The Nordic countries' market leader in faucet manufacture, Oras Oy Ltd, will launch a new bathroom concept together with the Italian designer house, Alessi, in early 2002. The bathroom of the future will not only arrange the flow of water, but will also be able to create experiences.

In the 1950's, the kitchens of western homes evolved from a mere work place into a social space - a second living room. Now the bathroom is undergoing the same change: the washing place is becoming a place to spend time. Oras from Finland is contributing to this change. In the company's vision, the bathroom is more than just a place to take a bath. It is a place where one can relax and spend time.

In spring 2002, Oras will launch its new bathroom concept in co-operation with the Italian designer house, Alessi. The faucets of the ILBAGNO Alessi project have been designed by the Italian designer, Stefano Giovannoni. Oras and Alessi share a commitment to high-quality products. For Oras,the co-operation with Alessi will bring more attention - and through the Alessi name, this Finnish family company will gain recognition for its products. Alessi, on the other hand, will benefit from the strong points of Oras - high technology, product quality and ease of use.

When a faucet blends cutting edge electronics, brass casting and plastics technology with fine industrial design, the outcome will create new experiences for the user, Oras promises. The shower or bath is not just a place to wash. It can just as well be a light spring rain or a powerful waterfall.

Design and technological expertise

A strong emphasis on design, coupled with research into new possibilities for water usage, is nothing new for Oras, however. As far back as 1965, the company had invited well-known Finnish glassware designer Tapio Wirkkala to design a faucet. And sales of the most popular Oras collection - the Safira single lever faucets created by industrial designer Jorma Vennola in the 1970 's - now nearly exceed 30 million pieces. Vennola, who has worked in partnership with Oras for many years, is also responsible for the new kitchen faucet collection, Oras Ventura, whose design was based on the careful analysis of kitchen routines that traditionally require the plentiful use of water.

Exploration of the potential of water usage and investment in new technologies has not only produced new experiences, but also water and energy savings. The Safira single lever faucet developed by Oras in the 1970's used about one third less water than the old double faucets that preceded it. Today, the knowledge and expertise represented in Oras' products save water and energy in both bathroom and kitchen.

Oras is the Nordic leader in the faucet markets and Europe 's fourth largest manufacturer of faucets. Finns buy Oras faucets almost exclusively, while more than half of Norwegians do so. Every tenth faucet purchased in Central Europe is made by Oras. In 2000 Oras recorded net sales of nearly FIM 700 million (EUR 118 million). The company employs 1,160 people, 25 of whom work in the technology unit developing new visions of water usage.

www.oras.com

 Oras' new kitchen faucet Ventura's most important feature is the small faucet that automatically releases warm water when you hold hands under it.