WORLD NEWS
Harvia Expands Into Evolving Sauna Market In Japan Harvia Plc announced recently that it has signed up an exclusive distribution agreement with Bergman Ltd, of Tokyo, Japan, for its Harvia and Almost Heaven Saunas. Bergman has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and selling branded European heating devices in Japan. The company has strong engineering and technical knowledge in design, installation, and after-sales services. Bergman’s sales and marketing network operate nationwide focusing on commercial projects, apartments and private houses on the consumer market. The company, which has headquarters in Tokyo, plans to open 50 Harvia Sauna & Spa showrooms in Japan within the next three years. “Our challenge is to build ‘real Finnish sauna’ into Japanese lifestyle by building
50 Harvia Sauna & Spa showrooms in Japan within the next three years. Our activities will help Harvia to grow to be the number one brand in both construction industries, small house and condominium, and commercial projects,” said Seiji Kasama, CEO of Bergman Ltd. There are an estimated 26 million sauna users, equivalent to 20% of the total population in Japan with 3.4 million enjoying the experience several times per week. Sauna lifestyle with its health effects has become increasingly popular in Japan since the COVID-19 pandemic started. “Japan has a mature spa culture. It also has an evolving sauna market and Harvia has been supplying heaters to Japan for some 15 years. What we’ve been missing until now is the right strategic partner. Bergman is sharing Harvia’s vision: by combining our sauna and spa expertise with Bergman’s local knowledge, technical know-how, and resources we will be creating a strong and dynamic player for growing our market areas together,” said Tapio Pajuharju, CEO of Harvia Plc. Harvia Plc +358 207 464 000 www.harviagroup.com
Fluidra Continues Strategic Expansion With Acquisition Of Taylor Water Technologies LLC Fluidra recently announced it has acquired Taylor Water Technologies LLC (Taylor), a leading US-based manufacturer of water testing solutions. Taylor joins Fluidra’s family of already distinguished brands, including Jandy®, Polaris®, iAquaLink®, and SR Smith®. The addition of Taylor’s highly trusted watertesting kits, strips and instruments in North America not only broadens Fluidra’s rapidly growing portfolio of pool and spa products and solutions, but also provides an established foundation in water testing from which the company can build upon with future innovations. Founded in 1930 and based out of Sparks, Maryland, Taylor is a recognised leader in water-testing kits and reagents in the residential and commercial pool segments. With a catalogue of nearly 600 test-kit configurations, their products are carried by over 400 distributors throughout the US, Canada and Mexico with growing positions outside of North America. “This is an important acquisition for Fluidra and will greatly enhance our offering,”
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said Bruce Brooks, CEO of Fluidra. “Taylor is the most trusted name in water testing within North America, and their expertise, coupled with Fluidra’s track record of delivering new equipment and IoT solutions, will pave the way for future innovations that make managing water care easier for both pool professionals and pool owners.” “It’s exciting to become a part of Fluidra,” said Stephen Heard, CEO of Taylor. “We each bring unique expertise as part of the large, multi-segment pool market and are focused on combining those building blocks to provide best-in-class solutions for our customers.” Following the acquisition, Taylor will continue to operate independently as a business within Fluidra.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Gernot Mang, Stefan Schöllhammer and Phillip Rock
Wellness Brand KLAFS Under New Leadership After 30 years as Managing Director of KLAFS, Stefan Schöllhammer has retired. Phillip Rock, who has thus far been responsible for the technical side in the company, will also take over part of Schöllhammer’s work in the areas of finance and HR and a new Managing Director, Gernot Mang, has been brought on board for the areas of marketing, sales and design. Gernot Mang has international experience and has already been able to demonstrate his abilities in various companies. His professional roots lie in marketing and sales, and he also offers the premium product experience that KLAFS requires. Stefan Schöllhammer will remain involved with the company as an advisory board member and shareholder. He is very optimistic that the KLAFS Group, together with the majority shareholder Egeria, has great prospects and will further expand its outstanding position and said: “Employees of the KLAFS group have always made the difference and are a great strength for us. My move to the KLAFS advisory board is therefore done with a very good feeling and with great confidence in the future of our company.” Stefan Schöllhammer congratulated Phillip Rock and Gernot Mang on their expanded and new responsibilities, respectively, and also looks forward to seeing how they will lead KLAFS together in the coming years: “Phillip Rock has gained experience in all business areas as my long-standing fellow managing director while also demonstrating his personal, professional and, above all, strategic qualities. Gernot Mang complements him here with his broad, international range of experience. A focus on the most important trends within the wellness market and on what our customers expect from us here will be their main task. I am certain that they will be very successful in this,” said Schöllhammer. KLAFS +49 (0) 791 5010 www.klafs.com
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 10/12/2021 13:09