Relaxa Mobility new bath lift woman in bath

Grace Tipson Relaxa Mobility Managing DirectorAfter successfully manufacturing the Relaxa Bath Lift for over 20 years, CR Manufacturing’s Ann and Colin Rapsey decided the time had come to retire in October and leave the bathing sector behind.

Having worked with the company over the last two decade, enclosure and control gear specialists iLECSYS Group made the decision to take on the bath lift and enter the market with its new company, Relaxa Mobility.

New to the mobility market, THIIS caught up with Grace Tipson, Managing Director of Relaxa Mobility, to discover more about the move to take a dip into the bathing sector, as well as her plans for the bath lift’s development and what the acquisition means for trade customers.

Advertisement | Continue story below

THIIS: What inspired the decision to diversify into the assisted bathing market?

Grace: “We have been manufacturing the internal metalworks for twenty years and were approached by Ann and Colin from CR Manufacturing when they began to think about retiring.  We felt that because we already knew the product well and were confident in its success, it would be a good move for the iLECSYS Group.”

THIIS: Have many of the CR Manufacturing employees stayed on following the acquisition?

Grace: “All of the CR Manufacturing employees have stayed on following the acquisition – apart from Ann and Colin.”

THIIS: Will the acquisition have any bearing on dealings with existing Relaxa bath lift dealers?

Grace: “The acquisition should improve how we support suppliers of the Relaxa Mobility bath lift.  We are looking at improving the support materials with a new video, updated sales aids, leaflets and manual.”

THIIS: What was the motivation behind the new Relaxa-Seat and are there any other developments in the pipeline?

Grace: “In order to cater for people who feel unsteady without a frame or chair support, the seat offers additional stability before and after having a bath.  The seat is at the correct height for doing this and is just another aid to increase independent living at home.

“We are thinking about some alternative materials and colours for the belt and handle but we have nothing confirmed at present.”

THIIS: Are you currently looking for new distributors in any particular areas and will you consider going direct-to-market?

Grace: “Yes, to distributors! We are always looking for new distributors – we do not have any areas focussed in on as yet and our strategy is to continue to focus on the B2B trade.”

THIIS: Why should mobility dealers consider working with Relaxa Mobility?

Grace: “It really is a fantastic product which enables people to continue using their own bath without the need for considerable renovations and changes to their home. It also allows other members of the household to easily use the bath as the belt retracts neatly into the unit.

“Safety features such as a thermometer for checking the bath temperature before use is standard on the product, as is the remote control.

“The slim-line unit is easy to fit under normal conditions but we also offer a helpline for more difficult installations such as stud walls or situations where the bath is fitted away from the main wall.

“Having our own in-house metal fabrication means that we can make special brackets and plates as well so that our product can still be used safely.  We are an incredibly proactive company and we are looking forward to supporting our suppliers new and existing.”

THIIS ROUND-UP
Join the 3,750+ mobility professionals who stay informed with THIIS' twice-weekly industry updates.
We respect your privacy
https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Relaxa-Mobility-new-bath-lift-woman-in-bath.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Relaxa-Mobility-new-bath-lift-woman-in-bath-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettAnalysis & InsightsMergers & AcquisitionsNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade NewsTrade TalkBath Lift,bathing sector,CR Manufacturing,Grace Tipson,iLECSYS Group,Relaxa Mobility,Relaxa-Seat,slimline unitAfter successfully manufacturing the Relaxa Bath Lift for over 20 years, CR Manufacturing's Ann and Colin Rapsey decided the time had come to retire in October and leave the bathing sector behind. Having worked with the company over the last two decade, enclosure and control gear specialists iLECSYS Group made...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals