Kitchen and Bathroom News @ The K&BZine

GE unveils NEW Headquarters and Showroom

GE Appliances has opened its new UK Headquarters and showroom in Milton Keynes. Easily accessible, the new HQ and showroom is ideally located just over Junction 13 off the M1 from London or North (J14) and will showcase the latest GE products.

Since LSY's acquisition of the direct sales operation of GE Appliances in Europe, the company has gone from strength to strength and investment has been a key part of LSY's strategy in the UK. GE Appliances for the first time has a UK showroom and is proud to display the latest American refrigeration, air-conditioning and de-humidifiers collection.

Neil Jaques, comments on the opening 'We are extremely pleased to have a GE showcase, a platform for us to demonstrate the technology and innovation GE is renowned for. We are actively inviting our retailers to visit and feel it's an extremely positive step to help further strengthen our business relationships'.

(Left to right) Neil Jaques (New Product Development Manager), Danielle Baxter (Customer Services), Kevin Grubb (Operations Manager) and Matt Jinks (Commercial Director)

An impressive 2000 square feet, the new HQ is fully equipped with designated zones for customer meetings, training sessions and product demonstrations. The new facility is open to trade customers and retailers are welcome to visit the new showroom and experience the GE showcase.

GE is also proud to announce to all its customers that its has launched a new website - www.lsy-appliances.co.uk. Recently re-designed the new site features a comprehensive collection of GE's product portfolio, including its American refrigeration, wine centres, BBQ's and its new range of de-humidifiers, water softeners and air conditioning.

For more details on the products or to find out more about GE Appliances in the UK, please visit our brand new website www.lsy-appliances.co.uk or call 01908 366363.

01908 366363
www.lsy-appliances.co.uk

Hans Stråberg's Comments on Electrolux Operations for the First Half Year 2006

During the first half year we have continued to focus on our strategy including strengthening our brands, successful marketing, extensive product innovation and cost reductions. Through our strategy we have been able to mitigate significant raw material price increases. More importantly, however, we have laid the foundation for margin expansion and future growth and our ambition remains to reach industry average and beyond.

With the completion of the Outdoor Products spin-off we are, in addition to executing on our strategy, exploring all other potential areas of value creation. Among others, we will evaluate our capital structure. Our strong cash flow, in combination with divestitures and the Husqvarna spin-off, has left us with an overly strong balance sheet for our business needs giving us the opportunity to shift out funds to our shareholders. We will also, in light of our new structure, address our selling and administrative costs including our group common cost.

Turning to the half year just completed, the basic demand for products in our markets around the world has been robust. Backed up by this healthy demand development, we have announced price increases for the American market to compensate for increasing material costs. An even more important point is that we are continuing to see an improved mix as a result of previous product launches. Also in the second quarter we saw that innovative products with an attractive design are taking share in the higher price segments. This strategy is being fortified by our work to strengthen the Electrolux brand around the world.

Today we have also announced that we entered a collaboration with Sharp to develop a new innovative range of mid-sized frost-free refrigerators. This project is part of a broader strategic collaboration within major appliances between the two companies.

We have intensified our work during this half-year period to move production from high-cost countries to countries with a lower cost base. The refrigerator production in Juarez, Mexico, will reach full capacity in the third quarter. In the approaching second half, we will no longer be weighed down by the double cost of operating two factories in parallel, now that the plant in Greenville, Michigan, USA, has closed. We are also seeing the results of our savings programs. We are about halfway through our factory restructuring program, which will give full effect in 2010 of between SEK 2.5 and 3.5 billion savings per year.

According to plan we improved our results compared to last year, but I am not satisfied with the result development in Europe. The strike in Nuremberg, Germany, caused more of a setback in sales than we had anticipated during the first half. We are now in the process of winning back the lost market share, but this work takes time. One result of the strike is that we will discontinue production in Nuremberg nearly one year sooner than we planned, namely in the first quarter of 2007. The implementation of the European Union's RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive also had a negative effect on the result, through selling off products before the directive became effective on July 1st. After a short period of stable material costs, we began to see another rise in raw material prices. Since 2004, the Electrolux cost of materials has increased more than SEK 5 billion, equivalent to approximately 5% of our sales. Thanks to our well implemented cost savings programs, we have been able to compensate for increased raw material costs. We expect to limit the effects of the current material cost increases by implementing further savings programs and selective price increases.

I expect the results for 2006 to reach our previously released expectations, which means that operating results for Electrolux Indoor products, excluding items affecting comparability, are expected to be somewhat higher than 2005.

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

PURMO has provided 400 Compact Radiators for Badgers Meadow in Penard, Swansea, a new housing development by luxury housebuilder Meadgate. The distinctive countryside style housing with traditional thatched roofs is located in a highly sought after area surrounded by scenic coastal paths and walking trails.

Commenting on the contract, Kevin Gunn, Commercial Manager at PURMO, said: ‘The PURMO Compact Radiator is the best selling radiator of its kind in Europe, and the residents of Badgers Close can rest assured their new homes will be warm and welcoming when winter arrives. This is the first time we have worked with Meadgate, and hope to be involved in further projects.’

Tony Hughes, construction director at Meadgate added, ‘Badgers Meadow is a collection of luxury properties and naturally, we wanted the radiators to compliment this style. The PURMO Compact is an aesthetically pleasing, high quality radiator which has been easy to install and fits in with the traditional and unique homes available at Badgers Meadow.’

The Compact Radiator only requires a small amount of water to function; it heats up very quickly and is easy to control. The large convector plate within the design means that heat is expelled across a greater surface area, distributing heat more effectively around the room. Its smooth and solid scratch resistant coating makes the radiator hardwearing and easy to clean.

Contact: Kevin Gunn, National Sales Manager
Tel: 0845 070 1090
Web: http://www.purmo.com

The companies say that a partnership between computer-aided design software specialist, ArtiCAD Ltd, and Crestwood Fittings, a supplier of high quality components to kitchen manufacturers and retailers, is 'destined to take the world of kitchen design by storm'.

The latest version of the ArtiCAD kitchen design software contains a comprehensive library of Crestwood’s wirework storage solutions. This takes kitchen design to a new level of detail. Designers are able not only to show their clients the external design and layout of their new kitchen in ArtiCAD, but also open up doors and insert different types of wirework storage, including chef’s pantries, carousels, wine and vegetable racks. 'For the first time ever, customers will be able to see not only how their kitchen will look, but how it will work in terms of storage space and utilisation.'

Exclusive to Crestwood, the company’s ingenious wirework internal accessories have been designed with typical flair by a leading Italian manufacturer. With storage in the home at a premium, particularly in the kitchen, it is essential that space is used effectively. Crestwood’s collection of wire storage solutions enables maximisation of the available storage space within the cabinet. Cleverly engineered to allow easy access even when fully loaded, the range offers a solution to suit a variety of applications. They ensure that even the deepest recesses of a kitchen cupboard can be turned into easily accessible, useful storage areas.

Dean Pallett, Product Manager at Crestwood is enthusiastic about the opportunities offered to designers by the new partnership between ArtiCAD and Crestwood: 'I believe that the inclusion of Crestwood’s wirework internal storage solutions into ArtiCAD will enable designers and retailers to bring that essential ‘wow’ factor to their designs.'

For the next stage in this partnership, Crestwood’s drawer systems, which provide a range of storage options including foil and film cutters, knife blocks and storage for every different size and shape of kitchen accessory, will also be incorporated into ArtiCAD.

Tel: 01923 246586
Web: http://www.articad.cc

The KBSA has introduced a set of standard terms and conditions for members that has been created in conjunction with advice from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

‘We have been working with the OFT for some time and we are delighted that we are able to offer these comprehensive terms and conditions,’ says KBSA operations director, Lucinda Kenny.

‘It is critical for any company to have suitable and relevant terms and conditions, used correctly in all contractual dealings with customers they can afford a business protection and help to avoid bad debt problems.

‘Our members benefit from a wide range of business support services that help them manage their businesses effectively. No other association can provide such relevant and cost effective support for a high street retailer operating in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or home office sector.’

Wolseley Acquires DT Group for £1,353m

Wolseley today announces that it has signed an agreement, conditional only upon regulatory approval, to acquire DT Group (formerly known as Danske Traelast), the Nordic region's leading distributor of building materials, from CVC Capital Partners. Cash consideration of Euro 1,498m (£1,023m) representing the equity value of DT Group has been agreed which, including the assumption of net debt as at 30 June 2006 of Euro484 million (£330 million), gives an enterprise value of Euro1,982 million (£1,353 million). The acquisition will be financed using debt.

DT Group's business
DT Group is the leading distributor of building materials for trade professionals and consumers in the Nordic region, with operations in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway. Approximately 80% of its sales are through builders' merchants to trade professionals, 13% to the DIY market, and 7% to the wholesale market. For the year ended 31 January 2006, DT Group's audited accounts reported revenue of Euro2.4 billion (£1.6 billion), EBITDA of Euro169.5 million (£115.7 million) and EBITA of Euro141.0 million (£96.2 million). Gross assets, excluding debt, as at 31 January 2006 were Euro1.1 billion (£773.4 million). The unaudited management accounts for the twelve months to 30 June 2006 show revenue of Euro2.5 billion (£1.7 billion), EBITDA of Euro184.7 million (£126.1 million) and EBITA of Euro157.1 million (£107.3 million).

The business operates from approximately 256 locations across the Nordic region, of which 175 are builders' merchants, 65 are DIY stores and 16 are wholesale outlets. The company has approximately 8,000 employees.

Management
DT Group's President and CEO Steen Weirsoe (58) has over 30 years of industry experience and will continue to have responsibility for the business as part of Wolseley's European division, led by Europe CEO Rob Marchbank. All of the key operational management and staff of DT Group will remain with the business and join the Wolseley Group. In addition, a number of senior management from Wolseley will be assigned to work with the existing management team and assist with the integration into the Group.

Strategic Rationale
The acquisition of DT Group is in line with Wolseley's strategy of expanding its operations by customer, product and geography. This transaction is particularly attractive as it marks Wolseley's entry into the Nordic building materials sector and strengthens the Group's footprint in the European construction materials distribution market.

The construction materials distribution market in this region is worth Euro 30 billion. The market remains fragmented, and with DT Group having less than 10% market share there is good opportunity for growth. The Nordic economies are robust with GDP growth rates that exceed Euro zone averages. In addition, with low forecast unemployment and inflation, the markets look to remain strong going forward.

Get SMART in Bathrooms

SMART over the last five years has taken the KBB industry to new heights with its powerful business and operational management system, leading the technology revolution for increased business growth and efficiency. SMART's focus this month is how to 'Get SMART in Bathrooms'.

Alan Heath & Sons is an established bathroom retailer and chose SMART in 2002, following a transition from line drawings to a CAD system. Alan Heath sought to find a cost-effective business solution that would not only integrate its new drawing package, but would allow for the rapid growth of its business without staff recruitment.

Alan Heath, Managing Director, Alan Heath & Sons explains 'SMART has enables us to reap many business rewards, administrative processes have become simplified and freed up more time to focus on what is important to us: the customer and generating new business'.

Alan goes onto further to explain how important he feels SMART is for the bathroom industry 'Once a customer quote has been completed and it has been accepted, there is no more manual documents to produce, perfect! Automated purchase orders, invoices, fitters notes are instantly produced at the touch of the button, avoiding any repetitions and errors which may occur by duplicating the information too many times!'

As a leading bathroom retailer, Alan Heath & Sons retail high quality brands such as Villeroy & Boch, Vitra, Grohe and Utopia. As part of its commitment to meeting customers' demands for specific products, SMART can be easily activated to check instant stock availability. Once bathroom products are ordered, SMART is used to 'check' products into their warehouse and at any time, stock availability can be verified and then be ready for installation. In addition, SMART is well suited to contract work, Alan explains 'Once a project is complete there maybe a chance there is excess stock, this can be placed back into our warehouse and easily recorded onto our SMART system, ensuring we don't reorder on the next occasion'.

Roger West, Managing Director of SMART says 'SMART Systems has emerged as a leading business tool for manufactures and retailers alike. Alan Heath, a leading bathroom retailer, clearly demonstrates how SMART works successfully across all the KBB sectors and its shows how it has become a valuable asset in their progressive business'.

A Greener Way to Dispose of Grease

Caterers using enzymes to dissolve their grease, before disposing of it into the sewers, need to learn that this is an environmental hazard. Grease Guardian works with several collection partners to offer an environmentally friendly option.

Thames Water presently spends £3.8m ever year cleaning up an estimated 80,000 ˆ 100,000 blockages in their region alone caused by fats, oils and greases which could easily be extracted. According to Dr. Kim Littlewood, of the WRc Group, the impact of chemical solutions on the biological processes in sewers, sewage treatment works and the wider environment is considered too great for enzymes to enter mainstream use.

Grease Guardian Products (GGP) contends that the only safe, and environmentally responsible, method to dispose of grease is to extract it before it enters the sewage system. Grease Guardian works with various collection partners to ensure that grease, once extracted, is then collected free of charge for use as bio-diesel.

Malcolm Yates, of grease collection company Arrow Oils, comments: 'It is a moral, as well as legal, obligation for all companies producing a reusable product to recycle in order to save our planet. There is no good reason to not require this service, we offer it free where any Grease Guardian system is installed.'

Grease Guardian® traps and removes grease automatically with an efficiency of over 95%. The system is ideal for any commercial kitchen installation of any size. Grease Guardians® have been installed in over 40 countries and in some of the most famous locations in the world.

Telephone: 08453 008831

Website: http://www.greaseguardian.info

Roman, the UK shower enclosure manufacturer, has become a one-stop-shop for everything concerning trendy wetrooms.

The County Durham-based firm says that it brought the wetroom concept over from Scandanvia three years ago.

Now, it offers everything for creating the perfect wetroom, from waterproofing your bathroom ready for installation to the latest wetroom panels.

Unlike some of our European counterparts, UK bathrooms are not waterproofed as standard to meet building regulations, which means many people are still wary of tanking.

As a result, Roman offers a Wetroom tanking starter kit which contains everything you need to tank a room in preparation for tiling a bathroom of up to six-metres-square, including simple step-by-step instructions, for beginners and experts alike. For those who are still unsure, Roman offers a helpline to call for any advice.

Once the room has been successfully tanked, consumers can then choose from a range of Wetroom Panels, to suit spaces and budgets, to achieve the true wetroom look.

The latest Wetroom Panel Roman has designed, sits in the Collage Range. The frameless Collage Corner Panel features 8mm thick glass and is available in a range of sizes.

This sits alongside the Freedom Linear and Corner Panels and Roman’s luxurious top end Roman Sculptures Panels, which feature 10mm thick glass and are available in widths up to 1200mm for the larger bathrooms.

Wetrooms are a suitable solution for larger and smaller bathrooms as they make the best use of the space you have. For smaller bathrooms they take up minimal space and are flexible enough to sit in practically any area you have. For a more expansive bathroom you can really achieve that spa-like feel of space and luxury, particularly when using a larger Roman Sculptures Panel.

Wetrooms can provide a modern solution for people with disabilities as they give unrestricted access, eliminating the step-up and awkward handles, which can often be a problem for arthritis sufferers. Yet, unlike other products on the market, they aren’t institutional in appearance and can actually add value to a property if the owner decides to sell.

Roman’s Marketing Director, Loraine Gamblin, said: 'There is still a little bit of mystery and uncertainty surrounding wetrooms. However, Roman has come up with products that will help people allay those fears to enable them to turn their bathrooms into highly desirable, beautiful showering spaces.'

Jacuzzi Brands Names Alex P. Marini President and CEO

Jacuzzi Brands, Inc. announced on July 18th the appointment of Alex P. Marini as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective August 31st, 2006. Mr. Marini will succeed David H. Clarke, Jacuzzi Brands' Chief Executive Officer, who is retiring. Mr. Clarke will also retire as Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors effective September 30th, 2006, at which time the Board intends to appoint an existing member as Non-Executive Chairman.

Mr. Marini, 59, was named President and Chief Operating Officer of Jacuzzi Brands in August 2005. He joined Zurn, the Company's Commercial Plumbing Products business, in 1969 and was named President of Zurn in 1996. Under Mr. Marini's direction, Zurn has become one of the commercial plumbing industry's most respected and successful companies.

David H. Clarke, 65, stated, ‘Over the last year, Al Marini has demonstrated his potential to assume the responsibilities of CEO. He has brought to the Bath segment the same enthusiasm, business acumen, and creativity that generated outstanding financial results at Zurn over the last several years. While there is still work to be done at the Bath segment, Al and his team have already made tremendous progress. Importantly, he has garnered the trust and respect of our employees, suppliers and customers.’

Mr. Clarke continued, ‘At the time of Al's appointment to President and Chief Operating Officer of Jacuzzi Brands, I agreed to suspend my previously announced retirement in order to promote continuity in operations and strategic initiatives. I will work closely with Al and the Board throughout the summer to ensure a smooth transition. While I will be leaving Jacuzzi Brands to devote full time to my personal interests, I remain fully optimistic about this Company's prospects and intend to remain a shareholder.’

Mr. Marini commented, ‘I am grateful to David and the Board for the opportunity to assume this expanded role, and am excited by the prospects to further strengthen Jacuzzi Brands presence in the various 'water' markets that our Company serves. While our immediate focus is the continued improvement of the Bath business and continued growth at Zurn, we will also continue to review strategic alternatives as part of our overall strategy to enhance long-term shareholder value. I also want to thank the numerous Zurn associates with whom I have served over the past 37 years. Under David's leadership, Jacuzzi Brands has undergone a significant transformation centered around water technology. I believe that there are substantial opportunities to expand this platform in related water businesses. I am fortunate to have a solid foundation, consisting of a talented team of managers, a widely-recognised portfolio of brands in attractive market segments, and a balance sheet that is the strongest in the Company's history.'

Mr. Marini continued, ‘Over the last year, the team we have assembled at Jacuzzi Brands has created significant momentum. We have worked together to strengthen our customer relationships and maintain leading positions in numerous market segments. We are maintaining a focus on lower-cost foreign sourcing initiatives at the Bath business, applying many of the same principles that Zurn has employed for nearly 30 years. We have also made great strides in introducing innovative products focused on the restorative properties of water, and feature-rich, user-friendly products for professional contractors.’

80% of British households could be at risk from spreading allergy related diseases according to new research by LG. The research has shown that a staggering one fifth of people in Britain don't even vacuum their home, adding to the increasing risk of disease especially amongst children.

The British are completely unaware of the potential risks of the allergy carrying bugs and house dust-mites breeding within their homes. More than 50% of people surveyed said they are completely unaware of the rise in allergens in the summer months and of the steps that need to be taken to reduce them (men are almost twice as likely as women to be unaware). The majority of people surveyed blame pollution for the 85% of children with asthma, unaware of the connection between house dust mites and asthma.

Senior Acarologist at The Medical Entomology Centre, Toby Wilkinson, says: ‘House dust mites are microscopic organisms which live inside mattresses, pillows, carpets, regularly used soft furnishings and toys where human skin scales, the major component of their diet, accumulate. Their faecal pellets contain a number of potent allergens which are known to trigger and possibly to cause allergic diseases such asthma. The increasing prevalence of asthma especially in children highlights the importance of controlling house dust mites and removing their allergens.’

Allergic disease affects 1 in 3 people in the UK yet no one is taking measures to lessen the causes that create them. The UK has seen a rise in health diseases such as Asthma - 1 in 8 (12.5%) people now suffer from eczema, whilst 1 in 7 (14.7%) suffer from asthma.

The research was carried out by LG to reveal the awareness and attitudes of UK homeowners of household allergies. 82% of people surveyed do not know the cause of asthma suffering in the UK. When it comes to awareness of housebound allergies in the UK and the steps taken to reduce the problem, the British are worryingly uneducated.

A high proportion of people in the UK do not feel it is necessary to vacuum their carpets every day but for those with family members suffering from diseases such as asthma and eczema should do this according to Allergy UK. 92% of people surveyed don't vacuum their carpets every day, unaware at least 10,000 house dust mites live are living in their beds adding to disease such as Eczema, Rhinitis and Asthma. Allergy UK states: ‘The warmth and humidity in modern homes are an ideal breeding environment for them. Our beds are a haven for these microscopic creatures, they also find shed skin cells to eat in carpets, upholstered furniture and furry toys. The allergen is mainly in the mite droppings, which fragment, the fine particles becoming airborne and settling quickly into the depths of our pillows, mattresses, duvets, upholstery and carpets.’

UK household pets are the second most important cause of allergy in the home. Not only does pollen and house dust-mites affect the rise in household allergens but also UK household pets are the second cause of allergies in the home increasing problems for asthma sufferers. Britain is a society unaware of these allergies thriving in their homes, with under a third of Britain's vacuuming every day.

However, the older generation of people seem more aware of the risks of not vacuuming your home and household furniture with 63% of them vacuuming their beds, compared to just 19% of 16-24 year olds. Older Britain's are the healthier generation with 48% aware of the rise in house allergens compared with just 17% of 16-24 year olds who are completely unaware of the effects they can have. Toby Wilkinson comments: ‘The concentration of airborne allergens can increase significantly after vacuuming using a standard vacuum cleaner, thus increasing the risk of exposure to the allergen. However, fitting vacuum cleaners with special high efficiency filters can prevent this from occurring.'

In order to combat the rise in house allergens, LG recently announced the company’s first ever range of Allergy Care vacuum cleaners. Approved by the British Allergy Foundation, the range has been proven to restrict and remove high levels of allergens from the environment that you live in, combating the potential risk from house allergies and pollutants.

Designed with allergy sufferers in mind, all of the models in LG's Allergy Care range are fitted with washable HEPA filtration, filtering out a massive 99.5 % of dust, creating a cleaner home. Whilst inside the canister, the dirt is held in a Bio-Tank, which features Nano-Silver technology preventing the growth of any bacteria whilst the dust is being held inside the vacuum cleaner. The company says that this helps to protect your loved ones from any exposure to dust fungus and viruses that can otherwise easily be spread.

Web: http://www.lge.com

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has announced the lineup of industry professionals presenting at the third annual MasterClass Conference. To be held August 17th and 18th in Montreal, Canada, MasterClass Conference 2006: Green Fusion will focus on the growing trend of incorporating Green Design principles into innovative and efficient kitchen and bath designs.

Green Design continues to gain in popularity in the kitchen and bath industry, as well as with residential homeowners and commercial builders. Kitchen and bath designers are eager to create eco-friendly and healthy designs that don't sacrifice style or comfort. According to a recent survey of attendees at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS), Green Design was the number one choice for future seminars. Due to this growing interest, the NKBA chose Green Design as the topic for the conference, to help fellow professionals understand their options for designing more environmentally efficient living spaces.

MasterClass Conference is a high-end, educational symposium that offers attendees intimate sessions and discussions with accomplished industry professionals. Small groups of participants will attend each presentation. These sessions will bring attendees together to share ideas, discuss problems and interact with peers in a relaxed environment. Additionally, attendees will be entered to win several valuable prizes, including a trip to K/BIS 2007.

The NKBA would like to thank the sponsors for this year's conference. MasterClass Gold Sponsor, 20-20 Technologies is a worldwide leader in providing computer-aided design, sales software and manufacturing for the design industry. Richelieu Hardware Ltd., a leading distributor, importer and manufacturer of specialty hardware and complementary products throughout North America, is a Silver Sponsor. TOTO, the largest toilet manufacturer in the world, is the Evening Networking Reception/Presentation sponsor.

The NKBA has selected several outstanding design professionals who excel in the field of Green Design as speakers for MasterClass: Green Fusion. All speakers are accredited by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and are active in the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). USGBC is the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.

Robert Blakeman, AIA, LEED AP, is Senior Vice President with Paulus, Sokolowski & Sartor, a full-service architectural engineering firm in Warren, New Jersey. He has been instrumental in creating spaces that provide natural lighting and cutting-edge lighting systems and reduce operating costs with renewable energy systems. Blakeman will discuss environmentally friendly building as well as the latest in green finishes and fixtures. Blakeman will explain how using Green Design can have a greater return on investment with various available rebates and tax credits.

Penny Bonda, FASID, LEED AP, works in the field of environmental communications and is a prominent writer and lecturer. As the Eco Editor of Interior Design magazine, she is a monthly contributor to their online resource, The Green Zone. She authored Creating Sustainable Interiors, a monograph for NCIDQ and is co-author of a book on sustainable commercial interiors to be released in the fall of 2006. Bonda will introduce the obstacles to incorporating sustainability into designs and offer tactics to overcome them. She will also discuss how to leverage buying power with manufacturers to optimise greener materials.

Kirsten Childs, ASID, LEED AP, brings singular knowledge to the understanding of interior projects pursuing excellence in sustainable design. Recognised for her role in introducing environmental/ sustainable considerations to the design and architectural community, she advocates this approach through Croxton Collaborative Architects (CCA) and her own consulting firm, Kirsten Childs Associates. Childs' presentation will look at the global/regional and local reasons for adapting an environmental/sustainable and human-centred approach to the design of the built environment. Focusing on kitchen and bathroom design, the presentation will consider key issues that affect the natural environment and human well-being, from global warming to diminishing water resources.

Lucinda Jennings, ASID, LEED AP, has been an interior designer for more than 30 years. She has a great understanding of all building disciplines: site, architectural, structural, and mechanical and electrical systems, including the application of sustainable design. Jennings is currently the Programming and Resource Staff Director at Virginia Tech, Office of the University of Architect in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Jennings will be co-presenting with Victoria Schomer, ASID, LEED AP, a principal of Green Built Environments, a residential design firm focused on the merging of traditional design and building practices with green research and specifications. Schomer is also the founder of the nonprofit organisation Building Concerns, which researches environmental and sustainability issues as they related to design and build projects. Their presentation will focus on methods for determining the most appropriate green materials and products focusing on kitchens and baths, including strategies to conserve resources and minimize construction waste.

A lifelong supporter of water conservation, Gunner Baldwin has worked tirelessly to encourage the use of more water-efficient fixtures and fittings. Baldwin has been with TOTO USA for over 16 years, developing continuing education seminars on water-efficient plumbing design for architects and engineers; training new TOTO employees and representatives; and representing the company to industry related organisations including the USGBC, AIA and ASPE. A discussion of the current technologies available in Green Plumbing will include the application of High Efficiency Toilets and other Low Consumption plumbing fittings and fixtures. To be held on Thursday evening, this Networking Reception/Presentation is generously sponsored by TOTO.

MasterClass: Green Fusion will run Thursday, August 17th, through Friday, August 18th, 2006. Over the course of the two days, attendees will participate in several in-depth sessions and will have the opportunity to hear each presentation. The conference will conclude with a panel discussion, including a Question & Answer session featuring all of the speakers.

MasterClass will take place at the Hotel Omni Mont-Royal located on historic Sherbrooke Street in the heart of downtown Montreal's Golden Square Mile. Attendees can explore this classic city, a blend of old-world charm and French joie de vivre with thoroughly modern style. Montreal offers a huge and eclectic assortment of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

The NKBA awards Continuing Education Units (CEU) to members who complete educational seminars and conferences. MasterClass Conference qualifies for 1.6 CEUs or as 16 hours of NKBA education towards becoming certified through the NKBA.

The NKBA is offering several special promotions to MasterClass Conference attendees. One lucky attendee will win an all-expense-paid trip to the 2007 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS) to be held in Las Vegas. The grand prize includes airfare to and from Las Vegas, three nights' hotel accommodations and one full conference package to attend the trade show. Two attendees will each receive a full conference package for K/BIS 2007, which includes an Expo Show Floor pass and entrance into all Keynote presentations and conference tracks. Additionally, one attendee will win a full set of the NKBA's new Professional Resource Library, a nine-volume reference book series valued at $699.

Registration for MasterClass is available online at http://www.nkba.org. For more information, contact NKBA's Customer Service at 800-843-6522.

Ebor customers were invited to attend a CaesarStone open day last month. Fabricators from up and down the country travelled to the company's Rochdale based head office, where CaesarStone Technical Advisor, German Shayder, provided fabricating demonstrations.

Joining German on the day was CaesarStone Account Manager, Maya Grinfeld. The pair who both work at the CaesarStone base in Israel made the journey to England especially. Israeli born Rafi Mimoni of Mega Marble and Stone Boutique provided translation for the day.

Guests were shown ways of removing scratches and repairing faults and were given the opportunity to have their technical queries solved throughout. A range of CaesarStone displays and products used in the care, maintenance and repair of the material were exhibited.

Ebor Stone Division Sales Director, Dave Beckett said, ‘The training has been extremely interesting, and has proved an important day for both Ebor and their customers alike’.

From the company’s five acre site in Norfolk Bill Cleyndert & Company Ltd supplies a worldwide client base with joinery and furniture products.

Founder Bill Cleyndert has, over the last 20 years, assembled a team of skilled craftsmen to undertake bespoke projects for clients that include Middle Eastern royalty, super yacht owners, pop stars and a diverse portfolio of the world's top architects and interior design specifiers.

From the company’s current 20,000 sq ft high-tech workshops (due for imminent expansion by 5,000 sq ft for a new, state-of-the-art finishing shop), Bill Cleyndert operates a meticulous concept to installation service employing hi-tech computerised (CAD) design tools that integrate with the primarily Homag-equipped workshops to provide the very highest level of manufacturing solutions.

Products include fine free standing furniture, panelling, door sets, staircases, wardrobes and all fitted furniture. The materials in use range from composite boards to exotic solid timbers, veneers, leather and fabrics and many others.

Bill Cleyndert says that his team of craftsmen include traditional skills like carving right through to the CNC operators in the factory who combine as a team to produce the products and work of such distinction as demanded by their exclusive clientsEquipping the workshops with machines and technology that are both fit for purpose and highly flexible is part of a primary strategy at Bill Cleyndert. ‘We only source and invest in the very best equipment as this has a direct bearing on the final quality of the product’ explains Bill Cleyndert. ‘We have identified Homag Group equipment as not only the best in the world but in Homag UK and particularly Keith Hack we have been able to establish a high level technical partnership which we see as essential.’

Keith Hack has worked closely with Bill Cleyndert to identify and evaluate both current and future needs. He and Homag have specified machines that give the whole Bill Cleyndert team both design scope and production flexibility. On the classical machine front high-tech Martin machines include a sliding table saw, electronically controlled spindle moulder, surface plane and planer thicknesser. From the Homag Group itself is a state-of-the-art Bütfering wide belt sander and, most recently two Weeke Venture 5 CNC machining centres with high spec tooling and features like the patented LED positioning system. The Woodwop control software on the Weeke machines links seamlessly with the AutoCad software in the Bill Cleyndert design studios.

Bill Cleyndert has also recently installed a Brandt single-sided edgebander with PUR bonding capability for solid lippings and veneers required for the performance of the furniture and joinery that is installed in so many diverse situation around the world.

The service provided to Bill Cleyndert's customers and clients includes high quality samples and a full work-in-progress consultation right though to delivery, fitting and installation. Clients of the high profile that the company works with demand a great level of confidence in their supplier and equipping the workshops with Homag technology plays an important role in this regard.

‘We have developed a great degree of trust in the Homag and Martin machinery but also in our personal relationship with Keith Hack and the very high level of service we get from Homag UK - from back-up and service to training and very fast remedial response where required’ says Bill Cleyndert.

Bill Cleyndert & Company is successfully expanding with a project turnover of £3 million and a growing order book of increasingly ambitions projects all obtained through word of mouth and on reputation.

HOMAG U.K.
Tel: 01332 856500
Email: info@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk

Following the huge success of previous courses, FIRA is running a unique one day course to help producers, suppliers, retailers and importers understand the complex areas of cover performance and fire safety requirements for upholstery.

The course is being run on two dates, 5th October and 23rd November 2006 and costs £150 + VAT for FIRA members and £225 + VAT for non-members.

Led by Sue Brighten, an internationally accepted expert in upholstery technology, the course will provide delegates with an opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of the subject and a greater understanding of the issues. Course content will include information on the fire safety requirements of the UK furniture regulations, fabric performance requirements and demonstrate relevant test procedures. It will translate the need for 'satisfactory quality', include the implications of FR treatments on fabric performance and discuss delegates' responsibilities on record keeping and certification.

To book a place or for further information, call Janet Voss on 01438 777605 or email jvoss@fira.co.uk.