In conversation with Joe McGrath of Neptune Bathing

Joe McGrath of Neptune Bathing has worked in a variety of industries over the years.

Based in Paris for two years, he covered Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, primarily as a Marketing Director for one of the world’s largest manufacturing and distribution companies. Returning to Ireland in 2006, Joe became a Director with a large Shower Door manufacturer.

As to any advice Joe would offer customers in advance of purchasing Neptune Bathing products?

“The reason most people buy our products is because they’ve come to the conclusion that showers always leak. They’ve probably experienced a leak or multiple leaks over years.

We need to make sure that the floor is level, dry and robust, with any damp/rotten patches removed and replaced,” McGrath said.

“Make sure to understand how the shower will fit in your bathroom. In general: go for the biggest that will fit.

The price doesn’t vary by size very much and a nice big shower is a great pleasure.

“Be aware that showers that are square or rectangular have a sharp corner that can hurt ankles, best to go for a rounded tray, called a Quadrant, if space is tight.

“Most of our showers are fitted low to the ground, this gives a nice low step into the tray. We’re all getting older, the lower the step, the better.

The waste pipe needs to fit underneath though, so be careful that there’s space between joists or in the concrete. If not, we can supply the unit with a “riser kit”, a set of adjustable legs, clips and surround fascia.

That raises the unit 100mm giving plenty of space underneath. It does also raise the step in though.

“We’ve launched three new shower sizes this year. Next year, we intend to launch a further three. Beyond that, I think it’s a case of diminishing returns as we’ll have just about every possible option covered.

We’re 95% there already. Going forward, we’re always looking for new ideas, new materials etc. Our range of Walk-In baths, for example, is constantly growing and improving.

The demographic is getting older and living longer. We intend to help this demographic with new products that improve lives and mobility,” enthused Joe.

As to some of the short term goals for Neptune Bathing?

“Our short term goal now is to increase our manufacturing capacity in order to cope with, what looks like, a more buoyant growth pattern than we’d expected. It seems that our products are bucking the trend this year. I have to believe that word is getting around.

“We want to be more sustainable and planet friendly. We’ve replaced Chinese imports with locally manufactured products and intend to continue the trend, thus reducing the enormous cost of long haul transport.

We’re exploring new materials that are more climate friendly and we’re also improving the manufacturing processes used,” finished Joe.

Everything Neptune Bathing does is meticulously designed and built to give you a great bathing experience.