European sanitary leader launches new innovations

SWISS-based European sanitary industry leader Geberit has recently launched its new innovations in the market here and at home. In Singapore, it is launching the new Geberit ONE technology, a pioneering, fully integrated and comprehensive solution for greater cleanliness, more space and greater flexibility in the bathroom.

"Geberit recently launched new innovations in the sanitary industry. Our flush plates are highly sought after so we launched new colours and textures that are aligned with the latest interior design trends. We also introduced the new Alpha cistern, which has many useful upgrades from its previous model," says Ronald van Triest, head of international sales at Geberit.

Back at the headquarters in Switzerland, the company has introduced Geberit FlowFit for the European market, a new drinking water piping system that has been completely designed around the needs of the plumber to make their day to day work at the construction site a lot easier.

Geberit set up shop in Singapore in 1998 and has been using it as a base to grow its business in the region.

"With a goal of establishing a strong presence in the region, Geberit North and South East Asia was established in 1998 and headquartered in Singapore for its strategic location. We also have offices in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea," says Mr van Triest, who is based in Singapore.

"The company aims to value-add when it comes to sanitary technology, bathroom ceramics, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mechanisms, and comprehensive range of supply connections as well as waste and drainage systems in the north and South-east Asia region."

The globally operating Geberit Group is a European leader in the field of sanitary products. It operates with a strong local presence in most European countries, providing added value when it comes to sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics.

The production network is spread over 29 facilities, of which six are located overseas. The group is headquartered in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland. With around 12,000 employees in around 50 countries, Geberit generated sales of 3 billion Swiss francs (S$4.5 billion) in 2020. Geberit shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and have been included in the Swiss Market Index since 2012.

IMPROVING PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES

Mr van Triest says that besides Europe, the company has two manufacturing facilities in Asia - Shanghai, China, and in Pune, India. Its main R&D facilities are based in Switzerland with a small R&D branch in Shanghai.

Every year, Geberit invests nearly 3 per cent of its net sales in the development and improvement of processes, products and technologies. In 2020, it spent 75 million Swiss francs on R&D. In the last financial year, Geberit applied for 37 patents.

Geberit also invests heavily in 10 technology areas which include hydraulics, hygiene, statics and sound insulation, he adds.

Asked what is special about Geberit's products, Mr van Triest says: "Geberit is the market leader in the sanitary industry. Our comprehensive know-how and almost 150 years of experience explain how our products not only look good but offer outstanding functions. Geberit systems deliver solutions for the whole building from the water supply to roof drainage systems. We ensure our customers build better buildings cheaper and faster - and most importantly, it is built to last...

"Offering customised solutions that suit individual market's needs is important to us. Hong Kong, for instance, has a unique requirement to use seawater for flushing. Therefore, we developed a special mechanism suitable for Hong Kong only. Another great example is the Monolith Puro sanitary modules which are ideal for the Asian market because it makes upgrading to a higher-end solution easy as it uses existing water and drainage connections."

Since its beginnings in 1874 in Rapperswil, Switzerland, Geberit has been shaping industry developments. In 1964, the company introduced the first concealed cistern which set a new industry standard.

Through acquiring a range of long-standing ceramic brands, Geberit now has a new look: the reliable technology behind the wall is united with perfectly designed visible bathroom products such as washbasins and bathtubs.

"For almost 150 years, Geberit's purpose has been to improve lives through innovative, aesthetic and sustainable bathroom solutions that are easy to install, use and maintain, and create true value. Every innovation is based on carefully analysing - what makes us better at pursuing this purpose. From this strong foundation, we will continue our evolution, always striving to fulfil our purpose of improving lives," says Mr van Triest.

The company continually expands its business, not just in Singapore but around north and South-east Asia as well. With the construction industry expected to recover and grow further, Geberit will continue to introduce new innovations to each market and invest more resources, he adds.

Adapting to the situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic, the company recently held its first ever hybrid Geberit Innovation Days event. "It was a great success and a new milestone in how we interact with our partners. Groupwide, more than 10,000 experts from 40 countries attended to discuss the future of the sanitary industry and Geberit's building solutions.

"We strengthened customer relationships and made new connections. The event's success shows the ingenuity of the business, our innovation and global teamwork. The products and services presented were already established successful products and new products introduced this year. The newly launched products include comprehensive solutions for optimum water flow and trendy design innovations that offer a high degree of design freedom," says Mr van Triest.

CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTIONS

The event also highlighted the importance of personal hygiene and introduces cutting-edge solutions that maximise hygiene in private bathrooms and public sanitary areas. Simplification of planning and installation, and digital planning tools were also introduced to support the customers and simplify their project planning.

The company has done many interesting projects in Singapore.

"We are thankful to our partners, who have a common goal of creating beautiful bathrooms that improve well-being. Among Geberit's notable projects here is The Reef at King's Dock by Harbourfront Three, a joint venture between Mapletree and Keppel Land.

"It boasts grand views, so Index Design (the project's interior design firm) envisioned luxury bathrooms with surprising details - for which we had the perfect products. The AquaClean Sela shower toilet is one of our latest innovations and was chosen for its slim, sleek profile and intuitive functions. The VariForm basin was chosen for its versatility, as it seamlessly integrated with the unique cabinets," says Mr van Triest.

Another project, Irwell Hill Residences, which is being developed by City Developments Limited, will be one of the iconic works that shape the skyline, he adds. Besides using AquaClean Sela and VariForm, Index Design included other standout products.

With the Geberit iCon Rimfree WC, Geberit introduced a new flush technology. While standard water closets (WCs) have difficult-to-clean flush rims, rim free WCs do not - and therefore simplifying cleaning. The Geberit Supero bathtub was also a perfect fit for the modern, puristic bathroom, according to him.

"Our team in Singapore is continuously working on new projects to fulfil our purpose - provide better bathrooms for all," adds Mr van Triest.