Posts Tagged ‘car wash’

Howco’s Lunch and Learn

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Dosatron participated in Howco’s Lunch and Learn in Charlotte, North Carolina earlier this month. This was their first open house and attendees included operators, customers, and investors along with vendors. We participated in a warehouse tour along with an overview of equipment, chemicals, and services provided by Howco. After a great lunch, we boarded a bus and toured three carwashes in the Charlotte area.

Dosatron had the opportunity to listen while several operators shared their experiences and we shared the benefits of the Dosatron D25 serieslogo.

Click here to view photos from the event and a special thanks to Howco for a wonderful day!

Autobell Joins WaterSavers

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

final_autobell_photoEnvironmental responsibility is extremely important to us here at Dosatron. That’s why we were so pleased to learn recently that one of our customers, Autobell Car Wash, is participating in the International Carwash Association’s (ICA) WaterSavers program, which helps professional car washes promote their environmentally responsible business practices and educates consumers about the environmental effects of choosing home washing instead of professional car washes.

Autobell Car Wash is in the water management business. They use only state-of-the-art car wash technology that allows their facilities to treat 100% and recycle up to 100% of wash water, and they dispose of treated wash water only into approved water treatment facilities. In an average home car wash, up to 150 gallons of water are used, and all this water goes untreated into storm drains, creeks, and eventually into our drinking water supply. Autobell educates customers and the general public on the environmental benefit of professional car washes, hoping to reduce the amount of untreated water that flows into our water supply. One Autobell unit even includes a bioretention pond and rain garden to further assist in the treatment and conservation of rain water runoff. Several of Autobell’s newer stores utilize an Aqua Bio 100% water reclaim treatment system in which bacteria digest and recycle the waste water, a recent innovation in car wash technology.

Congratulations to Autobell and all they are doing to improve the quality of water in our communities.

Optimism Reigns at 2010 Car Care World Expo

Monday, May 24th, 2010

craig-petersonBy Craig Peterson

Jason Maddox and I recently had the pleasure of manning the Dosatron booth at the 2010 Car Care World Expo. Our booth featured a full size mock up of a conveyor wash equipment room utilizing Dosatron injectors on all the chemical applications.

2010ICA-Blog

Although down from previous years, attendance appeared to surpass last year and the general mood on the show floor seemed cautiously optimistic. Jason and I greeted a steady stream of visitors in our booth, and were impressed by the enthusiastic interest in retrofitting from existing systems to a Dosatron chemical injection system. Many operators explained that because of lingering difficulty in obtaining financing, new site construction has been put on hold. Remodeling, updating, and investing in changes to existing wash locations, on the other hand, is on the upswing. While expanding with new sites is delayed, operators addressed their concern over maintaining market share by employing the latest, most efficient technology available. In doing so, operators set themselves apart as being innovators and acting in the best interest of their customers. This allows them to not only maintain market share, but position themselves for expansion as the grip of the economy begins to ease.

Regardless of where on the globe they were located, wash owners and vendors shared a positive attitude and look forward to the future of the industry. Many countries were represented and I had the personal pleasure of speaking with folks from Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Romania, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Japan and China! Just the fact that these people travelled the distance and incurred the expense to attend the largest carwash trade show of the year is encouraging to me, and I look forward to the balance of 2010 showing tremendous recovery and growth!

Dosatron Teams With Sonny’s

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

In case you missed it, Dosatron and Sonny’s Enterprises made an exciting announcement yesterday: we will be partnering to offer car wash operators a 10% discount on all car wash injectors and parts purchased from Sonny’s now through February 28th.

Here’s the full story from Sonny’s:

SONNY’S Enterprises Joins with Dosatron® International to Offer Limited Time Discount

Tamarac, Florida – January 1, 2010 –  SONNY’S, the largest manufacturer of conveyorized car wash equipment, parts, and supplies in the world, has joined forces with Dosatron® International, an industry leader in water-powered, proportional chemical injectors, to offer car wash operators a ten percent discount on all Dosatron chemical dispensers and replacement parts from January 4th through February 28th, 2010.

Dosatron chemical dispensers are ideal for presoak chemicals, engine and tire cleaners, bug and tar removers, waxes, drying agents, and foaming brush cleaners. The water-powered proportional chemical injectors allow car washes to save money on chemicals, energy, and water consumption while delivering the highest quality results for your customers.

“When we first decided to do a dispenser discount for our customers, we knew we’d need to partner with a great company, ” said Barbara Piccirilli, President of Sonny’s Parts Division. “We’ve had a great relationship with Dosatron over the years and have found them to be a consistent, reliable product. They are an ideal partner to make our first promotion of 2010 a success.”

“Since we entered the vehicle wash market 17 years ago, Dosatron has been working to find improved solutions for the unique needs of car wash owners and their customers,” said Dosatron VP of Sales and Marketing Pam Temko. “Teaming with a leader such as Sonny’s to offer customers this unique opportunity is important to us in achieving our goal of being a one-stop chemical management solution for vehicle washes.”

Sonny’s will be sending their customers information on this limited time discount via print, email, and magazine advertisements. Customers can take advantage of these savings by visiting www.Sonnysdirect.com or calling 800-327-8723.

About SONNY’S Enterprises
SONNY’S The Car Wash Factory is the largest manufacturer of conveyorized car wash equipment, parts and supplies in the world. With full tunnel systems in each of the 50 United States, and equipment in countries worldwide, SONNY’S equipment delivers millions of clean, dry, shiny cars each year, around the globe. The company founder, Sonny Fazio, built his first full-serve car wash in 1949. Today, SONNY’S is a recognized industry leader, awarded as such by the International Car Wash Association. Further building upon the company’s commitment to make car washing easy for its clients, SONNY’S is the parent to four distinct divisions; Auto Pilot Car Wash Control Systems, CarWash College, BayWash In-Bay Automatic Car Wash Systems, and SONNY’S Parts Division, responsible for distributing over 14,000 car wash parts to more than 12,000 car wash businesses in the world.

About Dosatron International
Dosatron International, Inc. is an industry leader in water-powered, proportional chemical injectors. Dosatron products are manufactured according to ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004 standards by Dosatron International S.A.S., part of United Technologies Corporation, U.S.A.

We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Sonny’s on this special promotion. For more information, or to place your order, call Sonny’s at 800-327-8723, or visit their website at www.Sonnysdirect.com.

Update: Green Forest Car Wash

Friday, November 13th, 2009

green_ forest copyWhen Patricia Knott, the owner of Green Forest Car Wash decided to take the plunge and open an express wash, she relied on her extensive business background and experience. She decided, after conducting extensive marketing research, that creating a great customer experience beyond what is expected from the “normal” car wash would enhance traffic.

When it came to purchasing materials, Patricia applied that same business knowledge. She researched equipment that would operate efficiently, allowing her to focus on the operational side of the business and not worry about constant repairs. This research led her to choose Dosatron.

Why Dosatron? Patricia stated it best by saying:

My motto is: the simpler, the better. That’s why I love Dosatron pumps. They completely simplify the chemical application process. They are easy to adjust and maintain, leaving me time to focus on my operation and not the equipment.

We’re proud that Green Forest Car Wash has selected Dosatron for their fun and innovative car wash. We also want to recognized Patricia for her award as the 2009 Rookie of the Year by the Western Carwash Association (WCA). We look forward to partnering with Patricia and Green Forest for years to come!

Taking “Green” Car Wash to a Whole New Level

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

I was recently informed Dosatron was chosen for chemical injection at the new Green Forest Car Wash in Los Angeles, CA. This fun, unique wash was designed and built by G.Thomas Ennis, CEO of NS Wash Systems. Its imaginative design takes the wash customer on  a relaxing trip through a tropical rain forest, where their vehicle is sprayed by an robotic elephant, travels through a foam waterfall and has more foam sprayed on by giant light up sunflowers! Its “green” theme is supported by the wash’s eco-friendly functionality; they recycle 100% of their water and squeeze their electrical usage to about 350 kWh per day!  We’re proud that Dosatron was selected for use in this creative and environmentally aware design!

To learn more about Green Forest Car Wash, and see some great photos of their operation, click here.

How is the Economy Affecting Car Wash Businesses?

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

craig-petersonBy Craig Peterson, Vice President – Vehicle Wash Division

Professional Carwash and Detailing Online recently published an Economic Impact Study, examining survey responses to 10 questions gauging the economy’s effect on carwash operators. The survey asked a variety of questions, ranging from what has most influenced recent downturns in business (like weather or economic factors), to how operators have addressed those slumps.

This graphic immediately caught my eye:

PC&D Chart

I was particularly fascinated by the statistics that 36% of operators put a hold on new equipment purchases, whereas 42% invested in new equipment.  I found it interesting how two very opposite responses were almost equally divided amongst the operators responding.  Also, it was a striking parallel to the debate currently being waged by our country’s top economists.  Do we spend more to stimulate the economy (carwash business) or conserve and reduce spending (cut costs) until the economy (carwash business) improves? 

Clearly, opinions differ on the question of “to spend or not to spend,” but another graphic in the article demonstrated some more commonly held opinions:

PC&D Chart2

This graphic shows that 7% of the respondents felt it was difficult to control water costs. Regular blog readers already know how Dosatron can easily help you better control water AND chemical costs, so let’s focus on another statistic from this chart.

The second largest response shows that 18% of car wash operators polled find controlling power costs to be their most difficult challenge.  Did you realize that by using Dosatron proportioners you eliminate the need for an air-operated diaphragm pump or electric motor-driven pump that you’re forced to use on a Venturi system?  That’s right!  By using the pressure and flow of city water through a Dosatron injector, you no longer need an on-demand mixed chemical holding tank.  Since you no longer need a tank, a second pump to move the mixed chemical from the holding tank to the arch is no longer needed.  So… no air diaphragm pump means no air needed. And, no air needed means greatly reduced air compressor use AND greatly reduced power use!  It’s simple: use Dosatron, and you’ll get Green and save Green!

So, how’s the economy affecting your business?  Where do you come down on the “to spend or not to spend” question?  Tell us in the comments!

Dosatron Customers Make the News in Houston, TX

Friday, July 10th, 2009

At Dosatron, we know that our products are crucial to our customers’ success, and we take that role very seriously.  That’s why we’re thrilled when our customers get attention for doing well.

Recently, we discovered this news story from ABC13, the Houston, TX, ABC affiliate.  In their “Stretch Your Dollar” segment, they featured two Dosatron customers, CARisma WASH and Mr. Car Wash, both in Houston.  Congratulations!

To watch the video, click here.

Dosatron Helps Use Less Water At Your Carwash

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

craig-petersonBy Craig Peterson, Vice President – Vehicle Wash 

If you’re using Dosatron at your carwash, you already know it provides you the most consistent chemical dilution for the best results on your customer’s cars. But did you know it can help you save on water usage also? By simply closing down the manual valve before the Dosatron, you reduce the volume of mixed chemical and water applied!

For example, let’s say your drying agent is working great at 400:1 and you’re applying it at 6 gallons per minute. Slowly begin to close the water supply valve, making sure you continue to get complete coverage on the car and you’re still rinsing any foam from the surface. As you close the valve, you continue to apply at the same dilution, so performance should remain unchanged. BUT, if you reduce the volume being applied from 6 gallons per minute to 3 gallons per minute, you have cut the amount of chemical AND water used on each car by half!

Call us at 888-523-8499 for details on how to do a simple 15 second test to determine how many gallons per minute is flowing through YOUR Dosatron!

How organized is your equipment room?

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Did you know that an organized equipment room can save your car wash money in terms of chemical and maintenance costs? Check out this video, shot at the 2009 ICA World Car Care Expo, in which Dosatron’s own Jason Maddox shows off what an organized, efficient car wash equipment room looks like.