KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
1st March 2019
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 International News
Products New Infinity: a design to suit bathrooms of any size or shape
As with all of Crosswater's products, quality and long-lasting durability come as standard across the range of Infinity shower enclosures. Surrounded by a contemporary polished stainless steel frame, 8mm toughened glass offers a superior power shower-proof surface that will withstand the daily wear-and-tear of multi-person use. Introducing Köngistone: Feel at home
New space saving cooling from Amica
The fridge is 1235mm high so there's an impressive 204 litres of cooled storage space - perfect for fresh foods. It has four shelves, a roomy salad crisper, four spacious door balconies and has an A+ energy rating. Practical, adaptable Evolve - top choice for Nest Kitchens' community project
Unidrain: an exact fit for Copenhagen's Luxury Hotel Herman K
45-litre cooling perfect second-tier option for retailers
The brand which launched with Exertis late last year is now unveiling a retro-inspired compact countertop refrigerator as it's second product for the UK and European markets. Bushboard invests in award-winning Nuance
New Valarte makes classic current
Schmidt makes the impossible possible
Franke launches retailer incentive scheme for hoods
Franke has launched its first ever retailer reward and incentives scheme for its hood category and it is in operation now. Retailers can open a direct account with Franke to purchase hoods from its extensive portfolio, while also earning attractive margins. New Hotpoint freestanding microwave provides extra cooking space
The industrial element is reflected through the smart cube-shaped units, reflective of warehouse storage shelving, and dark coloured tin handles (no 672 from Keller's range) which can be matched with aluminium framed display cases (as pictured). The Bolton model is also available in Concrete, Rust and Marble White. Rotpunkt urges KBB industry to support further education apprenticeships
Helping to 'provide a clear path into the kitchen industry', this announcement marks an important step for a qualification that sits just under the Level 4 & 5 FDA Foundation Degree in Kitchen Design, currently offered. |
I was reminded by a comment on Facebook by the Domestic Cleaning Alliance's Stephen Munton, about a range of Electrolux vacuum cleaners which - when I wrote about them in KBzine in 2010 - I'd hoped would soon become widely available. As well as their striking appearance, what made them extra special was the fact that they'd been manufactured from waste plastics collected from the ocean... something useful being made from something bad... Stephen mentioned that back in the late 1990s, Dyson made the 'DC02 Recyclone' cylinder vacuum cleaner out of waste plastic from the factory. The intention was to eventually collect and recycle worn-out Dyson cleaners from customers, so as to continue making the Recyclone, but, sadly, this was never followed through. What got both Stephen and me reminiscing was a video I'd posted (www.facebook.com) of a boat which is sailing 500km along the coast of Kenya to raise awareness of plastic pollution. Called the Flipflopi, it's made from 10 tons of waste collected on the Kenyan coastline, including 30,000 recycled flip-flops to make the hull and decking! The boat is mooring up to visit schools along the way so those on board can share their views with teachers and pupils on the problems created by plastics and provide insights into repurposing the waste they create.
The expedition has already inspired the city of Mombasa to close down a mismanaged dumpsite and get 22 major hotels to ban single-use plastic bottles and straws, so it's doing well. Kenya introduced the world's toughest plastic bag ban in 2017, decreeing that those producing, selling or using plastic bags could be imprisoned for four years or faced with a fine of up to $40,000. I wonder what delights could be produced from waste plastics if these penalties were to be applied to anyone discarding plastic of any sort? After all, if Electrolux and Dyson can make covetable appliances from waste plastics, why can't everyone else? Now... flip-flop boat to take me exploring the seas or a colourful vacuum cleaner to help me with the housework... it's really a no-brainer, isn't it? Yours,
 This Week's News
KBSA says rise in induction hobs is changing dominance of gas in the kitchen
KBSA former retail chair and showroom owner Tina Riley says: "We have not sold a gas cooker for almost 10 years now; built in electric ovens and induction hobs are by far the most popular choices. Gas hobs are now very rare, unless customers are opting for a range cooker, when they are most likely to opt for electric ovens and gas hobs. IDS recruits Jason Neve as new national business development manager for Worktops
Jason comes with 32 years of experience in the KBB industry, having begun work as a kitchen designer with Magnet before moving into distribution, working for George E Grey, Chambers International Products, Wilsonart and later Montague Meyer. He also ran a solid surface fabrication business called Universal Solid Surface. For the past 14 years, Jason held the role of key account manager at Bushboard. Record-breaking year in 2018 for LDL
Wren Kitchens joins Britain's best manufacturers
Around 2,000 kitchens a week are delivered fully built, including all doors, drawers, wirework and baskets, and Wren has supplied kitchens worth over £1 billion in the last three years. XSquare bathroom furniture range secures Duravit the iF Design Award 2019
The XSquare furniture range is both impressive and striking, with contemporary, elegant style. The quadrant-shaped chrome profile which edges the furniture emphasises its characteristic design. On the floor-standing model, the transition from the body of the furniture to the base is absolutely seamless. Neighborly acquires Dream Doors
The deal includes 91 locally-owned and operated franchise showrooms of Dream Doors across the UK, specialising in fully-fitted kitchen makeovers, replacement doors and countertops and the installation of new appliances. As a result, Neighbourly UK now consists of a total of six brands, including Aire Serv, Bright & Beautiful, Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, Drain Doctor, Mr. Electric and Dream Doors, and three support offices in Banbury, Manchester Industrial design on tap with new Hex range
The retail member is Signature Kitchen Designs, which has two showrooms in Petersfield and Grayshott, Hampshire.
"We are delighted that the Nuance range is now available on ArtiCAD," comments Paul Findlay, product sales manager for Nuance. "The ArtiCAD system means that consumers and specifiers can get a clear view of how the panels will look in any bathroom - and allows retailers to present different options for those who have problems making a buying decision." Smeg UK announces super Spring offer for its retailers
This lovely upselling tool will be available with the brand's most in-demand sizes, from 90cm, 100cm and 110cm. Swan celebrates successful 2018
Established in 2017, named aptly as the Fearne by Swan range, Swan Products produced a collection of colourful kitchenware and cookware items available in four on-trend pastel colours. In 2018, the range extended with the arrival of the Fearne by Swan Housewares collection. Franke launches redesigned brochure for 2019
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clicking the link above. Recent News
Farnborough's first Homebuilding & Renovating Show smashes expectations
Most KBSA retail members have confidence in supply chains - whatever Brexit brings
Bertazzoni teams up with EQ Software Italian kitchen appliance manufacturer, Bertazzoni, has partnered with EQ Software to provide retailers with simple and easy access to its product portfolio. Since launching in the UK in May 2017, Bertazzoni has built a robust network of trusted stockists and distributors to ensure consumers have access to a high calibre of retail partners across the UK. Bora demonstrates the future of kitchen technology at architect@work
Membership continues to grow for KBSA
Uform reduces paint-to-order lead times Kitchen manufacturer and distributor Uform is pleased to announce a reduction in lead times for its Paint-to-Order timber items. This latest development means that Paint-to-Order timber items are now back to a 10- day lead time, which comes as a result of the company's recent £4million investment programme which was completed at the end of 2018. Marketing
Wilsonart launches #wilsonartquestionhour
Winter promotions for Bushboard Evolve: Love to Shop on Every Evolve Surface + Free Evolve Displays
Literature
New 2019 bathroom brochure by MGS is exclusively available from Grange Design
Featuring a host of solid stainless steel eco-friendly taps and shower solutions for the contemporary homeowner. |
