In this edition of Market Focus, we cover a new carwash/restaurant combo opening, a new hire, a charity event and a trade show announcement.

New carwash/restaurant combo opens

COLUMBUS, Ga. — According to the Ledger-Enquirer, Los Amigo Carwash & Food recently opened with a couple of appetizing words: free samples.

When asked if the restaurant portion of the business serves primarily Mexican food, Chef Andy Ramos said, “We serve everything.”

The menu includes everything from fried chicken wings to tacos, quesadillas, hamburgers, chicken and fish sandwiches, fried rice, soups and Philly sandwiches, the article noted.

“We’ll be offering free samples for a limited time, probably a month,” Ramos said.

As far as the carwash side of the business goes, customers leave their vehicles, and employees run them through the automated wash before hand-drying it, the article noted.

Vacuuming is also available for an extra charge, the article stated.

A basic carwash is $8 for a car and $10 for a truck, plus $4 to $5 more for interior service, the article noted; adding a wax would total $15 for a car and $20 for the larger truck.

Juan Arevalo is the owner of Los Amigos Carwash & Food and is the proprietor of the adjacent Los Amigos Tire, the article reported.

The base construction price for the 1,955-square-foot structure was $242,000, according to city building permits. 

Suzanne Huisman joins PSD Codax

BRISTOL, England — PSD Codax, developer of the world’s leading carwash access technology, is pleased to announce that Suzanne Huisman has joined the company in the newly created role of European Business Development Director, according to a press release.

Huisman most recently served as owner and operator of Blinkie Car Wash located in Maaseik, Belgium, where she managed the financial, marketing and operational aspects of this successful organization, the release continued.

She is also the acting president of the BBRV, the association responsible for promoting the interests of professional carwash operators in Belgium, the release added.

Since founding this organization in 2017, Huisman has developed important connections with customers, distributors and OEMs throughout Europe and championed key projects such as regulating illegal hand carwashes and educating carwash customers and industry members on the importance of sustainability, the release noted.

In her new role at PSD Codax, the release continued, Huisman will report directly to Rob Deal, managing director of the company.

“Suzanne possesses the experience, skills, attitude and industry relationships that will position her for success, in our company, and in the marketplace,” said Deal. “Her addition to the PSD Codax team will help us sustain our growth trajectory and support our expansion as we continue to invest in the future of the professional carwash industry.”

The CAR WASH on Hamlin Hwy. to hold fundraiser for animal shelter

LAKE ARIEL, Pa. — The CAR WASH on Hamlin Hwy. & DOG WASH Too is pleased to share another year in the opportunity to support Dessin Animal Shelter through WAG-N-WASH, A DOG WASHING FUNDRAISER, held on the first Saturday of each month (except April, being hosted on March 31st), according to a press release.

This year, there will be seven events, the release continued.

Dessin will be bringing out cats and dogs from the shelter for a meet and greet and are available for adoption, the release added, along with assisting event guests with proper bathing techniques for their dog or cat at the self-serve DOG WASH bay.

The CAR WASH on Hamlin Hwy. held five events last year which were very successful, bringing much needed funds and exposure for Dessin Animal Shelter, the release concluded.

OPW Bringing Augmented Reality to 2018 M-PACT Show

HAMILTON, Ohio — OPW, a Dover company and a global leader in fluid-handling solutions, will introduce “what’s next” in fueling innovation through augmented reality at the 2018 M-PACT Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, according to a press release.

Hosted at the Indiana Convention Center from March 13-15, the release continued, OPW will welcome M-PACT attendees at Booth 1601 to experience augmented reality and get a look at the latest fueling innovations, including:

• FibreTite Composite Multi-Port: An all-composite, completely integrated multi-port fill sump system for unparalleled water intrusion protection.
• ElectroTite Patented No Drill Dry Sump Technology: The collaborative labs of FlexWorks and Fibrelite engineered this latest tank sump innovation.
• Matador Composite Manhole Cover: Engineered with next-generation composite technology to produce the lightest cover in the industry, the Matador is also priced to compete with any cover on the market.

“Augmented reality is revolutionizing how customers interact with OPW products around the globe,” said Ed Kammerer, director of global product management. “The technology enhances technician training, improves installation efficiency and helps ensure that installers always have accurate technical details.”

OPW is dedicated to elevating environmental protection to new levels, radically eliminating water intrusion, increasing the efficiency of product installation and enhancing customer profitability, the release added.

With a pulse on the industry, OPW engineers and manufactures solutions that meet the safety, environmental protection and performance requirements of today’s fueling operator, the release noted.

“We’re perfecting underground excellence for above ground success,” added Kammerer. “We look forward to sharing our latest innovations with our industry partners at the 2018 M-PACT Show.”

The M-PACT Show is the largest gathering place in the Midwest for energy and convenience industry leaders, the release noted.

Each spring, M-PACT brings together more than 4,500 professionals representing the entire spectrum of today’s diverse energy and convenience supply chain, the release stated.

Featuring nearly 600 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services and technologies, M-PACT delivers participants a unique, once-a-year opportunity to propel their businesses forward, the release concluded.

To learn more about how OPW is defining what’s next in fueling, please visit opwglobal.com/whatsnext.