Stock Exchange Releases
21.3.2006
*Tulikivi will introduce to the market a new generation of fireplaces created by design professionals. *The combustion technology and efficiency of the new products are top of their class, resulting in cleaner burning of wood. * The products will be manufactured at the new plant that is due for completion in Juuka in September 2006 and that will utilize small and left-over blocks.
Tulikivi has completed a development project that has lasted almost two years, as a result of which the company will introduce a new generation of fireplaces to the market in order to expand its current model series. The prototypes for the new products were unveiled at the Verona fireplace trade fair in Italy. The new products will become available for sale in Finland in September 2006.
In January 2006, Tulikivi's Board of Directors took a decision to invest five million euros in the construction of a new production plant in Juuka in order to boost production capacity. The production plant which is due for completion in September 2006 will manufacture the new product line. For raw materials, the new plant will mostly utilize low-cost small and left-over blocks accumulated during the company's 25-year history.
Cutting edge design and combustion technology
The new Tulikivi fireplaces were designed on the basis of the results of an extensive market survey carried out in Tulikivi^s main markets. Top design professionals, such as Industrial Designer Hannu Kähönen and his agency Creadesign Oy, were involved in the process. The objective was to create a new range of fireplaces featuring the best combustion technology and efficiency in its class. Tulikivi also sought to minimize emissions, despite the fact that its current products already comply with the strictest emissions standards in the world (those of Austria). New models are easy to maintain
The clear-cut fireplaces have large doors with straight lines that sit beautifully with the new stone size. New doors include a square-shaped door and a tall vertical door as well as a large horizontal door which is a novelty in heat-retaining fireplaces. Soot doors have been placed out of sight, which accentuates the harmonious look of the fireplaces. The new double-shell construction of the fireplaces guarantees a prolonged heat-release time, making the new models particularly well-suited for low- energy houses, since they store heat for a long time and release it slowly.
Benches and shelves with a modular design as well as other accessories can be added to the new models. Customers can personalize the composition of their fireplace, and accessories can be varied, replaced or added later. For additional information, contact: - Tulikivi Corporation, FI-83900 Juuka, tel. +358 207 636 000, www.tulikivi.com - Chairman of the Board of Directors Matti Virtaala or Managing Director Juha Sivonen
Distribution: - Helsinki Stock Exchange, - Central media
Tulikivi Corporation and its subsidiaries form the Tulikivi Group, the world's largest and most technologically advanced processor of soapstone and the world^s largest manufacturer of industrially produced heat-retaining fireplaces. The Group is one of the five largest stone processors in Europe. Tulikivi's business areas are the Fireplace and the Natural Stone Products businesses. The Group's revenue amounts to approximately EUR 60 million and it owns six production plants and employs more than 500 people.