Imex Newsletter - Summer/Autumn 2023

Summer - Autumn 2023 Newsletter

Imex UK pricing update.

In January we announced and released a price reduction on our sanitaryware products based on the hard work we’ve been focusing on our manufacturing facilities, as detailed on page three of this newsletter. In June, we will continue the path we started in January, and you will see further reductions on our RRPs throughout the Imex collection, including our brassware & showering offering, as well as sanitaryware.

It’s so exciting to be able to focus our pricing on ensuring we are competitive and able to offer excellent margin opportunities to you. Request a copy of our new RRP pricefile, alongside the new June 2023 brochure edition, through the sales office and discover the margin opportunities we can offer you.

New brassware & showering range in three colours.

June 2023 all-in-one

Imex Complete Collection Brochure

The new all-in-one Imex Brochure has now arrived! Refer to our website for a download or contact the sales office for a physical copy.

Next day service improvements.

We continue to invest and improve on our service levels and we will be further improving our delivery network in July to widen our next day delivery structure.

The vast majority of the country will now be covered by next day (before 12pm) deliveries.

Now available to all our Imex partners. The book shows the supporting partner price for all Imex products and reflects the new all-in-one June 2023 brochure.

Some of our new Ravine range of brassware and showering items in the new colour finishes. See pages 4 & 5 for more details.

Who are Imex? 1994

Imex established. Supplying to 70 countries around the world.

Over 1000 employees.

We are Imex. We turn bathrooms into personal living spaces. For everyone. And since the definition of liveable space is individual, we create customised design solutions that fit each and every lifestyle, because we appreciate uniqueness.

Complete collections, efficiency, quality, creation and innovation make Imex one of the pioneers of contemporary European style. Imex are a global manufacturer producing easy to clean glaze, WRAS approved sanitaryware since 1994.

We have launched our collection of products in the UK, holding stock in both our own Midlands and Southern Distribution Centres.

The Imex UK collection of products consists of 16 ranges of beautiful sanitaryware and furniture, Premiercast baths, showers, taps and wastes.

They exude quality; from the hand finished sanitaryware, WRAS approved cistern fittings, to meeting all European (CE) quality standards – which is why we are proud to offer a 25 year guarantee with each ceramic product.

Some of the many benefits of the Imex collection include:

• 25 year guarantee.

• Easy to clean glaze.

• Rimless flush.

• Water saving 4/2.6ltr flush.

• Comfort height.

• Open & closed back pan options.

• Solid brass taps, showers & wastes.

147,000m2 Global production facility. Products are hand finished and quality checked.

2.2 million pieces made per year.

With Imex you get more than a functional solution for your bathroom; each piece has been designed to fit with the demands of modern luxury living.

Thoughtful features such as quick release seat hinges – to allow easier cleaning – soft closing seat and drawer mechanisms, easy to clean glaze, and anti-bacterial surfaces set the range apart.

All Imex cistern fittings are set at 6/3 litre flushing capacity, but with an eye on the environment, WCs with the Imex ‘Eco’ flush means you can use as little as 4/2.6 litres when flushing, without compromising the effectiveness of the flush.

Our stylish Liberty collection.

Our Smart pans are the ultimate in hygiene and luxury.

Imex factory update - increased capacity & efficiency.

Once our new and improved factory is complete, we expect the following production benefits:

• 700,000 pieces continuous storage capacity.

• Automated 9800m2 intelligent warehouse racking system.

• 3 robotic glazing lines.

• 4 high pressure casting lines.

• 16 robotic working stations.

• 3 million pieces yearly capacity.

Imex go green - eco & energy saving upgrades.

Once our new and improved factory is complete, we expect the following eco and energy saving benefits:

• Carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 7,370 tonnes a year.

• Energy consumption will be 291kgce/t, lower than the industry benchmark of 300kgce/t.

• Coal use reduced by 1,100 tonnes a year with more efficient boilers.

• New sewage treatment technology is used for purifying water that can be reused in the production process (casting, product inspection, etc).

• The purified water can also be used for cleaning the workshop.

We have developed new low-carbon technologies, eco transformations and ways to improve production equipment, efficiency and improve our carbon footprint. 2.1MW coal fired boilers were replaced with high efficiency gas fired boilers, reducing the use of coal by 1,100 tonnes.

Waste products were crushed and added into raw materials by 6% of the formula, 1,680 tonnes per year. A sewage treatment centre was built to reuse 3,000 tonnes of recycled water per year.

$3.2 million was invested to build 2 desulfurization systems to reduce sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. Solar panels installed to save electricity.

We use waste heat of the kiln to build a heat exchange system to provide showering and bathing for the production team.

New energy saving kilns (below), combined with double deck kiln cars reduces costs and energy consumption.

New high pressure production lines.

Robot working station. Automated intelligent racking system.

Our new energy saving kilns and double deck kiln cars.

After the successful launch of the Imex Premiercast range last year, which saw many new lines of baths introduced, we have turned our focus to upgrading our brassware & showering options, which we have now completed.

The new June 2023 brochure showcases over 150 new lines, including:

• The addition of matt black and brushed brass colours to our Flite and Suburb collections, as well as the introduction of a brand-new collection called Ravine, a sleek and stylish design available in the three colour finishes.

• Further development of our wastes range with new colour options, sink wastes, urinal wastes and more options for your basin and bath requirements.

• A variety of new showering lines with chrome, matt black and brushed brass options including concealed and exposed thermostatic options, shower heads and arms and showering accessories.

The new ranges and colour options are very competitively priced and provide a complete solution. Speak to your Business Development Manager now for more information.

Our new Ravine showering and tap collections.

Our new Ravine range includes a variety of new showering lines with chrome, matt black and brushed brass options including concealed and exposed thermostatic options, shower heads and arms and showering accessories.

Ravine’s unique styling includes a knurled handle design which features on every Ravine tap, as well as all our Ravine shower valves for easy flow and temperature control.

The new showering pages in our brochure include both conveniently pre-selected shower packs and the option to create your own shower kit using the individual products listed.

Flite & Suburb taps now in brushed brass & matt black.

Our popular Flite and Suburb tap collections are now available in brushed brass and matt black - as well as the original chrome finish, so you can add that final flourish of colour to your bathroom.

Meet the Imex team.

Aaron Kelly – Business Development Manager (Scotland & Ireland)

I have worked in the bathroom industry for over 19 years and throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in both sales and installation roles, enabling me to develop a well-rounded skill set. My diverse background has equipped me with valuable insights into customer needs and industry trends, which I now bring to my position as Business Development Manager at Imex.

My first encounter with the Imex brand happened through their website, where I was impressed by their implementation of augmented reality. It allows users to virtually place products on their walls and view them in the context of their own homes.

On a more personal note, music holds a special place in my heart, I also enjoy playing the guitar and creating electronic music.

Lately, I have developed a new-found interest in gardening, particularly for growing herbs and vegetables. I am also an avid craft beer fan, I love modern IPA’s and anything that is hazy, juicy and hoppy, I am always sneaking off down the beer aisle to see what is new, and ordering from the smaller batch breweries!

I have also embraced the hobby of walking. It has led me to discover numerous breathtaking locations and stumble upon intriguing artworks, like the Roman head sculpture on the Antonine wall. I think we all have so many interesting places around us, a little exploring and a good playlist is all that is needed.

Mark Hepplestone – Business Development Manager (North East)

I first met the Imex team at the KBB exhibition at the NEC and I was blown away by the quality of the product on display and the passion of the sales team, including the company CEO who’s product knowledge is amazing.

The company had formed a business model for the next 5 years which is logical and achievable and I for sure wanted to get on board for this journey. All my new colleagues have been very welcoming and helpful and customers comments about the business have all been very positive.

At KBB was the Ravine 1500 wall hung vanity unit in Grey Marble with a white marble ceramic worktop and twin ravine bowls, it looked stunning. I promote this to all my customers during presentations. The smart pan WC is also an eye opener.

Trivia corner!

Did you know?

The average length of a shower in the UK is between 7-8 minutes.

62% of Britons bathe or shower daily.

I represent Imex in the North East of England where we have some fabulous coastlines and rolling hills and dales.

I was born and raised in the working class side of Sheffield with steel works and cutlery manufacturing all around me, so my football roots lie with the ‘The Blades’.

I have a passion for 1960’s and 70’s American V8 engine cars and have owned various Mustang’s, Torino’s and Camaro’s, although at the moment the garage is empty!

I also enjoy playing golf and I am a member of my local course.

I am also a qualified level 1 British Sign Language interpreter, which I brushed up on over lockdown.

The world’s population consumes 151.85 trillion cubic meters of fresh water annually.

William Feetham is regarded as the inventor of the shower in 1767. He pumped cold water into a basin above the user’s head, which was released when they pulled a chain.

(Right) Ravine bar valve shower pack in brushed brass.

Elements Imex partner updates.

Our Elements Imex Partners have been keeping us up to date with new displays, fun filled trade training mornings and good old fashioned productive meetings that will make a positive difference to their business.

“Imex

“Great quality products with a good customer service. We are really looking forward to next day deliveries in July, this will really enhance our service for our plumbing trade customers”.

“I find Imex a very good company to deal with as they offer all the important things a merchant needs; great reliable products with extensive warranties, excellent stock levels, next day delivery, great pricing and most importantly an excellent customer service team backing you up if needed, so well done Imex!”.

“It’s my go to WC sale which I put on all my designs. I love the style and quality. I also really like the Blade vanity unit on display here”.

East Grinstead Bathrooms & Kitchens.

(Above) Shaun Thompson with Bill of East Grinstead Bathrooms & Kitchens holding the new Imex brochure.

J&Bs Plumbing & Heating Supplies Ringwood.

(Above) Mike Starinovich presenting Suzie Miller of J&Bs Ringwood branch with the new Imex brochure.

has a good range of quality products with professional & efficient service. I love the new brochure and reduced prices!”.

Bathroom World 2 Catterick.

(Above) Dale Harker, owner of Bathroom World 2 in Catterick, buys Blade for stock in open back, closed back and BTW pans.

Richmonds Plumbing & Heating Merchants Belshill.

(Above) Nico Maclachlan from Richmonds Bellshill branch. Nico says that Imex supply:

Newly updated Imex website.

New taps & showering ranges/finishes listed online now!

Our new website has had a fantastic response and offers all our partners the ability to check live up to date stock at their delivery location. Orders can be easily placed online and scheduled on a specific delivery day.

It’s quick and easy to register; visit imexceramic.co.uk and click ‘register’ on the top right of the screen, follow the simple and clear instructions.

You will be notified via email once your account has been activated. On the website you will also find line drawings and videos for your information.

The Virtual Showroom user guide and overview.

The Imex Virtual Showroom Experience is a very exciting tool for our Sales Team, our Partners and for their customers, to assist in bringing a bathroom design idea from concept to reality.

When entering our virtual environment on any smart device, you will be able explore our stunning collection of Imex Elements products.

Within our Virtual Showroom, you will also be able to find additional information about the products including images, technical line drawings, and a product QR code.

QR Code… what does this do?

You can scan the QR code using a separate smart device camera; your phone/tablet will then display a 3D model of the product with a 360° view.

You will see an ‘AR’ logo in the top right of this product image, click this ‘AR’ logo and the product will then be in your own room!

Imex social media

Are you following us on social media yet? Tag us in your Imex bathroom photos, and we will share your post!