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Kbbdaily news
WREN KITCHENS RECEIVES ISO ACCREDITATION FOR MANUFACTURING FACILITIES
Kitchen retailer Wren Kitchens has been awarded International Standards Organisation – ISO – accreditation for its manufacturing facilities in Barton-upon-Humber and Howden, which make more than 2,000 kitchens per week. The retailer’s Howden factory has also received ISO 45001 accreditation, which focuses on employee health, safety and welfare, as well as ISO 14001 for “proactively minimising its environmental impact”. “These recognitions further cement our name as an industry-leading kitchen manufacturer, and it’s thanks to the tremendous efforts of our Wren family for making this possible,” said Wren Kitchens manufacturing and logistics director Rafal Klimek. “We’re proud to say that we’re celebrating our tenth year in business and as we continue to expand at pace, we’re focusing on streamlining our processes and further developing initiatives to create a happy, safe and healthy workplace.”
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ARMITAGE SHANKS CREATES INCLUSIVE HOSPITAL WASHROOM FOR CHILDREN
Armitage Shanks has partnered with Royal Preston Hospital to create an “inclusive and welcoming” children’s washroom for the hospital’s paediatrics ward with a “sunny beach theme to put the children being cared for, as well as those around them, at ease”. The company refurbished the washroom and installed grab rails, back supports and a hoist to help support young patients with physical limitations. Armitage Shanks also installed back-towall, supportive toilets with an anti-microbial glaze to reduce the risk of infection. “We have worked on many hospital projects with the NHS and we were delighted to secure the contract with the Royal Preston Hospital’s Paediatric Ward, as we understand the importance of protecting vulnerable patients, especially children and disabled people,” said Ideal Standard senior sector marketing manager Tony Rheinberg. “Our ultra-reliable, researchdriven bathroom solutions were chosen to improve the safety of young patients and also actively minimise the spread of harmful bacteria across their premises. We very much look forward to working with the Royal Preston Hospital going forward and hope the children and young people of the ward enjoy using their new washroom.”
BMA REVEALS JUDGES FOR AGELESS BATHROOM DESIGN COMPETITION
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association – BMA – has revealed the judging panel for its first-ever ageless bathroom design competition, which was created to raise awareness of the importance of inclusive design and share best practice. The judging panel for the competition comprises Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering – CIPHE – CEO Kevin Wellman; OT Service director and occupational therapist Kate Sheehan; BMA technical director Andy Mclean; and Peter Gore, professor of practice (ageing and vitality) at Newcastle University Institute for Ageing. The competition has three categories – full bathroom, cloakroom and ensuite – and closes on the 30th August. The winners will be announced at the BMA’s 2019 Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference, taking place in Cheshire on the 8th October. “We are delighted to have secured such experienced and wellrespected specialists in this sector for the judging panel,” said BMA CEO Yvonne Orgill. “It is more important than ever that modern bathrooms deliver spaces that work for all, ensuring that everyone can wash and undertake personal hygiene with ease and enjoyment. We hope that our competition will highlight best practice and help promote the very best designers in this area.”
BLUM'S TURNOVER RISES BY €48M IN 2018/2019
Blum Group has seen its turnover increase by €48.7m – equivalent to 2.6% – in the 2018/2019 financial year, reaching €1.9bn, with 48% of the Austrian group’s turnover achieved in the EU and 15% in the US. The group has also formed a new management board, with managing director Gerhard Blum focusing on the Blum Group Holding, and managing directors Philipp Blum and Martin Blum heading up the company. They will be joined on the board by Urs Bolter and Gerhard Humpeler. Blum said in the 2018/2019 financial year, the market in Western Europe was “rather subdued” but there have continued to be “positive developments” in Central and Eastern Europe. The group added it will be investing in a new 49,000sq m product bay in its Bregenz plant. In terms of the 2019/2020 financial year, Blum said there is a “great deal of uncertainty” about future global economic development. “There are global signs of a slowdown in the dynamic growth of previous years,” said managing director Philipp Blum.
Kitchen manufacturer Omega Plc has said it is “so confident in the quality of all its premium kitchen furniture” that it has doubled its consumer guarantee on all cabinets from 10 to 20 years. “At Omega all of our kitchens are made for life, and our 20-year guarantee will assure customers that they’re made to be lived in and enjoyed,” said retail sales and marketing director Andrew North, pictured. “We are proud that all of our kitchens are manufactured in Yorkshire and inspired by the principles of great British design and craftsmanship, and happy to guarantee that all our cabinets will be free from defects in materials and workmanship, or else we’ll repair or replace them free of charge for a full 20 years.” North added: “At Omega we also cover all our doors, including all our exciting new ranges and vast painted range, as well as accessories for 15 years, so customers can enjoy their new kitchen with peace of mind knowing they are completely taken care of by our guarantee.”
ABODE KICKS OFF NEW SINKS AND TAPS SUMMER PROMOTION
Abode has launched several new “enticing” promotions to help its retailers “change their showrooms up ready for the new season” with the latest sink and tap ranges on offer. Running until the 30th September 2019, the promotion will allow retailers to take advantage of “significant and exclusive discounts” on Abode taps in Brushed Brass and Matt Black, including special display prices on Abode’s Atlas tap collection and Abode Swich water filter device. Abode is also offering a promotion on its Pronteau 4IN1 taps, and is encouraging retailers to “buy one to show and one to go” with a special discounted price for two taps. There are also summer promotions on Abode sinks, including large and single bowl granite and stainless steel models, as well as the new Matrix R15 extra large single bowl and Studio Compact.
