In an article that first appeared in PBM’s Janauary edition, merchants may be interested to note that Davroc has announced a new nationwide distribution partnership with Carron Bathrooms as part of its growth plans for 2022 onwards.
Part of the Ibroc Investments group, Davroc is an independent bathroom distributor which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2020. The business prides itself on “only partnering with brands that are the best in their category” and currently distributes a number of well-known and trusted brands including Laufen, Bette, Roca, Aqualisa, Grohe, VitrA and more recently Alca and Drench. Davroc has also recently launched the Coalbrook brand, a range of design-led bathroom brassware products, which are showcased in a new “experience-led” showroom in Clerkenwell — The Market Building.
Carron, meanwhile, is billed as being the UK’s leading manufacturer of acrylic baths. Based in Falkirk, Scotland, it has a manufacturing heritage dating back over 260 years to the Industrial Revolution. Still manufacturing on the same site “and to the same exacting standards as the original Carron Ironworks”, its product portfolio includes a substantial range of rectangular and freestanding baths and whirlpools as well as an array of shower screens, panels and accessories.
Backed up by supportive customer service, a commitment to product development and specification — such as its “unique” triple-layer reinforcement ‘Carronite’ system which boasts a 30 year manufacturer’s warranty — is said to have made the business a firm favourite of trade professionals.
The new strategic partnership between the two companies will cover the nationwide distribution of the full Carron Bathrooms range. Indeed, the two family-run bathroom specialists report they have “a shared desire to form a long-term partnership offering the best in product and customer service” and have been in negotiations for the last six months to ensure a smooth launch and transition process.
Their new agreement allows them to continue offering market-leading bathroom products and “excellent distribution service delivery levels” to both existing Carron customers, and those already within the Davroc customer base.
Distribution under the new arrangement commenced in early December, with fast-moving product lines in stock across Davroc’s three warehouse and distribution centres in the UK. The distributor’s fleet of 36 vans and drivers means it is able to offer next day delivery services to the majority of the UK without the use of couriers or agencies.
In order to fully support the additional brand within its portfolio and to ensure customer service levels are maintained, Davroc reports that it has recruited an additional 17 team members within its office and distribution functions whilst it is in the process of adding six more external sales managers to bring total external representation to 18 nationwide.
Chris Dodds, Davroc Managing Director, said: “As a business, our partners are very important to us both in terms of their product, culture and most importantly their values. We have been in discussions with Carron for six months and we believe we have found a long-term partner who shares our goals of product quality and service. We are delighted to add Carron to our portfolio and look forward to working with James and the Carron team.”
He continued: “The Carron partnership plays a key part in Davroc’s growth strategy for 2022 onwards with an increase in our sales force, including the introduction of a Trade team who will focus on new and existing trade and merchant customers across the UK with a strong portfolio of brands aside from Carron, including Alca, Aqualisa, Roca and Grohe to name but a few.”
James McMorrine, Managing Director at Carron Bathrooms, added: “Carron are delighted to be working with such a well-respected partner in Davroc. From our initial conversations, it became apparent that our values were completely aligned in terms of product, innovation and service. With a commitment to offering the optimum customer experience in the professional bathroom sector, Davroc undoubtedly shares the same goals as Carron.
“The addition of this new route to market aligns perfectly with our existing Distributors. Together with Davroc, Carron want to focus on supporting Trade and Merchant customers across the country in 2022 with increased stock holding, prompt delivery and an unrivalled range of products. We look forward to working with Chris and the team.”
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