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Aqualux Completes Management Buy out

As we announced in last week's K&BZine in our story about the collapse of the BHD Group, Aqualux, the shower enclosure company, has announced a management buyout of the company as it enters a new phase of development. James Cadman (pictured), managing director, who led the buyout comments.

‘I am very pleased to announce that the management buyout of Aqualux was successfully completed on 12th August 2004. Lloyds TSB and LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds TSB, backed the team. The new company will trade under the name Aqualux Products Ltd.

The new funding structure allows the company to continue its ongoing and future growth plans as an independent business and to strengthen and develop our position as a leading supplier of showering products to the bathroom sector.’

The management team that led the buy out are James Cadman, Mike Jones, sales & marketing director, Mike Heath, operations director, and Neil Gore, financial director.

First priorities for the team moving forward include an accelerated programme of new product introductions, including expansion into new product groups, business efficiency initiatives and customer services improvements. These will provide the building blocks to allow Aqualux to create competitive advantage and maintain its position as a leading supplier of showering products in the UK. Already this year Aqualux has launched its new contemporary Energy® collection of shower surrounds and most recently introduced a range of competitively priced luxury Steam Cabins.

Mike Jones, sales & marketing director, further commented: ‘The management buyout provides us with the ideal platform to build on the success of recent years and to invest in our core values of providing innovative value-for-money products with mass market appeal, customer-focused sales support and to continue to develop long-term, mutually profitable relationships with both existing and new customers.

‘As we enter this new phase of the company’s development James and the team would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Aqualux for their commitment, support and hard work during this transitional period.’

Tel: 0870 241 6131
Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk

Anson Concise Appointed UK Distributor for Arca Cucine

Anson Concise has been appointed sole distributor in the United Kingdom for Arca Cucine’s range of stainless steel kitchens. Arca belongs to Inox Pack which is a specialist Italian manufacturer of commercial kitchens and shop equipment. The company is now extending its expertise to the domestic kitchen market.

The kitchens are manufactured entirely from high grade stainless steel 18 / 10, grade 304 and finished with an easy care, protective finish. Features include:

• Glass wall unit facias
• Coloured lacquered doors for added variation
• Curved worksurfaces
• Wooden doors
• Specially made hoods
• Self closing doors and drawers
• Mobile drawer units

The kitchens are specially made to order and delivery is usually 3 to 4 weeks.

The product is aimed at modern residences but also has a place in outdoor kitchens, front of house in restaurants and hotels and laboratories etc.

Web: http://www.arcacucine.it

Masco Corporation Reports Record Second Quarter and Increases Earnings Guidance for 2004

Masco Corporation reported on August 3rd that net sales from continuing operations for the second quarter ended June 30th, 2004 increased 16 percent to a quarterly record $3.1 billion compared with $2.6 billion for the same period in 2003. The Company's strong second quarter performance, including 16 percent organic sales growth, benefited from market share gains, new products and positive economic conditions impacting the new home construction and home improvement markets.

Income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2004 was $294 million compared with $220 million for the same period in 2003. Earnings from continuing operations increased to a second quarter record of $.65 per common share compared with $.44 per common share for the 2003 second quarter.

Results for the 2004 second quarter include after-tax income of $.01 per common share related to insurance proceeds from the Behr litigation and after-tax incremental income of $.01 per common share (compared with the 2003 second quarter) from the sale of marketable securities and other non-operating assets.

Second quarter 2003 operating performance was negatively impacted by adverse weather conditions, which reduced demand for certain of the Company's products, and by a non-cash charge of $23 million ($.03 per common share, after tax) resulting from a system failure at one of the Company's European operations.

The Company continues to experience better-than-expected sales performance thus far in 2004, and, based on current business trends, believes that it will achieve record sales and earnings for 2004 with full-year earnings from continuing operations in a range of $2.25 to $2.30 per common share. This new guidance represents an increase from the previous guidance of $2.00 to $2.10 per common share. This new guidance includes the benefit of recent common share repurchases and continues to reflect increases in a number of operating expenses, including such items as certain material, freight, energy and insurance costs, as well as costs and expenses associated with complying with the new requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Legislation. This new guidance also includes realised income related to the Behr litigation of $.04 per common share in the first half of 2004 but excludes any future Behr litigation income (as such amounts cannot be predicted), any gains or charges for businesses to be divested and any other possible unusual items.

Based on current business trends, the Company anticipates that third quarter 2004 earnings from continuing operations will be in a range of $.57 to $.60 per common share compared with relatively strong third quarter 2003 earnings of $.53 per common share.

The Company previously announced, in the first quarter of 2004, the planned disposition of several European businesses that are not core to the Company's long-term growth strategy. The second quarter 2004 results include after-tax income from their operations of $11 million, and an additional after-tax charge aggregating $44 million ($.10 per common share) for those businesses that are expected to be divested at a loss, both of which are included in discontinued operations. The charge (reduction in expected proceeds) principally relates to operations located in Spain and is primarily the result of lower-than-expected operating results of those operations. Any gains resulting from the disposition of individual businesses, which are expected later this year, will be recognised as such transactions are completed, and the Company continues to expect that the gains will substantially offset the 2004 charges. Including the operating results of these discontinued operations and the second quarter charge for certain of these businesses, net income for the quarter increased to $261 million compared with $229 million for the 2003 second quarter; and earnings increased to $.58 per common share compared with $.46 per common share for the second quarter of 2003.

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 installation of insulation and other building products.

Web: http://www.masco.com

Lathams Supplies Both Buildbase and Jacksons

Timber and panels distributor, James Latham, has secured some lucrative deals to supply both Buildbase and Jackson Building Centres with Bausen hardwood flooring. In addition to this, the company is also supplying several branches of Buildbase with a range of other hardwood and panel products, and is an approved sheet material supplier for Jacksons in the East Midlands.

Stephen Thompstone of Buildbase says, ‘There is a lot of demand for the types of products James Latham supply to us, with customers requesting a wide variety of hardwoods, flooring and panels. We are developing an on going sales relationship, liaising with a number of Latham depots to supply our branches across the Midlands and north of England with a one stop shop solution’

Steve Turner of Jackson’s comments, ‘We have developed a first class and open working relationship with James Latham over many years and we are always receptive to any suggestions they make regarding additional product lines and new product development. We now purchase Sheet materials and Bausen hardwood flooring on a very regular basis.’

Chris Sutton of James Latham comments ‘We are delighted that the rapidly expanding Grafton Group have placed so much trust in us to supply such a wide and diverse range of timber based products to them. Their support is greatly appreciated and we hope to continue to develop what is already a first class working relationship with them.’

Both Buildbase and Jacksons are part of the Grafton Group - Buildbase is one of the UK’s fastest growing builder’s merchants, while Jackson Building Centres has been trading since 1946 and is the largest builder’s merchants in the East Midlands.

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

Hopkinsons Announce Exclusive Bathroom Promotion

UK distributor Hopkinsons Fourways has launched a quarterly ‘All Bathroom’ promotion featuring some exclusive offers on a range of leading brand bathroom collections.

From August, for three months, Hopkinsons Fourways’ customers will be eligible for a whole host of promotions on the latest designs from Roca, Niagara and Triton, plus own-brands, Moods and Prima. The portfolio is available in a comprehensive 12-page brochure, offering deals to satisfy all consumer tastes and styles.

As the UK’s largest single stockholder of Roca’s full range of bathroom products, Hopkinsons Fourways is able to negotiate and pass down to retailers and merchants, some outstanding deals on popular ranges, such as the contemporary Polo suite. In addition, the distributor is offering free Roca Logica basin mixers and deck bath fillers on selected 4-piece Roca bathroom sets and bath/panel sets.

Within the contemporary Moods collection, customers can claim up to 20% off the highly stylish Zucchetti brassware range, which includes the innovative IsyStick range. Plus stockists can claim a free toilet seat on all orders for the successful Avant and Eclizia suites.

Free brassware deals are also being featured within own-brand Prima. Claim a free Taurus mono basin mixer or a free Madrid mono basin mixer with all orders on complete bathroom suites from Jasmin (pictured) and Orillo respectively.

Hopkinsons Fourways has teamed up with shower specialist, Niagara, to offer an exciting promotion in conjunction with Red Letter Days. Customers simply sell specified quantities of Niagara framed enclosures and then claim the corresponding value of Red Letter Days Vouchers – and choose a dream experience, from high speed Ferrari excitement to professional golf coaching!

The distributor is also tempting stockists with a free beer promotion on further selected Niagara shower enclosures – claim up to three free packs of beer on just one purchase!

With further exceptional deals on other brands, such as Triton electric showers and a comprehensive range of Hopkinsons Fourways baths, the summer promotion should not be missed. It is due to the distributor’s huge size and buying power, that it is able to offer such highly competitive prices on a wide range of top name barnds in the bathroom market.

For further information on Hopkinsons Fourways ‘All Bathroom’ promotion, contact the company on 01204 707070, or log onto www.thekitchengroup.co.uk

‘It all Comes Back to Customer Service in the End’

'Triton has a brand awareness amongst consumers of 62% (probably close to 100% amongst the Trade and the industry in general). This is miles ahead of the closest competitor whose brand awareness is 41%', says Lorna Fellows, managing director of Triton Showers (pictured).

‘What, of course, is the most important aspect of the awareness customers have of a brand, is that it is positive awareness! In Triton’s case, everybody takes it for granted that the product is top quality and the design is innovative; this is what is expected from the market leader!’ Lorna adds.

‘The more difficult area to score maximum points in is ‘Customer Service’ because however good, exciting and innovative your products are, if you provide no service around these products you cannot be a top player in the market.

‘Triton has invested heavily in human resources and IT to ensure the very best service for all our customers. This starts with service to our direct customers, the stockist. We can offer next day service if that is important to the customer, we sell from stock, and carry large minimum stocks of all standard Triton products to take some of the stock burden away from our customers. We also communicate regularly with stockists via our extensive Salesforce, Tele-sales, Marketing and Stockist Service Teams.

‘We offer a technical service to installers and specifiers for, before, during and after installation, and our consumer service is second to none. We encourage installers to ‘Specify, Fit & Forget – Triton Showers’ and pick up issues and problems a consumer may have directly with them, leaving the installer and specifier to move on to their next job.

‘I bend over backwards to ensure that every consumer is looked after to my full satisfaction, whether they are a large specifier or a single old age pensioner with a value for money shower’ says Lorna Fellowes. ‘After all, good customer service is all about making the customer feel that you really care, and indeed I do!’

For further information on Triton products call 0247 634 4441 or visit http://www.tritonshowers.co.uk

Commercial Interiors Market Makes a Swing Towards Curves

The UK manufacturer of specialist MDF panels, London-based Neat Concepts, says that it is finding itself at the cutting edge of the commercial interiors market, due to a growing trend towards curves.

Known for its Neatform Bendy MDF product, which can bend to a tight 6" radius, the company has helped add curves to a variety of commercial interiors, with the product being used to build a range of curvy reception desks, unusual office shelving, wavy walls and bendy cabinets.

Martin James, North America sales manager for Neat Concepts says, ‘In general, there had been a move towards using MDF as a stock material within commercial interiors due to its superior finish on both the surface and machine edges of the material.

‘Bendy MDF now has some phenomenal construction techniques, which has helped to fuel the trend towards curves. As well as being able to be finished in a variety of ways, such as paint or lacquer, exotic veneers can also now be pre-pressed onto the panel, allowing complex marquetry patterns to be easily achieved on curved surfaces.’

As well as the UK, Neat Concepts also has a heavy presence in the North American, Canadian and European markets, with growing sales in the Far East, and the trend for curves has been seen globally.

Martin adds, ‘We continually aim to be ahead of the market, and our Neatform product is testament to this.

‘As well as the aesthetic benefits that curves can bring to a well-designed interior, there is also the simple issue of safety and damage limitation. A nurse working in a hospital, for example, is much less likely to hurt his or herself on smooth edges between a fixture and hospital equipment. At the same time, a curved radius is much less likely to be chipped or snagged than a square corner, therefore helping to reduce maintenance costs.’

Along with Neatform Bendy MDF, Neat Concepts also manufactures a range of other products for commercial interiors - Neatmatch Decorated MDF, which is a labour saving alternative to wood panelling with the appearance of tongue and groove, whilst Neatrout Perforated MDF panels help give cleaner edges and fine definition for applications such as radiator grills, partitions, screens and door panels. For projects where costs-effectiveness is of the utmost importance, melamine covered Neatform is also available, which with its pre-finished surface, helps to save time, and money.

Tel: 020 8807 5805
Email: mailto:info@neatconcepts.com
Web: http://www.neatconcepts.com

Underwood Open Weekend a Great Success

An open weekend staged by bespoke kitchen manufacturer Underwood Kitchens earlier this month proved a huge success, 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 show them his new classic sports car, a Mercedes 1955 Gullwing.

A selection of other luxury cars was also on display provided by Tyrrell Automotive Ltd of Buckingham. These included a new Audi A6 and Mercedes SLK, Porsche Carrera 4, Jaguar XJS, BMW 7 series and a Mini Cooper Works.

James Martin and Jane Cheel with the Mercedes 1955 Gullwing, at the Underwood Kitchens open weekend.

‘We were delighted by the turnout for our summer open weekend – we provided plenty of family entertainment so that parents had the opportunity to discuss their requirements whilst the children were occupied,’ said joint Underwood MD Jane Cheel.

‘A number of existing clients came along to discuss the progress of their kitchens, plus numerous potential customers from all over the UK.’

Visitors were able to browse around kitchen settings within the Underwood showroom and staff were on hand to take visitors around the workshop to see how the furniture is hand made by traditional craftsman.

Tel: 01296 771800

Adminex Oasis Extends Satra Set for Contract Market

The addition of urinals, wall mounted WC pans and half pedestals for washbasins to the Adminex Oasis Satra suite means it is now a suitable offering for merchants and showrooms supplying into the contract market.

The Satra is one of the range of modern European style sanitaryware from Witham-based Adminex Oasis. The additions and the existing WC pan and cistern and washbasin and pedestal have the simple, clean lines and quality finish demanded by developers and contract plumbers working on commercial premises such as hotels or offices. The set also offers a cost-effective answer for those fitting out washrooms and toilet facilities in factories, warehouses and other industrial units.

There is a choice of 500mm or 550mm washbasins with both available with a single-tap hole or two tap-hole configuration. Adminex Oasis sanitaryware comes complete with all fixtures and fittings. In addition, the wall-mounted or floor standing Satra WC pans have boxed rims which can be promoted as ensuring better flushing and more hygienic cleaning especially for communal facilities.
Like all Adminex Oasis sanitaryware, all items from the Satra range is available within seven working days as the Essex supplier knows that an immediate and direct response is essential in helping intermediaries and installers meet contract dates.

The new Satra set is featured in the trade price list established by Adminex Oasis to allow significant margins for distributors and merchants (and ultimately those fitting bathroom sets) who need to meet project and budget deadlines. Sets can also be supplied direct via Unimer to developers, builders and installers ordering in sufficient bulk for multi-dwelling projects, hotel or other commercial projects.

AEG Helps Celebrate Grange Interiors 30th Anniversary

To support the 30th anniversary of kitchen furniture manufacturer Grange Interiors, a huge celebration was held at Matfen Hall, Newcastle, on the 21st of July for Grange Interiors customers and their partners.

While the customers were invited to play a round of golf on the beautiful and immaculate golf course adjacent to the hotel, celebrity chef John Benson- Smith, Northern chef of the year – who was organised by Electrolux, entertained their partners.

The demonstration took place in the Great Hall – a magnificent room with high ceilings, a rambling staircase and breathtaking stained glass window. Mr Benson Smith wowed the guests with his sumptuous recipes of Chocolate Pear Crumble, a Scallop Salad Niciose, Chicken and Cranberry Risotto, Ginger Cordial and much more.

All meals were cooked using an AEG oven (B21004m) and hob (C6010Kmn) and were perfectly suited for the task at hand. Following the hour and a half demonstration the guests had tea and biscuits and were given the opportunity to ask Mr Benson-Smith any questions about the recipes and his talent for cooking.
The guests also received a hard copy of all the recipes to take away with them so that they too could experiment with the delicacies they had seen that day.

In the evening Grange Interiors held an awards ceremony, followed by dinner and entertainment held in a grand marquee – set up especially for the occasion.

Surrey New Home Development Specifies John Sydney

The prestigious Brookwood new home development at Weybridge, Surrey has had John Sydney bathroom fittings installed throughout the bathrooms in each property. Brookwood Developments, the developer, is targeting the luxury, top end of the new home market with these £650,000 five bedroom homes.

The John Sydney Collection of bathroom fittings was specified for its comprehensive product range, contemporary designs and the superior finish.

Each of the properties has a family bathroom, ensuites and guest bathrooms and is built to exacting standards.

The bathrooms are spacious and light and feature white suites, wood bathroom furniture and ceramic floors. John Sydney basin mixers from the Flute design, featuring levered handles, are used throughout plus Cello wall-mounted fillers and shower mixers for the baths and the Elite thermostatic dual control shower mixer.

‘The John Sydney brand is synonymous with contemporary design and top quality. Increasingly it is specified in hotels and new home developments as its reputation for excellent performance has been established.’ says the company.

John Sydney brassware is designed to perform with low or high water pressure and comes with a ten year guarantee. All products comply with WRAS guidelines and are sold for contract and domestic use via selective bathroom dealers and specifiers.

Tel: 01827 304000
Web: http://www.johnsydney.com

Bringing the Kitchen Worksurface to Life – Orama Teams Up With J & J Ormerod

Orama, the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, has teamed up with J & J Ormerod Plc to unveil a new kitchen concept embracing the most up-to-date contemporary European trends. J & J Ormerod’s ‘Gloss Cream’ design from its Colonial range, recently displayed at the Kitchen Showcase 2004 exhibition, was complemented by Orama’s new worksurface ideas to enhance the overall impact of the kitchen.

To highlight the high gloss cream kitchen with units sitting on an inset box plinth in natural wenge material, the worksurface needed to reflect the plain and unadultered beauty of the kitchen furniture layout and contours. Orama chose two different materials of varying thickness to create a dramatic effect. Taking centre stage on the ‘dog leg island’ display unit at the heart of this new living concept, the layered effect of the worksurfaces provides a renewed degree of creativity whereas, at the same time, highlighting distinctive but discreet work areas in total harmony with their environment.

‘Orama’s 12mm compact grade tiger stripe Zebrano laminate combined with a chunky and natural 50mm cream gloss worksurface with a square edge bring a new dimension and complete originality to the kitchen. The choice of different depths, colours and layering reflects a European style favouring plain rich colours and marrying linearity with movement, akin to architectural design. The end result is an open and inviting décor with breathtaking aesthetics.’ says Peter Holt, sales and marketing director.

‘This latest venture with J & J Ormerod demonstrates how integral the worksurface is to the overall kitchen design. Not only does it help to break up the kitchen into work and living spaces, but it also adds an extra element of style and sophistication. As our research continues to confirm the growing appeal of European trends in the UK market, our team remains at the forefront of the latest style effects that will truly bring the modern worksurface to life!’

Richard Proctor, sales director, J & J Ormerod, further comments: ‘With our new Colonial kitchen design, we have introduced stunning and dramatic effects to create a unique kitchen concept. Orama’s worksurfaces clearly help to enhance the simple sophistication of the end design as the combination of colours and thickness complements our cream gloss furniture panels and the contemporary look and feel of the kitchen.’

Orama offers high quality durable decorative panels and worksurfaces. Established for many years, Orama holds ISO 9001 certification and the Furniture Industry Research Association Gold Award for product performance. The company is also a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association). All Orama’s chipboard and solid timber products are sourced from 'responsibly managed' forests.

Tel: 01773 520560
Web: http://www.orama.co.uk

Handy Food Slicer Comes With a Built-in Cutting Board Made of DuPont™ Delrin®

Now there's a faster, easier way to slice fruits, vegetables and more. The new 'Clever Cleaver' kitchen cutter from Ronan Tools, Inc. integrates a cutting board moulded from DuPont™ Delrin® acetal resin with a stainless steel knife and soft-grip plastic handles.

'Delrin® meets our needs for a strong, stiff cutting board with good stain resistance, and it's compatible with all kinds of solid foods,' said Rich Kluender, general manager at Ronan. The grade used, Delrin® 500P, complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations applicable to food preparation products.

Peerless Injection Molding Inc., Gardena, Calif. recommended the use of Delrin® for the cutting board. The company injection moulds the board and other plastics components of the cutter to Ronan's rigorous quality specifications.

Web: http://www.plastics.dupont.com

The Only Way is Up for Halesowen Lift Firm

UK service lift manufacturer and supplier – LA Husbands of Halesowen - is under new corporate ownership and is re-launching its 40-year-old brand.

Keith Holmes is the new owner of the firm, which was established in 1963 supplying document and food service lifts to banks, universities, libraries, public buildings and the food, leisure and retail industries. The company’s Balmatic lift has been installed in buildings such as The House of Commons, The House of Lords, The National History Museum, Lloyds Register of Shipping and the British Embassy in Warsaw.

Mr Holmes purchased the company for an undisclosed sum and was advised by Amanda Onions, solicitor at Gateley Wareing. Michael Green, chief executive of chartered accountants, Andersons KBS is a former non-executive director of the company and advised the vendors on the transaction. Andersons KBS has been appointed as auditors to LA Husbands and the vendor Oliver Walker will retain a sales executive role.

From l to r – Keith Holmes, Amanda Onions and Michael Green with one of the company’s Balmatic Lifts

The company, which employs 14 people at its manufacturing base in Shelah Road, Halesowen is looking to increase staff numbers to 18 over the next six months. The head office is also undergoing major refurbishment and an IT upgrade.

Other developments include a new corporate identity, increased manufacturing volumes, lower production costs and an extended product range providing new floor loading goods lifts with load capacities of up to 2000 kgs.

Mr Holmes comes to LA Husbands after 20 years with Holbruck Fasteners in Bromsgrove and lives in Tanworth-in-Arden.

He says that he is delighted to join one of the few remaining UK manufacturers of service lifts and believes that the company has an enormous amount of potential to increase its market share and enjoy high levels of business with both UK and export markets:

‘We are already seeing increased sales since the take-over thanks to our ability to provide more competitively priced products, effective project management and enhanced customer service levels. We also anticipate high demand for our range of lifts and platforms designed for wheelchair users - from those companies having to meet the requirements of the final stage of the Discrimination and Disability Act, which comes into force this October ensuring better accessibility to goods, facilities and services for people with disabilities.

‘We are currently undertaking a number of high value projects both in the UK and abroad. These include providing service lifts for a cheese factory in Saudi Arabia belonging to the country’s largest dairy producer, lifts for the world’s biggest private yacht, the Mirabella V and a food service lift for the kitchen of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s new £400m nerve centre in Edinburgh.’

Tel: 0121 550 1560

Whirlpool USA Introduces Line of Water Products to Meet US Homeowners' Needs

Consumers in the USA continue to thirst for great quality water, a need which Whirlpool says will now be quenched thanks to the company's new lines of water softeners, water filtration products and water coolers.

Research shows that tap water in many regions of the USA is affected by contaminants ranging from sediments, chlorine, and lead to chemicals andpesticides. Even if tap water meets the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Consumer Water Quality Survey conducted by the Water Quality Association shows that 86% of Americans have concerns about the look, smell, and taste of their water.

'Many homeowners have the misconception that home water filtration is 'one-size-fits-all', but in fact to get ultimate results, there are several steps in the process,' said Warren Lopata, lead innovation consultant for Whirlpool Corporation.

'Whirlpool's new line of water softeners, water filtration products, and water coolers can provide the innovative solutions for homeowners' water needs along with expert designs for easy installation and maintenance.'

To meet homeowners' water needs, Whirlpool introduces several options:

* Water softeners from Whirlpool are efficient and use less salt because they monitor water usage and regenerate only when necessary to ensure capacity for each day's use. The softeners also feature a sensor that lets homeowners know when to add salt. Three models of water softeners are available depending on the size of the household.

* Water Filtration when used in a several step process provides great quality water throughout the home.  Whirlpool's innovation offers solutions for all water filtration needs. From Whole House Pre-Filtration that reduces sediments that can damage plumbing and appliances to Drinking Water Filter systems that not only filter contaminants, but also allow for faucet and filtration level customisation. These water filtration systems with easy installation and filter removal were designed with the do-it-yourself household in mind.

With all these choices, Whirlpool helps make the selection of a filter system simple for consumers. The easy-to-identify icons posted on the packaging assist homeowners in identifying the six common contaminant categories of sediment, chlorine, lead, cysts, chemicals, and dissolved solids that may be present in water. Each filter is identified as to the contaminants it reduces, which allows the homeowner to choose the system right for their water conditions.  Additionally, many of these Whirlpool filtration products feature the UltraEase™ Filtration system with the quarter turn connection system or the Whirlpool exclusive snap-on connection filter system, which allows for installation in minutes and filter change in seconds with very little maintenance.

* Reverse Osmosis Filtration, considered to be the top solution, will also be offered by Whirlpool. Whirlpool's Reverse Osmosis Filtration systems filter between 14-22 gallons (224-352 8-oz glasses) of water a day with the one model featuring a filter life indicator. 

* Water coolers bring stylish design solutions to the kitchen. The line of five elegantly designed, family-friendly water coolers quench homeowners' thirst for clean, fresh-tasting water. More than that, nearly half of homeowners surveyed in a recent study by Lowe's prefer stainless steel finishes for their kitchens, and now Whirlpool's water coolers can complement the rest of the kitchen with the Stainless Steel Cooler.  For additional design choices, select models of Whirlpool water coolers can be special ordered.  The special order programme allows homeowners to choose the cooler body and accent colours, as well as preferred water temperature options.

The new line of water coolers also includes the Refrigerated Cooler complete with an attached refrigerator compartment to hold up to 12 cans of soda and the Countertop Chiller, which can be converted into an alternative beverage chiller for picnics or barbecues.

All of the new Whirlpool water filtration products are available exclusively at Lowe's.

Find Out if it’s Time to Remodel your Kitchen - The NKBA Offers Advice

Most homeowners think their kitchen is outdated from the looks of their weathered cabinets, dated appliances and crackled countertop, but they don’t realise that there are many other reasons a kitchen needs to be remodelled.

This is why the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is offering the following tips, to start homeowners thinking about the current condition of their kitchen and to help them decide when the best time is to update.

• Adequate space: Make sure you’re satisfied with the amount of counter space, cabinet space and floor space. The position of your refrigerator or shape of your counter may be taking away from a useful area. When replacing a countertop or changing the shape of your kitchen, keep in mind, a total of 158" of countertop frontage, 24" deep with at least 15" of clearance above, is needed to accommodate all uses, including landing area, preparation/work area, and storage.

• Traffic flow: If there’s more than one cook in your household, you may want to consider making more room around the main work space. If you enjoy entertaining, you may want an open plan kitchen that allows for more social interaction between rooms other than the kitchen. According to the NKBA guidelines, the width of a walkway should be at least 36" and the width of a work aisle should be at least 42" for one cook and at least 48" for multiple cooks.

• Efficiency: If your appliances are dated, they may be costing you more money than you expect. New technological advances with dishwashers, disposals and refrigerators can save you a considerable amount of money and may be worth the investment. Purchasing a dishwasher with low energy consumption, delay timer, and economy cycle or half-load button will result in saving water, and money.

• Children: Depending on whether or not you have children, and their ages, your kitchen may need to be remodeled. Dated appliances and the design of your kitchen can be hazardous for young kids. If you are in the process of extending your family, you may even want more room for cooking larger meals, and lower cabinets for easier access to children’s food. Based on NKBA’s kitchen safety guidelines, microwave ovens should be installed 3" below the principal user’s shoulder but no more than 54" above the floor to avoid accidents. The NKBA also suggests avoiding sharp corners on countertops with kids around.

• Location & Design: Maybe you’d like to add a deck to the side or back of your house and would like to incorporate a door into the layout of your kitchen. You also may want to re-arrange the position of windows to allow more or less sunlight or to watch your children play in the yard. When rearranging the layout of your kitchen, according to the NKBA, the clear opening of a doorway should be at least 32" wide, which would require a minimum of 2’10" door, and a cooking surface should never be located under an operable window.

For more information about remodelling and the safety of your kitchen, to get some advice from a professional designer or request a free Consumer Workbook including a Kitchen Evaluation survey that will tell you exactly what needs to be remodelled in your home, or NKBA’s full list of kitchen and bathroom guidelines, visit http://www.nkba.org.