is applied to the joints, the dovetail keys are inserted and the
frame is ready for sanding within minutes.
The system claims to offer advantages over traditional methods. The combined
use of Hoffmann and Morso machines ensure accurately prepared sections
with no need for hand finishing. No additional fasteners like screws or
dowels are required as the Hoffmann keys actually draw the jointed components
together to remain tight and permanently secure. Clamping or cramping
is not necessary so saving space and additional equipment. Large frames
can be shipped as components and assembled on site. The Hoffmann system
is versatile and will allow the assembly of frames with mitre joints,
butt joints or compound mitre joints as well.
Stoneham’s production director Mike Stoneham is delighted with the
performance and results of the system: ‘It’s simple, accurate,
reliable and fast’ he says, ‘we are getting one hundred percent
results with the Hoffmann and Morso combination and any operator can use
it. It gives us confidence that this area of our production will not let
down or compromise the final product.’
Testimony to the quality of the final product from Stoneham is the crest
of The Royal Warrant to HM The Queen.
Hoffmann Machine Company
Tel: 015242 62500
'Tara.
Homage to a Sanitary Fitting and an Archetype' - A Publication by Dornbracht
Just
in time for the opening of the Frankfurt Book Fair in October the publication
'Tara. Homage to a Sanitary Fitting and an Archetype' will be released.
Edited by Thomas Edelmann, staged and photographed by Jesse Frohman, it
is published by the internationally renowned architecture publisher Birkhauser.
In the early 1990s, Dornbracht, a manufacturer of high-end design fittings,
accessories and interiors, and Sieger Design created what became a modern
design classic in faucets: Tara. 'With its simple cross-handle shape it
made design history. It has been awarded numerous prizes - and been copied
nearly as often. Tara is a modern cult object, it is the archetype of
a water faucet that enthuses both architects and designers.' says Dornbracht.
The New-York-based photographer Jesse Frohman stages Tara as a modern
classic in his astonishing black-and-white pictures. Frohman, once a student
with the legendary lrving Penn, today is a representative of that unmistakable
dignified style. His works appear in international lifestyle and fashion
magazines and in selected publications.
Editor Thomas Edelmann, design critic, publicist and editor-in-chief of
the German magazine Design Report for several years, singled out a set
of outstanding authors who discuss theoretical and artistic design aspects
of Tara. The homage to a sanitary fitting at the same time becomes a reflection
about culture, water, and design, for the bathroom has developed into
a stylish and style-making environment with elements changing according
to fashion. In the Western World, a constant supply of fresh water is
considered an achievement of civilisation. What used to serve hygienic
purposes only has now attained a status of independence.
The professor of aesthetics, Bazon Brock, describes the concept of purist
design and its complex contradictions in his essay. The English design
and architecture critic, Jane Withers, portrays the transformation of
the bathroom from a scene of hygienic necessity to a live-in space whose
borders are becoming less clearly defined. Sigfried Giedion, engineer,
art historian, and propagator of the New Construction theory, sees bathing
culture as a 'cultural indicator.' The theatre and architecture critic,
Till Briegleb, reveals the new understanding of individuality embodied
in the Tara tap and how it came about. The English architect John Pawson,
who demonstrates a new understanding of simplicity and minimalism in his
buildings, describes the transition from a static to a more floating Modernism,
which permanently invents itself and its rules anew.
'Tara. Homage to a Sanitary Fitting and an Archetype' is the current apex
of a series of design and fine arts publications by Dornbracht. For several
years, the international company has been acting as an initiator and mediator
of art and culture projects worldwide. Within the scope of its own art
and culture projects, Dornbracht has regularly been inviting photographers,
designers, artists, musicians, and authors since 1996, to create their
own visions of culture of the bath.
Tara. Homage to a Sanitary Fitting and an Archetype'. Thomas Edelmann
(ed.), 86 pages, 20 images, 26 x 33 cm, Birkhauser Verlag, edition form,
lSBN 3-7643-0634-3, German/ English
Hardcover Euro 59/CHF 88
For further information concerning Dombracht and the Culure Projects,
please visit Web: http://www.dornbracht.com
and http://www.
cultureprojects.com
Underwood
Open Weekend Draws in the Crowds
An
open weekend staged by bespoke kitchen manufacturer Underwood Kitchens
earlier this month proved a huge success according to the company, with
prospective customers visiting from far and wide.
The event at Underwood’s Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire, headquarters
was attended by Underwood’s ‘ambassador chef’, TV celebrity
James Martin, who was on hand throughout to meet visitors and sign his
new book, Great British Dinners.
‘We were delighted by the turnout for our autumn open weekend –
a number of existing clients came along to discuss the progress of their
kitchens, plus numerous potential customers,’ said joint Underwood
MD Jane Cheel.
Visitors were able to browse around kitchen settings within the Underwood
showroom and staff were on hand throughout both days to answer questions.
Tel: 01296 771800
Pic: James Martin joins Underwood customers Mr and Mrs Price from Stourbridge, West Midlands, at the Underwood Kitchens open weekend