Bath Fitter, a North American bathroom manufacturer, is expanding into Europe with a new European Business Development Centre in East Point Business Park, Limerick.
The company specialises in designing and installing bathrooms and is able to custom create baths for customers in its American and Canadian manufacturing facility.
The new facility will create 42 new jobs in the area. The sales office was opened in Limerick earlier in summer 2020. Positions are still available to be filled at the facility.
Glenn Cotton, president and CEO of Bath Fitter, said: “Picking the right location as a base of operations is essential to the success of our expansion into Europe, the UK and beyond. Limerick felt like the right fit for so many reasons, from the talented local workforce to the well-developed international communication links that support this growing city. There’s a good reason that nine of the top 10 US tech companies have operations in Ireland.”
The unique selling point of Bath Fitter is that the company manages the installation of the bathrooms as well as the designing and the manufacturing of bespoke bathrooms that fit the space exactly. The company manages and hires installers for the customers projects.
Michael Prendergast, vice president of European sales for Bath Fitter said: “Our first installer was hired almost immediately, followed soon after by the first commercial order. It’s been a great start and a real team effort. We’re excited to bring Bath Fitter’s innovative and cost-effective renovation solutions to Europe.
“The ability to transform a bathroom in a single day gives Bath Fitter advantages over existing technologies and provides our clients with a professional and hassle-free renovation option with many years of service.”
IDA Ireland, the foreign direct investment of Ireland, supports Bath Fitter choosing Limerick as their first UK base.
Tánaiste and minister for enterprise, trade and employment Leo Varadkar said: “The decision by Bath Fitter Inc to choose Limerick for its first facility outside of North America, resulting in the creation of 42 new jobs, is a testament to the skills, talent and people of the Midwest. Through the July Stimulus and the work of IDA Ireland, we will continue to secure investment for every part of Ireland. I wish Bath Fitter all the best establishing here.”
Executive Director of IDA Ireland Mary Buckley said: “This decision by Bath Fitter Inc to establish its European Business Development Centre in Limerick demonstrates the confidence the company has in Ireland and the Midwest region. The region’s proximity to Shannon Airport and Limerick Port also played an important part in Limerick being Bath Fitter’s preferred location. Today’s announcement is in line with IDA Ireland’s commitment to continue to win investments and jobs in regional locations.”
The Bath Fitter team in Limerick recently welcomed a visit from Willie O’Dea TD who said: “I wish to thank Bath Fitter Inc who has established its European Business Development Centre here in Limerick City. The team already has received a wonderful welcome from both the local residents of Limerick and the vibrant business community here, and we look forward to continuing to support them.”