Nobody knows clean like Grand Rapids' Hydro-Chem Systems, Inc. (HCS). That's because HCS has been providing cleaning consulting and equipment since 1971, and not just in one area. While HCS has helped architects save a lot of time, effort and money with its expertise in automated wash systems - as cleaning consultants, the company offers its expertise in detergents, water treatment, prcssure washers (sales and service) and cleaning supplies.

Because HCS has been in thc cleaning industry for more than 30 years, its staff has developed the experience and skill to quickly evaluate a situation and put together a program best suited for that particular job. And not just in the vehicle cleaning or automated washer arenas, either.  The company offers solutions for a complete array of cleaning needs. From the pressurc washers spraying water to clean vehicles, to the detergents used to rid them of bugs, grease and road film, HCS covers it. Beyond vehicle cleaning, there are parts cleaners, pressure washers, cleaning consultation and service available whenever the equipment needs a quick tweak or a repair as part of a long-term maintenance program. HCS is also a dealer for Landa, the largest manufacturer of pressure washers and parts cleancrs in North America, and is fully capable of providing any bid specs for Landa items not to mention making repairs. But even if a product isn't Landa, HCS can most likely repair it because the company services almost any brand of product. 

With any cleaning need there are chemicals and detergents. After it realized that the big name companies weren't as concerned for the end user, HCS began producing its own cleaning products to better provide for its clients. By using its own cleaners, HCS is knowledgeable regarding which products are right for each client's need. Additionally, producing its own cleaners allows the HCS staff to minimizc the environmental impact of the cJeaning processes.

Okay, so how can a cleaning company be so important? Any company with its own fleet of vehicles can tell you that keeping those vehicles clean is an absolute necessity. Those vehicles are billboards on wheels, spreading an organization's name everywhere it goes, every single day. That kind of attention puts a lot of stress on an organization to put its best foot forward. A clean vehicle does just that. It tells the public that the organization cares about its image, and will therefore care about the customer. Even if it's a school district. a clean vehicle projects a healthy image.

Keeping a vehicle clean also increases its longevity by stopping corrosion before it starts. Thus, companies are able to save money by not having to replace or service vehicles as often as they would without a vehicle cleaning system. Having a vehicle wash bay is effective for advertising and preventive maintenance for an organization.  HCS helps architects design the right solution for their clients. Because each client is different, it's necessary to have the cleaning experts involved early. "There are so many variables that come into play," explains HCS President Jim Teague. "The dimensions of the wash bay, based on what the end user plans on washing, are a large factor because some equipment requires a certain width. A bay even needs to have a certain width for just a person with a brush. We help architects get the right dimensions and advise them on potential problems with wet atmospheres such as doors that won't rot away, what types of coatings to use on floors and walls, waterproof electrical outlets, what lights to use and the placement of lights little things that may sound insignificant, but can cause plenty of headaches if not accounted for."

Teague goes on to explain that there are other, more obvious requirements needed for a wash bay, particularly if it's an automated system. The proper utilities are needed for the wash bay. Water, electricity, gas, drainage elements that need serious attention when putting in a wash bay. Not a single one can be an afterthought. "Some of the worst problems are when people find out they've shorted the area designated for the wash bay of water, gas and electricity," says Teague, "because once a building is done, it costs a lot of money to adjust the whole area just because there isn't enough water.

"There's a lot of preplanning involved, and that's what we do. We do our best to make sure they've got a good system before it's built. All of our systems are custom designed for the client they are not' cookie cutters' for HCS' convenience."  Most importantly, choosing the right system to begin with is paramount. An incredible number of factors adds up to what system will work best for a particular end user. For example, a school district will have different needs than a road commission, which will have different needs than a construction company. The tricky part is that school districts also differ from one another - as do road commissions and construction companies - because equipment differs from one to the next. It becomes a matter of knowing the end user's needs, equipment and the cleaning industry.

One factor that's universal, no matter who is the end user, is budget. Since HCS can create a custom system for every end user, it can create something for every budget. Every system is designed to be efficient in order to save money. By minimizing the total cost of each wash, the return on the investment is maximized. As always, HCS has the end user's budget in mind.  The bottom line is that HCS can help with any cleaning need. Contacting HCS at the beginning of the design process can save a lot of time and hassle because answers are provided early. An ongoing relationship with HCS will ensure the right cleaning solution each and every time.