Kärcher & Fleetclean: A Long Term Partnership

Kärcher. A household name. An industry name. They are the world’s leading provider of cleaning technology, but that statement doesn’t go far enough. Karcher transcends the realm of a mere brand. They are a one-stop shop for conquering every cleaning challenge imaginable, big or small. From the very beginning, Kärcher has always been characterized by ingenuity and innovative thinking, rethinking systems and designs and always pushing forward and striving for better results. Today, they are the global leaders in cleaning technology, so how did they get here?

Behind the scenes…

The company was founded in 1935 by the inventor Alfred Kärcher, who began manufacturing and marketing his pioneering product ideas in the field of heating technology. The cornerstone of developing into the world’s leading cleaning specialist was laid in 1950 with the invention of Europe’s first hot water pressure washer. When Alfred Kärcher died in 1959, his wife Irene continued her husband’s life’s work until her own death in 1989. Alfred Kärcher, the innovative inventor. Irene Kärcher, the energetic businesswoman. Both were driven by the courage to break new ground, and together laid the foundation for Karchers success. Kärcher has remained a family-owned company to this day, headquartered in Winnenden, Germany. Their innovative philosophy has resulted in solutions with convincing performance, quality and handling that have enabled them to be one step ahead of the market and have transformed them into a confident brand and a global market leader.

Their mission statement – cleanliness is the best challenge in the world!

Karcher through time…

With a long- and well-established history, let’s take a look at some of the key moments of their success.

• 1950 – Entry into cleaning technology

In 1950, Alfred Kärcher provides a breakthrough in cleaning technology with the development of Europe’s first hot water pressure washer (“DS 350” steam jet). The design for heating the water proves so forward-looking that it is still the basis of all burners today. This machine lays the foundation for the future of the company.

• 1959 – Irene Kärcher continues the legacy

Following the death of Alfred Kärcher, his wife Irene takes over the business. With foresight, she orients the company toward “cleaning” as a basic need. She is awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for her business management. The “Handelsblatt” trade journal posthumously lists Irene Kärcher as the first woman in its “Hall of Fame”.

• 1974 – Focus on pressure washer technology

The early 1970s are times of change for Kärcher. The era of the steam generator, previously a significant revenue driver, is coming to an end. In 1974, management decide to take a courageous step and focus on pressure washer technology for professional users and no longer offer all other product groups. At this stage, the colour of the machines is changed from hammer finish blue to the now world-famous Kärcher yellow.

• 1980 – Cleaning the Christ the Redeemer statue

In 1980, Kärcher starts its cultural sponsorship with the cleaning of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, more than 140 cultural monuments around the world have been cleaned. In the same year, there is a change in strategy to “cleaning” as a basic need. The product focus is adapted to the new agenda and initially transferred to transportation and building applications.

• 1984 – Entry into retail business

In 1984, Kärcher introduces the world’s first portable pressure washers for private households. The motto “High-pressure cleaning – just like the professionals” attracts 5,000 customers in the first year. With more than 300,000 machines sold, the innovative “HD 555” unit forms the cornerstone for the successful retail business. For the first time ever, a Kärcher product was in hardware and DIY stores.

• 1986 – Market launch of the first professional scrubber

In 1986, Kärcher sets standards in the professional area with the launch of the BR 450 floor cleaning machine. It has innovative roller brush technology which is used today in over 50% of all machines on the global market. The in-house development of professional floor scrubbers establishes the basis for one of today’s most important business segments.

• 1997 – German Marketing Award

In 1997, Kärcher wins the German Marketing Award for the first time – as acknowledgement for outstanding work in marketing, which is the basis for the financial success of the company.

• 1998 – Clean-up operation in St. Peter’s Square

Work on the 284 travertine columns and 88 pilasters of the colonnades of St. Peter’s Square in Rome as part of their cultural sponsorship initiative takes nine months. With a total area of 269,000 square feet, to this day it is the most extensive building cleaning project ever and receives an entry in the Guinness Book of Records.

• 2003 – Entry into robotics

A completely new field is opened up in 2003: the first fully autonomous cleaning robot for households, the RC 3000, is launched on the market.

• 2008 – Launch of the first window vac

With the introduction of the first window vac, WV 50, Kärcher closes a gap in the market and successfully establishes a machine for cleaning windows. To date, the window vac has more than 21 million satisfied customers.

• 2011 – Ecological campaign

In 2011, the first resource-friendly ranges are launched on the market. The devices consume less energy and water, are made from recycled material and are at least 90 percent recyclable.

• 2018 – Second marketing award

In 2018, Kärcher receives the German Marketing Award for the second time – unique in the history of the award. The award acknowledges the successful branding work of the last 10 years. An integrated marketing concept and the use of corresponding marketing instruments and technologies are decisive for the award. In 2018, Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG achieved a turnover of 2,525 billion Euro, the highest in its history. For the first time, over 13,000 employees are employed in 120 companies and 70 countries. Over 50,000 service outlets ensure uninterrupted supplies to customers all over the world.

Core Principles…

Karcher pride themselves on being makers! Their quick adaptability allowing them to meet challenges, demand and set new standards.

• Renew – To achieve sustainability, a continuous process of renewing is required. The focus on continuously renewing is deeply embedded within the company and culture. This process of renewing sustains value while also creating space for new ideas, growth and development. Renewal is essential to survival.
• Sustain – to take care of things, make them last longer and maintain their value. Sustainable business contributes to a clean world.
• Together – culture unites and empowers, with each individual bringing their own background, perspective and expertise. By working closely together in diverse teams, this can have a greater impact and create new things together.
• Clean – Cleaning is the core of the business. They help to clean the world with their innovative and unique cleaning solutions.

Industry today as market leaders…

Founder Alfred Kärcher aimed to always find new solutions for every challenge. To this day, Karcher have maintained this spirit of innovation. With more than 1,000 employees in research and development worldwide, they’re fully committed to developing new solutions.

Whether your work is in agriculture, the construction industry, the healthcare sector, or facility management – every industry requires its own unique cleaning solutions and Karcher have developed cleaning products for every scenario. If you need

• Industrial cleaners
• Commercial pressure washers
• Scrubbers/scrubber driers
• Industry sweepers
• Industrial vacuums
• Steam cleaners

Karcher are the name associated with the best!

Industry brings a whole new range of cleaning challenges and very specific cleaning needs, whether explosive, hazardous, oily, greasy or stubborn dirt. You can remove the most stubborn of dirt and coatings reliably with their range of ultra high-pressure cleaners, built to withstand the challenges from even the toughest of tasks. Perfect for industry, these ultra high-pressure cleaners really come into their own when a conventional high-pressure cleaning isn’t quite enough. Add to this Karchers patented applications, virtually any type of dirt can be removed safely and reliably, without damaging your systems.

A machine for every surface…

The floor coverings may vary but the task is the same, perfect cleaning and care of all hard or resilient floor coverings. The Kärcher system has an optimal solution for the deep cleaning, maintenance cleaning and care of all types of floor covering – dry or wet, by machine or with manual cleaning equipment. Karchers range of scrubber/driers and floor sweepers with ideally designed accessories and perfectly formulated cleaning agents offers everything needed for a deep efficient clean.

Carpets in office buildings, hotels and schools are subject to heavy traffic every day. Kärcher carpet cleaners, vacuum cleaners and sweepers have been proving their worth for decades. These robust, powerful and versatile machines are designed for deep cleaning, intermediate cleaning and spot-cleaning carpets and for removing stains from textile surfaces. They also clean deep into the fibres of blinds, upholstery and car seats.

Sweepers…

Walk-behind sweepers and sweeper vacuums are ergonomic and easy to use. Typically for courtyards, paths, workshops and halls. For caretakers, tradesmen, contract cleaners and industry. They sweep thoroughly with low dust development, even in corners.

Ride on sweepers are economical, clean and efficient on medium-sized and large areas. Kärcher sweeper vacuums meet all requirements, and special importance is always attached to the latest, customer-oriented technology as well as easy handling, access and service.

Kärcher industrial sweepers are reliable and efficient. They are designed for the toughest industrial use for large areas and increased dirt volumes. The award-winning filter system ensures a dust-free environment even in extreme cases.

Here at Fleetclean we are proud Premier Dealers of Karcher and specialise in Karcher models so let us find the perfect fit for your workplace. Whatever your industry needs, Karcher products and services aim to help you do the job simply, safely and with maximum quality so speak to our experts and discover how we can help you transform your industrial cleaning processes.