KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
20th May 2011
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International News
Products Roca acquires the Russian firm Akvaton Roca has announced that it has recently acquired Akvaton, a leading Russian company specialising in bathroom products. This acquisition marks a very important step in Roca's consolidation in this strategically important market, and at the same time strengthening its leadership position worldwide. New! Five fantastic fridges and freezers from AEG's Neue Kollektion
AEG has introduced five fantastic cooling products from its Built-in 2011 Neue Kollektion range. Has Esse created the World's cleanest-burning cooker?
Polypipe ventilation expands MVHR solution Following the successful launch last year of its Mechanical Extract Ventilation Heat Recovery units, Polypipe Ventilation has expanded its HR range with the addition of high capacity models designed for larger properties. Kitchenaid's new side-by-side oozes class and sophistication
Impressive: this groundbreaking new mirror innovation from HiB
Wall-hung sanitaryware that's as fresh as mint
Kitchenaid's new chef touch: the Sous Vide cooking system
Back to black - Carron Phoenix launches chic black ceramic Sapphira sink range
Whirlpool launches new range of washing machines
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Welcome to the KBB London has now been and gone and hopefully most exhibitors had a good event. Obviously there will always be comparisons made with Birmingham, but this is one of those instances which has to be viewed as a regional event, which gives London-based designers and specifiers a convenient opportunity to view what the industry has to offer. The show certainly appeared to be steadily busy throughout most of the days that we were there - we didn't hear any complaints from anyone that we spoke to, although there were some quiet backwaters that you'd expect at any trade show. For us, not so far from London, ExCel is a great venue, and if there are sufficient new products to see, well worth the journey for those based a little further afield. So what was on show? We couldn't see everyone of course, but our visit report is below, as is the announcement of the winners of the KBB Review Awards. Yours,
 Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
The awards took place at the Platinum Suite at the ExCel centre, London on Monday 16th May 2011. They were hosted by the stand-up comedian Alun Cochrane, famed for his appearances on Michael McIntyre's comedy roadshow, Eight Out of Ten Cats and Mock the Week.
Also displayed was the W+W all-in-one wash basin and WC designed to maximise space and save water that we saw in Birmingham. There weren't the crowds buzzing around this unit like before, but give us another '76 Summer (as predicted) and we can expect to see more water conservation products from other manufacturers. T: 01530 830 080
The Quintessentially range of taps all have smooth, top quality German valves, extra long tail pipes to aid fitting and future maintenance plus accounting for a variety of worktop thicknesses. Tail pipes are factory fitted and then all taps are quality tested before being despatched in distinctive Abode packaging. Sensio Lighting's ambient experience
Slideline is a neat idea. Designed to provide new levels of customisation of lighting, it enables the user to snap lamp heads onto and off the track with the option of adding additional lamp heads as required. Once fitted, the lamp heads can be slid along the track to allow precision positioning. We couldn't resist playing with the various interactive elements on show - not in this one though - I was taking the photo! T: 0845 0340 780
The Hawa Concepta is designed for multi-functional room solutions where pivoting wood or glass doors slide away to save space. As it can handle virtually any dimensions and weights up to 50 kg (110 lbs), it allows creativity to flow with various installation options including profiles and handles. It can even close a recess without any protruding cabinet body as doors are located into a very narrow recess inside the cabinet... Perfect for home office or utility areas where space is limited. Installation requires no processing other than drilling holes for positioning and for the concealed hinges. Adjustments are conveniently made from the front. T:+41 44 767 92 48 Pushing the boundaries of bathroom product design
More practically, its Glink is made from extremely durable polyethylene and is available in six solid colours. There is even a version that glows, "We have thought of everything!" says the company's Rachel Watts. 20-20 Technologies launches Fusion Version 18
As well as a launch platform for the new version, "The event has the added benefit of allowing the team to receive direct feedback from the people who will be using the software on a daily basis," says Craig Rothwell, managing director of 20-20 Technologies. 01233 635566 Bohle's 'ultimate glass door soft closer'
Bohle was showing its Portavant glass door closing system from Willach. Portavant, with its Softstop technology, is said to be the 'ultimate' modern glass fixing for doors, which slows as it closes gently and quietly, preventing accidents and the possibility of breakage, and ensuring that the door closes fully. In addition to Portavant, Bohle carries a wide range of tools and fittings for glass. T: 0800 616151
The company's Nick Bevan took us through all the details, but in short the effective ceramic divider means that two different dishes can be cooked at the same time - even at two wildly different temperatures. B_Free and save power with Euroline
Falmec has now adapted the design of its stunning glass extractor range Mirabilia to include an LED lighting system in place of halogen and incandescent light bulbs, to reduce power consumption by a massive 96% B_Free Fusion is the latest in bespoke product development from Barazza. This made to order product allows a unique choice of combination of B_Free hobs to satisfy any cooking requirement. The selection is seamlessly integrated to make a continuous cooking surface, perfect for the ultimate freedom of choice. Barazza will consider the incorporation of a selection of sinks dependent on design. T: 01787 224921
With innovation and functionality as key drivers for the company's success, EQ offers three levels of software, Foundation, Essential, and Professional. Foundation is the latest product release and has been offered as a more affordable version to its cost-conscious customers who may have felt the economic pinch over the past two or three years. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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Franke launches celebrity 'experience' in centenary year Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Franke has launched a new marketing initiative to drive the company further into the consumer market. To reinforce the transition from trade-driven product supplier to aspirational consumer lifestyle brand, Heidi Klum has been announced as brand ambassador and, as such, will feature in the new worldwide advertising/POS/marketing campaign. Homeowners are warming to underfloor heating The popularity of underfloor heating is on the rise. Discerning homeowners are showing an increased desire for efficiency and comfort and underfloor heating ticks all the boxes. Liebherr scoops award in world's largest technology competition
OFT's market study into extended warranties is now underway The OFT's short market study into extended warranties for domestic electrical goods, which will focus on whether competition for warranties is sufficiently effective to ensure consumers get value for money in a market worth well over £750million, is now underway. The results will be published later this Summer. UK manufacturer offers outsourced customer care solution
Bradbury's has immediate success with Stoneham One of the West County's best established kitchen retailers, Bradbury's, based in Exeter, has become an appointed Stoneham distributor and enjoyed almost immediate success with an important order. HMRC turns up the heat on plumbing industry About 50,000 plumbers, gas fitters and heating engineers will start receiving letters this month from HM Revenue & Customs,alerting them to the chance to take advantage of a special time-limited tax plan to put right any gaps that might exist in their tax affairs. Black Country timber firm wins new business in the Middle East
Builder jailed for putting profit before safety A Bradford builder has been jailed for trying to cut costs by doing his own gas and electric installation in a granny flat he was building. |
