A new Gas Fire Division has been created by the Glen Dimplex Group following the recent acquisition of two fire brands - Valor and Wonderfire - alongside Robinson Willey, the brand acquired in 2010 by the group.
The three foremost brands now form part of what Glen Dimplex describes as 'the largest and most powerful portfolio of gas fire names in the UK'.
Targeting both trade and retail sectors, and headed by newly-appointed commercial director, Richard Beaman, the division will receive more than £2 million investment in R&D facilities to develop the next generation of fires.
Mr Beaman said: 'This latest development will help breathe fire into these celebrated brands. Plus, the access that we now have to the valuable resources and investment from the Glen Dimplex Group will facilitate untold product development and innovation and help create a spring board for future growth.'
The new Gas Fire R&D Facility will be managed by technical director Willie Byrne. Formerly with Valor, and with over 25 years experience in the fires industry, he is charged with new product development and raising the technical excellence of this expansive portfolio of gas and electric fires.
Within the new Division, each brand will also provide an electric offering. Whilst Valor and Wonderfire will target the retail trade, Robinson Willey and Valor will present an electric offering exclusively for the contract sector.
To support the Division's ambitious growth plans, a new multi-branded sales team has been established to provide national coverage of both trade and retail sectors. Leading the team are two new National Sales Managers - Chris Featherstone and Phil Wing - who each assume the position of National Sales Manager for the retail and contract sectors respectively.
In addition, under the guidance of new Product Marketing Manager, Tracey Falshaw - formerly of Robinson Willey - the Division is rolling out several powerful marketing initiatives to further raise the profile of the brands, including a unified presence at several high profile exhibitions.
