INDUSTRY UPDATE Kudos factory in Holme, Cumbria
UWLA –Water efficiency can no longer be ignored as southern Europe faces a summer of ferocious drought
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roughts across Europe and the UK are leading to fears that 2023 could create a repeat of last year’s severe water shortage across Europe. Some regions in southern Spain are already suffering water shortages and farmers are expecting their worst yields in decades. Climate change has created successive droughts which have depleted groundwater reserves. Low river and reservoir levels are also threatening this summer’s hydropower production. Yvonne Orgill MD at UWLA says, “Our water efficiency message is now absolutely critical as Europe is on track for another brutal summer, after suffering its hottest on record last year, which fuelled a drought considered to be the worst in at least 500 years.”
“People have to start taking on board our message to use water wisely, if we are to have any impact and reduce the hardship that will result from severe water shortages. We hope that people can now see that the dangers of warming our planet are no longer something distant, it’s here and now and affecting every region in the world. “The bathroom industry is taking action by supporting the Unified Water Label, a smart tool which can help us make the necessary changes. Innovative products developed to use less water and energy, without any loss of performance, are displaying the Unified Water Label, and making it easier for consumers to make environmentally friendly choices. “The Unified Water Label Association is committed to driving home the water efficiency message, encouraging everyone in the supply chain to support us by highlighting the label and the products that carry it, to ensure more of these products are used in the home. We are also working to help consumers understand that they can choose products that fit with their lifestyles, and that they can change behaviours to use products with more awareness.
“Those interested in supporting the UWLA or joining us to embrace a cleaner, greener bathroom revolution can find out more by visiting the website.”
Kudos shower products acquired
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SanSwiss, headquartered in Härkingen, Switzerland, is a major European manufacturer of shower enclosures and shower screens as well as other bathroom and wellness products, selling to over 17 countries. Kudos was identified as an ideal opportunity to bring together two successful businesses with complimentary products enabling; expansion in the UK market with existing Sanswiss products; growth potential in Europe with the existing Kudos range; and the development of new products through the combined resource within the enlarged business. Olivier Gunther and Sebastian Hainz, Co-Managing Directors of SanSwiss, are convinced about the new opportunities and synergies with Kudos under the SanSwiss umbrella:
”Kudos is a well-known brand with an outstanding reputation in manufacturing and selling shower enclosures and shower screens in the UK. With Kudos, we are further expanding our core competence and performance in shower enclosures, shower screens and trays for our partners and customers across Europe.
We also expect considerable opportunities and synergies through leveraging marketing, technology and product content, new product development, sourcing and production capacity. Both companies and brands will continue without interruption with their independent sales activities in the respective channels and countries.
We are confident that the combined high-level expertise will enable us to offer our customers even more benefits and innovative shower and bathroom solutions”.
Kudos outgoing Group CEO and founder, Bruce Ledwith, who will remain with the company in a consultative role for the foreseeable future, commented: “After 23 years, it was not only time to take a step back, but to consider the long-term future of Kudos. This investment by SanSwiss provides, significant growth opportunities and their strong commitment to maintaining and expanding our manufacturing facilities within the UK, provides our people with greater long term security. SanSwiss have made it clear that their investment is not just in the Kudos brand or market share, but also in the current management team.
Kudos Group MD Mark Hill says “We are delighted to become part of SanSwiss and the Ronal group, and with the opportunity this now delivers to build on our position in the UK market. We have a strong management team, with a very clear strategy for the future built around exciting new products and our best-in-class customer service. It is our objective, and the objective of our new owners, to continue to develop our long-standing partnerships with our suppliers and customers.”
www.uwla.eu 52 BKU JULY 2023
Sales Director Nick Graville added “These really are exciting times for all concerned! We now have access to resources and product ranges that will enable Kudos to evolve more quickly and add further value to customers in the UK bathroom marketplace”.
umbrian manufacturer, Kudos Shower Products has been acquired by SanSwiss AG, part of The Ronal Group
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