As the reliable supplier to the car wash industry, the Kleen-Rite team is always looking for ways to improve our customer service and general support for car washes nationwide. With that aim in mind, the idea to begin creating the KR Equipment line felt like a natural progression for the company. From these efforts, modern pump stand options like the Operator Pro Plus and Operator Pro Plus Junior were imagined. On the water treatment side of things, Operator Pro Water RO Systems are another part of the KR Equipment lineup for owners who need an effective reverse osmosis solution. By creating this equipment, Kleen-Rite is able to directly control build quality, ensure accurate lead times, and even educate car wash owners on how our equipment works and which setup might be best for their wash.
The advantages are numerous, and it all began by taking a macroscopic look at the self-serve industry.
How KR Equipment Began
Marc Tyndale, Director of Strategic Operations at Kleen-Rite, begins, “We identified a hole in the self-serve industry. The market was somewhat left behind by some of the manufacturers.” This realization led to another – that Kleen-Rite as a company could step up where others had stepped down. And that’s exactly what this venture has turned into.
The emphasis from the beginning of this undertaking was clear and the focus areas were identified early. As Marc succinctly put it, “We want to control the quality and the lead times. Blend newer innovations with old standards. And importantly, leave the old standards in the system to keep customers comfortable.”
It’s this bond with the customers – emphasizing their feedback and catering to their unique wash requirements – which results in KR Equipment being so user-friendly. This feedback is garnered firsthand, too. A perfect example is the Kleen-Rite Expo.
On the first day of the two-day convention held in Columbia, PA, over 50 car wash owners and industry members took an organized bus ride to visit three nearby washes. The result was an up-close look at how this KR Equipment factors into day-to-day operations.
“It was a bit of an aha moment on the bus ride – seeing was believing,” Marc explains. The time spent observing this equipment in action, while also asking questions as needed, proved extremely informative for each member of the tour. Additionally, it provided another opportunity for the growing KR Equipment department to better understand what topics must be addressed when bringing these various products to market.
Introducing KR to the Masses
As with any product sold by Kleen-Rite, there’s an emphasis on ensuring customers understand how to make the most from their investment. This is doubly true when introducing KR Equipment. So far, folks within the industry have been receptive to the equipment, as evidenced by the expo:
“No hesitation from customers. Overwhelmingly supportive and positive” is how Marc described customer reactions to the KR Equipment display at the expo. “Self-serve and in-bay, the equipment has to change to compete with express and tunnel. So, our goal is to marry the generational aspects of the equipment to make it more usable for everyone.” Based on early indications, the Kleen-Rite team is on track to do just that.
When speaking with customers about the growing KR Equipment lineup, Vice President Keith Lutz has found a similarly positive sentiment. “There’s an excitement. People have come to know we’re the reliable supplier. That message translates to the equipment. It’ll work. It’s well-designed. And having our team behind it is key.”
Growing KR Equipment Infrastructure
With so much positivity surrounding the new products, the next step is educating the masses as more products roll out. Both Marc and Phil, of Fix-It-Phil fame (a staple on the Kleen-Rite YouTube page), have an organized plan to assist costumer adoption. In addition to working directly with car wash owners to get KR Equipment into their facilities, Kleen-Rite is also actively seeking distributors for the line. Marc noted, “Onboarding distributors is important. This is a new venture. Onboarding as in recruiting and training distributors. So far, we’re off to a good start.” Beyond that, in-person assistance and guidance are possible. “We provide education, seminars – we’re engaging clients, teaching them to have more self-serve success. We can go in-person.”
It’s one thing to say you’re going to start developing your own equipment, but the infrastructure to do so is vital. Here at Kleen-Rite, the infrastructure development is off to a booming start. Marc details the progress: “Safety stock is key if we’re going to continue being a reliable supplier. Ramping up assembly people, ramping up storage. We just moved to a new facility. We expect to outgrow the facility in the next few years.”
Looking Towards the Future
And with the growing infrastructure, you’ll see new KR Equipment options coming out in the following years. Phil mentions just a few possible upcoming ideas: “New self-serve equipment. New features for self-serve. Additional dial or button selections. New LP systems. Spot free. All-in-one LP stand, married with a junior VFD system. A few innovations in the bay to help customers increase dial time, which boosts revenue.” And a bit further out, more remote access may also be in the works. “Bay function and bay monitoring. Remote control of your car wash in the coming years.”
In general, Kleen-Rite aims to grow alongside the self-serve industry, as washes do what is required to deliver the best possible customer experience. Keith explained just a bit of how our equipment assists in this mission. “Our pump station- embracing the VFD on the motor drives. How that enhances the low-pressure functions. It will create a better customer experience. A better customer experience is better business.”
And better business has been a trend for many of the self-serve washes Kleen-Rite has been working with. It goes to show what a little investment can do. “There’s a great opportunity for refresh within the self-serve car wash space. Our best customers are having their best years. Part of that investment is new equipment. There’s currently an upcycle in the self-serve car wash space,” Keith summates.
Core Coin Boxes and Pump Stands Part of KR Equipment Initiative
Two prominent features in the KR Equipment lineup includes customizable coin boxes and our PS310 pump stands. Both represent core pieces of equipment for in-bay and self-serve washes that Kleen-Rite has offered for many years. With development and assembly now occurring entirely in-house at the new KR Equipment facility, we’re able to afford potential customers a greater level of service and attention on these vital products.
Your choice of PS310 pump stands includes 1-bay or 2-bay options, along with single-phase or triple-phase designs. The variety is even greater with the coin boxes. If you get in touch with our team, we’ll be happy to design the coin box to your specifications whether that means adding credit card acceptance technology, unique locks, or eye-catching decals. It’s not just about getting you the products you require, but doing so in a timely manner. Controlling the means of production for these items drastically shortens the lead time. For example, a coin box of your liking can be assembled and sent to your facilities in as little as two weeks. Further, we can offer service assistance or insights as needed. From start to finish, finding, ordering, installing, and utilizing your primary equipment will be straightforward if you rely on our KR Equipment lineup!
Whether rebuilding to modernize or starting from scratch, KR Equipment is the perfect way to bolster a successful future for your self-serve car wash!
