A new material developed by CTC will allow Bathco to manufacture high-end sinks with improved performance.

Photo: Beatriz San Cristóbal, Director of Projects and Business Development of CTC, and José López, general director of Bathco, at a press conference.

Santander, January 28, 2016. 

The Technology Centre for Components (CTC) and the Cantabrian company Bathco have presented an innovative material for the manufacturing of high-end sinks. It is a new formulation that, starting from traditional cement, achieves a lighter, more waterproof product with a wide range of possible shades and finishes in the final product. The public presentation of cemLab, the registered name of the innovation, will take place next week at the CEVISAMA 2016 fair. An international reference event in the sector, which will bring together 753 exhibitors from 144 countries in Valencia.

In the official product presentation to the media, Beatriz San Cristóbal, Director of Projects and Business Development at the CTC, and José López, General Director of Bathco, explained that the objective of the collaboration project between Bathco and the CTC was to create a material that mixed traditional elements, such as cement, with nanomaterials, additives, and recycled materials from industrial waste. “"The biggest challenge has been developing the formulation and producing this material, which is 40% lighter than the original."» said San Cristobal. In addition, the composition designed by the CTC’s Advanced Materials division has improved its water resistance by 80%. A wide variety of shades in the product’s natural finish rounds out the range of features offered by cemLab. “It's an innovative product that doesn't exist on the market and will add value to our brand.”said José López. «In fact, a major client from the UK has already shown interest in it.».

Currently, Bathco is in negotiations with some companies in the Besaya basin for the complete manufacturing of the cemLab range to be carried out entirely in Cantabria. They estimate a production of between 15,000 and 20,000 units during the first year. This situation will facilitate the continuation of collaboration between both entities to develop new product evolutions and achieve different shades. «We are facing a true story, of an innovative company that creates value and is at the forefront of the market. And they do it all with the CTC as their technological partner.» explained the Center's Director of Projects and Business Development. «"We're not going to stop here"» José Lopez continued.«With the CTC’s support, we will continue to innovate because this is truly a project with a bright future.».

Bathco is a company with a strong export focus. Not surprisingly, half of its sales are made outside of Spain. The company operates in 72 countries and enjoys a solid position in the major European retail chains. The hand-decoration of its sinks by a team of renowned artists (including Mariscal and David Delfín), pieces inlaid with Swarovski crystals, and products plated in gold or silver lend the brand a sense of exclusivity and position it as a benchmark in luxury markets such as the Arab and Russian markets. In the future, any of these hallmarks of exclusivity could be incorporated into this line of cement sinks, the production of which will contribute to the economy of Cantabria. «Quite a few jobs will be created, though initially we'd be looking at 5 to 10 with a lot of future.» José López argued. Similarly, this project will make it possible for the company to add another product to the high-end sink market.

The partnership between CTC and Bathco began 18 months ago thanks to a grant from the ERDF and clearly illustrates the benefits that can result from a collaboration between an innovative company and Cantabria’s only Technology Center. «I never imagined that something so innovative could be done in Cantabria» adds the CEO of Bathco. «I encourage all businesses in the region to visit the CTC because they will help you create that project or idea without leaving here. Similarly, López emphasized the importance of internationalization as a path to growth for all companies in the region. «"Let them come out—that's where the future of Cantabria lies.".