AKW, one of the UK's leading providers of accessibility solutions, opened a new manufacturing facility and showroom in Middlewich in Cheshire this month.
The opening, hosted by Nick Parsons, Executive Chairperson of AKW Holdings Group, was attended by Clare Hayward MBE DL High Sheriff of Cheshire and the Mayor of Middlewich Cllr Simon Whittaker, and was a testament to AKW's commitment to continued investment in British manufacturing and the accessible living community.
Investing in accessible solutions for the North West
Nick Parsons explains the reason behind the new investment. "The opening of this showroom and manufacturing facility makes AKW the largest producer of bathroom and kitchen adaptation solutions in the North West," he said. "We are very proud of the reputation that AKW has built up over the years for providing high quality inclusive bathroom and kitchen solutions that stand the test of time.
"With the opening of the Middlewich facility, now even more installers, specifiers and end users across the region will be able to experience the exceptional AKW and understand why our company strapline is 'Life Made Better'."
Following the acquisition of Contour Showers Limited in 2022, it quickly became clear that the existing Contour facility in Winsford would not be able to meet AKW's manufacturing requirements. A new production site in Total Park, Middlewich, was subsequently taken on under a long-term lease and the layout amended during construction to suit AKW's needs.
The 26,000sq ft facility will produce accessible bathroom and kitchen products from across the company's portfolio and features a large showroom and client assessment centre.
Client assessment centre and showroom
One of the most common issues faced by people looking to specify or use accessible bathrooms is their need to understand how the equipment will work in practice. The showroom will enable occupational therapists (OTs), contractors, and other specifiers in the North West to experience AKW's product range in situ and receive product training as needed.
OTs can also use the showroom as a client assessment centre, which is important as, due to recent cutbacks in the area, Independent Living centres are lacking in the region.
Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW explains further. "Our new showroom has been designed to enable a wide range of users to gain the knowledge they need to either specify, install or use an accessible bathroom or kitchen," he told us.
"The showroom layouts have been designed to demonstrate the versatility of the products from the AKW product range which are commonly specified by local authorities, housing associations, occupational therapists and contractors. We believe the new showroom offers an adaptation solution for the most practical scenarios.
"We have also included products for people who may wish to have a more stylish bathroom adaptation than the products that are available within DFG funding."
Bathroom and kitchen layouts
The showroom includes a fully functioning shower area, that incorporates all the product requirements which could be used as part of a Disabled Facility Grant. These include AKW's new generation SmartCare Plus electric shower with remote control, the easy access Braddan shower tray, the M11 shower waste pump and shower seat and screen ranges. Alongside this shower area, AKW has also installed – and can show off the benefits of – the company's latest rise and fall bidet solution.
When it comes to accessible kitchens, the showroom includes a fully functioning accessible kitchen that includes AKW rise and fall worktops,the ActivMotion Glide wall unit, pull down baskets, corner carousel cupboards. Having such a space in situ also enables those with concerns about wheelchair accessibility and space functionality to try out the items and see if they will work in their client's (or their own) kitchens before purchase.
Dementia friendly bathrooms
Dementia friendly products are also featured within the showroom. Careful consideration has been given to the layout, so that specifiers advising on bathroom navigation for those with dementia can see the types of solutions that are available to improve the lives of those living with the condition.
Quick install stylish solutions
AKW's Onyx Care Pods are also on display. These standalone cubicles, available as both a step in and level access option, are a stylish and quick way for accessible showering to be included in a wide range of applications. The Onyx Care Pods were developed alongside local authorities, housing associations and occupational therapists, to assist them with the backlog being experienced in adaptations, as well as for those needing a suitable shower solution when discharged from hospital.
Investment in accessible living on this scale brings a wealth of advantages to the North West. AKW is pleased to be committing to making life better for those in this region and looks set to open their doors to many people over the coming years.
Click here to find out more about the new facility.
The showroom is fully accessible and available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am and 3pm Friday.
In addition to specifiers and occupational therapists, the general public are welcome, but all by appointment only, so that staff are on hand to discuss products and so that visitors have sole use of the showroom area.
To find out more call 01905 823 298 or click here to book a visit