Kitchen and Bathroom News @ The K&BZine

Whirlpool Corporation Completes Acquisition of Maytag Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation has completed its acquisition of Maytag Corporation. The combined enterprise will immediately begin the integration process.

'The addition of the Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana and other brands, and the people who support those brands, will allow Whirlpool to more fully deploy our innovation capability across a wide assortment of high-quality products and services,' said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool’s chairman and CEO.

'The combined companies will create substantial benefits for consumers, trade customers and shareholders through continued development of innovative products, improved quality and service, and cost efficiencies.'

Under the terms of the agreement between the two companies, former stockholders of Maytag Corporation are entitled to receive $10.50 in cash and 0.1193 of a share of Whirlpool common stock for each share of Maytag common stock held or a total of approximately $848 million in cash and approximately 9.6 million shares of Whirlpool common stock. The aggregate transaction value, including approximately $0.9 billion of Maytag debt, is $2.6 billion.

Moving forward, Whirlpool management will lead the combined company, which is headquartered in Benton Harbor, Mich. Whirlpool plans to release its first quarter earnings on April 25. The company plans to provide more detailed information about its Maytag plans in approximately 60 days.

With just nine weeks to go until completion of its new premises, The Bristan Group has reported that construction is running on schedule for its state-of-the-art headquarters in Birch Coppice, Tamworth. Access to the 200,000 sq ft on-site warehouse has just been approved by the developer and the company is now beginning the installation of its specially designed Material Handling System, which the company says will ensure the secure future of Bristan's long-established reputation for fast, efficient, high quality, and reliable production and delivery.

Global provider of integrated logistic solutions for warehouses, Swisslog, which has worked with leading companies such as Ikea, Walmart and Boots, has been hired to design and install the new Material Handling System, which has the latest technological advances in automated and computer controlled warehouse production and management. Featuring a three-level mezzanine lay-out, the warehouse will accommodate three picking operations, storage for 9,000 pallets as well as around 4,500 racked storage locations for bulkier products. Fully automated carton erectors and a picking and replenishment conveyor system will complete the new cutting-edge warehouse.

Gaining access approval to the new warehouse is a key breakthrough in the overall project, which has been running with clockwork precision since groundworks began last September. Warehouse access will enable the development to proceed in parallel so that the site is fully operational by the August target date, when staff are set to relocate to the new 10 acre site, just a few miles from the current Bristan HQ.

Tel: 0870 4425556
Web: http://www.bristan.com

In-Sink-Erator’s Food Waste Disposer makes Magnet’s Top Five Kitchen Gadgets

The food waste disposer from In-Sink-Erator has been listed fourth in the latest must-have kitchen gadget list from kitchen retail giants, Magnet.

This easy to install appliance gives real benefits to customers at an economic cost. It allows food waste to be dealt with simply, cleanly and efficiently as leftovers are washed straight down the sink and ground down into fine particles before being flushed into the sewage system.

Ashley Munden, Sales and Marketing Director for In-Sink-Erator, commented: 'Our inclusion in Magnet’s top five kitchen gadgets is a real accolade and highlights both the increasing popularity of food waste disposers and the quality of In-Sink-Erator’s product. This is an appliance which adds real value to the kitchen in terms of improved hygiene and convenience but at a very economic cost.'

Tel: 01923 297 880
Web: http://www.insinkerator.co.uk

ESG Proves Ideal Match for Bespoke Frameless Glass Shower Designers, Glasstrends

Appointing ESG as its preferred processor of bespoke glass was a clear-cut decision for London-based frameless glass shower designers, Glasstrends.

Glasstrends designs and installs bespoke frameless shower surrounds to suit its clients' differing tastes and creative ideas. ESG's investment into the latest glass processing technologies helps Glasstrends combine the use of toughened safety glass and frameless techniques to fulfil unlimited design possibilities, as Andrew Long, owner of Glasstrends, commented:

‘Since its inception back in 2000, Glasstrends has established a reputation for quality, professionalism and customer satisfaction. In fact, a number of our clients make repeat purchases. Key to the company's success has been our vision to design and install products that not only look sophisticated, but are of a premium quality whilst complying with industry safety standards.

‘ESG takes the time and care to honour its commitment to delivering the highest standard of glass, on time to our exact specification which helps us meet and surpass customer expectations.’

Over the past year Glasstrends has seen an increasing trend for premium quality low iron glass, manufactured with a reduced iron content to increase light transmission and reduce the green tinge of ordinary glass, which renders the glass virtually invisible. ESG's ability to provide low iron glass to the exact specification within a short time frame, has enabled Glasstrends to keep abreast of this growing trend, which has seen over half of the company’s clients requiring the low iron option.

In fact, Jeremy Flavell of renowned architectural design company, Point 3 Design, recently incorporated a Glasstrends low iron shower into one of his interiors and commented:

‘Point 3 Design is dedicated to providing innovative, modern design within the residential sector. We specialise in bringing a personalised and professional approach to each individual project and work with suppliers with the same commitment’.

He concluded, ‘Glasstrends certainly meets our requirements, not simply because the company provides bespoke designs, but because it meets our exact specifications on the type of glass we require. The provision of low iron glass is a good case in point, as seen by the photograph.’

For further information on ESG and its services, please call ESG on 01376 520061 or email sales@esguk.co.uk

For further information on Glasstrends and its products, please call 020 7223 4017 or email info@glasstrends.co.uk

Clearwater Collection, the manufacturer of luxury handmade freestanding acrylic baths, has introduced a new specification 'Supa Spec' that offers the very highest standard of finish for those who insist on the 'Rolls Royce' levels of quality and finish.

Clearwater Collection says that it specialises in the manufacture of double-skin acrylic freestanding baths and prides itself on the quality of its baths along with the vast range of designs it offers, covering both traditional and contemporary styles.

‘The 'Supa Spec' option is ideal for some of the more contemporary and dramatic designs from Clearwater Collection, as it accentuates the key design features and will set the bath apart from most other baths, making it the perfect centre-piece to al 'Haute Couture' bathroom,’ says the company.

The Supa Spec bath is a high spec bath where extra care and attention is given to each bath as it goes through the manufacturing process. The Supa Spec bath involves using thicker acrylic on both skins and a special marine filler between all holes. It is hand sanded and highly hand polished on both the interior and the exterior.

The bath is also despatched fully protected in a high spec box.
Managing director of Clearwater Collection, Darren Allison comments: ‘Clearwater has pioneered innovation in the freestanding bath market and the introduction of Supa Spec is another example of our ability to continually improve our product.

‘Supa Spec will satisfy the demand for the very best when only a luxurious and sumptuous bathroom will do.’

Clearwater Collection Limited exports to 25 countries and numbers celebrities amongst its clients (including Paul McCartney, Victoria and David Beckham and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi).

All Clearwater products feature the distinctive Clearwater badge, which serves as a hallmark of excellence, and come with a lifetime guarantee.

At the beginning of April, kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens is launching two above the line promotional offers designed to run side by side during the spring 2006 sales period.

The two promotions on offer are: a) 'Best wash ever' promotion on dishwashers & laundry from April to June and b) five months 5 and 10 years free extended warranty promotion from April to August (inclusive).

Both promotions relate specifically to Siemens's freestanding product ranges and are designed to generate incremental sales of these appliances via participating retail outlets during the traditionally buoyant spring period.

a) Best wash ever: The successful 'Best Wash ever' promotion - previously run between October 2005 and January 2006 - is now reactivated for 3 months from the beginning of April until the end of June on freestanding dishwasher and laundry ranges. To ensure total satisfaction by consumers and dealers alike, consumers are entitled to a full refund of their new Siemens appliance after 28 days use if it has not performed as expected. A free 2 month supply of Finish Quantum tablets is also provided for use with all Siemens dishwashers sold during the promotional period.

b) Free 5/10 year warranty: Again, due to popular demand both by retailers and consumers, Siemens's successful free 5 & 10 year warranty on selected freestanding appliances has just been extended until the end of August. New visuals showing large silver tags to highlight the offer have been prepared for showroom display and a selection of other new themed point of sale material, including window posters, ceiling hangers and stickers for the machines.

Comments Siemens Brand Manager, Jane Massey: ‘On previous occasions when used separately, both of these promotions have proved highly popular with our dealers and their customers. This time we are running the two promotions side by side to double the impact at point of sale’

The debate on legislation for regulating the temperature of bath water is hotting up with the introduction on 29th March of an early day motion into the House of Commons by Mary Creagh MP for Wakefield. She’s calling for anti-scald devices (otherwise known as thermostatic mixing valves) to become compulsory in new homes to start making headway on reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured by bathtime scalding.

Discussions of the subject on Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday were quite lively, with the public comment ranging from a husband who wanted to report his wife to the Government for running hot water in her bath first, to an A&E nurse who described an incident where a young lady had slipped into her hot bath whilst sitting on the edge waiting for it to fill. This resulted in some of the most grotesque injuries he had ever seen.

There are 580 serious injuries and incredibly, 20 deaths in the UK every year as a direct result of scalding in the bath. Most victims are under 5 or over 60.

The social argument for anti-scald valves is that they will save lives, prevent horrendous injuries and generally make bathtime more comfortable and safe. The economic argument is that with a valve that costs around £80, it will be possible to prevent injuries that could cost the NHS around £250,000 to provide a lifetimes’ treatment and treatment for a lifetime is usually what that level of scalding needs.

The argument against legislation is that it’s the 'nanny state' interfering with the nations’ baths and people should be sensible enough to be able to fill their own bath. The other argument is that regulated hot water isn’t hot enough for bathing or shaving. Intatec says that it believes that regulated hot water at 48¾C is plenty hot enough.

'At Intatec we manufacture a wide range of anti-scald valves and have spent the past couple of years campaigning for anti-scald legislation to be introduced into the UK. In Scotland similar legislation has been passed and comes into force next month. We continue to provide information and comment for the plumbing trade as well as supporting the Child Accident Prevention Trust in delivering their own anti-scald message. Intatec also publishes a book on ‘all you need to know about anti-scald.’

'Intatec has tackled the issue of regulated hot water not being hot enough with a survey into public perception of how hot is too hot.'

To help everyone through the introduction of legislation, Intatec is publishing a free guide - Everything You Need to Know about Anti-Scald, which is intended for plumbers and merchants and explains the various options there are for different types of installation. Look out for it in merchants very soon. In the meantime Intatec has technical information available on-line at http://www.intaco.co.uk and on the phone at 01889 207200.

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances recently pulled back the covers on it's new range of Lec domestic refrigeration appliances. With a fresh new logo and a sleek new look, the all-new Lec range is packed with the features and touches that the company says are guaranteed to appeal to retailers and consumers alike.

Whether it's capacity and durability for a busy family home that's required, compact dimensions for a studio flat or style and elegance for a modern apartment, there's now a Lec product to suit. Frost free technology features in products throughout the range, plus, for the first time, Lec now has products for 60cm under counter and built-in customers.

Externally, the new range benefits from a sleek and attractive aesthetic.
Featuring curved doors and external door handles, the look was heavily influenced by the findings of Lec's extensive customer trails during the development phase. All appliances also feature reversible doors, giving customers the option to place two products side by side, and by sharing a uniform look, customers can mix and match from across the range without compromising on style.

Inside, the company says that Lec features the attention to detail usually expected of products costing twice the price: adjustable safety glass shelves, transparent salad and freezer drawers, adjustable door furniture and, in the higher specification products, removable wine racks. Changing eating habits demand flexible storage options, and with Lec, this is now assured.

The range comes under three main product groupings, making it simple for retailers and customers alike to distinguish between products.

Glace are high quality single door products designed to complement any kitchen without breaking the bank. Available in under or above counter configurations and as a refrigerator, larder fridge or freezer, Glace caters for anyone looking for a stylish and practical cooling product at an affordable price.

Crystalline are combination fridge freezers designed and specified with the busy family in mind. The practical design and specification makes day-to-day use and cleaning a cinch, and the inclusion of frost free models is a welcome addition for those who want a truly maintenance free product.

Serene caters for the increasingly popular 60cm width under counter market, and in addition to the usual Lec features, the range includes silver exterior handles, with corresponding silver trim to the safety glass shelves and chrome trims to the door furniture.

In addition, a built-in larder fridge and freezer have been added to the Lec portfolio, providing a compelling offer for any customer seeking a fully integrated product.

Finally, five chest freezers ensure that Lec caters for all the most popular size and specification configurations, and a range of drinks fridges ensures that retailers catering for this increasingly popular second appliance market have a corresponding offering.

Denver Hewlett, chief executive of Glen Dimplex Home Appliances comments: ‘Lec is great brand and one which commands much affection in the white goods market. Today is the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work by a dedicated team of GDHA people and I am proud to say that Lec is back! In developing this new range, we have strived to remain true to Lec's brand values whilst bringing the product up to date. We've listened to our customers and the result is this new range, which combines the best in style and performance with the right product for every lifestyle. GDHA has an unrivalled reputation for turning around the fortunes of great cooking brands, and with the unveiling of this new range, I am confident our reputation for turning around a great cooling brand will be established.’

Commercially, Lec now benefits from it's own dedicated sales team, led by industry veteran, Robin Tillbrook, and a dedicated marketing function at GDHA's Prescot, Merseyside head office.

In addition, Lec has also now been integrated into GDHA's award winning customer services opertation, with a dedicated team assigned to handling Lec customer queries.

The KBSA pledged to investigate ways of providing funding for the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom National Training Group (KBB NTG) at its last corporate committee meeting.

A presentation on the progress the KBB NTG has made and its plans for the future was given to the meeting by KBB NTG CEO Renee Mascari. Renee explained that initial funding had been provided by the CITB but that further funds would be dependant on match funding being available from the industry.

‘We have carried out two very successful training courses; a 2 day course entitled 'Introduction to kitchen design' and a 5 day course entitled 'Kitchen Installation'. Thanks to the efforts of the KBSA both courses were sell-outs and additional courses were arranged to meet demand,’ said Renee.

'If we are to develop longer courses to up skill the current workforce and open up career paths for new entrants into the industry, then we need more funding.’

‘We have received tremendous support so far from our industry partners, many of these are KBSA members but if we are to meet our long-term objectives then we need to develop a sustainable plan for long term funding.’

Those present at the meeting were very supportive and a number of different ideas were discussed. It was agreed that Renee would prepare a business case so that these could be progressed via the KBSA board.

KBSA Corporate Chair, Barbara Leech thanked all those present for their positive contributions and re-iterated that the KBSA had been instrumental in establishing the KBB NTG. She said: ‘The KBB NTG would not have come into being if it were not for the hard work and commitment of many members of the KBSA. We are proud of our role in making this important initiative happen and are fully committed to providing ongoing financial support.’

Web: http://www.kbbntg.com

Taking a shower is an unwinding and refreshing experience – until it comes to cleaning it.

But now Aqualux, the UK manufacturer of bath screens and shower enclosures, has come up with a clever new way to keep glass panels sparkling with minimal effort.

The company says that the new Showerblade is set to revolutionise the way we keep our shower enclosures and bath screens clean. The handy product sweeps away any watermarks and soap scum after each shower making sure the glass stays clean and smear-free. Daily use can also help reduce lime-scale.

Launched at this year’s KBB exhibition, the Showerblade is already been a big hit. The tool is perfect for those who want a convenient way of cleaning curved or straight glass surfaces without the use of chemical cleaners, which can be abrasive and leave a dull finish. Showerblade also features an integral wall attachment so it can be easily stored.

Sales and marketing director Mike Jones, commented: 'In the past we have often had customers ask us about the best way to clean their shower doors or bath screens and now we can recommend Showerblade as the safest, most convenient way of cleaning the glass panels.'

Aqualux is offering a free eye-catching merchandising display to trade customers with a buy 11 get 1 free offer. The RRP for the Showerblade is £6.99 (inc VAT).

www.plumbworld.co.uk Ltd recently announced an exclusive distribution deal for Glo-Warm heated towel rails in the United Kingdom.

Under the agreement Glo-Warm towel rails will only be available through the http://www.plumbworld.co.uk website and the associated Bathroom World Shop in Altrincham.

James Hickman, Plumbworld's Managing Director Said:
‘It has taken a long time for us to find a manufacturer of heated towel rails who could meet our requirements.

‘For several years there has been a general market trend towards a lower cost, lower quality towel rail. We have refused to follow the herd, but by only selling higher quality products we have seen our heated towel rail sales fall by over 50% in the last 12 months.

‘Frankly, the quality of the heated towel rails sold by some of the high street DIY chains is appalling. The chrome plating and the welding are so bad the only question is whether the chrome will peel off before, or after, the towel rail starts to leak!

‘With our new distribution agreement for the Glo Warm range we can finally offer our customers a high quality product that we can be proud of, at a genuinely competitive price.’The initial range of Glo Warm towel rails offered by Plumbworld consists of 8 models. Four straight sizes and four curved sizes all with a high quality chrome plated finish. Prices start from £67.97

There are plans to expand the variety of sizes and to introduce a white powder coated range in May of this year.

The full range can be viewed online at: http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/1809-0000

Hull-based bath manufacturer Reva Industries has joined the Bathroom Manufacture’s Association following the company's visit to the association’s stand at kbb2006 and its subsequent attendance at the BMA’s General Council meeting in early March.

Gary Stevens, the Managing Director of Reva, which produces acrylic baths, shower trays and bath panels, said: 'The kind of work that the BMA does in supporting bathroom manufacturers that operate in the UK is very valuable to Reva Industries'

To aid in the planning of your new bathroom the BMA has produced a series of factsheets. For copies of these factsheets please visit http://www.bathroom-association.org

Simpsons is offering Ritec ClearShield protected glass as a factory-applied extra on its top quality shower doors and enclosures. The specialist designer and manufacturer is using ClearShield Shower Protect to convert toughened safety glass into Low-M (Low Maintenance) Glass at its Surrey production facility. The option is proving particularly popular with Simpsons' top of the range Classic shower doors and enclosures. Once treated with ClearShield, the surface of the glass is protected against the build up of dirt and limescale so it stays in pristine condition for longer and is much easier to clean.

Glass shower doors and enclosures are especially vulnerable to surface damage and staining because of the salts and minerals (limescale) found in tap water. In addition, dirt and greasy substances, such as soap and shampoo, accumulate on the glass, making cleaning difficult and time-consuming. ClearShield is based on a special polymeric resin which forms a protective treatment that chemically bonds to the surface of the glass, and measures less than a micron in thickness.

Simpsons buys in cut and drilled toughened glass for use in its shower doors and applies the ClearShield surface protection in-house as required. The company received full training from Ritec on how to use the specialist spray equipment. Design Director Richard Simpson, explains the process: ‘The majority of glass has to be cleaned first with Ritec's specialist cleaning product to ensure an effective result. ClearShield Shower Protect is then applied to the interior side of the glass and once cured any residue polymer is simply wiped off - it's really quick and easy.’

Since it began offering ClearShield-protected glass less than a year ago, Simpsons has seen demand rise month on month. The company now supplies about 80 Classic units with ClearShield Glass every month, which is over four times higher than when it first started. Richard Simpson reports a growing awareness of the benefits of ClearShield glass protection technology in the shower market and the added value potential it offers on premium products.

Simpsons distributes its exclusive collection of bath screens, shower doors and enclosures to builders' and plumbers' merchants and bathroom boutiques across the UK. Richard Simpson sums up: ‘I believe that if you don't offer ClearShield Glass then you're not offering a complete service to your customers. Indeed, if demand continues to grow at the current rate it's probably just a matter of time before we'll be offering it as standard on our Classic range.’

Tel: 020 8344 8210
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk

A Darlington-based plumber has become the first in the UK to complete an accredited course on how to install a bathroom.

Stephen Luck, who owns SL Plumbing in Cleasby near Darlington, has so far completed four of the Bathroom Manufacturing Association’s industry tests.

Steve has excelled in the modules for Brassware, Baths, Shower Enclosures, and Shower Trays, and is set to sit the remaining two modules in Shower Controls and Sanitaryware fittings later this year.

The modules are designed to train plumbers on how to become experts on the installation of individual bathroom items, and are unlike any other course.

Stephen also has City & Guilds and NVQ qualifications and, although these qualifications are essential to his training, they focus more on things such as pipe-work and basic hot and cold water supplies.

The BMA modules, on the other hand, are more specifically about the installation of a bathroom. They are set out to educate about the technicalities of products, for example; the many different shapes shower enclosures come in.

Stephen completed the modules in around six weeks after spending a lot of his spare time revising, sometimes four or five hours a day to be able to complete the course quickly.

Each module is passed by completing evidence statements of how to apply product knowledge and also a written test, which was taken at Newton Aycliffe-based shower manufacturer, Roman. The BMA has since made the tests available online so are accessible to all.

Roman also holds training sessions on the installation of its products at the company's purpose built training centre at their headquarters.

Stephen Luck explained how useful the BMA’s Generic Industry Guides have been to his new business. 'The work I did at College was more focused on practical skills, which of course are crucial. What this course of study has given me is a real understanding of the type of products available and this means that I can give my customers much better advice and service.'

The BMA chief executive, Yvonne Orgill, was delighted that the first plumber through the course had done so well. She commented: 'It was important to us to enrol someone of Steve’s calibre and enthusiasm to be the first through. He has found our courses extremely useful and we will be highlighting his achievements across the UK plumbing industry. Many plumbers will soon be following in his footsteps as we seek to raise standards and knowledge in the UK - so crucial to the perception of our industry. The people of Darlington will understandably benefit from having the UK’s first 'Super Installer' on their doorstep to install fabulous bathrooms!'

SL Plumbing can be contacted on 07963 678704.

Going For Gold! Genus Wins Appliance Innovation of the Year at the House Beautiful Awards

Stoves has scooped another award for its Genus oven, this time winning gold for the Appliance Innovation of the Year at the House Beautiful Awards, held at Madame Tussauds in London.

Judged by a panel of popular television experts and the House Beautiful editorial team, Genus beat off competition from Hotpoint, Horwood, Groupe SEB UK Ltd, John Lewis and Whirlpool to win the coveted consumer award.

The prize, which was handed over by channel Five's flamboyant 'How Not to Decorate' presenters, Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan, is the latest win for the 900mm double oven, and represents the strong interest and recognition it is achieving within the trade and consumer markets.

Stephen Dickson, product manager at Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, (pictured) comments: 'We are very proud of the acknowledgement Genus has received so far. Fast-paced lifestyles have made it increasingly important for manufacturers to develop time-saving products and thanks to Genus, cooking healthy food every day no longer has to mean spending hours in the kitchen.

'With the ability to cook food up to four times faster than conventional ovens, the implications of Genus’ revolutionary technology are far-reaching and we are pleased to see these benefits are being recognised.’

International kitchenware specialist, WMF, has launched a tailor-made cookware sales package aimed specifically at kitchen retailers that will allow them to create a complete cook shop within their showrooms.

As part of the package, retailers are supplied with free fixtures and fittings, such as gondolas, merchandising stands and wall units, to allow them to display WMF's best selling cookware and kitchenware collections. Customised for each individual showroom, WMF's fixtures and fittings will enable retailers to maximise space and create an eye-catching display to drive sales in-store. Product samples are also provided to allow retailers to style the kitchens within their showrooms.

WMF's initiative has been piloted through the Pinner showroom of bespoke kitchen supplier Hestia, to much acclaim. Kostas Dionysiou, Managing Director of Hestia says: ‘Showrooms can be a bit intimidating for some people, but by selling kitchenware we have given our customers an extra reason to visit the store. WMF's products have been extremely popular with our customers because they are stylish yet affordable and go hand in hand with the high quality kitchens that we sell.’

Says Dave Parry, National Sales Manager for WMF: ‘When consumers buy a new kitchen they usually want new accessories to go in it too, so we've created a cookware sales package that will allow kitchen retailers to become a one-stop kitchen shop for their customers. And because our portfolio includes such a wide variety of products, we are able to offer a bespoke package and service to meet each kitchen retailer's individual requirements.’

Tel: 01895 816 104
Web: http://www.wmf.uk.com

The UK’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a list of implementation proposals for the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.

In December, the minister for energy Malcolm Wicks delayed implementation for the third time in order to sort out difficulties with putting collection schemes in place.

The review has concluded that implementation should have certain features. Approved compliance schemes for retailers will be set up, which will establish networks of Designated Collection Facilities (DCFs).

There will be obligatory registration for producers of electrical and electronic equipment, either directly or through an approved compliance scheme. The DTI said a quasi-market mechanism for allocating WEEE from DCFs to producer schemes would be established.

DTI officials will now begin informal discussions with stakeholders on the proposals, but there is no intention to reopen the review’s conclusions. The department said it would test its proposals in these discussions and then formal consultation on draft regulations will follow some time this spring.

Chief executive of The Recycling Electrical Producers’ Industry Consortium (Repic), Phil Morton, said: 'No one wants to see the WEEE Directive delayed any longer than necessary but we must achieve workable solutions. Unfortunately, the DTI review has not adequately addressed the vast collective of producers’ major concerns over allocation, collection and financing.'

Axor, the designer brand from Hansgrohe AG, is expanding its product line with the traditional elements of the Axor Montreux collection. The beginning of the 20th century, known as the belle epoque, served as the source of inspiration for the designers from Phoenix Design.

This era was characterised by increasing prosperity and the dynamic modernisation of many aspects of life: from industry and technology to transportation to home decor, including household and public bathrooms. Life in society at large experienced a rapid upswing. There was also an increasing desire to travel within Europe, which is evidenced by traditional treatment spas such as in Baden-Baden, Vichy, and Marienbad. One popular travel destination for artists, philosophers, and the privileged classes of the time was a spa at Lake Geneva - Montreux. In this spirit, Axor Montreux alludes to a historic time filled with enjoyment, joie de vivre, and luxury, just as it also satisfies the Axor brand's claim to exclusivity. Whether in an authentic traditional bathroom atmosphere or in a modern mixture of styles, the Axor Montreux design can be integrated into the most varied of living environments.

Time recaptured
In a fast-paced world like the one we live in today, it really makes a difference to be able to stop for a moment and reflect on the past, on true values, and on the art of living. Styles are an expression of their particular times and of the yearning for those times. The belle epoque epitomises the yearning for an incomparable mix of easy elegance and simple luxury. According to Philippe Grohe, head of the Axor Brand, 'Axor Montreux is an expression of this yearning - the time recaptured.'

'The design of the Axor Montreux collection reflects the harmony of the era of the turn of the century. The designers combined clear, geometric shapes with pure, traditional elements such as filigree cross handles and ceramic components. Reminiscences of the belle epoque include bridge mixers and a free standing version of the bath tub mixer. The distinctive nickel finish provides for a high degree of authenticity in the Axor Montreux design, available in brushed or polished styles. Similar to the manufacturing process at the time, the fixtures are not produced as much from casting as they are from many individual high-grade segments and precisely fabricated components. The Montreux collection also includes components and accessories that have been coordinated with each other, from wash basin to bath tub mixers, from soap baskets to shaving mirrors. This ensures that the design of the bathroom environment conveys the proper style and at the same time is tailored to individual needs and ideas.

Finishes
Axor Montreux is available in three finishes: Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Polished Nickel. For the first time, Hansgrohe is now offering Brushed Nickel and Polished Nickel for markets other than the US. Both finishes are manufactured using PVD technology. PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition, which basically means that a physical coating is applied by means of steam. This process is known for providing improved scratch and abrasion resistance. In terms of price, Brushed Nickel is 50% more expensive than Chrome, and Polished Nickel is 30% more expensive.

'The high-end brand name Axor, member of the Hansgrohe Group, is known as the byword for design and quality in the exclusive bathroom.' says the company. With a large number of independent and extensive collections that were developed together with internationally renowned architects and designers such as Antonio Citterio (Milan, Hamburg), Philippe Starck (Paris, London) or Phoenix Design (Stuttgart, Tokyo), Axor opens up broad vistas of design for a large variety of individualised bathroom solutions and spatial visions. Philippe Grohe (39), grandson of the company founder Hans Grohe, is the head of the Axor brand.

Web: http://www.axor-design.com