KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
11th August 2017
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International News
Products Putting ergonomics into bathroom design with Geberit Acanto
Bertazzoni launches cooling lines
The versatile panel solution for kitchen splashbacks and showers
The product is quick and easy to install and, with its gloss finish, ultra-hygienic, hard-coated non-stick surface, does not harbour mould or calcium; bacterial growth is eliminated. Falmec introduces Soffio from the Circle Tech collection, featuring a Murano Glass canopy
Available in either white or amber, the extractor makes a stunning design statement in the kitchen or indeed anywhere in the home. Its subtle lighting, which glows through the coloured Murano glass, also helps to create a warm and relaxing ambience, particularly perfect for entertaining. Duravit uses groundbreaking technology for new Vero Air collection
The straight interior surface and precise edges of the Vero Air washbasins reflect the collection's linear charm. Binopolis puts squeeze on waste with new Titan Compactor Bin from Joseph Joseph
The innovative, integrated compaction system compresses the contents so it holds up to three times more than a similar single compartment bin. European Bathroom Forum promotes creation of environmental label
LDL launches Pullboy Z for Blum Legrabox
The popular Pullboy Z waste bin system has two separate compartments to facilitate efficient sorting of household rubbish and has previously only been available with Blum Antaro drawers supplied in component form. Intuitive control: A new remote control app for Geberit AquaClean Mera and Tuma
Alongside a simple-to-use control panel and intuitive remote control, the latest Geberit AquaClean shower toilets can also be operated via an app on an Android or Apple smartphone. |
Having observed washing machines being delivered and even carried upstairs, and seen the sweat (and sometimes blood and tears) that results, I know how heavy they can be. There's never really been a way around the problem, although a friend of mine did try removing the concrete block when moving house, to make the machine lighter. The only trouble was, he was unable to get it back exactly into place and as secure as it had been originally. As you can perhaps imagine, there was consequently no chance of conversation when the spin programme was running after the move, and adjacent cupboard doors used to sometimes swing open and things wriggle out, and recipe books above would fall over, thanks to the vibration. As an industry, we've done wonderfully well addressing the 'top-end' considerations regarding our white goods. They're almost personal assistants now, aren't they? As far as I'm aware though, little has been done to address the weight of the machine, when its' very weight is what's needed to keep it stable. Until now of course... I'm sure you'll have read in the news, about the team from Nottingham Trent University, which, working with Tochi Tech, has found a way to replace the concrete block (which I understand typically weighs some 25Kg), with a sealable plastic container that is filled with water to stabilise the machine, once the machine is in place. My first thought was that this is a wonderful idea. There is a downside though, because as concrete is denser than water, the water container will need to be a fair bit bigger than the blocks are, and thus the machines will need to be redesigned to incorporate the extra bulk. Does that mean that drums will have to be smaller as a result, I wonder? Or will machines become bigger (which comes with its own problems)? The other downside I can see is that the water in the container is going to be heated up and allowed to cool regularly. What effect will this have on its quality - and health & safety, I wonder? And what about those of us living in hard water areas... would that be an issue? If you have any thoughts on this, do please let me know... Yours,
This Week's News
BiKBBI announces latest member benefit The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) today announced a partnership with Diesel24, a fuel broker which will be providing members with access to discounted vehicle fuel nationally. Established in 2013, Diesel24 is a family run business based in Scotland and is one of the fastest growing fuel distributors in the UK. Its customers range from SME's operating single vehicles, to larger companies operating fleets. Alno AG - production continues After completing technical and organisational preparations, Alno AG has now been able to continue kitchen production at its German headquarters in Pfullendorf. Achieve instant kitchen appeal with Caple's new Ceramica island hood Caple's new Ceramica island hood (CR750) makes the perfect choice for those looking for a designer extractor with the wow factor.
This high-performance hood looks ultra-stylish too with a beautifully contoured ceramic body, which has been handcrafted for a unique finish with an impressive 690mm Diameter. Laufen collaborates with new Nobu Hotel Shoreditch Nobu Hotel Shoreditch has chosen Swiss bathroom brand Laufen as the manufacturer for its bathrooms at the striking new Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, which opened on 1st July 2017. One of London's most eagerly anticipated new hotels, the property is one of the first European hotels from the internationally renowned Nobu Hotels brand. Hoover Candy UK appoints specialist logistics partner to support independent retailers Hoover Candy UK has announced that it will work with independent trade specialist, Yusen Logistics, to provide the best possible service to its independent retail customers, a move in line with its ambition to be the 'supplier of choice'. Deliveries from across the freestanding, built-in and SDA divisions will be made during opening hours, from 09:00 - 17:00, with Yusen offering full hands-on support at each outlet, ensuring Hoover's independent retailers get an outstanding and specialist service. Virtu Goes Large with 900mm Cabinets... Following extensive feedback as well as market research of retailers, new taller wall units have been added to the Virtu kitchens collection, widening its appeal by increasing storage capacity and allowing a greater variety of configurations to be achieved. The 900mm tall wall units are available initially in the most popular Virtu styles, Expression Neo White Gloss, with Expression Concept Colour Finishes and Nouveau Concept Colour Finishes available to special order, and can be used in a variety of arrangements with other wall units. Insinkerator provides the perfect solution to food waste this Summer Summer is on its way and food waste rotting in a wheelie bin, waiting for collection, can attract unwanted pests and produce unpleasant odours. The optimal method to dispose of food waste is to compost, but this is not an option available to everyone.
Despite our best efforts, a small proportion of food waste is inevitable and many of us are faced with the difficulty of sustainably disposing of it. Wilsonart UK adopts Lean Six Sigma collaborative business approach Wilsonart UK, one of the largest manufacturers of decorative surfaces, has adopted the internationally recognised Lean Six Sigma techniques to help underpin their Operational Excellence strategy. Designed to eliminate waste, reduce unwanted variation and improve process flow, Lean Six Sigma is a combination of two powerful methodologies brought together to enhance overall customer experience and value, whilst keeping staff happy and motivated. Barwick appoint Bob Ashley as operations director Independent bathroom distributor Barwick has announced the appointment of Bob Ashley to the role of operations director. New trade catalogue from Croydex provides professionals with in-depth technical specifications Croydex has launched a new trade catalogue exclusively for professionals who need in-depth technical product information when working on bathroom projects. Designed in-house, the latest publication from the bathroom accessories specialist, is particularly useful for specifiers and architects as well as installers and builders merchants. Rotpunkt UK complete its latest series of training The future is bright for Rotpunkt partners and suppliers in the wake of its final batch of UK training days where attendees completed a series of comprehensive product training and received updates on current / future brand developments. Investing in IT security products alone is no silver bullet in battle against cyber crime In the wake of high-profile global ransomware attacks such as WannaCry and Petya, BT and KPMG have recently published a new cyber security report offering practical advice to businesses of all sizes on how best to manage their security journey and turn it into a business opportunity. The new report, 'The cyber security journey - from denial to opportunity', warns businesses against falling into dangerous traps as they deal with the complexity of securing a digital enterprise. 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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British Ceramic Tile develops digital proposition with upgrade of its website britishceramictile.com
Easy to navigate, the new site enables users to discover the company's product portfolio by need, filtering tile selection based on room, colour and style, to support consumers in their search for their ideal tile. Literature
The two Intelligent Style themed brochures are available as a 90-page full range edition which includes all cooking, hobs and hoods, cooling, dishwashing, and laundry products from built-in, built-under and freestanding categories and a 43-page freestanding only edition. Each Amica brochure is supported by a photographic trade price list. New brochure for Vitra Designer Collection
Shop the Blanco collection with the a la Carte brochure
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