MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J., Oct. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Villeroy & Boch, the leading European bathroom brand, announced today its strategic shift to direct distribution in the North American market. This announcement reflects the next critical step in the company's long term strategy in the Americas which aims to provide a focused and deeper level of service for its distribution partners, a $20 million investment in its factory in Ramos, Mexico, a more integrated supply chain to meet local customer demands more efficiently and a dedicated North American distribution center that will carry an extensive local inventory position. Villeroy & Boch will cease distribution through TOTO and begin direct sales and shipping distribution in January 2018.
Through the strategic expansion of the local market sales team and a national network of highly qualified rep agencies, Villeroy & Boch will assume all sales, distribution and after-sales support for all Villeroy & Boch products to enhance service to distributors. In addition, customer service and technical after-sales support will be headquartered in Monroe Township, NJ, and inventory levels held in the Villeroy & Boch distribution center for the Americas will be increased.
"We are very grateful to TOTO for the distribution partnership we have had in market to date. Their support of the Villeroy & Boch brand and our strategic plan for the Americas has been indispensable. As we begin this new chapter, we are well poised for growth," said Constantin von Boch, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Villeroy & Boch USA.
With this investment in localized operations and inventory levels, Villeroy & Boch is initiating the steps necessary for expanded local assortments in key product categories including toilets, decorative lavatories and washbasins, tubs, medicine cabinets, vanities and bathroom furniture beginning in 2018.
While Villeroy & Boch bolsters operations and sales support within its long held distribution network in North America, it will also expand focus of business operations for commercial project specification which provides products and services to the architectural design and development community. Known for its highly attractive, distinct and sophisticated design, the Villeroy & Boch brand continues to support a broad range of applications, from 3-Star Hotel and luxury development in housing and hospitality to the single family home.
"We are pleased to expand our team and increase presence of the Villeroy & Boch brand in the North American market," said Mr. von Boch. "We've developed an extensive distribution network and presence spanning the entire North American continent. The team will focus their talents on delivering superior value to our growing network of distributors who rely on our innovation, quality and collaboration."
Villeroy & Boch is available throughout the U.S. and Canada through an established network of elegant kitchen and bath showrooms. More information regarding showroom locations can be found at www.villeroy-boch.com.
Villeroy & Boch will exhibit at the following industry tradeshows through 2018:
Villeroy & Boch
Villeroy & Boch AG, with its headquarters in Mettlach, Germany, has around 7,500 employees and operates production facilities in Europe, Mexico and Thailand. Villeroy & Boch offers innovative product and decorative concepts for both consumers and commercial developers. Villeroy & Boch presents complete concepts for the "single-source bathroom" and "perfectly laid table," and is represented worldwide in 125 countries. Villeroy & Boch has always been a path-breaker through its use of innovative materials and production methods and above all its innovative design approaches, one of the brand's most characteristic features. That is proven by the numerous design and innovation prizes the company has been awarded. A publicly traded company, Villeroy & Boch can look back on 269 years of history. For more information, visit www.villeroy-boch.com or call Tel +1 888 295 8134, Option 5. Become a Villeroy & Boch fan on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @villeroyboch.
For further information please contact:
Corrie Murphy
Marketing Director Americas
Email: murphy.corrie@villeroy-boch.com
SOURCE Villeroy & Boch