Bathroom manufacturer Roca UK is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
The company was founded in the UK in 1993, with a small group reported to include just seven members. Following an original focus on local merchants, the group has expanded to include both distributors and national merchants over the past three decades.
In 1999, Roca Group made a significant advance as it acquired Swiss sanitaryware brand Laufen. In the same year, it also appointed Alan Dodds to be its new UK managing director.
According to Roca, Dodds was a “pivotal figure” in helping to shape the company into its current form. Under his leadership, Roca group opened its dedicated Roca office, showroom and distribution centre In Ireland, as well as united the Laufen and Roca UK operations.
Other highlights in the company’s 30-year history include the opening of Roca’s London Gallery in 2011, which was designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, as well as exceeding one million UK vitreous china sales for the first time, in 2014.
2022 saw Dodds take on the role of chairman for Roca UK and Ireland. In turn, he passed the torch to Rashpal Sidhu, who continues to serve as the company’s managing director.
Reflecting on the company’s legacy, Dodds said he “couldn’t be more proud”.
“From our modest beginnings to today, what defines our business is our people,” he said. “Roca UK really does have a family culture, which probably explains why our staff retention is high and we have a significant number of people who’ve been here for over 20 years – even one person for 30 years, here since day one. I’m excited to see what the future brings. Here’s to the next 30 years!”
Last month, Roca acquired premium German bathroom brand Alape, rescuing it from preliminary insolvency proceedings.