From Tradition to Innovation: The Carron Baths Interview & Exploring Carron Baths

Today we dive deep into the world of Carron Baths, a leading name in the bathroom industry. Known for their exceptional quality and design, Carron Baths have become a staple in homes across the UK and beyond. Whether you're considering a Carron Jacuzzi Bath for a touch of luxury or a Carron Quantum Bath for its sleek, modern design, we're here to guide you through the myriad of options available.

In this blog, we'll explore everything from the unique Carronite material that sets Carron Baths apart to the diverse range of products, including Whirlpool Systems and Carronnite Bath Panels. We'll also have a look at other notable brands in the industry, such as Ideal Standard, Bette Baths, and Roca Baths, and how they compare to Carron's offerings.

So, whether you're in the process of renovating your bathroom or simply dreaming of your next home improvement project, join us as we delve into the world of Carron Baths. Let's make your bathroom not just a functional space but a sanctuary of relaxation and comfort.

The story of Carron Baths begins in the 18th century, when the Carron Company was established in 1759. Originally, the company was renowned for its ironworks, producing a variety of goods from pig iron to cannons. The Carronade, a short, smoothbore cast iron cannon, was one of the company's most famous products. These cannons were used extensively by the Royal Navy and were a testament to the company's commitment to quality and precision.

As the company evolved, it moved away from cannon production and began to focus on other iron goods. In the 19th century, Carron Baths emerged as a leading manufacturer of high-quality cast iron baths. The company's baths were, and still are, celebrated for their durability, elegance, and comfort.

Just a few miles from the Carron Baths headquarters, you'll find The Kelpies, a pair of towering horse-head sculptures that stand as a testament to the area's industrial past. These 30-metre-tall structures, designed by artist Andy Scott, pay homage to the working horses that once played a crucial role in Scotland's economy, pulling waggons, ploughs, barges, and coalships. The Kelpies are a symbol of the transformation of the area from an industrial hub to a place of beauty and creativity.

Similarly, the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift, is another marvel of modern engineering that's just a stone's throw away from Carron Baths. This remarkable structure, which connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, is a symbol of the area's innovative spirit. The Falkirk Wheel, like Carron Baths, is a blend of functionality and design, serving a practical purpose while also being a work of art.

The history of Carron Baths is a reflection of the area's evolution. From manufacturing cannons to creating luxurious baths, the company has adapted and grown with the times. The presence of landmarks like The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel in the vicinity of Carron Baths is a testament to the area's rich industrial past and its transformation into a hub of creativity and innovation.

In conclusion, Carron Baths, The Kelpies, and the Falkirk Wheel are all symbols of the area's rich history and its commitment to quality, innovation, and design. They are reminders of where we've come from and signposts to where we're going.

Carron Bathrooms has spent over 260 years crafting high-quality, stylish baths that stand the test of time. Their products have graced bathrooms great and small across the UK, from royal households to family homes.

With a focus on excellence and driven by the entrepreneurial spirit of its Scottish roots, Carron Bathrooms has built an unrivalled reputation as a leader in bathroom design. Their journey from ironmongers to modern-day pioneers is a story of quality, craftsmanship, and a passion for creating the ultimate bathing experience. The future looks bright for this iconic brand as they continue to push the boundaries of bath innovation.

We can't talk about Carron without talking about Carronite. Carronite is a unique, patented bath material developed by Carron Bathrooms, a leading UK-based manufacturer of high-quality baths. This innovative material has revolutionised the bathroom industry by offering a stronger, more durable, and better-insulated bathing experience.

This groundbreaking technology is featured on every bath in the Carron range, from their stunning corner baths and freestanding baths to their Status bathtubs and Urban range.

Carronite is made from a high-performance, high-density composite material that is extremely robust and watertight, offering excellent insulation properties. This results in a bath that is exceptionally strong, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting. Carronite baths can withstand extremes of heat and cold without warping or cracking, and they retain heat for longer, allowing for a warmer bathing experience.

Carronite has revolutionised the bathroom industry with its unique combination of strength, durability, insulation, hygiene, and style. It is little wonder that this innovative and high-performance material has become a popular choice for homeowners and designers looking to create a long-lasting, high-quality bath. For a bathroom that stands the test of time, Carronite is the only choice.

We're excited to share our recent conversation with James McMorrine, Managing Director of Carron Baths, the iconic Scottish bath manufacturer. Carron Baths has been in business since 1769, making it one of the oldest companies in the UK. Since its founding as the Carron Iron Works in Falkirk, Scotland, the company has pioneered innovations in bath production and become synonymous with quality and style.

In this interview, James provides a fascinating look into the history and evolution of this historic company. We discuss how Carron Baths has navigated changes in technology, design trends, and consumer demand over its 250+ year history. James also shares his vision for continuing the company's legacy of innovation and bringing its classic bath designs into the 21st century.

As interest in vintage and artisanal homewares continues to grow, companies like Carron Baths have found new appreciation among today's design-conscious consumers. I was curious to learn how Carron balances staying true to its heritage while adapting to meet contemporary needs. With demand for its baths extending far beyond the UK, James provides insight into Carron's global expansion strategy. We also discuss the company's commitment to domestic manufacturing and how that factors into its competitiveness and appeal.

For those interested in design history, vintage bathware, or innovative manufacturers with rich histories, this interview offers a unique perspective on an iconic brand.

What is your role within Carron?

Managing Director.

How long have you been involved at Carron?

I started with Carron in 2009, my father is the co-owner and in the midst of the financial crisis offered me “four weeks work in the warehouse”. 14 years later and I am still here!

What was your journey through the ranks of Carron Baths?

Initially, I worked in the warehouse and then started driving the delivery van for our Scottish customers while studying. From there I was given a sales role having previously worked in retail businesses and progressed gradually into a Commercial role with operations elements. I was promoted to MD at the beginning of 2020, 12 weeks before Covid, it is fair to say that it has been an interesting time since…!!

What are the advantages of choosing Carron baths for the homeowner?

We look to compete on seven dimensions – Design, Range, Innovation, Specification, Conformance, Service and Efficiency. That may sound long-winded, but it reflects the ethos of the business. To create products that are designed for the best possible bathing or showering experience, with a size range that covers all bases. We then look to innovate with (for example) Carronite™ panels which have become a real favourite with installers and homeowners. We also work to a specification, that we do not deviate from, because our baths are designed to give the optimum user experience we use only 5mm cast acrylic to allow us to form baths into the tightest radii. This is more difficult to manufacture, but the results are worth it. The compromises required to mould baths in thinner acrylic at the time of forming for Carron are too great, it is not unusual for a Carron bath to have 20-25% more bathing space than the industry standard for the same floor space.

These features aren’t necessarily evident from a picture, but over the lifetime of the bath will impact the user experience. In a small bathroom, you want to make the most of the space you have available. Given we have been manufacturing acrylic baths on this site since 1982 (and previously under the Carron Company since the 1960’s) our experience in Quality Assurance is inherent. Our production management team have on average 30 years of experience each!

We back this up with significant stock holding to ensure that a customer can get a Carron bath quickly. Finally, we have invested in two automated lines, designed to improve our efficiency by 40% without compromise to quality. We are incredibly proud to be a true British Manufacturer but recognise that without ongoing investment we are at risk of being overtaken by low cost companies. As we have said before being British is not enough, we must provide the best products, service and efficiency to ensure the UK market values us.

How do you stay updated on industry trends and developments?

We will constantly assess trends within not only bathrooms, but home improvements generally. Bathroom designs are a constant evolution, and we are always looking to invest ahead of the curve so we have the answers before the customer knows the question.

What is the warranty offered on your baths?

Our Standard bath warranty is 20 years and Carronite™ 30 years. However, given we are now in our 41 st year of manufacturing, we are in the process of extending those warranties further. Increasing standard baths to 30 years and Carronite™ to 40 years. We can do this because our products are tried, tested and trusted to those lifetimes. A warranty in our opinion is only truly credible when the production period is as long as the warranty itself.

Can Carron baths be installed by homeowners, or do I need a professional?

We would always recommend a professional installer. While the bath installation itself is designed to be as straightforward as possible, there can be variations on every job, including the floor, the drainage areas and the walls. A professional installer will almost certainly have come across most of these challenges which allows them to adapt and adjust their installation. Our installation methods are designed to provide the installer with that flexibility.

How did Covid effect Carron Bathrooms?

Dramatically. It is difficult to prepare for an unprecedented event. We closed production completely for 4 weeks, then re-opened under strict working arrangements. What we didn’t fully anticipate was the demand that followed as homeowners savings increased and their opportunities to spend decreased. The challenges on supply and price on raw materials were a further huge uncertainty, material price shot up at a rate never seen before as demand increased. Our policy was never to compromise on our specification which is our brand.

Do you see the benefit of upgrading to a Carronite bath?

I do. When you are see the process of manufacturing you can see the benefits. It is a commitment to time and precision. Our brand is our bond, and the care and attention put into manufacturing a Carronite™ bath is intensive. Originally developed for heavy use areas such as Hotels in the 1980’s, it became the perfect solution when showering became the preferred method of hygiene. Only by using a three stage process can you effectively add the right amount of reinforcement to strengthen the key areas, which are around the corners of the bath. I liken it to painting a wall, the best finish is always more than one coat. If you put too much paint on the brush it falls to the floor. Carronite™ is the dedication of time and offers not only increased rigidity for showering, but keeps he water warmer for longer as the wall thickness will be 25-30% thicker than a standard Carron and generates greater insulation properties. When you stand in a Carronite bath it will feel like as string as standing on a concrete floor.

How do you motivate and inspire your team to achieve their best?

To be honest, I don’t. They motivate me, their enthusiasm, conscientiousness and dedication is inspiring to me. I am proud to represent the workforce and their products, it is my job to direct them to the market requirements. We have over 60 people at Carron who have been here for over 20 years, their passion for Carron and indeed British manufacturing is infectious, we know that the British customers value great products, especially those made in Britain as their investment in a Carron Bath goes directly back into our own economy, and in these challenging times, what can be more inspirational than that.

Why did you choose to work with Bathroom Supplies Online?

From our first meeting with Kris, it was evident that Kris and the team at Bathroom Supplies Online were knowledgeable of the market and products but also selective on what they promoted. Only products that they are proud to sell would feature. The service offered was critical too, the pre and after sales experience is everything for the customer, and the Bathroom Supplies Online team are second to none at delivering that.

As we draw the curtains on this enlightening journey through the annals of Carron Baths, it's impossible not to marvel at the rich tapestry of history, innovation, and resilience that defines this iconic brand. From the thunderous roar of cannons to the tranquil serenity of bathtubs, Carron's evolution is a testament to their adaptability and commitment to excellence.

Our conversation with James McMorrine, Carron's managing director, provided a unique insight into the heart of the company. His passion for the brand and its products was palpable, reflecting the ethos that has sustained Carron through centuries of change. His vision for the future, one that continues to uphold the brand's legacy while embracing modernity, is a beacon of hope for the industry.

Carron's history is a fascinating narrative of transformation. Born in the crucible of the Industrial Revolution, the company initially produced cannons, which were instrumental in shaping the course of history. Yet, as the tides of time shifted, so did Carron. They transitioned from creating instruments of war to crafting vessels of relaxation and rejuvenation—bathtubs. This shift wasn't just a change in product; it was a metamorphosis that encapsulated the brand's ability to adapt, innovate, and excel.

Today, Carron Baths stands as a symbol of quality and craftsmanship. Each bathtub is a work of art, meticulously designed and crafted to provide the ultimate bathing experience. The brand's commitment to quality is unwavering, a trait that has earned them the trust and loyalty of customers worldwide.

As we conclude, it's essential to remember that Carron's story is far from over. With leaders like James McMorrine at the helm, the brand is poised for a future filled with innovation and growth. As they continue to navigate the currents of the industry, one thing is certain: Carron Baths will remain a beacon of excellence, illuminating the path for others to follow.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Carron's history. We hope that this blog has not only enlightened you about the brand's past and present but also excited you about its future. Here's to Carron Baths, a brand that has stood the test of time and will continue to make waves in the industry for years to come.