MHD talks to Kärcher Sales Director, Mick Askew, about the cleaning equipment company’s continued foray into the industrial and warehousing space.
Kärcher, the leading brand in cleaning technology, has been operating for almost 90 years.
During this time, the company has continued to innovate and lead the industry, providing a wide range that caters to various industrial and commercial needs, ensuring cleaning solutions for a variety of sectors.
The German-founded company has been present in Australia for 40 years and is now in its third decade in New Zealand.
COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE
Kärcher’s product range includes everything from robotic sweepers and scrubbers to manual, human-operated industrial equipment. Products as small as battery operated stick vacuums to supersize vehicle wash systems.
“We offer solutions in truck wash, bus wash, and car wash,” says Mick Askew, Sales Director, Professional, Kärcher.
“We’re a solution-based selling business. “It’s important for us to have a diverse range of industrial sweeping and scrubbing equipment, but also hot and cold-water pressure washers and wash systems. We supply solutions for the market, a one-stop shop.
“We can provide everything from cleaning the trucks to cleaning the floors, offering site-specific transport and logistics solutions.”
This array of products is a testament to Kärcher’s commitment to meeting the diverse cleaning needs of its customers.
Among the flagship products are the KM 170/600 sweeper and the B 260 scrubber.
The KM 170/600 – as Mick describes as the biggest of the range – is notable for its 170-centimetre width and 600-litre capacity. The B 260, on the other hand, has 260 litres of clean and dirty water capacity, making it suitable for environments that require stringent cleanliness, such as food manufacturing and pharmaceutical facilities.
INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
In an era where sustainability is paramount, Kärcher is at the forefront with its green initiatives.
“We understand the importance of sustainability to our customers, so we now offer more products with lithium-ion batteries,” explains Mick.
“They will have a seven-year life, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thereby minimising landfill and battery waste.”
This commitment to sustainability is evident in Kärcher’s recent win of the Bunnings contract, where every store in Australia will be cleaned using lithium-powered equipment.
FLEXIBLE FINANCIAL OPTIONS
Understanding the diverse financial needs of its customers, Kärcher offers various purchasing and leasing options.
“We strive to offer our customers not only choice in product solutions, but choice in financing too,” says Mick
“Through Kärcher Financial Services we have OPX options, as well as direct lease and rental options on top of outright purchase.”
This flexibility allows businesses to choose the most cost-effective solution, whether it’s a capital expenditure or an operating expense. One of the advantages of working with Kärcher is the focus on maximising uptime and minimising downtime.
“The ROI is really key because time is money,” explains Mick. “With a rental contract, you’ve got the reassurance of always having that machine up and running.”
Kärcher ensures this through stringent Service Level Agreements (SLAs), offering immediate repairs or replacement solutions to keep businesses operational. Preventative maintenance is a cornerstone of Kärcher’s approach. “
We always encourage a service contract with any outright purchase,” adds Mick.
“Preventative maintenance helps avoid reactive maintenance, which can often be more costly and disruptive.”
Kärcher’s standard warranty on industrial equipment is one year, but Kärcher Full Service Programs are available, which provide cover for four years.
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND LOCAL PRESENCE
The Kärcher group has 19 factories and logistics centers worldwide, with the latest addition being Vietnam opened in July 2024. Kärcher has two key industrial manufacturing plants, one located in Italy and one in Germany.
This global manufacturing network ensures high-quality products and efficient distribution. Across Oceania, Kärcher has a presence with hubs in all key cities.
“Our Kärcher Centres offer customers a unique experience,” says Mick. “We have the widest range of products on display and highly knowledgeable staff to offer guidance and support.”
With head offices in Melbourne, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, Kärcher is well-positioned to serve the region effectively.
Kärcher’s service network is extensive, with 40 Kärcher technicians across Australia and New Zealand servicing key clients like Coles, Aldi, and Bunnings.
Kärcher also has a strong dealer network across ANZ with more than 60 locations across the region. This coverage ensures Kärcher can meet the service and maintenance needs of customers across ANZ.
COMMITMENT TO CLEANLINESS, SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
Cleanliness in industrial settings is crucial, not just for aesthetics but also for operational efficiency.
“A clean environment will help maintain machinery and reduce wear,” explains Mick.
Kärcher’s industrial machines feature advanced filtration systems to keep
dust and debris at bay, ensuring cleanliness and efficiency. Safety is another critical aspect.
“Businesses must ensure that the cleaning equipment used by their employees is safe and easy to use,” says Mick.
Kärcher’s machines are equipped with various safety features, including overhead protection, seatbelts, and lighting kits, to ensure safe operation in busy industrial environments.
Kärcher Fleet is the comprehensive fleet management solution that gives customers a clear view of their assets and a wealth of information.
“Customers can see data on usage, charging behaviour and locations,” explains Mick.
This information helps customers optimise their cleaning operations and ensures timely maintenance and repairs, reducing downtime.
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
Kärcher’s presence in Australia dates back 40 years, a milestone recently celebrated.
“Globally, we celebrate our 90th year next year, which is testament to the strength of the brand” says Mick.
Over the past five years, the business has nearly doubled its growth, highlighting Kärcher’s strong market presence and innovative approach. Kärcher’s has ambitious growth plans.
“We’ve worked on our 2030 plan and are looking to grow this business significantly in the next five years,” adds Mick.
This growth will be driven by continued investment in key business verticals.
“We want to increase market share in commercial sectors and showcase our capabilities as a comprehensive cleaning solution provider outside of the consumer market where we are most commonly known,” explains Mick.
Kärcher’s track record and support network make it a reliable partner for businesses looking to enhance their cleaning operations.
With a diverse product range, flexible financial options, and a robust service network, Kärcher is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Click here to read more about Kärcher Australia
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