Wilux; Another Dutch sponsor for Minardi

Published on 26 June 2003 by Huub Rothengatter

Commencing with this weekend’s Formula One Grand Prix of Europe at the Nurburgring, Wilux Benelux, a producer of shower cubicles and baths in the medium- and top-class segments, becomes a commercial partner of the European Minardi Cosworth F1 Team. The Wilux logo, along with the catch-phrase, “Bathroom pleasure”, will appear on the Minardi Formula One cars, as well as on the overalls and helmets of drivers, Jos Verstappen and Justin Wilson. For customers, there will be interesting promotional activities surrounding each Grand Prix, which will be announced in the media. For Wilux, an organisation with an annual turnover of some 60 million Euros and about 180 employees, which exports bathroom equipment to 28 countries worldwide, the co-operation with Minardi is a logical step. Managing Director, R. Wildschut, explains: “In the past, Wilux has been involved as a sponsor in motorcycle racing and football with a Dutch Premier League club. Given our strong current market position, and in spite of the recession, we believe that it is time for us to move to the highest level in sports sponsorship. The co-operation with Minardi is a logical step. We firmly believe in the team’s capabilities and potential, and are glad to support them in their efforts.”

Jos Verstappen, who will be driving in his 100th Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, is the most successful Dutch Formula One driver in history. He raced previously for Benetton, Tyrrell, Stewart and Arrows, and signed for the Faenza-based European Minardi team this season. His team-mate, Justin Wilson, is in his first year of Formula One competition. “For us, the combination of a Dutch driver in an Italian team is just ideal,” says Wilux Managing Director, Wildschut. “Our headquarters are located in The Netherlands, but the design of our products comes from Italy, where we also have our own facilities in San Dona di Piave, near Venice.”

The co-operation between Wilux Benelux and Minardi will be promoted in various ways. For instance, the image of Jos Verstappen’s Formula One car will be displayed on the Wilux transporters that can be seen on the roads all over Europe. Posters and other promotional material will appear in the showrooms of Wilux dealers, and there will also be a sales promotion around each Grand Prix, during which customers can not only expect an interesting discount on Wilux products, but also obtain exclusive items related to Formula One and Minardi. Managing Director Wildschut of Wilux Benelux says: “We are proud of being able to race together with Minardi, and we look forward to a successful co-operation!”