WHO WE ARE
We are a group of market-leading brands that design and supply sustainable bathroom and kitchen products in the UK, Ireland and South Africa, in addition to selected export markets.
Our Group
We organise our Group into two geographic areas: the UK & Ireland and South Africa. This gives us a combination of well-established businesses with strong market positions and growth opportunities in new markets.
Approximately two-thirds of Group revenue is delivered from the UK & Ireland with the balance in South Africa. Our regional footprint gives our brands and product ranges a range of routes to market. The regional balance also helps to manage the cyclical nature of regional economies.
We are the UK & Ireland’s number one bathroom products group.
In the UK we offer a wide range of quality bathroom and kitchen products both for domestic and commercial applications.
We have broad routes to market across trade, retail and online channels and a significant export business. We have a strong customer list with over 1,000 blue chip customers and with many long-term relationships.
We are well placed to continue growing market share and winning new customers in our target market segments by leveraging our strong new product development pipeline, Group relationships and collaboration, and superior customer service.
We are South Africa’s second largest bathroom products group.
Norcros South Africa is one of the market leaders with a vertically integrated business model covering design, manufacturing, sourcing and retail.
The market is more concentrated than the UK with a smaller number of larger players. In the bathroom and plumbing segment, the market is regional and more fragmented with few national players.
Both Norcros and the other market leader deploy similar integrated business models from production to retail to reach all segments and channels.
We remain in a strong competitive position and are well placed to gain market share as conditions and consumer confidence gradually improve.
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
Over the last decade, our organic and M&A consolidation strategy has resulted in Norcros becoming the UK and Ireland’s number one bathroom products group. As we move into the next strategic cycle, we have revised our strategy and set new medium-term targets. Our strategic plan builds on the strengths of our core Group and will accelerate our growth. We are focused on four pillars: M&A, Organic Growth, Operational Excellence and ESG.
A POWERFUL CHOICE
FOR BETTER LIVING
WHERE DESIGN MEETS QUALITY
We are fully focused on designing outstanding products. This starts with focusing on the consumer. We align our people, processes and systems with achieving fashionable design, well-engineered products and a culture of innovation. Our in-house design teams are crucial in achieving this. They develop bespoke designs and work with our carefully selected suppliers to ensure they meet consumer needs and wants.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DESIGNS
SUSTAINABILITY DRIVEN
We are increasingly focused on the sustainability of our product portfolio. As a leading bathroom and kitchen products supplier, it is our responsibility to play a leading role in making products more sustainable. This is the right thing to do. Importantly, it also enhances our competitive advantage and growth opportunities.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SUSTAINABILITYA Clear Customer Proposition
Consistently setting new standards in design. Innovations and powerful choices for better living
Providing product assurance and supporting the tradesperson and the consumer
Great customer service, technical support and product assistance. We meet the logistical needs of our clients and partners
Diversified Customer Base
We have broad routes to market across trade, retail and online channels and a significant export business, and a strong customer list with over 1,000 blue chip customers and with many long-term relationships. Norcros brands are often selected because of strong product design, quality and customer service.
OUR HISTORY
Norcros was originally formed in 1901 as HRJ & Johnsons. The company was formed to acquire family-owned companies in order to allow the owners to continue to have a role in the company, whilst avoiding the effect of death duty.
Over its 100+ year history the company has acquired and disposed of many companies, including in engineering, pharmaceuticals, speciality chemicals, printing, transport, building materials, and more.
By the 1990s, the company decided to consolidate its holdings and undertook a significant program of disposing of its interests in many companies.
In 1999, Norcros de-listed from the London Stock Exchange as the result of a management buyout.
During its period as a private company (1999–2007), the Group focused on its home consumer products.
In 2007, the Board decided to return to the stock market to provide access to new capital to fund further growth in its now clearly defined markets.
2007
JULY
Relisting of the Group on the London Stock Exchange
2009
DECEMBER
Raised capital of £27.7m to pay down expensive debt
2013
MARCH
Acquisition of VADO, our leading manufacturer of taps, mixer showers, bathroom accessories and valves
2014
MAY
Disposal of Johnson Tiles Australia
2015
JUNE
Acquisition of Croydex, our market leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality bathroom furnishings and accessories
2016
MARCH
Acquisition of Abode, a leading UK business which designs, markets and distributes kitchen taps, sinks, bathroom brassware and showering solutions
2017
NOVEMBER
Acquisition of Merlyn, the UK and Ireland’s No 1 supplier of shower enclosures and trays
2019
APRIL
Acquisition of House of Plumbing, a market-leading supplier of specialist plumbing materials
2022
MAY
Acquisition of Grant Westfield, a manufacturer and distributor of luxurious wall panels
2023
JUNE
Closure of Norcros Adhesives
2024
MAY
Sale of Johnson Tiles UK to existing management team
