StH Westco in 2024: new products, certifications, and strengthened partnerships
Intro from our Managing Director
“It’s been an exciting year at StH Westco. Over the past 12 months, we’ve introduced ingenious new products, achieved prestigious certifications, and welcomed valuable additions to our team. On a personal note, I began 2024 by stepping into a pivotal role as Managing Director for StH Group, while continuing as Managing Director for StH Westco in the UK.
It has been my privilege to lead such a talented and committed team across the globe, where each company brings unique strengths and insights that make us collectively stronger. Together, we’re delivering exceptional quality and service to our merchant and installer customers and setting new standards for innovation and excellence across the plumbing and heating industry.”
Steve Forbes
Group Managing Director, StH Group
Innovating for installers with new product launches
This year, we’ve been thrilled to launch an impressive array of products that reflect our commitment to quality, innovation, and convenience for our customers. Our new offerings are designed with the needs of installers and merchants in mind, ensuring each product we develop is both practical and valuable. Here’s a closer look at some of our standout launches from 2024.
PolyStH: a game-changing piping systems
In 2024, our PolyStH pipe and fittings brought installers a new level of convenience, safety, and efficiency. Designed for use in both hot and cold applications, PolyStH is versatile enough to be used in a range of applications – from central heating to underfloor systems.
Here are just some of its benefits:
- Effortless installation: With fewer joints, the system saves time and allows for disassembly and reuse.
- No flames or solvents: PolyStH’s safe design eliminates the need for riskier installation techniques.
- Durable: PolyStH is resistant to corrosion, freezing, and pressure
- Lightweight: PolyStH pipes are less than a quarter the weight of copper.
With nearly 50 years of use in Europe, polybutylene piping is a trusted solution for long-lasting installations. Find out more on our website or contact your ASM.
Instant hot water taps
Also new to our portfolio, our Alpina 4in1 Instant Hot Water Taps offer a rapid 60-second reheat, making them perfect for modern kitchens. Featuring a range of stylish designs, they provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional kettles.
Health-conscious homeowners will value the option of clean, filtered cold water directly from the tap. This feature guarantees every glass is free from impurities, providing better-tasting water and contributing to a healthier lifestyle. Plus, it means no more need to buy bottled water, making it both cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Voted Best Product of 2024 by our customers, the Alpina 4in1 Instant Hot Water Tap is setting a new benchmark in the market, combining convenience, style, and energy efficiency.
“The market for instant hot water taps is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the energy savings and convenience they bring—features that resonate strongly with customers. Our new range delivers a dependable and stylish solution, empowering our merchant and installer partners to meet increasing demand while staying ahead of market trends,” Steve Forbes, Managing Director, StH Group.
The Clever choice for savvy installers
This year, we introduced Clever, a new line of taps, showers, and accessories. Clever products combine cutting-edge tech like Cold Start, Flow Limiters, and Easy Fix with a variety of styles, finishes, and eco-friendly features. With over 200 products in the UK, Clever offers more options and better prices, all backed by warranties of up to 10 years.
With European-inspired designs, Clever taps add a modern touch to kitchens and bathrooms alike. And, with high-end quality at accessible prices, it gives installers a premium alternative to budget brands.
The feedback we’ve received so far has been great! Installers praise Clever’s build quality, with many noting it surpasses competitors. “I highly recommend both the GO!2 Black Mono Basin Mixer & Shower,” one installer commented, while another gave the Velvet Gunmetal Mono Basin Mixer a 10/10 for quality.
Contact your ASM to learn more.
New StH Westco multilayer pipe system
Crafted from resilient, lightweight plastic and engineered to excel under high-pressure conditions, the StH Westco Multilayer Pipe System offers a comprehensive range of pipes and fittings. The system ensures optimal compatibility and performance with all components meticulously manufactured under one roof.
Ideal for residential and commercial projects, advantages include corrosion resistance, superior endurance, ease of installation and minimal maintenance. It also boasts an impressive life expectancy of up to 50 years. With over 50 prestigious certificates, including NSF, DVGW, AENOR and WRAS, the Multilayer Pipe System comes with a 25-year warranty for unwavering assurance.
For more information, visit https://westco.co.uk/multilayer or contact your local ASM.
Engaging with our customers at top events
StH Westco had an incredible year attending and participating in events across the industry. Each event gave us valuable opportunities to showcase our products, connect with customers, and share insights into our latest developments. We’re grateful for the support and interest from everyone who took the time to chat with us, and we look forward to building on these relationships in 2025.
Installer show 2024
We were thrilled to return to InstallerSHOW this June, bringing fresh innovations and exciting experiences. As well as checking out our new product ranges, visitors particularly enjoyed our special “Think you’re CLEVER Enough to Win” quiz, hosted by Sean Wallace from ITV’s The Chase.
With 50% more floorspace and over 600 exhibitors, InstallerSHOW remains the top UK event for heating, plumbing, and energy tech professionals. Thank you to the organisers for creating such a remarkable platform, and to everyone who visited our stand and showed immense interest in our products. We hope you all enjoyed the event as much as we did, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!
JPS Conference
This year at the JPS Conference, we proudly showcased the best of StH Westco, featuring our wide range of taps, showers, controls, and fittings. Attendees had the opportunity to see firsthand how our products can elevate their projects.
Our Commercial Director, James Turner, and Regional Sales Manager, Jamie Harris, did an outstanding job connecting with customers, discussing all things plumbing, and answering questions. It was a fantastic event, and we’re looking forward to returning and expanding relationships in 2025.
Duquemin & Ozanne Annual Trade Show
Our team had a great time at the event this year, with our regional sales manager, Jamie Harris, representing StH Westco and Clever. Installers and merchants had the opportunity to explore our innovative products, including our popular 4-in-1 Instant Hot Water Taps, which feature sleek designs, advanced technology, and unmatched reliability.
It was a great chance to connect, showcase our solutions, and continue building relationships across the industry. We’re looking forward to what 2025 has in store!
One StH, One Team - consolidation with StH Group
In 2024, we shared an exciting update about our business. In a strategic move, StH Westco is now integrated with StH Group, aligning us with sister companies across Europe and South Africa. While we are now part of a larger global entity, our commitment to the UK market remains unwavering. For our UK-based customers, this means:
- Broader product range: Access to a wider selection of plumbing and heating products.
- Streamlined operations: Better inventory management and reduced lead times.
- Innovation and sustainability: Increased investment in eco-friendly solutions.
- Competitive pricing: Economies of scale bring cost savings to our customers.
Certifying excellence: new standards achieved in 2024
This year, StH Westco took significant strides in demonstrating our commitment to both quality and environmental stewardship. Our latest certifications reflect our ongoing mission to deliver reliable, sustainable solutions that installers and merchants can trust.
Clever secures Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
In August 2024, Clever was awarded the prestigious Environmental Product Declaration (EPD/DAP) certificate across nearly the entire product range. The environmental performance of our products was rigorously evaluated through a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment, which examines every stage – from raw material extraction and manufacturing to distribution, product use, and final recycling. The EPD/DAP certification underscored our unwavering commitment to sustainability and transparency.
Achieving ISO 9001 & ISO 14001
October was a milestone month as StH Westco earned both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. These achievements underscore our commitment to quality and environmental responsibility, ensuring we meet the highest standards in management and sustainability. A huge thank you to our dedicated team for making this happen and to our customers for their unwavering support.
Keeping you in the know
At STH Westco, we understand the demands on merchants and installers. So, throughout 2024, we provided regular, concise updates on the latest in the heating and plumbing industry. From key developments and product innovations to sector insights and policy updates, we kept you informed and ahead of the curve.
Looking forward to a new year
In 2024, we began strengthening our team by recruiting four new Area Sales Manager to support our growing business. Kylie Lamb joined our North Sales Team as an ASM for the North Midlands. With over 13 years of industry experience, Kylie’s strategic approach and expertise in core products will help us drive growth and deliver exceptional service to merchants and showrooms.
We’re excited to welcome more talented individuals to the StH Westco team early next year so stay tuned for introductions!
Our commitment to our customer’s success extends beyond product delivery. Providing intelligent sales, visual merchandising, and marketing support, through our regular updates and social media channels we also help our merchant customers to keep up to date with all the latest industry trends. Pop by and say hello!