Visitor
Numbers Soar at Interbuild 2004
Attendances
at Interbuild, the UK's premier building trade event, increased on each
of the first four days and at the start of the fifth and final day, the
overall visitor total was approaching 40,000.
Said Event Director Steve Webb: 'I couldn't be more pleased. Right from
the off the vibes have been positive and though our exhibitors have been
rushed off their feet for the past two days they are not complaining.
'Numbers are important but so is the type of person coming through our
doors and it is clear that we have attracted serious people who are keen
to do business.'
The views of Eurocare Showers Managing Director Mike Holborn reflected
those held by many of the Interbuild exhibitors.
He said: 'It's been a sensational show with high quality customers and
I'm thrilled to say we've had enquiries here from market areas which are
new to us.'
Mobalpa
Opens New Crowthorne Showroom This Weekend
Building on the success of the company's Wokingham Showroom, Alan Cooper, one of Mobalpa's most successful Solist dealers, together with his team, has now opened a second showroom in Crowthorne. Positloned in an ideal location in Crowthome's High Street the showroom has ten new displays, demonstrating the Mobalpa ranges across all aspects of design: including Traditional, 100% Design and Contemporary. The technical features of the products are enhanced with a complete choice of high gloss, enameled or wood effect furniture finishes, to meet the demands of consumers looking for choice and individuality.
Alan's background in kitchens has spanned over 24 years so he is well
placed to offer professional and reliable kitchen planning advice, combined
with the skills of an exceptional award winnlng designer - Kate Rayner,
and staff wlth a focused approach to customer care and after sales service:
including out of hours booked appointments, should consumers find it difficult
to visit the showroom during normal opening hours.
'Simply having an exceptional range isn't enough,' says Cooper, 'attention
to detail, from a committed team of enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable
personnel is essential. Our customers appreciate the total professional
approach, from initial inquiry to final fit and after sales follow up.'
Some of the kitchens on show include Heliante, Artemis and Solane. All
of the kitchens, regardless of their style, offer quality and a number
of details and fittings as standard. For example, the new air cushioned
silent drawer closer, and the company's drawer divider system and accessorles.
The company's Developer customer base hes not been ignored either, with
the appointment of new contracts development manager Steven Knight. 'With
such a comprehensive, high quality and price competitive range we have
a kitchen to suit from the smallest flat to the largest of commercial
property conversions. And, with direct access to all of the elements of
a kitchen build, from sinks and appliances, to Iighting and handles, a
lot of costly time is saved when a complete unit can be managed by one
phone call,' says Knight.
Their new showrooms will be open to the public from May 1st bank holiday
weekend during the hours of 9.00 - 5.30pm Monday to Saturday with late
nights and Sunday by appointment. To celebrate the opening event special
opening dlscounts and promotions have been put in place.
Contact: Alan Cooper or Kate Rayner
Tel: 01344 750752
Email: mailto:mobalpa@btopenworld.com
Web: http://www.mobalpa.net
Nobia
reports 13% Increase in Post-Tax Profits for First Quarter 2004 and Rising
Sales in UK
Sales progressed favourably as Nobia's continued market investments and
good market growth resulted in strong organic growth. Net sales rose by
20 per cent to SEK 2,813 million (2,346). Organic growth, i.e. the increase
in net sales adjusted for currency effects and for comparable units, was
9 per cent. Organic growth for the UK operation was 5 per cent and for
the Nordic operation, 13 per cent. The Continental European operation
broke recent trends and recorded organic growth of 13 per cent thanks
to increased exports and stabilisation of sales in Germany and the Netherlands.
Flat-pack products accounted for 22 per cent of Nobia' sales during the
first quarter.
Highlights:
First quarter 2004 compared with first quarter 2003
* Net sales rose 20 per cent to SEK 2,813 million (2,346)
* Organic growth for the Group was 9 per cent
* EBITA rose 23 per cent to SEK 220 million (179)
* EBITA margin expanded to 7.8 per cent (6.6) excluding sale of property
2003
* Profit after financial items rose by 11 per cent to SEK 165 million
(148)
* Profit after tax climbed by 13 per cent to SEK 111 million (98)
* Earnings per share after full dilution increased by 13 per cent to SEK
1.92 (1.70)
* High organic growth in all business areas
* Gower now integrated with Nobia and developing according to plan
The Group's operating profit before goodwill amortisation climbed by 23
per cent to SEK 220 million (179) and earnings per share after dilution
increased by 13 per cent to SEK 1.92 (1.70). The increase in profit was
mainly due to higher volumes, a higher average order value and increased
cost efficiency. The first quarter 2003 included profit from property
sales by SEK 24 million. Excluding this profit, the operating profit before
goodwill amortisation climbed 42 per cent. The integration and development
of Gower is proceeding according to plan. The acquisition had a positive
impact on earnings per share.
It is estimated that demand increased by 4 per cent in the UK, by 6 per
cent in the Nordic market and remained unchanged in Germany and the Netherlands.
Net sales rose by 20 per cent to SEK 2,813 million (2,346). Gower contributed
SEK 329 million. Adjusted for currency effects amounting to SEK -61 million,
net sales increased by 9 per cent for comparable units, i.e. excluding
Gower, which was acquired in December 2003, and also excluding Goldreif,
which is being closed down.
The operating profit climbed by 20 per cent to SEK 197 million (164).
The operating profit was boosted by increased sales volumes, higher average
order values and greater cost-efficiency in all business areas. The closure
of Goldreif, the German business unit, and the acquisition of Gower of
the UK contributed to the favourable growth in profit. Higher amortisation
of goodwill relating to the Gower acquisition had a negative impact on
profit. Excluding goodwill amortisation, the operating profit climbed
23 per cent to SEK 220 million (179).
The operating margin was 7.0 per cent (7.0). The operating margin excluding
goodwill amortisation was 7.8 per cent (7.6). The first quarter 2003 included
profit from the sale of property within Magnet amounting to SEK 24 million.
Excluding property sales, the operating margin before goodwill amortisation
in Q1 2003 was 6.6 per cent.
Financial items amounted to SEK -32 million (-16). The net interest expense
was SEK -24 million (-16). Interest charges grew due to the financing
of loans relating to the acquisition of Gower. The profit after financial
items rose by 11 per cent to SEK 165 million (148).
The profit after tax amounted to SEK 111 million (98), which represents
earnings per share after dilution of SEK 1.92 (1.70).
The UK operation:
Net sales amounted to SEK 1,368 million (1,008), up 36 per cent. This
includes SEK 329 million from the Gower business unit, which was acquired
in December 2003. Excluding currency effects and comparing comparable
units only, i.e. not Gower, sales rose by 5 per cent. The first quarter
of the year is the strongest season of the year in the UK.
Sales of kitchen, storage and bedroom interiors climbed by 9 per cent
compared with the first quarter of 2003, adjusted for currency effects
and for comparable units only. Sales of joinery products fell by 4 per
cent and sales of bathroom interiors fell by 13 per cent. Strong growth
in the DIY segment continued. During the first quarter flat-pack products
accounted for 33 per cent of sales.
Organic growth was 3 per cent for fitted kitchens and was driven mainly
by the continued high average order value and by increased sales volumes.
Within the framework of the ongoing store renovation programme in the
Magnet business unit, four newly renovated stores were opened during the
period ahead of the January sales, of which three are in central London.
The stores that have been renovated are performing well and had a positive
effect on sales of fitted kitchens during the first quarter. This programme
includes the upgrading of around 150 stores during the period 2004-2006.
The operating profit before amortisation of goodwill amounted to SEK 129
million (111). The profit was boosted by the consolidation of Gower and
by higher sales volumes, increased average order value and greater cost
efficiency. Increased investments in Magnet's store network had a positive
impact on the average order value and on the sales volume. The integration
of the Gower business unit is proceeding according to plan.
The operating margin amounted to 9.4 per cent (11.0). The operating profit
for Q1 2003 included profit of SEK 24 million from the sale of property.
Excluding this amount, the operating margin was 9.4 per cent (8.6). The
operating margin for the C.P. Hart bathroom operation improved compared
with the final quarter last year but was lower than the first quarter
last year.
The Continental European operation:
Net sales amounted to SEK 511 million (479), an increase of 7 per cent.
Excluding currency effects and comparing comparable units, i.e. excluding
the Goldreif business that is being closed down, the increase was 13 per
cent, which is a significant improvement. The rise is explained by increased
exports to the UK and South Europe, higher project sales to the US and
Asia and a stabilisation of sales in Germany and the Netherlands.
The operating profit before amortisation of goodwill amounted to SEK 23
million (9). The operating margin was 4.5 per cent (1.9). The operating
profit and margin were boosted by greater volumes, which led to improved
capacity utilisation, continued reduced costs for product supply and the
closure of the Goldreif business unit.
The closure of Goldreif is proceeding according to plan and no further
effects on earnings are expected to arise.
After the end of the period Poggenpohl signed an agreement to acquire
three stores in London. Operations at these stores will be consolidated
in the accounts as of the second quarter. These acquisitions are expected
to boost the operating profit and operating margin for the Continental
European operation.
Sanitec
Maintains Sales Volumes in 2003 but Profits Dip by 5.2%
Despite a continuing economic slump in some of its main markets, Sanitec
was generally able to maintain its net sales at previous year's levels
after adjustments for foreign currency exchange differences and special
items in the prior year. Net sales for 2003 were EUR 951.1 million compared
to EUR 985.4 million in 2002 which is a decrease of 3.5% or EUR 34.3 million.
Operating profit for the year 2003 decreased by 5.2% or EUR 2.7 million
to EUR 49.4 million from EUR 52.1 million for the year 2002
Highlights 2003:
* Group sales for the year were in line with prior year sales after adjustments
for currency exchange rate effects and special items in the previous year.
* Sales increases in most other regions compensated for the weak market
situation in Germany and the Netherlands.
* One time Restructuring and Integration consulting costs of EUR 16.9
million strongly affected our EBITDA for 2003 which was EUR 141.6 million
or 14.9% of net sales
* Total operating expenses were reduced by EUR 31.2 million or 3.3% driven
primarily by our integration process and Sales, General, and Administration
cost reduction initiatives.
* Industrial capital expenditures remained at an optimal level of EUR
32.0 million or 3.4% of net sales compared to EUR 36.1 million or 3.7%
of net sales in 2002.
* Net indebtedness was substantially reduced by EUR 47.5 million or 6.8%
to EUR 653.6 million compared to previous year.
* Cash flow from operating activities increased EUR 27.1 million in comparison
to previous year, largely through improved working capital management.
Operating and Financial Review for Sanitec Group:
Currency exchange rate variances impacted our net sales in 2003 by negative
EUR 26.7 million and our net sales in 2002 were increased by a one-time
EUR 5.5 million customer bonus accrual reversal in our Keramag unit. The
negative effect of the weak markets in Germany and the Netherlands was
partially offset by growth, specifically in Southwest Europe, France,
the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as in the Central Eastern region,
Poland and the Ukraine, and Southern Europe, Italy. Solid growth in the
North Eastern Europe region, Finland, Denmark, and Norway was diluted
by poor sales performance in Russia.
Bathroom Ceramics:
Bathroom Ceramics net sales for 2003 were EUR 605.7 million compared to
EUR 619.7 million in 2002, a decrease of EUR 14.0 million or 2.3%. Currency
exchange rate variances negatively impacted our net sales in 2003 in this
segment by EUR 16.0 million. In 2002 our net sales in this segment were
increased by a one-time EUR 5.5 million customer bonus accrual reversal
in our Keramag unit. Good sales volumes, particularly in France, the United
Kingdom and Ireland, Italy, Poland, the Ukraine, and the Scandinavian
countries, as well as increasing average selling prices in Italy, the
Benelux, and the Scandinavian countries are at the core of this performance.
Higher selling prices compensated for a slight overall decline in volumes.
Bath and Shower Products:
Bath and Shower Products net sales for 2003 were EUR 273.4 million against
EUR 293.6 million for 2002, a decrease of EUR 20.2 million or 6.9%. Currency
exchange rate variances negatively impacted our net sales in 2003 in this
segment by EUR 6.0 million. Weakness in the German market, a soft market
in Italy, and a slow down of our sales to the Russian market are the primary
drivers of this variance.
Operating Profit:
Operating profit for the year 2003 decreased by 5.2% or EUR 2.7 million
to EUR 49.4 million from EUR 52.1 million for the year 2002. Our operating
profit margin slightly decreased from 5.3% for the year 2002 to 5.2% for
the year 2003. Operating profit in 2003 was negatively affected by EUR
16.9 million of one-off restructuring and integration consulting costs.
Operating profit for 2002 was positively influenced by a EUR 5.5 million
customer bonus accrual reversal in our German unit.
Bathroom Ceramics:
Bathroom Ceramics operating profit was EUR 31.6 million, a decrease of
EUR 3.4 million or 9.7% compared to the prior year. Operating profit for
2002 in this segment was positively influenced by a EUR 5.5 million customer
bonus accrual reversal in our German unit. The performance in this segment
is linked largely to our ceramics production network restructuring. Additional
closures of certain manufacturing facilities and continued outsourcing
to our strategic partners enabled us to drive down our production costs.
Bath and Shower Products:
Bath and Shower Products operating profit was only marginally lower than
in the prior year at EUR 14.8 million compared to EUR 15.0 million in
2002 in absolute terms. Through our production cost reduction efforts
and efficiency programs, we were able to compensate our sales decline
in this segment and increase our operating profit margin to 5.4% of net
sales in year 2003 from 5.1% in year 2002.
Subsequent events:
In March 2004, Sanitec concluded a contract with the French Zodiac Group
for a sale of Evac International Ltd, the holding company of our Vacuum
Sewage Systems segment operations. Through the closing of this transaction
in April 2004, the operations of the entire Vacuum Sewage Systems segment
were sold to Zodiac. The agreed total cash consideration of the transaction
was EUR 60 million, which will be mostly used for early repayment of loans
to financial institutions under senior credit facility.
Villeroy
& Boch 2003 Results Show Drop, but 2004 Outlook is Bright
Villeroy & Boch income for the 2003 business year was influenced by
high one-off expenditure for production changes and also by special expenses
of Euro 38.5 million for restructuring. Without the restructuring expenditure,
pre-tax profit of Euro 7.7 million would have been posted. For 2004 sales
higher than in the previous year and a positive result are expected. In
the first quarter of 2004, sales increased by 5.6% over the previous year.
The difficult market environment in 2003, characterised by falling private
consumer spending in Germany, led to overall sales of Euro 948.6 million
in the Villeroy & Boch Group in the past business year (previous year
Euro 977.5 million). Approximately half of this decline (Euro 13.9 million)
is to be attributed to changed currency parities, in particular to the
Euro exchange rate which rose strongly in comparison with the US Dollar.
Compared with prior-year figures, domestic sales fell 2.4% to a total
of Euro 289.3 million.
Unlike in previous years, it was not possible to compensate for the sales
decrease in Germany with increases in foreign sales, as declines in demand
were also recorded in several foreign markets. A 14% sales decline resulted
in the Netherlands, for example, following a strong downturn in economic
activity. In France, Villeroy & Boch's most important foreign market,
and in the remaining Western-European countries, sales were roughly on
prior-year level. A slightly negative trend of -2.2% was seen in Eastern
Europe. The 20.6% sales decline in the USA was brought about by exchange-rate
differences. In contrast, it was possible to achieve growth totalling
3.7% in Australia, the Middle East and Asia. Foreign business in 2003
attained a value of Euro 659.3 million and, as in the previous year, accounted
for roughly 70% of total sales.
The volume of orders in the Villeroy & Boch Group on the balance sheet
date totalled Euro 63.2 million and was therefore roughly Euro 19.9 million
higher than in the previous year. The greatest increase of Euro 17.2 million
was achieved by the Tableware Division and was largely due to the strong
demand for exceptionally-shaped products in the 'Metropolitan' segment.
The restructuring measures accompanied the implementation of master plans
in the three divisions of Tableware, Wellness and Bathroom, Kitchen and
Tiles. They had to be taken to adapt the business segments to the changed
general conditions and to ensure future profitability. Expenditure on
personnel measures, rationalisation projects in the structural sector
and depreciations owing to the reorganisation of various production sites
exerted a one-off burden on the results with a total of 38.5 million.
This means that pre-interest and tax results (EBIT) were Euro -17.7 million,
below the previous year’s result of Euro 27.0 million. The Villeroy
& Boch Group result for the year 2003 was Euro -25.4 million (previous
year Euro + 10.3 million).
An opposite trend was experienced in the business segments of the Bathroom,
Kitchen and Tile Division. The Bathroom and Kitchen business segment has
markedly increased the results with slightly higher sales, due to cost
savings. In the Tile business segment the negative result was higher than
in previous years due to declines in contribution margins.
The Tableware division had much worse results due to lower sales caused
solely by exchange-rate effects due to one-off expenses for extensive
conversion to production methods.
This is also the case for the Wellness division. The fall in sales was
caused by expenses for reorganising logistics and production optimisation
at the various sites.
Given a market environment which lacks any essential improvement, we expect
Villeroy & Boch Group sales above prior-year level. In view of the
difficult domestic market, we shall continue above all to promote growth
in foreign markets.
In future Villeroy & Boch will profit from the measures taken in production
in the form of falling costs and a better market position, both in terms
of sales and of revenue.
Once measures to convert production have been completed, no further conversion
or start-up costs are expected in 2004, with the effect that the strain
on costs will also be clearly eased here. Overall, we are expecting a
positive result for the 2004 business year.
Sales in the first quarter of 2004 were pleasing, with sales growth of
5.6% in comparison to the comparable period of the previous year.
In the first quarter of 2004 incoming orders exceeded sales, with the
result that orders on hand at the end of March 2004 were well above those
of the previous year.
Marked increases in sales could also be seen in the divisions Tableware
(+12.0%) and Wellness (+7.0%) as well as in the business segment Bathroom
and Kitchen (+5.9%). Sales in the Tiles business segment fell by 1.7%.
American
Standard Reports 31% Rise in Diluted EPS on 12% Sales Gain
American Standard Companies Inc has announced record first-quarter sales,
net income and diluted earnings per share. Earnings were $1.14 per diluted
share, up 31 percent from first quarter last year. In March, the company
had raised its first-quarter earnings range to $1.09-$1.15 per diluted
share, up from the $1.02-$1.12 range announced in January. Sales were
$2.185 billion, up 12 percent from a year ago, and net income rose to
$84.6 million, up 33 percent.
'We started 2004 with a strong quarter and are well-positioned to deliver
solid growth in sales, earnings, margins and cash flow for the entire
year,' said Fred Poses, chairman and chief executive officer. 'All three
business segments contributed to our first-quarter results. Our earnings
benefited from productivity initiatives, along with volume growth and
improved mix, which were driven by better markets and new product introductions,
as well as from favorable foreign exchange.
'We're seeing some improvement in economic conditions, but certain important
markets are still lagging,' said Poses. 'In North America, the equipment
market for small- and mid-sized buildings, a short-cycle business, has
shown another quarter of growth, while the market for large commercial
air conditioning equipment remains weak. European markets are still soft,
affecting air conditioning, bath and kitchen and after-market sales in
vehicle controls. U.S. consumer spending continues to support our growth
in residential air conditioning and bath and kitchen products. North American
and European truck builds are up strongly, and Asian markets remain healthy.
'For the second quarter, we expect sales to be up about 8-10 percent and
earnings in the range of $2.02-$2.16 per diluted share, up 10-18 percent
from second quarter last year,' said Poses. 'Based on what we achieved
in the first quarter and what we see for the second quarter, we're raising
the low end of our earnings estimate for the year to $6.25 per diluted
share, up from the $6.10 we announced in January. We're maintaining the
high end of our estimate at $6.60, for an earnings range that's 14-20
percent higher than 2003.'
In the first quarter, segment income was a record $202.2 million, up 23
percent from first quarter last year. Total operating margin for the quarter
was 9.3 percent, up 0.9 percentage points. Net cash provided by operating
activities was $38.8 million, $0.6 million below last year. Free cash
flow was $0.7 million, up $1.5 million from a year ago. During the quarter,
the company reduced interest expense by $0.9 million to $29 million because
of a lower debt level. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 31 percent,
which is the same as last year and this year's expected annual rate. Corporate
and other expenses increased by $10.2 million primarily because of the
impact of foreign exchange and increased post-retirement and self-insurance
costs.
'We're on track with our 2004 goals to generate more than $720 million
in net cash provided by operating activities and more than $500 million
in free cash flow, up from our record 2003 results," said Poses.
"We'll use our cash to reduce our debt to less than $1.5 billion
and buy back our stock.'
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS AND SERVICES sales were $1.16 billion,
up 7 percent over first quarter last year. Growth in U.S. residential
systems, global commercial unitary equipment and global commercial parts,
services and solutions drove the sales increase. Segment income was $93
million, up 12 percent. Improved volume and mix outpaced unfavorable pricing
and continued investments in the business, while productivity gains surpassed
cost escalations. Operating margin was 8 percent, up 0.3 percentage points.
During the quarter, American Standard announced the opening of an R&D
center in Shanghai that is now developing Trane air conditioning products
for the Asian market. The company won a contract to supply high-efficiency
air conditioning and heating systems for The Villages, which expects to
build more than 3,000 homes in Florida this year.
BATH AND KITCHEN sales increased 11 percent to $601.4 million.
Segment income was $50.3 million, up 43 percent compared with last year.
Segment income benefited from productivity gains, increased volume and
improved mix primarily from growing sales of the Champion™ toilet,
favorable foreign exchange and the absence of operating issues that affected
results during the first half of last year. Operating margin was 8.4 percent,
up 1.9 percentage points from the prior year and on track to reach the
9.0 percent goal for 2004.
The Champion toilet with America's Best™ Flushing System continued
its strong U.S. retail and wholesale launch, with the introduction of
two new models and multi-channel promotional support. During the first
quarter, Bath and Kitchen also launched new total bathroom suites and
expanded well-received lines in France, Germany, the Netherlands, the
U.K. and Scandinavia. In addition, Bath and Kitchen introduced new "supershowers"
in France and Italy. The Tonic and Venice lines from Ideal Standard and
the Glance line from Jado won prestigious red dot design awards in Germany.
More than 4,000 entries from more than 40 countries competed for the awards.
In China, Bath and Kitchen won large commercial contracts with Hopson
and Vanke, two developers of large apartment complexes.
Stoves
Research Creates
the Heritage Style Range Cooker
Glen
Dimplex Cooking
has taken the most requested features of Stoves’ Customised range
cooker collection to create the Heritage Style Range Cooker, specifically
for independent kitchen retailers. Stoves has been offering various design
options on the Stoves customised 1100mm range cooker, but research highlighted
that nearly half of customers choose the Heritage style and over 90% of
customers opted for a gas or dual fuel range cooker with a lid.
The
Heritage offers independent retailers an opportunity to capitalise on
the popularity of the traditional look, which has been combined with a
number of new features. Jane Rylands, product manager for range cookers
at Glen Dimplex Cooking said:
‘We have designed Heritage to incorporate the top selling features
that are particularly popular for people looking to create a traditional
look for the kitchen. It was interesting to see that while we were providing
so many options, the majority of purchasers were repeating the same look.
Heritage now provides the solution to a specific market requirement and
will help simplify the sales process in store.’
Stoves’ Heritage includes a number of quality trade-up features including
a seven burner hob with four pan support that has three multi purpose
semi-rapid burners and two auxiliary burners which are suitable for soups,
milk and sauces. There is also one rapid burner for fast cooking and a
powerful wok burner.
The grill has its own compartment, so you can grill and bake/roast at
the same time. The two ovens provide plenty of space and the option of
cooking separate dishes that require different cooking temperatures. These
have glass doors and interior lights, allowing you to check the progress
without opening the door.
Heritage has a glass lid that acts as an easy to clean splash back. It
incorporates the ‘Switch Back System’ which is a hot plate safety
device to ensure that as soon as you close the lid, the gas on the hob
automatically shuts off.
Stoves
Heritage is available in a range of black, green and cream doors with
gold accessories and control knobs. To complete the look, there is a matching
coloured hood with telescopic chimney section and decorative rail.
Tel: 0151 432 7849
Web: http:// www.stoves.co.uk
Revolutionary
New Glass Colour Process First to Offer 20 Year Guarantee
Glass
UK, manufacturer of toughened, oversized double-glazed engineered glass
solutions, has launched a new glass colour treatment which can be specified
in absolutely any colour and provides a 20-year guarantee. The
product is suitable for a wide range of applications, such as splashbacks,
shower screens, furniture and kitchen surfaces, and externally on signage
and butt-jointed double-glazed units, where its limitless colour options
provide a seamless joint.
Glass FX is a non-silicon spray-on product which Glass UK is confident
provides the toughest, most durable finish available.
Glass UK will also make extensive use of Glass FX with its specialist
Sheerglaze door system. Sheerglaze is a sophisticated double-glazed door
within a sheer glass façade. It has been developed to provide architects
and specifiers with a bespoke solution specifically designed to provide
a glass plane that is uninterrupted by protruding frames.
'Glass FX is the most advanced and versatile glass colour treatment on
the market,' says Glass UK's Production Manager Neil Sharda. 'Glass-FX
enables you to choose the exact colours and textures you desire to take
advantage of the inherent beauty, functionality and durability of glass.
The durability of the product is really the key feature, it has been rigorously
tested to very wide temperature variances and we have invested heavily
in training to ensure that production standards are of the highest order.
The fact that it is a non-silicon based product means that it cannot delaminate.
This enables us to confidently offer the product with a 20-year guarantee
and I'm very certain that the product will prove to have an effectively
limitless life-span.'
Web: http://www.lmcgroup.co.uk
Bathrooms
and Kitchens Magazine Launches Product Innovation Awards
Bathrooms
And Kitchens Magazine is set to recognise and reward exciting and imaginative
product design, with the launch of its Product Innovation Awards at the
Grosvenor Hotel, London on 1st February 2005, at the 11th annual Bathrooms
And Kitchens Industry Awards.
Manufacturers, PRS, designers and retailers are all invited to nominate
their favoured product of the year. These will be shortlisted into eight
finalists (four bathroom and four kitchen products) by a panel of independent
experts, eminent in the field of product design.
The final voting will be by the readers of Bathrooms And Kitchens Magazine.
So what will the products be judged upon? The areas of consideration will
include form, function, need, use of materials and employment of new technologies.
For example: Has the design improved the use or installation of the product?
Has it met a designer's/retailer's need previously unexplored by manufacturers?
Does it feature an imaginative use of materials or employ new technologies,
which have enabled this product to be created? Equally, industry professionals
can suggest their own reasons, as to why a bathroom or kitchen product
should be presented with a Product Innovation Award.
The Product Innovation Awards will be unsurpassed for prestige and, as
such, will receive the highest level of publicity. Just like the winners
of the designer and business award categories, the Product Innovation
winners will receive acclaim in front of nearly 1,000 bathroom and kitchen
professionals and receive coverage in both the 11th annual Bathrooms And
Kitchens Industry Awards Souvenir Brochure and Bathrooms And Kitchens
Magazine.
The Product Innovation Award winners will also be published in Building
Products, which has a circulation of 29,000 readers, including architects,
housebuilders and property developers.
In addition, press releases will be sent out to national, regional and
business press. And if all that publicity was not enough, the Product
Innovation Award winners will be promoted on the Bathrooms And Kitchens
Magazine website http://www.bathroomskitchens.co.uk,
on the Bathrooms And Kitchens Industry Awards website at http://www.bathroomskitchens.co.uk/awards
and on Bathrooms & Kitchens EXPO website http://www.bkexpo.co.uk.
Nominate your favoured product, launched in 2004, by emailing the Marketing
manager of Bathrooms And Kitchens Industry Awards, Clare Coe at mailto:ccoe@quantumbusinessmedia.com.
Alternatively fax your nominations to 020 8565 4278.
Use
Water Twice with the AquaCycle® 900 from Pontos®
The
AquaCycle 900® from Hansgrohe’s latest brand, Pontos®, is
an indoor water recycling system that takes water from the shower, bath
and sink, and recycles it for use flushing the toilet, cleaning the house,
washing clothes and watering the garden.
Available
now, the AquaCycle provides a mechanical-biological way of cleaning water,
without the use of chemicals. Water is treated using a patented system
developed by Hansgrohe, called SmartClean®, which uses four key stages.
Firstly water is filtered to remove particles such as hair; next dirt
is decomposed using bio-cultures. The third phase is another filter to
remove sediment before the water passes through UV light to disinfect
it for final use. The finished result is clean, odourless water that conforms
to the EU 76/160/EWG Directive for recreational water.
Over time the AquaCycle will save money as well as water: the average
pay back period for a household of four to five people is ten years. The
system is modular, so can be supplied to meet most domestic or commercial
installations, with the basic module capable of recycling between 720-945
litres per day. Based on the average water consumption in the UK of 160
litres per person per day; this makes it suitable for a household of 4-6
people.
Once installed, AquaCycle works silently, requires no maintenance and
has self-cleaning parts. The treated water is fed through separate
pipes throughout the building, whose layout is flexible depending on needs.
If the clean water storage chamber falls below a certain level, it is
automatically topped up from the mains to ensure there is a reliable supply
as required.
Web: http://www.hansgrohe.co.uk
Service
Continues to be the Cornerstone of Bristan’s Business Strategy for
2004
Service
levels continue to be the cornerstone of Bristan’s business strategy
for 2004. The company is justifiably proud of its record. Service
levels are consistently monitored within the company on a daily basis
and in the last quarter, over 95% of orders were despatched within one
day, 97% of spares orders were received and processed within one day and
consistently the company delivered 99% stock availability.
Constantly striving for perfection, Bristan intends to improve on these
figures for the coming financial year. Having set out its stall
as a company that delivers on its service promise, day in, day out, it
is enhancing its Customer Charter which in 2004 will also apply to the
company’s new showing portfolio.
Managing Director Steve Lee comments: 'We consistently deliver on our
Customer Charter and have been delivering this promise for over a decade.
While standards in the industry appear to be rising, our customers can
remain confident that the consistency of our service will remain second
to none.'
Bristan displays its Customer Charter on the first page of its new Product
& Price Guide. A key improvement to the Charter is that in addition
to Bristan’s guarantee of next day delivery on orders received before
6pm, the company now aims to ensure that deliveries are received before
1pm.
Bristan’s new Product & Price Guide for 2004 is the comprehensive
'bible' for the Bristan portfolio. Along with all the popular Bristan
ranges, it offers over 250 new products, spanning taps and mixers; bathroom
accessories; kitchen taps and brand new for this year a comprehensive
new showering collection.
Tel: 0870 7545555
Web: http://www.bristan.com
Imperial
Towel Rails Signs Deal with Jersey’s Hotel de France
Imperial
Towel Rails has signed a deal with Jersey’s Hotel de France situated
on the outskirts of St Helier, the largest hotel in the Channel Islands.
Renowned for its high quality, the hotel boasts historical character and
style combined with the latest and most extensive facilities expected
from a hotel of superior reputation.
To maintain the very high standards it is currently undergoing a two year,
multi-million pound refurbishment programme to rebuild the Empire wing,
destroyed by fire in 2002, together with the refurbishment of several
other areas of this luxury hotel.
The present plan includes redecorating and upgrading of 78 bedrooms in
the east wing, redecoration of the first and second floors of the main
wing, the installation of air conditioning and the creation of a luxury
bar and ‘alfresco’ dining area.
With quality and comfort the key factors in the bedroom refurbishment
programme, the bathrooms have been refitted with top of the range stylish
bathroom equipment including towel rails from Imperial Towel Rails.
The Hotel de France selected the Imperia model, a contemporary rail which
perfectly complements both modern and traditional décor.
Imperia comes in a choice of two styles – straight or combined straight
and curved bars, four sizes and chrome or gold finish, although any RAL
colour can be specified to order to coordinate with bathroom fittings,
carpet or curtains etc..
Imperia’s framework is made from 25mm brass tube with 15mm internal
pipework. There are no component joints, ensuring clean lines with
highly efficient circulation and heat distribution.
The inclusion of the Imperi towel rails in all the new bedrooms ensures
that guests benefit from soft, warm towels always to hand and in-keeping
with the facilities expected of a premier hotel.
For more information, please contact Imperial for your nearest stockist
on +44 (0) 1543 571 615 or visit http://www.imperialtowelrails.com
Underwood
Completes Two Luxury Homes at Parkridge
Kitchen
designer and manufacturer Underwood Kitchens has completed three luxury
homes at an exclusive and prestigious housing development in Solihull.
Underwood was appointed by the housebuilder, Parkridge Homes at an early
stage of the development to design individual kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms
and home studies as part of the sales package for owners buying into this
luxury development.
The Heronbrook development at Knowle consists of four houses and three
apartments, Underwood has now completed three homes and work on a fourth
will begin shortly.
All of the properties are set in their own private gated grounds and have
been designed to the highest of standards. Although modern the houses
have been designed on a traditional Victorian Villa theme with open plan
and contemporary interiors.
‘This commission has been very satisfying,’ says Alex Hughes,
the senior designer at Underwood responsible for this project.
‘Being able to work so closely with the owners as their new homes
are being built is wonderful. The kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and home
studies in each home are truly unique and individual.’
Tel: 01296 771800