KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
30th September 2016
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International News
Products LDL extends Leyton lighting range
Blanco brings stainless steel to another level
Blanco Durinox is the ultimate innovation in stainless steel. Extremely hard and highly resistant to scratches, Durinox stainless steel surfaces are given these special characteristics via a new finishing process that originates from the aerospace industry. Blue light shines on floor to signal end of wash on new integrated dishwasher
Steel introduces Plasma technology to its range of cooker hoods
Smiths Briten reaches new highs with latest shower enclosures
Baths by Clay produces some fab Hi-Macs basins
Zanussi celebrates centenary year
"Zanussi is a brand that represents the zeitgeist of many generations," says Vanessa Holloway, senior consumer marketing manager at Zanussi. "Everyone can remember a Zanussi appliance in the backdrop at one time in their life... From a hand-made, wood-burning oven produced in a corner of Italy to more than six million units sold each year; Zanussi is a company that has earned consumer trust through its cutting-edge design, innovation and outstanding quality over the last 100 years." Small kitchen? No problem with the new Elon 45 S sink
This model has a compact single bowl with a maximum bowl size for a 45cm cabinet and a bowl depth of 190mm. The innovative 205mm x 436mm stainless steel drainer grid, which fits with the unusual curved design of the sink drainer, provides extra space, making this a truly multi-functional kitchen. 'Mirror, mirror on the wall, which is the fairest of them all?'
Back in black and white: the amazing Arc from MHS Radiators
Utopia introduces luxurious freestanding bath
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Once again, kitchen appliances are in the mainstream press and sadly, again it’s not good news. This time it’s exploding washing machines making the headlines but on closer inspection, I can see that the culprits are in the US – and that they’re top-loaders. Does anyone in the UK use top-loaders these days? I ask, because I’ve not come across (that I’ve been aware of) any top-loading appliances for many years – both in the stores and in people’s houses. Is this because our typical houses have smallish kitchens that require us to make the most of every available surface in terms of creating worktop space, or is it simply fashion? I know we’re considered odd in the UK for fuelling the manufacture of double ovens – although I do wonder now whether many of us buy them because of their abundance, rather than because a double oven is on our list of ‘must haves’. i.e., do we really think about what we’re buying or is it, perhaps, now a case of the tail wagging the dog? Something else that these exploding appliance stories made me consider, is whether the appliances are failing because of what we’re doing to them, rather than because they’re inherently dangerous. Or should they be built to withstand any type of abuse they may encounter when in our homes? I can recall interviewing the manufacturer of the famous ‘Henry’ vacuum cleaner some years back and was surprised to learn that in tests they’re dropped from great heights to see if they can withstand the impact. When I asked why, I was told that aeroplane cleaners had so little turnaround time between flights that they’d vacuum from front to back and then chuck poor Henry out of the rear doors once finished. I’m hoping that this would be onto a soft surface, but of course I can’t be sure… Where do manufacturers draw the line when it comes to personal safety? Are KBB products manufactured to withstand ridiculous amounts of abuse and where do you draw line? Is it down to costs or is there a point that’s reached, whereby you say, “No-one could be that stupid…” and leave it at that? Yours,
This Week's News
EKCO wins Young Designer of the Year Award for second year running
Dream Doors and Articad: a partnership for growth
Ideal Standard adds to Concept Freedom range with new accessible bath for all ages
Concept Freedom's new bath has been designed to make bathing anxiety free for older and less abled bathroom users while still delivering a beautifully designed aesthetic and a tranquil space in which to bathe. What's more, many of the features, such as the lower ledge, will also make bath time simpler for those bathing children and pets. Now this is what you call a bubble bath...
SieMatic Pure SE 3003 newly on display at Urban Interior (London)
Seen here in Lotus White Matt Lacquer and Gold Bronze Aluminium with Silk Gloss and Brushed finish, the collection creates timeless, minimalist kitchen design, with a focus on exquisite materials and craftsmanship. Social secures sales for Max-Top
Max-Top, which launched in the UK in 2014, regularly updates its Facebook and Twitter pages with quick responses from its social media account manager, providing strong customer service and sales support. Czar kitchen taps from Abode: simple, stylish and easy to use
With this in mind the two new chrome Czar taps are solid geometric forms with a contemporary feel embodying this popular style. The Monobloc tap is a combination of sophisticated modern styling, offering a curvaceous spout with precision water control and has been created for people who want the perfect blend of design, performance, quality and certainly, value for money. Frontline Bathrooms launches Autumn Winter 2016/17 brochure
Triton showers welcome new specification director
Martin joins as specification director having previously held a number of senior, demand generation roles and will be primarily responsible for new sector development and sales pipeline optimisation. Team Croydex counts down to Tough Sh!t challenge
Employees from the Andover-based bathroom accessories specialist hope to raise £2,500, which will go towards installing toilets in communities currently without this basic facility. 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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clicking the link above. Recent News
New housebuilding in 2015 sees 12% increase in kitchen and bathroom products market
Ideal Standard factory at Armitage stars in new BBC children's programme about toilets
R&D tax relief claims by construction firms rise by a quarter
UK tradespeople quoting for more work than 12 months ago
Whirlpool announces first ever 'National Quiet Day'
People
British Ceramic Tile announces new area sales manager
IDS expands its senior team with a new regional sales manager north
Burbidge finds the perfect fit as it opens its doors to new Simply Burbidge range
Uform welcomes new sales representative in East Midlands & South Yorkshire
Further key management appointments at TKC
Marketing
Abode and Barwick form new partnership
Swan celebrates success at IFA 2016
Literature
Exciting new 2016 kitchen sink & tap brochure from Abode
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