Methven SatinJet® Shower To Run Hot in Italy
Recently listed showerware, tap and valve designer and manufacturer, Methven Ltd, has achieved an export breakthrough
for its revolutionary SatinJet® shower technology.
The innovative, design-driven New Zealand company has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Italian luxury
bathroomware supplier, Visentin, for it to manufacture, distribute and sell and distribute the Methven inspired and
designed SatinJet® technology in their core markets of Italy and France and non exclusively in Greece, Turkey and Russia
where they also have a presence.
“Internationally patent pending SatinJet® shower technology is Methven’s trailblazer for expanding our business beyond
Australia and New Zealand,” said Managing Director and Group CEO, Rick Fala.
While the new agreement with Visentin, a shower rose and slide shower supplier to Methven now turned customer, will have
no significant immediate effect on the bottom line, it represents a significant development in a strategic, long term
relationship and is an endorsement of the New Zealand inspired SatinJet® technology.
“Our aim is to channel our original design and fluid engineering capabilities to become a world leader in showerware
that delivers water better and provides a fresh, sensational experience regardless of the water pressure,” Mr Fala said
“The agreement with Visentin is a major milestone and validation that our SatinJet® shower technology, which we only
launched domestically in September 2004, really is world class and marketable internationally,” Mr Fala said.
“The beauty of SatinJet® is the feel which is completely different to other showers and works in low flow and low water
pressure conditions. Visentin conducted in-market research with Italian women consumers. Their response was strongly
positive with some 80 percent of them describing showering with SatinJet® as a ‘sensuous’ experience and 92 percent
noticing a discernible difference in shower feel. That reaction mirrors feedback from New Zealand consumers.
“We are thrilled to have licensed our unique shower design to our Italian partners which some might say is akin to
selling ice to the Eskimos given Italy’s proud bathroom design heritage. We associate Italy and its Roman baths as the
birthplace of the sensuous bathing experience and it is fitting that they be among the first in the world to enjoy the
SatinJet® shower experience,” said Mr Fala.
Mr Fala said that Methven was exploring further opportunities for the SatinJet® shower as well as Methven branded and
manufactured products in the UK, United States and Asia.
“We are the market leader in New Zealand and are making good progress in expanding our presence in Australia, focusing
on the domestic renovation and new building market. We are now looking to build the Methven presence in target overseas
markets through a mixture of licensing agreements and marketing our unique product range under our own brand. ”
Methven, which listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange in November 2004, believes it is on track to achieve its IPO
performance forecasts for Group sales, profitability and cashflow, Mr Fala said.
Full year audited financial results will be announced in May.