New jobs and expansion are on the horizon for a Black Country bathroom factory that has been bought in a £23.4 million deal by a Swiss group.
Wednesbury-based Aqualux, which received the accolade of Business of the Year in last year’s Express & Star Best of the Black Country awards, is now part of the £500 million a year turnover AFG Arbonia-Forster group.
Aqualux’s shower enclosures and bathroom screens will now sit alongside top brands such as Kermi showers and Miele kitchens.
Boss James Cadman, who keeps his role as managing director at the Steelmans Lane factory, said the next step would be major investment to promote the firm’s products in Europe and the Far East.
“At the moment our sales are worth about £28 million a year, with about 10 per cent of that going in exports.
The aim now is to target the aspirational growing middle class in countries such as China and India, as well as grow in Europe.
“We currently have a workforce of 200 but the potential for further growth could mean more jobs in the future.”
Aqualux has seen three years of growth following a management buyout in 2003 after its parent company, BHD, went into administration.
Selling through independent stores and DIY chains, its bathroom products have secured more than half of the UK shower screen market.
Mr Cadman added: “This is great news for the Aqualux brand as well as for staff and customers. It’s a testament to the passion and sheer hard work that has gone into reaching the top spot in the UK.
“Not only will we be able to bring forward our planned expansion into Asia, but there’s also a huge opportunity in the European markets for an affordable, quality brand.”
Dr Edgar Oehler, chairman and chief executive of AFG, added: “Aqualux, with its outstanding range of quality products, will considerably strengthen AFG’s inter- national position in sanitary equipment markets.
Meanwhile AFG will open up new opportunities for Aqualux to achieve even more rapid growth and success.”
By Simon Penfold
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