KitchenAid Cooks For The Cure
April 20, 2008
“Pink for a Week” continued Friday with items from KitchenAid’s “Cook for the Cure” line.
All items in the collection are pink or have pink banding in honor of breast cancer awareness. Audience members on the plaza Friday morning received an adorable pink chef’s chopper.
KitchenAid’s “Cook for the Cure” was created in 2001 to give those with a passion for cooking a way to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the fight against breast cancer.
To date, the product line has raised almost $4 million through donation-with- purchase programs, special fundraising events, auctions and grassroots initiatives.
A global leader in the fight against breast cancer, the Komen Foundation supports innovative breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world.
KitchenAid Selects Saatchi & Saatchi
April 20, 2008
KitchenAid, the appliance and kitchen-equipment maker owned by the Whirlpool Corporation, said yesterday that it had selected Saatchi & Saatchi in New York, part of the Publicis Groupe, to handle its account. Billings were estimated at $30 million.
KitchenAid assignments had been handled for 20 years by N. W. Ayer & Partners in New York, part of the Bcom3 Group, which was absorbed in April by a Bcom3 sibling, the Kaplan Thaler Group in New York. The merger ”was an opportunity for us to think about our business and where our business is going to be best served,” said Brian Maynard, brand director for integrated marketing for KitchenAid Home Appliances in Benton Harbor, Mich.
About 10 people who had worked on KitchenAid at Ayer, then at Kaplan Thaler, will join Saatchi & Saatchi to work on the account there, Mr. Maynard said. The shift expands the Whirlpool relationship with Publicis, which handles the company’s Whirlpool brand globally.
GE Monogram® Introduces Built-in All-Refrigerators and All-Freezers, Re-imagined with All-New Style Options and Interior Features
April 20, 2008
Completely re-imagined with new style options, improved lighting, and interior storage features, GE Monogram® All-Refrigerators and All-Freezers offer new possibilities for food preservation and kitchen design.
Wide-Open Fresh Food Storage, with Brilliant Illumination on Every Level
Opening the door of the 36-inch All-Refrigerator sheds brilliant light on the difference these units can make in the home. A halogen-lighting system recessed into the ceiling of the refrigerator casts a glow over all contents, without compromising space. A slimmer control panel also frees up space.
Adjustable, spill-proof glass shelves easily accommodate baking sheets and party platters, and gallon-size door bins make room for large containers.
The Monogram 36-inch All-Freezer offers the same brilliant interior lighting. Additionally, the all-new ice drawer in the freezer provides easier access to ice — for everyone in the family, including the kids. The All-Freezer also features slide-out baskets and gallon-size door bins.
Advanced Features that Can’t Be Seen or Heard
All models also offer advanced features that make a substantial impact in the kitchen, without making themselves visible. Hidden discreetly behind the hinged overhead panel is GE’s water filtration system, which provides clean, fresh-tasting water for the freezer’s icemaker without taking up valuable space in the fresh food section. A variable speed compressor allows quiet operation and energy-efficient performance. In fact, Monogram’s All-Refrigerators and All-Freezers meet 2008 ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency.
Sleek Sophistication, with Ease of Installation
Monogram has drastically reduced trim kits in the All-Refigerators and All-Freezers. Now, all models can be built into cabinetry and installed together without the need for additional kits. Depending on your lifestyle needs, you may prefer to keep the All-Refrigerator close at hand in the kitchen, while installing the All-Freezer in the pantry or near other food-preparation zones.
Also designed to coordinate with other Monogram products, new All-Refrigerators and All-Freezers are now available in three distinct styles:
Professional models — The premium-grade 304 stainless steel exterior conveys both a sense of solidity and beauty with heavy-duty tubular handles, louvered grille and chamfered, hand-finished edges.
Integrated models — Heavy-gauge 304 stainless steel extends completely across the doors, wrapping beautifully around the edges. Long, slim tubular handles enhance the overall look and feel.
Custom models can be personalized to match the cabinetry in your kitchen and include your choice of handles.
The estimated retail prices* of Monogram built-in All-Refrigerators are $6,049-$6,249 (professional) and $4,899-$5,899 (integrated and custom). The price ranges of the Monogram built-in All-Freezers are $6,249-$6,449 (professional) and $5099-$6099 (integrated and custom).
For more information, please visit www.monogram.com.
GE Consumer & Industrial spans the globe as an industry leader in major appliance, lighting and integrated industrial equipment, systems and services. Providing solutions for commercial, industrial and residential use in more than 100 countries, GE Consumer & Industrial uses innovative technologies and “ecomagination,” a GE initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that help customers and consumers meet pressing environmental challenges, to deliver comfort, convenience and electrical protection and control. General Electric (NYSE: GE) brings imagination to work, selling products under the Monogram®, Profile™ GE®, Hotpoint®, SmartWater™ Reveal®, Edison™ and Energy Smart™ consumer brands, and Entellisys™ industrial brand. For more information, consumers may visit www.ge.com.
Whirlpool Corporation’s Michael Todman and Charles Jones to Speak at @issue Business and Design Conference
April 20, 2008
Whirlpool
Corporation (NYSE: WHR) announced that Michael A. Todman, president,
Whirlpool North America and Charles L. Jones, vice president of Global
Consumer Design will speak at the @issue Business and Design Conference in
New York, N.Y., at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2008.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040202/DETU004LOGO )
At Whirlpool Corporation, design is intrinsically tied to the success
of the company. Design helps ensure that the company’s innovative products
appeal to and meet consumers’ changing needs and help to drive sales.
Product design is a critical factor in Whirlpool Corporation’s approach to
differentiating its products in the marketplace.
“At Whirlpool Corporation, we believe that great design is based on a
deep and clear understanding of consumer needs and the ability to deliver a
great consumer experience,” said Todman. “Our commitment to design is based
on a solid understanding of the value of design to business performance.”
Todman and Jones will share insights into how Whirlpool connects design
to its business strategy and how the company’s shift in its approach to
design has positively impacted the company’s growth. They also will explain
how Whirlpool uses design to create a visual “language” that differentiates
each of its global brands.
Since 1999, Whirlpool Corporation’s Global Consumer Design department
has successfully demonstrated the positive impact design can have on the
company’s business performance. This success has led to the company’s
increased commitment to design, which is based on a clear understanding by
upper management of the impact design can have in driving revenue.
Whirlpool Corporation was recently recognized for its product designs
by several third-party organizations including:
— Spark Award for the Whirlpool brand Duet laundry pair with steam
technology. The laundry pair reflects Whirlpool Corporation’s new
visual brand language that was created to leverage the brand to create
brand-appropriate user experiences.
— The “water drop” shape of the Duet door and control area were
developed as a visual metaphor for clean and fresh. The bowed
surfaces were used to create slightly feminine qualities that
appeared to cradle the clothes inside.
— Appliance Design magazine awarded Whirlpool Corporation Gold for its
KitchenAid brand Architect Series II built-in double oven, Silver for
its Whirlpool brand Duet steam washer and Bronze for its KitchenAid
brand Architect Series II built-in refrigerator and Maytag brand EpicZ
washer in arctic blue.
— With clean lines and chiseled surface details, the KitchenAid brand
Architect Series II built-in oven and refrigerator offer a strong
visual expression of KitchenAid brand’s commitment to outstanding
craftsmanship.
— The EpicZ washer’s robust lines and heavy-duty components emphasize
Maytag brand’s commitment to building the longest-lasting washers
on the market. The arctic blue color compliments the latest
interior design trends and increasing consumer interest in designer
colors for appliances.
— Good Design Award for the KitchenAid brand blender and toaster.
— The blender is designed to meet the high expectations of KitchenAid
consumers and offers a 56 ounce polycarbonate jar, a powerful motor
housed in heavy die-cast metal base and seamless clean-touch
controls.
— The toaster offers high-performance and features in a strong
design, which helps bridge the gap in the toaster market between
feature-driven and luxury-driven, by offering the best of both.
Todman was named president, Whirlpool North America in June 2007. He
has been a member of the board of directors of Whirlpool Corporation since
January 2006. Prior to his current assignment, Todman was President,
Whirlpool International, a position he assumed in December 2005. Todman
began his career with Whirlpool in 1993 as director, Finance, United
Kingdom.
Jones joined Whirlpool in 1995 as a leader in the Advanced Product
Concepts group. He is currently the vice president of Global Consumer
Design at Whirlpool Corporation and oversees a global staff of industrial
designers, product engineers, anthropologists, interaction designers,
design strategists and human factors engineers.
The Third Annual @issue Business and Design Conference will focus on a
series of business success stories that illustrate the role of design in
increasing market share and profit while improving the quality of life. It
is organized by the Corporate Design Foundation, a non-profit education and
research organization that was founded on the belief that design can make a
major contribution to both an individual’s quality of lie and to a
corporation’s success. Additional information about the Corporate Design
Foundation can be found at http://www.cdf.org .
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer
of major home appliances, with 2006 annual sales of approximately $19
billion, more than 73,000 employees, and more than 70 manufacturing and
technology research centers around the world. The company markets
Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and
other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the
world. Additional information about the company can be found at
http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com .
Sub-Zero and Wolf Appliances Showcased in Meredith Design Idea Center at K/BIS
April 20, 2008
Sub-Zero, Inc. and Wolf Appliance, Inc., the industry leaders in refrigeration, wine storage and cooking equipment, has partnered with Meredith Corporation and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) to incorporate its products into the 2008 Design Idea Center at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS), April 11-13 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The 10,000-square-foot Design Idea Center (Booth S4058 in the South Hall) features kitchen and bath designs from five of Meredith’s consumer magazine titles – Kitchen and Bath Ideas, Better Homes and Gardens, Traditional Home, Country Home and Midwest Living.
In the 2008 Design Idea Center titled “Your Kitchen. Your Bath. Your Way. Designs for Every Lifestyle and Life Stage,” each magazine brand has created a fresh and unique look that addresses the needs of women as they progress through life. Whether she’s a young professional, a new mother, a mom-onthe- go or an active empty nester, this year’s Design Idea Center provides useful and stylish spaces for her life, her way. Other trends include eco-friendly design, spaces to entertain, aging- in- place, indoor/outdoor living, technology, organization and storage.
“At Sub-Zero and Wolf, we manufacture the highest-quality and reliable kitchen appliances designed to complement any home and any lifestyle,” said Paul Leuthe, Sub-Zero and Wolf’s corporate marketing manager. “We are pleased to have been chosen to be part of the Design Idea Center. It is an ideal venue to showcase just how versatile our products are and how they can be seamlessly integrated into any kitchen and home design.”
Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances are integrated into four of the five varied design spaces within the Design Idea Center (the fifth is bath-focused and does not contain appliances):
Hostess Extraordinaire – Kitchen and Bath Ideas
The kitchen is often the hub of a busy household with teenage kids, and Kitchen and Bath Ideas has designed a space to fit this center of activity. Recognizing that a mother of teenagers is part chauffeur, part chef, part counselor, and yet someone who also loves to entertain friends in her “spare” time, Kitchen and Bath Ideas’ teen-friendly kitchen can morph into an ideal entertainment space where adults enjoy gathering. With a functional mudroom/laundry room, butler’s pantry for serving, and banquette for ample seating near the prominent flat-screen television, this kitchen can handle “teen central” and more.
This space includes a Sub-Zero 736TC Refrigerator/Freezer, 700BR Refrigerator Drawers and a 424 Wine Storage unit (in the butler’s pantry), plus a Wolf 30-inch Double Oven, 30-inch Warming Drawer, 36-inch Gas Cooktop, 36-inch Ventilation Hood, and Wolf Microwave.
Organizer-in-Chief – Better Homes and Gardens
Better Homes and Gardens’ “Everyday Easy” kitchen is designed to help make life easier for busy families. This super-organized and eco-friendly kitchen helps make it easier to get dinner on the table, keep everyday tasks and clutter under control, and spend time together in a space that’s as much family room as it is kitchen. Innovations include a recycling center, recycled-content countertops and flooring, and a mudroom with customizable pullout cabinets for everyone’s stuff.
In this design space, Sub-Zero features a 736TC Refrigerator/Freezer, and Wolf features a 30-inch Induction Cooktop, Ventilation Hood, 30-inch Single Oven, and Microwave. Also in the pantry is a Sub-Zero 700BC Refrigerator Drawer.
Mother Starting Out – Country Home
Country Home’s kitchen, mudroom and laundry/multi-task room work hard for the young family without sacrificing style. Easy-living Corian countertops take on the feel of marble and soapstone, laminate floors look like reclaimed wood, and glass front cabinets featuring a new “lace-look” pattern, make for easy organization. A technology station, flexible built-in seating, and an island with a second tier of countertops that doubles the work space, offer solutions for the woman balancing her growing family and her taste for beautiful surroundings.
The kitchen in this design features a Classic Stainless glass door Sub-Zero 650G Refrigerator/Freezer (650G), and a Wolf 30-inch Dual Fuel Range, with 15-inch Steamer, along with a Wolf Microwave.
Future Thinker – Midwest Living
As 78 million baby boomers head toward new phases in their life journey, many are looking to stay in their homes for years of cooking, entertaining and active living – and Midwest Living has created the ideal space. This kitchen and bath offer thoughtful conveniences for future needs through a design aesthetic that combines both comfort and style. Integrated wider traffic patterns – accommodating cabinet design, sit-down workspaces and lever controls, among other amenities – are all ideal design choices for the smart woman planning this new, exciting chapter of her life.
A Sub-Zero 736TC Refrigerator/Freezer completes this design, along with a Wolf 36-inch Induction Cooktop, Wolf Single Oven, Wolf Warming Drawers, and Wolf Microwave.
Sub-Zero Launches New Built-In Refrigerators
April 20, 2008
Sub-Zero, Inc., the industry leader in premium refrigeration and wine storage equipment, announced a complete overhaul of its popular line of design-focused, built-in models. The revamped line, available this fall, underscores Sub-Zero’s commitment to design flexibility with new creative options and builds on the company’s expertise in food preservation with groundbreaking new features.
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Viking Announces New Vice President-Sales
April 20, 2008
Basil Larkin has joined Viking Range Corporation as vice president-sales. In this position, Larkin will be responsible for overseeing all sales of Viking products throughout the United States and Canada. He will travel extensively to work with the company’s regional sales managers, independent distributors, retail appliance dealers, kitchen dealers, and builder suppliers.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080207/CLTH108 )
“Basil is a highly respected professional with extensive experience in our industry,” said Fred Carl, Viking founder and CEO. “We are very pleased that Basil has become a member of our organization. His expertise will further enhance our already strong sales and distribution network.”
Before joining Viking, Larkin served in several sales management positions in the appliance industry. He began his career in the appliance industry with Amana Refrigeration, serving as inside territory sales manager and territory sales manager. He later joined BSH where he excelled in many key positions, beginning with zone sales manager and national sales manager before being promoted to general manager Northeast, U.S. and Canada and finally general manager U.S. retail sales. Larkin also served as vice president and general manager of HADCO, a current regional distributor of Viking Range Corporation.
Larkin received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Massachusetts. He and his wife, Marcia, have two children and live in the Boston suburb of Southborough.
Viking Range Corporation is a culinary lifestyle company that originated ultra-premium commercial-type appliances for the indoor and outdoor kitchen. Viking is headquartered in Greenwood, Mississippi. Viking major appliances are sold through a network of premium appliance distributors and dealers worldwide, and Viking culinary products are sold through a network of premium gourmet retailers.
To request product information, please contact Viking toll-free at 888.845.4641, or visit the web site at vikingrange.com. VIKING is a registered trademark of Viking Range Corporation.
Kohler Launches Articulating Kitchen Faucet
April 20, 2008
What does the ultimate in functionality for a kitchen faucet really mean? For Kohler Co. – a global leader in kitchen and bath design and technology – ultimate functionality can be defined as a kitchen faucet that possesses the functionality and performance of a pull-down faucet, while also allowing the user to position and leave the sprayhead right where it’s needed, thereby freeing up both hands for kitchen prep and clean-up tasks. To develop a kitchen faucet that satisfied this requirement was the tall task presented to the Kohler new product development team.
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Wolf Appliance Features New E Series Oven
April 20, 2008
Wolf Appliance, Inc., a leading manufacturer of premium cooking appliances, features its new E Series oven line. The E Series offers consumers greater design flexibility and cooking confidence while still incorporating the impressive technologies that consumers have grown accustomed to with Wolf.
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