Hansgrohe has announced that it is investing more than £5 million in its UK subsidiary.
The premium German taps and showers brand said that it will increase the number of employees across all areas, develop a UK-specific product strategy and enhance its marketing programmes.
All of this, says Hansgrohe, will culminate in the creation of a new, purpose-built 40,000sq ft head office in Warwickshire.
Hansgrohe said that it has outgrown its existing facilities in Esher, Surrey, which are half the size of the new site. Its plans to move to the much larger site at Tournament Fields to the south-west of Warwick will, said the company, play a key part in the company’s growth plans and its plan to become a complete bathroom provider.
Hansgrohe UK and Ireland managing director Jay Phillips said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for everyone associated with Hansgrohe UK&I. We have ambitious plans to take Hansgrohe forward in the coming years, and the investment in this state-of-the-art new head office is a vital part of making this a success.
“Having everything available under one roof, from a spacious showroom and training, to warehousing and distribution, will ensure we’re able to best meet the needs of our busy customers and support them with their business. This also reinforces our goal to be the ‘easiest to do business with’ partner and will further improve our already high levels of stock and service.”
The new site should be up and running by July next year and its easy access to the M40 motorway will, said Hansgrohe, make it ideal as a central hub for its office and distribution operations, offering “strong stock availability”.
The Warwick site will also take advantage of its central location to facilitate face-to-face interaction with its customers. The new site will incorporate a state-of-the-art 5,000sq ft showroom and training facility. The company will also use the new site to expand its installer training and will incorporate an Installer Academy that will provide them with hands-on, practical experience.
The company’s architectural and design clients will still be able to make use of its Water Studio in London’s Clerkenwell, which will remain in place.
The company said that it is providing roles at the new site for its current employees in Esher and is putting in place “comprehensive support to assist employees during the transition”.
“Our people are a huge part of our plans and we’re looking forward to them joining us on this journey,” said Phillips. “We’ll continue to operate from our Esher site to ensure there are no disruptions to service during the transition period. We plan to be fully operational by summer next year with the showroom and Installer Academy designed and built specifically for the needs of the UK market.
“We have a great brand and products, and an amazing team here at Hansgrohe UK&I, and now we will have an ideal new head office we can all be proud to call our home.”