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IKEA Steps up Kitchen Installation Programme - £0.5m Contracts going Begging UK-Wide

Kitchen installation contracts worth hundreds of thousands of pounds a year are still up for grabs after specialist firms failed to come forward for the lucrative pieces of business. Even after advertising the tenders, IKEA's 12-strong UK store network is still searching for local partners for its kitchen installation package which plans to kick off in January 2005.

'We are astounded that there is so little interest in the contracts,' said Eddie Buglass, IKEA project co-ordinator.

'Our new catalogue, which was launched only weeks ago, features some new kitchen ranges and they are proving incredibly popular. There is so much work literally going begging,' he added.

IKEA expects between eight and 12 kitchen fits per week per store (representing around 40 per cent of total kitchen sales at stores) with each costing on average £1000 per installation. During a year that could equate to 600 installations per store, or in other words, more than half a million pounds worth of business for one firm in each IKEA catchment area.

Until now, IKEA has offered purchase-only of its kitchen ranges and has left its customers to organise their own installation direct with a contractor. But, to ensure quality control of the installation, the company wants to work closely with just one provider in each store area.

'We have actively sought out specialist installation companies in the north west for our Warrington store, in the south east for our Thurrock store and most recently in the West midlands to support our Wednesbury store. There appears not to be enough qualified and experienced manpower to do the job. Clearly there's a shortage of kitchen fitters,' added Buglass.

And IKEA is hoping that it's not the same story in other parts of the country as the roll out of the service extends to other stores in its network during 2005.
The IKEA Thurrock and Wednesbury contracts are still up for tender with Cardiff and Bristol to follow soon. Kitchen installation or joinery firms in any of the regions listed who are interested in tendering should contact Eddie Buglass at mailto:eddie.buglass@memo.ikea.com.

Chinese Sign Agreement to Fight Counterfeiting - UK to Take Lead Role in Special Protocol

The UK is taking the lead role in a unique joint initiative by European and Chinese manufacturers to stop the flow of copied or counterfeited product and breaches of intellectual property rights. A formal Protocol agreeing to combat the problems was signed at a special ceremony during a mini-summit in Brussels of Chinese and European Commission officials.

Signatories were Ms Huo Dufang, the President of CHEAA (the Chinese Household Electrical Appliances Association) and Luigi Meli, the Director General of CECED (the European Committee of Manufacturers of Domestic Equipment) DG Enterprise officials acclaimed the Protocol as a ground-breaking development which might be the model for similar agreements in other manufacturing and trading sectors.

The Protocol commits the two organisations jointly to the orderly development of ‘Free and Fair Trade’ in appliances between the People’s Republic of China and the EU. As a priority, they commit themselves to oppose and prevent the manufacture and trading of products which are counterfeited, copied or infringe patents or trade marks. In particular, they will co-operate to identify sources, remove offending products from the market and prohibit their promotion.

Present at the signing ceremony was Peter Carver, Director General of AMDEA, who drafted the Protocol and will be responsible for supervising activities in partnership with Ms Jiang Feng, Director General of CHEAA. He will visit Beijing next year to discuss progress in a work programme agreed in the Protocol which will shortly begin roll-out.

Luigi Meli commented: ’This is a milestone for CECED, its member Associations and manufacturers. It opens an official channel of close contact and co-operation between our organisations, encouraging Chinese and European companies to agree a Code of Conduct incorporating the principles of fair trade.

‘Trade in appliances between the EU and China continues to grow, and we are proud to be pioneers in this area of non-institutional co-operation with China on such a delicate but fundamental matter as fair trade.’

Peter Carver added: ‘Within a few years, the EU and the PRC will contain the world’s largest markets in our sector. Our Chinese colleagues, in three days of meetings in Brussels this week, have confirmed their willingness to help us weed out unscrupulous manufacturers who have been copying our product, stealing our designs and ‘passing off’ brands, attacking our markets across the world and often delivering to the consumer unsafe appliances in the process.

‘But our work will also have a very positive side. We will co-operate to remove non-tariff barriers to trade in the regulatory and standards areas, and will also maintain a constant flow of information to manufacturers in both our regions to help them understand the ever-changing rules and legislation affecting our products – especially in the environmental area. China, for instance, is introducing its own energy labelling regime next year; while they are keen to understand developments like the WEEE Directive on recycling old products.

‘AMDEA, was instrumental in establishing the Free Trade Task Force in CECED. Some of our members have been experiencing problems with copied product, so we are pleased to be in the forefront of this very significant development.’

Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO set to ExCel

Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO 2005, the UK's premier trade show for the bathroom and kitchen industry is set for another successful show with more exhibitors than ever before signed up to exhibit.

Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO will once again be held at London's ExCel exhibition centre on the 8-10 May 2005 and will welcome a host of kitchen and bathroom retailers, architects, housebuilders, builders merchants and interior designers to sample the best in bathroom and kitchen related product design and services.

Anna Burns, marketing manager for Twyford Bathrooms said, 'We have exhibited at Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO since it first began and it has established itself as the major show for the industry. The venue is fantastic and allows us to reach architects and retailers from the London area that we would not have previously had access to.'

William Ball will be exhibiting at Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO 2005 for the first time. Terry Ball, joint managing director said, 'We have heard nothing but excellent comments from previous exhibitors who have re-booked again and again. We are looking to expand our business and Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO will allow us to reach a host of retailers and buyers.'

Among the many exhibitors will be A&J Gummers, American Standard Plumbing (UK) Ltd, Bristan Ltd, Commodore Kitchens, Dornbracht GMBH & Co / Splash, Formica Ltd, Heritage Bathrooms, John Sydney, Kaldewei, Luxair Hoods, Matki Showering, Neff, Nolte Kitchens, Pilkingtons Tiles Ltd, Rangemaster, Smeg (UK) Ltd, Stoneham, The Corner Fridge Company, Victory Spa and VitrA (UK).

Visitors can register for tickets and find out more information about exhibitors and the features planned for the show, including the seminar and workshop theatres by logging on to http://www.bkexpo.co.uk.

Bathrooms and Kitchens Awards Announces the 2005 Finalists

The prestigious Bathrooms and Kitchens Magazine lndustry Awards will once again be celebrating the achievements of its sector at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on the 1st February 2005. The premier awards for the bathroom and kitchen industry has been rewarding excellence in retailing and design for eleven years.

Following three days of intensive judging at the prestigious Royal lnstitute of British Architects (RIBA), in London, the finalists of the ten categories recognising design, showrooms, marketing achievements and the overall award of Master Retailer have been decided.

The judging panel included eight experts, who were chosen for their wealth of experience in spatial design, contribution to the industry and business acumen. Each has made a major impact in the industry and was especially selected for their specialist skills in the relevant categories.

Chairman of the judging panel, Philippa Turrell said, 'As always the standard of the entries has been extremely high. It is fantastic to see so many designers and retailers putting tremendous effort into their own work which shows through in the high calibre submissions.

'New to the awards this year, are the product innovation awards, introduced to honour our belief that dream living spaces could not be realised without the creation of innovative bathroom and kitchen products. ldeal Standard, Jacuzzi, Sunshower lnternational and lmpey UK have reached the final four bathroom products while Beyond, Bushboard, Rieber and Siemens are in the shortlist for kitchen products.'

Now it is all down to the industry to decide which product is the best. Votes can be submitted online at http://www.bathroomskitchens.co.uk.

Votes must be cast before December 20th, 2004 and the winners will be announced at the Bathrooms and Kitchens Magazine lndustry Awards in 2005.

To find out more information about the awards and the entries, or to vote online for the Product Innovation Awards, log onto http://www.bathroomskitchens.co.uk/awards.

The finalists for the Bathroom Product lnnovation Award are:
ldeal Standard - Marc Newson - thermostatic basin mixer
lmpey UK - Aqua-Dec a preformed shower floor
Jacuzzi UK - Niagara under bath storage unit
Sunshower lnternational - Sunshower enclosure with UV tanning panel

The finalists for the Kitchen Product lnnovation Award are:
Beyond - The Scan & Learn microwave oven
Bushboard - Omega worktop & splashback
Rieber - Waterstation sink
Siemans - Variozone fridge freezer

Young Designer Award for Bathrooms
Darren Barker - Nicholas Anthony, Colchester
Julie Collins - Porcelanosa, Glasgow
Louise Tagare - Porcelanosa, Glasgow
Susan Quirke - Quirke McNamara

Young Designer Award for Kitchens
Martin Brown - Connaught Kitchens
Breeda O'Donoghue - Houseworks
Becky Spellman - Nicholas Anthony
Zoe Gething - Treyone Woodcraft

Designer Award for Bathrooms
Andrew Bannister - Design Republic
Andrew Rizza - Dream Design
Marie Laurence Camara Ferguson - Ice Cube Design
Alison Ebanks - Obsidian

Designer Award for Kitchens
Martin Holliday - Chiselwood
Philip Ozario - Connaught Kitchens
Vikki Service - Houseworks
Tristan de-la-Haye - Kitchen Culture

Showroom Award for Bathrooms
Charisma
Dream Design
John Nichols
Versatile

Showroom Award for Kitchens
Crabtree Kitchens
Design House
Houseworks (Belfast)
Nicholas Anthony (London)

Marketing Award for Bathrooms
CP Hart
Dream Design
Ripples (Chichester)
Versatile

Marketing Award for Kitchens
Crabtree Kitchens
Dream Design
Kitchen Culture
Norwood lnteriors

Master Retailer Award for Bathrooms
The Bathroom Boutique
CP Hart
Versatile
The Yard

Master Retailer Award for Kitchens
Crabtree Kitchens
Design House
Dream Design
Norwood lnteriors

KBSA Launches New Industry Awards

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association is set to launch a new series of awards to recognise and reward the best designers, retailers and suppliers in the interiors business.

The awards will be sponsored by some of the most well respected companies in the industry and the inaugural awards will take place at a special ceremony on June 16th, 2005.

‘We are delighted with the tremendous support our members have given to these awards so far,’ says KBSA Operations Manager Lucinda Kenny.

‘Everybody has supported our view that this is an excellent way of raising the profile of our industry and encouraging excellence in design and service.’
The award categories include, Retailer Excellence, Kitchen Design, Bath Design, Bedroom Design, Flooring Design and Supplier Excellence.

‘The Award for Excellence for retailers will be unique in that it is not a panel of judges which decides who wins but real customers, who have returned questionnaires relating to the service they have received from KBSA retailers.

‘This will be the only award limited to KBSA members as the questionnaires form part of the KBSA's regular vetting procedures. All of the other awards will be open to the entire industry with no age restrictions attached.’

The award sponsors include Poggenpohl (kitchen design), Hepplewhites (bedroom design), Amtico (flooring design), Nicholas Anthony (supplier excellence) and Clearwater Collection (bath design).

Clearwater Collection will sponsor a special bath design award that will include a commitment to manufacture the winning bath as part of the prize.

The winner of each design category will receive a £1,000 cheque, plus trophy and certificate.

Application forms are available now and the closing date for entries is March 11th, 2005. Entry forms can be downloaded from the KBSA website or the website of any sponsor, and are also available from the KBSA head office.

Tel: 01905 621787
Email: mailto:info@kbsa.co.uk
Web: http://www.kbsa.co.uk

Maytag Invests in its Dealers with Training and Product Showroom

American appliance manufacturer Maytag has made a significant investment in its future with the makeover of its new showroom at its UK headquarters in Redhill, Surrey.

Designed not only as a trade showroom for retailers, Maytag recognises that a dealer’s product knowledge is fundamental to securing sales and a profitable future. The showroom is a showcase for Maytag, kitted out with the latest products featuring both Maytag and Amana brands and recently adorned with vibrant posters and product images and a range of working appliances. It is the perfect place for dealers to learn all they need to know about the products in order to be able to give 110% to every customer they deal with.

As new products and innovations are introduced Maytag’s retailers, and of course staff too, can use the showroom facilities to keep their knowledge fully up to speed. Sabarah Hanif, Product Manager, Maytag UK is responsible for the organisation of training courses and says, ‘The showroom is in constant demand for training UK dealers, and most recently our European partners. We are really proud to have such a facility and it serves so many valuable purposes for the trade and consumer alike. We have even had the BBC down here when they were recently researching the meteoric rise of American refrigeration in the UK market, such approval!’

Managing Director of Maytag UK, Richard Thompson said, ‘The showroom is an important tool in the continual development of Maytag. In today’s challenging market it is vitally important that our dealers are knowledgeable and up to date with the latest products and are confident in imparting that knowledge to the ever discerning and well educated consumer.’

For further information on the Maytag showroom, Maytag training courses call your Area Sales Manager or call Sabarah Hanif on 01737 231 000.

‘People Make the Difference’ says BGH

Investment in people and putting the best team behind the brands is the way forward according to Bernstein Group Holdings (BGH).

The Bolton based kitchen manufacturer has this month announced the final member to join its experienced sales and marketing team, further to a six month recruitment campaign geared toward making it easier for customers to do business with BGH at all levels.

The appointment of new business manager Will Bamford marks the last in a series of positions to be filled within the sales team. Briefed to open channels of communication between specialist independent retailers and BGH, with a view to encouraging new customers on board, Will is responsible for developing new client accounts and identifying new business opportunities. As the first port of call for retailers, he is also the face of Four Seasons new trade advertising campaign, due to hit the press from November 2004 onwards.

Other key appointments across the summer include the promotion of Dave Brooks to national sales manager for BGH. With a wealth of industry experience, Dave heads-up BGH’s national sales team and is the main point of contact for each of BGH’s distributor customers, making sure that deliveries are made on time and complete.

Mark Jones has also joined the BGH sales team as one of four business development managers working under the guidance of Dave Brooks. Mark has a strong background in the kitchen retail industry and he joins Alistair Duff, Craig Hansford and Steve Tutt, along with Will Bamford to complete the UK sales team.
David Kirby has also been promoted to Sales and Marketing Director for all of the retail division and Joni Thrush becomes Head of Marketing.

Bill Gleave, Chairman for Bernstein Group Holdings commented:
‘Our aim is to be the number one supplier of delivered kitchen solutions in the UK, so investment in people, as well as our brands is absolutely crucial at this stage if we are to achieve our goal. By putting the right people behind the brands and getting our service offer totally spot-on, we are confident that our plans to expand our retail customer base over the next three years are 100% on target’.

Contact: Will Bamford
Tel: 07903 870469
Web: http://www.bgh.co.uk

Time is Running Out - Sign up for Part P with ELECSA Now

ELECSA is urging electrical contractors who undertake electricai installations in dwellings to register with the scheme immediately so that they are ready to do business when Part P comes into effect on 1st January 2005.

As PR Director Catherine Hogan commented, 'Like most deadlines in life, it is anticipated that there will be a last minure rush. Therefore, to ensure that businesses do not lose potential business and are ready to do business when Part P comes into effect next year, electrical installers should register now.'

If not registered with a Competent Person's Scheme such as ELECSA by 1st January 2005, electrical contractors will need to report and pay the relevant charges for inspection for every installation to their Local Authority Building Control in order to obtain full approval under the Building Regulations.

ELECSA Registered Electricians get BS7671 Certificates for Free
Electrical contractors registered with the Government authorised scheme ELECSA to self-certify work under Part P of the Buildings Regulations (Electrical safety in dwellings), can obtain their BS7671 certificates for free.

One of the requirements of Part P which comes into effect on 1st January 2005, is for electrical contractors to provide their customers with a BS7671 certificate with each installation that is completed and notifiable under the scope of Part P.

ELECSA registered installers will be able to download the BS7671 certificate for FREE from the secure log-in section of the ELECSA website. Alternatively, it is possible for ELECSA registered installers to purchase these certificates at cost price.

Once electrical contractors are fully registered with the ELECSA scheme, ELECSA will notify the appropriate Local Authority with details of the electrical installation and send a certificate to the householder to confirm that the Local Authority has been notified and that the installation conforms to BS7671.

As General Manager Julian Carter commented, 'Registering with a Part P scheme such as ELECSA is important for businesses to stay in line with the law and to demonstrate to their valuable customers thar their installation conforms to the legal requirement under the Building Regulations.'

Further information on the ELECSA scheme and application packs can be located on the scheme's website at http://www.elecsa.org.uk, tel: 0870 749 0080 or email: mailto:fallain@elecsa.org.uk

Franke Group Bowled Over by UK Website

The Franke UK website has been recognised as the most successful within the Franke Group.

In a recent internal survey, the UK website was marked against 20 other countries’ sites, including USA, Germany and China, and came top of the group in all areas.

The Franke website scored highly on ease of navigation, developing the most comprehensive retailer database and the greatest number of visitors to the site, recording over half a million visitor sessions between October 2003 and October 2004.

John Swain, product manager for Franke UK, commented: ‘More and more people are using websites as a facility to find out more about a product before making a purchase so it was important that we created a site that consumers and retailers could navigate easily.

‘We are delighted that this has been recognised by Group and we plan to keep developing the website to ensure that it continues to meet changing consumer demands.’

Tel: 0161 436 6280
Web: http://www.franke.co.uk

Wolseley AGM Statement Indicates Steady Progress

Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing, heating and building material products, held its Annual General Meeting on November 18th at 12 noon. At the meeting, John Whybrow, Chairman, made the following comments to shareholders:

'There has been no significant change in the market conditions affecting the Group's businesses since the Preliminary results announcement for the year ended 31st July 2004, issued on 27th September 2004.

The Group's US businesses continue to make good progress and achieve strong organic growth. The housing market remains robust although with wide regional variations. The repairs, maintenance and improvement ('RMI') market continues on an upward trend and the opening of at least 50 'XpressNet' stores by Ferguson in this financial year should enable it to take further market share and expand the customer base. The commercial market is gradually improving although the industrial market remains flat.

While US lumber prices have reduced, as expected, since the previous year end, the average price for the first three months of the current financial year is approximately 23% higher than the corresponding period last year.

In Canada, the outlook is favourable boosted by the energy sector and a strong housing market.

The principal driver of the UK business is RMI which continues to hold up well. The recent slowing in the housing market may create future consumer uncertainty although at this stage there is no evidence of any adverse impact on our business. The outlook currently remains favourable and additional benefits are expected to arise from Government initiatives on improvements to social housing and infrastructure.

The recent disappointing GDP growth figures in France suggest that economic growth may be less strong than previously expected. Whilst government tax incentives are helping the new residential market, RMI, the principal driver of both Brossette and PBM, is currently showing little progress.

The rest of our markets in continental Europe are expected to remain broadly flat although Wolseley's operations should continue the good progress achieved in the previous financial year.

The Group is proceeding with a number of business improvement initiatives which are expected to deliver significant benefits to earnings over the coming years. Major European suppliers were recently addressed by Wolseley's European team outlining its strategy to eliminate costs from the supply chain.

The Board remains optimistic about the progress the Group is likely to achieve in the current financial year.'

In accordance with normal practice, Wolseley plc will be issuing a more detailed pre-close period trading update on 17th January 2005.

Prior to the start of the meeting, John Whybrow received from Co-operative Insurance Society Limited ('CIS') its award for AGM of the year for the meeting held in November 2003. Making the award to Wolseley for CIS was Ian Jones, Head of Responsible Investment, who said:

'Wolseley's 2003 AGM was conducted in a professional, orderly manner, while managing to sustain an intelligent dialogue between shareholders and the Board - it achieved the right balance of formality and informality. Several key directors made presentations that effectively addressed many items of actual or potential concern to shareholders. The attitude of the Board, particularly of the Chairman, to shareholders was one of openness without being acquiescent; shareholders' contributions were clearly welcomed and responded to seriously and candidly.'

John Whybrow, Chairman of Wolseley commented:
'We are very pleased to accept this award as it recognises the importance we place on communicating with all our shareholders, both institutional and private.'

Web: http://www.wolseley.com

Nobia Acquires the Leading Austrian Kitchen Manufacturer EWE-FM

Nobia has acquired EWE-FM, Austria's leading manufacturer of rigid kitchens in the middle to upper segment. The company supplies kitchens to kitchen studios and furniture stores.

Around 75 per cent of EWE-FM's sales are in Austria and the remaining 25 per cent are in southern Germany, northern Italy, Switzerland and the CEE countries.

'EWE-FM is the leading kitchen company in Austria and will fit seamlessly into the Nobia Group. With EWE-FM, Nobia will have a strong position in the Alpine region and a platform for expanding our presence in Eastern Europe. EWE-FM provides synergies in purchasing and, with its well equipped factories, in component supply as well,' says Fredrik Cappelen, Nobia's President and CEO.

The company employs 470 people at its facilities in Wels and Freistadt in Austria. The company's headquarters is located in Wels.

EWE-FM- has two distinct brands - EWE and FM. EWE concentrates on modern design while FM's design is more traditional.

EWE-FM's sales of SEK 575 million, means the Nobia Group's sales will increase by 5 per cent. The EWE-FM acquisition is expected to enhance Nobia's earnings per share from year one.

The main strategic attraction of the acquisition is that EWE-FM will strengthen Nobia's presence in Europe and provide a strong market position in Austria.

Acquiring EWE-FM also gives Nobia a good chance to capitalise on the strong growth prospects in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia. EWE-FM has to date expanded its business in this part of Europe and currently operates through five kitchen studios in these countries.

EWE-FM's successful strategy will not be changed via Nobia's acquisition. Wilhelm Pacher, the MD and main owner, will remain MD of the company.

The agreement is subject to the competition authorities approval of the transaction.

Vaillant Group Gains Italian Heating Market Leadership with Majority Stake in Hermann SRL

To strengthen its heating technology business, the Vaillant Group acquired another 33 per cent of Italian manufacturer Hermann SRL, in which it has had a 33 per cent interest since its acquisition of the Hepworth Group in 2001. The purchase price was €20 million on a cash and debt free basis.

Hermann, a family company based in Pontenure, in the Piacenza region, employs 200 people and reported a turnover of €62 million in 2003 selling more than 100,000 wall-hung boilers. During the last 10 years the company has tripled both its sales and turnover.

Prior to this acquisition Vaillant Group has been represented in Italy by its Vaillant, Saunier Duval and Bongioanni brands. The takeover of Hermann will increase the Group's market share in wall-hung boilers in Italy (15 per cent to date) to 20 per cent and thus make it a market leader, level with the current market leader. The brands will continue to be promoted strictly separately in the markets.

Paolo Mazzoni, founder of the company in 1970 and owner of the remaining 33 per cent of Hermann company, will continue to head the company. Vaillant Group Managing Directors Dr Michel Brosset and Claes Göransson said: 'The Hermann acquisition provides Vaillant Group an important company with excellent products. We look forward to working closely with Paolo Mazzoni, whose entrepreneurial vision and dedication laid the foundation for Hermann's success.'

Sales of Vaillant Group wall-hung boilers now total more than 1.4 million units per year, which with a market share of 26 per cent in Europe is expanding the Group's leading position. The Vaillant Group has more than 9,300 employees and in 2003 achieved sales revenues of €1.8 billion.

Maytag UK Hosts European Meeting

The UK arm of US appliance giant Maytag was the recent host of a meeting between its European distributors and customers. More than 30 attended the meeting at Maytag UK’s and Maytag International headquarters in Redhill, Surrey, from all over Europe and even as far away as Israel.

The meeting was a significant event for Maytag UK, as it is seen as the focus for Europe. The Maytag Corporation heralds the UK as the operation and location to take the company forward into the European market.

Senior personnel, including Vice Presidents, Directors and Product Managers from the Maytag Corporation in the USA, supported the event. Distributors and customers attending the meeting were among the first to view new products and innovations from Maytag, details of which are being kept tightly under wraps until they are officially launched in the UK early in 2005.

Maytag UK’s managing director, Richard Thompson, said afterwards, ‘This was a great opportunity for Maytag UK to meet and greet our partners from afar, and to be able demonstrate our superb resources and facilities. It proves that the company has great confidence in the UK business and that the Maytag Corporation is proud of how we do business here in the UK’. Richard continues, ‘Maytag International is seen by the USA as the growth catalyst, and Maytag UK for its expansion into Europe and a true example of how things should be done. The UK market has been a real success story for Maytag, something that it hopes to repeat all over Europe in the future. By visiting our headquarters here at Redhill our European colleagues were able to get a good insight into how Maytag UK operates and can return to their respective countries full of hope for their business. This meeting is all part of the springboard into the future for Maytag as it makes further in-roads into the European market.’

Shadow Minister Visits Armitage Plant

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant, the shadow minister for Economic Affairs visited the sanitaryware factory at Armitage recently, to inspect the latest casting methods that have made this factory the most efficient in the world.

Marketing Manager Tony Rheinberg says: ‘With all of the competition that British manufacturers are facing from plants with low labour costs, brands like Armitage Shanks have had to invest heavily in more efficient production methods.

‘The plant at Armitage can beat any other, anywhere in the world. It has an exemplary record on safety, some of the highest kiln-yield rates of any plant and the work we have done with casting machine manufacturers sees us now producing a cast piece every 15 minutes. It's a long way from the one per day of a generation back.’

Web: http://www.armitage-shanks.co.uk or http://www.michael.fabricant.mp.co.uk

Ritec Checks in to Sanderson Hotel

Shower cubicles in the chic Sanderson Hotel in London’s West End have been restored to their original pristine condition by Ritec’s ClearShield system. The refurbishment project at the lavish urban retreat involved renovating and protecting sandblasted glass shower cubicles in 150 rooms using Ritec’s award-winning technology.

An imaginatively-created hotel like Sanderson clearly seeks high standards, with the best service and surroundings for its customers, so the use of ClearShield to re-invigorate the bathrooms was a natural choice. Each of the large walk-in shower cubicles is a different size and shape in rooms which are set up according to the principles of Feng Shui.

Although an attractive and popular option, sandblasted glass is especially vulnerable to surface contamination such as finger marks, and as a result can soon lose its visual appeal. In addition, sandblasted glass in bathrooms like Sanderson’s is subject to a high level of dirt and greasy substances together with limescale, which bonds to glass and eventually etches the surface.

ClearShield has been developed by Ritec to give sandblasted glass an attractive satin finish and provide effective protection against staining. Treated surfaces are easier to clean without harsh chemicals and cleaning frequency is cut, on average, by 50%. The restoration process at Sanderson was carried out on site by Ritec-trained technicians. After renovating the surface with Ritec Pre-Cleaner and Glass Renovator, ClearShield was spray-applied to the sandblasted glass. Once cured, any residue polymer is simply wiped off.

The area of glass that needed to be treated meant Ritec technicians were able to complete about four rooms a day, and to try to minimise disruption to guests, Sanderson blocked off 10 rooms at a time. ‘It was a challenge to co-ordinate, but by liaising with the reservations staff and our technicians working as quickly as possible, we made sure that each room was out of action for as short a time as possible. And the investment should certainly prove worthwhile by reducing cleaning time and effort for Sanderson’s housekeeping team,’ explains Stephen Byers, Ritec’s Managing Director.

ClearShield is chemically non-reactive, so dirt builds up more slowly and won’t stick to the surface. ‘And when combined with Ritec’s recommended after-care programme, ClearShield glass can look and perform like new for years to come,’ adds Stephen.

An improved formulation of ClearShield – called ClearShield Sandblast Glass Protect – is now available since the original work was carried out at the Sanderson hotel. This formulation is even more effective on sandblasted glass than standard ClearShield. A new, more active catalyst has been added to improve performance so it is now better at resisting staining and expected to last even longer.

Tel: 020 8344 8210
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk

London Design Museum Chooses Ideal-Standard

The London Design Museum, on the South Bank of the Thames has chosen the multi award winning Ideal-Standard Newson range for the washrooms in its newly opened Design Museum Space, the function room with a balcony opening up to views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and Foster's 'Gherkin'.

Marketing Director Paul Frankish said; 'The Ideal-Standard Newson range has proved itself to be a favourite for design professionals in all manner of sectors and this is the second time that the London Design Museum has chosen the range. It is particularly apt because the Marc Newson Exhibition is taking place at the Design Museum until 30th January 2005.'

View http://www.artdesignsculpture.co.uk or http://www.designmuseum.org

International Recognition for Manchester Kitchen Specialist's Design Skills

SieMatic is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high quality kitchens, with established subsidiaries in over 53 countries. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in October 2004, the company used the occasion to identify individuals across its global dealership network that had contributed to its success, and Manchester dealer Stuart Frazer scooped two awards.

Stuart Frazer has branches in Prestwich, Accrington and Preston and has been the North West area's SieMatic dealer for over thirty years. Paul Rigby has been with Stuart Frazer for over eleven years and has been in the kitchen industry since the age of sixteen, working as a designer and sales consultant.

Paul Rigby of Stuart Frazer (L) receives his Certificate for Design Skill from Bernard Otulakowski

Presenting Paul with his Certificate for Kitchen Design Skills SieMatic UK Managing Director Bernard Otulakowski said ‘Paul is a fantastic 3D artist with a keen and necessary eye for detail. His signature adorns the designs of many a rich and famous person's kitchen in the North West, to say nothing of the hundreds of prestigious kitchens he has designed for new houses, apartments and city centre refurbishment projects that have transformed Manchester city centre into the sophisticated metropolis it now is.’

Stuart Frazer's Mark Shepherd was also proud to receive recognition for 'All-round Excellence'. Mark works on the processing side of the business as well as making a strategic input into design. He re-joined the business four years ago having previously worked in the business for two years.

Mark Shepherd (R) of Stuart Frazer receives his Certificate of Excellence from Bernard Otulakowski

Stuart Frazer MD Mark Harrison says ‘Mark's recognition is well deserved. Nothing happens in business until a sale is made, however, in many organisations that's when problems can begin, especially in one where accuracy and thorough product knowledge is essential to ensure we deliver our customer's dream. SieMatic, and Stuart Frazer, have a 'zero tolerance' of errors, not least because failure to deliver the right product on time costs all in the chain money, time and reputation. Mark's pedantic order processing methods and knowledge of every nut and bolt in the vast SieMatic range makes errors a very rare occurrence’.

Improved Customer Service is Achieved with Launch of New Shires Bathrooms 'Retail' Price List

Bathroom manufacturer, Shires Bathrooms, has launched a new format retail price list in a bid to offer greater convenience to its retailers.

The new Shires Bathrooms price list, which is available now, has been designed as a mini brochure and includes full suite photography with retail prices. It was decided by the bathroom manufacturer, that as part of its aim to improve its level of customer service, the new format would be more retailer friendly, allowing a consumer to make a choice from the list alone.

A new bathroom book will also be launched by Shires in January which will feature a host of new products.

The Shires Bathrooms collection features a wide choice of bathroom suites to all tastes and budgets, including vitreous china suites, steel and acrylic baths, furniture, taps and mixers, shower trays and valves, plus an extensive range of fireclay products and heavy duty cisterns. Each of the products is designed to help cut down on installation time and cost, but without sacrificing design detail or quality.

Paul Arbon, Marketing Manager of Shires Bathrooms says: ‘The emphasis behind the new price list is 'customer service' as we believe it's vital that we give our customers the tools they need. The mini brochure format is perfect for retailers to give to consumers and is available in large quantities to meet our retailers' demands.’

To request a copy of the Shires Bathrooms price list, please contact 0870 160 4414.

Maytag Corporation 2004 Analyst Conference

Maytag Corporation held its 2004 Analyst Conference on Friday, November 19th, 2004. During the conference, Maytag updated members of the investment community on its business operations and plans for the future.

Ralph Hake, chairman and CEO, and other Maytag executives provided details about its ongoing strategy including preferred brands and innovative products, its quality initiatives and manufacturing plans, as well as the 'One Company' restructuring and other margin-enhancing opportunities.

'We completed many milestones in 2004 - including a successful systems conversion, a plant closing and good progress in cost reduction and, in the third quarter, saw positive sequential improvement in our financial performance,' said Hake. 'However, 2004 has been a challenging year related to Hoover floor care sales volumes and, more particularly, with the rapid increases in steel and energy-related costs.'

Hake pointed out that the company has taken action on several fronts to mitigate these increases, including additional cost reduction efforts, price increases in 2004 and, most recently announced to customers, additional price increases in the range of 5 percent to 8 percent effective January 3rd, 2005.

'In 2004, we have made great strides in cost containment, but these efforts cannot keep up with the escalating cost increases the industry is experiencing, making price increases necessary,' Hake added.

Also during the conference, Maytag executives described the company's plans for 2005 and commented on earnings expectations for the year. Currently, the company expects earnings per share for 2005 to be in the range of $1.50 to $1.60 per share, including approximately 5 cents in restructuring and related charges.

Electrolux Will Close Cooker Factory in Reims, France

In July 2004, Electrolux announced that it was investigating a possible closure of the cooker factory in Reims, France. The decision has now been taken to close the factory at the end of the first quarter 2005.

The employee representatives have been consulted regarding the conditions for the closure in accordance with French labour laws.

The Electrolux cooker factory in Reims has approximately 240 employees and produces cookers and built-in ovens. The closure of the factory will incur a total cost of approximately SEK 300m, which will be taken as a charge against operating income in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

Festive Show Proves Success for Underwood

The Spirit of Christmas show at Olympia earlier this month proved a huge success for Underwood Kitchens, sponsor of the event’s Celebrity Cookery Theatre.

Bespoke kitchen manufacturer Underwood not only provided the cookery theatre, starring Ready Steady Cook regular and Underwood ‘ambassador’ James Martin, but also exhibited a display kitchen at an adjoining stand.

‘Although we have been associated with the Spirit of Christmas for several years, this was the first time we had taken our own stand,’ said joint Underwood managing director Jane Cheel.

‘This show is just getting bigger and better each year and we were delighted with the response of visitors, both to the celebrity kitchen and to our stand.

‘We had on display a selection of Underwood handcrafted kitchen furniture and also sold James Martin’s exclusive kitchen merchandise – and we were kept extremely throughout the show, thanks to a constant stream of people keen to both chat and buy.

‘We’ll definitely be back at the Spirit of Christmas next year!’

The show, supported by The Daily Telegraph and House & Garden magazine, provides the ultimate shopping experience for Christmas gifts, decoration, food and wine.

Tel: 01296 771800

Brand & Deliver: Mereway Invests in Logistics!

Following the success of the Mobile Showroom, Mereway Bathrooms has announced the arrival of the company’s first dedicated branded delivery vehicle to assist in its logistical operations.

This new facility will enable Mereway Bathrooms to retain complete control over scheduled deliveries to customers, avoiding the problems which often arise when outsourcing carriage requirements.

The 18 Tonne Leyland Daf vehicle is environmentally friendly, being 25% more fuel efficient than previous transport used, and boasts an all-alloy engine which is almost 100% recyclable. Its exterior carry’s an attractive livery Bathrooms Brand detailing the signature Adriatic Ice Blue set photography alongside the logo and web address. This is the first time Mereway has launched a branded vehicle to reinforce the Mereway name.

It is estimated that the vehicle and its driver will cover 65,000 miles per year delivering Mereway Bathroom products. Therefore the vehicle has been fitted with many essential key features to provide effective support to the driver, including Axle weight readers, full colour reversing camera with a verbal warning system and a specially designed tail lift system which hydraulically tucks under the chassis when not in use.

To facilitate prompt, effective delivery, the vehicle has been equipped with the very latest in technological advancements which include satellite tracking & satellite navigation. This up-to-the minute traffic management system will ensure the driver is made immediately aware of traffic jams or hold ups. The system also provides details of alternative routes which can be used, saving both time and energy.

Tim Wood, Business Development Manager says ‘We are delighted to introduce this exciting new facility and hope it will only seek to further augment the existing levels of service and delivery we demonstrate to our customers.’

Mereway Bathroom’s new Logistical operation commences from November 2004.

Tel: 0121 706 7844