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BUSINESS AND TRAINING
The Comfort that is Ariston
By
Rory Macnamara
Plumbing Africa had a question-and-answer session with the Ariston Country Director for South Africa , Wayne Vertue .
1 . Tell us about the Ariston group globally , its start to date ? Ariston Group , which was founded in 1930 , has a rich history driven by passion and competence . Aristide Merloni founded the Industrie Merloni in the Marche Region of Italy , starting the production of weighing scales . Today , under the guidance of our Chairman Mr Paolo Merloni , the grandson of the founder , the Group operates in three different sectors with leading brands and an extensive range of products and services .
The group now employs over 7 700 people across 42 countries . Of particular interest is that 88 % of managerial positions are held by local resources . 2021 saw the Group sell more than nine million products globally and over 40 million components . From humble beginnings in 1930 , the Group today has 23 production sites and 25 centres of competency and R & D .
The Southern African operations form part of the MEAR region ( Middle East , Africa , and Russia ), which is the second largest geographical area for the group . A major highlight in late 2021 was the listing of the company on the Milan stock exchange . The IPO was Italy ’ s largest public listing in three years . The listing allows the Group to capitalise on growth opportunities and to support and develop its solid organic growth while complementing it with future mergers and acquisitions .
In recent years there have been several exciting acquisitions such as our local operation , which was purchased in 2014 from Heat Tech Geysers . Further afield , in 2016 the acquisitions of NTI – a leading Canadian market player – as well as the 2017 acquisition of HTP – a steady player in the American market – bolstered the Group ’ s presence in the Americas .
Wayne Vertue – Country Director - South Africa
The year of 2019 saw the 100 % acquisition of a leading Mexican company , Calorex , and this further consolidated the presence on the American continent . 2021 saw a further exciting acquisition , this time in the Israeli market through the acquisition of Chromagen , which headquartered in Israel but also has two subsidiaries in Australia and Spain . With this transaction , the Group further strengthens its
competitive advantage in the renewable energy segment .
2 . If there is one word that describes what Ariston is about , what would that be ? I think the word “ Comfort ” is fundamental to who we are as a global entity . Our purpose is to provide everyone , in every corner of the world , with high quality heating and hot water solutions while protecting the environment .
Purchasing one of our many and varied products and having it installed by a qualified plumber should be a source of comfort , knowing that the product that has been bought is of a consistently high quality and that there will be future support of the product . I passionately believe that knowing you are dealing with a Global player fully focused on sustainability is indeed “ comforting .”
All photos by © Plumbing Africa | Rory Macnamara
Front of Head Office
3 . Comfort is a broad word used to describe many things . In the Ariston context please explain ‘ comfort ’? Comfort is a broad definition and I think in the context of who we are as a Group the synonyms of “ convenience ,” “ enjoyment ” and “ soothing ” are very pertinent and topical to our approach when relating to our various touch points , be it the installers , various business partners and of course , the end user . In today ’ s competitive business environment , it is imperative that business organises itself to bring value to its stakeholders .
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline June 2022 Volume 28 I Number 4