KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
29th January 2016
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 International News
Products Haier enters into global strategic partnership agreement with General Electric Haier Group and General Electric have announced a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate globally and jointly pursue growth projects in focus areas where both companies can increase business competitiveness such as industrial Internet, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. This strategic cooperation framework agreement brings together two highly complementary world-class enterprises and establishes a model for cross-border investment and cooperation between China, the US and other regions. Peka extends appeal of Fluid II corner system
Available exclusively in the UK from LDL, the Fluid II solution for corner spaces utilises Peka's clever swivelling carousel system to ensure perfectly balanced movement. What's more, the improved profile of the shelves enables the system to function fully even when the opening angle of the unit front is restricted to 85%. Classy curves from new Citronella
Showers make a splash in bathroom industry
InSinkErator is steaming ahead with colour in 2016
Blanco - German perfection at its best - appearing at KBB
V-Zug completes home steam cooking offering with its first built-in vacuum drawer
Many chefs use vacuum drawers to shrink-wrap food and liquid in air-tight bags. By stopping the food from being affected by ambient air or humidity, it helps to preserve its flavour, moisture, texture and nutrients. 'Sophisticated Showering' from Grange Design
Caple's new AN900 Anoka chimney hood combines style, function and technology
Featuring an illuminated electronic touch control and 3W LED light bar, it offers Caple's latest advanced technology and measures 900mmW x 400mmD x 800-1200mmH. Max-Top makes its mark in Magnet
Electrolux remains in the forefront of connected appliances
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An interesting post appeared on our Facebook page this week, written by Bags Mort, who’s asking us all for input on a problem he’s having with rusty shower controls. In it, he says: “I am currently having an issue with a supplier under the Sale of Goods Act regarding shower controls provided three years ago. It would appear that the controls are rusting externally, and the supplier is now arguing about durability and the reasonable amount of time a person should expect shower controls to last. “Can anyone give me any industry guidance on how long a consumer should expect shower controls to last before they might reasonably expect this type of corrosion, given that shower controls by their very nature will be subject to heat and moisture for prolonged periods of time? “The company is asking for expert/industry standards to determine reasonable time against durability etc. before they will help in any way, and in the meantime I am stuck with a shower that is constantly continuing to corrode. “All help/comment appreciated!” I mentioned to John Austen that I was incredulous that a supplier felt it was ok for a shower control to go rusty. I agree with Bags that anything that’s destined to spend its life in a damp and steamy bathroom and be constantly doused in water, shouldn’t really change too much in appearance – unless of course you’re a human being who’s spent too long in the bath & ended up looking lobster-like and with wrinkled fingers! John’s response was that his showerhead – even newer than Bags’s – had gone the same way, (rusty, not wrinkled!) but I got the impression that he was resigned to the fact that it had rusted, because he’d bought it over the Internet. So what’s the answer to this one please? Do we come from such a throwaway society that we shouldn’t be bothered that bathroom fittings are rusting while still fairly new? Or is it that there are so many fabulous designs being launched that the manufacturers expect to be able to tempt us to replace our old fittings after a couple of years, and therefore don’t build them to last? Or have Bags and John fallen foul of some products that are just not fit for purpose? Your input – as Bags said – will be most appreciated; not just for his dispute, but for my own knowledge. Yours,
 This Week's News
Bathroom market to outperform UK economy in 2016
Based on data from 90 leading bathroom retailers, the research found that sales in 2016 are now at an historic high, surpassing £1 billion for the first time. According to the report, 2016 is set to enjoy high levels of consumer confidence boosting growth in the high value sector of the bathroom market. Rapid housing transaction growth, low unemployment and sustained vigour from specialist retailers with regard to differentiation of service are just some of the key issues identified by MTW as prompting growth across the bathroom industry in 2016. Bathroom Academy upgrade launches at KBB
The Bathroom Academy has been under review by experts from the bathroom industry for almost 12 months. Many man-hours have been dedicated to make the eLearning website bang up-to-date and its fresh new look brightens the easily navigable site. Fall in workloads for small builders, warns FMB
"The building industry remains confident of continued growth but the slowdown we saw in the last quarter is a cause for concern," notes Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB. "Undoubtedly, the adverse weather experienced in large parts of the country has played its part, by causing projects to overrun and costs to spiral. However, the fact that both current and expected construction workloads are down in every region is worrying given some of the gloomy predictions being made about the wider economy. White is now the toast of the kitchen!
Two years ago it reported that black granite was by far the most popular amongst its own customers, although later that year it predicted that white worktops would be amongst the top interior design trends, attributing this to the 'Apple effect' of minimalist white product design. Sing to the sound of SysRock for a chance to win £5,000 of Festool Tools! Festool is giving customers the chance to win £5,000 of Festool tools... This fun competition is to celebrate the launch of the new SysRock BR10 Site Radio by asking tradespeople to submit a video of them singing along to one of the SysRock songs, as chosen by tradespeople at the end of last year. Entrants can visit have 20 songs to choose from and can download the backing track and lyrics. Once you've recorded yourselves singing, you can upload your video to be in with a chance to win. Indesit says its new MyTime dishwasher boasts fastest eco cycle on the market
The appliance owes its speed to an enhanced drying process that reduces the cycle length down to 138 minutes for a full 13 place-setting load; features such as the MyTime option are designed to reduce the time duration of any selected cycle. Harvey Maria shows how to use 2016's colour trends
Pantone believe that "Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times." John Lewis signs exclusivity deal for Gorenje by Starck
"Gorenje by Starck is a stunning new line of technologically advanced appliances and we are delighted to be partnering with John Lewis to make this available to consumers across the UK," says Jernej Hren, managing director of Gorenje UK. New adapter for waste disposal units from Rangemaster Sinks
The new adapter has a brushed finish to complement all stainless steel models. It is also constructed from three easy to assemble parts, making installation quick and simple. InSinkErator unveils new showroom at Watford HQ
The 3N1 steaming hot water taps in an array of beautiful shades dominate the back wall of the showroom, while the food waste disposers are displayed throughout, offering a true reflection of how the products would look and sound once installed. An industrial revolution in the bathroom...
The new season's arrivals are the epitome of luxury and create an instant focal point for the bathroom. Abacus Manufacturing Group helps raise money for Saint Michael's Hospice
Garry Smith appointed as Hoover product manager
Steve Macdonald, marketing director at Hoover Candy UK comments: "Garry's wealth of experience makes him ideally placed to join the product development team as we continue to build a range of appliances which meet and exceed consumer and market expectations. In fact, we have a vision for all our appliances to be 100% Wi-Fi connected by 2017." Hafele launches new kitchen accessories directory
The catalogue also includes new product launches, such as Vauth-Sagel's latest swing out larders, Flex Corner and Cornerstone corner solutions as well as a XXL Liner waste bin, Hailo's laundry carrier and the Plasmamade ventilation system. 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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Utopia appoints marketing director to strengthen brand position
 Wilsonart appoints new national accounts manager for distribution
Christian Smith takes on national account controller role at Whirlpool UK Appliances
Granite Transformations COO Danny and pal Bernie attempt Cook Strait world record
Literature
New Pier bathroom furniture collection optimises bathroom space
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