Plumbing and heating manufacturers debate industry issues at Curzon roundtable

(04/12/2008)

Curzon has led a roundtable debate, with key representatives from Vokera, Danfoss Randall Ltd, TPI, Rocol, Wilo and Sentinel, covered the impending Energy-using Products (EuP) Directive, the future of the merchant and the opportunities that CORGI’s successor, Capita, will present.

Key outcomes included a call for increased “joined up thinking and a greater level of trust” in order to expedite development at all stages of the supply chain. One panel member claimed that the sector currently works “too much in isolation”, which ultimately hinders growth through increasing instances of incompatibility as well as potentially compromising safety.

Speaking about the roundtable, Curzon Marketing Manager Debbie-Sue Price, said: “The current economic climate has created a great deal of uncertainty for the heating and plumbing industry, and the Curzon roundtable provided the opportunity for everyone affected to partake in open debate about the issues that affect them. As a leading supplier, Curzon is in a position to bridge the gap between the requirements of the end-user and those of the manufacturer. The debate, therefore, enabled everyone to discuss where improvements can be made throughout the supply chain and how we can take the industry forward in light of the challenges we all face.”

Eddie Quigley, Managing Director at TPI Europe, said: “It’s very rare that a group of manufacturers will sit down and openly debate industry issues so the Curzon roundtable was a breath of fresh air. Issues relating directly to the economic downturn are undoubtedly important however there are other significant issues that also need to be addressed. This debate enabled us to discuss these as well as other topics that are likely to come to fruition in 2009.”

Other points raised during the debate included:
- EuP Directive will force companies to change their business model and strategic alliances are already beginning to form in order to adapt to this
- The rising power of utility companies will change the manufacturers’ route to market and is likely to put pressure on the supplier over the next few years
- The industry is likely to experience a ‘revolution’ as market forces put pressure on manufactures to focus on innovation and develop new products
- It is expected that Capita will play a proactive role in supporting and working with the industry in order to generate mutually positive outcomes
- Training and legislation “must underpin” individual companies’ business models in order for them to succeed in 2009
- The role of the merchant will remain robust as the end user continues to seek ready access to products as well as a personal approach to business

A secondary roundtable debate is set to take place in April 2009 where group members will assess the first quarter of the year in relation to the topics raised.

Related categories:  Legislation and regulations   Plumbing and HVAC market