ATLANTA -- The diminished presence of many of the appliance industry's largest manufacturers at last month's Kitchen/Bath Industry Show here allowed new and smaller brands to bask in the spotlight.

Among them was Blomberg, the U.S. arm of Turkey's Arcelik, Europe's No. 3 majap maker, which made its K/BIS debut with a full line of refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry products. The refrigerators, available in apartment-friendly bottom-mount and side-by-side configurations ranging from 10 cubic feet to 21 cubic feet, feature stainless-steel exteriors, an antibacterial carbon filter and interior coating, glass shelves and reversible doors.

Blomberg's dishwashers feature triple-layer insulation for quiet operation, five separate dishwashing programs, stainless-steel interiors, electronic controls and a three-way water-filtering system.

The washers, available in 2.1-cubic-foot and 2.35-cubic-foot models, offer automatic detergent dispensing, water adjustments and suds control; quick wash, super wash and extra rinse functions; and internal heaters for higher water temperatures.

Elsewhere, U.S. premium majap maker Dacor showed its new Epicure gas range, which features exclusive Illumina burner controls that glow in the brand's signature flame-blue to indicate that a burner is on.

The company also highlighted its Renaissance platform of wall ovens and cooktops, notable for their streamlined design and high-performance specs; the Energy Star-qualified Epicure and Integrated lines of freestanding, cabinet-depth, three-door refrigerators; its full suite of Preference kitchen appliances with color-infused glass front panels in six understated tones; and its Distinctive line of gas rangetops in new 30-inch and 36-inch widths. The units, which ship this month, feature Dacor's precision SimmerSear burners that provide professional-level accuracy over a wide range of cooking temperatures, the company said.

Also on hand at K/BIS was Kobe , the California range hood manufacturer, which introduced a new line of copper hoods and backsplashes, plus two new professional hood platforms: the CH-04 multi-style series, for wall mounting or under-cabinet installation, and the RA-05 wall-mounted European series.

W.C. Wood Seeks Bankruptcy Protection

Alan Wolf

GUELPH, ONTARIO -- W.C. Wood, the 79-year-old manufacturer of freezers, refrigerators and commercial dehumidifiers, has filed for reorganization under Canada's Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA), the equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S.

The company said its management team will remain responsible for day-to-day operations, albeit under the supervision of a court-appointed monitor that will also review its ongoing operations, assist with the development and filing of the restructuring plan, work with creditors and other stakeholders, and report to the Canadian courts.

Wood, which also produces standalone freezers for Whirlpool under the Amana brand, described the move as difficult, but said the process "will allow the company an opportunity to restructure its business and emerge ... as a stronger, viable company."

Industry observers believe the dramatic downturn in appliance demand could lead to more bankruptcies by smaller niche manufacturers this year.

<<Reed Business Information. All Rights Reserved. -- 06/02/2009>>