KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
25th November 2011
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International News
Products Aquadi launch to retail customers hailed 'huge success'
KitchenAid's new built-in Lab oven is packed with technology
Atag's 17-place setting dishwasher a perfect choice for festive season
HGTVRemodels.com features planning guides as US consumers resume spending With the US National Kitchen & Bath Association reporting a 42% increase in showroom visits and double-digit increases in remodel sales volume for kitchens (36%) and baths (85%) over one year ago, more homeowners will need the Kitchens and Baths planning guides on HGTVRemodels.com. In its quarterly Market Index Report released last week, the NKBA also found a 69% increase in revenue among kitchen and bath dealers since the third quarter 2010. NKBA Market Report : "Although optimism is faded, revenues continue to rise" The National Kitchen & Bath Association released the results of the US Kitchen & Bath Market Report for the third quarter, reflecting a rise in showroom traffic and an increase in kitchen remodels from one year ago. Although the number of bathroom remodels declined from the second quarter, results show a significant increase over the bathroom sales of a year ago. FIRA - CMA achieves renowned testing accreditation The Furniture Industry Research Association's Hong Kong furniture testing facility, FIRA-CMA Testing Services, is celebrating after achieving accreditation to the International Standard ISO 17025 from the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme for Physical and Mechanical Testing. AEG Neue Kollektion picks up nine iF Design Awards The iF Product Design Awards are amongst the most prestigious design awards in the world. This year, Electrolux has won a total of nine of the iF awards for its AEG Neue Kollektion products. The winning appliances were selected by an international jury who sifted through 2,923 entries from 48 countries. The winning appliances were assessed on the level of innovation, functionality, quality and ecological compatibility.
Carron Phoenix broadens appeal of Sapphira sink range with classic white
Kenmore introduces hybrid water softener and whole-home water filter With recent conversations and news highlighting water conditions, it's natural that Americans seek the highest in water quality in their homes. Today, the Kenmore brand is offering a comprehensive, household approach to water solutions that together, make water at home cleaner and better tasting while extending the life of the home's appliances. Leisure Sinks' new Spa Filter tap offers ultimate convenience
Blum UK Marketing Director, David Sanders, says that "functional cabinets" are the way to go: "We buy a refrigerator or an oven for a specific purpose, so why shouldn't every kitchen cabinet have a specific storage purpose," he asks. Livery Company launches new sustainability award for British furniture manufacturers The efforts of British furniture manufacturers to become greener are to be recognised by a new annual award from the industry's Livery company, the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. Aquadi leading way with handleless bathroom doors
NHBC Foundation publication showcases international comparisons of CO2 emissions As a measure of success, the UK is beyond its target to meet the carbon emissions set out in the Kyoto protocol, according to a new publication by the NHBC Foundation. Methven Tahi twin-lever tapware wins Design Award Gold Certificate
Kompact solution to single and double panel radiators from MHS
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Welcome to the
It's hard to believe that it's Winter, isn't it? Well certainly from where I'm sitting anyway, and when I ventured into my garden yesterday I noticed that several of the trees and shrubs are in bud and that some of my tubs and baskets are still in flower! Of course when we're spoiled like this it's easy to forget that we actually need some unpleasant weather to kill off the nasty bugs that survive the season when it's mild and come back to annoy us in larger volumes and sizes as a result - and of course there are our water supplies to worry about too, aren't there? This week the Environment Agency has warned that unless we cut our water consumption over the coming months, we'll suffer a drought crisis next Summer as parts of the UK have had some of the lowest rainfall this year since records began. And it's not just the UK... Continental Europe is also experiencing conditions that are far milder than normal. I generally feel quite smug when I hear this kind of news as I work in an industry that's working hard to cut the amount of water and energy we consumers use as we go about our daily lives. I'm ashamed to say though that I'm one of the 65% of people in the UK that doesn't own a dishwasher. Since joining the industry I've learned that they cut the amount of water used in washing up, rather than use more (as I'd always believed). Having examined the latest Whirlpool appliance on a visit to the company's showrooms a couple of weeks back (see the story below) and learned that it uses a paltry six litres of water to get the family's dishes, pots and pans sparkling clean, I've decided that this is something I need to change quickly if I want to be sure of 'doing my bit'! Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
Aqualux rides to the rescue with Channel 5's Cowboy Builders
Aquavision sets up new manufacturing and distribution facility A pioneer in the design of waterproof and in-wall televisions (perfect for that pampered bathing experience!) Aquavision has made some major changes to its business. Whirlpool celebrates Centenary
Whirlpool, the world's number one manufacturer of major home appliances, has held a series of events around the world to commemorate the company's 100 years. Whirlpool UK celebrated with several events throughout the year including an Employee Day, a Family Day and a classic tea party on the date of the company's 100th anniversary, 11th November 2011.
The Hafele engineered system is offered in 12V, 24V and 350mA, with each component colour coded to the correct system to ensure mix-ups do not occur as the driver selected can only be used with the lights for the same system. German manufacturer goes the extra mile
The company has now announced that it is enhancing the support given to its retailers using KBBConnect, the free online quoting and ordering system, by upgrading its membership of the KBBConnect Retailer Support Partnership. Lakes Bathrooms launches SMC low-cost shower tray range
As a new manufacturing methodology in most of the bathroom market, yet well proven in other industries, SMC uses fibre reinforced polymers, moulded with heat and pressure. Quality is consistently high says Lakes Bathrooms and, thanks to the impregnated fibres, the resulting shower trays are strong and yet lightweight - every design weighing in at less than the 25kg one man lift target and around 50% lighter than stone resin counterparts. Rayburn launches new electric model
The new model is available with a choice of the latest induction or ceramic hobs with square or dome hinged lids. By utilising two 2.3kW burners, the induction hobs have excellent response times, are highly efficient and cool extremely quickly. They also automatically adjust to any pan size and only heat the pan when it is placed on the burner. The Zehnder Fina has the 'Plus X' Factor
Said to be the world's most prestigious innovation awards for technology, sport and lifestyle products, the Plus X Awards honour products that are both innovative and viable for the future, whilst also possessing at least one 'Plus X' factor to offer real brand quality. With more than 130 jury members from 32 countries, the judging process is extremely rigorous and the product features must directly benefit consumers. Bushboard helps shape kitchens with new Omega curved laminate components
Newly launched as part of the range revamps in September, there is a choice of two readymade and pre-finished components that offers increased design flexibility for casual dining and feature furniture.
The Couture collection is stylish with handleless doors for a minimalist streamlined look. It is also versatile with nine different colours. For example, the Anthracite colour balances bold and stylish, yet warm and homely. Each couture kitchen is specially made to order and is hand finished in a silk lacquer which is gives a higher level of resistance to scratches and fingerprints. Eber can also mix and match gloss and matt finishes so customers can have a truly personal design. T: 01384 638700 Alan Hughes joins the Carron Phoenix sales team
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. News in Brief
KBSA retailers featured strongly amongst the winners at Neff's Masterpartner Excellence Awards. More next week... T: 01623 818808 Congratulations to AGA Rangemaster; named Manufacturing Company of the Year at Insider's inaugural 'Made in the Midlands' Awards. T: 0870 755 485 Milton Keynes-based Koncept Kitchens has joined the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association as a retail member. E: [email protected] How to contact us at The KBzine:
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TTA rescues industry standards The Tile Association has come to the rescue of standards within the tiling industry by hosting the plenary meeting of the International Standards Organisation (ISO). In the world of Ceramic Tiles and Adhesives, it is this governing body that creates the standards to protect consumers and trade users. Apprenticeships: Vince Cable guarantees quality, slashes red tape and delivers cash boost for firms Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced new measures to ensure more young people benefit from an apprenticeship, and to help employers gain the skilled workers they need to grow. Karonia specified for sustainable development
Latest ONS construction industry output figures released today
The bulletin reveals that: Birmingham tradesman fined over asbestos release A Birmingham handyman has been prosecuted after releasing asbestos fibres while refurbishing a kitchen at a flat in Solihull. Women cook better living with a partner
FIRA leads the way on cutting carbon footprint of furniture industry The Furniture Industry Research Association will be sharing the findings of a key furniture industry research project that has assessed the feasibility of providing the UK furniture industry with product carbon footprint benchmarks. The event, which is open to those within the furniture industry, will be held on Tuesday 6th December, at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, between 10.00 and 16.00. UK construction: Activity growth at five-month high despite deteriorating housing sector The seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers' Index registered a five-month high of 53.9 in October, up from 50.1 in September. New design event to showcase cutting edge concepts and materials The launch of the new design show 'W12 - Working with Design', will be an important national event for KBB designers , manufacturers and retailers alike. Amica's Platinum collection joins the set of Hollyoaks
Leisure Sinks reaches new heights in Dorset
People
AMDEA celebrates the accomplishments of Uwe Hanneck
Literature
New brochure and new collection from Lakes Bathrooms
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