What Presto does

Presto is a French designer, manufacturer, and distributor of water valves and sanitary accessories built primarily for high-traffic, public-access buildings. Founded in 1927 in Montrouge (Grand Paris) by brothers André and Lucien Patient, who patented the first push-button timed-flow tap, the company supplies washbasin, shower, kitchen, flush, urinal, and laboratory tapware under the PRESTO brand and a dedicated healthcare sub-brand, SANIFIRST. Its portfolio spans three underlying technology platforms: mechanical timed-flow (anchored by a patented self-cleaning synthetic ruby mechanism), touch-sensitive start/stop, and touchless infrared sensing via the LYNX cell, alongside the MasterMix thermostatic cartridge that prevents cross-feeding between domestic hot and cold water for healthcare settings. With 3,000+ product references, 69+ registered patents, and ISO 9001 quality certification since 1995, the company has built its specification position on the largest range of NF-certified shared tapware in France, ACS sanitary compliance, and alignment with HEQ, BREEAM, LEED, and Estidama green-building frameworks. Manufacturing is conducted in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne (France) and Portugal, with the SANIFIRST healthcare line produced exclusively in Angoulême. Presto employs 220+ people and reaches 80 countries through seven international sales divisions (Italy, Germany, Spain, Middle East/Dubai, North Africa/Tunisia, Belgium, Switzerland) and a Singapore representative office.

The company's revenue model is anchored in hardware sales of tapware and sanitaryware to construction, renovation, and spare-parts markets, supplemented by technical support services during selection, installation, maintenance, and renovation. Commercial motion is hybrid: a professional distributor network of sanitary, heating, and plumbing specialists handles volume distribution and installer relationships, while a dedicated enterprise field-sales team pursues large public-access projects (airports, hospitals, stadiums, prisons, universities, retail centers). Marketing and specification support are delivered through the PRESTODATASHARE self-service platform (BIM files, technical documentation, project references), a multilingual corporate website, a mobile app for product/cartridge identification, installation tutorial videos, and direct sales contact for project consultations. Customers span administrative/tertiary, industrial, retail, healthcare, education, sports/leisure, hospitality, high-security, and transport verticals, with a documented 10-year warranty on timed and mechanical valves and verifiable outcome claims of 70–90% water savings depending on product tier.

Name

Presto

Legal name

PRESTO Association

Website

https://presto.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1927

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Presto is a French, family-owned manufacturer founded in 1927 that designs and distributes water valves and sanitary accessories—mechanical timed-flow, touch-sensitive, and touchless sensor tapware—primarily for high-traffic public-access buildings. It serves construction, healthcare, transport, retail, and industrial end markets across 80 countries via distributors and seven international sales divisions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Sanitaryware and Tapware

SIC

Heating Equip, Except Elec & Warm Air; & Plumbing Fixtures (3430)

akta.pro primary industry

Plumbing Fixtures (Faucets, Sinks & Bath Fixtures) (IMADALAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Restroom & Hygiene Dispensing Systems (Commercial/Industrial) (IMAHALAH)

Keywords

• Public access tapware
• Timed flow faucets
• Touchless sanitaryware
• Commercial flush valves
• Thermostatic mixing valves

Headquarters

HQ city

Montrouge

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Tapware and Sanitaryware: PRESTO manufactures and sells timed-flow taps, electronic faucets, showers, flush valves, urinals, and laboratory equipment. Products are sold through distribution network to installers and facility managers. Revenue from construction projects and renovation/spare parts markets.
2. Professional Services - Technical Support: Technical support during selection, installation, maintenance and renovation of products. Includes technical product information, delivery coordination, and after-sale support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Presto designs, manufactures, and distributes water valves, tapware, and sanitaryware accessories for sanitary facilities in public-access buildings and healthcare institutions. The portfolio covers washbasin, shower, kitchen, flush, urinal, and laboratory product categories, leveraging mechanical timed-flow, touch-sensitive, and touchless infrared sensor technologies. Products are sold primarily through professional sanitary/plumbing distributors to installers, facility managers, architects, and project owners across 80 countries.

Product overview

PRESTO is a French manufacturer of ecological and economical tapware and sanitaryware for public access buildings. The product portfolio consists of two main brands: PRESTO (core brand for general public facilities) and SANIFIRST (healthcare-focused sub-brand). Products are organized into six main categories: Washbasin (including LINEA TOUCH, NOVA, NEW TOUCH, NEO, SO'O, SAFE, VOLTA), Shower (including DL 400, PRESTOTEM 2, BOX TOUCH THERMOSTATIC, ALPA, MASTERMIX), Kitchen (CHEF professional range), Flush (7300 XL N, 7100/7200 XL N, 1000 XL DVA), Urinal (SENSAO 8400 N and 8100/8300/8500/8600 N), and Laboratory (FIRST LABO). Additionally, SANIFIRST offers accessibility products including virucidal grab bars (BARRE VIRUCIDE with COVERSAFE technology) and PMR seats. The products utilize three core technologies: Mechanical Timed-Flow (push-button automatic shut-off), Touch Sensitive (start/stop via detection surface), and Touchless Sensor (infrared detection with LYNX cell). All products are designed for intensive use in public facilities with a focus on water savings, hygiene, durability, and design.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SANIFIRST: Tapware and sanitaryware specifically designed for healthcare facilities, featuring thermostatic mixers and anti-legionella protection.
• PRESTODATASHARE
• PRESTOGREEN

Products and services

• PRESTO LINEA TOUCH Electronic wall-mounted washbasin faucet with touchless sensor technology, available in multiple finishes including chrome and matte black, for public-access facilities.
• PRESTO NOVA Contactless electronic washbasin mixer with infrared detection, anti-blocking system, adjustable flow rate (3 to 1.9 liters/min), and consumption monitoring via PrestoCom application, for intensive public use.
• PRESTO NEW TOUCH Sensitive touch washbasin faucet with start/stop function, battery or mains powered, 3 l/min or 1.9 l/min flow, 10-year warranty, and accessibility button for children and people with reduced mobility (PMR).
• PRESTO SAFE Electronic washbasin faucet designed for contactless operation with enhanced hygiene features for public sanitary facilities.
• PRESTO NEO / DUO / SENSOR Timed-flow faucet with soft-touch triggering and dual timing, available in mechanical, timed, and sensor versions, with stainless steel options for high-traffic areas.
• PRESTO 712 Femoral Control Mechanical timed-flow faucet with femoral (knee) control for hands-free operation, suitable for industrial and high-security sanitary applications.
• PRESTO DL 400 SE / E TOUCH / E SENSOR Shower Panel Shower panel available in mechanical (SE), touch-sensitive (E TOUCH), and touchless sensor (E SENSOR) versions, with anti-blocking system, anti-limescale pins, adjustable automatic flushing, and thermal shock capability for Legionella prevention.
• PRESTOTEM 2 Shower Panel (including E-SENSOR) Full-opening shower panel with removable faucet plate for easy installation, maintenance, and winterization, available in mechanical, touch-sensitive, and contactless E-SENSOR versions for intensive-use public showers.
• PRESTO BOX TOUCH THERMOSTATIC Concealed thermostatic shower mixer with touch-sensitive start/stop control, temperature stability, anti-scald safety, integrated 8 L/min flow regulator, automatic periodic flushing for Legionella prevention, and adjustable timing.
• PRESTO ALPA Shower Mixer Concealed single-control timed shower mixer with integrated flow limiter, patented Antiblocage S anti-blocking system for vandal resistance, and a waterproof box for load-bearing walls and dry partitions.
• PRESTO CHEF Professional Kitchen Range Professional kitchen faucet for intensive use with 1/4 turn ceramic cartridge, filling spout (20-37 L/min at 3 bar), 2-jet handshower (300,000+ operations), flexible hose, and Safetouch grip surface to reduce burn risks.
• PRESTO 7300 XL N Direct Flush Valve Direct flush valve for concealed installation, dedicated to rimless toilet bowls, with optimized water distribution available in concealed, self-supporting, or through-partition versions in mechanical or electronic formats.
• PRESTO 7100 XL N / 7200 XL N Direct Flush Valves Concealed direct flush valves available in mechanical and electronic versions with dual triggering, designed for rimless toilet bowls in public-access sanitary facilities.
• PRESTO SENSAO 8400 N Electronic Urinal Flush Valve Electronic urinal flush valve with automatic infrared detection for exposed installation, with programmable flush schedules to prevent urine buildup and pipe blocking.
• PRESTO SENSAO 8100 N / 8300 N / 8500 N / 8600 N Urinal Flush Valves Electronic urinal flush valve range with infrared detection, available in multiple sizes for different installation requirements in public-access facilities.
• PRESTO FIRST LABO Laboratory Faucet Laboratory faucet designed for laboratory sinks with specialized features for scientific and research environments.
• PRESTO BARRE VIRUCIDE (Virucidal Grab Bar) Grab bar with integrated COVERSAFE virucidal film technology providing continuous triple protection against viruses (including coronavirus), bacteria, germs, and molds, using PYLOTE 2-micron ceramic balls.
• PRESTO BARRE & SIÈGE PMR Accessibility Range Accessibility grab bar and seat designed for people with reduced mobility (PMR), promoting autonomy in sanitary facilities.
• PRESTO DRY (H-DRY, E-DRY, C-DRY) Hand Dryers
• SANIFIRST Healthcare Tapware and Sanitaryware (with MasterMix Technology) Healthcare-focused sub-brand offering tapware and sanitaryware for hospitals, retirement homes, and medical centers, featuring MasterMix thermostatic technology and specialized accessibility solutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% additional water savings with electronic sensor taps vs mechanical timed models
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• COVERSAFE / Gergonne IndustrycoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021COVERSAFE is a virucidal adhesive film technology partnership with Gergonne Industry. The film incorporates PYLOTE natural technology with 2-micron ceramic balls that kill bacteria and viruses through catalytic reaction. PRESTO applies this film to their grab bars and accessibility products, providing continuous antimicrobial protection effective against coronavirus and other pathogens.
• Professional Distribution NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPRESTO operates through a network of professional distributors specializing in sanitary, heating and plumbing products. Distributors receive training, events support, and access to the PRESTODATASHARE platform for technical documentation and product selection tools.
• Installers and Plumbing ProfessionalscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallers are supported with carefully packaged tapware arriving intact, products suited for easy installation and storage, clear installation instructions, competitive pricing, and technical support during selection, installation, maintenance and renovation. PRESTO also provides a mobile app for product identification.
• Consulting Engineers and Design OfficescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering consultants integrate PRESTO solutions into projects and receive consolidated technical information, BIM files on PRESTODATASHARE platform, and consultation guides for product selection by sector. The partnership includes access to samples and responsive technical advice.
• Architects and Design FirmscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitects receive innovative and durable products with high economic and energy performance. PRESTO supports architects in concept creation and equipment selection, providing technical and financial information along with self-service work tools for completing architectural specifications.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sloan: US-headquartered manufacturer of commercial plumbing products including flush valves, sensor faucets, and hand dryers. Highly comparable to PRESTO given its commercial/institutional focus and overlap in flush valves, urinal flush valves, and electronic faucets for public-access buildings.
• Delabie: French competitor in commercial and institutional tapware, with strong positions in healthcare and vandal-resistant fixtures. Mirrors PRESTO's product positioning, certifications, and primary French/European institutional market, making it the most direct head-to-head competitor.
• Chicago Faucets: US manufacturer specializing in commercial-grade faucets, valves, and fittings for institutional, healthcare, and educational facilities. Highly comparable to PRESTO's public-access building portfolio, especially in electronic and mechanical commercial tapware.
• Ideal Standard: European manufacturer of commercial sanitaryware and brassware including electronic and timed-flow faucets for public buildings. Compares directly to PRESTO's institutional and healthcare verticals with overlapping electronic faucet and thermostatic mixer products.

Broad incumbents

• Grohe: Global leader in sanitary fittings, including timed-flow and electronic commercial faucets under the Grohe brand and the specialized public/commercial range. Overlaps with PRESTO in commercial tapware but operates at broader residential and commercial scale as part of LIXIL.
• Geberit: Swiss-listed market leader in sanitary technology including concealed cisterns, flush plates, and installation systems for commercial buildings. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving architects and specifiers in public/commercial construction with overlapping flush valve and installation categories.
• Hansgrohe: German premium tapware and shower manufacturer with growing commercial/institutional presence through electronic faucet ranges. Comparable as an incumbent offering overlapping electronic sensor and timer tapware for high-traffic facilities.
• Roca: Spanish-headquartered global sanitaryware and tapware group with presence in commercial and public-access segments. Comparable as a broad incumbent with overlapping products in commercial washbasin and shower fittings.
• Kohler: US-based global sanitaryware and faucet manufacturer with commercial-grade offerings. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving hospitality, healthcare, and institutional segments with overlapping electronic and timed-flow faucet portfolios.
• Toto: Japanese-headquartered global sanitaryware manufacturer with electronic faucet and commercial bathroom offerings. Comparable as a broad incumbent with overlapping touchless/sensor faucet technology for public and hospitality facilities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCbTtspYPo6_dM3pI1xelxag
• Xx.com/presto_robinets

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Presto