'Smart investment'

More than washing: how Imbema and Ehrle invest in trust and returns

Published on 21-05-2025 at 10:22

Quincent Bravenboer wil klanten van begin tot eind ondersteunen bij hun investering.

After a career in the lubricants and fuel industry, 31-year-old Quincent Bravenboer decided to change course. That sector was mainly about selling fast, which he didn’t like. He was looking for a meaningful, advisory role – and he found it at Imbema, where he recently started working as a car wash systems specialist, exclusively representing Ehrle car wash equipment. Bravenboer: “I go to the limit for customers and always want to achieve the best result.”

Bravenboer’s official position is account manager carwash, but he sees his role much broader than that. He wants to support customers with their investment from start to finish: from the first consultation to the installation of a carwash system. “But even after that, they can always come to me. That ensures a long-term relationship, in which trust and openness are key.”

Honesty is essential to Bravenboer in this respect: customers need to know where they stand. According to him, this openness and honesty are also what Imbema stands for. “Imbema is more than a supplier; it is a true partner. Moreover, it is a large organisation with broad expertise, making a lot possible. Unlike other players in the market, Imbema offers more than just carwash systems, such as high-pressure cleaners and an extensive service department.”

Ehrle carwash plant

Imbema has been the sole distributor of Ehrle products in the Benelux region since this year. According to Bravenboer, an Ehrle car wash installation is a smart investment for anyone who wants to achieve returns. “Cleaning will always be necessary, and a self-service carwash has the big advantage that it does not require staff. Novice investors often take over an existing wash location before building their own. These are usually equipped with a rollover system, while carwashes can be much more interesting.”

Compared to rollover systems, wash boxes have several advantages, Bravenboer says. They are less prone to breakdowns, low-maintenance and more efficient. Moreover, a wash box can generate more revenue per square metre. “While a rollover serves one car at a time, several wash boxes can be used simultaneously. Also, a rollover operates only within opening hours, while a wash bay can run 24/7 without staff. Another advantage is that the motorist decides how thoroughly the car is washed and where the attention is focused. A rollover simply goes over the car, but does not reach all the corners and edges.”

“Moreover, with a rollover, you don’t know what the predecessor has done. If someone has driven through the rollover with a muddy car, that dirt gets stuck in the brushes and can cause scratches. In a washbox, you have that control yourself. Ehrle has developed a unique system with micro powder, which allows you to clean contact-free and optimally without damaging the paintwork.”

Car wash process

For an entrepreneur, a carwash journey starts with the choice between an indoor or outdoor system. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Outdoor systems are operational faster, but there is also a higher risk of damage or vandalism. With indoor systems – such as ModuLine or CompactLine – the technology is placed in a separate room or container, under lock and key, offering more protection. The process also considers issues such as steel construction, concrete floors, any underfloor heating and site layout. These choices determine the ultimate efficiency of a wash plant.

Compared to rollover systems, wash boxes have several advantages, Bravenboer says. They are less prone to breakdowns, low maintenance and more efficient

Bravenboer further indicates that Ehrle distinguishes itself by choosing hot water cleaning instead of cold water, which he says is essential for optimal results. “Ehrle invests in the highest quality. The systems are produced in-house using only high-quality materials, such as stainless steel and Siemens components. The focus is always on maximum service life and efficiency. In addition, Ehrle offers smart energy solutions, such as heat pumps, which enable energy-efficient hot water supply. Especially in combination with solar panels.

Developments in the industry

Finally, Bravenboer sees a number of important developments in the carwash industry. For instance, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue, partly under pressure from legislation and licensing requirements. “You also see entrepreneurs wanting to get more out of their location by offering extra services. Ehrle responds to this with innovations such as the multiterminal, which allows customers to perform multiple operations in one place: vacuuming, checking tyre pressure and blowing. This saves space and increases site efficiency.”

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This article was automatically translated from the Dutch language original to English (British).

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