HOESCH Introduces its new line of Designer Bath Tubs to the United States "German Quality Means Exceptional Craftsmanship"

Hoesch Design is considered to be one of the finest quality manufactueres of baths in the world. Recognized for producing baths designed by Starck and Graves with Duravit, Hoesch is now branding itself in the United States and is also introducing designs from renowned designers and architects: Norman Foster, Dieter Sieger and Adolf Babel. Hoesch uses a high quality non-porous acrylic unlike other bath manufacturers.

Ronkonkoma, NY August 11, 2004 -- When people hear, German quality one thing comes to mind: high standards. Throughout the world, the German company, Hoesch, has established itself as a leading manufacturer of quality bathtubs. Established in 1742 as an iron cutting plant and paper mill, Hoesch began producing the first acrylic bathtubs in Germany in 1972, with a dedication and focus on producing the finest quality products for the bathroom that were both on the forefront of design and innovation. Since the inception, the Hoesch brand has become synonymous with quality, wellness and exceptional design. Now for the first time, Hoesch is proud to offer their newest, extensive collection of quality bathtubs in the United States. Dubbed the German Wellness-Company for America, Hoeschs progressive production techniques and perfect workmanship result in products that are distinguished by aesthetic appeal, functionality and long service life in other words, Made in Germany.

We are very excited to finally branch out to the United States, says Marc Lewis, Vice President, North America, Hoesch. With an ensemble of some of the Europes finest designers, our materials offer the consumer clean, healthy, aesthetically pleasing and functional bath products. We trust that our products will be embraced in the American market.

Aside from the obvious, aesthetic appeal of their products, what sets Hoesch apart from other bathtub manufacturers is their outstanding manufacturing process. All of Hoeschs bathtubs and shower trays are made of UltraAcrylTM, an exclusive material developed and used by Hoesch in which acrylic is cast between two polished glass sheet plates. This unique process produces a smooth, non-porous surface that resists bacteria and dirt build-up, giving the user the reassurance that they are truly bathing in clean water.

Surprisingly, many architects, designers and consumers may already be familiar with Hoesch brand, as Hoesch manufactured several tubs that were aligned with Duravits bath products from renowned designers Michael Graves and Philippe Starck. Michael Graves, the international architect and world-famous American designer, is known for his Dreamscape collection a group of round, freestanding tubs. French designer Philippe Starck created the legendary Edition I collection -characterized by a simple, opulent, oval design with a wide bath rim. Starcks latest design, Edition 2 is a modern twist of the freestanding bathtub with the same attributes in a cleaner, unadorned form. These two designers collections are still available through Hoesch, to insure customers with the original made in Germany product that they have come to appreciate; while prime competitors have selected to produce their versions in countries that are not recognized for quality and craftsmanship.

Now, Hoesch is proud to introduce new designs and concepts from some of the worlds most prestigious and prolific designers Norman Foster, Adolf Babel and Dieter Sieger. These talented artists have created bathtubs and shower tray collections that are indicative of their personalities, as well as their style.

Norman Foster One of the greatest architects and designers of all time, Lord Fosters first design for Hoesch is the geometrically pleasing and proportioned Bathroom Foster collection. The Foster bathtubs and shower trays represent cool elegance in geometric shapes, based on two circles that provide space for the natural movement of water and creative hands. Foster has fulfilled the requirement for freshness, clarity and purity in function and design in his own inimitable way. Available in wall-mounted and classic oval designs, the Bathroom Foster collection offers freestanding with integrated surround bathtubs or drop-in models.

Dieter Sieger Dieter Siegers work is devoted solely to products that combine functionality, originality and beauty. He has designed almost a dozen bathroom collections for Hoesch and Dornbracht and has received more than twice as many awards for his quality and extraordinary design. The best example of this is his latest, Happy D series, where all parts resemble the distinctive form of the letter D. The collection features six different soaking tub models with matching shower trays. In addition, Sieger offers a second collection called 1930, a geometric, rectangular collection that is modeled in the style of the 1930s art deco period.

Adolf Babel Adolf Babel is regarded as one of the pioneers of the wellness fashion in the bathroom. Babels design workshop has created over 100 inspirational bath designs for Hoesch and has recently introduced the highly stylized and ultimately functional Zero bath. The backrests of the Zero are the prominent focus. They can be adjusted flexibly, each at its own individual angle, thereby enabling bathing in the greatest of comfort. The matte-black backrests form an attractive contrast to the gleaming smooth sanitary acrylic of the tubs design. They also extend elegantly beyond the edge of the tub. Another particular feature of the Zero remains the tub shell itself without the sloping surfaces a bathtub reduced to the essentials, and one that stands for no compromises when it comes to aesthetics. The Zero is available in a single seater or twin-seater. Babel has also created the popular Aviva collection, featuring removable and adjustable supports for the head and upper back available in round or wall-mounted versions. Other styles include the Squadra collection, which features both symmetrical and asymmetrical styles that are perfect for small bathrooms.

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Founded in 1742 in Cologne, Germany, Hoesch has been the market leader in Europe for quality designed baths and wellness systems. Hoesch has also been the original equipment manufacturer for many top brands in Europe, including Duravit. Hoeschs commitment to use quality materials, as well as offer products inspired from the worlds top designers has established them as the primary resource for interior designers and architects. Hoesch expanded to the United States in 2002, with main offices and inventory in New York. There are more than 70 models available through a network of over 100 select dealers in North America.

Hoesch products are used all over the world, wherever quality and design standards are considered essential including luxury hotels and resorts in China, Israel, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Hoesch Americas territory covers the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.