Baxi Heating UK has announced proposals for a reorganization of its UK business. Their intention is to grow their market positions across all brands and it is therefore important that the business prepares for the many challenges and opportunities that are presented by the UK’s heating market.
They have now successfully launched a new generation of compact boilers that use stainless steel heat exchangers. This, and the strategic decision to outsource aluminium heat exchangers used in some older boiler types, has led them to take the decision to close the Preston foundry in 2019.
Water Cylinders And Electric Water Heaters
The proposed closure of the Norwich site would result in the consolidation of R&D activity
The closure of the foundry will create additional space at the Preston site, and Baxi are therefore proposing to transfer the production of water cylinders and electric water heaters for their Heatrae Sadia and Megaflo brands, from their smaller Norwich site, to Preston.
These proposals, if implemented following consultation, will, regrettably, result in significant job losses and the closure of the Norwich site. The proposed closure of the Norwich site would also result in the consolidation of R&D activity at Preston and the transfer of other support activities to other Baxi Heating UK locations.
Investment In Preston Site
This proposal would require significant investment in the Preston site and is supported by Baxi's parent company, BDR Thermea Group. It would result in an overall increase in employment on site.
Simultaneously, they propose to simplify their sales organization. Feedback from customers suggests that they want to do business with suppliers that offer combinations of different products and brands, but with fewer points of contact.
Market Needs
The company recognizes that these actions will have significant implications for their colleagues in Norwich and Preston
Baxi wants to reflect this and anticipate future changes in customer preferences and market needs, by consolidating their sales organizations into two areas of focus, namely residential and commercial.
As a result, the Heatrae Sadia sales force, currently reporting into Norwich, will be integrated into the existing Residential and Commercial teams that report into Warwick and Wokingham respectively. These changes will be effective from February 2019.
The company recognizes that these actions will have significant implications for their colleagues in Norwich and Preston. However, they firmly believe that they are necessary to make the company stronger and to place it in the best position to face the future challenges and opportunities in the UK’s heating industry.
