Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM APRIL 2014 32 • Sophisticated lever design: The KWC ZOE operates with a delicate, yet robust, low-profile lever that blends discreetly into the background, thanks to its dark color. Using an innovative sliding mechanism, this pleasantly tactile lever moves smoothly in three different directions to control flow and temperature. Water temperature is controlled by pulling the lever forward for colder water, or pushing it back for hot— opposite the way most faucets operate. This common-sense feature is designed to protect young children from coming in contact with excessively hot water. Offering maximum convenience, safety and style for residential and select commercial applications, the new KWC ZOE encapsulates all the kitchen faucet expertise of KWC. "Our intent was to bring something new to the luxury kitchen faucet market," says NOA's Michael Lammel, "a completely new and original product that embodies the Swiss image of precision, perfection and simplicity." KWC ZOE has been honored with the prestigious Design Plus powered by ISH 2013 award for its outstanding and exceptionally innovative design. The faucet is available in two finishes: chrome, with a list price of $1,250; and splendure ™ stainless steel, $1,925. For more information on KWC ZOE, visit: www.kwc.ch/english/ products /private-use /linie-detail /line /show / Lines /k wc-zoe. PRIDE FAMILY BRANDS ANNOUNCES 2014 MANUFACTURING CAPACITY EXPANSION – FULL IMPLEMENTATION SLATED FOR MARCH 2014 Pride Family Brands, award-winning designer and manufacturer of luxury casual furniture and accessories announces the completion of an expansion to its manufacturing facilities at its San Jose, Costa Rica plant. An additional 20 percent manufacturing capacity has been in the process of activation since October 2013 with full completion scheduled for March of this year. The expansion is in response to the robust order origination Pride experienced in customer orders in the September through December 2013 timeframe. Pride Family Brands also anticipates a significant growth in custom orders during March through August 2014. "The plan for expansion of our manufacturing capacity has been in the works for several seasons as we have seen robust annual growth since 2010," said Steve Lowsky, president, Pride Family Brands. "As 2013 was a particularly strong growth year for our company and with the expectation of continued double digit growth in 2014, the time had come to move forward with the expansion plan." The additions of three production cells and welding suites, the activation of increased paint line capacity and an increased cut and sew capacity are included in the manufacturing expansion. Upon full completion, the facility will see a 20 percent increase across its total manufacturing capacity. "We are excited about the plant expansion and feel it is a direct result of our continued development of highly saleable products with a strong quality commitment delivered in a very disciplined shipping window," Lowsky said. "This, coupled with a rebounding U.S. economy and improved consumer confidence, has resulted in several years of double digit growth for our brand. This expansion will enable us to meet the critical needs of our customers for quality and timely delivery. We have a responsibility to our dealers to continue to perform within our stated lead times while maintaining the strong quality standards our dealers expect." Pride Family Brands has had manufacturing operations in San Jose, Costa Rica since 1984. This production facility operates with total vertical integration and includes cast aluminum foundry, welding, sewing, and finishing departments. Recognized as an award-winning manufacturer, Pride Family Brands produces luxury outdoor cast and extruded aluminum casual furniture and accessories that are sold through retailers across the U.S.A. and Canada. For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit: www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ] RO

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