Octorber 16th, 2023
Roca Group is expanding in central Europe by acquiring the German company Alape GmbH, based in Goslar/Hahndorf. Alape is an established premium brand that specialises in the manufacturing of bathroom products made from enamelled steel.
By rescuing the company from preliminary insolvency proceedings, the acquisition also secures over 90 jobs. The 125-year-old factory in Hahndorf near the town of Goslar in northern Germany will be retained, and will continue to serve as the company’s hub of production and innovation. It is here that Alape manufactures its enamelled steel washbasins using its unique combination of craftsmanship and high-tech processes.
The acquisition primarily aims to deliver advantages in sales and the market position of both companies. Alape will become part of a strong global player. This will enable greater access to the international project business and to Roca Group's distribution network in 170 countries, as well as to materials and technologies. The Group benefits from Alape's expertise in steel enamel and expands its multi-brand portfolio with a premium brand with special material competence that only very few manufacturers have mastered. Alape’s high-end design is renowned among architects, interior designers and design-conscious customers around the world.
The restructuring will place the company on a stable footing, allowing it to continue as an independent brand with its own corporate culture. Alape’s main markets are in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Benelux region, where enamelled steel is a popular material for showers, bathtubs and washbasins.
Enamelled steel is valued above all for its excellent robustness, durability and recyclability. It is hygienic and easy to care for, and can be crafted into highly precise designs. These qualities make it the perfect addition to the Roca Group’s washbasin portfolio, which has been dominated by ceramic and mineral cast. Both companies see the material diversity and design coherence as key factors for their long-term success in the highly competitive bathroom market.
Alape was founded by Adolf Lamprecht in 1896 in Penig, Germany, as a manufacturer of enamel products. Today, the company employs 94 people and manufactures premium washbasin products at two sites in Goslar. The Alape brand stands for inspirational design and high quality standards, combining technology with function. Alape uses enamelled steel together with other premium materials to create highly individual interior furnishings.
