Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM OCTOBER 2016 48 GROWING TOGETHER WITH OUR STAFF "We benefit from the qualities that have distinguished and made Hansgrohe strong since its founding 115 years ago," says Klapproth. "Firstly, Hansgrohe has a deeply rooted culture of innovation, is uncompromisingly committed to quality that focuses on products that consistently provide customers with a higher level of added benefit, and on production processes that continually boost efficiency and productivity Secondly, our marketing strategy is based on systematic internationalization, which goes as far back as 1907, when the company first started exporting. Thirdly, we benefit from the exceptional commitment and flexibility of our employees– whom we know we can always count on," Thorsten Klapproth continued. CONTINUING TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE INDUSTRY To this day, Hans Grohe's pioneering spirit and enthusiasm for the element of water continue to inspire and influence the mixer and shower specialist. This enables Hansgrohe SE to continually set new standards and to be an industry trendsetter in the international bathroom and kitchen sectors. The company's innovations range from the shower bar (1953) to the world's first showerhead with adjustable spray modes (1968), to technologies such as water-saving aeration (2004) and the control of water flow at the touch of a button (2011). With the launch of "Allegra" in 1984, the Schiltach-based company was the first to make kitchen mixers with pull out sprays marketable. "Innovation has always been our top priority. But it's also clear that we never pursue innovation purely for its own sake. We design and develop new products that delight our customers because they offer true added value," says Thorsten Klapproth. The global player from the Black Forest also sets industry standards when it comes to design— a result of its longstanding collaboration with internationally acclaimed design greats such as Phoenix Design, Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Jean-Marie Massaud, Patricia Urquiola, the Bouroullec brothers, Front, Nendo and Barber & Osgerby. Hansgrohe SE ranks 10th among some 2,000 listed companies in this year's International Forum Design (iF) ranking of the world's best companies in the field of design. With 860 points, the Schiltach-based mixer and shower specialist takes the lead surpassing famous brands such as Apple, Daimler and Nike, while maintaining the number one position in the iF sanitation industry ranking. To find out more about Hansgrohe SE and its brands AXOR and Hansgrohe visit: www.facebook.com/hansgrohe or www.twitter.com/hansgrohe_pr. BLANCO LAUNCHES NEW DIAMOND ™ EQUAL DOUBLE BOWL DESIGN Classic style, lower divide made for the hardworking kitchen BLANCO combines stylish curves and convenient functionality with the launch of the new BLANCO DIAMOND ™ Equal Double Bowl with Low Divide. The new DIAMOND design offers a lower sink divide, making it easier to transfer heavy pots and pans from one bowl to the other during clean-up. Made from BLANCO's patented and durable SILGRANIT ® material, the DIAMOND makes rinsing large pots and pans simpler by allowing pot handles to fit over the sink divider. Made to fit large items and various shapes, the DIAMOND is available in 8 on-trend colors and a stylish bowl to match any décor style. "We continue to raise the bar on innovation by lowering the divide on the BLANCO DIAMOND sink – now allowing for even more flexibility with large pots and pans," states Tim Maicher, marketing director for BLANCO. "We mean it when we say the DIAMOND is made for the hardworking kitchen. For people who are constantly entertaining and hosting guests this is the ideal sink because it brings a new level of ease to prep and clean up. Pots and pans can take over a kitchen sink causing water to spill out, but now with the lower divide on the DIAMOND you can wash and rinse your large kitchen items while keeping your counters clean." The BLANCO DIAMOND comes in eight SILGRANIT color options including White, Biscuit, Biscotti, Café Brown, Truffle, Metallic Gray, Cinder and Anthracite. Custom accessories including Stainless Steel Grids and Dual Finish Soap Dispensers are optional and sold separately at prices ranging from $119-$145 each. P L U M B I N G [ N E W S ] BLANCO AMERICA

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