Homag AG Receives Coveted iF Design Award 2004

As a winner in the Product Design section of the Industrieforum Design (iF) in Hanover, Homag has been awarded the highly coveted iF-Design Prize for its new Optimat edge banding machine KAL 310, presented for the first time at the Ligna 2003. The iF design award, for which new contestants are invited to enter every year, was presented at the Cebit on March 18th, 2004 not only to Homag but also to such names as Audi, VW, and Willi Bogner for the achievement of design excellence in wide-ranging different disciplines.

Given the calibre of the design prize contestants from 32 countries with a total of 1,458 entries, Homag is well aware of the honour done to its Optimat KAL 310 edge banding machine. At the same time, the award pays fitting tribute to a long-standing principle of the Homag Group philosophy that technological excellence should be mirrored by an aesthetic machine design linking technology, ergonomics and functionality with visible quality characteristics.

For Homag, the iF design award comes as official recognition by the Industrieforum Design (iF) of its constant endeavour to achieve attractive and ergonomic design throughout the whole of the company Group. The Design Tech Bureau in Ammerbuch near Tübingen – the team headed up by Jürgen R. Schmid – took on the development of the new product line, which includes the Optimat KAL 310 edge banding machine, for the Homag Gruppe. Design Tech is counted among Europe's top twenty industrial designers.

Tel: 01332 856500
Email: mailto:sales@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk

Hotpoint Voted Britains most Trusted Brand Fourth Year Running

Hotpoint has been voted the most trusted large appliance brand for the 4th year running by Readers Digest. Beating off strong competition from all major appiiance brands, this annual survey questioned 1700 people across the UK. Other category winners include Tesco as most trusted food retailer, Kelloggs won the cereal category and Coca Cola came out on top in soft drinks.

This vote of confidence from consumers joins Hotpoint's recent accolade as one of the UK's top five brands, which the nation can't live without. Ranked number 5 in a survey conducted by Martin Hamblin GFK, 1,000 adults were asked to name three brands of any product or service they could not live without. The survey revealed that Hotpoint came 5th, ahead of top brands, Sony, Sainsbury's and Heinz, only being topped by BT at number one followed by British Gas, Tesco and Sky TV.

Web: http://www.hotpoint.co.uk

Double Accolades for Maytag Corporation

As we reported in KB42, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have named Maytag Corporation a leader in energy efficiency by honouring the company with a Product Campaign Award.

As a partner in the Energy Star programme, Maytag was recognised for its accomplishments with Energy Star's national product campaigns during an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 2nd, 2004.

Maytag Corporation has also been awarded the Shingo Prize, the only industrial excellence award in the world that focuses on lean manufacturing. Maytag's dishwashing plant won the Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing, making Maytag the first-ever appliance manufacturer to receive the award.

Holly Burrow, Senior Manager Marketing states, 'We are extremely proud to have achieved both of these accolades. The Energy Star Partner award is a significant achievement and we have accomplished this since 1997. Recognition of our manufacturing excellence with the Shingo Prize signifies Maytag's achievements in all areas of manufacturing including safety, quality and cost which have been attained through team excellence.'

Holly goes on to say, 'Energy efficiency is an important purchasing driver with tangible consumer and environmental benefits. Maytag is committed to manufacturing and producing energy saving appliances efficiently, enhanced with dependable performance, and at the same time minimising the impact on the environment. We work closely with the Energy Saving Trust in the UK, emphasising our commitment to the environment. We are proud to use the Energy Efficiency Recommended logo, identifying Maytag's efficiencies and differentiating us from our competitors.'

Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk

Quality and Standards Remain Assured at Stoneham

Kitchen manufacturer Stoneham Plc has had its ISO9001/2000 European Quality Assurance certification verified following a stringent audit by the accredited agency TRADA.

Based near Sidcup in Kent, Stoneham has enjoyed a period of strong expansion and growth over the last 5 years with the acquisition of new land, building of new offices, warehousing and assembly units as well as continued investment in production. At the same time the company’s product portfolio continues to expand and demonstrate the company’s progressive foundations.

Stoneham has an established family tradition dating back five generations to 1864 but demonstrates how these roots have allowed the company to become a European front-runner in modern kitchen design and production.

Managing Director Adrian Stoneham says that establishing stringent quality standards and having them independently assessed and audited is ‘essential to future growth and to the commitment and confidence of staff, distributors and customers alike’.

Tel: 0208 3008181
Email: mailto:kitchens@stoneham.plc.uk
Web: http://www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk

Brandt Induction Hob Awarded 'Best For Innovation' in the April Issue of Your Home

The April issue of Your Home, the high circulation home interest title, featured an editorial on 'Why Pay More' for kitchen appliances. The Brandt TI312 induction hob was given the 'Best for Innovation' accolade in this Buyer's Guide. The magazine said:

‘Best For: anyone who wants a good induction hob, but doesn't want to pay over £600.’

‘We Love: the price - this really is one of the most affordable induction hobs around! It looks great too and has all the features you need for this type of hob.’

Brandt says that it is a pioneer in induction technology and its TI312 induction hob is a stylish and easy to clean glass hob with many advantages. Induction is double the speed of gas and almost twice as efficient. It is also more controllable; power up or down and the results are immediate and effective. This hob can be frameless or with a stainless steel frame and sits in a standard 60cm aperture.

Tel: 01256 308 000
Email: mailto:builtinsales@elcobrandt.com
Web: http://www.brandtuk.com

Gold for Roman at House Beautiful Awards 2004

Roman Ltd won the Gold Award for Best Bathroom Product for its low level shower trays from the company's Wetrooms Range at the House Beautiful Awards on 11th March 2004 held at BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television) in Piccadilly, London.

The biggest personalities in the worlds of TV and media were there to present the awards, at the glamorous event, dubbed the industry 'Oscars'.

Justin Ryan, of BBC's 'Million Pound Property Experiment' presented Gerry Osborne, Roman's Managing Director, with the award in recognition of the company's use of new technology and materials to enable entire new design possibilities in the bathroom.

Picture shows Kerryn Harper, House Beautiful Editor (Far Left) presenting Roman its award to a delighted (from left to right) Marketing Executive Laura Wardrop, Marketing Director David Osborne, Managing Director Gerry Osborne and Marketing Manager Loraine Gamblin.

Roman low-level trays are only 45-50 mm high, thanks to advanced plastic resin (APR), a revolutionary self-reinforcing, solid surface material. If ceramic tiling or carpet is laid up to the tray, the effective threshold can be as little as 20 mm, enabling the creation of a 'wet room'. They have incredible detail in their design and have huge strength - meaning their installation is also revolutionary.

Roman is pioneering wet rooms in the UK, with low level trays, and curved enclosures and new wet room tanking systems.

Gerry said: 'I am thrilled and delighted at winning this prestigious award, a testament to all who work at Roman, from our design team right through to everyone working on the factory floor.

'Through such teamwork, we are able to innovate, and free the public, architects and designers, from the normal constraints in bathroom design, and unlock their imagination.

'This is wonderful recognition of the innovations Roman has introduced to the bathroom market over recent years and truly marks our status as market leader.'

Tel: 01325 311318
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com

Raffo Design makes a Splash Overseas

Raffo Design, a northwest product design company, has again used its expert knowledge in the bathroom industry to win the international Design Journal 'Award for Design Excellence 2003', (ADEX) for the company’s minimalist shower range.

Designed by Raffo as a collaboration with Ideal Standard, the Calista shower enclosure redefines the look, quality and experience of the shower.

Creative director Neil Clark says ‘Our concept was for a collection of frameless enclosures that are durable as they are elegant. Gone are the confining frames of traditional showers, replaced by free flowing naturally curving glass, stretching manufacturing capabilities to new heights. We thought outside the box so you won't have to shower in one.’

Ideal wanted to offer customers new levels of freedom to coordinate colours, finishes and fittings. The range represents a total of ten product offerings, making use of contemporary materials mixtures such as granite, frosted glass and satin chromes.

Web: http://www.raffo.com

De Dietrich Announces 2003 Area Sales Manager of the Year

De Dietrich has announced that Stephen Jeacock, Area Sales Manager for the Midlands area, is the 2003 ASM of the year. The award, presented by director of sales for De Dietrich, Paul Dominy, was for increased sales in his sector and for his dedication to the job.

Stephen has worked for De Dietrich for two years and has consistently achieved targets. He has increased his account portfolio and strengthened ties with existing accounts, which is why he has been recognised with this accolade.

Paul Dominy, director of sales says:
‘Stephen's recognition as De Dietrich sales manager of the year is well deserved and underlines his hard work and commitment to the role. More importantly, the it shows his commitment to his account portfolio’.

Tel: 08707 503 503
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk.

Jacuzzi UK Designer Stands Alongside Dyson and Conran

Jacuzzi UK, one of the largest bathroom manufacturers in the UK, has beaten off strong competition to win a Homes & Gardens 'Classic Design Award 2004', with its latest innovative bathroom concept.

 
Paul Williams, Designer at Jacuzzi UK collects the Readers' Award at the Homes & Gardens Classic Design Awards 2004 at the V&A Museum, for the latest innovative bathroom concept from Niagara, the unique Under Bath Storage Unit (pictured on the left).

With finalists including Dyson and Content from Conran, the unique Under Bath Storage Unit from Jacuzzi UK won the Readers' Award for best product at the V&A Museum in London and is all set to take the bathroom market by storm.

One of the Judges, Giles Kime, Associate Editor on Homes & Gardens comments: 'Jacuzzi UK's design captured the imagination of readers with its innovative approach to the problem of storage in small bathrooms.'

The only product of its kind currently available, the Under Bath Storage Unit has been designed to utilise the previously unused space under and alongside the bath, to suit a number of acrylic baths within the Niagara product range from Jacuzzi UK.

Noel Riley, Marketing Director at Jacuzzi UK comments: 'We are thrilled to win this Award and to receive recognition for what is a unique and innovative product, reflecting Jacuzzi UK's position as market leaders in the bathroom industry.'

Launched in a contemporary beech finish, the Under Bath Storage Unit is available in two options, to suit both a recessed and freestanding installation.

The recessed option has one deep sliding drawer that opens a full 640mm and allows for a significant amount of storage. The cabinet also incorporates two exterior shelves and an optional stainless steel grip is featured.

The freestanding option includes three storage areas; an integral cupboard, a slide out drawer plus the exterior shelf unit. Both recessed and freestanding units are used with a three quarter front panel and have the option of a stainless steel grip and end panel.

The Niagara bathroom collection is one of the Jacuzzi UK product brands. Niagara products are available from bathroom retailers' nation-wide.

Tel: 01274 654700
http://www.niagara-bathrooms.co.uk

EPA and DOE Name Maytag Corporation Energy Star® 2004 Award Winner for Energy-Efficient Product Promotion

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have named Maytag Corporation a leader in energy efficiency by honouring the company with a Product Campaign Award.

As a partner in the ENERGY STAR programme, Maytag was recognised for its accomplishments with ENERGY STAR's national product campaigns during an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 2nd, 2004.

Maytag, a partner in the programme since 1997, received the Product Campaign Award for its efforts to raise awareness about the ENERGY STAR programme by actively bringing government-initiated national campaign messages to its customers, calling on Americans to make energy-efficient product choices for their homes. With this year's honour, Maytag is now a six-time ENERGY STAR award winner, including four ENERGY STAR Partner Awards.

In the past year, Maytag continued to demonstrate its commitment and efforts to the ENERGY STAR programme by successfully using the 2003 ENERGY STAR Appliance Promotion to promote its qualifying washing machines. As an adjunct to the promotion, Maytag launched an efficiency-environmental educational effort targeted to elementary school children.

From April to July 2003, Maytag Appliances was one of the leading participants in the DOE-sponsored National ENERGY STAR Appliance Promotion. As part of the promotion, Maytag made it possible for consumers to save $100 or more during the 'Double Your Savings' Campaign. In addition, Maytag initiated its own national 'Star Performer' promotion on all Maytag Neptune washers and promoted this offer nationally on television and in newspapers. Maytag also increased the number of its ENERGY STAR qualified residential washer models by 250 percent in 2003. In total, 42 percent of all Maytag Corporation appliances, which include the Maytag®, Amana®, Jenn-Air® and Magic Chef® brands, qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.

To complement these product and promotion efforts, Maytag partnered with The National Theatre for Children to sponsor a live theatre programme for elementary school children on energy and water conservation. The programme includes classroom and at-home activities that help children learn about the small, simple things they can do to make a big difference in conserving energy and water. Ol' Lonely and the Apprentice - the famous Maytag Repairmen - both participate in the programme. During the 2003-2004 school year, they will visit 20 elementary schools, reaching more than 14,000 kids across the United States. By the end of 2003, more than 6,300 kids had seen the programme.

Maytag also launched the Maytag Junior Apprentice Club to further promote energy and water conservation. Kids who join the Club receive a letter from the Maytag Apprentice and tips on how they can help save energy and water. Children are also invited to send their ideas for saving energy and water and visit the new ENERGY STAR microsite.

'We're proud to offer our customers the ENERGY STAR qualified products that have all the latest features, save money on utility bills, and are good for the environment,'said Maytag Chairman and CEO Ralph F. Hake. 'For our customers, ENERGY STAR is a win-win.'

The Product Campaign Award is given to a variety of organisations who have taken creative advantage of the national ENERGY STAR product campaigns to educate consumers about how to improve the energy efficiency of their home one product choice at a time while also reducing pollution and saving money. Award winners are selected from hundreds of organisations that participate in the national product campaigns initiated by the EPA and DOE.

'ENERGY STAR's partnership with Maytag on the ENERGY STAR national product campaign demonstrates how we can all work together to help consumers save money and the environment at the same time,' said Kathleen Hogan, director of EPA's Climate Protection Partnerships Division. 'We are fortunate to have Maytag on the ENERGY STAR team.'

About Maytag Corporation
Maytag Corporation is a leading producer of home and commercial appliances. Its products are sold to customers throughout North America and in international markets. The corporation's principal brands include Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Jade, Hoover and Dixie-Narco. Approximately 90 percent of all manufacturing across the entire corporation takes place in the United States.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. Today, with assistance from the Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR programme offers businesses and consumers energy- efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 7,000 organisations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit http://www.energystar.gov

B and K U.K. Receives ISO 9001: 2000 Certification

Bath and Kitchen U.K. (B and K U.K.) recently received ISO 9001: 2000 certification, the first Bath and Kitchen European region within American Standard to achieve the distinction. The certification follows months of rigorous quality audits by outside auditors. ISO is an international standard of quality excellence.

‘This is the most vigorous, in-depth audit that challenges the business at every aspect of our process controls,’ said Mark Barrett, B and K European quality leader. ‘As part of becoming certified, we had to comply with and incorporate eight principles of ISO 9001: 2000 into the actual way we work.’ The principles touched on areas such as customer focus and involvement of people.

Roger Cooper (L) and CICS senior auditor Geoff Dilley show off the new certification

B and K U.K.'s four locations (Hull, Middlewich, Rugeley and Excelsior) made many changes and process improvements to achieve the prestigious certification.
‘Our quality standards have come a long way,’ said Barrett. ‘Going through the audit process means we now have less documentation and more processes in place.’ B and K U.K. went from using four different wordy, out-of-date quality manuals among its locations to one group manual that reflects a common approach to quality standards. Locations now use process maps to detail current practices. They store the maps in a common, easy-to-access online area.

Other changes that led to ISO 9001: 2000 certification
Some B and K U.K. departments that weren't covered by the old 1994 ISO 9002 standard had no records of departmental procedures in place. Now they do. There were no departmental ‘owners’ of quality standards, and there was no overall quality champion. Now departmental owners are in place, as well as a champion. Locations didn't share cross-site or cross-functional quality coordination. Now process product assurance leaders (Six Sigma Black Belts) are at each location, networking and sharing as never before.

Moving forward, B and K U.K. will make sure quality manuals stay up to date, and that clearly visible key process indicators are linked to business objectives that are well-communicated and understood.

The outside auditor Ceramic Industry Certification Scheme (CICS) performed the B and K U.K. audit. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a network of national standards institutes from 148 countries working in partnership with international organisations, governments, industry, business and consumer representatives. Its purpose is to promote standardisation among business processes.

Eight Principles of ISO 9001: 2000
• Customer Focus: To survive, modern businesses must have effective systems for establishing customer needs and expectations.
• Role of Leadership: Establish direction, unity of purpose, establishing policy and measurable objectives at all levels.
• Involvement of People: Involving people at all levels, requires effective communication and awareness systems.
• Business Process Mapping: Delivering products and services requires business processes that cut across functional departments.
• Systematic Approach
• Continual Improvement: To stand still is to fall behind; measuring/capturing improvement is a key part of the standard.
• Factual Approach: Base all decisions on facts and analysis of data, not gut feelings.
• Supplier Relationships: Working with suppliers, evaluating their performance

TTA Award Winners 2004

The Tile Association Annual Awards were presented at the TTA Gala Dinner in January. The awards are in four different categories: Projects, Suppliers, Products and lndividual Achievement and the winners are as follows.

Project section

Best Use of a Tile in a Construction Contract
This was a difficult category to judge because of the contrasting nature of the nominated projects. The winner was selected for quality of workmanship in extremely tight scheduling.

The award was won by Birmingham Tile & Mosaic with Shepherd Construction for the Hotel and Water Park at Alton Towers. The award was presented by Peter Barlow of Building Adhesives Ltd.

Best Use of Tile in a Housing Development
The winning housing development featured high quality tiles in each of the 53 homes. The winner was Persimmon Homes Constable Chase Development. The tiles were supplied by Nicobond and fixed by K&S Ceramics. The award was presented by Peter Barlow for Dunlop.

Best Use of Tile by an Architect or Designer
Again the judges had very contrasting projects to look at. The award was given for the complexity of design, vast amount of tiles used and sheer beauty of the finished project. The winner was Armatile for St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh. The award was presented by Peter Bell of Ardex UK.

Product section

Wall Tile of the Year
The short listed tiles in this category demonstrated the wonderful, but difficult choice that consumers face. The award went to a tile with unique style and high commercial potential. The winner was the Contours range from Pilkingtons Tiles and the award was presented by John Wickham from Pavigres Wich (pictured right).

Floor tile of the year
The judges were impressed by the fact that the winning tile manufacturer was the first to produce this type of tile aimed. What impressed them most was the combinations of colours, sizes and complimentary pieces that make up the range. The winner was Keramia's Creta range from Tile Magic and the award was presented by Ian Crowther from H&R Johnson Tiles Ltd.

Best New Innovation
In their deliberations the judges considered that the winning company had developed a product that was easy to use, considered the safety element of their sector of the industry and reassured the fixer that he could do his job. The winner was Devi Electroheat Ltd for the Deviguard Cable Monitor and the award was presented by Robert Iveson from Weber Sbd.

Supply Sector

Excellence in Independent Retailing
The winning company received the award for their well designed showroom, quality and diversity of ranges, customer design service and for customer service. The winner was Regan Tile Design, Northern Ireland. Lesley-Ann Blamire from Pilkingtons Tiles Ltd presented the Award.

Multiple Manager of the year
The winning branch received nominations from over 20 customers, all highlighting the service and customer care provided. The winner was Steve Moore from N&C Nicobond, Plymouth and the award was presented by Jon Davies of Ceramic Prints Ltd.

Excellence in Distribution
What impressed the judges most about the winning company was their commitment to training from the warehouseman upwards, and their commitment to working closely with their manufacturers and customers. The winner was Tiles UK Ltd and the award was presented by Ian Roberts from Neptune Shipping Ltd.

lndividual Acheivement

Best Newcomer
Anyone who attended the Skillbuild Awards Final this year, where young tile fixers from around the UK competed, couldn't fail to be very impressed by their skills and quality of workmanship.

What impressed the judges about the winner, who was the youngest competitor, was his sheer enthusiasm and willingness to learn. The winner of best newcomer of the year was Chris Maddison (right)and the award was presented by Sarah Rose from Mapei UK Ltd.

Sales Personality of the Year
The nomination form for the winner of this award said that he was 'simply the best' offering excellent service and doing what he said he would do. He is a previous nominee in this category. The winner was Alastair Niddrie from Lithofin and the award was presented by Chris Ayliffe of Tile Magic plc.

Outstanding Employee
Each of these nominees should be an award winner together with their companies. The judges were told that the winner's theme is that the customer is king and since it is the customer who pays all our wages, looking after the customer should be the number one priority. Don't we just wish there were more like him. The winner was Andrew Sims from Boyden & Co. and the award was presented by Sarah Rose from Mapei UK Ltd.

Lifetime Achievement
Lesley Reid, Executive Officer of The Tile Association, described this years personality as 'father of the British tile industry as we know it today'.

He spent most of his working life with the largest UK manufacturer, H&R Johnson, starting off in their laboratory and ending up as Quality Assurance and Technical Services Manager. He left quite a legacy behind him at Johnson's when he retired, with several senior members of staff owing the early stages of their careers to him.

He has been Chairman of BSI committee B539 which regulates tiles and tiling in the UK and represented the UK on European and International Standards Committees.

The 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award went to Spencer Ford (pictured left).

See the award winning entries here:

For further information contact The Tile Association on 020 8663 0946.
Web: http://www.tiles.org.uk

Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy Name Whirlpool Corporation ENERGY STAR® 2004 Partner of the Year

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy have named Whirlpool Corporation as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by making and promoting energy-efficient products. Whirlpool Corporation's accomplishments will be recognised at an awards ceremony in Washington on March 2nd.

Whirlpool, a partner in the programme since 1998, is being honoured for its leadership in manufacturing and promoting products that earn the ENERGY STAR, the mark of environmental protection through energy efficiency. This is the fifth Partner of the Year award won by the company since 1999.

By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products, the typical household can save up to 30 percent on its energy bills, or about $400 a year. In 2002 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy to power 15 million homes and reduce air pollution equivalent to that of 15 million cars - all while saving consumers $7 billion.

Among the reasons cited in naming Whirlpool Partner of the Year were the company's efforts in revising dishwasher test procedures and the work of a former Whirlpool director, the late Mike Thompson, in finalising those procedures. The EPA posthumously awarded last year the first Michael C. Thompson Award to Thompson's wife, Susan, to be given annually in recognition of an individual's efforts on behalf of ENERGY STAR. Also cited was Whirlpool's voluntary pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

'Whirlpool Corporation is delighted to once again be named an ENERGY STAR partner,' said David L. Swift, the company's executive vice president for North America. 'We succeed as a company by being able to offer our customers a broad range of appliances under a number of brands, many of which are ENERGY STAR qualified. These appliances save money for our customers by lowering their utility bills and help protect the environment. ENERGY STAR is a win-win.'

The Partner of the Year Award is given to manufacturers and retailers that successfully promote and deliver ENERGY STAR qualified products, saving consumers money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Award winners are selected from thousands of organisations that participate in the ENERGY STAR programme.

'Partners like Whirlpool exemplify the success of ENERGY STAR,' said Kathleen Hogan, director of EPA's Climate Protection Partnerships Division. 'By offering the latest and greatest products that are also energy efficient, the consumer wins and so does the environment. Whirlpool Corporation's products show that you really can have it all - features and energy savings.'

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. Today, with assistance from the Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR programme offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 7,000 organisations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit http://www.energystar.gov

Tiles UK Ltd - Distributor of the Year

At The Tile Association annual awards Tiles UK was selected to receive the accolade ‘Excellence in Distribution’. On behalf of The Tile Association, Executive Officer Lesley Reid said. ‘What impressed the judges most about the winning company was its commitment to training from the warehouseman upwards, and the commitment to working closely with its manufacturers and customers’. The award was presented at the TTA Gala Dinner on Sunday 18th January and was given to the company as a whole recognising the hard work and dedication of the staff at the Manchester, Leeds and Warrington depots.

Tiles UK’s commitment to training was illustrated the next day when as Chairman of the TTA training committee, Ian Kershaw, MD of Tiles UK, launched the TTA NVQ in retail sales. The launch was at Expotile and was attended by representatives of The Association of Ceramic Training & Development and The Department of Trade and Industry. Tiles UK has already piloted the new NVQ and its staff will be the first to qualify. In his speech, Ian said, ‘A fully qualified retail sales force can only lead to better practice within the industry. Our showroom staff must have been on more training programmes than any one else in the country!’

Formal Approval of HACCP for Ming Fai China Factory

After three months hard work, Williams Ming Fai, China has successfully gained HACCP accreditation - passing the final inspection in October 2003.

Traditionally, industry regulators have depended on random spot-checks of manufacturing conditions and sampling of final products to ensure the safety of food products. This approach, however, tends to be reactive, rather than preventive, and has been less efficient than the new HACCP system. As a recognised HACCP approved plant, every product produced will now proudly carry the HACCP logo, enabling Williams to establish and promote a superior market image.

Richard Wong, Managing Director for Ming Fai China, has given special thanks to everybody who helped make this possible, especially during the more frustrating times following the failure of their Amada punch press and the jigging section foam insulating machine. With the promise of a celebratory slap up meal, the team look forward to letting their hair down after a hard year.

Williams Refrigeration has plans to continue it's expansion in China with hopes of a new sales office in Beijing for 2004. The Beijing office has been long awaited due to the increasing refrigeration equipment needs of the country's capital and should offer easier access to the Williams know how expertise.

'When it comes to selecting the right equipment, customers can safely turn to Williams Ming Fai's experienced staff for advice. Our goal is to offer the best value in performance, quality and energy efficiency from point of sale right through the life of the product with premier sales, service & technical support.' says the company.

Freephone: + 00 44 0800 526 517

Bathrooms And Kitchens Magazine presents Product Innovation Awards

Bathrooms And Kitchens Magazine has honoured product design in the industry, with the presentation of six Product Innovation Awards, as chosen by its readers.

Kohler, Fordham, Kaldewei, Kitchen Vision, VacuDuct and Butler, received the highest responses for products displayed in the magazine during 2003. Kohler received an award for its Purist wet surface basin (pictured) , while the Ratio bathroom range earned Fordham its award. Completing the line-up of bathroom manufacturers, Kaldewei scooped an award for its ESR installation frame for low-depth shower trays.

The kitchen industry was represented by Kitchen Vision, which was presented an award for its Icebox Entertainment Unit and VacuDuct was honoured for VacPan, its automated floor level dustpan. Last but, by no means least, Butler was named a Product Innovation Award winner for its integrated coffee machine.

Editor of Bathrooms And Kitchens Magazine, Philippa Turrell commented: 'There were some stunning product launched in 2003 and our winners beat off some very stiff competition to be presented a Product Innovation Award.'

She added: 'The value, to a manufacturer, of scooping a Product Innovation Award, is the fact that they are not chosen by a select judging panel but by our readers. It demonstrates that these innovative products are truly useful to bathroom and kitchen professionals.'

Contact: Philippa Turrell
Tel: +44 (0)20 8565 4271
Web: http://www.quantumbusinessmedia.com

American Standard Bath & Kitchen U.K. Wins Four Design Awards

American Standard Plumbing (U.K.) Ltd recently won four awards from three major bath and kitchen industry magazines. The awards recognize Ideal-Standard and Trevi Shower’s appealing designs and commitment to innovation.

'Winning four separate awards in a two-week period is a source of great pride to everyone, who works for the company in the U.K.,' said Richard Moss, communications manager for Bath and Kitchen Europe. “The awards span a number of criteria and illustrate the depth of quality in our company.'

Three of the awards are for fixture models—and one is for Ideal-Standard Bath and Kitchen U.K.’s design director, Robin Levien. 'The awards acknowledge that Ideal-Standard is a company that provides models with a sharp design presence,' said Richard. 'They also show that we are being more effective in telling our product design and manufacturing story.'

• The Trevi Calista shower enclosure, www.trevishowers.co.uk, won ‘best consumer product’ at the Roses Design Awards, presented by Marketeer Magazine. Up against products such as home furnishings and hi-fi equipment, the enclosure was the clear winner. The Trevi Calista is a complete shower package with an interior design flavor, featuring clear or colored glass with minimalist styling.

• The Ideal-Standard Marc Newson bath won the Elle Decoration Design Award, catching the eye of magazine editor Rachel Loos with its size and design presence. It is one complete piece and carries the Newson design signature of simple form and space within the design. It’s part of the Marc Newson range of fixtures and fittings and is sold under the Ideal-Standard brand in Europe and the Porcher brand in the U.S. It was chosen from all the products featured in Elle Decoration magazine during the year.

• Kitchen & Bathroom Design Magazine www.kbdmagazine.com presented Ideal-Standard with two awards – the first for the IQ range of basin stations, and the second for U.K. design director Robin Levien. The IQ basin stations, which won for their modern styling and innovative designs, were judged against all products featured in the magazine during the previous year. Judges noted that the range will have an impact on future bathroom design due to its use of new shapes.

• Levien won an award for his significant contributions to the bathroom industry. He designed the top-selling Studio range in the 1980s, and more recently, the award-winning Space range. One of only 96 Royal Designers for Industry in the world, his ingenuity lies in applying innovative designs to middle market and top-end ranges.

Link for Marketeer Magazine: http://www.themarketeer.co.uk
Link for Elle Decoration magazine: http://www.elledecor.co.th
Link for Royal Designers for Industry: http://www.aecportico.co.uk/Directory/FRDI.shtm
For further information regarding Ideal Standard call: 01482 346461
For further information regarding Trevi Showers call: 01482 470788

Prestigious Design Business Association Award Recognises Aqualisa’s Quartz Showering System

Aqualisa’s revolutionary showering system, the Quartz®, has won a prestigious design award.
The Quartz fended off category finalists Mercury Appliances and SunCorp Technologies (Europe) to secure the title of Best Consumer Product at the Design Business Association’s ‘Design Effectiveness Awards’ in London on 25th November.

Long established in the design world as the industry awards to pay attention to, Design Effectiveness gongs have become particularly sought after for their recognition of successful design and commercial partnerships across a broad spectrum of products and services.

Martyn Denny, Aqualisa’s Marketing & Sales Director said,
“The Design Effectiveness Award is a well-deserved accolade for the Quartz, and recognises Aqualisa’s and Seymour Powell’s shared belief of some years ago that a new generation of ‘intelligent’ shower was overdue. We set out to make the Quartz easy on the eye, the installer and the consumer – and the DBA’s award is the icing on a product which has generated over £10m of sales for Aqualisa since its launch.'

Dick Powell, of Seymour Powell, whose design consultancy, along with The Generics Group, conceived and developed the Quartz with Aqualisa said,

'Winning a Design Effectiveness Award is a pretty big deal for any consultancy and client, as it really is the only scheme that properly spotlights success between the worlds of design and commerce. We are also especially pleased that our long-term partnership with Aqualisa has been acknowledged on such a professional and prestigious level.'

Launched in 2001, the Quartz has challenged the industry’s common perception of showers and showering. Central to the Quartz’s operation is its sophisticated control box – or ‘brain’, which is installed in a separate location away from the shower. For example, in an airing cupboard or loft. Hot and cold water is mixed by the control box’s electronic thermistor, resulting in a delivery of water that has been accurately heated to a pre-set temperature. And for the safety conscious, the Quartz’s thermistor also prevents water flowing at higher temperatures than 45°C. A simple data cable connects the control box to the shower, leaving only the system’s stylish push button start/stop control, and showerhead visible within the showering area. The former flashes red until the desired temperature has been reached, and there is the further option of a remote control – enabling the really lazy to switch their shower on from a bedroom, landing or dressing room up to 10 metres away.

Installers used to spending days excavating bathroom walls as a routine part of fitting a new shower have applauded the Quartz’s unique configuration, and with retrofitting possible in just two hours, it is no surprise that the Quartz has quickly become Aqualisa’s best-selling product.
The end result? Happy consumers, happy installers, and now, with recognition from one of the design community’s most respected bodies, a very happy Aqualisa.

http://www.aqualisa.co.uk

RETURN TO HOME PAGE