Shifts in technology, science and culture have made bathrooms an indispensable part of the embellishment of every home. Bathrooms are no longer the hidden rooms of a home but rather, the embodiment of a lifestyle, status symbol and class.
MRCD Ltd’s founder Bernard Cachia delves into the evolution of the bathroom and tiling sector and how MRCD has managed so successfully to gain such a loyal following among Malta’s developers and homeowners alike.
At its core, the bathroom has very few functions and all of them are personal, and yet it has undergone so many transitions through time. Today’s bathrooms are all about combining stylish looks with functionality. The bathroom is a place to get ready on those busy weekday mornings, but it is also a space where, after a long day of work and a hectic schedule, one can unwind and soak oneself in a bathtub filled with warm water bubbles. Technology too has been developed in such a way that luxury and comfort are incorporated in a bathroom.
What we associate with our bathrooms today – comfort, privacy, and hygienic conditions – is the result of thousands of years of civil engineering and changes in society. There are many services such as plumbing, hot water; flushing toilets and ventilation that are taken for granted in our bathrooms. Bathroom history stretches back further than one might imagine. Whilst we are not going back to explore centuries of history related to the bathroom, the bathroom’s evolution has taken off in the past two decades. MRCD Ltd was founded in 1987, as a part-time operation by newly graduated accountant Bernard Cachia. The Cachia couple reasoned that all homes needed bathrooms and despite the limited choices available at the time, they saw an industry filled with opportunity.
Bernard regards his accountancy background, and participation in the now-defunct student worker scheme, as being instrumental for setting a good foundation for the business. Citing knowledge of financial and estate planning as being key to the success of a company – the heart of any business is its cash flow, Bernard emphasises.
The origins of the choice of MRCD as the company name makes for an interesting anecdote – its original name being an acronym for Mary Rose Cachia Distributors – named after Bernard’s mother. The flourished company has retained its origins’ name and now coincidentally features their children’s initials – Malcolm, Richard and David; all important stakeholders in their unique ways.
FROM A MODEST START, TO…
Starting with a small outlet in Sliema, the company business expanded with the opening of a larger showroom in Lija in the year 2000. Their initial venture was as a wholesale trader – an area in which they have retained and strengthened their ties with the market. Bernard explains that rather than labouring directly with the international suppliers, there is a wide and respected pool of vendors who prefer to focus on customer care and attention to detail; thus, reaching out to MRCD as it makes more economical sense to them whilst also agreeing with their quality objectives.
From inception, MRCD’s strategy has been the provision of a high level of design, and exceptional quality and value for clients. This marries well with homeowners, developers, investors, and resellers alike. The strategy remains in place to this day and is the driving force for MRCD’s close alliances with suppliers, representing some of the best and well-known industry brands originating from Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
From inception, MRCD’s strategy has been the provision of a high level of Design, and exceptional Quality and Value for Clients. This marries well with home owners, developers, investors and resellers alike
The steadfast increase in business saw the need for further expansion. A further outlet was opened in Iklin. And in 2002, the foundation stone of its new premises in Qormi was laid. MRCD’s flagship showroom – 1,200sqm of floor area spread over two floors of display – thus opened its doors in 2005. MRCD does not typically rent, as Bernard believes that the ownership of its properties ensures ongoing stability and financial strength since costs can be kept to a minimum whilst having full control of its operations. The company to date engages twenty-one employees. The staff complement includes Bernard and Tanya and their children as well as four delivery teams. All operations are carried out in-house and that includes the services of an architect in their son Malcolm; Richard who is the company’s interior designer and is always found on-site managing the diverse portfolio of projects; and David, the youngest sibling who oversees logistics. Each showroom is managed by highly experienced managers, some of whom have over twenty years of experience in the field.
The latest technologies and styles are at the heart of all items selected, stocked and supplied by MRCD.
The client base is varied, ranging from the private client to a different sector: building contractors and developers. MRCD’s reputation for being well-stocked and adhering to delivery dates has ingratiated them with this sector too, which is deeply intertwined with tight deadlines and strict schedules. Any delays in delivery impacts promises of sale, contract signatures as well as potential fines incurred due to such delays; a matter which is always held in serious regard by MRCD.
MRCD’s reputation for being well stocked and adhering to delivery dates has ingratiated them with this sector
COMPANY VALUES
MRCD’s ideology was founded on the belief that any customer must always be able to walk through their doors and immediately walk away with that very product that matches their preferences, needs, and budgets. “Hence the choice of our simple yet clear motto – ‘Design, Quality and Value’ “ explains Bernard. This belief is further strengthened by the fact that a dedicated team of qualified personnel is constantly ready to provide the client with the most effective solutions not just from a financial perspective but moreover by maximising the available space and ensuring a high level of design in every project irrespective of size.
Whilst all products that are sold by MRCD undergo rigorous industry testing against set international benchmarks, MRCD goes one step further and do their own testing, using their decades of experience to their benefit, so that they make sure that all products making their way out of any MRCD showroom ought to always be of the highest and finest requested quality.
BRAND REPRESENTATION
MRCD is the sole representative for renowned Spanish brands including Porcelanicos HDC, Baldocer, Natucer, Navarti and El Molino. From Italy, one can purchase products from well-known brands such as Cermed Ceramica Mediterranea, Disegno Ceramica, Alice, Eban, Ritmonio, Pentagono, and Vanità & Casa. Other global brands include Sottini, Knief and MireleHome. This portfolio is further complemented with brands like Thermodesign by Orlandi Bath Systems, Paleo for shower enclosures, and SPA baths. A special mention should also be dedicated to companies such as German Boada known as Rubi and Battipav, two wellknown brands worldwide for professional tile cutting equipment and accessories exclusively represented locally by MRCD.
all products making their way out of any MRCD showroom ought to always be of the highest and finest requested quality
STANDING OUT FROM THE REST …
The long-standing relationship that MRCD has with their suppliers enables a strong rapport that permits ongoing discussions on pricing, shipping deadlines and streamlining processes that, ultimately will be of benefit to customers. This kind of relationship also resulted in frequent visits by its suppliers, who before the Covid-19 pandemic travelled to Malta regularly.
MRCD also imports from China and India, but those imports generally are limited to bulk orders for larger projects. MRCD is particularly proud of its Spanish brands. Not only are they one of the strongest ‘value for money’ products available on the local market, but shipping is also a speedy process. Bernard proudly points out that MRCD’s imports account for about 10% – 15% of tiles imported into Malta from Spain, which is impressive when you consider the many importers on the island.
From a practical perspective, technology has also enabled the possibility to offer a wide variety of materials such as fibreglass and acrylic, which are more cost-effective to produce and more durable; practical advantages for a room that is to be used several times a day. MRCD has ensured that its portfolio of products and brands are in tune with current technology, needs, and above all environmental concerns.
MRCD has ensured that its portfolio of products and brands are in tune with current technology, needs, and above all environmental concerns
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Bathroom technology has come a very long way since MRCD opened their doors in the late 1980s. It has revolutionised the way bathrooms are looked at and have been given equal importance as other rooms in a home. Bathrooms have evolved into home spas; for some, an opportunity to showcase luxury to home visitors. This company is determined to ensure that its customers – residential and commercial alike – will always ultimately benefit from the best availabilities at wondrous prices.
Over the next decade, MRCD’s challenges will grow. There are plans to consolidate the present business to ensure that MRCD keeps up with ever changing trends. The family structure is a strength that enables Bernard to look at the future with a high degree of optimism. “I am fortunate to see that my sons have inherited my passion for the business and even prouder to see that the values with which the company was founded are very much alive and present within the team,” Bernard proudly exclaimed.
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