DOUGLAS GROUP FORMALISES DELABIE PARTNERSHIP

The Douglas Group, the specialist supplier of thermostatic control solutions and accessories for the commercial market, has formalised its strategic trading alliance with Delabie, the French commercial sanitary fittings manufacturer.

Delabie specialises in automatic shut-off, electronic valves and water saving controls and the two companies have worked closely together for some years through joint product innovations.

"The Douglas Delabie partnership strengthens both companies' resolve to develop the UK market for water saving control solutions, particularly with the continuing critical water shortage in many parts of the UK," says Douglas Group managing director, Richard Stammers.

"The Douglas Controls brand has been fast emerging as a significant market leader in the commercial showering, washing and bathing sectors. Plus, we've built a strong reputation for innovation, quality products, service and technical support, so it's a significant step forward to formalise our working partnership with Delabie, Europe's market leader."

"It's good news for our customers too. Together, we offer specifiers, consulting engineers and the H&V/plumbing sectors the largest range of quality product solutions for Shower, Basin, Urinal and WC applications," continues Richard Stammers.

"There's considerable synergy between our two companies. Like us, our French partners have their own specific competitive advantages - high quality products, commercial sector specialism, extensive product portfolio."

The extended product programme addresses these key market issues:

• Safety/comfort - safe hot water temperature control
• Hygiene - reducing risks of cross contamination (MRSA)
• Water sustainability - a common heritage, water must be used wisely
• Product sustainability - interchangeable cartridge technology, extending in-service life
• Buildability - off-site fabrication reducing on-site time.

To mark the partnership, a new Douglas Delabie brand identity has been created for brand/marketing work.

A new dedicated Douglas Delabie web site and comprehensive catalogue featuring full details of the new Douglas Delabie product range will soon be available.

Foot note

In a strategy designed to further strengthen Delabie's position as Europe's market leader in commercial washroom solutions delivering security, hygiene and water efficiency, the company has acquired two of France's leading commercial washroom specialist businesses - Chavonnet and Sogeprove:

Chavonnet (see www.chavonnet.com) is France's market leader in the specialist hospital taps and mixer market. Complementing the existing Delabie product portfolio, the company's range also includes thermostatic and emergency shower systems, laboratory taps.

In France, Sogeprove (see www.sogeprove.com) is the leading specialist in commercial stainless steel handrails, safety barriers and hygiene products for commercial washrooms.

The company's product range also includes a wide range of accessories, seats for disabled areas, stainless washroom furniture and hand driers.