Shower enclosure manufacturer Matki is celebrating its 50^th anniversary and role bringing surrounds to the UK market.

Established in 1971, Matki identified a trend for shower enclosure, as British holidaymakers began to experience them in luxury hotel bathrooms abroad.

It started importing shower enclosures, doors, screens and enclosures from the USA and working with a small boat-building firm in Cornwall, Matki also produced trays to complement its collections.

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In the 1980s, Matki introduced the Classica and Finesse shower enclosures made from 10mm and 8mm toughened safety glass.

Managing director of Matki Nicholas Cunild commented: “We purchased our shower tray supplier and invested in an enlarged, purpose-built facility based in Redruth for the manufacture of shower trays as demand continued to rise.

“We began developing new ways to produce shower trays, moving away from the traditional Glass Reinforced Plastic to cultured Marble, Stone Resin and later acrylic, producing better surfaces with an increased longevity and durability.”

The company now offers low level, slate effect shower trays and floors from its Cornish factory.

In the 1990s, Matki moved to a purpose-built factory and offices in Yate near Bristol and established an inhouse design team to create products for the luxury market.

And further expanding its showering offer, Matki acquired Swadling – a British brassware brand based in Waterlooville, Hampshire – then introduced the Elixir collection of standalone brassware for its enclosures.

Most recently, the company has extended its EauZone Collection of 10mm walk-in showers with EauzonePlus which includes made-to-measure, curved options and a variety of finishes.