Shower parts maker Roman splashes out on growth plan following £1.5 million support

A County Durham shower parts maker has pledged to bolster production after securing £1.5 million investment.

Roman says it will buy new machinery and materials to meet growing customer demand.

The business’ blueprint follows cash support led by Maven Capital Partners that included £800,000 from the Finance Durham Fund and £700,000 from the North East Development Capital Fund.

Based in a 400,000 sq ft plant on Aycliffe Business Park, Roman makes shower screens, trays, bathroom furniture and associated fixtures and fittings for customers across 70 international markets, with its order book including trade merchants and independent retailers.

It also supplies white-labelled, own branded products to national retailers, and supports hotel groups and builders including IHG, Hilton, Taylor Wimpey, Keepmoat and Miller.

David Osborne, Roman chief executive, said: “We find ourselves in a period of prolonged growth and expansion in the UK and internationally.

“And this funding allows us to focus on optimising some amazing opportunities and continuing to create sustainable long term jobs and careers in County Durham.”

David Nixon, Maven senior investment manager, said: “Roman is a well-established business, with a good reputation and a strong order book.

“We are delighted to support such a high-profile manufacturing business in the North East.”

The Finance Durham Fund was established by Durham County Council and is overseen by Business Durham, with the North East Development Capital Fund supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

Councillor James Rowlandson, cabinet member for resources, investment and assets at Durham County Council, added: “It is fantastic the funding we are providing through Finance Durham has enabled Roman to take advantage of the growing demand for their products.”