Imex Ceramic UK - Spring/Summer 2023 newsletter

Spring - Summer 2023

Imex factory update

We are pleased to report the factory extension is progressing well (see page 3 for more details), the main buildings are now complete and the fully automated racking is now being installed in our new 700,000 piece warehouse. The new pressure cast lines are now installed and the new tunnel kiln will be fitted shortly.

We are looking forward to completing the factory works so we can take advantage of the huge increase in capacity. We will of course keep you posted in our next newsletter edition.

Price decrease

We were delighted to be one of the only manufacturers to announce and implement a January 2023 price reduction to support our UK customers and help with more competitive pricing, whilst retaining strong margins for our partners.

Increased van fleet & next day delivery

We are proud to have increased our fleet of Imex branded commercial vehicles. As a result we are delighted to now offer next day deliveries to the majority of the UK.

January 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.

Minimum order values removed

To support our partners, we have absorbed the cost of service and removed all minimum order values across large areas of the UK.

Confidential Imex Price Book

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 January 2023 brochure.

Premiercast baths

Our Premiercast bath range continues to grow at an incredible rate. See page 4 to view the range and how to order a rangefinder poster for your showroom.

Customer testimonials

We have had some great feedback from our customers following recent meetings, read more on page 7.

New vans from our Imex branded fleet.

Artist renderings of the upgraded Imex factory

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.

Our new energy saving kilns and double deck kiln cars.

Bath Collection

With our vast collection of built-in and freestanding baths there is an option to suit all styles and sizes of bathroom.

Freestanding collection

Meet the Imex team

Kerry Stewart – Customer Service

Hi, my name is Kerry Stewart and I am a customer service representative.

I’ve been with the company for 2 years now, completely new to the bathroom industry before this time. I previously worked for a media company for 3 years before joining Imex.

My role is specifically order management and to keep customers updated with the status of their orders.

I also assist with a variety of customer service questions and tasks that may arise,

Jonny Brennan – Customer Service

“Hello there, I’m Jonny and I was recently appointed to the Customer Service team. It has been an incredible honour to be given the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated and hard working team.

Prior to working for Imex, for the previous seven years I have been a primary school teacher for children with learning difficulties and additional needs. I worked with children from all ages helping to support them in their day to day activities and teaching their core subjects in alternative learning previsions.

The fond memories and the sense of satisfaction I received knowing that we were making a difference to these bright

Lee’s trivia corner!

Did you know?

The first recorded use of toilet paper was in 6th Century China. By the 14th Century, the Chinese government was mass-producing it. It wasn’t until 1935 that a manufacturer was able to promise Splinter-Free Toilet Paper.

The first toilet paper was developed in England in 1880 and sold not on a roll but as individual sheets in a box.

The Scot Paper Company was the first to manufacture toilet paper on a roll, in 1890.

The average toilet roll now has 333 sheets.

The average person uses 100 rolls of toilet paper per year (over 20,000 sheets).

as well as supporting my colleagues in returns and orders.

I really enjoy working within a hard working team and enjoy speaking to all our partners. Fun fact about myself: I was born in South Africa and lived abroad for the first few years of my life.

I moved to Crowborough from Sevenoaks about 12 years ago and enjoy long walks in the countryside and heading to Brighton on a sunny day.

children’s lives is something that will stay with me forever.

Some of my interests include watching movies, playing video games and tending for my reptiles.

I have had 5 different breeds of reptiles and amphibians: A bearded dragon named Jub Jub, a royal python called Calvin, a panther chameleon named Carmen and two red eyed green tree frogs named Webster McRibbit and Kormit.

I hope that I have the pleasure of assisting you with any of your technical queries or if you need a good movie recommendation!”

Elements Imex Partner Updates

Every newsletter issue we are getting closer and closer to our ultimate goal of offering our partners a complete bathroom solution offering. The support from all our customers is greatly appreciated.

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.

Plumbstop Plymouth

(Right) is Andrew James with Chris Day of Plumbstop Plymouth, training and feeding the locals. You may also spot the rare and priceless Imex Mug!

C W Berry

“We choose to have Imex on display in our new Berry’s bathroom showroom because of their great timeless designs, quality products, lots of ranges to choose from and good communication from the Imex team. Deliveries are always on time and well packaged. They also deliver fantastic margins to our business.”

Boys and Boden Ltd

The new brochure has been very welcomed along with the latest showroom displays.

“Imex are always looking at ways to innovate and deliver ways for me to achieve higher margins, supported by good, quality products with reliable and dependable service”.

Boys and Boden Ltd (with trading divisions The Plumbline, Boden Roofing Supplies & Pear Stairs) is a privately owned company that has been trading since 1895.

(Right) John Massey and Louise Carey from C W Berry standing proudly next to their Ravine 900 cabinet on display in their showroom.

(Left) Imex’s very own Lee Andrews having a fantastic meeting with our partner Mark Lloyd – Boys & Boden.

Newly updated Imex website.

Premiercast and Imex Cast baths now live!

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 www.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!