Despite “massive” global sales declines in the first two quarters, as a result of lockdowns, kitchen sink and tap manufacturer Blanco has reported “record” sales of €408million turnover in 2020, up 3.1%.

Its domestic sales increased to €151million, while its export sales amounted to €257million.

With the factories adhering to COVID guidelines, reducing contact between workers, providing a high level of service was a “balancing act”, admitted COO Andreas Ostermann von Roth.

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He commented: “Managing this balancing act was and remains and extraordinary challenge for all of us.

Ostermann van Roth continued: “We were struggling with significant supply backlogs. However, we did not shy away from the costs involved in enabling us to supply our customers reliably.

“We managed to do this is in more than 80% of cases, which is remarkable given the circumstances. But we strive to do better.”

To ensure competitiveness and create a framework for future growth, Blanco is investing in production, quality and training.

The company is investing in Silgranit composition sink production, expanding its facilities in the Czech Republic, Canada and also its German site in Sinsheim.

In addition, the company is setting up a global, decentralised quality management system and a test centre at its HQ for the Blanco Unit, an integrated solution which combines sink, tap and accessory system.

CEO Frank Gfrörer stated: “Reliability is part of the company DNA; it drives us. We want to become an excellent and reliable system provider in our international markets as well and increase our global footprint.”

As part of this goal, the company has established digital services, such as the international virtual training platform for retail and sales partners, planners, fitters and employees.

The Brand Academy, which is run from Singapore, also takes a global approach.

Expertise in product innovations, installations, maintenance, repairs and the assembly of the Unit components will be the focus at the centre for in-person training centre, which will be connected to the test centre.

“You can see the new strategy taking effect everywhere now”, Frank Gfrörer stated, adding: “One very important aspect is the increased focus on the consumer and the promise associated with a premium brand.”