KitchenVision
takes on the High Street with Philips and Sharp
KitchenVision
is already established as the UK's first and only supplier of audio visual
products designed exclusively for the kitchen environment. The company
offers an integrated 15" television to fit a microwave wall aperture
plus a fitted TV, DVD, CD, Radio, Web browser and security monitor.
Despite
the company's current offering of kitchen orientated products, some consumers
still opt for the free standing LCD televisions available from the high
street electrical retail outlets. In response, KitchenVision has now finalised
supply agreements with the two leading manufacturers of LCD televisions,
Philips and Sharp, to bring its kitchen dealer customers a selection of
the best LCD and Plasma screen televisions, from 13" to 42",
at the most competitive prices.
All Philips and Sharp products are available with wall mounting brackets
as well as the standard table top stand. KitchenVision claims that the
Philips 15" TV with the twin pivot wall bracket offers the best value
option in the market place. Most models feature built in FM tuners.
KitchenVision's MD, David Moore, stresses that in the long run the industry
will demand specific kitchen focused products which are integrated into
the design of a kitchen, not just an afterthought on the worktop. Most
consumers use their TV in the kitchen far more than a microwave yet we
fit integrated microwaves in most new kitchens and ignore the TV. When
kitchen dealers finish an installation the consumer will, nine times out
of ten, put a new CD Radio, TV or both on the worktop. KitchenVision aims
to make this part of the kitchen sale.
In the meantime however, the company realises that the industry is at
the mercy of the electrical giants. "Middle to upper market consumers
will probably buy an LCD TV for their new kitchen but not all of them
will buy an integrated product for various reasons. This recent development
with Philips and Sharp will enable us to give our dealers the chance to
offer the best product quality at the most competitive prices if the integrated
solution is not an option."
For prices and availability, please contact KitchenVision on 01932 252458
Induction
- A hot invention from Electrolux
The
star of professional kitchens is now making its way into our homes. It’s
a fast, safe and efficient heating technique called induction and it was
developed by Electrolux. Induction is a kitchen technology that’s
smarter and safer than conventional stovetops. It’s fast. It’s
precise. And it offers lower energy costs —reducing consumption by
over 30 percent.
For families with children, induction is the safest type of cooking element
available, since it doesn’t have the open flame of gas stoves, or
the residual heat of electric ones. Plus, because it never gets hot enough
to burn, the ceramic surface is easy to clean. It’s no wonder that
chefs have been asking for induction in their kitchens for almost twenty
years. Nor is it surprising that homeowners are catching on, adding a
high-tech and sophisticated element to private kitchens.
How does it work?
Induction uses magnetism to generate heat in the bottom of a pan. That's
why it’s only conducting heat when a pan is placed on top. Below
the ceramic surface, nothing is glowing. In fact, even if the hob (burner)
is switched on, there is no heat unless a pan is placed there.
As Electrolux induction expert Per-Gösta Öster explains: "Gas
burners, or hobs can be complicated to use and you can easily burn yourself
on electric elements, since they take time to cool down. Induction offers
the best of both worlds: Fast, controllable heat, that cools as soon as
the pan is removed".
Induction for the professional chef:
Home cooks weren't the first to catch on to benefits of induction heating.
As early as the 1980s, Molteni (part of the Electrolux Group) started
hearing from professional chefs who wanted special new features on their
cooking units. One of these features was induction.The system is efficient,
fast, clean, safe, and because temperatures can be regulated to within
a fraction of a degree—it's the perfect heating method for professionals.
According to French Michelin (Guide Rouge) chef, Jacques Chibois of Bastide
Saint Antoine: "It's the most fantastic culinary innovation
in the recent past." He added that he uses it for just about everything:
first courses and pastries, for heating, sautéing, crèmes,
and more.
Fast fact 1
Water boils 3 times as quickly with induction. During boiling, the bottom
of the pan gets slightly warmer than 100 degrees C.
Fast fact 2
When frying, the bottom of the pan reaches approximately 250 degrees C.
Fast fact 3
Conventional stovetops may reach up to 600 degrees C.
Fast fact 4
Together with excellent isolation, induction reduces energy consumption
to about one fourth, compared to conventional heating appliances
Maytag's
'Outstanding Soccer Mom'
Maytag's 'Outstanding Soccer Mom Search' in the USA culminated this week
during the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) Founders Cup III championship
game in San Diego. WUSA star Brandi Chastain, along with Ol' Lonely, the
Maytag Repairman, and his Apprentice, announced Laura Belnap, a mother
of six from Bountiful, Utah, as the most dependable, fun-loving and supportive
soccer mom in America.
As
grand prizewinner, Laura received a suite of Maytag appliances, a new
Hyundai Santa Fe Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), a free trip for four people
to the championship game and a luxurious spa makeover.
In the 150-word nomination submitted by friend Kristen Gardner, Belnap
was praised for her commitment to family, soccer and the community. Belnap,
who has lost two children -- one seven months ago in a car accident and
the other six years ago by accidental drowning -- maintains an active
lifestyle by home schooling more than 15 elementary-age children and operating
a scrapbook club out of her home. Through it all, soccer has been "a
support, an outlet and a sanctuary" for the entire Belnap family,
Gardner said in her entry. Belnap has been a member of the South Davis
Soccer Association board for several years. She arranges refereeing clinics
for free, schedules games, attends all of her children's games and coaches
her daughter's team.
Belnap was named Maytag's Outstanding Soccer Mom after the judges -- Chastain
and the four finalists from last year -- reviewed more than 1,300 nominations
from across the country.
"I never thought I'd be recognized for just being a mom -- something
that comes so naturally," said Belnap. "It's quite an accomplishment.
I was blessed with great kids and I always enjoy being able to be there
to support them."
The judges also selected three other finalists -- Annette Badger of Holladay,
Utah, first runner-up; Rita Mahan of Alpharetta, Ga., second runner-up;
and Jane Griffin of Woodstock, Ill., third runner-up -- who were flown
to the game along with three guests each. The finalists were treated to
spa makeovers and received at least one Maytag appliance of their choice.
"There are so many passionate mothers out there who support their
children's athletic endeavors," said Hilary Rowe, Maytag assistant
brand manager. "At Maytag, we are proud to provide a forum for these
women to be recognized."
Nominations for the contest, which ran from April 5 through July 14, were
submitted online at www.maytag.com , mailed to the contest address or
entered at specified WUSA games. Maytag Appliances is the official home
appliance sponsor of the WUSA.
Gardner's complete entry about Belnap read:
Laura Belnap and her husband Eric brought six children into this world
-- four now remain. One drowned (six years ago) and the other was killed
in a car accident (six months ago). Through this, soccer has been a support,
an outlet and a sanctuary from the storm for Laura and all of her children.
Laura is a member of the South Davis Soccer Association board and has
been for several years. She arranges all refereeing clinics free of charge,
schedules games, attends all of her children's games, coaches her daughter's
team, operates a scrap-booking association from her house, and home-schools
15-20 elementary children that have had problems with public school. To
say her schedule is full would be an understatement. But through all of
this, her trials and challenges, she is an incredible neighbor, leader,
friend, associate and mother. She is the one who can always be seen on
the sidelines of every game encouraging her children, whatever weather
comes, to get the ball and go on!
Barwick
Becomes Distributor for Laufen
Barwick announces its immediate appointment as distributor for Laufen,
a leading bathroom manufacturer based in Switzerland. The introduction
of the Laufen brand brings an extra dimension to the Barwick portfolio,
with a complete programme of quality products and contemporary designs.
Michael Barwick, joint MD stated "Laufen’s reputation for high
quality and innovative design is now allied to a renewed commitment to
the needs of the specialist retailer and to expanding Laufen’s share
of the UK Market. Barwick are equally determined to deliver a first class
range of services to extend these benefits and fully develop Laufen’s
potential in today’s highly competitive market place."
The
Laufen brand, is manufactured in Switzerland and Austria. Laufen is one
of the world’s leading manufacturers of bathrooms, with specialist
competence in the development, manufacture and marketing of bathroom ceramics,
furniture, acrylic bathtubs, whirlpools and air spa systems. The Laufen
Group have plants in many countries around the world from where they have
developed a design lead product culture which has had a marked influence
on the development of contemporary bathrooms. This is exemplified by their
participation in the exciting Alessi Bathroom programme and the newly
introduced Living range (pictured). The Alessi designer range also features
furniture from Inda and Brassware from Oras, both of which are now available
from Barwick.
Barwick have a profile for meeting the needs of Bathroom Outlets who specialise
in well designed quality products where marketing strategies support their
investments in display and design services.
Tel: 01274 700900
Fax: 01274 651118
E: info@barwick-bradford.co.uk
Web: www.barwick-bradford.co.uk
Laufen
Web: www.laufen.co.uk
Aquaplus
Founded on a Quarter Century of Experience
With
over 25 years combined experience in the bathroom industry, Max Finaldi
and Pete Mills have set up Aquaplus Solutions Ltd to provide a specialist
service to the bathroom industry for those demanding high quality, exclusive
bathroom products.
The continually expanding product portfolio includes:
Bespoke Frameless Shower Screens
Ceramic Basin Stands with a choice of Counter Top material
Selection of Brassware and Shower Heads
Bottle Traps
A stunning range of Contemporary Ceramic Basins includes the APS-L88 (pictured),
which is offered in a choice of wall hung or deck mounted models and in
3 different sizes, and has become an immediate best seller.
The complete range is supported by a colour brochure and extensive stock
ensures immediate delivery. More information is available at the companies’
website http:www.aquaplussolutions.com
American
Standard Surveys Americans on Home Improvements to Increase Comfort
Do you want to improve your quality of life, while putting cash back in
your wallet? A home improvement may be just the answer for comfort today
and resale value tomorrow. A recent US poll commissioned by American Standard,
a company that specialises in bath, kitchen and central heating and cooling
systems, shows that kitchen renovations top the list.
One in four (26 percent) chose a kitchen renovation, a central heating
and cooling system upgrade was close behind with 20 percent. Next was
building a deck with 15 percent, followed by a bathroom renovation (9
percent), master bedroom expansion (9 percent) and last, creating a wine
cellar (2 percent). Nineteen percent have other home renovations in mind.
"Just like the poll commissioned by American Standard, the results
of a recent American Society of Interior Designers' Web survey showed
that kitchen remodeling is a top design choice of consumers," says
ASID President H. Don Bowden, FASID, AIA. "The reason is the kitchen
is a very important part of the home. The kitchen has evolved into more
than a place to cook and eat--it is now the social gathering area in the
home."
According to the National Association of Home Builders, an average of
46.9 percent of the population had made minor home renovations ($25,000
or less) and 42.4 percent had major renovations ($25,000 or more) in the
first quarter of 2003. With more than half of the respondents (55 percent)
choosing a kitchen, bathroom or central heating and cooling upgrade as
their first choice to increase their home comfort level, these survey
results show that American Standard has a unique opportunity to set new
standards for comfortable living.
While many people are aware of the new, trendy styles in faucet, fixture,
appliance and countertop designs, the most surprising advancement may
be in the technology of central heating and cooling systems, which provides
higher efficiency, increases humidity control and lowers noise level creating
superior comfort. Many people may remodel their kitchens or bathrooms
several times within five years, but if taken care of properly, a central
heating and cooling system can last as long as 12 years.
"A new, high-efficiency central heating and cooling system with a
seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of 12 or higher is enticing for
both homeowners and home buyers," says Paul Trotter, national sales
manager for American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning. "New
heating and air conditioning technologies allow homeowners to control
the temperature and humidity throughout their homes and save on energy
bills throughout the year."
Demographic Differences:
* Men & Women Alike: Home-cooking seems to be a shared responsibility
with only slightly more women (29 percent) choosing a kitchen renovation
than men (23 percent).
* Money, Money, Money: A central heating and cooling upgrade offers comfort
for less, which is most appealing to those with incomes under $50,000
compared with those over $50,000 or more by a margin of 27 percent to
15 percent.
* Home Cookers: A kitchen update was most popular with adults ages 55-64,
with one-third (32 percent) choosing this as their top home renovation.
* Not Hot or Cold, Just Right: In the Northeast, temperature matters.
A central heating and cooling upgrade is their top choice (27 percent)
for ultimate comfort.
* Better Bathroom: Not a first choice for most but nearly half of respondents
(47 percent) would choose it as one of their top three preferences for
a home improvement.
* Chilling Outside: A deck provides ultimate comfort to young adults,
18-24 years old, with 26 percent choosing a deck addition as their top
choice.
American Standard is a global manufacturer with market leading positions
in three businesses: air conditioning systems and service, sold under
the Trane® and American Standard® brands for commercial, institutional
and residential buildings; bath and kitchen products, sold under such
brands as American Standard® and Ideal Standard®; and vehicle
control systems, including electronic braking and air suspension systems,
sold under the WABCO® name to the world's leading manufacturers of
heavy-duty trucks, buses, SUVs and luxury cars. The company employs approximately
60,000 people and has manufacturing operations in 29 countries.
KRC Research conducted the national American Standard survey of 1,020
adult men and women between July 18 - 21, 2003. The random sample is comprised
of adults 18 and over. The sampling error is +/- 3.1% at the 95 percent
level of confidence.
* Source: National Association of Home Builders. (2003). Retrieved July
30, 2003 from www.nahb.org.
Additional information is available at http://www.americanstandard.com
Swish
Look for Hotel Bathrooms
Speed
and quality played crucial roles in the refurbishment of bathrooms at
a busy upmarket hotel in Salisbury. To achieve this the Hotel chose Alba
Grey and Green Marble decorative wall panels from the Swish
Marbrex range.
Alba
Grey Marbrex was also chosen to complement high quality bathroom and shower
fittings in a 15-bedroom extension currently under construction.
HBS Shower Installations carried out the work with the minimum of disruption
to the hotel. Jeff Huntley of HBS comments: ‘The beauty of Marbrex
is that the full installation can be finished in a day and the bathroom
can be used straightaway without the need to wait for grout or tiling
to dry – vitally important to hotels who cannot afford to have bedrooms
out of commission for too long.’
Owner of the three-star hotel, Dale Naug went ahead after being delighted
with the results of two pilot Marbrex installations. He says: ‘I
like the simplicity of the product and its speedy installation frees up
the room quicker. The quality finish complements the four-star standard
of our new bathrooms.’
He adds: ‘Being waterproof and not requiring grouting, the Marbrex
panels have cured our problems with leaks and mouldy grout.’
The product is also popular with installers, being simple and quick to
install with the minimum of wastage. The panels have waterproof tongue
and groove joints that do not require grouting. This produces a surface
that does not harbour mould or germs and is easy to clean.
Marbrex’s honeycomb structure is warm to the touch, helping to reduce
condensation and making it ideal for use in showers and bathrooms.
Marbrex wall panels are available in a large selection of attractive designs
and 2.6 or 2.7m lengths, with ceiling panels of 4m. The range includes
a comprehensive selection of fixing trims to ensure a professional finish.
Swish Building Products, an ISO9001 company, manufactures and supplies
low maintenance PVCu building products.
Tel: 01827 317200
Zanussi
Launches Ergonomic Cooking Range to Suit Modern Consumer Demands
Zanussi-Electrolux
has launched Axxis, its new ergonomic cooking range, in response to consumer
needs. Available in-store now, the three 60cm double oven cookers - a
gas, electric and mixed fuel model - have angled control panels for ease
of use and a stylish modern look.
Applying the science of ergonomics, Zanussi-Electrolux designers have
created a range of cookers with the ultimate user-friendly features. The
sloped top easy grip controls aid visibility and use to help Axxis users
feel completely in control of their cooking. As well as being ergonomically
sound to use, the one-piece hobs are also extremely simple to clean.
Other innovative solutions on the new Axxis range include ‘Oven Clean’
catalytic linings that absorb grease during cooking for easier cleaning
and insulated cooker doors to prevent the exteriors reaching high temperatures.
The introduction of the new range is supported by a three-month trade
and consumer marketing campaign planned from August to October. Outdoor
advertising will be located close to key retailers and is designed to
drive people in store, whilst print advertising will raise awareness in
the trade.
The advertising is backed by a direct mail campaign that leads on the
Axxis models and also highlights the entire freestanding cooking range
from Zanussi-Electrolux, which includes seven electric, five gas and eight
mixed fuel models, comprising both single and double cavity styles. The
trade drops, which start on 7th August, include brochure packs, posters
and quick guide booklets. In-store point of sale is currently being developed.
The new Axxis mixed fuel ZCM7902X from Zanussi-Electrolux.Electrolux is
the world’s largest producer of powered appliances for kitchen, cleaning
and outdoor use, such as refrigerators, washing machines, cookers, vacuum
cleaners, chain saws, lawn mowers, and garden tractors. In 2002, Group
sales were SEK 133.2 billion and the Group had 82,000 employees. Every
year, customers in more than 150 countries buy more than 55 million Electrolux
Group products for both consumer and professional use. The Electrolux
Group includes famous appliance brands such as AEG, Electrolux, Zanussi,
Frigidaire, Eureka, and Husqvarna.
Mereway
Kitchens Specifies Reginox Sinks, Taps and Accessories
Mereway
Kitchens has specified Reginox for sinks and taps. In 2002, Reginox was
awarded an initial contract by Mereway Contracts to supply a limited range
of sinks and taps for its housebuilding operations. On the strength of
that relationship, Mereway has decided to extend the specification to
include Reginox sinks and taps into its kitchens aimed at high street
retailers.
Mereway Ltd is a family-owned business based in the West Midlands, manufacturing
a larges range of rigid kitchens. All Mereway retailers will now be able
to supply stainless steel taps and sinks from Reginox UK as part of their
product offering. Mereway sells an extensive range of kitchens for the
kitchen trade, as well as a consumer range called Wentworth Kitchens.
All these ranges will now offer Reginox sinks as standard.
David Mayer, National Sales Manager for Reginox, explains ‘Mereway
is using Reginox as sole supplier of sinks, taps and accessories, and
has selected an extensive range of products to offer its customers as
part of their kitchen designs. The Contracts division originally ordered
only two sink models to offer to housebuilders, but with this new specification
for all their kitchen ranges, Mereway has selected a comprehensive selection
of sinks from all of Reginox’s offerings. Mereway is taking RegiLux,
RegiFit, RegiGranite and RegiCeramic sinks plus RegiFlo taps, offering
its customers a choice from 19 different sinks and 12 taps, all of which
are designed to meet requirements for all styles of kitchens.’
Ginette Crowther, Marketing Manager from Mereway comments ‘Mereway
has extended its specification of Reginox because the ranges and service
the Company offers satisfy our needs. Mereway is committed to its kitchen
retailer customer base and believes that Reginox sinks and taps help us
to fit that bill with the product range.’
For more information and a brochure detailing the Reginox collection for
Mereway Kitchens contact Reginox directly on: 01260 280033
http://www.merewaykitchens.co.uk
World's
First Chrome Cooker for Belling
Belling
claims to be driving the 60cm freestanding sector with the launch of the
world’s first gas cooker with a chrome finish, the G745. The company
says that the exclusive chrome exterior of this 60cm model offers even
greater style and shine than popular stainless steel models.
With an estimated retail value of approximately £650, the G745 is
a premium product but one which remains affordable to the consumer. This
is in tune with the 60cm market, in which people are opting for greater
functionality or superior finishes, pushing average prices up by 2.5%.
The G745 combines its gleaming good looks with powerful performance. A
51-litre conventional main oven sits below a smaller 21-litre top oven
which provides additional cooking space when the main oven is in use,
or a more economical way of cooking smaller dishes. The top oven also
houses an integral variable grill.
Large viewing windows in both cavities not only add to the overall aesthetic
appeal, but allow chefs to check on cooking progress without opening the
oven doors and losing valuable heat. Removable inner glass doors make
for easy cleaning.
The four-burner gas hob includes two rapid (3.0kW) and two semi-rapid
(1.8kW) burners with enamel pan supports. The G745 also has individual
spillage wells around each burner to contain spills and splashes. This
allows them to be wiped away quickly and easily with a damp cloth.
The lid of the G745 is also a key selling point. Using a design first
introduced to the Belling Cookcenter range cooker, the lid has a formed
handle making it very easy to lift and lower. The auto cut-out safety
feature ensures that if the lid accidentally falls while the hob is on,
the gas supply will automatically shut off.
Mark Abbott, marketing manager for Belling comments 'The chrome finish
of the G745 gives it the edge over stainless steel models, with an easier
to clean surface. This model is perfect for homeowners with exclusive
tastes and is also ideal for those who aspire to the status symbol of
a range cooker but do not have a large enough kitchen to accommodate one.'
The G745 is available now. For sales information, contact Belling on 0151
426 6551 or visit http://www.bellingappliances.co.uk
Bosch's
Zero Degree Chiller Keeps Food Fresher Longer
The
near 0°C storage centre from Bosch
keeps food fresher for longer because at this temperature, the micro-organisms
that cause food decay multiply much more slowly.
Normal fridge compartments typically operate at between + 4°C and
+ 8°C, but the spacious KGF 29223 fridge/freezer from Bosch has two
near 0°C chiller drawers. And as different types of food keep better
at different humidity conditions, the two drawers have different levels
of humidity.
The 25 litre low humidity drawer is ideal for storing fish and meat, while
the 35 litre high humidity section provides optimum conditions for salads
and vegetables.
The roomy conventional freezer compartment offers a storage volume of
104 litres and the fridge section 125 litres.
The appliance is A-rated for energy efficiency and performance, meaning
it's not expensive to run and you're doing your bit for the environment
too!
Brochure line 0870 727 0446
Web: http://www.boschappliances.co.uk
Lofra
Introduces Curved Stainless Steel Range
New
from Lofra is the 'breathtaking' MXC96MFI curved fronted stainless steel
cooker. There are two models available, one offering a five burner hob
- 1 semi rapid, 2 rapid, 1 auxiliary, and a powerful wok burner; whilst
the other has four gas burners and a central ceramic hot plate. Both models
have an electric full multifunction oven and grill. The fan assisted grill
allows meats to be cooked succulently using the standard removable rotisserie.
A 120 minute cooking timer and automatic ignition further enhance the
ease of cooking with the MXC96MFI .
As with all Lofra cookers the MXC96MFI hob burners are sealed into the
hob to help prevent any spillages seeping into the cooker. A specially
designed oven door consisting of triple glass and very strong hinges,
features which enable weights up to 22kg to be safely supported.
With the choice of being freestanding or built in, all Lofra cookers come
with fully adjustable chrome plated stainless steel legs which can be
featured or concealed behind a stainless steel plinth, supplied as an
accessory. Alternatively the legs can be recessed and concealed behind
the continuous kitchen furniture plinth.
Retail prices start at around £ 1599.00 INC VAT Cast iron pan supports
can also be purchased as an optional extra at a retail price of £89.00
incl VAT. The contact number for reader information is 01564 777028 or
http://www.lofra.co.uk
Miele
Builds on its Position as a Premium Brand Worldwide
In business year 2002/2003 the family-owned Miele Company has continued
to be able to build on its worldwide position as a premium brand for domestic
appliances. Miele sees this as confirmation for the company philosophy
of developing and manufacturing domestic appliances with an expected lifetime
of at least 20 years. According to Rudolf Miele: 'With worldwide sales
of washing machines, tumble dryers and vacuum cleaners, as well as in
particular kitchen appliances, we were able to rely on stable purchasing
potential. The most demanding customers on all five continents decided
on the Miele brand.'
The generally weak economic situation in Germany, however, certainly held
back Miele's turnover. The building recession has had particularly unfortunate
consequences for the German domestic appliance industry and the clear
purchasing reluctance of consumers in Germany has, in business year 2002/2003
(ending 30.06), caused Miele to record a slight drop in total turnover
of 2.5% to EUR 2.19 bn (previous year: EUR 2.24 bn).
If exchange rates against the euro had remained unchanged, then the Miele
Group turnover would have virtually reached the level of the previous
year. At the end of business year 2002/2003 the number of employees had
reduced by 0.9% to 15,190 (previous year: 15,328). Of these, 3,764 (previous
year: 3,652) are employed in subsidiaries outside Germany. In this year
the Miele Group invested more than EUR 125 m (previous year: 130 m), about
20% of which was used to fund projects outside Germany.
In line with other domestic appliance manufacturers, Miele recorded a
negative growth in turnover in Germany, in fact a reduction of 10.9%.
Outside Germany Miele expanded by 2.6% to EUR 1.42 bn. This growth would
have been more positive if it had not been for the necessary exchange
rate currency calculation losses made in some countries. Miele has taken
measures to protect itself against the effects of exchange rate variations.
The generally pleasing development outside Germany – in Europe as
well as further overseas – led to an increase in the proportion of
the Miele turnover due to export activities to around 67% (previous year:
64%). The Netherlands accounted for the single largest share of Miele's
foreign sales, followed by Switzerland, France, Great Britain, Austria
and the USA. Double-digit turnover growth was again achieved by the Miele
subsidiaries in Ireland and Greece. High turnover growth figures were
also recorded in Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg for the business year 2002/2003.
Outside Euroland the very encouraging turnover increases noted in many
countries are not always immediately apparent due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Significantly higher turnover figure increases in local currency were
recorded not only in Miele's new East European subsidiaries, but also
in longer-established West European subsidiaries such as Great Britain.
High turnover increases were again registered in the USA and also in other
overseas subsidiaries.
To a considerable extent losses on the German market could be offset against
the sometimes very high turnover increases outside Germany. Sales of built-in
kitchen appliances again grew significantly outside Germany in the business
year 2002/2003. The full range of products from electric ovens, steam
cookers, cooker hoods and coffee machines to the CombiSet range with wall
ovens and hobs all played their part.
In the commercial field, both Germany and foreign markets experienced
growth in sales. The range of commercial machines covers washer-extractors,
tumble dryers and flatwork ironers for commercial applications, washer-disinfectors
and lab washers as well as catering dishwashers and wet-cleaning laundry-care
machines. The Miele kitchen-cabinetry division and the Imperial brand
were able to consolidate their position in fiercely competitive markets.
Villeroy
& Boch Interim Results Point to Declining Markets, Pricing Pressures
and Currency Exchange Losses
Villeroy
& Boch has filed its first half results, which show a drop in sales
of 4.5% compared to the same period last year. Consumer demand in Germany
is especially hampered by the uncertainty around corporate tax policy
and persistently high levels of unemployment, while exports are being
dampened by a high-valued Euro. Excluding currency variations, overall
sales would have fallen 3%.
Total sales were Eur 475.1m (2002: Eur 497.7), with pre tax profits of
Eur 11.5 (2002: Eur 16.9m). There appears to be no upturn in sight: weak
economic activity has now spread to other European countries while the
USA is also suffering its highest ever unemployment rates (6.4%), despite
tax relief.
Sales from the Bathroom, Kitchen and Tile division declined 3.6% to a
total of Eur 291.5m for the first half of 2003 (2002: Eur 302.5m). Worst
results came from the domestic German market, although the decline decelerated
in the second quarter. Further problems are expected by the continuing
decline in construction activity in France and Holland, both important
markets for V&B.
The Tile division reported sales down 6.8% on the previous year, although
restructuring measures already announced are beginning to take effect.
Sales in the Ceramic Sanitaryware / Kitchens and Bathroom Furniture and
Fittings divisions were on a par with 2002, but Northern and Eastern European
markets increased, while Western Europe declined.
Operating result for the whole group fell from Eur 16.9m to Eur 11.5m.
Positive results were mainly achieved through cost-cutting measures, but
thgese were not enough to offset the decline in sales and sustained pricing
pressures
Sanitec's
Success in UK Dented by Sluggish Continental Markets and Adverse Exchange
Rates
Stronger
sales driven by the U.K., particularly in the DIY market, and a positive
product mix in the Southern European region were not enough to offset
the continuing slump in the building and renovation sectors, specifically
in Germany and the Netherlands. Net sales for the second quarter 2003
were also strongly influenced by currency exchange effects. Net sales
for the quarter were EUR 245.2m (257.1m), a decrease of 4.6% or EUR 11.9m.
Currency exchange rate effects, mostly from the Pound Sterling and Polish
Zloty, contributed EUR 7.8m or 65.6% of the total negative variance for
the quarter. Excluding the currency exchange impact and non-recurring
items in the prior year, net sales decreased EUR 2.9m or 1.1%.
Year to Date June 2003 Year to date June net sales reflect the continuing
economic stagnation in the Central European region, Germany in particular,
the Netherlands in the Benelux region, and a slowdown in export sales
most notably to Russia. Net sales were EUR 487.1m (508.6m), a decrease
of 4.2% or EUR 21.5m.
Currency exchange rate effects, mostly from the Pound Sterling and Polish
Zloty, contributed EUR 13.3m or 61.9% of the total negative variance for
the first half of the year. Excluding the currency exchange impact and
non-recurring items in the prior year, net sales decreased EUR 6.0m or
1.2% against the first half of 2002.
Brand repositioning in the Southern European region, solid performance
of the DIY market in the U.K. and the introduction of new products in
the South Western European region have helped ease the effects of the
economic situation in Germany and the Netherlands as well as the sales
shortfall to the Russian market.
Bathroom ceramics net sales for the second quarter 2003 were EUR 155.1m
(160.7m), a decrease of EUR 5.6m or 3.5% over the second quarter of 2002.
With exclusion of currency exchange rate effects and non-recurring items
in the prior year, Bathroom Ceramic net sales grew by EUR 0.4m or 0.3%
over the same quarter last year. Increased volumes in the U.K and the
South Western European region and a group wide stable ASP (Average Selling
Price) development contribute to this increase.
Bathroom ceramics net sales for the first half of 2003 were EUR 310.7m
(320.2m), a decrease of EUR 9.5m or 3.0% over the first half of 2002.
With exclusion of currency exchange rate effects and non-recurring items
in the prior year, Bathroom Ceramic net sales grew by EUR 0.7m or 0.2%
over the same quarter last year. Increased sales volumes in the U.K. and
Southern European region as well as a stable to increasing ASP offset
the weakness in the Central European and Benelux regions.
Bath and shower products net sales for the second quarter of 2003 were
EUR 72.4m (79.0m), a decrease of EUR 6.6m or 8.4% compared to the second
quarter of 2002. Excluding currency exchange rate effects, Bath and shower
product sales finished at EUR 4.9m or 6.2% behind the same quarter last
year. This development is due to weak demand in the Central European region,
specifically Germany and Austria as well as sluggish sales to the Russian
market.
Bath and shower products net sales for the first half of 2003 were EUR
140.8m (153.0m), a decrease of EUR 12.2m or 8.0% compared to the first
half of 2002. Excluding currency exchange rate effects, Bath and shower
product net sales finished EUR 9.5m or 6.2% below the first half of 2003.
Contributing to this variance is the tough market in the Central European
region driven by the economic situation, and poor sales performance in
Russia.
Operating profit for the second quarter of 2003 was EUR 13.6m (11.1m)
which is an increase of EUR 2.5m or 22.5% over the second quarter of 2002.
The operating profit margin increased to 5.5% of net sales compared to
4.3% in the second quarter of the previous year. Excluding restructuring
and integration consulting charges, operating profit increased to 7.9%
of net sales which is EUR 6.5m higher than in the second quarter of the
prior year.
Restructuring efforts in Bathroom ceramic production and cost savings
programs in the Sales, General, and Administration functions contribute
to this increase. Year to Date June 2003 Operating profit for the first
six months of 2003 was EUR 28.7m (23.5m) which is an increase of EUR 5.2m
or 22.1% over the first half of 2002. The operating profit margin increased
to 5.9% of net sales compared to 4.6% in the first half of the previous
year. Excluding restructuring and integration consulting charges, operating
profit increased to EUR 35.5m or 7.3% of net sales which is EUR 10.1m
higher than in the first half of the prior year. Permanent efficiency
improvements from restructuring efforts in Bathroom ceramic production
and cost savings programs in the Sales, General, and Administration functions
drive this increase in profitability.