Cast Iron Bath Company makes a splash with global takeover plan

THE Cast Iron Bath Company is starting its global expansion, from a new retail base in York, before hitting London, then Europe and the US.

With a turnover of £4m, which has been growing since its founding by a former archaeologist, Lee Hunwicks, in 2008, the Scarborough company has been web-based since its inception.

Exports account for around 10% of sales, with key markets in Australia, the US, Europe, Japan and South Korea. It is one of the UK’s biggest suppliers of freestanding cast iron baths, and is planning to launch ranges of tapware early next year.

Cast Iron Bath Company’s creative director Ann louise Roswals said: “We believe it is now right to complement it with a range of showrooms, so people can see and touch the products we offer.”

The firm is being advised by Robert Solyom of Leeds chartered accountants Brown Butler. Mr Solyom began working with the firm in 2013 and has helped its development.

Founder Mr Hunwicks said: “We plan to evolve the brand until it becomes the first place people think of for cast iron and roll-top baths.”