On July 25, 2012 GROHE announced the winners of its GROHE Design Series competition, a program targeting university students from the region to maximise their individual talents and capabilities in the field of interior design and architecture. The program, led by Paul Flowers, Senior Vice President of Design at Grohe AG inspired dialogue and exchange with ALBA University faculty and selected students during the successful launching event of GROHE SPA™, February 2012, in Beirut. Paul Flowers delivered a compelling presentation and kicked off the program with an exclusive workshop session. The idea behind the GROHE Design Series is to combine seminars with workshops that deliver compelling insights on the fittings industry whilst cultivating the talent of students. The Design Series program is part of

GROHE’s commitment to encourage, promote, and reward the work of young design professionals. ALBA students were the first ever to get the chance to design and develop projects with the help of experts at GROHE to generate progressive contemporary design ideas for bathrooms and kitchens.

The competition titled ‘Cultural Relevance of a European Brand in the Middle East’, gave students the opportunity to develop a home spa using the GROHE Allure Brilliant® range, part of GROHE SPA™ collection. After several months of interaction and discussion, the judging panel selected three students to receive

BULLETIN December 2012 Issue No. 74

CONTENTS

Every drop counts 3

Next generation

Go Green

Product News

Made in Germany

LOCAL UPDATES

From experts to students, GROHE announces winners of inaugural GROHE Design SeriesPaul Flowers congratulates the winners from ALBA University

F-digital Deluxe

4

2

GROHE products combine style, technology, and comfort in the bathrooms of the Martı Istanbul Hotel’s 270 guest rooms, including its 31 suites, blending it seamlessly with the hotel’s unique style.Martı Istanbul Hotel’s 270 luxuriously decorated and exceptionally spacious guest rooms, including its 31 suites, are spread over 11 floors. Clean lines and easy-to-use featuresProviding its guests with the luxury, style, and comfort of GROHE in each

of the bathrooms of its 270 guest rooms, Martı Istanbul Hotel has chosen for its guests, among other GROHE products, the Grohtherm 2000 thermostatic mixer line, which distinguishes itself by its clean lines and easy-to-use features. In addition to the convenience and comfort of our superior GROHE TurboStat® technology, the Grohtherm 2000 also features EasyLogic scale rings that make finding the ideal temperature an intuitive process.

The Martı Istanbul Hotel, Turkey

The winning group with their project

a prestigious summer internship at various locations of GROHE, all expenses paid for as the grand prize.

GROHE’s expansion continues into the AfricasGROHE has further expanded its global reach by opening offices in East and West Africa. After successfully developing North Africa and South Africa, GROHE Middle East and Africa continues to invest by extending the accessibility of products within the African Continent, namely Kenya and Nigeria with full facility service points for retail and international project business. Seventy-two full time employees now cover the 5 sub-regions to provide ongoing excel-lence in service and support.This expansion is evidence of GROHE’s successful business strategy which has been implemented resulting in dominant mar-ket share for the global brand, despite the economic uncertainties worldwide where everything from exchange rate fluctuations to speculative financial panics have interna-tional companies at an apprehension.“As a global brand we are always looking to invest in markets that have growth potential for GROHE and the African continent will be more and more a focus. We are always seeking new ways to expand and widen our reach. With East and West Africa, the rewards will be spectacular,” said Simon G. Shaya, GM and President of GROHE Mid-dle East and Africa.

Ralf Nebham, Berna Daou and Sara Makdessi

Next generation thermostat Grohtherm 2000 New

For the new generation of its successful product, GROHE has improved all the key functions and features of a good thermo-stat. Boasting improved technologies for greater safety, efficiency and showering comfort, a new design for an ergonomic shape and an aesthetic water flow as well as a functional tray – Grohtherm 2000 New is a modern solution for the bath tub and the shower both visually and practically. Its elegant, no-frills look will enhance any bathroom decor. Well thought-out and intuitive, it combines all advantages of a thermostat with a perfect water experience.

Relaxation and sustainability under the shower

Increased safety, additional comfort as well as environmental responsibility and sustainability are the main advantages of a thermostat. The solid metal hous-ing of the thermostat features 100%

GROHE CoolTouch® to rule out the risk of scalding on hot chrome surfaces. The new GROHE Aquadimmer Eco automati-cally helps save water when switching from the bath filler to the hand shower. Easily understandable pictograms show the button positions for reduced shower water consumption and for full flow.

GROHE TurboStat® is at the heart of the new thermostat. It ensures that the de-sired water temperature is reached very quickly and kept constant throughout the shower.

Thermostat design reinvented

For the most practical and stylish de-sign ever, the GROHE designers have combined clear, aesthetic looks with improved ergonomics. Instead of the tra-

ditional round handles, innovative Aqua Paddles ensure reliable, anti-slip opera-tion for maximum comfort. Thanks to their special shape, the user can easily see at which point the water tempera-ture exceeds the 38 °C limit. The operat-ing buttons on the handles are enclosed by a lozenge, which is a typical element

of the GROHE design DNA. It is not least thanks to this recurrent design feature that the thermostat perfectly matches other GROHE showers and faucets. This makes it easy to create a coordinated bathroom decor.

A private waterfall as a design object

The XL waterfall for the bath tub is a spe-cial eye-catcher. The extra large spout emerges seamlessly from the bath tub

mixer and delivers a large, wide water flow. A powerful design inspired by the idea of living in harmony with nature.

The optional GROHE EasyReach™ shower tray can be placed onto the wall rosettes to close the gap between the thermostat and the wall. The even sur-face conceals the connections, making the thermostat a design object in its own right, whose technical aspects are no longer visible at first sight. This aesthetic and convenient tray offers additional space to store shower gel, shampoo and other bathroom utensils in an easily ac-cessible location.

The right choice for every taste

Grohtherm 2000 New is available in numerous variants for exposed and concealed installation. With their identi-cal operating buttons and their anti-slip GROHE ProGrip surface for comfortable operation, the concealed variants are particularly unobtrusive and space-sav-ing thermostat solutions. For a perfect showering experience, match these ther-mostats with a GROHE Power&Soul™ shower set or with coordinated head and hand showers.

Combining fresh and confident design with high-quality engineering, this is the best Grohtherm 2000 ever made by GROHE.

PRODUCT NEWS

Taking the concept of a wellness oasis to the next level, GROHE is introducing two modern cascade spouts for an enhanced spa experience in residential bathrooms. As part of the GROHE SPA™ range these cascade spouts complement the relaxing spa ambiance with inspirations drawn from nature. Whether they are used for filling bathtubs or for enjoying waterfall

showers, the wall-mounted fixtures offer great flexibility in terms of installation and creative bathroom design.

Geometric design in Allure and Allure Brilliant style

The minimalist design of the two new

products is carefully coordinated with the Allure and Allure Brilliant faucet lines from the GROHE SPA™ range. The 180 mm long spout in the shape of a flat cuboid sits at a right angle on a rectangular rosette which conceals all screws and connections. While the surface of the Allure variant is completely even, the Allure Brilliant

variant is faceted to match the faucets. Benefiting from an unobtrusive geometric style, the new cascade spouts complement the available choice of cube designs in the GROHE SPA™ range and offer another two versatile options when it comes to creating personalised spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.

Natural waterfalls for modern bathroomsGROHE SPA™: Cascade spouts for bathtubs and showers

When innovative design meets state-of-the-art technology

GROHE Allure Cascade spout

GO GREEN

Situated in what the World Bank terms the world’s most water scarce region, states in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region face major obstacles in effectively managing their water resources. When renewable water resources are apportioned on a per capita basis, residents of the region have access to an average of approximately 1,100 cubic meters of water per person per year (m3/p/y), much less than the global average of 8,900 m3.With a promise of “every drop counts”, water conservation and sustainability

is in the DNA of GROHE’s products. The majority of GROHE’s products save up to 50% of water consumption, which is considered one of the highest water-saving rates amongst sanitary fitting manufacturers.

A RELIGION THAT CANNOT DISPENSE WITH WATER

Although scholars have identified a number of water management techniques that are applicable worldwide, evidence suggests that forces of culture and religion have a considerable effect on how societies manage a resource like water. Given the region’s Muslim majority population and the extent to which Islam affects the daily life of most of the region’s inhabitants, Grohe introduced a unique style of water management that tackles the relationship between Islam and the management of water resources.

Islam is religion that cannot dispense with water. Without water, the daily practice of Islam is virtually impossible as Muslims are required to pray 5 times a day and undertake ablution prior to each prayer. Given this unique relationship, Islam set clear legal frameworks to guide the management of freshwater resources [1] ablution is to be performed using 2/3rdof a liter and

a bath using 2.5 liters of water and [2] wasting water was forbidden even when conditions are plentiful, “do not waste water even if performing ablution on the bank of a fast-flowing (large river)”. It is these principles that inspired Grohe’sapproach.

One study on the effectiveness of these campaigns notes that “it has been shown over the last 10 years that campaigning for the conservation of the environment within the Islamic faith is productive, and specifically that using the Islamic education system to address the public on important issues such as water conservation has beneficial effects in raising public awareness.”55

GREEN MOSQUE IS BORN

Throughout history Mosques have served as a place of education and learning where people are taught to observe moderation and avoid excess in all things. But in direct contradiction to this teaching the mosque is now a place where water wastage is the worst. Five times a day Muslims from around the world attend mosque to perform their prayers, but in doing so they also

waste about 10 to 15 liters to perform ablution.

Grohe’s Green Mosque® initiative, builds on this cultural insight, by introducing a water-conservation program targeting mosques in the MENA region. The initiative focuses on the rite of ablution which forms part of the system of purification practisedin Islam and where the bulk of wastage occurs. While Pilgrims rub their body with a small amount of water, the faucet continues to pump water directly to the drain.The initiative was launched to contribute to Grohe’s global effort to reverse the effects of irresponsible water practices.

Every drop counts

GROHE and Hassan Abbas Sharbatly Foundation for Community Services collaborate to reduce water consumptionGROHE installs sustainable water solutions in the ablutions rooms at the Sharbatly Mosque in Jeddah

On 6 October 2012 GROHE announced the latest regional implementation of its global water sustainability initiative, WaterCare, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In partnership with Sharbatly Foundation (HAS FOUND), GROHE has installed water-conserving GROHE self-closing mixers in Sharbatly Mosque.

Sharbatly Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Jeddah and due to the high footfall of visitors, experiences high rates of water consumption. The new GROHE fittings will enable the mosque to make considerable water savings to the benefit of the mosque and the environment, whilst raising awareness about the importance of water conservation. Over 40 self-closing faucets were installed in the women’s and men’s ablution rooms.

“As part of GROHE’s continued commitment to giving back to the community and to promote the significance of water conservation, we are delighted to have partnered with Sharbatly Foundation to make the Sharbatly Mosque more environmentally friendly. Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest producer of desalinated water, making up 17% of the total world output and at 250 litres, the Kingdom’s water per capita consumption is 91% higher than the

international average. The significance of water conservation cannot be underestimated” said Tarik Ghazale, GROHE, Project Channel Manager, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

GROHE supports local communities wherever possible, and as part of its

WaterCare campaign – the more you save, the more you enjoy – GROHE is aiming to increase awareness of water consumption and conservation possibilities across the region. also feature an EcoButton, which reduces the flow rate by up to 50 percent.

Sharbatly Mosque, Jeddah KSA

GROHE self-closing fittings now save up to 50% water usage

As part of our Green committment, future issues of The Blue Globe Club newsletter will be in digital format.

For many years GROHE has strived to make the bathroom a one-of-a-kind experience perfectly combining design, technology, quality and sustainability. The company’s latest star product is GROHE SPA™ F-digital Deluxe, which provides a showering experience for all senses including the user’s personal music, sound and steam effects. On November 21st and 22nd, the global

bathroom brand will exhibit its new digital showering revolution at this year’s “The Sleep Event” in London. Held at London’s Business Design Centre the event is a combination of conference, exhibition and networking opportunity and is considered the European platform for contemporary and visionary hotel design. This is where Europe’s leading manufacturer of sanitary fittings will also present its new Power&Soul™ showers in November. Thanks to patented technology and an exceptional combination of spray

patterns, they meet the highest showering demands. The Allure Brillant bathroom line from the GROHE SPA™ Collection will be another eye-catcher at the GROHE booth at this unique hotel event.

“GROHE can be found in hotel bathrooms all over the world. It is therefore important to get to develop contacts and decision-makers from the hospitality sector and to give them a hands-on impression of our new products,” explains Jan Peter Tewes, Senior Vice President Global Marketing Grohe AG. “Digital controls are becoming

increasingly important, and more and more of these products are finding their way into today’s modern bathrooms. Our innovations take hotel rooms to a whole new level of comfort.”

MADE IN GERMANY

The Blue Globe ClubP.O.Box 27048, CY-1641 Nicosia, CyprusFax: +357 22 379188E-mail: blueglobe@grome.comWebsite: www.blueglobeclub.com

For Cyprus:Tel: + 357 22 465200Fax: + 357 22 379188

For the Gulf:Tel: + 9714 3318070Fax: + 9714 3321906

For Levant:Tel: + 961 4 4411422

Fax: + 961 4 521 904

For Saudi Arabia:Tel: + 966 1 2791153Fax: + 966 1 4646672

For EgyptTel: + 202 33048602Fax: + 202 33047782Hotline: 19013

Publisher:Grome Marketing (Cyprus) LtdEditor:Lina Varytimidou

David Haines, CEO of Grohe AG

European launch of GROHE SPA™ F-digital Deluxe at ‘The Sleep Event 2012’ in London

In the first nine months of the year, the GROHE Group (Grohe AG, Joyou AG) reported a 24 percent increase in sales revenues, which climbed from EUR 836 million in the same period of the previous year to EUR 1.036 billion. Although the market environment in Europe remains difficult and volatile, GROHE achieved a four percent increase in sales to EUR 794 million even without Joyou.

In the first nine months, the GROHE Group’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) totalled EUR 193 million, up 24 percent on the previous year. Excluding Joyou, EBITDA amounted to EUR 152 million, up from EUR 148 million.

Asia remains the strongest growth market besides America, Eastern Europe and Germany.

GROHE Group nine month results: Sales already past one billion euro mark after Q3 2012

GROHE showcases another exciting product at Europe’s premier hotel

architecture and design event