25th Oct 2005 08:00
25 October 2005 LAUNCH OF FINISH QUANTUM A BREAKTHROUGH IN AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING Reckitt Benckiser plc (RB.L) today announces the UK launch of Finish Quantum -a breakthrough in automatic dishwashing. Created from revolutionary design andintellectual property-protected technology, Finish Quantum is the first productto combine powder, gel and Powerball technology in one single dose, with theadded benefit of no unwrapping.This innovation is new and completely different to any other recent productchanges, and signifies a step-change in product design, based on: * a water-soluble capsule containing three separate chambers * separately sealing highly effective and otherwise incompatible cleaning agents * releasing these agents at the right stage of the cleaning cycle to perform specific functions. Finish Quantum is also convenient for the consumer to use: there is no need toadd salt or rinse aid, as this is included in the product; glass protection isalso integrated; and now there is no longer a need to unwrap before using.In consumer testing 7 out of 10 consumers said that they prefer Finish Quantumto their current product and 8 out of 10 said the product exceeded theirexpectations.Finish Quantum is recommended by major dishwashing manufacturers includingBosch, Whirlpool and Electrolux. It is being launched in all major supermarketsacross the UK, and is being progressively rolled out to other markets in Europein due course.Commenting Bart Becht, Chief Executive Officer of Reckitt Benckiser said: -"Innovation is a cornerstone of our growth strategy with 40% of net revenuescoming from products launched in the past 3 years, reflecting our passion fordeveloping better solutions for our consumers. Finish Quantum is a breakthroughin automatic dishwashing products. As the global market leader in this highgrowth category, we have been responsible for the major innovations forconsumers - the first company to produce 2-layer tablets in dishwashing, andthe 3in1 and the 4in1, adding the Powerball cleaning technology. Now, FinishQuantum offers consumers new levels of dishwasher performance combined withconvenience. We believe it will help to build on our strong global leadershipin this category."Reckitt Benckiser will be announcing its third quarter results at 12 o'clock UKtime today. Full details will be posted on the Company's website atwww.reckittbenckiser.com.For Further Information Reckitt Benckiser plc Tel +44 (0) 1753 217 800Tom Corran, SVP Investor Relations & Corporate Communications (all calls)Fiona Fong Head of Corporate Communications (press calls)Mark Wilson Corporate Controller & Investor Relations Manager (investor calls)Tim Spratt Financial Dynamics telephone +44 (0) 207 831 3113Notes for EditorsReckitt Benckiser is the world leader in household cleaning, excluding laundry,and has a major presence in health and personal care. The Company is trulyglobal, with over 60 operating companies and close to 50 manufacturingfacilities worldwide and has sales in 180 countries. The Company employs 20,000people around the world. Amongst the Company's leading brands in household areCalgonit & Finish & Electrasol, the world leaders in automatic dishwashing,Lysol, the world leader in disinfecting cleaning, Woolite, world leader in finefabrics, Vanish & Spray'nWash, world leaders in fabric treatment, Airwick andMortein, both No.2 brands in air care and pest control respectively.Automatic dishwashing represents 14% of the company's net revenue. As themarket leader, Reckitt Benckiser has introduced the major innovations in thiscategory. In 1996, the company introduced dual action tablets offering betterperformance and convenience over powder. This was followed by the Powerballformulation in 1999, providing more powerful stain-fighting enzymes. In 2001,the 3in1 offered the benefits of a detergent, salt and a rinse agent all in oneproduct, followed by the 4in1 in January 2005 which had the added benefit ofglass protection.On 7th October 2005, Reckitt Benckiser announced the acquisition of BootsHealthcare International to create a combined ‚£1 billion health and personalcare business, with five leading brands: Nurofen, Strepsils, Lemsip, Gavisconand Clearasil.Reckitt Benckiser is headquartered in Slough just outside London and is listedon the London stock exchange. With a market capitalization of c.‚£12.5bn itranks among the top 25 UK listed companies. Reckitt Benckiser had net revenuesof ‚£3.87bn, operating profit of ‚£770m, and net income of ‚£586m in 2004.ENDRECKITT BENCKISER PLCRelated Shares:
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