KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
2nd December 2011
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International News
Products Whirlpool celebrates Centenary
Whirlpool, the world's number one manufacturer of major home appliances, has held a series of events around the world to commemorate the company's 100 years. Whirlpool UK celebrated with several events throughout the year including an Employee Day, a Family Day and a classic tea party on the date of the company's 100th anniversary, 11th November 2011.
German manufacturer goes the extra mile
Aquadi launch to retail customers hailed 'huge success'
KitchenAid's new built-in Lab oven is packed with technology
Atag's 17-place setting dishwasher a perfect choice for festive season
HGTVRemodels.com features planning guides as US consumers resume spending With the US National Kitchen & Bath Association reporting a 42% increase in showroom visits and double-digit increases in remodel sales volume for kitchens (36%) and baths (85%) over one year ago, more homeowners will need the Kitchens and Baths planning guides on HGTVRemodels.com. In its quarterly Market Index Report released last week, the NKBA also found a 69% increase in revenue among kitchen and bath dealers since the third quarter 2010. NKBA Market Report : "Although optimism is faded, revenues continue to rise" The National Kitchen & Bath Association released the results of the US Kitchen & Bath Market Report for the third quarter, reflecting a rise in showroom traffic and an increase in kitchen remodels from one year ago. Although the number of bathroom remodels declined from the second quarter, results show a significant increase over the bathroom sales of a year ago. FIRA - CMA achieves renowned testing accreditation The Furniture Industry Research Association's Hong Kong furniture testing facility, FIRA-CMA Testing Services, is celebrating after achieving accreditation to the International Standard ISO 17025 from the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme for Physical and Mechanical Testing. AEG Neue Kollektion picks up nine iF Design Awards The iF Product Design Awards are amongst the most prestigious design awards in the world. This year, Electrolux has won a total of nine of the iF awards for its AEG Neue Kollektion products. The winning appliances were selected by an international jury who sifted through 2,923 entries from 48 countries. The winning appliances were assessed on the level of innovation, functionality, quality and ecological compatibility.
Carron Phoenix broadens appeal of Sapphira sink range with classic white
Kenmore introduces hybrid water softener and whole-home water filter With recent conversations and news highlighting water conditions, it's natural that Americans seek the highest in water quality in their homes. Today, the Kenmore brand is offering a comprehensive, household approach to water solutions that together, make water at home cleaner and better tasting while extending the life of the home's appliances. Leisure Sinks' new Spa Filter tap offers ultimate convenience
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Welcome to the
Apparently because of motoring laws and the lack of visual evidence regarding the accident, it's difficult for a claim to be disputed and these criminals are finding that it's a lucrative business - hence its growth. As a result, everyone's insurance costs go up, which adds to the struggle both us as individuals and companies that are trying to stay afloat in these troubled times, have to face. I had been wondering whether KBB industry drivers had been targeted in this way and also whether drivers with valuable loads of furniture and appliances now felt more vulnerable with the opening up of Europe's borders and the lackadaisical checks made on those coming and going. One of the stories this week reports on Mereway's use of video event data recording systems on its fleet and while it's really clever initiative I feel sad that the decline in moral standards in recent years has made it necessary. I daresay that while Mereway has 'rolled it out' across its fleet, such systems are going to be rolled out across the haulage industry in general. Yours,
Jan Hobbs
This Week's News
Nolte joins EQ as supplier partner
Electrolux Design Lab announces 2012 theme: Design Experience
Better information about lorry parking provision It was good news this week for the many drivers from overseas, whose job it is to deliver KBB products and equipment into the UK, with a comprehensive report on the availability and use of lorry parking facilities in England published by Roads Minister Mike Penning. Hansgrohe AG recognised as being amongst world's top in design
This year Hansgrohe has successfully improved its position again and climbed to Number 11 among the approx. 1,900 listed companies. With 780 points, the company, which was one of the first in the sanitary industry to tackle bathroom design back in the late 1960s, has also increased its advantage over direct competitors. Renowned brands such as Audi, Daimler, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Miele, Sony Ericsson, Thonet and Volkswagen are also positioned behind the Black F
As the name suggests, Kaos is designed to be wildly random even though there may be small and subtle pattern changes. The tiles have a textured surface that resembles floating bubbles in relief and the result is a refreshingly new, non-repetitive design with a distinct identity. Kaos can be used in both residential and commercial projects. Zen inspired bathrooms to relax in for hours!
Furniture Designer William Garvey has drawn inspiration from this style of bathing for his iconic Geo Bath and basin. Wooden baths or Ofuros are designed to stay warm for long periods and William Garvey's Geo bath has embraced these ideals within its striking teak design. Apollo Blinds debuts its new made-to-measure Roman blind collection for Spring 2012.
Marine tones of aqua and teal are perfect for bathrooms. This bright aqua twig-inspired 'Rocco' design will freshen up your bathroom and take you through the seasons - from Spring right through to Winter. Euroline becomes multi-award winning
Franke shows off the marvellous Minerva 3-in-1 Kettle tap
The five videos can be found by following a link directly from the company's home page. Videos include making tea and coffee,and how the tap's safety handle works. The final video shows how easy it is to fit the tank behind a standard 150mm plinth; an attribute which has proved a real selling point. T: 0161 436 6280 Carron Phoenix's Carlow combines classic appeal with popular sink sizing
The Carlow 150's large bowl measures 390 x 335 x 180mm with the smaller one 280 x 145 x 115mm, offering a functional sink space while fitting in a standard 600mm cabinet. Adding a stylish and modern touch is the Revolution overflow and basket strainer waste Insurance company pays for VEDR cameras in company fleet
K Kitchens from the PJH Group, has released its latest consumer kitchen brochure, entitled 'Kitchens to Love', featuring its largest ever collection of 62 kitchen furniture ranges. The 'Designed to Love' theme (and brand strapline) launched last year, flows throughout the stylish brochure, which has been designed for maximum consumer appeal and inspiration. Indesit Company raises record amount for Children in Need
Quick and easy sealant system now available at Tile Choice The complete range of products from the award-winning, sealant-taming CornerTape brand is now available from all 14 branches of Tile Choice throughout the Midlands. CornerTape guarantees quick and easy removal and application as well as a finishing touch of perfection to sealants in kitchens and bathrooms, and perfectly complements the retailer's huge selection of ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles, grouts, adhesives, tools and accessories. 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. News in Brief HiB has launched two compact, elegant basins in the lustrous Mineral Marble. T: 0208 441 0352 The Markit/CIPS Construction PMI released today shows continued growth but at a modest rate. E: [email protected] MFI has officially returned to the KBB industry this week, but this time as an online-only retailer. W: www.mfi.co.uk
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Aquavision sets up new manufacturing and distribution facility A pioneer in the design of waterproof and in-wall televisions (perfect for that pampered bathing experience!) Aquavision has made some major changes to its business. TTA rescues industry standards The Tile Association has come to the rescue of standards within the tiling industry by hosting the plenary meeting of the International Standards Organisation (ISO). In the world of Ceramic Tiles and Adhesives, it is this governing body that creates the standards to protect consumers and trade users. Apprenticeships: Vince Cable guarantees quality, slashes red tape and delivers cash boost for firms Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced new measures to ensure more young people benefit from an apprenticeship, and to help employers gain the skilled workers they need to grow. Karonia specified for sustainable development
Latest ONS construction industry output figures released today
The bulletin reveals that: Birmingham tradesman fined over asbestos release A Birmingham handyman has been prosecuted after releasing asbestos fibres while refurbishing a kitchen at a flat in Solihull. Women cook better living with a partner
FIRA leads the way on cutting carbon footprint of furniture industry The Furniture Industry Research Association will be sharing the findings of a key furniture industry research project that has assessed the feasibility of providing the UK furniture industry with product carbon footprint benchmarks. The event, which is open to those within the furniture industry, will be held on Tuesday 6th December, at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, between 10.00 and 16.00. People
Alan Hughes joins the Carron Phoenix sales team
Literature
New brochure and new collection from Lakes Bathrooms
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