BARMA celebrates 70 years

The Boiler And Radiator Manufacturers’ Association is 70 years old this year.

2011 will see a particular focus on the work of BARMA’s subsidiary, MARC – the Manufacturers’ Association for Radiators and Convectors. Members of MARC comprise 80% of the current UK marketplace.

Next month, MARC will launch the results of an in-depth study into the use of low water temperatures with radiators and convectors, which is expected to change the perceptions of many in the industry.

Founded in 1941, BARMA was originally known as the Cast Iron Heating Boiler and Radiator Manufacturers’ Association until it changed its name in 1969. During the Second World War any foundry capacity for heating products was strictly rationed as foundry priority was given to engine blocks for tanks and Spitfires for the war effort.

This led to the formation of the association to look after the interests of installers, who had to contend with typical delivery lead times of 12 to 18 months, helping to beat this delay in supply.

MARC was established to give a particular voice to the radiator and convector industry, focussing on the specific needs of, and issues faced by, manufacturers and giving collective voice to its members.

MARC chairman John Colling said: “2011 is an important year for BARMA and MARC. As well as being a year in which to celebrate 70 years of the work of BARMA, it will be a period in which MARC and its members use their strength in unity to give voice to some key issues in the market.”