Media Release 28 March
2008
Methven’s Pursuit of the Ultimate Shower Wins Innovative Company of the Year Award
Methven, the 122 year old New Zealand company that is transforming a simple shower into the ultimate at-home spa
experience, has won the Innovative Company of the Year title at the TelstraClear Trans-Tasman Business Awards.
Judges took note of Methven’s range of breakthrough showers that marry distinctive design, aesthetics, water
conservation efficiencies and unique technologies, exemplified by SatinJet, and the launch of the world’s first beauty
shower, Maia, that delivers the health-giving and refreshing benefits of a spa experience directly to the privacy of
your bathroom.
“We are thrilled to have been acknowledged as an innovative company,” said Managing Director, Rick Fala on accepting the
award from Prime Minister, Helen Clark. “But, it doesn’t stop here. Our aim is to become a leading global brand,
recognised and loved world-wide for delivering superior, life-enhancing shower experiences that fulfil people’s desire
for personal space and time out to relax, rejuvenate and think.”
Methven is New Zealand’s leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of proprietary water conserving showerware, taps
and valving.
Its flagship Methven Satinjet shower range is recognised as world class, winning international awards for its design and
environmentally friendly and patented twin jet technology.
Successfully launched in New Zealand in 2004, it has trailblazed sustained profitable growth for Methven in Australia
where it is now the leading shower brand, favoured by consumers for its outstanding eco-efficiency and luxurious
experience, and is leading the way for expansion to new markets in the UK, Europe and USA.
In recent months, Methven has debuted its latest breakthrough product, the world’s first personal beauty and spa shower,
Satinjet Maia, which has a unique inbuilt Vitamin C filter to eliminate chlorine.
Fragrance and essential oil water infusions are to be introduced later this year, which along with the de-chlorination
refills, provide ongoing revenue from repeat sales.
“Our design team developed Maia which works as a conventional shower as well as a facial and all over body water
massager in conjunction with consumers, dermatologists and spa therapists,” Mr Fala said. “It takes showering to a new
level delivering a personal, private spa experience to your own bathroom and takes Methven beyond the traditional
bathroom fittings category into personal care and beauty products and a new category - hydro-couture.”
Maia, which is available in New Zealand, was launched to widespread media acclaim in the United States where it is
marketed alongside luxury cosmetics on beauty counters in exclusive Barney’s department stores in New York, Chicago,
Dallas and Beverley Hills and through beauty spas.
“The innovation award is a testimony to the Methven team’s pure and simple love of showering and ability to think beyond
the obvious to find new ways to unleash the soothing, cleansing and rejuvenating powers of water in an environmentally
friendly and efficient way,” Mr Fala said.
ends