By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
MARCH 15, 2022 | It was an on-the-ropes bathtub manufacturer, not doing too well. But when the used car salesman, former Lockheed machinist and a guy who enjoyed tinkering took over the Duluth company, things looked up. You see, J.C. Henry had a way of fixing things, and first thing you know, his newly-acquired company, then known as Mr. Tubs, took off. In 1988, he brought in his certified public accountant, Kathy Adams of Decatur, to run the day-to-day operations, and with her management skills, the firm made another leap.
Today it’s operated as MTI Baths of Sugar Hill, and recently was sold to a Spanish competitor seeking to break into the American market. It is now known internationally for its luxury and award-winning bathroom accessories. (Click here to see MTI’s products.)
MTI is joining Engineered Stone Group (ES Group) of Alicante, Spain, a global leader in making engineered stone bathroom products. It is a subsidiary of Cranemere Group of London. As with other divisions of the ES Group, MTI will operate independently and continue to serve its customers while benefiting from ES Group resources, retaining all 260 employees of the Sugar Hill company. The sale was effective on March 1, 2022.
Russell Adams
Russell Adams, president and chief design officer of the firm of MTI Baths, says that “As a division of The Engineered Stone Group, MTI will have additional backing to expand our teams, equipment and facilities. We plan to develop and share materials and technologies, invest in new manufacturing techniques and benefit from the support of an established global team. This new partnership is truly a win-win for all parties involved.”
Henry
Before J.C. Henry started tinkering with the MTI operations, tub manufacturers used flexible but corrugated plastic pipe, which allowed bacteria to nest in the ridges. Henry changed to a smooth pipe, which was inexpensively heated to bend around the tub, not allowing bacteria to grow in the ridges. He also figured how to clean the internal pipe and the tub with a small amount of water and vinegar. The big breakthrough came when he began supplying hotels with whirlpool tubs, for which hotels could charge more for the room. That introduced many guests to whirlpools. Soon, more and more homeowners were wanting these high-end whirlpool tubs in their homes, and MTI could barely keep up with the demand.
Since 1988, MTI Baths has earned a reputation for award-winning designs, personalized customization, artisan quality and world-class customer service. Luxury tubs, shower bases, counter-sinks, vanity sinks and genuine teak accessories are all hallmarks of the MTI brand. MTI offers an extensive selection of innovative designs and personalized options.
Kathy Adams
The Engineered Stone Group is a material specialist focused on the design and manufacturing of engineered stone bathroom products, including tubs, shower pans, sinks and wall panels. The ES Group provides a broad offering of high-quality products and specialty brands and invests in continued product innovation. Besides its operations in Spain, it also has facilities in Latvia and Poland. The ES Group was established by The Cranemere Group of London, a private holding company focused on partnering with and building businesses over the long term.
CEO Kathy Adams adds, “This is the next stage in the growth of MTI, and we are extremely happy to connect with such a powerhouse in the global engineered stone market. The entire MTI management team is excited about this merger, and we passionately embrace the change it will bring.”
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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