World's Largest Vehicle-Wash Manufacturer Expands Into U.S. Market

    TONAWANDA, N.Y., May 31 German-based WashTec Cleaning
Technology GmbH, the world's largest manufacturer of vehicle-wash systems, has
established a North American division to oversee assembly and marketing of its
products for the United States and Canada.  WashTec's North American
operations, operating under the name Wesumat Cleaning Technologies, will be
headquartered in Tonawanda, New York.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010531/DETH016LOGO)
    WashTec Cleaning Technology GmbH was formed in Germany in 2000, a result
of a merger between what were then Wesumat Vehicle Wash Systems and California
Kleindienst, the two largest vehicle-wash manufacturers in the world.  After
the merger, WashTec AG became the leading manufacturer in the European
vehicle-wash industry, accounting for more than 60 percent of the rollover
market, and $220 million in sales.
    Wolfgang Decker, WashTec's Chairman of the Board, said, "WashTec has been
extremely successful in European markets and now we're ready to offer our low-
maintenance, energy-efficient, vehicle-wash systems to the North American
market."
    "With the strengths of an international leader behind it, Wesumat is
entering the market with the right combination of quality products, superior
program support and a strong distributor network," said David Tucker,
President of Wesumat Cleaning Technologies.  "Systems geared specifically to
the North American market, and advanced German engineering, give us a definite
competitive edge."
    Wesumat will initially offer two models: the SoftWash, and the SoftWash
High-Speed rollover systems.  Both are high-performance cleaning systems with
excellent reliability and low operating costs.
    Wesumat has established partnerships with 25 dealers to help market and
service its rollover systems in North America.  These dealers, located in key
geographic areas, will provide marketing support, as well as equipment
installation and maintenance services for local Wesumat customers.  In
addition, they will work with Wesumat Cleaning Technologies to develop
customer-specific programs incorporating site-selection assistance, financing
options, equipment lease packages and other value-added services.
    WashTec Cleaning Technology GmbH has facilities in Germany, France, Spain,
the UK, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Canada and the US.  In addition to
rollover systems, WashTec's worldwide product offering includes
tunnel/conveyor vehicle-wash systems, commercial vehicle-wash systems, self-
service jet-wash bays, train-wash systems, special solutions for the car
manufacturing industry (such as leak test systems), and water-recycling
technology.  More information on Wesumat Cleaning Technologies is available
toll-free at 800-217-9903, by fax at 716-694-3107, or by e-mail at
kathyj_washtec@attglobal.net .

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