By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Miele to build new U.S. plant: German premium appliance giant Miele has revealed plans to open its first production plant in the U.S. to serve the North American market. Potential sites are under consideration in the U.S., and the new facility is expected to begin operations at the end of 2024, ultimately with a workforce of 150. The new factory in North America will serve the U.S., Canada and Mexico with products, mainly cooking appliances, and provide shorter lead times and reduced transportation, resulting in less environmental impact. This will be Miele’s 16th production facility. It currently has eight plants in Germany, another six throughout Europe and one in China. Miele’s U.S. headquarters is in Princeton, NJ. More info here.
Caesarstone’s latest launch: Surfacing company Caesarstone has expanded its offering with a new porcelain collection and a natural stone line. Designs include natural marble, concrete and metal, featuring heightened veining, palpable textures and patterns. The porcelain offers the same non-porous health and maintenance advantages as its quartz selections. The company says its porcelain is highly durable, withstands stains and scratches, is heat-resistant and suitable for indoor or outdoor applications. Learn more here.
PDI’s brand refresh: PDI Kitchen, Bath & Lighting is marking its 50th year in business with a refreshed brand identity and new logo. Founded in 1973 as Plumbing Distributors Inc. in Lawrenceville, GA, PDI is a family-owned kitchen, bath and lighting retailer. The brand has 26 locations across Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, including the first two Kohler Signature showrooms in the Southeast. It also runs an extensive wholesale distribution business. The new identity reflects the company’s expansion, brand evolution and modern business approach. Learn more about PDI here.
Industry News
Smart cooktops seen at $2.3B in 8 years: The market for smart cooktops is expected to more than double from $1.1 billion to $2.3 billion in annual sales by 2031, according to Transparency Market Research. Improved design and technology, enhanced energy efficiency and lower environmental impact are credited for boosting demand. Transparency Market Research has more detail here.
Sustainability plays key role: A recent Houzz study revealed that 92 percent of homeowners incorporate sustainable features in kitchen renovations, including LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances and windows, and water-efficient fixtures. Long-term cost savings was the top-cited reason for incorporating environmentally friendly elements, according to the survey. More here.
Lumens’ competition lights up: Lumens is holding a Design Luminaries Competition, which recognizes design students and emerging design businesses and their mentors. Entrants will conceptualize a collaborative design space, with plans for at least two of the following zones: lounge, breakout space, presentation room, sample bank showroom and main coworking space. Prizes will be awarded for current students studying design, architecture or color, as well as small businesses that have been open for at least two years. Submission is through May 19. For details and to enter, go here.
Trade Events
Green Builder Sustainability Symposium: Join Green Builder Media for its seventh annual “Sustainability Symposium 2023: The Great Conversion.” The virtual summit will be held on April 19 and 20, and will cover topics including the nation’s transition to electrification, decarbonizing the built environment, transforming urban communities and more. The forum is sponsored by Whirlpool Corp and Trane Technologies. Registration is free. Click here for more info.
Chapter News
Learn the latest NKBA Guidelines with Rocky Mountain: The Rocky Mountain Chapter will host an informative session with architect Doug Walter to discuss NKBA’s latest guidelines on April 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees may purchase a copy of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines, Fourth Edition Spiral Bound, at a discounted price. They can pick up the guide on the night of the event at Architectural Surfaces Denver, 10000 E 40th Avenue in Denver. NKBA members are $25, non-members are $35 and there is no charge for students. Info and registration here.
Not so trivial: Join the Alaska Chapter for its annual Trivia Night on May 18, 6 to 8 p.m., at Ferguson, 151 E. 95th Avenue in Anchorage. Earn .2 CEU credits for participating in this fun evening with food, drinks and friends. Cost is $20 for NKBA members, $25 for non-members. Register here.
