IMPERIAL BATHROOMS – Aldridge, West Midlands
The Heritage: Situated in Aldridge, a town with a centuries-old history of clay and brick production, Imperial Bathrooms is one of the few remaining large-scale manufacturers of vitreous china in the heart of England. Despite a restructuring in 2023, the brand has maintained its dedicated production facility, continuing to employ time-served craftsmen who utilise traditional skills passed down through generations.
The Verdict: Imperial is a rare example of clay-to-completion domestic manufacturing. While many competitors import white-ware and simply badge it in the UK, Imperial’s ceramics are formed, fired, and glazed in their Aldridge pottery. From a sustainability perspective, their ceramic ware carries a lifetime quality guarantee - a testament to the high-density firing process that makes their china significantly more resistant to crazing and structural failure than cheaper, high-volume imports. By sourcing local clay and keeping the entire production cycle within the West Midlands, they drastically reduce the logistical carbon footprint of these heavy, fragile goods.
Core Products: Vitreous china basins, toilets and pedestals (Westminster and Radcliffe collections).