Methven SatinJet® Shower To Run Hot in Italy

Methven SatinJet® Shower To Run Hot in Italy

Recently listed showerware, tap and valve designer and manufacturer, Methven Ltd, has achieved an export breakthrough for its revolutionary SatinJet® shower technology.

The innovative, design-driven New Zealand company has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Italian luxury bathroomware supplier, Visentin, for it to manufacture, distribute and sell and distribute the Methven inspired and designed SatinJet® technology in their core markets of Italy and France and non exclusively in Greece, Turkey and Russia where they also have a presence.

“Internationally patent pending SatinJet® shower technology is Methven’s trailblazer for expanding our business beyond Australia and New Zealand,” said Managing Director and Group CEO, Rick Fala.

While the new agreement with Visentin, a shower rose and slide shower supplier to Methven now turned customer, will have no significant immediate effect on the bottom line, it represents a significant development in a strategic, long term relationship and is an endorsement of the New Zealand inspired SatinJet® technology.

“Our aim is to channel our original design and fluid engineering capabilities to become a world leader in showerware that delivers water better and provides a fresh, sensational experience regardless of the water pressure,” Mr Fala said “The agreement with Visentin is a major milestone and validation that our SatinJet® shower technology, which we only launched domestically in September 2004, really is world class and marketable internationally,” Mr Fala said.

“The beauty of SatinJet® is the feel which is completely different to other showers and works in low flow and low water pressure conditions. Visentin conducted in-market research with Italian women consumers. Their response was strongly positive with some 80 percent of them describing showering with SatinJet® as a ‘sensuous’ experience and 92 percent noticing a discernible difference in shower feel. That reaction mirrors feedback from New Zealand consumers.

“We are thrilled to have licensed our unique shower design to our Italian partners which some might say is akin to selling ice to the Eskimos given Italy’s proud bathroom design heritage. We associate Italy and its Roman baths as the birthplace of the sensuous bathing experience and it is fitting that they be among the first in the world to enjoy the SatinJet® shower experience,” said Mr Fala.

Mr Fala said that Methven was exploring further opportunities for the SatinJet® shower as well as Methven branded and manufactured products in the UK, United States and Asia.

“We are the market leader in New Zealand and are making good progress in expanding our presence in Australia, focusing on the domestic renovation and new building market. We are now looking to build the Methven presence in target overseas markets through a mixture of licensing agreements and marketing our unique product range under our own brand. ”

Methven, which listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange in November 2004, believes it is on track to achieve its IPO performance forecasts for Group sales, profitability and cashflow, Mr Fala said.

Full year audited financial results will be announced in May.

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