Following yesterday’s news that distributor Waterline had entered administration and ceased trading, tributes have poured in for the company and its staff from across the industry.
Prior to its closure, Waterline said it was the largest distributor in the KBB sector, offering products from more than 30 brands and making an estimated 5,000 deliveries each month.
The KBSA called the news “a big blow to our industry”, continuing: “The news that Waterline has ceased trading brings real sadness across the KBB sector. While many were aware of the challenges faced in recent times, it is still deeply disappointing to see such a long-established name leave the industry.
“Our thoughts are with all the staff, suppliers, and customers affected during this difficult period. At The KBSA, we are here to help support our members and the wider industry wherever we can. If you have been impacted or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, as a community, we will continue to champion professionalism, support, and resilience within the independent retail sector.”
Similarly, in an online post, Cyncly area sales manager Michaela Morgan – who worked at the business until several years ago – said the news hit hard. She commented: “I’m deeply saddened for the Waterline team, some of whom have dedicated over 40 years of their lives to the company. And for the customers who built their showrooms around Waterline products and now have to quickly find new suppliers — I know this won’t be easy. What made Waterline unique was its “one stop shop” mentality, and that’s not easy to replace.
Morgan continued: “Having also faced seeing IDS go the same way last year — a company I dedicated 19 years of my life to — makes this news even harder. It’s incredibly sad to see the demise of these industry icons that shaped so much of our trade…I just want to say a massive thank you to Waterline for my time there. I hope the industry holds strong through this difficult period.”
Garry Payne, the managing director of Waste Maid, said that the news “brings genuine sadness across the sector”. He continued: “Our thoughts are with all the dedicated staff, suppliers, and customers affected by this difficult situation. Now, more than ever, we must come together as an industry — to support one another, stay resilient, and ensure our customers continue to receive the quality and service they deserve.”
Matt Jinks, the former head of new business at appliance distributor DAD said he had many happy memories of working with Waterline, adding: “Good luck to everyone. I know how you feel but stay positive and look after yourselves”.
Similarly, Paul Trevor, the managing director at Colin Luesby Interiors, called the closure “a huge loss”. He continued: “We have been a customer since Mike Lawrence first started out, good luck to all for the next chapter.”
Alex Jenman, a director at Gainsborough Kitchens, described Waterline as “great partners of ours ”. He added: “A special mention for Steve Flynn who has looked after us for many years. Professional, knowledgeable and an all round good bloke. He’d be an asset to any organisation.”
On a similar note, Coalville Kitchen founder Luke Wedgebury said: “It’s a sad loss to our industry but shows it’s been a tough year. Thoughts are with all the staff and families that rely on those jobs. I wish them all the best! We’ve used Waterline for years, always had a good relationship and never had delivery issues! The drivers are great to be honest, always gone above and beyond to ensure we get our goods.”
Dan Heath, Haier’s national sales account manager for kitchens, also remembered the business and its staff fondly, commenting: “Waterline has been our National Distributor, and I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with their fantastic sales team over the past 16 months.
“They are a truly dedicated group of people who supported me from the moment I started with Haier, and I want to extend my sincere best wishes to each of them during this very difficult time. Many of the team have been with Waterline for years — their deep knowledge of the KBB industry and strong relationships with kitchen retailers are a real credit to them and will no doubt help them move swiftly into new opportunities.”
In related news, earlier today Crown Imperial – Waterline’s sister kitchen company – confirmed it would still be able to deliver furniture products to retailers, and that it would now be doing so directly from its head office in Herne Bay, Kent.
Barry Head, managing director of Crown Imperial, said the company was deeply saddened by the recent news of Waterline’s administration, adding: “Crown Imperial would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Waterline for their unwavering dedication to us, our customers and the KBB industry.”