By Dianne M. Pogoda
COMPANY NEWS
KOHLER, CEDIA TEAM UP: CEDIA, the home tech integrators’ trade association, has partnered with plumbing giant Kohler Co. to give U.S. CEDIA members access to exclusive discounts and benefits. CEDIA members can access these offers through the organization’s Propel affinity program. Members in priority markets of Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco will also get early access to Kohler’s Authorized Service Rep (ASR) program to connect integrators to Kohler customers needing service, warranty and setup support during new installations. CEDIA members who are accepted into the program will receive additional training and entrance into Kohler’s business portal. For more information, click here.
COSENTINO LAUNCHES LOYALTY PROGRAM: With a goal of supporting design professionals, Cosentino Group has introduced the C-TOP Design program, a resource network for architects and interior designers. Key features include a members-only digital hub, support from specialized design managers and access to bonuses, expedited delivery, first access to select colors, networking events, special product rates, sample requests with a 48-hour delivery window, mood-board creation and technical information on Cosentino products. Read more at KBB here.
DPHA PRESENTS ROHL WEBINAR: The Decorative Plumbing & Hardware Association is presenting a CEU-qualified webinar from the House of Rohl on March 1, 11 a.m. (Eastern) on “Bath Materials, Textures and Finishes That Evoke Our Senses.” Founder Lou Rohl will discuss sensory design considerations in the bathroom, and the bath design drivers to trending materials, textures and finishes. Register here.
TRUE’S NEW HUE: True Residential introduced its sage finish at KBIS 2022, a calming gray-green that plays into the popular design trend to connect with nature, bringing its color choice to 66 combinations available on its full-size or indoor/outdoor undercounter refrigeration or freezer units. True also partnered with Room & Board Business Interiors to create the Amherst cabinet, a solid wood storage unit ranging from 48-in to 72-in wide, that includes a 5-cubic-foot refrigerator. Cambria countertops are available for customization options.
AURA EXPANDING IN U.S.: Aura Smart Systems, an intelligent platform for smart homes and spaces that allows users to interconnect and manage any smart device regardless of brand or protocol, is broadening its distribution in North America. The company is based in India and has been operating in South Asia, the Middle East and Australia since 2016. The platform connects and monitors home security, automation, climate, energy use and any other IoT devices. To learn more, click here.
PEOPLE NEWS
SCHUBERT NAMED COO AT BSH: Lars Schubert (above) has been named Chief Operating Officer and will join the Board of Management of BSH, a Germany-based home appliance manufacturer, on April 1. Currently Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Management of BSH in China, he succeeds Dr. Silke Maurer, who is leaving the company. In his new role, Schubert will oversee manufacturing, development, innovation, corporate technology and global supply-chain management. BSH is a member of the Bosch Group, and is expected to open its sixth Experience & Design Center in Miami this year.
