Until now, the supplier of kitchen and bathroom furnishings, Villeroy & Boch AG (Postf. 1120, D-66688 Mettlach), had three divisions: “Tiles”, “Tableware” and “Bath and Kitchen”. So that the company can offer “one-stop shopping”, a fourth division, “Plastics”, has now been established to market plastic baths, whirlpools, shower closets and shower systems.

In addition, Villeroy & Boch is initially taking over completely the Ucosan BV (Dwazzidweg 13, NL-9301 ZR Roden), which was formerly a 50:50 joint venture with the Dutch Wientjes Group (PB 8, NL-9300 AA Roden). The joint venture manufactures high-quality plastic shower trays and baths and, with a workforce of 275, should achieve sales of over Euro 35m and pre-tax earnings of some Euro 3m in 1999. The company´s founder and former Managing Director, Dr. Bernard Wientjes, will become Chairman of the Board of Villeroy & Boch from October 1, 1999 and, as such, will head the new division. It is intended to significantly expand the operation through acquisitions and investments.

The other companies in the Wientjes Group – Wientjes Roden BV and Wientjes Emmen BV (PB 224, NL-7800 AE Emmen) – would remain independent and continue to be owned by him, explained Dr. Wientjes in answer to a Plasteurope.com query. He would, however, be giving up his position as Managing Director there and would be moving to the Supervisory Board. The planned acquisitions would be exclusively in the field of plastic products for the bathroom.