Ideal Bathrooms saves Showerlux brand in UK

Following the closure of Showerlux UK, the brand will now be available through national distributor Ideal Bathrooms. The exclusive distribution agreement sees Ideal Bathrooms supplied by the parent company of Showerlux UK, Duscholux.

Commercial director Danielle Lillis commented: “Following the unfortunate closure of the Showerlux UK operation, we entered negotiations with Duscholux, who have manufactured almost all of Showerlux’s products sold in the UK.” She continued: “In effect, Ideal Bathroom will perform a similar operation, importing from the manufacturer to supply merchants and retailers”.

The distribution agreement includes a review of price points and customer discounts, which will be realigned to be competitive for the market and to offer improved retailer margins.

Ideal Bathrooms will focus solely on Showerlux shower enclosures and will be taking models in stock, which like the rest of its product lines, will be available with next day delivery.

In addition, Ideal Bathrooms will be undertaking product development with the Duscholux research and development team to introduce additional product tailored to the UK market.

Ideal Bathrooms managing director, John Bagshaw added: “Whilst the loss of any bathroom company is unfortunate, we recognised that this is a fantastic opportunity for Ideal bathrooms to form a new supplier partnership by strategically aligning the two businesses. This is a big move for us, providing us with a major opportunity to add a very strong showering brand to our existing product portfolio. We will be investing heavily in stock and marketing to ensure the Showerlux future is a bright one.”

Simon Lake, Duscholux managing director, welcomed the arrangement: “Duscholux are delighted that we have agreed an exclusive partnership with Ideal Bathrooms to enable us to continue to supply the UK market. Crucially it will allow us to improve the commercial offer to our customers and, coupled with the excellent back-up and service that Ideal Bathrooms is renowned for, means that Showerlux retailers will benefit from a far superior business package moving forward.The last few weeks have been difficult and I apologise for any disruption that has been caused to our customers. I fully believe that this new era will enable the brand to prosper one again and we are fully committed to working closely with Ideal Bathrooms in order to achieve this.”

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Showerlux UK ceases trading

Shower surround manufacturer Showerlux UK has ceased trading in the UK, as of August 23, 2012, making 16 members of staff redundant.
Tim Corfield of Griffin & King, based in Walsall, has been appointed to call meetings of members and creditors, with a view to putting the company into liquidation.
Its major shareholder, a Swiss company, has not expanded its support in view of the company's ongoing losses and further outlook of the market, claims a statement made by Griffin & King.

The company had been trading in the UK for 38 years, with its head office in Coventry. It entered the market in 1973, primarily manufacturing shower doors. However its range grew to encompass enclosures, trays, shower valves and shower accessories and at its height it manufactured in the UK and employed 160 people.

Showerlux UK has had its share of setbacks, including a fire in a component factory. And in a bid to cut costs of manufacturing, the company also had an upheaval of production, moving selected ranges made in Coventry, to plants in Thailand.
The company was left with 16 core staff to import products for wholesalers and retail outlets, dealing with distribution, sales and administration.
Its most recent launch was Legacy, a lower-cost range of shower enclosures, which was a first for the mid-market to high-end manufacturer. And it had upgraded its mid-priced Glide range with more premium components, such as thicker glass.

Managing director of Showerlux UK, Bob Bowler had left a voicemail on the company’s switchboard stating: “Showerlux UK has ceased trading on the 23rd of August 2012. Unfortunately there are no staff available to answer your calls.”
However, he commented in a press statement, released today: "This is a sad day for the company, it's staff, it's customers and it's suppliers". He continued: "I am sure that the Group are exploring ways and means to provide an after-sales service for our customers in the UK".
Tim Corfield from Griffin & King stated it was too early to say what the outcome will be, as regards creditors but will be looking for offers for the company's available assets. 

Showerlux UK is owned by Swiss-based DuschelouGroup, which operates in 50 countries, with six production sites in Europe and 20 marketing organisations globally. It employs around 2,000 people around the world.

Are you a Showerlux showroom dealer or do you have any comment to make about the story? Then email editor Philippa Turrell with your views.

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