Chinese Smart Bathroom Ware Makers Tap Global Trend

Imported key parts still used due to technological gap

Smart bathroom ware, generally referred to as fixtures that are integrated with functions that enhance convenience, comfort, safety as thermal control, were introduced into China in the 1990s and are supplied mainly to high-end hotels, F&B outlets, leisure/entertainment facilities, with major products being smart toilets, jacuzzis, smart shower stalls, smart saunas etc. Having not caught up in technologies, most Chinese smart bathroom ware manufacturers rely on imported key components to assure quality and durability, such as modules to control water flow and power.

In recent years, leading international brands as TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard have launched smart bathroom wares to offer upscale bathrooms enhanced comfort, convenience and personalized bathing experience, as well as whole new levels of profit margin and product development possibilities, not to mention setting new standards for Chinese makers to match.

EAGO Sanitary Ware
Founded in 1996, EAGO Sanitary Ware Co., Ltd. focuses on the production of upscale bathroom ware, cabinetry, faucets and accessories, currently investing heavily in smart bathroom ware as toilets, bathtubs, saunas and shower stalls.

Li Ju, chairman of EAGO, says that the maker is at the cutting edge in terms of aesthetics and quality, and while always prioritizing quality, the motto is to expand the product line.

EAGO's sauna room adopts the F-series control system with the bottom-mounted massage function, with the main features including a seven-color light system, timer, computerized protection, and high-fidelity MP3.

Before 2003, EAGO shipped products mainly to Europe and later diversified into the Taiwan market.

Hegii Sanitary Wares
Established in 1998, Guangdong Hegii Sanitary Wares is headquartered in Foshan, Guangdong, China and specializes in the production of ceramic sanitary ware and accessories. With a workforce of 2,500, its main plant consists of capacities to turn out ceramic ware, cabinetry, bathtub, shower stalls and hardware, backed by various kinds of automated kilns.

The company also produces smart bathroom ware as bathtubs, one of which being the HY660 furnished with an LCD display showing operating status and functions. Besides automatic thermal control of water, the tub has a waterproof light for enhanced safety as well as massage function.

Liang Jiansheng, marketing director, says the maker has invested considerably in R&D, as evidenced by the array of advanced functions offered. The corporate plan is to build branding and strengthen efforts to develop comfortable, personalized products.

Guangdong Oulu Sanitary Ware
Guangdong Oulu Sanitary Ware Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, has plants also in Foshan and Jiangmen. Having launched the first smart toilet in China in 2003, the maker focuses on the production of mid to high-end bathroom ware. Besides domestic sales including to high-end hotels, the company also ships products to Europe, the U.S. Australia, and Korea.

The company's smart toilets feature nano anti-bacteria seat, warm-water bidet with extendable nozzle, warm-air drying, automatic flushing, water-saving flushing, LED water-temperature display, and remote cover lift, with the major components imported from Korea.

Geng Bin, general manager of products and marketing, says that the maker started with the development of the ceramic body for smart toilet in 2003, after which the popularity and promising outlook of such product motivated us to invest in R&D of electronic technology for smart toilet in 2006 to successfully develop the smart toilet lid.

Geng believes that smart toilets of the future will offer even more functions, some of which are available on smart bathroom scales currently, to turn the daily routine into convenient preventive medicine for amateurs with meaningful significance, enabling collection of body temperature, weight and even urine.