The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation has reported Hansgrohe is its latest KBB brand to become a corporate sponsor of the institute. The bathroom and kitchen company pledged its support to help work on building a sustainable workforce and improving education, standards and compliance in the KBB installation sector.
With its brands AXOR and Hansgrohe, the Hansgrohe Group is a family business founded in the Black Forest, Germany, in 1901. It is known for its long-lasting, high-quality products and for how seriously it takes its responsibility towards people and the environment. The 120-year history of the company is marked by innovations, such as the first hand-held shower with multiple spray types, the first pull-out kitchen mixer tap, and the first wall bar to hold a hand-held shower. In 1990, the Hansgrohe Group founded the UK subsidiary, which currently employs around 90 staff in the office and in the field, and recently invested more than £5m into its UK business.
Julie McLean, marketing director for Hansgrohe UK said: “The UK KBB installation sector is vital to manufacturers like us. That’s why so many of our product innovations are linked to benefits for installers – from our spare parts guarantee to ‘fit and forget’ designs that help ensure a quality finish and longevity for their customers. We are therefore delighted to support BiKBBI in its important work championing installers, retailers and the KBB industry, and the significant contribution they play in the wider economy.”
BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters said ‘2023 was an extremely active year for the institute as we continued our work education, standards, compliance and sustainability – all of which are fundamental to the future of the installation community that serves the KBB sector. It is vital that we collaborate with the wider industry, so to start 2024 by welcoming Hansgrohe, a much-respected business and brand, on board as a corporate sponsor is a real highlight for our organisation. It is also a significant step in our quest to garner support from more manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers, all of whom are reliant on installation at some point in the cycle, as we work towards closing the communications gap, improving the skills shortage and ultimately building a sustainable workforce.
‘We are thrilled to have Hansgrohe supporting the work that we are doing to drive positive change in the KBB installation sector and very much look forward to working with the team and supporting them as they embark on an exciting phase within their business.’