Aquatic Industries, Inc. - Leander

Aquatic Industries, Inc. - Leander

Written by Susan VanDeWater Sunday, 19 November 2006

Hydrotherapy experts offer customized relaxation

Aquatic Industries designs and manufactures high-end whirlpool bathtubs. With 1,500 distributors nationwide, the company offers 150 models, which range in price from $2,000 for the basic six-jet model to its piece de resistance, the Millennium 10, which rings in at $15,000. With 24 hydrotherapy jets, pulsating neck jet pillows, a waterfall spout, remote control and chromatherapy – underwater lights to change the color of the bath water – the Millennium seems to be worth its price tag.

“I think we initially were successful because our founders identified an opportunity in the market and filled it,” James Riewe, plant manager said. “Our continued success, however, can be attributed to our dedicated team, which is committed to providing the best design, materials and service available in the industry.”

In 1983, Brad Roten and Dean Morgan came to Texas in search of new opportunities. They established themselves by manufacturing spas, a move that eventually led them into whirlpool bathtubs. In 1989, they started Aquatic on the 15-acre site on FM 2243 that still houses the company. After 10 successful years, Roten and Morgan retired and sold the business to Tomkins Industries, a publicly traded company based in London.

With 130 employees, the business is one of the largest employers in Leander. The company manufactures all of its bathtubs onsite in the 95,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant. Since the company offers so many choices for their tubs, from the location of the pump to the finish on the fixtures, all orders are custom-made in about 10 days.

In its 17-year history, the company’s client list has grown to include custom homeowners in Austin, as well as professional football and basketball players.

“Our tubs are the largest and most therapeutic in the industry which makes them perfect for athletes,” Tawnya Quiet, marketing director, said.

To keep designs fresh, Aquatic Industries relies on industry trends and customer feedback. “Once a year, we meet with our regional sales staff to evaluate the market and hear what our customers have to say,” Quiet said. “That helps us determine what new directions we need to take.”

Aquatic Industries has been featured on DIY Network’s “Bathroom Makeover” and HGTV’s “I Want That” and “Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2006.”

“Leander has been good to us, and we know it’s a good place to be,” Riewe said. “We’re really glad to be part of this community.”

Options available in aquatic industries whirlpool bathtubs

• Shiatsu jet massage
• Color-changing lights
• Air bubbles
• Elbow and wrist therapy
• StressEaz neck and shoulder therapy

Aquatic Industries, 11880 Ranch Road 2243 W • 259-2255