* KBZ-Logo-7.png

 

KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-newssince 2002
11th August 2017

 

We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.

 

Search
English French Spanish Italian German Dutch Russian Mandarin


Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.




International News
Products

Putting ergonomics into bathroom design with Geberit Acanto

* GEBERIT-orange.jpg
The new Geberit Acanto bathroom series is designed to meet the needs of the individual, with how we use the bathroom and what we store in it, informing its design.
more


Bertazzoni launches cooling lines

* Bertazzoni-cooler.jpg
Bertazzoni has launched a stylish French Door Refrigerator to complement its range of cooking appliances available in the UK.
more


The versatile panel solution for kitchen splashbacks and showers

* LUSTROLITE-Kitchen1.jpg
An advanced multi-layer acrylic panel that looks like glass, Lustrolite from Abacus Manufacturing Group is ideal for heavy-duty vertical applications, such as shower walls kitchen splashbacks in residential and commercial situations.

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.
more


Falmec introduces Soffio from the Circle Tech collection, featuring a Murano Glass canopy

* Falmec-soffio.jpg
Falmec has added an authentic touch of Italian heritage to its new Soffio extractor, which features a distinctive circular canopy constructed from hand blown Murano glass.

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.
more


Duravit uses groundbreaking technology for new Vero Air collection

* Duravit-Vero-Air.jpg
Duravit's new Vero Air retains the iconic, rectangular character of the Vero washbasins whilst introducing the company's patented c-bonded technology - combining the unmistakable character of the original with a new level or precision and perfect proportions.

The straight interior surface and precise edges of the Vero Air washbasins reflect the collection's linear charm.
more


Binopolis puts squeeze on waste with new Titan Compactor Bin from Joseph Joseph

* Binopolis.jpg
New from Binopolis, the Joseph Joseph Titan Compactor Bin 30030 - part of the brand's Intelligent Waste range - effortlessly combines form and function and is the perfect choice for kitchens that are short on space.

The innovative, integrated compaction system compresses the contents so it holds up to three times more than a similar single compartment bin.
more


European Bathroom Forum promotes creation of environmental label

* European-Bathroom Forum-label _142.jpg
The European Bathroom Forum, a new platform made up of 57 European manufacturers and nine Trade Bodies and associations from the bathroom industry, is promoting the creation of an environmental Water Label for the bathroom space.
more


LDL launches Pullboy Z for Blum Legrabox

* LDL-Pullboy-Z.jpg
LDL is extending its range of Wesco built-in household bins with the launch of the Pullboy Z with fully assembled Blum Legrabox drawer.

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.
more


Intuitive control: A new remote control app for Geberit AquaClean Mera and Tuma

* GEBERIT-intuitive.jpg
Operating the Geberit AquaClean Mera and Tuma shower toilets is now even simpler, with a new remote control app for smartphones. The remote control app with extra features makes operating the Geberit AquaClean Mera and Tuma shower toilets simpler than ever.

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.
more



Welcome to the

KBzine 

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...

www.facebook.com/KBzine  

Yours,

* Jan-new-15.jpg

Jan Hobbs

 

 


This Week's News

BiKBBI announces latest member benefit

* BiKBBI-benefit.jpgThe 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.
more


Alno AG - production continues

* Alno.jpgAfter completing technical and organisational preparations, Alno AG has now been able to continue kitchen production at its German headquarters in Pfullendorf.
more


Achieve instant kitchen appeal with Caple's new Ceramica island hood

* Caple-Ceramica.jpgCaple'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.
more


Laufen collaborates with new Nobu Hotel Shoreditch

* Laufen-Nobu.jpgNobu 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.
more


Hoover Candy UK appoints specialist logistics partner to support independent retailers

* Hoover-Candy_logistics.jpgHoover 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.
more


Virtu Goes Large with 900mm Cabinets...

* Virtu-Goes-Large.jpgFollowing 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.
more


Insinkerator provides the perfect solution to food waste this Summer

* Insinkerator-summer-waste.jpgSummer 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.
more


Wilsonart UK adopts Lean Six Sigma collaborative business approach

* Wilsonart-adopts-Lean-6.jpgWilsonart 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.
more


Barwick appoint Bob Ashley as operations director

* Barwick_Bob-Ashley.jpgIndependent bathroom distributor Barwick has announced the appointment of Bob Ashley to the role of operations director.
more


New trade catalogue from Croydex provides professionals with in-depth technical specifications

* Croydex-catalogue.jpgCroydex 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.
more


Rotpunkt UK complete its latest series of training

* Rotpunkt-UK-training.jpgThe 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.
more


Investing in IT security products alone is no silver bullet in battle against cyber crime

* Investing-in-IT.jpgIn 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.
more


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.

Search The KBzine:

How to contact us at The KBzine:
Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307 
Mobile: 07980 288 373

 

 

 

 

John Austen
Publishing Director
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Mobile: 07766 707 888
* John Austen-cutout-kbz.jpg

 

www.facebook.com/KBzine FB2.jpg

* Zenius_Media.jpg

REQUEST THE KBZINE HERE

The KBzine is broadcast every Friday. You may receive it FREE each week by clicking the link above.
To prevent this newsletter from getting swept up by overzealous email filters, we suggest that you add [email protected] to your address book.



Marketing

British Ceramic Tile develops digital proposition with upgrade of its website britishceramictile.com

* BCT-Homepage.jpg
British Ceramic Tile has launched an upgraded version of its website to better support retailers and consumers. Aspirational and informative, the newly revamped website is content-rich offering weekly updates on interior trends and real home makeovers, while providing a range of where to buy options including a 'find a retailer' facility.

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.
more



Literature

New brochure set for Amica

* Amica-brochure.jpg
Amica built-in and freestanding domestic appliances, Nottingham, has launched a new set of brochures and price lists.

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.
more


New brochure for Vitra Designer Collection

* VITRA-Designer-collection1.jpg
The VitrA Designer Collection has a new 450 page full-colour glossy brochure. The new perfect-bound 2017 directory provides the company's 180 plus specialist Showrooms of Excellence and contract customers with an easy-to-use bathroom manual each of VitrA's designer bathroom pieces.
more


Shop the Blanco collection with the a la Carte brochure

* Shop-the-Blanco.jpg
Choosing the perfect kitchen sink has never been simpler with the Blanco a la Carte Inset and Undermount Studio Collection brochure.
more



© The KBzine 2024.
Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Hall of Fame | Cookies | Sitemap