Following on from our ‘view from the top’ review last year, we put the car wash leaders under the spotlight again and asked them to review their business for 2015, give us their thoughts for the coming year and tell us a bit about what’s in store for delegates paying them a visit at UNITI expo 16. In producing this article we are grateful for the input from Otto Christ Wash Systems International Sales Manager, Alexander Fusz, Kaercher Wash Systems Head of Global Sales & Product Management Vehicle Wash, Gerhard Stadler, Washtec Chief Representative of the Board & Managing Director, Arthur Wessels and Istobal Director General, Rafael Tomás.
ISTOBAL
Istobal FLEX5 Capable of using either five or three brushes without changing machines
2015 Review
ISTOBAL’s turnover increased by 19% in 2015 versus last year, with a total revenue of 117 million Euros and it has also managed to considerably raise its EBIDTA figure, now 62% higher than 2014. Our subsidiaries with the greatest growth levels were Spain (30%), Brazil (20%) and US (20%). On the other hand, France and Turkey were the main export markets in 2015. Within our product range, our chemical product range esens saw the greatest growth, 40% if compared to 2014 levels. A relevant sales rise was also achieved with rollovers, payment terminals, and accessories. In fact, thanks to the contract with MRH Limited in the UK, Istobal’s accessory line has positioned ISTOBAL as a car-wash accessory leader in the UK.
ISTOBAL’s turnover increased by 19% in 2015 versus last year, with a total revenue of 117 million Euros and it has also managed to considerably raise its EBIDTA figure, now 62% higher than 2014. Our subsidiaries with the greatest growth levels were Spain (30%), Brazil (20%) and US (20%). On the other hand, France and Turkey were the main export markets in 2015. Within our product range, our chemical product range esens saw the greatest growth, 40% if compared to 2014 levels. A relevant sales rise was also achieved with rollovers, payment terminals, and accessories. In fact, thanks to the contract with MRH Limited in the UK, Istobal’s accessory line has positioned ISTOBAL as a car-wash accessory leader in the UK.
2016 Outlook
The forecast for 2016 envisages a turnover increase of about 10% and our expansion’s plan will focus on strengthening our presence in existing markets and opening new ones in countries with a huge potential like Australia and India.
The forecast for 2016 envisages a turnover increase of about 10% and our expansion’s plan will focus on strengthening our presence in existing markets and opening new ones in countries with a huge potential like Australia and India.
UNITI expo 16
Regarding our participation in trade fairs this year, we want to highlight our debut at UNITI Expo in Stuttgart in June, focused on the service stations and carwash sector at international level, as well as our participation at Automechanika in Frankfurt, where we expect to meet most of our distributors and where we will launch important novelties in all our product ranges.
Regarding our participation in trade fairs this year, we want to highlight our debut at UNITI Expo in Stuttgart in June, focused on the service stations and carwash sector at international level, as well as our participation at Automechanika in Frankfurt, where we expect to meet most of our distributors and where we will launch important novelties in all our product ranges.
KAERCHER CAR WASH
Kaercher Self Service Multi Bay wash systems
2015 / 2016 Outlook
Kärcher is able to look back on a very successful 2015. Customers were eager to invest and our new CB 3 gantry car wash, with its many innovative features such as water-saving function and wheel washing was well received in the market. Also new for last year and well received by customers was our new WRP Car Wash water reclamation system, which separates dirt particles from washing water using a centrifugal separator / hydro cyclone, reducing fresh water consumption for car wash stations by up to 85%. Finally to mention that last year we were able to secure interest from several oil companies in our gantry car washes. Thanks to this and the expansion of our presence in South America and the Asia/Pacific region, we are able to look towards a positive 2016 for Kärcher Car Wash.
Kärcher is able to look back on a very successful 2015. Customers were eager to invest and our new CB 3 gantry car wash, with its many innovative features such as water-saving function and wheel washing was well received in the market. Also new for last year and well received by customers was our new WRP Car Wash water reclamation system, which separates dirt particles from washing water using a centrifugal separator / hydro cyclone, reducing fresh water consumption for car wash stations by up to 85%. Finally to mention that last year we were able to secure interest from several oil companies in our gantry car washes. Thanks to this and the expansion of our presence in South America and the Asia/Pacific region, we are able to look towards a positive 2016 for Kärcher Car Wash.
UNITI expo 16
Both Automechanika and the Uniti Expo trade fairs are important marketplaces for our cleaning solutions, each with different focal points. While the focus at the Uniti Expo trade fair is on the oil company and petrol station customer group and their requirements in the Car Wash sector, at Automechanika we present our whole portfolio of cleaning solutions for car dealerships: from high-pressure cleaners to floor cleaning machines for workshops and sales rooms to car washes. We see the Uniti Expo trade fair as our chance to appeal to an international audience, with a particular focus on major oil companies and large petrol station chains.
Both Automechanika and the Uniti Expo trade fairs are important marketplaces for our cleaning solutions, each with different focal points. While the focus at the Uniti Expo trade fair is on the oil company and petrol station customer group and their requirements in the Car Wash sector, at Automechanika we present our whole portfolio of cleaning solutions for car dealerships: from high-pressure cleaners to floor cleaning machines for workshops and sales rooms to car washes. We see the Uniti Expo trade fair as our chance to appeal to an international audience, with a particular focus on major oil companies and large petrol station chains.
WASHTEC
Washtec, SoftCare² Takt. Wash & dry two vehicles simultaneously
2015 Review
WashTec has had its strongest year in the history of the company. Business in every area of the world and for all customers segments showed significant growth. We were able to win several international tenders and to convince our customers of the WashTec advantages. Revenues have increased by approximately 13% compared to 2014. Efforts in our sales & service organisations have paid off and proved that we are on the right track. We will continue to focus in these areas for 2016. WashTec innovations were well perceived by the market in 2015. These make a difference not only to the car wash technology we market, but also contribute a positive effect on the overall business case for the car wash sector.
WashTec has had its strongest year in the history of the company. Business in every area of the world and for all customers segments showed significant growth. We were able to win several international tenders and to convince our customers of the WashTec advantages. Revenues have increased by approximately 13% compared to 2014. Efforts in our sales & service organisations have paid off and proved that we are on the right track. We will continue to focus in these areas for 2016. WashTec innovations were well perceived by the market in 2015. These make a difference not only to the car wash technology we market, but also contribute a positive effect on the overall business case for the car wash sector.
2016 Outlook
In general we feel the market will continue to show positive signs leading to further momentum. Our aim is clearly set on growth in the different areas of the world. WashTec is continuously introducing innovations aiming for end-customer experience and improved wash and dry quality. This will continue in 2016 and beyond. Feedbacks on our latest innovations are very positive encouraging us to further focus on these. Besides that we believe it is our obligation to support our customers with ideas to improve their business. Close cooperation with our partners will have a positive impact on their car wash business in 2016; this especially applies to the fuel station industry.
In general we feel the market will continue to show positive signs leading to further momentum. Our aim is clearly set on growth in the different areas of the world. WashTec is continuously introducing innovations aiming for end-customer experience and improved wash and dry quality. This will continue in 2016 and beyond. Feedbacks on our latest innovations are very positive encouraging us to further focus on these. Besides that we believe it is our obligation to support our customers with ideas to improve their business. Close cooperation with our partners will have a positive impact on their car wash business in 2016; this especially applies to the fuel station industry.
UNITI expo 2016
We will exhibit products from our portfolio which of course are relevant for the fuel station industry. Our booth will be significantly bigger than the one at the 2014 show. Our positive experience then has made us decide to be present again and to increase our efforts to host our customers in the best possible way. Our expectation is that visitors from a range of different countries will visit Uniti Expo 2016. The exhibition centre is well positioned for people arriving by plane, car or any other forms of public transport. Obviously we encourage all our current and potential customers to visit us. It will be worth it to see first hand the latest developments of WashTec car wash equipment, chemicals and services.
We will exhibit products from our portfolio which of course are relevant for the fuel station industry. Our booth will be significantly bigger than the one at the 2014 show. Our positive experience then has made us decide to be present again and to increase our efforts to host our customers in the best possible way. Our expectation is that visitors from a range of different countries will visit Uniti Expo 2016. The exhibition centre is well positioned for people arriving by plane, car or any other forms of public transport. Obviously we encourage all our current and potential customers to visit us. It will be worth it to see first hand the latest developments of WashTec car wash equipment, chemicals and services.
OTTO CHRIST WASH SYSTEMS
Otto Christ. A leading innovator in car wash technology
2015 Review
Otto Christ has experienced a record turnover every year since 2010 and we are pleased to report that 2015 was no exception. In terms of international tenders I am also happy to say that 2015 was a year in which we have never been busier, although it is important to note that like many other industry providers we did see a degree of reduction in activity from some of the Russian speaking countries during the last 12 months. In 2015 we put more focus into countries were we saw more potential for and one good example of this is Italy, were we achieved massive growth compared to 2014. In addition we also focused on improving business in areas like Asia and Africa where we laid foundations for future growth. So all in all, 2015 was a very successful year for Otto Christ AG, especially for the export business.
Otto Christ has experienced a record turnover every year since 2010 and we are pleased to report that 2015 was no exception. In terms of international tenders I am also happy to say that 2015 was a year in which we have never been busier, although it is important to note that like many other industry providers we did see a degree of reduction in activity from some of the Russian speaking countries during the last 12 months. In 2015 we put more focus into countries were we saw more potential for and one good example of this is Italy, were we achieved massive growth compared to 2014. In addition we also focused on improving business in areas like Asia and Africa where we laid foundations for future growth. So all in all, 2015 was a very successful year for Otto Christ AG, especially for the export business.
2016 Outlook
We look to continue along the path of increased turnover for 2016 constantly developing new concepts to improve wash quality and car wash customer experience. We expect that our latest innovations, such as LED wheel guiding tubes - the landing strip for your car wash customers, our direct drives with 10% less power consumption and improved washing performance with easy changing wash materials, as well as our new wash material “Sensomix”, offering our customers the benefits of a textile material with the convenience of a foam material in one washing application, will be acknowledged by our many customers. For the last few years we have focused on making the car washing a real experience for the consumer, with our swiveling high pressure options or moving LED features and big coloured ticker displays within the machine for example. Future product development plans for Otto Christ will also move towards easy usability and the handling of equipment for the operators and car wash customer. New products like our Christ-Shop-Terminal will offer operators multiple opportunities to operate a car wash machine in a variety of different modes, such as unmanned with self-service operation, Drive-In, operation with personnel or applications in mixed mode. Working with our customers to implement new solutions based around their specific requirements and our own product range, is also something we will be placing a high priority on in 2016, with a view to helping our customers increase their turnover and competitiveness. Of course still our biggest focus is to develop and product high class quality products.
We look to continue along the path of increased turnover for 2016 constantly developing new concepts to improve wash quality and car wash customer experience. We expect that our latest innovations, such as LED wheel guiding tubes - the landing strip for your car wash customers, our direct drives with 10% less power consumption and improved washing performance with easy changing wash materials, as well as our new wash material “Sensomix”, offering our customers the benefits of a textile material with the convenience of a foam material in one washing application, will be acknowledged by our many customers. For the last few years we have focused on making the car washing a real experience for the consumer, with our swiveling high pressure options or moving LED features and big coloured ticker displays within the machine for example. Future product development plans for Otto Christ will also move towards easy usability and the handling of equipment for the operators and car wash customer. New products like our Christ-Shop-Terminal will offer operators multiple opportunities to operate a car wash machine in a variety of different modes, such as unmanned with self-service operation, Drive-In, operation with personnel or applications in mixed mode. Working with our customers to implement new solutions based around their specific requirements and our own product range, is also something we will be placing a high priority on in 2016, with a view to helping our customers increase their turnover and competitiveness. Of course still our biggest focus is to develop and product high class quality products.
UNITI expo 2016
We are looking forward to UnitiExpo. We think it is a good platform to meet our oil company related customers. We expect UnitiExpo to be much bigger this year, so we are having a bigger booth to incorporate Roll-Overs, Jet-Wash Systems, our new Tunnel System “Evolution” and much more. Generally, we see the tendency for our representatives to bring their oil company related customers to UnitiExpo instead of Automechanika or potentially they will attend both.
We are looking forward to UnitiExpo. We think it is a good platform to meet our oil company related customers. We expect UnitiExpo to be much bigger this year, so we are having a bigger booth to incorporate Roll-Overs, Jet-Wash Systems, our new Tunnel System “Evolution” and much more. Generally, we see the tendency for our representatives to bring their oil company related customers to UnitiExpo instead of Automechanika or potentially they will attend both.
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