Over the years, while working in the plumbing industry, Kevin could see the need for a quality retail outlet that specialised in bathrooms and heating, and where customers could view products, attain sound advice and have their purchases installed—all by the one company. During 1983, Kevin and his wife Sue opened a specialist bathroom and heating centre providing speciality service in retail sales, design and installation. This centre traded under the name of Heatrite. An extension of that speciality service was made during 1989 with the addition of a separate heating showroom, allowing an increase in the range of products for both the bathroom and heating areas. 

 In 1992, Heatrite, now trading with the slogan “Naturally Home Comfort People,” moved its bathroom showroom and situated it next to the heating showroom in Bourke Street, Palmerston North, thus creating one of the largest specialised bathroom and heating display centres in New Zealand. The showroom exhibits a large and wide range of the latest and best in bathroomware and heating products with many working models. Our experienced showroom staff are always on hand to help customers choose the right products or take advantage of the in-home advisory service.

Heatrite is one hundred percent locally owned and managed by Darrell and Michelle Bowater. Heatrite expanded further in 2012 when Waterheat a plumbing and heating company in Pahiatua was purchased. The Pahiatua showroom exhibits bathroomware and heating products with Heatrites team of professional plumbers available to carry out plumbing, gasfitting and heating installation and repair work.