This week, we cover the expansion of ICS, new carwash additions and construction as well as a new hire.

ICS expands to new production facility

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Innovative Control Systems (ICS) is consolidating and relocating its existing production facilities to a new state-of-the art facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, according to a press release.

The new facility, which includes a 52,000-square-foot building located at 16 South Commerce Way in the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park IV, will provide a 260% increase in floor space and will incorporate the 5S workplace organization methodology to enhance the efficiency of ICS’s production processes in order to meet the demand for the company’s products and position ICS for long-term growth, the release continued.

The move will also take advantage of the larger pool of talent in the greater-Bethlehem area, enabling ICS to hire the tech-savvy employees required to support the company’s technology-related job requirements, the release added.

“Ultimately we were attracted to the site because of its access to high-quality employees, open layout, climate-controlled environment, loading capabilities and excellent highway access, all of which support our goal of automating the manufacturing process to efficiently produce the carwash industry’s finest technology for our customers,” said Kevin Detrick, founder and president of ICS.

The transition to the new facility is currently underway with full production expected to take place by late April, the release concluded.

Spray N Shine Car Wash doubles wash capacity

STATESVILLE, N.C. — Investors bought Spray N Shine Car Wash in Dallas, Oregon, in January 2018, according to a press release. 

At that time, it had an AUTEC AES-425 Soft Touch Car Wash alongside five self-service bays, the release continued. 

The original machine, which was installed in 2012, has washed 135,000 vehicles and has a captive and loyal customer base, the release noted. 

However, while several customers would wait in line, many would bail out of the carwash line or see the line from the street and keep on moving because it was so busy, the release noted; therefore, customers suggested that the new owners add a second automatic to one of the self-service bays. 

Spray N Shine took that request to heart and put a second AUTEC Soft Touch System right beside the first one, the release added. 

After installing it, one of the co-owners noted that customers seem to be comfortable with either machine and take the shortest line — like being in the drive thru at McDonalds, the release stated. 

The owners reported that, prior to the addition of the new wash, the typical number of vehicles washed daily at their location was 130 to upwards of 140, but since then, the numbers have grown from 220 to over 240, the release continued. 

The owners concluded that they had been losing about 100 vehicles per day in good weather, the release concluded.

Andy Chambers joins PSD Codax

WIND GAP, Pa. — Innovative Control Systems (ICS) has announced that PSD Codax, ICS’s U.K.-based subsidiary responsible for international sales, has added Andy Chambers to the team as lead support resource for the company’s established and growing markets in Australia and New Zealand, according to a press release.

Prior to joining the PSD Codax team, Chambers served 29 years in several key technical roles for Washtec, most recently with the Australia/New Zealand team, where he served as the company’s national technical manager since 2005, the release continued.

Prior to that, he was with Washtec’s U.K. team from 1989 to 2005, the release noted.

“Andy brings a wealth of industry-specific knowledge and experience to PSD Codax and will be a great addition to the team as we expand our presence in Australia and New Zealand — markets that are key to the PSD Codax growth strategy,” said Rob Deal, managing director of PSD Codax.

“I am excited to be joining PSD Codax.” Chambers said. “It is a great organization with more than 25 years of experience delivering innovative solutions to the vehicle care industry.”

Chambers will be based in Melbourne, Australia, the release concluded.

Owner claims to be building ‘Taj Mahal’ of carwashes

CAMARILLO, Calif. — According to www.sfvbj.com, Sam Siam, who owns two carwashes in Oxnard, California, has begun construction on what he is calling the “Taj Mahal” of carwashes on Daily Dr. in Camarillo.

Siam estimated that his new Waterdrops Carwash will cost about $5 million to build and that the construction will be complete in early July, the article continued.

The 39,760-square-foot facility is on the former site of Coco’s restaurant, which closed in 2015, and designs for the carwash have already undergone several modifications by city officials to account for landscaping and parking improvements, the article noted.

A city study concluded that Waterdrops Carwash will recycle about 90 percent of its water and use less water than the previous business: approximately 2,365 gallons per day versus Coco’s usage of 2,575, the article concluded.