Association News

• WEST HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut Carwash Association (CCA) hosted a detailing seminar on March 19 at the Simoniz Garage in West Hartford, CT, a press release reported.

The March 27 press release stated that the hands-on seminar was put on by Tom Palancia of Simoniz USA.

More that 30 people were in attendance. The seminar demonstrated how to increase cash flow by 30 percent via an additional profit center.

"This was a great way to demonstrate how easy it is to add this profit center to your operation," CCA President Noah Levine stated in the press release. "I think the group got a lot out of it, and Tom's presentation was outstanding."

• The Western Carwash Association (WCA) will host a roadshow and carwash tour on Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15, in Salt Lake City, according to a press release.

The March 27 release stated that the two-day event will start out here with a networking dinner and roundtable discussions covering different topics of interest. The next day, the tour will take place at 8 a.m. on a luxury motorcoach. Participants will visit full, express and flex-serve carwashes. A networking lunch will also take place.

The WCA held a similar two-day event from March 13-14 in Orange County, CA.

Company News

• Ryko Solutions, Inc.of Grimes, IA, has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire MacNeil Wash Systems, Ltd. of Barrie, Ontario, Canada, a press release reported.

The March 11 press release said MacNeil will operate as a subsidiary of Ryko and the name and staff "expertise" will not change.

Ryko CEO Steven L'Heureux stated in the press release, “This is an important event in our industry.  While there have been previously announced consolidations among industry suppliers, this is the first that involves two independently strong industry players who are enjoying healthy growth. MacNeil has a well established reputation within the industry for delivering the best performing and most highly engineered conveyor systems and innovative profit enhancing accessories. By leveraging Ryko’s larger R&D and marketing organizations, we see a tremendous opportunity to dramatically expand MacNeil’s market share.”

Vince MacNeil, CEO of MacNeil Wash Systems, stated that the alignment allows for them to continue their vision of delivering well-engineer solutions. “What is important to me in this relationship are the many synergies and commonalities in how we approach the car wash business. These will be advantageous to our distributors and customers, including a dedicated engineering team and significant investments in R&D, a joint desire to build on our heritage – a legacy of accelerated innovation – and a single shared culture centered around building one team focused on customer success.”

L'Heureux was interviewed for the upcoming April issue of Professional Carwashing & Detailing, in a new series entitled, "Talking with Industry Leaders."

It was reported in January that Ryko Solutions Inc. had achieved one of its best annual performances in 40 years of business, according to a press release.

The Jan. 17 release stated that, in 2012, the business’ total corporate revenue approached $90 million with a 22 percent year-over-year increase.

The end-of-year results showed a 38 percent increase in equipment sales and an EBITDA increase of 53 percent. Ryko experienced double-digit growth in all three segments of its business.

• Aerodry Systems LLCof Broomfield, CO, the manufacturer of dryer systems for the carwashing industry, is expanding its operation and will be moving into a brand new 9,600-square-foot industrial building, according to a Bolder County Business Report.

The Feb. 28 story said the company, which was founded by former carwash owners Darryl and Cheryl Dobie in 2002, got approval to begin construction on the new building on Tuesday.

The city of Broomfield is a suburb of the Denver area.

• BayWatch Enterprisesof Denver, the maker of carwash doors and monitoring systems, will be moving into a larger manufacturing facility on April 1, a press release reported.

The March 19 press release stated that the move is necessary to accommodate the company's rapid growth as it will be expanding its vinyl curtain product line.

BayWatch President Sandy Bass stated in the press release, ""We are pleased that the new space can accommodate our increased production needs as well as the increased headcount we need to fill within our organization. While remaining cost-conscious, we are designing the space to streamline our processes and improve our overall manufacturing efficiencies."

Bass also noted that the company had a "strong year" in 2012 and said its expansion into the vinyl market has already exceeded their expectations. "Our high-speed balanced curtain is gaining a lot of interest in the middle of the tunnel as a wind break," Bass stated in the press release. "The balanced curtain also gives us an advantage with customers who want a vinyl door, but only need them occasionally and prefer to use a chain hoist to raise and lower the doors without needing operators to reduce costs."

People News

• Nexstep Commercial Productsof Paxton, IL, announced the promotion of Joel Hastings to general manager of operations, according to a press release.

The March 21 release stated that Hastings will be responsible for overseeing all the manufacturing and distribution of products both here and in Springfield, OH.

Hastings has 26 years of experience in transportation, distribution and warehousing. He previously held positions with Supervalu, Prairie Farms Diary and Ace Hardware.

“We are very fortunate to have such a qualified and experienced manager on our team. Joel is a great asset to our company," Todd Leventhal, president, said in the release.

(Brandon: Can you give this a special treatment? Like a shaded box or something?) The industry loses another veteran

We here at PC&D were saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Ludman, who worked for Blendco Systems as the Northeast regional sales manager. He passed away suddenly on March 12.

Steven also recently served on the Connecticut Carwash Association's board. In a statement from Blendco, it was revealed that they are very saddened by this tragic loss and they send their prayers to Steve's family.

According his obituary, Steven was 51 at the time of his passing. He was the husband of Cynthia Lynn Hall Ludman, and is also survived by two children: Steve and Jenna and his granddaughter Averie.

Contributions may be made in Steven's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.