By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Miele Launches U.S. Oven Production: The first Miele Generation 7000 oven built in the U.S. has rolled off the assembly line at the luxury German appliance brand’s first American plant. The facility, located in Opelika, AL, will produce appliances designed specifically for the North American market, and service the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The operation will cut delivery time from weeks to a few days, while also reducing environmental impact. In its initial phase, the plant is producing 30-inch convection wall ovens, with ranges expected to begin assembly in April. Its workforce of 35 will ultimately grow to 150. Learn more here.
Scott Acquires Strasser: Strasser, a leading manufacturer of premium bathroom furniture and vanities, has been acquired by The Scott Group. Scott is a family-owned business operating in the U.S. and Australia with a portfolio of seven brands in the bath products and furniture sectors. Strasser’s operations will continue seamlessly out of its headquarters in Woodinville, WA. More detail here.
Capra Earns Top KBB Honor: Alena Capra, CMKBD, founder of Alema Capra Designs LLC in Fort Lauderdale, FL, has been named KBB magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year. Among her achievements, she hosts the weekly TV show SoFlo Home Project, writes a design column for Aventura magazine, engages in charitable design projects, and serves as a brand ambassador, design competition judge, speaker, and host at many industry events, including at KBIS. Learn more about Capra and KBB’s Praiseworthy Picks here.
Cyncly Unveils New Software: Design software developer Cyncly has launched Spaces Flex, a new web app that provides a combination of online consumer self-service for inspiration and design, personalized in-store assistance for design and sales, and seamless collaboration with professional designers for 3D space planning. It is an advancement of Cyncly’s Ideal Spaces solution for retailers, which supports the full customer journey from web to in-store retail, and is built on a cloud platform that’s accessible from anywhere. More detail here.
Amba, Hydro Systems Team Up: Hydro Systems, a family-owned manufacturer of custom bathing systems, has partnered with Amba Heated Towel Racks on a marketing initiative to create a cold-plunge customer experience in its showrooms. Recognizing the beneficial properties of cold-plunge therapy, Hydro offers its customers the opportunity to immerse themselves in a 38˚F bath, and then dry off with a towel heated by a freestanding Amba towel rack. “This towel warmer is especially helpful for customers who are experiencing cold plunge for the first time,” said Kenny Steinhardt, marketing director and plant manager for Hydro. “These newcomers are not used to the cold and when they get out of our bathtub, they cannot start warming back up quick enough.” Learn more about Amba Heated Towel Racks here and Hydro Systems here.
Chapter News
Jingle in Carolina: The Carolina Chapter invites you to “Mingle -n- Jingle” on Dec. 19, 5:30 pm, for its annual holiday party and CAM donation drive. The celebration takes place at Salice America, 2123 Crown Centre Drive in Charlotte. More info here.
