Sanitec
reports First Quarter Results, and Attributes Lower Sales to Currency
Exchange Rates
Operating profit of Sanitec International for the first quarter of 2003
was EUR 15.1 million (2002: 12.3 million), an increase of EUR 2.8 million
or 22.8% over the first quarter of 2002. In the first quarter of 2003
operating profit margin increased to 6.2% of net sales compared to 4.9%
in the first quarter of the previous year. Restructuring in the ceramics
production network as well as savings in sales, general, and administration
costs contributed to this increase.
Net sales for the first quarter 2003 were strongly influenced by currency
exchange rates and the protracted economic cool off in the Central European
and Central Eastern European regions. Net sales for the quarter were EUR
241.9 million (251.5 million), a decrease of 3.8% or EUR 9.6 million.
A total of EUR 5.5 million or 57.3% of the variance was due to changes
in currency exchange rates in the U.K. and Poland. Excluding the currency
exchange impact, net sales decreased EUR 4.1 million or 1.6%. Improved
sales in the Southern European region, generated mostly from repositioning
the Pozzi-Ginori brand in a more premium segment, as well as from levelling
off of the sales decline at vacuum sewage systems, were not sufficient
to offset the aforesaid negative market and currency exchange impact.Bathroom
ceramics.
Bathroom ceramics had net sales in the first quarter 2003 of EUR 155.6
million (159.5 million), a decrease of EUR 4.0 million or 2.4% over the
first quarter of 2002. This variance is due mostly to the impact of foreign
currency exchange rates and the economic downturn in Poland.
Bath and shower products
Bath and shower products net sales for the first quarter of 2003 were
EUR 68.4 million (74.0 million), a decrease of EUR 5.6 million or 7.6%
compared to the first quarter of 2002. The impact of foreign currency
exchange rates, continuing sluggish demand in the Central European Region,
especially Germany, and the downturn in the Polish economy were the main
drivers in this decrease.
Vacuum sewage systems
Vacuum sewage systems net sales for the first quarter of 2003 were EUR
17.9 million (17.9 million). The spare parts sales and the train business
showed improvement. However, this was not enough to offset the business
lost due to the overall airline industry downturn.
Sanitec International S.A. became the parent company of Pool Acquisition
Netherlands B.V. on April 3, 2002 when all the shares in Pool Acquisition
Netherlands B.V. were transferred as contribution in kind to Sanitec International
S.A. The ultimate parent company of Sanitec International S.A. is Pool
Acquisition S.A., a limited liability company established and registered
with the Commercial Register in Luxembourg.
Pool Acquisition Netherlands B.V. was a limited liability company established
and registered with the Commercial Register in the Netherlands. The company
was incorporated on May 10, 2001 and became the parent company of Sanitec
Oy, formerly Pool Acquisition Helsinki Oy on November 14th, 2001. Pool
Acquisition Netherlands B.V. was liquidated in November 2002.
Sanitec Oy, formerly Pool Acquisition Helsinki Oy was established and
registered as a limited liability company with the Commercial Register
in Finland on April 6th, 2001 in order to acquire Sanitec Oyj. This acquisition
took place on June 7th, 2001. On March 31st, 2002, Sanitec Oyj was merged
with its parent company Sanitec Oy, formerly Pool Acquisition Helsinki
Oy, which changed its name to Sanitec Oy, in English Sanitec Corporation,
as of the same date.
Premium
Appliance Brands Appoints Exclusive Importer and Distributor for ATAG
in the UK
Premium
Appliance Brands Ltd (PAB), the new white goods marketing company created
by former Stoves marketing director, Guy Weaver (pictured right), has
been appointed as the exclusive importer and distributor of ATAG products
in the UK.
'ATAG has always had an excellent reputation for quality and innovation
and we are very excited about the opportunity to develop the UK business'
says Weaver.
'Our first priority is to ensure continuity for existing dealers whilst
utilising all our experience to increase sales of ATAG products, and to
establish the brand, creating a premium position for ATAG within the UK
market.
'We are currently reviewing Distribution and After Sales arrangements
in the UK, with the objective of improving product availability and enhancing
service and customer support for the ATAG brand.'
ATAG has a wide range of high-end products, which combines innovative
design with functionality and durability. Currently available in the range
are:
* 600mm and 900mm wide single ovens
* 600mm, 640mm, 750mm and 900mm wide hobs - gas, ceramic, induction
* Microwaves and combination microwaves
* 900mm, 1000mm and 1200mm wide canopy and island cooker hoods
* US style refrigeration
* Integrated cooling
* Integrated dishwashers - 450mm and 600mm wide
Tel: 01477 532516
Email: mailto:info@pabl.co.uk
Innova:
Appliance Innovation from Fagor
Fagor
has launched the Innova range of built-in and freestanding electronic
appliances in the UK. Innova is at the head of a three-tier product strategy
that also includes mid-range Elegance models and entry-point Classic products
- three targeted business tools enabling the kitchen specialist to offer
full coverage of every market sector.
There's innovation in styling and aesthetics too, with a striking and
highly resilient aluminium finish being available for the first time from
Fagor in its built-in oven, hob and hood products. The new products are
available in other colours too - including 'finish of the moment' stainless
steel, and white. While the colour combination of white and black, offset
with an aluminium handle, is particularly beautiful and innovative.
Among the new arrivals from Fagor in the electronic Innova range are the
built-in H-800 AL fully electronic single oven in aluminium, the 2VFT-212
AL aluminium-trimmed ceramic hob and the 3CFT-200 AL chimney hood.
While in freestanding products, highlights include the A-rated FC-47 NFX
UK Duotech frost-free fridge-freezer, the FU-3613 L X stainless-steel
washing machine with 6kg capacity and A ratings for both energy use and
wash efficiency, and the VFU-05 SX stainless-steel-finish dishwasher -
also featuring A ratings for both energy use and wash efficiency (all
these models are also available in white).
The Innova range includes technical innovation designed to offer customers
the most advanced appliances available. For example, on the FU-3613 IN
washing machine there's the ABS system, which reduces appliance noise
during operation, ensures proper load balancing, and increases the life
of the appliance into the bargain. Then there's the FC-47 NFX UK fridge-freezer,
which incorporates a patented Hygienizer filter that filters the air inside
the refrigerator and also absorbs odours. While Fagor's dishwashers incorporate
the Super Silence system, reducing appliance noise during operation and
enabling them to be used without disturbance at any time of the day or
night.
Fagor's appliances are backed by a warranty and service package that includes:
a service department you can contact 24 hours a day, 365 days a year;
same-day service and Saturday visits where possible; a 12-month guarantee
on all service work; and an optional five year parts-and labour guarantee
on all appliances.
Tel: 0161 877 3533
Showerlux
Promotion set to Make a Splash
Bathroom
specialist Showerlux looks set to make a splash in the hydrotherapy market
this summer with an imaginative consumer promotion.
The
'experience the full effect' promotion, which has been offered to displaying
showrooms only, enables consumers purchasing a Hydrozone bath (whirlpool,
spa or combination) between 1st June and 31st July 2003, to have a go
at a range of exhilarating water based activities absolutely free. Consumers
can choose to go scuba diving, white water rafting, jet skiing, water
skiing, wind surfing or wakeboarding at a choice of activity centres throughout
the UK.
Showerlux Product Manager Sarah Lindsey is confident that the promotion
will help to further boost the sales of Hydrozone, which has already proved
to be a winning range at the forefront of the Showerlux bathroom collection:
'We have recently expanded our Hydrozone collection to incorporate separate
spa and whirlpool baths alongside the established combination hydrotherapy
baths. Sales of the hydrotherapy collection increased by an impressive
130% in 2002 and we are confident that the expansion of the range in conjunction
with this enticing and unusual consumer promotion will mean that sales
will increase further in the coming months'.
The promotion applies to all Hydrozone purchases from displaying outlets.
Customers simply complete the claim form they receive in store and return
it, along with proof of purchase, to Showerlux UK Ltd. They will then
receive a voucher pack containing booking instructions, the activity voucher
and details of participating activity centres throughout the UK.
The Showerlux Hydrozone Collection includes spa, whirlpool and combination
hydrotherapy baths with a choice of 11 different bath shapes, including
single and double ended, corner and oval shape baths. Each bath features
easy to use electronic sensor touch controls and a spa and/ or whirlpool
pulsator as standard, which maximises the effect of underwater massage.
The Showerlux Hydrozone collection retails from £1099 ex VAT. For
further information on the Showerlux Hydrozone promotion and hydrotherapy
collection, please call 02476 88 2515 or visit http://www.showerlux.com
I'm
a Manager, Get me out of Here!
Members
of the Hopkinsons Fourways management team were recently faced with the
challenge of an outward bound personal development weekend at Windermere
in the Lake District - and it was an event not to be easily forgotten!
Enduring a combination of both physical and mental tasks, the group of
25 - from the managing director to depot managers and supply chain managers
- enthusiastically participated in activities including orienteering,
abseiling, quad biking, strategy presentations and even a late night 'Game
Show' challenge!
Commented marketing manager, Sally Parkinson: 'The whole weekend was a
terrific opportunity for the group to achieve their personal objectives
through demanding mental and physical challenges. The team all learnt
from each other and developed innovative ideas to take back to their respective
departments or depots'.
The weekend took on a survival challenge theme and teams competed for
'I'm A Survivor Trophies' - presented to the winners during the evening
Game Show event.
Also included in the experience, the group had to devise and execute a
sound business plan for the year ahead - requiring dedicated teamwork,
communication and forward planning. By the end of the course, everyone
had been able to practice and discuss their own leadership styles, and
left having developed personal action plans.
Concluded Sally: 'I'm pleased to say that we all survived the weekend,
learnt a lot about ourselves and each other and still managed to have
a lot of fun!'
Tel: 01204 707070
Web: http://www.hopkinsonsfourways.co.uk
WISA
450: A Total New Design Concept
With the official release of the WISA 450 Dual Flush Toilet Cistern in
2003, WISA claims to be the first company in Europe to produce a 'Total
Design Concept' toilet cistern.
The design of the WISA 450 provides the visual appearance of an expensive,
close coupled toilet suite by linking the toilet cistern to the toilet
seat via a connection plate. A feature that is suitable for renovations
and new projects and also offers superior cleaning is a special click
on, click off toilet seat.
The concept is quite simple. A one box, one product, no fuss, efficient
toilet cistern that meets the demands of many design and installation
applications.
In the one box you have a dual flush toilet cistern offering exceptional
flushing performance, a high quality and elegantly designed toilet seat
and stylish connecting plate.
The product also offers benefits to the installer or consumer for both
new and renovation projects. This is achieved by offering an adjustable
set out distance from the wall to the low level toilet pan connection
anywhere from 200mm to 320mm.
Ultimately, this one box toilet cistern solution offers the appearance
of a close coupled toilet suite, with the ability to meet a wider variety
of both new and renovation installations quickly and at an acceptable
price point.
As a European based manufacturing and sales organisation, WISA also produces
a complete line of Sanitary Ware products including, toilet seats, wall
hung cisterns, built in cisterns, cisterns for furniture, flexible and
rigid WC connectors etc.
Contact: Darrell Rasell
Email: mailto:d.rasell@wisa-sanitair.com
Web: http://www.wisa-sanitair.com
Silestone
Quartz Provided Worktops for 60,000 Kitchens in 2002
In 2002 over 275,000 kitchens were supplied worldwide. The high performance,
low maintenance and beauty of Silestone Quartz surfaces have resulted
in them becoming one of the fastest growing kitchen worktop solutions.
Home Depot, the home improvement retailer, supplying all interior products,
from building products to furniture, displays Silestone kitchen worktops.
Home Depot has noticed a steady increase in sales in this area of the
business, in comparison with sales of solid surface materials and granite.
This has culminated in over 60,000 kitchens being supplied last year and
Silestone winning the Home Depot award for the Fastest Growing Product
2002, adding to the award in which Silestone was named Partner of the
Year 2001. lntroduced into the American market place in 1998, Silestone
now represents nearly 3% of the kitchen worktop market.
Although Silestone has been supplied for many applications including residential
and commercial tiling, bathroom vanities and cladding, bar and table tops,
it is in the kitchen worktop and catering industries that Silestone has
excelled. Particularly due to its stain, burn and scratch resistance combined
with its low maintenance and hygienic characteristics.
Contact: Katie Thomas at Cosentino UK, Woking
Tel: 08700 11 87 88
Email:mailto:cosentinouk@silestone.com
Web: http://www.silestone.com
KA
Distribution Appointed by Leisure Sinks
KA
Distribution has been appointed by Leisure Sinks to distribute its range
of stainless steel and ceramic sinks to the kitchen specialist with effect
from April 2003.
Known for its range of contract sinks, Leisure Sinks also offers a range
of upmarket, design-led sinks in all popular configurations that are ideal
for the kitchen specialist to offer the consumer (the model illustrated
is the Roma). The retail range of attractive designs will complement KA's
current sink offerings, where the company says it already enjoys a good
reputation for quality, both of product and delivery.
Ian Taylor, National Sales Manager for Leisure Sinks is excited about
the prospects in this important sector of the kitchens market. 'KA has
an impressive product portfolio, and I believe that the company's established
distribution network to prestige kitchen studios in England and Wales
will provide an ideal vehicle for Leisure Sink's design-led, innovative
products.'
KA has a range of opening offers on Leisure sinks and sink and tap packs,
valid for orders placed by 30th June 2003, including a 50% discount off
the normal selling price for displays.
Contact Richard Brown
Tel: 01772 698111,
Email: mailto:richard.brown1@btconnect.com
Web: http://www.kadistribution.com
20
Years of Innovative Products and Excellent Service
In just twenty years, Modular Heating Sales has grown into the Modular
Heating Group, a company which claims one of the broadest based portfolios
of radiators and boilers available today.
Comprising
MHS Radiators Ltd and MHS Boilers Ltd, the company has pioneered developments
in both sectors. Its radiator range encompasses a diverse range of styles,
from ultra contemporary towel radiators to classic cast iron multi columns.
From the introduction of the high tech Strata range, which included the
Strata One that defined the commercial wall hung boiler market, through
to a comprehensive range of ultra efficient condensing models, water heaters
and calorifiers, MHS Boilers has met the challenges of a changing market.
Based in Basildon, Modular Heating Sales was established by co-founders,
the late Michael Mainstone and John Bradley, who had previously worked
together pioneering and introducing the modular boiler concept into the
UK in the late 1960s. Following the death of Michael Mainstone at the
beginning of 2001, the mantle of managing director passed to Ian Bradley,
with John assuming the role of Chairman. Mike's son, Kevin Mainstone has
taken on the role of Finance Director.
The company, now a PLC, offers a complete range of heating products supported
by an experienced nationwide sales team and a strong technical department
providing system design advice and heating solutions to both specifier,
retailer, consumer and installer.
Recent expansion at the Basildon site has seen the creation of a purpose
built training facility to provide a range of courses for specifiers and
installers. The training suite features working models of the Strata range
together with dedicated teaching rooms.
MHS ensures prompt deliveries with its own fleet of liveried vehicles.
Each truck covers approximately 2000 miles each week supplying boiler
and radiators to clients nationwide.
Tel: 01268 591010
Web: http://www.mhsradiators.com
or http://www.mhsboilers.com
Neff
Launches First Built-Under Double Oven
Due to popular demand, built-in appliance manufacturer, Neff, has launched
the company's first built-under double oven, model V1721.
With modern kitchens decreasing in size and finding space for all the
desired appliances becoming harder, the V1721 has found a niche in this
market, as it
offers all the convenience of a double oven in a really compact space.
Available in three alternative finishes - Stainless Steel, White and now
Black - this oven is fast becoming one of Neff's best-selling oven models.
The U1721 fits underneath the worktop and is ideal for kitchens where
a double oven is desired, but is prevented by a lack of space for tall
housings.
The large main Circotherm oven is positioned beneath the smaller conventional
oven on the U1721. As well as the Circotherm fan ducted cooking system,
a defrost setting is included in the main oven of this model to allow
you to cook food from frozen.
The smaller second oven at the top of the U1721 allows variable grilling
with the door closed, as well as conventional cooking with top and bottom
heat.
The glass (or stainless steel) control panel of Neff's new built-under
double oven is curved in elliptical style, in line with the company's
new built-in cooking range and the controls are rigid.
To complete the picture, a matching Neff hob unit can be built-in above
this oven - with a co-ordinating Neff cooker hood - to create a total
cooking centre in one area of the kitchen, using only a 60cm wide aperture.
Tel: 08705 133090
Web: http://www.neff.co.uk
Ultima
- The Ultimate Retail Therapy from Roca
Now established in the UK, particularly in the commercial and new build
markets, Roca is now focusing its attention on the potential business
in the retail sector. The company's recently launched new initiative -
Ultima - is designed to offer selected dealers an unbeatable package of
products, support and improved margin.
The Ultima package is intended as the ultimate specialist dealer programme.
Ultima dealers benefit from improved display support on a wide range of
products, dedicated point of sale, showroom design support, advertising
support, a dedicated brochure and exclusive use of Roca's lifestyle brochure,
The Book of the Bath.
Ultima dealers will benefit from the most comprehensive choice of product
- Roca manufacture hydrosaunas, hydromassage columns, spa/whirlpool baths,
suites, acrylic, cast iron and steel baths, basins, furniture, shower
trays, brassware, as well as mirrors, lights and accessories.
As a package, Ultima offers retailers an opportunity to offer the middle
and upper ends of the market a carefully targeted range of unique products
that cannot be discounted elsewhere. To benefit from the Ultima programme,
participating dealers must take four full suites, of which three must
be from the Ultima range, a minimum of three part displays and a basin/furniture
combination.
As well as the special terms on Ultima products, Ultima dealers are offered
substantial discounts on all Roca ranges, the use of Roca's new fully
equipped showroom and show trailer and the support of distributors who
will stock all Ultima products and will maintain Roca's strict retail
policy. In contrast, retailers who don't meet the display criteria can
only sell Ultima at list price. To find out more about Roca's new Ultima
dealer concept please contact the Roca Sales Office.
Tel: 01530 830080
Web: http://www.roca-uk.com
VitrA
Redefines Bathroom Design with New Concept Launch
VitrA has unveiled its new concept - 'Matrix'.
Designed
not as a suite, but as a complete bathroom system Matrix comprises over
60 individual pieces of sanitaryware, furniture and accessories that share
one common design aesthetic.
All the elements of Matrix derive from the same simple design principle
of clean lines, smooth curves and sculpted angles. The result is a system
of pieces that, no matter the combination, all work in perfect harmony
and balance with one another when placed side by side.
Sanitaryware
Offering the choice of a circular or square shaped look, or the flexibility
of a combination of the two, Matrix sanitaryware represents a move away
from the limitations ofthe traditional bathroom suite.
Ceramic bowls are offered in a variety of sizes and styles ranging from
corner to counter top and from single to double.
All Matrix WC's echo the family design resemblance and include back-to-wall,
close-coupled and wall-hung options. Co-ordinating bidets and urinals
are also included in the system.
Brassware
Designed around one universal shape that complements every piece of Matrix
sanitaryware, the system's brassware offering includes taps and mixers
in varying sizes and heights.
Individual pieces include a monobloc basin mixer, a wall-mounted bath/shower
mixer and a wall-mounted single lever bath mixer. All brassware features
a stainless steel finish.
Furniture
Completing and complementing Matrix is a modular system of furniture that
encourages experimentation and creativity.
Individual elements, such as wall-hung and floor-standing units, storage
trolleys, mirrors, cupboards and shelves are all designed to work in harmony
in any combination together to deliver a personalised look that meets
individual storage needs.
All furniture in the Matrix system is available in a light-wood with matt
stainless steel framing.
Commenting on the launch of the Matrix, Berna Erbilek, VitrA's European
Co-ordinator, said: 'Our aim with Matrix was to create a completely new
bathroom concept that would empower people to create their own unique
bathroom with the confidence and assurance of a pleasing final look and
cost.
'The result we have achieved is a unique system of affordable pieces that,
whether put into the hands of a homeowner, a retailer, an architect or
a specifier, deliver a very different bathroom solution every time.'
Tel: 01235-750990
Web: http://www.vitrauk.com
Kitchen
Seating Experts join KBSA
Kitchen
seating experts Boveards has become a corporate member of the Kitchen
Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association.
Boveards, based at Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, imports top quality kitchen
chairs and stools from Italy and sells to kitchen retailers throughout
the UK.
All products are sold from the company's Biggleswade warehouse, with next
day delivery and no minimum order required.
'I think it's extremely important to be part of a major association such
as the KBSA,' says Boveards director David Kirkpatrick. 'The KBSA logo
is the ultimate sign of quality assurance, it inspires confidence amongst
customers and that can only be a good thing.'
'Everyone within the interiors industry knows that all KBSA members are
carefully vetted and stringently monitored to ensure quality of both product
and service'.
KBSA chief executive Graham Hayden said: 'We're delighted to welcome Boveards
aboard as a corporate member. They have established an excellent track
record within a relatively short space of time and take pride in distributing
a quality product.'
http://www.kbsa.co.uk
The
Electrolux Group has always prided itself on its desire to be at the centre
of innovative and technological progress within its sector. Driving innovation
forward over the years has made Electrolux a leading player on the international
market for consumer and professional appliances: from launching the first
domestic refrigerator in 1925 to the world's first domestic robot, the
Trilobite vacuum cleaner.
Today, the Group continues to work around the world on further technological
advancements in the name of quality, efficiency, ease of use, attractive
design and sustainable development.
Innovation the Electrolux way
Innovation is a core plank of the Electrolux Group business strategy under
CEO Hans Straberg.
Electrolux believes that innovation should always be driven by the end
consumer's wants and needs. All new products and services must address
a problem or gap that those people who actually use products experience
in their everyday lives.
For example:
* Many people find vacuuming can put a strain on their back. With this
in mind, Electrolux launched a new ergonomic handle for its Oxygen range
of vacuum cleaners, angled to make it easier to clean under furniture
with minimum bending
* For busy professional kitchens, Electrolux has unveiled the Cyber Fridge
- an Internet-connected fridge which is so smart that it knows what has
been stored in it, and can open its doors in response to voice commands
* With the noise of appliances a key concern for consumers, Electrolux
Group developed the AEG Favorit dishwasher with a noise level of just
43dB
To ensure the development of the right products and solutions, Electrolux
invests heavily in building its understanding of the end user, through
research and ongoing consumer panels.
The company also seeks to interrogate exactly how its appliances are used
and the environments in which they are deployed. As a result, there is
a family in Sweden which has lived with a camera installed in their fridge
for the past four years to provide a real insight into our 'fridge habits'.
Similarly, from 2004, Antarctica's first permanent winter base, Concordia,
will be fitted with Electrolux appliances. This project, part of the multi-pronged
research initiative, Concordia, will look at how communities work together
domestically in extreme conditions. Some of the findings from this expedition
will be used to build a picture of how communities might be established
and managed in Space. Electrolux products have been chosen for their high
standards of performance and reliability.
A history of innovation
Electrolux has a long history of innovation from when the company was
founded to the present day:
1912: The creation and production of the world's first household vacuum
cleaner
1925: Launch of the first absorption refrigerator, the "D-fridge",
on the world market
1930: Launch of the first built built-in refrigerator
1931: Electrolux presents the first air-cooled refrigerator
1951: Launch of the first household washing machine
1956: The first chest freezer is launched
1957: Produces the first fridge and freezer combination
1964: Launch of the first vacuum cleaner with an adjustable nozzle
1969: Launch of the world's first electric hover mower (under the Flymo
name)
1997: Launch of the world's first robot lawn mower, AutoMower
1997: Launch of the world's first solar powered lawn mower, Solar Mower
2000: Premiere of the Screenfridge, an Internet-connected refrigerator
designed to be the communications hub for the home as well as keeping
track of cold food stuffs
2001: Electrolux Wascator presents CO2, an environmentally safe dry-cleaning
machine that uses liquid carbon dioxide as a solvent
2001: Introduction of the Oxygen vacuum cleaner, equipped with the Electrolus
O2 filter system HEPA 13 which provides 99.5% filtration capacity, meaning
that the exhaust air is actually cleaner than the air on the North Pole
2001: Launch of e2-Home, a joint venture between Electrolux and Ericsson
which introduced the world's first home network for convenient living
in two new residential areas in Stockholm
2002: Launch of the world's first robot vacuum cleaner, the Trilobite
2002: Launch of the world's first talking washing machine, the Washy Talky
2002: Electrolux consumer and professional products win five of the highly
prestigious Good Design(tm) Awards, selected by the Chicago Athenaeum
2002: Pilot (with 50 Italian families) of Live-In, a system that manages
all household appliances from a single, remote-controlled point in the
kitchen
Into the future
One of the ways that Electrolux is ensuring the ongoing incorporation
of innovation into its business is through the Concept Design Team. This
is a global, strategic team whose mission is to focus on enhanced living,
combining design and knowledge of the customer's needs into the future.
The team generates concepts based on how individuals actually use appliances
and their lifestyle at home.
One of the recent projects from the Concept Design Team is the Essential
Range which aims to develop stylish, freestanding appliances for the first
time buyer, based around simple functions. The criteria are aesthetics,
innovation and recyclability. Current examples include:
* The Essential Range Washing machine - placed above the toilet, thereby
saving space. It is ergonomic, back saving, and has a water tank that
reserves the last rinse for the next wash or to flush the toilet.
* The Kitchen Sink Dishwasher - a combination of a sink and a dishwasher
in one. The dishwasher is placed below the detachable sink. While using
the dishwasher, the transparent sink part is turned and used as a lid
to the machine. The Kitchen Sink Dishwasher uses little space, which gives
customers with small kitchens the opportunity to have a dishwasher, as
well as saving materials, as it is one unit instead of two.
Web: http://www.electrolux.com