Gulf Construction Online - Grohe launches new products at the Big 5

Bathrooms, Fittings & Water Heaters

Shaikh Mohammed shares a moment with Droege (centre) and Halabi.

Grohe launches new products at the Big 5

01 December 2001

Grohe Water Technology, the major sanitary fittings company, made waves at the recent Big 5 show in the UAE, using the exhibition to introduce several new product lines to the

Middle East.

At the event, the German firm highlighted new lines within its three distinct brands - Groheart (high-design fittings), Grohetec (mixers, thermostats and showers) and Grohedal (flushing systems).

"The Big 5 Show, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in October, was a unique event." says a Grohe spokesman.

He continues: "The water technology exhibition at the Big 5 is the only specialist event of its kind in the Middle East and has over the years attracted thousands of companies from around the world. As the largest sanitary fittings manufacturer in Europe and the biggest exporter of bathroom fittings worldwide, Grohe has always had a major presence at the Big 5 - and this year was no exception."

At the event, Grohe officials had the honour of meeting Dubai Crown Prince and Defence Minister of UAE Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

"Making his first-ever visit to the Big 5, Shaikh Mohammed visited the Grohe stand and exchanged pleasantries with Middle East managing director Franz Droege and Dubai regional manager Alex Halabi. Shaikh Mohammed indicated that he was aware of Grohe products," says the spokesman.

Grohe exhibited alongside other German firms, which together gave Germany the largest pavilion at the Big 5, with 3,500 sq m of exhibition space. Grohe's booth itself was one of the largest at the fair, and the biggest among the sanitary fittings manufacturers, says the spokesman.

Grohe's stand featured an innovative 'pathway' that guided visitors through a predetermined route, allowing them a comprehensive view of its stylish displays of Groheart, Grohetec and Grohedal lines.

"New products on display included Grohetec's attractive Talia two-handled faucet and striking Taron shower for bathrooms. Also on show was a new range of Grohedal products that further enhance Grohe's reputation as an unbeatable provider of solutions in flushing and installation systems. These included the Rapid Pro installation system and the Surf G wall plate, as well as Tectron and Surf infrared urinal electronics.

"The Big 5 served as the launch pad in the Middle East for several new Groheart lines - such as Atrio, Tenso and Ectos - which made their debut in Europe at the ISH fair in Frankfurt in March 2001 and were also featured at a Grohe exhibition called 'Caravan of the Senses' held in Marrakesh, Morocco in February 2001."

Grohe envisages playing an active and effective role in helping the Middle East conserve water through the use of its fittings and systems. "The Dubai government places great importance on water conservation and the water technology show is a keen area of focus for governmental and non-governmental visitors to the exhibition," the spokesman says. "Among these visitors are people who have a great deal of responsibility for the planning, operation and management of water services for domestic, industrial and agricultural consumers. They have decision-making and allocation authority over millions of dollars for the purchase of appropriate water technology aimed at managing the scarce water resources of the region."

"With the population in the GCC growing at a rate of over 3 per cent each year and construction activity continuing at a frenetic pace, Gulf governments will continue to place great emphasis on saving valuable water resources," he says. "It will also be a highly rewarding environment for those who are able to provide the appropriate water technology to meet local needs."