New Appointment at Sylmar Promises Renewed Focus on Interior Design Surfacing Solutions

Sylmar Technology Limited, the independent distributor of solid surfacing for commercial, leisure and domestic markets, has appointed Nick Butler as its new managing director. Nick will continue to lead the development and realignment of the company with the requirements and demands of the market.

Previously employed by Perstorp, where he held responsibility for the company’s European design development programme for high-pressure decorative laminates in the furniture industry, Nick brings with him considerable experience of interior surface design. He particularly understands how the choice of surface can impact the end user experience thereby adding value to its customers’ products.

Sylmar offers a versatile solid surfacing product portfolio. Its Avonite™ range offers a true reflective gloss, the surfaces’ translucency can be used to create different effects or kept free to enjoy a natural glow of light. The company’s Swanstone™ range can be compression moulded and affords greater strength, performance and durability thanks to its glass fibre content.

Since its relaunch in 2003, Sylmar has extended its product range to include the most advanced materials and the latest in stylish and contemporary design. Formstone™, the most recent addition to the company’s portfolio, can be produced to meet customer criteria, making it a suitable solution for original and custom-made design.

Nick Butler comments: ‘We intend to build on the quality of our products to become the solid surfacing supplier of choice in the UK. The versatility of our product portfolio and our ability to offer truly tailored packages means that we are able to focus on the specific requirements of the different channels.’

Nick adds: ‘Increasingly, our customers expect functionality, durability and convenience combined with the latest trends in contemporary fashion and design. Our strength lies in our ability to meet the exacting specifications for a variety of applications, including prestige and luxury fittings, retail, commercial wash rooms and domestic kitchens.’

Tel: 01908 210 505
Email: mailto:nick.butler@sylmar.co.uk

Broughton Crangrove Appoints New Area Sales Manager

Broughton Crangrove, the UK national distributor of kitchen appliances, bathrooms. showers, tiles and heating products has appointed Andy Wright as Area Sales Manager for the East Midlands.

Andy joins the company from a boiler manufacturer and previously managed a plumbers merchant. Andy's professional experience, knowledge and expertise will greatly assist him in this role at Broughton Crangrove. Andy will be responsible for all counties within the East Midlands area. He will be responsible for managing and developing the area to its full potential. driving sales and developing new and existing customers to their full potential and building brand awareness across the board.

Andy says of his appointment, 'This is a great opportunity for me. Broughton Crangrove has so much to offer with its superb range of branded products, and I am proud to be part of its on-going success.'

'The appointment of Andy to the sales team will ensure we are able to meet the requirements of our current and potential customers and continue to develop our customer base. Andy is a welcome and enthusiastic addition to the team,' explains Alan Penny, Sales Director, Broughton Crangrove.

Tel: 0870 60 60 601

Homag Continues to Cover all Areas

With the appointment of Hugh Williams, Homag U.K. continues to expand its technical sales representation to service all areas of the UK and Ireland.

Hugh has been appointed to ensure proficient sales cover for the South West of England, particularly Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Pembroke, Powys, South Wales and Somerset. He will be ably supported by Homag U.K.’s southern industrial sales manager Steve Appleby for larger projects and by the full backing of the Homag U.K. after-sales support and engineering team.

Hugh Williams has excellent experience in the woodworking and panel processing fields – from small, stand alone installations to large, integrated CNC systems.

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

New Sales Structure - Dornbracht Preparing for the Future

Sauerland-based family company Dornbracht, the international manufacturer of designer fittings, accessories and interiors, is re-structuring its sales department for the future. Gerhard J. Vogel (62), for many years sales manager Germany, will be retiring in due course, and this has led the board of management to re-structure the organisation in collaboration with sales management and the relevant departments. The aim is to find a long-term and sustainable solution that will ensure an orderly transition from the present to the future sales management while taking into account current market developments and requirements.

The conversion, which will be implemented internally in stages, became official on 1st May 2004. On that date Ludger Kübber (49), who joined Dornbracht in 1990 and after holding various posts within the company was most recently head of foreign sales, assumed responsibility for sales management as well as remaining in charge of foreign sales. Gerhard J. Vogel will continue his activities as marketing manager Germany until he leaves the company in 2006. The structure of the various business fields has been adapted to the future marketing organisation and staffed solely by current employees.

Andreas Dornbracht, the managing director responsible for sales and marketing, on these developments: 'These changes – which will introduce new impulses to the company – will ensure that we have an organisation that meets changing market requirements and reflects the challenges resulting from the strong growth of the last five years.'

Tel: +49 (0) 2371 433 2119
Web: http:www.dornbracht.com

PWS Announces new Marketing Manager Appointment

PWS has announced the appointment of Andrew Langford as Marketing Manager, with responsibility for all product development and marketing activity. Andrew has extensive marketing experience across a number of business sectors and will use his skills to make a strong contribution to PWS' continued growth as a business.

Andrew takes over the position from Jill Lundberg, who after 2 1ž2 successful years as Marketing Manager has chosen to take up a new part-time role as PR Officer at PWS.

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

Daryl Recruits Business Development Manager to Support Growth of Aroco Range

Showering products manufacturer Daryl Industries has appointed Jon Hill to the newly created role of Business Development Manager. He will be responsible for the further development of the company’s Aroco Showering by Daryl range within the bathroom market.

‘The Aroco range has been extremely popular since its launch in 2002, thanks to its stylish and functional designs and high quality products. Jon’s role has been created to give more focus to the Aroco brand as a stand-alone range within the industry.’ says David Allington, Daryl’s national sales manager.

Jon, 47, joins Daryl Industries from Newell Rubbermaid, where he worked predominantly on the company’s Swish brand and was responsible for the co-ordination of a complex network of retailers and distributors. With extensive knowledge of the distribution, manufacture and supply of home improvement products, Jon brings over 25 years’ experience from the industry to his new role.

David Allington commented. ‘We are delighted to welcome Jon into the company and look forward to drawing upon his expertise in this field. I am confident that his contribution will support the continued success of the Aroco brand and Daryl Industries as a whole.’

Tel: 0151 606 5000

Impulse gets the Green Light

Delivery times at Impulse Bathroom Products Ltd have been drastically reduced over the past two months and the downward trend is continuing – thanks to a new addition to the Impulse team.

Logistics expert John Green joined the team in January and in that short space of time has reduced delivery times from up to two weeks to an average of three days from receipt of order.

‘It’s amazing,’ said General Manager Gary Hawkins, ‘John walked in and immediately applied his expertise to our order processing, storage and stock control systems. We are seeing significant efficiency improvements across the board. The controls put in place have resulted in more product being despatched for less effort. The time saved in inefficient picking of orders is now utilised on cost saving measures to reduce scrap and recycle waste. This has to be a win-win situation’

John has over 30 years experience in warehousing, distribution and international freight forwarding. He is enjoying the challenge of putting his stamp on the 21000 sq ft warehouse at Impulse.

Gary explained further: ‘We were victims of our own success. We had simply outgrown the resources and systems the company started with. We needed someone with the right credentials to reorganise, update and enhance our distribution operation to meet the requirements of our increasing customer base. John has the special skills to organise the smooth import and distribution of thousands of our products each month. We are now a very busy import company, bringing 1000’s of items into the UK each month. John will be a cornerstone of our continued growth.’

Tel: 0121 328 6824

New Appointments at Orama Underline Drive for Quality and Manufacturing Best Practice

Orama, the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, has made two new appointments to its management team in order to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the business. Paul Eaton has joined Orama in the newly created position of technical manager, and Mark Hibbert as operations manager.

Paul Eaton brings with him 7 years’ experience in operations and production management together with a wealth of expertise in all aspects of manufacturing management. Paul’s role will be all-encompassing and will essentially focus on streamlining processes, developing sound programmes for manufacturing, engineering and technical support and improvements. More particularly, Paul will be responsible for driving the quality function and ensuring excellence and compliance throughout the supply chain for all of Orama’s product ranges. Before joining Orama, Paul completed the foundation phase of Cranfield University’s ‘Fellowship in Manufacturing Management’, a programme designed to promote manufacturing best practice. He will report directly to managing director, Robin Trotter, on all quality related issues.

Paul says of his new role: ‘My production experience has been greatly enhanced by my recent studies at Cranfield. I am eager to put into practice a number of aspects of the World Class Manufacturing philosophy. The recent change in management at Orama gives credence to our new business focus and will enable us to provide our customers with better quality products and improved levels of service.’

Mark Hibbert joins Orama from Olympia Furniture Limited where he held the position of production manager. With more than 8 years’ experience of the furniture market, Mark will be responsible for the implementation of procedures to contribute to the efficient management, planning, control and organisation of the company’s operations, including production planning and control, warehousing, transport, dispatch and customer services.

Mark looks forward to this new challenge: ‘I am excited at the prospect of making substantial improvements to enhance the quality of our business operations. I look forward to working as part of a team committed to transforming Orama into a lean ‘World Class’ manufacturer of quality worksurfaces.’

Established for many years, Orama holds ISO 9001 certification and the Furniture Industry Research Association Gold Award for product performance. The company is also a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association). All Orama’s chipboard and solid timber products are sourced from 'responsibly managed' forests.

Tel: 01773 520560
Web: http://www.orama.co.uk

Whirlpool Corporation Chairman and CEO David Whitwam to Retire June 30th; Board Elects Current President and COO Jeff Fettig to Top Post

Whirlpool Corporation announced on May 4th that David R. Whitwam, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer since 1987, intends to retire effective June 30th, 2004.  In addition, Whirlpool’s Board of Directors has carried out its plan of succession by electing Jeff M. Fettig, the company’s current president and chief operating officer, to the post of chairman, president and chief executive officer, effective July 1st, 2004.

'After 17 years as CEO of Whirlpool, I couldn’t be more confident and comfortable about my decision,' said Whitwam. 'I have always intended to retire early, and this is the right time. The company is performing well, our strategic direction is sound, and our operating foundation is firm. We have an outstanding global leadership team in place, and Jeff is ready for this new role. He will be an exceptional chief executive officer and leader as Whirlpool continues to grow and create value for its stakeholders.'

Fettig, 47, was named president and chief operating officer, and elected to the Board in 1999. Fettig was instrumental in the development and execution of the company’s strategy that emphasises brands, innovation, global quality and productivity, and building customer loyalty.  He also has played a key role in the integration of Whirlpool’s global operations and resources.

Fettig joined Whirlpool in 1981 and held a number of managerial positions in operations, sales, planning and product development before being promoted to vice president of marketing for the KitchenAid Appliance Group in 1989. In 1990, he was named vice president of marketing for the Philips Whirlpool Appliance Group of Whirlpool Europe B.V., the company's European subsidiary. In 1992, Fettig was named vice president, group marketing and sales, North American Appliance Group. In 1994 Fettig was named an executive vice president of Whirlpool and president, Whirlpool Europe and Asia.

A native of Tipton, Indiana, Fettig holds a bachelor's degree in finance and a master of business administration degree from Indiana University. Fettig is a director on the board of Dow Chemical Company.  He also is a trustee for the Midwest Region of Boys and Girls Club of America, and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

Whitwam, 62, was named Whirlpool Corporation chairman and chief executive officer in 1987. He also served as company president from 1987-1992. He has served on the company's board of directors since 1985.

From the late 80s throughout the 90s, Whitwam led the global expansion of Whirlpool’s U.S. appliance business. At the beginning of the expansion, Whirlpool was the second largest U.S. appliance manufacturer with sales of approximately $4 billion. Today, with annual sales of more than $12 billion, Whirlpool is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with major brands and operations in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.`

Whitwam transformed Whirlpool from a regional manufacturing company to a global enterprise focused on creating value through the building of brands. During his tenure, the Whirlpool brand has become the largest selling appliance brand in the world, and the company’s premium KitchenAid brand in the U.S. has grown dramatically. Since the late 90s, Whitwam has successfully led the company’s strategic focus on innovation as a competitive advantage and a vital source of growth and improved financial performance for the company.

Whitwam joined Whirlpool's marketing management team in 1968, rising to vice president of the Whirlpool brand business in 1983. In 1985, he was promoted to vice chairman and became the company's chief marketing officer.

A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Whitwam holds a B.S. degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin.

Whitwam is a director on the boards of PPG Industries, Inc. and Convergys Corporation. He is a member of the Business Roundtable Policy Committee and Education Task Force, and is actively involved with BRT's educational reform initiatives on the national and local level. He also serves as the chairman of the Michigan Business Leaders for Educational Excellence organisation. He is a trustee of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

Whirlpool Corporation has annual sales of over $12 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centres around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries.

Web: http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com

New Face Joins Broughton Crangrove Team

Broughton Crangrove continues to invest in its future and extend its nationwide coverage with the appointment of a new Area Sales Manager.

Wayne Stew joins the company's existing sales force as Area Sales Manager, responsible for South Wales, Wiltshire, Bristol and Gloucestershire.

Wayne has extensive sales experience and a tremendous knowledge of the products Broughton Crangrove offer, as he joins the company from plumbing and heating products distributor Ahed, where he was Area Sales Manager for three and a half years.

Wayne says: 'I am very excited to join Broughton Crangrove at this time as the company is growing constantly and enjoying great success, which is wonderful to be a part of.'

Alan Penny, Sales Director, Broughton Crangrove, says: 'lt is a pleasure to welcome Wayne to the team and I have every confidence that he will be a great player and asset to the company.'

Tel: 0870 60 60 601

Aqualux Sales Team at Full Strength

Aqualux, the shower enclosure company, introduces its national sales team with the appointment of new faces to provide cover to the whole country.

The team has been established to predominantly focus on strengthening relationships with Aqualux's independent distributors as part of a nationwide drive to build its distributor base. It will also be looking to further penetrate the national new build market that includes main contractors, architects, specifiers and builders merchants.

At the head of the new team is David Hall, national sales manager. He joins Aqualux from Diva where he was divisional sales manager. David has worked in sales with the construction industry for the last 20 years holding senior sales positions with organisations such as Kingspan and the BTR Group. He brings extensive knowledge of sales to the specification and housebuilder market that will support Aqualux's efforts to further grow this area of its business.

The other members of the team bring a range of experience and service within the industry. Each covers a specific area of the country and will be working with distributors and housebuilders in their given geography. The team consists Chris Pitts (north of England), John Barsby (south of M4 corridor), Mark Smedley (Midlands) and Warren Bright (London, Home Counties and East Anglia). Between them they bring almost 50 years' experience of the bathroom industry.

Aqualux recently launched two new collections, Energy and steam cabins, which the company says have been equally well received by distributors and housebuilders alike. It has launched the collections to build its position in the mid-market.

Tel: 0121 526 7683
Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk
   

Airbath Group plc Directorship Changes

Airbath Group plc, the specialist manufacturer and designer of baths and bathwares, has announced John Parkinson's appointment as Executive Chairman. John has been a Non-executive Director since the Company's admission to AIM in 2001.

Clive Gilham, who has been Executive Chairman since admission, has stepped down from the board to pursue other business interests.

Broughton Crangrove Makes Logistical Appointment

Distributor Broughton Crangrove is strengthening its team with the appointment of Jim Thomson who takes on the role of Logistics Manager.

Jim comes from a long career with Bass Brewers and more recently from EXEL Logistics. He will be providing a national role across both Broughton Crangrove and Galley Matrix, which Broughton Crangrove acquired last year. Jim will be responsible for the logistics of both companies and their future operations and logistical organisation and provide that 'next level' of development.

Based at Broughton Crangrove's headquarters in Accrington, Lancashire, Jim will be responsible for co-ordinating the activities of the five main stockholding and distribution centres, as well as two satellite locations across the UK.

Speaking of his appointment, Jim says: 'I am thrilled to be associated with such formidably successful companies as Broughton Crangrove and Galley Matrix. I very much look forward to working with the teams and contributing to their future success.'

Chris Kitchen, Managing Director of Broughton Crangrove said: 'I am extremely pleased to welcome Jim to the team and look forward to working with him. His appointment is a key driver to the future success of both Broughton Crangrove and Galley Matrix and his activities will be greatly influential in our success, both now and in the future.

Tel: 0870 60 60 601

PWS Announces New Sales Manager Appointment

Mandarin Strengthens Sales Team

Mandarin Building Products, the UK distributor for the Impulse range of sanitary ware, has announced the appointment of James Abrams as a Sales Agent.

Based in Selby, North Yorkshire, James is responsible for the sales and distribution of Mandarin’s rapidly increasing range of products throughout Yorkshire and the North East.

He has worked in the industry for the past seven and a half years, as an agent for several companies including Altra Finishing and Tab UK. He brings with him a long list of established client contacts from large retailers to regional distributors.

James explained that he had been introduced to the company by Gerry Bond, the main UK Sales Agent for Mandarin. ‘Having known Gerry for some time, I was interested to hear what Mandarin had to offer,’ he said.

‘There is tremendous potential for such a strong range of products and hopefully I am well placed to develop its potential in the North East!

‘Mandarin has a reputation for good quality bathroom china from China! It is very competitively priced and the retailer is allowed to set his own margins, which is particularly good news for any type of outlet. Mandarin is careful not to inundate any area with distributors, respect for territories is vital to its philosophy.

‘The products are stylish, modern and constantly updated and the company offers excellent service - pre, during and after sale!

‘Service is just as important as price.’

Gary Hawkins, UK General Manager for Mandarin, is delighted with the new addition to the team, saying ‘James is already making a valuable contribution to our distribution network and with the many developments in the pipeline I’m sure that this is merely a sign of even better things to come!’

Tel: 0121 328 6824

New CFO Appointed at Nobia

Lennart Rappe (60) resigned his current position as Nobia's CFO as of 1st April 2004 to work with business acquisitions and disposal issues and the Group's strategic development. He will remain as Nobia's Executive Vice President and member of Nobia's Group management.

Jan Johansson (41) assumed the position as Nobia's CFO on the same date and became a member of Group management. The former Director Group Control, has worked at Nobia since 1995. He held various financial positions within the Stora Group from 1987-1995.

Nobia is a leading European kitchen interiors company. The Group operates in a number of European markets under strong brand names. Nobia's own specialist kitchen stores and franchise stores are responsible for most of the Group's sales. The Group had sales of SEK 9.3 billion in 2003 and has around 6 200 employees. Nobia is listed on the Attract40 segment of Stockholmsbörsen's O-list.

David Cohen-Skalli is Appointed as International Operations Director of the ElcoBrandt Group

On February 16th, David Cohen-Skalli joined the ElcoBrandt Group as International Operations Director. As such, he reports directly to Bruno Vendroux, Chairman of the Board.

David takes charge of all international operations (subsidiaries and direct exports) with the objective of boosting these activities and opening new markets, namely in Eastern Europe.

David , 36, married with two children, has a Master's degree in Management and a post-graduate degree in Management Science and International Affairs from Paris-Dauphine University.

He started his career in 1992 with the Thomson Multimedia Group, where his last position was Export Manager for Eastern Europe, Africa and Indian Ocean territories.

In 1997, he joined the Moulinex Group as Export Manager for Africa and French Overseas Departments and Territories, before being appointed, in 1999, to the position of Managing Director of the Department covering North Africa, Turkey, Israel, Cyprus, Africa, French Overseas Departments and Territories and the Indian subcontinent.

In 2002, backed up by his international experience, he joined the Peugeot Motocycles (PMTC) Group as Director of international business activities, a position he held until now.

Proposal for the Board of Nobia

The nominating committee, appointed by the principal shareholders of Nobia AB, is proposing the re-election at the company’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting on 1st April 2004 of Board members Fredrik Cappelen, Bodil Eriksson, Hans Larsson, Wilhelm Laurén, Harald Mix and Thomas Nilsson, as well as the election to the Board of Ingrid Osmundsen and Stefan Dahlbo.

Gerhard De Geer and Karsten Bomann Jonsen have declined re-election.
Ingrid Osmundsen (43) has been Country Director for Sweden at Lindex AB since 2002. Lindex has a turnover in Sweden of SEK 3 billion, with 180 stores and 2000 employees. From 1997 to 2002 she held international positions at the sports footwear and sportswear group Nike, most recently as General Merchandise Director for Nike Retail Europe and prior to that as Apparel Business Director responsible for wholesale clothing sales in 17 countries in Eastern Europe. She also has nine years previous experience with the US department store chain Meier & Frank. Ingrid Osmundsen holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington.

Stefan Dahlbo (45) has been Vice President of Investment AB Öresund since 2000. Before this,from 1995 to 2000, he was CEO for Hagströmer & Qviberg AB. Stefan Dahlbo is Chairman of the Board of HQ Fonder and Klövern AB. He is also a member of the boards of Hagströmer & Qviberg AB, Johnson Pump AB and Wihlborgs Fastigheter AB. Stefan Dahlbo has an MSc in Business Administration from the Stockholm School of Economics.

The nominating committee is proposing that the principle of Board fees remain unchanged.

The nomination committé has consisted of the following individuals: Hans Larsson, Chairman of the Board Nobia, Christian Salamon, Industri Kapital, Tomas Nicolin, Tredje AP-Fonden, Stefan Dahlbo, Öresund and Hans Hedström, HQ Fonder. Christian Salamon left the committee in connection with Industri Kapital’s sale of all Nobia shares on 18th February.

MTS Appoints New MD

Stefano Recchi has been appointed the new Managing Director of MTS (GB) Ltd and MTS Heating Ltd, the UK and Irish arms respectively of the manufacturer of boilers, unvented cylinders and water heaters and the company behind the Ariston and C&M (Chaffoteaux and Maury) brands.

Thirty-nine year old Stefano has held key positions within the MTS Group since 1991, when he joined as a Heating Product Manager. His globetrotting career with the Group has included two years as Marketing Manager in Russia followed by responsibility for marketing within the Central-Eastern Europe area.

Prior to his appointment as Managing Director of MTS (GB) Limited, based at the national headquarters in High Wycombe, he was MTS Group, Heating Division Product Manager. Stefano is an Economics graduate and brings considerable commercial experience to his new role.

During his 12 years with MTS he has also gained an invaluable insight into the heating and plumbing industry and the company's products and services for this fast-moving sector. He is looking forward to working with the management team to strengthen the company's market presence and develop the already extensive network of building and plumbers' merchants through which its brands are sold.

Commenting on his appointment, Stefano said, 'This is an exciting market for us to invest in. Our focus will continue to be on developing innovative, high quality products and delivering first class service and support.'

Fagor UK Sales Appointment

Fagor UK has appointed Will Evans as Sales Manager for Freestanding and Built-in Products, responsible for the North Region.

Will has extensive sales experience in the kitchen-appliance and kitchen-furniture sectors, as well as in the contract market.

http://www.fagor.com

De Dietrich: Dedicated to being Dedicated

The De Dietrich brand philosophy is to provide a dedicated and personalised service to its dealers. As part of its expansion programme for 2004, the company is adding two further area sales managers and has split the country into well-defined sales regions.

It now has regional and area sales managers covering Scotland and the North, East and West Midlands, the South and South West and North and South London. This means that De Dietrich will be able to provide an even better retailer support; something on which its customers expect and rely.

Paul Dominy, director of sales for De Dietrich says:
'We provide a dedicated sales team like no other brand in the marketplace. With more sales people on the ground, we are able to constantly improve our offer and go the extra mile for our dealers.

'We pride ourselves on being able to provide a premium service, in line with the ethos of the brand and our professional sales team is there to ensure that clients have the support they need.

'Training is key at De Dietrich and dealers are encouraged to attend regular training sessions at our showroom in Basingstoke, to ensure they are well versed in the features and benefits of our products. We have a unique home economist service as an added value offer and we continue to create regular marketing initiatives in order to make it even easier to sell De Dietrich.'

For more information, please call Brandt UK marketing on 01256 308 068.
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk

Showerlux Strengthens Sales Team with New Appointment

Bathroom specialist Showerlux has strengthened its national sales team with the appointment of Arynne Hargreaves as Area Sales Manager for the South-East.

Arynne, who has more than 10 years of sales experience in the motor industry, has already made an impact for the company having fulfilled the role of Showerlux Area Specification Manager over the past nine months. The internal move is an integral part of the company’s development strategy and Arynne is keen to make a positive impact on what is a key sales territory for the company.

‘I am delighted to be taking on this exciting new role with such a well-respected and long-established company. 2004 is certainly going to be an important year for Showerlux following the unveiling of a number of exciting new products at KBB, including the launch of Eden – a new range of unique curved glass enclosures – that is set to have a huge impact on the enclosure market.

‘I am looking forward to working with my sales team in making these new products a success and hope to maintain and build on the excellent reputation and goodwill that has been developed with our customers in the South-East.’

Tel: 02476 88 25 15
Web: http://www.showerlux.com

Wolseley plc Board and Board Committee Changes

Wolseley plc announces that Mr John Allan will step down from the Board as a non-executive director with effect from 19th March 2004 and that, with effect from the same date, Mr Gareth Davis will succeed Mr Allan as a member of the Remuneration Committee and that Mr Nigel Stein will succeed Mr Allan as a member of the Audit Committee. With effect from 19th March 2004 the Audit Committee will comprise of Mr Murray (Chairman), Mr Davis, Mr Stein and Mr Whybrow and, from the same date, the Remuneration Committee will comprise Mr Walker (Chairman), Mr Davis and Mr Whybrow.

Commenting on these changes Mr John Whybrow, Chairman of Wolseley, said:
'It is with much regret that after some five years John Allan will be retiring from the Board due to the increasing number of commitments being placed on him. The Board is grateful to John for the invaluable contribution that he has made to Wolseley over the years and we wish him well in the future. Gareth Davis joined the Board on 1st July 2003 and is currently a member of the Audit Committee. He will be joined on that Committee by Nigel Stein who joined the Board on 1st December 2003.'

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