New Zealand Edition 2 Methven
THE MARKET New Zealanders love water. Living on an island, with a close relationship to nature, they enjoy ready access and a profound connection to water in all its forms. Enhancing this relationship, and finding new ways to bring water’s invigorating power into customers’ lives, is what Methven is all about. Today’s bathrooms are a far cry from the utilitarian spaces of yesteryear. Homeowners in 2012 demand fittings that are not only easy to use and supremely reliable, but also inspiring to look at. This blend of practicality with style and innovation drives the Methven brand and is key to its ongoing success. The Methven story began in Dunedin in 1886, as a producer of brass and iron hardware. Today the company is New Zealand’s largest supplier of distinctive showerware, tapware and hotwater valves to home renovators and house builders, as well as plumbers and the construction industry. ACHIEVEMENTS Innovation through design is at the heart of Methven’s operations. This has been recognised by a host of international design awards for products that save water and energy, without compromising on style or luxury. The Methven design team focuses on creating bathroom products with a distinctive Kiwi style. This approach has led to a host of awards for outstanding performance, design and water efficiency. Recent awards include the GOOD DESIGN Green Award 2011 from The Chicago Athenaeum for Methven’s Kiri Ultra Low Flow Shower, and being voted Bathroom Product Innovation of the Year by the UK Design Awards 2011. And if that’s not enough, the Tahi Twin-Lever Tapware received the prestigious German red dot product design 2011 award. Winning international awards isn’t just about generating complimentary PR. Methven’s growing profile and its participation in the 2011 trade fairs in Frankfurt and Shanghai have paid off with new distribution channels and a host of further opportunities in the luxury hotel sector.
HISTORY Methven is a true Kiwi success story, founded on quality and sustained through innovation. Established in 1886 by George Methven as a brass and iron foundry in Dunedin, Methven became familiar to generations of New Zealanders as the name on their tapware. In 2004 the company was listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange, followed by a renewed push into Australia and the UK. Other milestones in Methven’s history include: 1906. Began manufacturing taps and copper laundry vessels. 1930. Listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. 1936. Delisted from the New Zealand Stock Exchange. 1939-45.Manufactured ammunition for the New Zealand Army. 1947. Tapware manufacturer HMC established in Auckland. 1950s. Post-war building boom saw Methven focusing on tapware and valving products for the domestic marketplace. 1962. Bought by McKechnie Bros PLC and Peglers. 1987. Crichton family acquires Flexispray Pty Ltd in Australia. 1995. Launch of Fastflow™ technology. 1997. Merged management with HMC. 1998. Sold to MCK Group Pty Ltd. 1999. Methven and HMC factories consolidated. 2001. AMP Capital backs a management buy-out of Methven from MCK Group. Nefa valve range launched in Australia. 2003. Methven acquires 60% of Flexispray. 2004. Methven lists on the New Zealand
2006. 2006. 2007.
Stock Exchange. Methven Tapware is launched in Australia. Launch of Satinjet® technology. Methven USA Inc established. Methven Trading Co Ltd established in China. Methven acquires The Deva Tap Company Limited in the UK.
THE PRODUCT Everybody needs at least one experience every day when their senses are fully awakened, their bodies are refreshed and they can emerge, ready to face whatever the day holds. Meeting this fundamental human need is what Methven’s products are engineered to do. To ensure its product range delivers a truly exceptional shower experience, Methven has developed innovative technologies for ranges such as Satinjet®. This approach means that many Methven showers and tapware work on all
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pressures and are designed to perform in New Zealand conditions. The result is a sophisticated, contemporary shower that awakens the senses as it cleanses the body. Nothing is left to chance. Methven has implemented rigorous quality control systems to complement its water and energy-saving features. Their products are tested to ensure conformance to quality standards. Wherever possible, Methven’s products are certified to relevant regional standards and specifications. How does this combination of consumerfocused thinking and innovative design play out in practice? You’ll find Methven products have sophisticated features that make shower time more rewarding. Like a footrest that’s perfect for shaving legs, or Satinjet® technology that stimulates the skin without wasting resources.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS Methven’s 125th anniversary in 2011 presented the perfect opportunity to celebrate longevity. With this in mind, the company introduced a 20-year warranty on all Methven branded tapware and showerware in New Zealand. (For more details on this warranty, visit www.methven.com.) Even though the residential construction industry is currently going through a quiet spell, Methven has continued to bring innovative products to market. The latest eye-catching additions to the Methven line-up are the Waipori tapware range and Satinjet showers. PROMOTION With a product range that’s driven by innovative design, Methven’s marketing needs to inspire and stand out. The Methven brand look is tactile and strongly influenced by its
Kiwi roots, giving the company a distinctive profile in the New Zealand and international markets. A consistent look and message is conveyed through all channels – from packaging and trade shows, through to consumer and co-op advertising with plumbers and builders’ merchants. Methven’s integrated campaigns target trade customers (ie, plumbers, architects, designers and housing groups) and consumers directly. Regular promotions, radio advertising and social media activities build strong and sustainable brand relationships with both the specifier and the homeowner. This is backed up with an active commitment to sustainability, with support for national initiatives such as Future-Proof Building and Homestar Rating. Behind it all lies a story not many other New Zealand manufacturers can tell. It’s the way we work wonders with water, bringing our customers the simple luxury of rejuvenation every day. BRAND VALUES Methven has a single-minded vision of becoming the leading shower brand worldwide. It’s looking to be globally loved for delivering superior, life-enhancing shower experiences. To help achieve this, Methven has six inspiring brand values: Ingenious. We don’t just talk about innovation – we are always looking for a new and better way, and a solution that has never been done before. Methven seeks ingenuity in its products, processes and people. Bold, can-do attitude. We won’t shrink from going where no one has gone before. Our people are encouraged to put themselves on the line and take calculated risks. Empathy. This means leaving no stone unturned in discovering and understanding the end-user customer’s needs, habits and preferences. It also means understanding the needs of our internal customers and distribution partners.
Uncompromising. Our people do not subscribe to ‘she’ll be right’; they aspire to excellence in every endeavour. Their integrity and ethics are paramount. Team. Great achievements are, more often than not, the result of collective action. Methven has an inclusive, collaborative culture. Earthwise. We’re acutely conscious that our products provide a delivery medium for one of the world’s most precious commodities – water. Our duty is to deliver it responsibly, with respect and wisdom. Powered by these brand values, and inspired by the goal of delivering inspiring experiences every day, Methven is well placed to weather any market conditions and remain the brand of choice for the New Zealand plumbing industry.
ThINK OuTSIdE THE sQUArE Curved edges and faces soften the geometric styling of Waipori, making it a modern and attractive alternative to square styles. A slimline, petite collection of showers and tapware characterised by tapering lines, subtly rounded faces and distinctive arcs. A comprehensive range which offers products to suit any bathroom environment: basin, sink and four models of shower mixers, wall and hob mounted faucets and spouts. Key features of the Waipori range include a swivelling hob spout and a retro-fit shower rail that enable greater installation flexibility. Waipori tapware and Satinjet shower range will be available in November from leading plumbing and building merchants nationwide. *Visit www.methven.com for more details.
0800 804 222 www.methven.com facebook.com/MethvenNZ twitter.com/MethvenNZ
A PROUD NEW ZEALAND BRAND
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HISTORY Methven is a true Kiwi success story, founded on quality and sustained through innovation. Established in 1886 by George Methven as a brass and iron foundry in Dunedin, Methven became familiar to generations of New Zealanders as the name on their tapware. In 2004 the company was listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange, followed by a renewed push into Australia and the UK. Other milestones in Methven’s history include: 1906. Began manufacturing taps and copper laundry vessels. 1930. Listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. 1936. Delisted from the New Zealand Stock Exchange. 1939-45.Manufactured ammunition for the New Zealand Army. 1947. Tapware manufacturer HMC established in Auckland. 1950s. Post-war building boom saw Methven focusing on tapware and valving products for the domestic marketplace. 1962. Bought by McKechnie Bros PLC and Peglers. 1987. Crichton family acquires Flexispray Pty Ltd in Australia. 1995. Launch of Fastflow™ technology. 1997. Merged management with HMC. 1998. Sold to MCK Group Pty Ltd. 1999. Methven and HMC factories consolidated. 2001. AMP Capital backs a management buy-out of Methven from MCK Group. Nefa valve range launched in Australia. 2003. Methven acquires 60% of Flexispray. 2004. Methven lists on the New Zealand
2006. 2006. 2007.
Stock Exchange. Methven Tapware is launched in Australia. Launch of Satinjet® technology. Methven USA Inc established. Methven Trading Co Ltd established in China. Methven acquires The Deva Tap Company Limited in the UK.
THE PRODUCT Everybody needs at least one experience every day when their senses are fully awakened, their bodies are refreshed and they can emerge, ready to face whatever the day holds. Meeting this fundamental human need is what Methven’s products are engineered to do. To ensure its product range delivers a truly exceptional shower experience, Methven has developed innovative technologies for ranges such as Satinjet®. This approach means that many Methven showers and tapware work on all
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pressures and are designed to perform in New Zealand conditions. The result is a sophisticated, contemporary shower that awakens the senses as it cleanses the body. Nothing is left to chance. Methven has implemented rigorous quality control systems to complement its water and energy-saving features. Their products are tested to ensure conformance to quality standards. Wherever possible, Methven’s products are certified to relevant regional standards and specifications. How does this combination of consumerfocused thinking and innovative design play out in practice? You’ll find Methven products have sophisticated features that make shower time more rewarding. Like a footrest that’s perfect for shaving legs, or Satinjet® technology that stimulates the skin without wasting resources.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS Methven’s 125th anniversary in 2011 presented the perfect opportunity to celebrate longevity. With this in mind, the company introduced a 20-year warranty on all Methven branded tapware and showerware in New Zealand. (For more details on this warranty, visit www.methven.com.) Even though the residential construction industry is currently going through a quiet spell, Methven has continued to bring innovative products to market. The latest eye-catching additions to the Methven line-up are the Waipori tapware range and Satinjet showers. PROMOTION With a product range that’s driven by innovative design, Methven’s marketing needs to inspire and stand out. The Methven brand look is tactile and strongly influenced by its
Kiwi roots, giving the company a distinctive profile in the New Zealand and international markets. A consistent look and message is conveyed through all channels – from packaging and trade shows, through to consumer and co-op advertising with plumbers and builders’ merchants. Methven’s integrated campaigns target trade customers (ie, plumbers, architects, designers and housing groups) and consumers directly. Regular promotions, radio advertising and social media activities build strong and sustainable brand relationships with both the specifier and the homeowner. This is backed up with an active commitment to sustainability, with support for national initiatives such as Future-Proof Building and Homestar Rating. Behind it all lies a story not many other New Zealand manufacturers can tell. It’s the way we work wonders with water, bringing our customers the simple luxury of rejuvenation every day. BRAND VALUES Methven has a single-minded vision of becoming the leading shower brand worldwide. It’s looking to be globally loved for delivering superior, life-enhancing shower experiences. To help achieve this, Methven has six inspiring brand values: Ingenious. We don’t just talk about innovation – we are always looking for a new and better way, and a solution that has never been done before. Methven seeks ingenuity in its products, processes and people. Bold, can-do attitude. We won’t shrink from going where no one has gone before. Our people are encouraged to put themselves on the line and take calculated risks. Empathy. This means leaving no stone unturned in discovering and understanding the end-user customer’s needs, habits and preferences. It also means understanding the needs of our internal customers and distribution partners.
Uncompromising. Our people do not subscribe to ‘she’ll be right’; they aspire to excellence in every endeavour. Their integrity and ethics are paramount. Team. Great achievements are, more often than not, the result of collective action. Methven has an inclusive, collaborative culture. Earthwise. We’re acutely conscious that our products provide a delivery medium for one of the world’s most precious commodities – water. Our duty is to deliver it responsibly, with respect and wisdom. Powered by these brand values, and inspired by the goal of delivering inspiring experiences every day, Methven is well placed to weather any market conditions and remain the brand of choice for the New Zealand plumbing industry.
ThINK OuTSIdE THE sQUArE Curved edges and faces soften the geometric styling of Waipori, making it a modern and attractive alternative to square styles. A slimline, petite collection of showers and tapware characterised by tapering lines, subtly rounded faces and distinctive arcs. A comprehensive range which offers products to suit any bathroom environment: basin, sink and four models of shower mixers, wall and hob mounted faucets and spouts. Key features of the Waipori range include a swivelling hob spout and a retro-fit shower rail that enable greater installation flexibility. Waipori tapware and Satinjet shower range will be available in November from leading plumbing and building merchants nationwide. *Visit www.methven.com for more details.
0800 804 222 www.methven.com facebook.com/MethvenNZ twitter.com/MethvenNZ
A PROUD NEW ZEALAND BRAND
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