KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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HiB

Occasionally John and I have one of those, "Now why on earth didn't anyone think of that before!" moments and our visit to the HiB stand brought about one of those.

No more arguing over aesthetics and where the magnifying mirror should go so that the short and the tall can use it without stretching or bending... this one sits on a magnetic strip and can be slid into the perfect position for each user! Of course it may not be new at all but it's the first time that we'd seen it, so the chances are that you may not be aware of it either. See picture below. Neat, isn't it?

HiB's Barry Garfield also told us that he felt that the larger companies that had decided not to exhibit this year, had made a big mistake. "They've misread the market," he suggested - something that we agree with. The mood was definitely upbeat and confident, there were new players in the market and people were spending. This visitor confidence was plain to see right through to the time the doors closed on the final day, so Barry was spot on with his observations.

But back to HiB... As well as its clever magnifying mirror placement solutions, the company was showcasing its 'new for 2012' range of ceiling and wall mounted bathroom extraction fans and it was running a slogan competition with an iPad as a prize, to ensure that visitors did not miss the exhibits.

HiB PR consultant Jeannie Long tells us that by the end of the show it had become clear that the launch of the bathroom ventilation products had been hugely successful and that the winner of the Marilyn Monroe 'Win an iPad' competition is Tim Edis, Bathroom Showroom Manager at Gardiner Haskins in Cirencester.

His winning slogan was aHead in Bathrooms 'as always!'

Well done Tim....Brilliant!

As with all HiB products these new products have been introduced to offer superior quality, performance and aesthetic value. Bathroom extraction is extremely important as steam and resulting condensation can accumulate to create damp and mould which will eventually have a negative effect on surfaces and accessories.

HiB's Steve Kaye says that after specifying a good bathroom suite, carefully chosen tiles and quality accessories customers will usually decide on the extractor as an afterthought - often the bathroom showrooms don't even display them so homeowner ends up with a cheap, plastic and noisy unit that is far from efficient. HiB has introduced its new range of fans to solve all these problems.

The two wall mounted units are both activated by a switch outside the bathroom and fitted with a timer that will keep the fan activated after the user has left the bathroom. This can be set for between two and 30 minutes. Both models also come with an optional humidistat, which automatically activates the fan when between 60 and 90% humidity is reached. This will override the timer.

The Hush model is an ultra-quiet fan - 25 decibels which is like a human whisper from 1m distance and this is achieved with, among other technologies, special ball bearings in the motor which also ensure long service.

Breeze is a discreet looking model, which is also low noise (33Db) and also has long lasting bearings in the motor.

Both Hush and Breeze are fitted with backdraft dampers to prevent air ingress and are low energy designs using significantly less power than conventional fans. Both have an attractive contemporary design and are available in white or matt silver.

The ceiling mounted extraction units - the Air-Star illuminated fan and the Turbo in-line fan each have a low energy integral LED light. They are fitted with long lasting fan bearings and backdraft dampers.

The Turbo-Fan in-line extractor has a slim facia in white or chrome with ducting running into the loft where the fan motor is housed, and out under the eaves of the house. This fan is equipped with a high power motor for efficient extraction, and come as a complete kit, with everything included.
The Air-Star is available in white or matt silver and the low voltage LED is served by a Safety Extra low Voltage (SELV) unit.

All extractor fans are IP44 rated.

In introducing the new bathroom ventilation units HiB has ensured that customers will be choosing a high performance product, fit, for purpose, attractive and easy to use.

An attractive display board is available from HiB, featuring working models of both the wall and ceiling extractor fans.

T: 0208 441 0352
W: www.hib.co.uk

9th March 2012