Portugal was the setting for a major occasion in the kitchens & bathrooms sector with the Grohe X Professional Event. PB’s Lee Jones reports on some of the highlights.
As a manufacturer, Grohe prides itself on a portfolio that comes together as a complete solution for the two most important rooms in the home. The breadth of that range – and some of the latest innovations – were recently revealed to visitors at the Grohe Experience Centre in Lisbon, and its Albergaria plant. It is at the latter where the company’s commitment to quality is dramatically demonstrated, with a production line that takes command of the whole process of producing thermostatic showers, kitchen products and thermostats.
The plant produces more than 7,000 tonnes of molten brass every year, for example. The copper and zinc derived alloy is then moulded, cut and painstakingly ground and polished to the most professional finish possible. An advanced PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process that was originally developed by the aerospace industry produces the nine options in the Grohe Colours Collection, which are all available across the tap, shower, thermostat and flush plates offerings. The technique provides a highly durable surface and is at the cutting edge of thin film coating technology. Indeed, PVD results in finishes three times harder and ten times more scratch-resistant than galvanised alternatives, while the process also allows the company to deliver on a broader range of colours.
That theme of innovation was continued at the highly instructive brand space in Lisbon. It is here that the latest Grohe developments were showcased, including a Phantom Black colour that will represent a tenth choice for customers. This sleek, matt black finish benefits from a three-layer lacquer coating process which makes these products far more hard-wearing than their powder-coated counterparts – and more resistant to visible fingermarks.
Water saving
The Grohe Professional range encompasses over 700 products, which will soon be joined by one of the stars of the Lisbon show – the Everstream water-recirculating shower. It is estimated that by 2030 more than 3billion people around the globe will not have access to adequate amounts of water, and even in the relatively rain-soaked UK climate drought conditions could cause regular shortages. That makes conservation a priority, including a rethink of our showering habits.
The Grohe Everstream unit has three settings, with the fresh water function the first to be activated. The recirculating mode is then engaged when the second infinity symbol marked control is pressed – and here comes the clever bit. From that point 4 litres of water is collected in a tank, and is then recirculated three times every minute. Each time, the water passes a UV lamp, which kills germs and bacteria. A filter removes any other material, such as hair and other particulates, and a reheater maintains the temperature set by the end user.
The third of that trio of buttons allows you to refresh the shower with a new 4litres of water at any time. Once you’ve finished, the system is automatically flushed with clean water, and a pump also blows air through the pipes – all ready for the next occupant. At no stage is there any detriment to the showering experience, but there is a very positive impact on individual sustainability.
Given that a conventional shower will use around 10 litres of water a minute, the savings are considerable. In fact, the manufacturer claims that existing water consumption through showering can be reduced by over 70 per cent. Moreover, because the reheater uses only 3kW of energy to bring the water temperature up to the required level, there’s further savings to be made. Installation is no different to other Grohe showers currently on the market, the filter can be cleaned in a dishwasher and, depending on levels of usage, the UV lamp has a working life of around seven years.
Other product highlights include the Grohe Tempesta hand shower, which features a simple switch function to activate different sprays at the touch of a fingertip, and the new softedged BauEdge ceramics, among others.
Support for the trades
Grohe is also committed to supporting tradespeople. The Professional sub-brand in the portfolio includes some of its most popular lines, backed up by service and training initiatives, and with the promise of an easy installation. In addition, the Perfect Match design commitment allows installers to adopt a holistic approach to a project, where products can be effortlessly brought together to complement each other, and upselling opportunities more easily communicated to clients.
As well as supporting individual installers the German-based firm is committed to confronting one of the industry’s most pressing issues. Its GIVE (Grohe Installer Vocational Training and Education) programme has the worthy ambition of nurturing the next generation of plumbers. The manufacturer is supplying each participating institution across the EMENA (Europe, Middle East, North Africa) region, a fully functioning training space and a comprehensive case of essential tools free of charge, as well as helping to find new entrants to the industry valuable work experience. The first college in the UK to get involved is the Colchester Institute, with more to follow.
Finally, the new GROHE+ loyalty scheme and app allows installers to more easily access technical expertise, installation techniques and maintenance training. Moreover, a certified GROHE installer can offer clients an extended warranty whilst tradespeople can also acquire customer leads through the Grohe website. Currently, GROHE+ is available in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands only with the view to expand it across other markets such as the UK.
For further information on the Grohe range of solutions for professionals visit GROHE Professional | GROHE.
