Weekly News Letter

Where did the week go? I woke up on Monday and now it's Friday, either I have discovered a time portal or I'm getting old. Probably the latter.

Quite a bit to fit for what seemed like an incredibly short week: a demo morning at Bathroom and Plumbing Superstore Rochester, a sales meeting at head office, and prepping for PHEX South next week plus, still booking those demos for branches.

And let's not forget the IPG Trade Local day on Monday the 9th, but more of that later.

But anyway, how's your week been?

After a two-day spell of working from home courtesy of Skoda, my working week started on Wednesday with a demo at Bathroom And Plumbing Superstore Rochester.

Demo Morning

Bathroom & Plumbing Superstore Rochester, unit 3b, ME2 4XP

It was a pleasure to attend a demo morning drive organised by Bathroom and Plumbing Superstore Rochester on Wednesday (4th). This was organised by Tyler the branch manager, who organised food and hot drinks in the morning whilst the rest of the team were busy talking to customers. I was on hand to talk about all the exciting products that Rothenberger had to offer.

Also in the morning, there were plenty of special Rothenberger offers on a wide range of tools so it was nice to speak to the customers not just about Rothenberger tools but also about how Bathroom & Plumbing Superstore could source some of our larger items.

So if you are in Rochester, why not pop into BPS Rochester and see what the team can do for you? And don't forget they have a few branches dotted around.

Rothenberger Head Office, Kettering

It's always a pleasure to get up to our head office and speak to all the key people who keep us RSMs in place but the office does have some excellent training facilities, media rooms (all those videos you see on social are all filmed here) and an excellent warehouse. These are made better by everyone who works there and their commitment to the brand.

So I thought I would give you a small taste of the training room. This is where magic happens and how our RSMs and sales desk are so knowledgeable.

This room pretty much has every tool you could imagine and is like a toy shop to me as it allows me to get hands-on experience with most of the Rothenberger tools.

This room is quite handy for trying out various tools so when we are doing demo's we have all been trained thoroughly on every aspect of the tool from use to servicing.

The room has recently been redone by our product training manager Ant Haynes and whilst doing this he also mocked up some display stands for merchants.

And although I can't reveal too much but if we were having a new tool released this is where it would get tested by us. But keep an eye on our socials for more news.

Paul Widger

it's always great to get up to the head office, as it gives us time to chat with the other RSMs and what they have been up to not only in work but in their personal lives.

This brings me to our RSM Paul Widger, who has been supporting the Friends Fighting Cancer charity.

He has been doing all sorts to raise money for this charity and even going as far as exclaiming that if he reaches his target of ￡2000 he will cut off his man bun and anyone who knows Paul Widger that is a lot of hair.

He has also been doing a charity football draw for the Rothenberger UK Staff which was drawn on Thursday.

So if you feel like donating, click on the highlighted link or get in touch with the Widge himself.

IPG Trade Local Day

This Monday sees the culmination of IPG's first trade local event. Monday the 9th will see a whole host of suppliers with offers at your local IPG independent Plumbing, heating and bathroom merchants with offers, giveaways and competitions. I will be at Awan Heating and Plumbing in Surbiton with giveaways and promoting a competition to win the ultimate Rothenbeger apprentice kit.

Awan Heating and Plumbing holds stock of most Rothenberger tools plus a whole range of plumbing and heating items plus a very nice showroom. So if you are in the area on Monday why not pop in?

Rothenberger will be at two other merchants, Our very own John Taylor Dodd will be at Edwards Bathroom and Plumbing (b31 4LF) and Paul Widger will be at Unique Plumbing Supplies (SO51 0HA) and all of us will be running the apprentice competition.

Tool of the week

ROH320 HEAD TORCH WITH SENSOR (1500003816)

In-Depth Product Review: Rothenberger ROH 320 Head Torch

Working in the plumbing and construction industry means frequently dealing with dark, cramped spaces. Whether you're under a sink, in a crawlspace, or working outdoors in low-light conditions, having reliable, hands-free lighting is crucial. That’s where the Rothenberger ROH 320 Head Torch comes into play, and after extensive use, I’m excited to share my detailed thoughts on this product.

Key Features Breakdown

1. 320 Lumens Brightness: The ROH 320 boasts 320 lumens of brightness, which is more than enough to illuminate the tightest and darkest workspaces. The beam quality is sharp and even, providing a consistent spread of light that allows you to see every detail. Whether you’re soldering pipes, inspecting joints, or diagnosing issues in a cluttered area, the lighting is perfect for accuracy and clarity.
2. Adjustable Beam Angle: One of the standout features is the adjustable torch head, which pivots up and down to allow you to focus the light exactly where you need it. This eliminates the need for awkward head movements or having to reposition your body to get the right light angle. In some instances, like when I was working in a ceiling cavity, being able to tilt the beam was a game-changer for precision without compromising comfort.
3. Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery: The rechargeable battery is a significant upgrade from traditional head torches that rely on disposable batteries. With a full charge, the ROH 320 lasts for several hours, making it ideal for long workdays. Charging is straightforward via USB, and it’s quick—just a couple of hours for a full charge. I used it for a 6-hour job, and it lasted the entire time without needing a recharge.
4. Comfort and Build Quality: Comfort is key when you’re wearing a head torch for hours at a time, and Rothenberger got this right. The adjustable headband is soft and stretches well to fit comfortably without pressing too tightly on your head. The weight is evenly distributed, so it doesn’t feel heavy or cause fatigue, even after prolonged use. Plus, the build quality is robust. It’s lightweight but feels durable—designed to handle the rough and tumble of construction sites.
5. IP65 Waterproof and Dustproof Rating: In the field, conditions are often unpredictable—rain, mud, dust, you name it. The IP65 rating makes this head torch resistant to water and dust, meaning you can confidently use it in outdoor or harsh environments. During a recent project that involved plumbing repairs in a partially flooded basement, the ROH 320 worked flawlessly, even in damp conditions.

Performance Review

In real-world scenarios, the Rothenberger ROH 320 Head Torch performed beyond expectations. I’ve used it in various situations:

• Plumbing Jobs: Perfect for under-sink work, pipe repairs, and installations in tight spaces. The 320-lumen light output was bright enough to illuminate complex connections, making it easier to work hands-free.
• HVAC Repairs: I found the torch especially useful when navigating through narrow spaces in HVAC systems. The adjustable beam angle meant I could light up difficult-to-see areas without moving my head too much.
• Outdoor Work: For outdoor repairs and installations, especially in low light or rain, the torch proved reliable. The waterproof rating provided peace of mind, knowing that it could withstand damp or rainy conditions.

Usability

The torch is easy to use with a simple, intuitive button design that lets you toggle between different light modes, such as high, low, and strobe. The beam spread is wide enough for general use but also focused enough to provide clarity when you need to direct light to a specific spot.

• Bright and clear 320-lumen output
• Adjustable beam angle for precise lighting
• Rechargeable with long-lasting battery life
• Comfortable headband for extended wear
• IP65-rated for water and dust resistance

Final Verdict:

The Rothenberger ROH 320 Head Torch is a tool every professional should have in their kit. Its durability, comfort, and performance make it a standout option for anyone in plumbing, HVAC, construction, or other technical fields. While it’s an investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the cost, especially with the convenience of a rechargeable battery.

Rating: 9.5/10 This head torch hits the mark on all fronts: brightness, comfort, and practicality. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, this tool will make your job easier and more efficient.

Finally

So there we have it another week done and dusted. So don't forget if you are around Olympia next Wednesday and Thursday come and say hello to Dan Pullen and myself at the Tucker French stand. We will have some excellent offers over the two days plus demos of our tools.

See you next week

Paul