Lofra's Unique Curved Cooker Wins Award

Italian cooker manufacturer, Lofra, collected an award for its exclusive Curva range cooker at The Kitchen and Bathroom Designer’s Manufacturer Awards.

The Curva cooker achieved commended status at the magazine’s award ceremony, which has been established to inspire and recognise design excellence in the kitchen.

Chris Rogers, sales and marketing director for Lofra, commented: 'We are delighted to win the award for the Curva. We’ve produced a really unique cooker that not only offers consumers all the benefits of a range cooker but enables them to make a real design statement in the kitchen.'

The Curva is available as a single or twin cavity cooker and comes in a choice of all gas and dual fuel. The cooker is also available in widths of 60,70 and 90 cm.

Lofra will be launching the built in Curva oven at Expo 2005 in May.

Tel: 01675 479 600

Jacuzzi UK is a 2004 Manufacturer's Design Awards Winner

Jacuzzi UK, one of the largest bathroom manufacturers in the UK, gained three awards in the Manufacturers section of the 2004 Design Awards. The awards, organised by the Kitchen and Bathroom Designer magazine took place at the lnstitute of Directors in Pall Mall, London in December.

In order to receive an award products have to receive a commendation from at least two of the judges. The first award to be won by Jacuzzi UK came with the highest commendation, a 'Highly Commended' certificate for the Underbath Storage Unit launched earlier in the year and this product was the only one within this section to have a commendation from all five judges. Commended Certificates were also awarded for the Niagara Cristos Over Bath Screen and the Jacuzzi 1685mm J Tower Shower Enclosure.

Bob Westmoreland, Head of Product Design at Jacuzzi UK in Bradford said of this achievement 'I was delighted to attend this prestigious event and collect the certificates on behalf of the in-house product design team based at Jacuzzi UK in Bradford. The team have worked really hard in launching a number of new products over the year and this is a great award to receive in front of key players within the industry.'

William Ball Secures FIRA Gold Accreditation

Fitted kitchen, bedroom and study manufacturer William Ball’s carcases have undergone rigorous testing by FIRA and have achieved the accolade of the FIRA Gold Award.

The FIRA Gold Award is the ultimate mark of product excellence from FIRA. Achieving this prestigious award shows that a product or range of furniture has been evaluated for fitness for purpose, quality and workmanship.

During testing the carcase was evaluated for ergonomics; workmanship; structural strength and stability; finish performance; effects of moisture, humidity and temperature; assembly instructions and installation procedures.

Commenting on attaining the award William Ball’s Managing Director Terry Ball says: ‘The FIRA Gold scheme is the most rigorous testing scheme in the industry and we were confident that the quality of our carcases deserved accreditation. The Gold Award scheme gives that much-needed and desired assurance of product excellence to both recipient and purchaser, effectively acting as hallmark of quality.’

For further details on the full William Ball range call 0800 581107 or log on to http://www.wball.co.uk

Jacuzzi® UK sends Jason Ryan and John Morris to Florida

Two employees from Jacuzzi UK have won awards at the inaugural West Palm Beech half Marathon held in Florida during November. The event, sponsored by Jacuzzi Brands Inc., had employees from Jacuzzi Brand companies world-wide competing for the corporate trophy.

Jason Ryan from Jacuzzi UK Bradford Ceramics factory and John Morris, from the Newcastle Under Lyme site had produced the fastest times in the UK eliminator held in October and therefore won an all expenses paid trip to compete in the Florida event on Sunday 14th November.

As well as competing against hundreds of other runners, Jason and John were competing against Jacuzzi Brands Inc company employees worldwide for the corporate trophy.

Jason Ryan was the fastest Jacuzzi Brands runner completing the race in just 1 hour 27 minutes to win the Company trophy and John Morris was the overall winner in his age group with a time of 1 hour 29 minutes. As well as representing Jacuzzi UK in the race, they raised £546 for the Jacuzzi UK Corporate Charity, the British Heart Foundation.

Steve Cox, Managing Director, Jacuzzi UK/Europe commented 'This is a fantastic way to bring together employees of Jacuzzi Brands Inc around the world and I hope that even more competitors from the Group will be taking part next year.'

Grohe Supports the AR&D Awards for Emerging Architecture

December 2004 saw Grohe Water Technology play a large part in assisting up and coming architects to gain international recognition by supporting the AR&D Awards for Emerging Architecture.

The awards were open to talented new architects under 45 and entries came from over 80 countries worldwide. Judged by an international jury, the five winners were each awarded a share of the £10,000 prize money and an additional 14 projects were given high commendations at the ceremony which took place in London on the 2nd December 2004.

All projects entered had to be built or manufactured already. The judging criteria placed great importance on the creation of a special atmosphere in the redesigned space. Emphasis was also placed on environmental consciousness, ingenuity of the design, use of materials and inventiveness in the use of light and space.

Mark Dalton, Marketing Manager, Grohe UK Ltd said, 'We are delighted to be involved in such a prestigious project that brings exciting new talent to the industry.'

The winning projects included 'PLOT' the design of the Maritime Youth Centre in Amager Copenhagen; 'Daniel Bonilla,' for the Porciuncula de La Milagrosa chapel in Columbia; 'Architecture Workshop,' for the design of the Peregrine vineyard in the south of New Zealand; the Cell Brick House in Tokyo from 'Atelier Tekuto' and finally 'Jesus Aparicio Guisado And Hector Fernandex-Elorza' won the award for the Architectural Documentation Centre in Madrid.

Grohe showers and taps are available from quality bathroom studios and merchants nationwide. Consumer magazine readers requiring more information about Grohe and its products should call 08708 488877 or see http://www.grohe.co.uk. Trade enquiries only should call 020 8594 7292.

Franke Sorter System Wins Award

Sink manufacturer, Franke, collected an award for its Sorter waste management system at The Kitchen and Bathroom Designer’s Manufacturer Awards last month.

The Sorter achieved commended status at the magazine’s first award ceremony, which has been launched to inspire and recognise design excellence in the kitchen and bathroom.

The Sorter waste management system is located under the sink of either 500 or 600mm base units and has four compartments to separate and group types of waste.

It comes in two different versions, the hands-free KickMatic (700K) Sorter and the Sorter Motion, which has a smooth closing action (Blum motion).

John Swain, product manager for Franke UK, commented: ‘Ecological waste management is essential in any modern home and the we believe the Franke Sorter system makes the separation of waste convenient and will encourage people to be more responsible when dealing with their household rubbish.’

The Sorter can be installed in under 15 minutes and a CD-ROM is now available through the Franke website http://www.franke.co.uk.

Tel: 0161 436 6280

Astracast Wins Two Manufacturer Awards

Astracast, a specialist in the manufacture of kitchen sinks and taps, won two Awards in the prestigious Manufacturer Awards 2004, Inspiring Excellence in Design.

The judges, including Graheme Kynman and Wendy Gorman, both design lecturers at Bishop Burton College, declared that two Astracast products, the Olympus Workcentre, a fully functional, extra large shaped bowl with a wealth of useful accessories, receive a Commended Certificate. The second the Julien 0400 received a Highly Commended Certificate. The Julien 0400 is a high-tech sit-on design with a front profile sitting slightly proud of the worktop. The sink, handmade in a jointless construction, is designed with a curved, functional back-splash which incorporates a wooden knife block and two further inverted pots to hold other cooking/kitchen utensils.

Speaking at the Awards presentation Grahame Morrison, editor of The Kitchen & Bathroom Designer said: 'Good kitchen designers rely on manufacturers such as those who entered the Manufacturer Awards, and it is on behalf of these designers that we acknowledge the contribution manufacturers make by presenting them with Commended or Highly Commended certificates'.

David Tutton, Marketing Director of Astracast commented: 'Over the past 20 years we have worked tirelessly to bring innovative trend-setting products to the consumer. In winning these two Awards, I am delighted that our continuous efforts have been recognised in this prestigious way, and on behalf of all my colleagues, we are delighted to accept this industry accolade.'

Tel: 01924 351245
Web: http://www.astracast.co.uk

Miele Dishwasher Award by German Institute of Geriatric Studies (GGT)

The G 1730 dishwasher from the domestic appliance manufacturer Miele has been awarded a stamp of approval by the 'German Institute of Geriatric Studies (GGT)'.

This appliance is from the new dishwasher range which Miele launched in autumn this year. The G 1730 which was tested is characterised by menu programme selection where the selected programme and additional information are shown in the display. Furthermore, the fact that it is possible to fill the salt reservoir without stooping was seen as being very positive. This is possible because the reservoir is located in the appliance door. The G 1730 dishwasher is available as a freestanding unit and in two built-in versions and can be fitted with different fascia panels (white, black, aluminium and stainless steel).

In September 2004, the G 1730 was tested and then evaluated by a silver market 50+ focus group with a total of 16 participants. The test group paid particular attention to user-friendly operation including programme selection, programming additional functions, the loading and removal of crockery and cutlery and refilling the salt reservoir. Overall, the test persons awarded excellent marks for the pushbutton controls and the clear, concise display. The new no-stoop salt refill feature was seen as being very positive. This is made possible by the fact that the salt reservoir is located in the door for easy access. Further points to be emphasised were size, clear and concise design and basket space. Furthermore, target group users were impressed by the good cleaning performance as regards both cutlery and crockery and glasses. Being able to use the appliance safely without danger of injury was also emphasised as a positive feature.

The testers awarded Miele's G 1730 dishwasher an overall mark of 1.5 (according to the German school marking scheme where 1 is very good and 6 is unsatisfactory) and the appliance received the 'GGT stamp' test certificate.

Ideal Standard Finalist in Elle Decoration Awards

For the second consecutive year bathroom manufacturer Ideal-Standard was chosen as a finalist in the Elle decoration Design awards. Last year Ideal-Standard won with the Newson Bath, this year the Ideal-Standard White and Silver ranges of bathroom fixtures and mixer taps were one of the finalists in a category for which the judges were unable to announce a winner.

Marketing Director Paul Frankish said: 'perhaps it would have been greedy to want to win twice in a row, but it is heart-warming to be the bathroom manufacturer with most success in such a prestigious magazine's Design Awards. It's great to see our commitment to working with designers of the quality of David Chipperfield gain this recognition.'

Graham takes 'Top Student' Award from Darlington College

Graham Speed, age 26, from Newton Aycliffe is the Darlington College of Technology 'HNC Manufacturing Engineering student of the year'.

He is half way through his second two-year HNC course, as part of a scholarship scheme run by his employers, County Durham-based Roman Ltd, the UK shower enclosure manufacturer.

Graham started his career with Roman at age 21 as an operator on the shop floor and successfully completed a HNC in Business. He is currently en route to an HNC in Production Engineering, and received the award on Monday 15th November from Gerry Osborne, Roman's Managing Director.

Gerry Osborne, Roman's Managing Director (right) congratulates Graham Speed on his success.

Roman's Marketing Director, David Osborne said, 'Graham is one of many students who we are delighted to have sponsored to develop their careers - and we are proud that they, in turn, have helped put yet another North East company on the world stage.'

David continues 'This is particularly rewarding as Graham is mid way through his second course, and we look forward to helping him celebrate yet another qualification.'

Tel: 0845 0504 032
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com

Indesit Wins A Global Gold for Euro 2004 Promotion

Following Indesit’s UK win at the Promotions and Incentives Magazine 2004 Awards in June this year, Indesit has won Gold at the Worldwide Globes Award.

The Promotions and Incentives Magazine 2004 awards saw Indesit pick up two Gold awards for winners of the 'Small Budget Campaign' and 'Copywriting' categories for the 'Watch the Match with Becks' promotion.

The promotion rewarded Independent retailers with a case of beer for the purchase of a minimum of five appliances throughout the qualifying stages of the 2004 Championships and following David Beckham’s disqualification from the Euro 2004 match against Slovakia, 750 retailers were issued with postcards carrying the message ‘since he’s not playing, watch the match with Becks’. Its success was paramount and throughout the 4-week promotional period total sales reached 2,630 units.

All Gold winners of the UK event in June were automatically entered into the Worldwide Globes Awards that took place in Florida in October. The event organised by the MAA (Marketing Agencies Association) champions the highest standards of excellence and recognition in the marketing communications industry. The programme, established in 2000, is the industry's leading international recognition awards programme for the world's most outstanding marketing campaigns and is the only competition of its kind. Each year, the programme receives hundreds of winning campaigns from more than 25 countries all of which are evaluated by the world's leading marketing professionals.

The Globes winners truly are ‘the best of the best’ as this is the world's only significant international marketing recognition awards programme that recognises campaigns on creativity, originality, execution and results. The Globe Awards 2004 saw Indesit pick up a GOLD for 'Watch the Match with Becks' campaign in the category 'Best Dealer or Sales force Activity'.

Commenting on the win Indesit’s Marketing Communications Manager Sarah Pascal said, ‘It is fantastic for one of our campaigns to be recognised on an global level. This is a great achievement for a campaign that proved to be humorous, effective, and topical and demonstrated our support for our Independent retailers.’

To request an Indesit brochure please contact 0870 777 6485, or for more information on Indesit’s product range please visit http://www.indesit.co.uk

Electrolux Delivers!

Electrolux Home Products has won the ‘Manufacturer Supply Chain Innovation Award’ at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport National 'Annual Awards for Excellence'.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK, with over 22,000 members, is the professional body for individuals and organisations involved in the logistics and transport industries. The 'Awards for Excellence' are designed to recognise achievement and encourage the highest standards and a professional approach to the practice of logistics and transport.

The Electrolux award nomination recognised that during the last four years Electrolux has trained and motivated staff within its own organisation and also within its customers. ‘The development of a 'make to order' flow and the close integration which has been established with customers has undoubtedly put Electrolux at the forefront of the White Goods Industry in supply chain management. Outdated processes, failed deliveries and availability are no longer the main thrust of conversations between Electrolux and its retailers. The focus is now on product, brand and promotion.’ says the company.

L to R: Prof. Alan Waller, President of CILT UK, Mike Parsonage, Operations Director Electrolux Home Products, Beth Cauldwell, MD, Norman Broadbent, Award Sponsors

The 'make to order' process is now established within the industry and Electrolux's day to day relationships. Today Electrolux is gaining competitive advantage from its much improved supply chain processes. 'Supplier of the Year' and similar awards from key customers bear testament to the robustness of the process and the impact and industry leading status that has been gained.

There were two finalists for the ‘Manufacturer Supply Chain Innovation Award’, Finnforest UK Limited, who supply all types of wood products, such as hardboard, chipboard and flooring and Electrolux Home Products.

Electrolux was triumphant, with its entry being described by the judges as a 'significant achievement'

Mike Parsonage, Operations Director EHP UK, who received the award for EHP said ‘We are delighted that the achievement of the Supply Chain Team has been recognised by such a well respected body as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. This award would not have been possible without the hard work of the UK Supply Chain Team and the support of the European Supply Chain Management Team. Everyone involved should be very proud of what we have achieved.’

The awards ceremony was held on Thursday 21st October at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London and was compered by GMTV's John Stapleton.

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

L to R: Prof. Alan Waller, President of CILT UK, Mike Parsonage, Operations Director Electrolux Home Products, Beth Cauldwell, MD, Norman Broadbent, Award Sponsors

International Recognition for Manchester Kitchen Specialist's Design Skills

SieMatic is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high quality kitchens, with established subsidiaries in over 53 countries. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in October 2004, the company used the occasion to identify individuals across its global dealership network that had contributed to its success, and Manchester dealer Stuart Frazer scooped two awards.

Stuart Frazer has branches in Prestwich, Accrington and Preston and has been the North West area's SieMatic dealer for over thirty years. Paul Rigby has been with Stuart Frazer for over eleven years and has been in the kitchen industry since the age of sixteen, working as a designer and sales consultant.

Paul Rigby of Stuart Frazer (L) receives his Certificate for Design Skill from Bernard Otulakowski

Presenting Paul with his Certificate for Kitchen Design Skills SieMatic UK Managing Director Bernard Otulakowski said ‘Paul is a fantastic 3D artist with a keen and necessary eye for detail. His signature adorns the designs of many a rich and famous person's kitchen in the North West, to say nothing of the hundreds of prestigious kitchens he has designed for new houses, apartments and city centre refurbishment projects that have transformed Manchester city centre into the sophisticated metropolis it now is.’

Stuart Frazer's Mark Shepherd was also proud to receive recognition for 'All-round Excellence'. Mark works on the processing side of the business as well as making a strategic input into design. He re-joined the business four years ago having previously worked in the business for two years.

Mark Shepherd (R) of Stuart Frazer receives his Certificate of Excellence from Bernard Otulakowski

Stuart Frazer MD Mark Harrison says ‘Mark's recognition is well deserved. Nothing happens in business until a sale is made, however, in many organisations that's when problems can begin, especially in one where accuracy and thorough product knowledge is essential to ensure we deliver our customer's dream. SieMatic, and Stuart Frazer, have a 'zero tolerance' of errors, not least because failure to deliver the right product on time costs all in the chain money, time and reputation. Mark's pedantic order processing methods and knowledge of every nut and bolt in the vast SieMatic range makes errors a very rare occurrence’.

RETURN TO HOME PAGE