Founder and chairman of shower enclosure manufacturer Roman Gerry Osborne has passed away at the age of 84.

Pictured left to right: CEO David Osborne, founder and chairman Gerry Osborne and business development manager Matthew Osborne

He started his career in manufacturing at confectioners Cadburys, and then later working for shoemaker Clark’s Shoes and tobacco manufacturer Rothmans.

Having made the decision to start his own business, Gerry Osborne established Roman in Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, in 1985 with “a vision of becoming the UK’s leading shower manufacturer”.

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Working with a local supplier of toughened glass who pioneered coloured printing, Roman began manufacturing bath screens, colour co-ordinated to match the Avocado and Whisper Pink baths of the day.

Nearly 40 years later, Roman has become a successful manufacturing business, selling through bathroom retail, merchant, house build and hotel sectors, with a presence in 72 international markets.

Among the many company milestones, his proudest moments were being honoured with the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2017 and 2022; having the new factory opening by then Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2002, and two Royal visits.

Prince Edward visited Roman to celebrate its 25th anniversary and the Duke of Kent attended a celebration of 30 years’ successful trading at the company’s headquarters.

A stalwart in the bathroom industry, Gerry Osborne was the inaugural president of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, when it was founded in 2001.

It was a position later held by his son David Osborne, CEO of Roman, and was the first time a father and son held the same role in the organisation.

However, Gerry Osborne was recognised far beyond the bathroom industry forhis charity work and was rewarded with the honorary title of High Sheriff of Co Durham in 2014.

David Osborne is, once again, set to follow in his father’s footsteps as High Sheriff of Co Durham in 2028.

A proud Welshman, Gerry Osborne was an ardent rugby supporter.

Not only a long-term sponsor of Milford Haven rugby club, Gerry Osborne was president of the club for the past 25 years.

A statement by Roman, announcing his death, read: “Gerry’s passing is a significant loss, particularly for his son, David Osborne, our current CEO. Gerry will also be greatly missed as a father, grandad, friend and mentor.

“We take some comfort in knowing that Gerry was extremely proud to see his grandson, Matthew, begin his journey with Roman, marking the beginning of a third generation in the bathroom industry. Gerry Osborne will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”