We are pleased to announce that our new 106,000 sq. ft manufacturing center in Caldwell, Idaho is now open! To mark this key milestone for Bestbath and for the City of Caldwell, we will be hosting a open house on Tuesday, July 20th. Here is the press release that covers all the details of this exciting news:

Caldwell, Idaho – Bestbath Systems, a leading innovator in safe and accessible shower and walk-in tub products, has purchased a 106,000 sq. ft. plant in Caldwell, ID to serve as their new manufacturing facility. The facility began operations on June 28, 2010.  The company has also relocated their sales and marketing departments to their Kuna offices.

“Purchasing the Purdue Building in Caldwell was the correct economic decision for us,” stated Gary Multanen, CEO of Bestbath Systems. He added that the City of Caldwell was very helpful during the transition. “Everyone we had contact with was first class. It is very evident to us that Caldwell wants to increase their employment base and we are pleased to be a part of that effort.”

“Caldwell is truly excited to have quality corporate citizens moving to the community. Mr. Multanen has been wonderful to work with and his company will be a tremendous addition to the city,” said City of Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas.

Grand opening festivities are scheduled for Tuesday, July 20^th. Bestbath senior managers are joining Mayor Nancolas, local business leaders and the Caldwell/Canyon County Economic Development Council for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the College of Idaho. The ribbon cutting ceremony and plant tour follows at 12:45 p.m. at 723 Garber Street in Caldwell. The Caldwell business community is invited for tours from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a kid-friendly public open house from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served at the public open house. The manufacturing plant will be in operation for those attendees who are curious how composite bathing units are manufactured.

Bestbath Systems has been manufacturing bathing products in the Treasure Valley since 1971. Privately held by Gary and Susan Multanen, the company employs 87 people. Current plans call for the staff to grow to over 100 employees by the end of 2011.

For ten years Multanen has been focused on a strategy to position Bestbath for the continued growth he is confident will take place. He said the Garber Street location is an ideal facility for 40-50 years into the future.  The recent economic recession delayed Bestbath’s growth plans with sales dropping from $23 million in 2008 to $18 million in 2009. There will be modest growth in 2010 and projections for 2011 show sales should top $20 million again.

Bestbath products are sold throughout the USA and Canada. More than 50% of their sales are east of the Mississippi River.  “That is simply a matter of demographics,” commented Jeff Mooney, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. The company has two sales divisions, one focused on the commercial market and the other on residential renovation. There are 300 Bestbath Systems dealers nationwide who sell and install safe bathing products in residential homes for people who find they can no longer navigate the barriers of traditional bathtubs and showers.

The commercial sales team is made up of eight territory managers, each with multiple-state responsibility. They concentrate their efforts calling on architectural firms securing specifications for Bestbath products in senior housing facilities, assisted living facilities, university housing and hospitals.  Recent housing authority renovation initiatives, especially on the east coast and in Texas, have contributed to their sales rebound.

Safe bathing products that receive the most attention in today’s marketplace are walk-in bathtubs. Bestbath was the first company in the USA to manufacture walk-in tubs on a commercial basis. They currently private label for two companies and manufacture their own brand sold through the dealer network.

Custom Home Solutions is the Bestbath Systems local authorized dealer showroom in the Treasure Valley. They are located at 480 E. Franklin Rd. in Meridian, Idaho and can be reached by phone at 208-888-7561.

About Bestbath Systems: Since 1971, Bestbath Systems has focused on providing safe bathing solutions for people of all abilities. Specializing in the design of durable and accessible bathing options for both home and commercial applications, Bestbath showers are backed by a 30 year warranty.