1983
A Showroom Revolution and First Steps with Eczacıbaşı
Ermataş’s story began with a bold vision: to fundamentally transform the bathroom concept in Türkiye and Cyprus. At a time when even the idea of a “showroom” did not exist, we were inspired by Italian trade fairs and created our first exhibition space—sparking a true revolution in the sector.
In our first showroom, we presented Vitra products in a completely new way: combining them with tiles they had not yet produced, Italian accessories, and innovative decorative elements to create “live bathroom concepts.” When the Vitra team visited, they were astonished—struggling to recognize their own products within such a cohesive and elevated aesthetic. That moment became one of the most unforgettable milestones in our history, marking the industry’s recognition of Ermataş’s unique approach to presentation and design.
During the 1980s, the bathroom world embraced colorful sanitaryware—tones like Sümer Yellow, Nile Green, Mediterranean Blue, pink, and yellow. However, there was a major gap: high-quality toilet seats that perfectly matched these sets were not available in Türkiye. At the time, only patterned “thermodin” toilet seats were produced. To solve this aesthetic mismatch, Ermataş collaborated with companies in England to manufacture custom-colored seats that matched bathroom sets perfectly.
Despite the limited logistics of the era, we personally carried these sample products from England to Cyprus in our suitcases. When customs officers in England curiously asked, “What are these?”, our determined reply—“Toilet seats”—and their surprised expressions became a sincere and unforgettable symbol of Ermataş’s solution-oriented vision and its refusal to give up in the face of challenges.
Pioneering Technology and Comfort:
The Jacuzzi and PPRC Revolution
Since its founding, Ermataş has been a pioneer of technology and comfort in the sector. At a time when the concept of a “jacuzzi” was virtually unknown, we became the first company to introduce the world-renowned Jacuzzi brand into bathrooms. Beyond luxury, we also led a fundamental infrastructure transformation: replacing rust-prone galvanized pipes with PPRC (plastic) plumbing pipes, which are now industry standard. To ensure proper implementation of this new technology, we personally provided technical training to plumbing professionals and carried out extensive promotional campaigns to introduce consumers to this modern level of comfort.
Responsibility and Ethical Trade:
Health Comes First
For Ermataş, commercial success has never come before ethical values and public health. A clear example of this principle is our decision regarding asbestos-containing roofing sheets. Although these products were widely sold in both Türkiye and the TRNC at the time and were not yet locally banned, we immediately ceased their importation upon learning that they were prohibited in Europe due to their carcinogenic properties.
Remarkably, the official ban in our region came 18 years after our decision. Even while advertisements for these products continued to appear on television, we chose to forgo profit in order to protect public health—demonstrating our unwavering “people first” philosophy.
Solutions Tailored to the Island Climate:
The “Thermal Shock” Factor
Cyprus’s extreme climate—ranging from 0°C in winter to 45°C in summer—taught us that not every construction material is suitable for the island. This phenomenon, which we call “thermal shock,” means that not all types of plaster, artificial grass, or flooring can withstand these conditions. Therefore, when building our product portfolio, we carefully evaluate not only aesthetics but also the durability of materials against the island’s demanding climate.
Step-by-Step Growth:
Expansion and Architectural Achievement
1993 – Kyrenia Branch: We expanded our success to the northern part of the island by opening our first branch in Kyrenia.
1997 – Award-Winning New Headquarters: As we grew, we moved into our current headquarters in Nicosia. Built in an era when even fax machines were not yet in use and communication relied on telex systems, this modern architectural structure was awarded the “Design Award” by the Chamber of Architects—cementing our innovative identity.