EHRLE

EHRLE GmbH is an industry-leading manufacturer of high-pressure cleaners and car wash systems. Head of Sales Marc Tritschler outlined the importance of innovation as a core part of EHRLE’s sustainability journey. Report by Phil Nicholls.

Three generations in the company, Anton Ehrle – Oskar Ehrle – Reiner Ehrle

Founded in 1969, EHRLE GmbH understands how the success of a car wash system needs to be viewed in two ways. “Firstly, there's the end customer who desires impeccable cleaning results, which not only satisfy their immediate needs but also encourage repeat visits,” explained Head of Sales Marc Tritschler. “A satisfied customer may also be inclined to explore additional services, such as our vacuum cleaners or mat cleaners.

“On the other hand, there's the car wash investor who seeks to provide comprehensive experiences to their

customers. By offering a range of services beyond just car washing, investors can ensure their clients are satisfied and eager to return, ultimately achieving profitability with the system.”

EHRLE provides a one-stop solution throughout the lifecycle of the car wash system, from installation through to ongoing servicing. This streamlines the process for the investor, simplifying operations and ensuring a seamless experience.

EHRLE I PROFILE

Originally specialising in high-pressure cleaners, EHRLE quickly established itself as a leader in the industry due to a commitment to quality and innovation. In the 1980s, the company expanded its range to include car wash systems, recognising the growing demand for automated cleaning solutions.

Innovative solutions

Today, EHRLE operates out of three facilities in Germany, offering a comprehensive portfolio of cleaning equipment, catering to various industries and cleaning tasks. The product range includes high-pressure cleaners, with both cold water and hot water models, plus stationary and mobile options. In addition, the company provides a wide selection of self-service car wash systems, along with a range of chemicals and accessories to complement these cleaning solutions.

“We pride ourselves on offering versatile and tailored solutions to meet our customers' diverse needs,” said Mr Tritschler. “We focus on understanding the unique challenges and cleaning tasks faced by our clients, recommending the most suitable products from our portfolio to effectively address those needs.”

With the rising popularity and importance of electric cars, superchargers are becoming increasingly essential. EHRLE has established partnerships with some of the leading suppliers of superchargers. These chargers can now be conveniently installed in proximity to a car wash system, enhancing the overall customer experience. EHRLE is present in all areas of Europe, having successfully installed 7,500 car wash systems across the continent. These installations have been made possible through EHRLE’s network of 15

subsidiaries, strategically spread across Europe to ensure efficient service and support for customers.

Clean and green

Car wash systems are not only convenient for customers, but also beneficial for the environment. A system from EHRLE uses significantly less water compared to traditional handwashing methods, reducing water consumption and minimising wastewater runoff.

Additionally, modern car wash systems are equipped with advanced filtration systems that capture and recycle water, further reducing any environmental impact. Indeed, it was the expansion into car wash systems that marked the beginning of EHRLE's sustainability journey, as the company sought to integrate eco-friendly technologies and practices into its operations.

With an innovative approach to product design, EHRLE maintains a strong focus on sustainability, according to Mr Tritschler: “Many of our products incorporate features

such as energy-efficient motors, watersaving technologies and recyclable materials to minimise environmental impact, while delivering superior performance.

“One particularly sustainable characteristic worth mentioning is our heating pump system, which has revolutionised the operation of our hot water car wash systems. Traditionally, hot water has been essential for achieving impeccable cleaning results at car wash systems. In the past, our systems relied on electrical, gas or oil heating systems, which although effective, had environmental drawbacks.

“However, we have recently introduced our new heating pump system, which is 100 per cent environmentally friendly. This innovative technology not only ensures optimal cleaning performance but also significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions.”

Moreover, the heating pump system aids in heating the wash bay flooring, which is particularly important in areas where temperatures fall below 0°C (32°F) in the winter. This feature enhances the

comfort and safety of operators, while also preventing freezing and ensuring consistent cleaning performance even in cold weather conditions.

The incorporation of greener power sources, such as solar panels and heat pumps, has been a significant milestone in EHRLE’s sustainability journey. The company invested extensively in research and development for several years in order to refine its designs and seamlessly integrate these technologies into its machinery, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for customers.

A bright future

EHRLE continues to make strategic investments in research and development to further enhance the sustainability of products and operations. “In addition to our focus on product innovation, we have also modernised our complete production infrastructure,” Mr Tritschler continued. “This has created a safe and sustainable work environment for our employees.

“For example, we installed an air ventilation system and upgraded to energy-efficient LED lighting throughout our facilities. Moreover, all three of our production facilities in Germany are equipped with solar panels on the roofs, allowing us to harness clean and renewable energy to power our manufacturing processes.”

Suppliers and partners play a crucial role in EHRLE's success, particularly in the ongoing efforts to improve sustainability. EHRLE works closely with these partners to ensure that they share the same core commitment to environmental responsibility. These suppliers are required to adhere to the same stringent ethical and environmental standards throughout the supply chain.

Moving forward, EHRLE remains committed to advancing sustainability across all aspects of the business. “We are actively exploring ways to further improve the efficiency of our products,” explained Mr Tritschler. “This will be achieved through ongoing research,

development and collaboration with our industry partners.

“Future goals and objectives include expanding our range of sustainable cleaning solutions, increasing the use of renewable energy sources in our operations and continuing to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Mr Tritschler remains excited by his job at EHRLE, with the opportunity to be part of a company that is driving positive change in the industry. “Each day presents new challenges,” he said, in conclusion. “There are so many opportunities to innovate, collaborate and make a meaningful impact.” n

Head of Sales Marc Tritschler