Karcher sets ambitious growth target

Change is proving to be just what the doctor ordered for Karcher Centre Durban as the company is set to reach its expected growth targets for 2013 despite the difficult economic environment. According to branch manager Garin Denysschen, there has been significant change in recent times for the company, a provider of cleaning systems, products and services. This includes moving to new premises, new staff and the relaunch of the industrial equipment range in a new colour. “Good growth saw us outgrowing our previous space and motivating our move to the new premises in Westmead,” he told FTW. At 1200 sqm it has not only allowed Denysschen and his team to double the size of the operation, but it also sets a new benchmark – attempting to reach a growth target of around 20% real gross. “We have set a high target for ourselves, but we are confident that we can achieve it. New employees have been hired bringing our staff complement to 15 in KwaZulu-Natal. This includes four technicians and four sales professionals.” Denysschen said the new premises also provided a 200 sqm state-of-the-art showroom. “We also have a fully equipped workshop, service and spares departments as well as a counter sales area.” Another major change has been the relaunch of the commercial and industrial range, which is no longer available in the famous yellow colour for which Karcher is renowned. “The industry has taken very well to the new anthracite colour of the industrial products,” he said. Karcher internationally changed the colour of the professional range in an attempt to distinguish between its two lines – commercial on the one hand and the home and garden range on the other. The home and garden products are still yellow. “We have invested heavily in the business in recent times while at the same time making sure we have the right people on board to make sure we are able to service our clients well.”