In this edition of Market Focus, we cover an acquisition for Zips Car Wash, a certification and a new hire.

Zips Car Wash expands into Georgia and South Carolina with Snappy Express Acquisition

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Sept. 26th, Zips Car Wash acquired Snappy Express Car Wash and will now operate 94 locations in 11 states, according to a press release.

The acquisition comes on the heels of last week’s growth for the company, which included the addition of seven new stores in four cities, the release continued.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about the acquisition of Snappy’s Express,” said Brett Overman, founder and chairman of Zips Car Wash. “Snappy’s has such a great reputation and has run excellent carwash operations. We hope to uphold their standard of care and also introduce customers to the ‘Zips Way’ culture,” he added.

Zips will now operate the following Snappy Express locations:

• 4102 Clemson Blvd., Anderson, SC 29621
• 155 Finis Springs Dr., Cornelia, GA 30531
• 1405 Woodruff Rd., Greenville, SC 29607
• 1113 Jennings Ave., Seneca, SC 29678
• 2117 N Hwy. 81, Anderson, SC 29621
• 40091 Hwy. 441 S, Commerce, GA 30529

“I have worked tirelessly over the last nine years to build an exceptional express carwash company,” said Kevin Wood, former owner of Snappy’s Express Wash. “From day one, we have been focused on the customer needs and providing a great value, and I am completely confident that Zips will pick up my vision and goals and continue the same great service our customers have come to know,” he added.

Zips Car Wash has acquired over 70 stores in the last year and, because of its recent growth, has developed a Transition Team to ensure for a smooth change into the Zips culture, the release noted.

Teams train existing employees in the “Zips Way” as well as update the carwash facility to meet Zips’ standards, the release stated.

“Working with Zips has been a great experience,” Wood added. “Everyone at Zips has been very transparent and honest in all aspects of the acquisition. It gives me peace of mind knowing the Zips family is so dedicated to their team members.  The employees of Snappy Wash have been like family to me. I’m happy to know Zips will welcome them into their family and provide good opportunities for them,” he said.

Zips Car Wash will begin rebranding the stores in the coming months but will not close the carwashes for an extended period of time for updates, the release noted.

All Snappy’s locations will now be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and Unlimited Wash Clubs will still be available, the release concluded.

CSI^® certified to new ISO standard

DE PERE, Wis. — Cleaning Systems, Inc. (CSI) is pleased to announce it has been certified to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 14001:2015 standard for Environmental Management Systems, according to a press release.

CSI had previously been certified to the ISO 14001:2004 standard; ISO 14001:2015 certification provides assurance to internal and external stake holders that environmental impact is being measured and improved at CSI, the release continued.

Dave Krause, president and CEO of CSI proudly commented, “Our ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 9001:2008 certificates show our hard work and dedication to achieve high standards in environmental performance and customer satisfaction.”

Elizabeth Gubrud-Howe named PDQ’s new general manager

HAMILTON, Ohio — OPW, a Dover Company (NYSE: DOV), announced today that it has named Elizabeth Gubrud-Howe the new general manager for its PDQ business, according to a press release.

Prior to joining PDQ, Gubrud-Howe was the national sales manager for OPW’s Midland Manufacturing business. “While at Midland, Elizabeth was responsible for leading the sales and customer services teams as well as managing the Rail repair business from customer experience through manufacturing,” said Kevin Long, president of OPW. “Elizabeth’s leadership experience and customer focus make her a wonderful addition to the PDQ team.”

“I’m excited to be joining PDQ,” Gubrud-Howe said. “It’s an awesome business that has led the way in carwash equipment and carwash systems technology for more than 30 years.”

Blendco offers new line of detergents and protectants powered by Rust-Oleum®

BRISTOL, Pa. — Blendco is proud to announce their newest licensing partnership with Rust-Oleum®, a brand which has been associated with quality, innovation and corrosion protection for nearly 100 years, according to a press release.

“We work tirelessly to innovate new products that provide real benefits to carwash consumers worldwide,” said Brent McCurdy, president of the transportation group at Blendco Systems. “The new Rust-Oleum® line of products represents the highest quality and protection ever offered by Blendco and sets a new higher standard for the industry.”

The new Rust-Oleum® line of products promises to boost profit margins and increase your return on investment, while turning out showroom shine cars, the release stated.

According to the release, Rust-Oleum®-branded products include:

• Total Car Protectant: A total care protectant with UV Protection that bonds fully with glass, chrome, rubber, plastic and paint.
• Clearcoat Protectant: The latest in polymeric protection — a technology that outshines other clearcoat protectants.
• Carnauba Wax: A tricolor conditioner and wax all in one, infused with carnauba wax for long lasting shine, softness and protection.
• Undercarriage Protection: Designed to clean and protect a car’s undercarriage from rust, dirt, salt and grime.

Read about the top 100 carwash M&A deals here.