Bathco and the CTC are working on the development of new materials.
Bathco, in collaboration with the Cantabria Technology Center for Components (CTC) began a research and development project for new materials in 2013, the results of which will be released at the end of 2014.
Journal
The ultimate goal of this R&D&I project, which will last 18 months, is to develop an innovative material that allows Bathco to manufacture a high-end product developed entirely in Cantabria thanks to the subsidy from ERDF Funds.
The innovative nature of this new material aims to achieve characteristics such as water resistance, lightness, and a natural finish. The pursuit of these properties has led to the use of new materials combined with traditional ones, as the base material for the sinks to be developed is cement.
Current project phase
Work is currently underway to achieve waterproofing and surface finish through the combination of solid waste and nanoparticle dispersions, as well as water-repellent and waterproofing formulations. All of these materials help reduce the porosity of cement, which is a major limitation when it comes to achieving good waterproofing. Furthermore, one of the key aspects in the development of the sink prototypes is their light weight. By using an innovative material, weight reductions of around 40% are being achieved.
In this phase of the project, tests have also been carried out to achieve viable combinations, both from a technical and aesthetic point of view. In the initial tests, ranges of shades were created using inorganic pigments, as well as light samples. Currently, sink prototypes are being made with molds in two different designs.
Bathco's Innovative Policy
This R+D+i project is framed within the company's global strategy by promoting the achievement of two fundamental objectives for Bathco: the commitment to continuous improvement and the pursuit of international growth. For the Cantabrian firm, innovation in materials and designs favors the acquisition of new clients and markets and increases its brand presence nationally and internationally.
With this project, Bathco aims to develop a new high-end product whose manufacturing will allow part of its international production to be brought to Cantabria. This, in turn, will favor the market launch of an exclusive range of products that will allow it to remain a leader in the international bathroom sector. In just over 10 years, the company has managed to carve out a significant niche in the bathroom sector, becoming internationally recognized as a benchmark brand. Its international sales are distributed across 5 continents and in over 65 countries.
This commitment to the international market is reflected in the marketing efforts the company will undertake this year. Due to the good results obtained in 2013, for 2014 Bathco has confirmed its presence at the main national and international trade fairs in the sector: Cevisama (Valencia), Mosbuild (Moscow), Coverings (Las Vegas), Cersaie (Bologna), The Big 5 (Dubai).