Coram UK in consultation period with staff over restructure

Coram UK, which makes Impey wetrooms (pictured) and Coram showers, has said that a consultation period with its employees is under way as part of a group-wide restructure.

The UK bathroom manufacturer, part of Dutch group Coram Sanitary Bv, said it will end production of its shower enclosure range as its parent firm makes efforts to consolidate processes through a ‘One Coram’ strategy.

The firm said that a “robust manufacturing presence” will be maintained at its main Bridgnorth factory in Shropshire, where it will continue to make Impey wetrooms.

But other new products will be designed and made outside the UK using a centralised design and manufacturing approach. This was piloted last year with the launch of Impey’s Soho wetroom panel range across Europe.

The firm also said a new head office will be created to consolidate most other business functions at the company’s site in Ilton, Somerset.

UK managing director John Blackburn gave an upbeat statement about the reorganisation of the business, confident that the consolidation will drive “significant future growth” in the UK business.

He said: “Coram Showers remains a strong brand, in which we will continue to invest and nurture. The European collaborative group strategy will drive growth and future developments of our UK business.

“A robust manufacturing presence will be maintained at Bridgnorth, focusing on the long-term growth of the wetroom sector.”

He said that a consultation process with employees regarding proposed changes was underway.

“Out of respect for our workforce, further information and comment will be available when the consultation period comes to an end.”

In December last year, Coram sent a letter to suppliers announcing that as part of an internal reorganisation Coram Showers and Impey Wetrooms would form a single legal entity from January 1 2019, uniting the brands under a new name, Coram UK Holding Limited.

At the time, the firm said that the brands’ “prominent product portfolios and services will continue to be traded under the separate brand names of Impey and Coram, but the holding company name will change, along with some internal efficiency developments to ensure continuous operational and customer service improvements.”

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