Hansgrohe Middle East has concluded a “fantastic” year and has equally impressive plans in the pipeline for 2017, according to its managing director.

“2016 was a good year in the GCC and saw the brand expand its reach and increase its profile – mainly due to several big project wins, but also because of a more focused marketing campaign,” Markus Singler tells Gulf Construction.

The German luxury bathroom specialist has seen robust growth on the back its innovative bathroom solutions, high sustainability standards and growing presence in the region. This has translated into several big project wins in the region.

Commenting on the company’s success in the Gulf, Singler underlines Hansgrohe’s closeness to the market – both physically and in terms of relationships – as one of the key factors.

Singler says: “With regional offices in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, we cover the strategic growth areas of the region. Plus, our well-established dealer network throughout the Middle East ensures that our brand is well positioned.” 

“We have more than 500 POS (points of sale) in the Middle East and are still growing our presence in the retail sector. We are also continuing to further invest into the project business since we see a lot of high-profile developments in the region, such as the Expo 2020 in Dubai and the Fifa World Cup 2022 in Qatar.”

The market leader has established a reputation for cutting-edge design. From the very first wall bar to multi-jet showering enjoyment at the touch of a button, Hansgrohe has been shaping the bathroom landscape around the globe since 1901, he says. Some of the more popular systems boasting cutting-edge design from Hansgrohe and its design brand Axor include:

• Metris Select and Talis Select: For the first time, the new kitchen mixers, Metris Select and Talis Select, combine a pull-out spray head with the innovative Select technology. This innovative solution increases the operating range around the sink, making work in the kitchen considerably easier. The swivel spout has a 150-degree range and can be turned in any direction, making it very convenient for use with double sinks.

Singler ... good year.

• Croma collection: Making it easy to switch between spray modes at the intuitive touch of a button, the Croma Select multi-hand shower provides an individualised shower experience with three different kinds of spray: a soft rain shower, a powerful intense rain mode, and a pulsating water jet massage.

• Axor One: A thermostat module for minimalists, Axor One was created by London designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby to offer a feeling of spaciousness due to its simplicity, flatness and size. 

In response to the growing demand for individualised interiors and for making a personal statement, Hansgrohe has been working with world-renowned design partners. “Together with Axor, David Adjaye, Werner Aisslinger, Front, GamFratesi and Jean-Marie Massaud, Hansgrohe has designed unique spouts that through their materiality, form and function, give a new emotionality and value to the tap itself and the water passing through it,” says Singler.

Another key focus area for Hansgrohe is sustainability. “Hansgrohe is an industry pioneer in sustainability, and environmental and climate protection. The company went ‘green’ decades before it was the trend, and set high goals for an ecological future,” he says.

The water-saving features of its products are a major draw in the Middle East, hence Hansgrohe’s Eco Smart ranges of showers and mixers are very popular in the region. “The ‘Made in Germany’ tag also plays a major role here and many clients value the commitment of Hansgrohe to quality manufacturing in Germany,” says Singler.

“In 2014, Hansgrohe became one of the first bathroom fittings and showerhead manufacturers to be awarded the Trustmark for Environmental Performance by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC),” he adds.

Awarded for 11 of its products, the Trustmark reaffirms Hansgrohe’s position as a leader in sustainability, setting the standard in the region.

Hansgrohe clinched numerous prestigious projects in the region last year, including the five-star Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Dubai in Pearl Jumeirah, where its PuraVida and Raindance hand showers will be installed; Bulgari Hotels and Resorts in Dubai (Axor Citterio, Axor Citterio E, Axor Citterio accessories, Axor Citterio M, and Axor Universal accessories); and the Jewel of the Creek mixed-use complex (Metris and Raindance, and Axor’s Axor Citterio M, Axor Citterio E in rose gold finish).

Hansgrohe also supplied products to several other projects in Dubai, including Sky View Towers, W Dubai – The Palm and Serenia Residences The Palm.