No squeeze on squeegees
February 1st 2009 The Hill Brush Company thinks the recession won't dent sales too heavily, as
customers buy kit to protect the tools of their trade.Gerardine Coyne reports
Peter Thick, sales manager, does not believe that the current
economic climate is going to affect the purchasing of
equipment."Personally, I shouldn't think it would make that
much difference.You've still got to clean your windows so people will
still carry on having window cleaners."
However,Thick thinks the majority of growth will probably be at
the lower end of its product spectrum, as buyers look to economise
(though he says larger commercial companies normally buy higherend
products, achieving value through greater product durability).
"For example, rubber blades for squeegees need changing regularly,"
says Thick."It depends how often you use it, but on average I would
say they need replacing after about 50 hours."
Size matters
Thick says The Hill Brush Company's best seller in
2008 was the 12 " squeegee."In fact, it's always the
biggest seller."The 12 " squeegee fits the
specifications required no matter what or where
the window cleaner is cleaning."It's the right size
for most windows, domestic and industrial,"
explains Thick."Most professional people would
use it."
Despite being a salesman who would profit from customers
replacing equipment more often than necessary, Thick advises that
customers keep their equipment in good condition to maximise its
lifespan and their investment:"It's simple stuff but it will save money,"
he says."Use soap and water to clean off fluff and dirt and just rinse it
in a bucket."
The company also supplies storage equipment to help keep tools
in prime condition, extending their lifespan considerably, according
to Thick."But a lot of window cleaners tend to chuck their kit in the
back of the van," he laughs."But they could save a lot of money by
protecting their product investment."
Charlie Coward, Hill Brush's marketing manager, (pictured) agrees.
"Looking after the kit so that it lasts longer is simple common sense."
He thinks economics will bring storage and upkeep to the forefront.
People can be slapdash with their equipment when the money's
rolling in.Now they're thinking twice and taking a bit more care."
So is this something the company is now promoting at events
such as The Cleaning Show?
As a manufacturer, Coward says going to big shows as 'The
Hillbrush Company' is not high on its agenda.However, in its capacity
as supplier, a team will go along to events give back up to clients if
they want it.
"More than going to shows ourselves,we can be there to support
the people we supply products to, and show a bit of expertise,
helping our customers' customers, because we manufacture in a very
specific area," he explains.
Expanding on the future
With premises spanning ten acres,The Hill Brush Company can hold
an abundance of stock. But the firm plans to expand further, despite
current economic conditions, and according to Coward, will not
curtail its business activities.
"We have big plans to reinvest and grow the site," says Coward."We
need to continue investing in research and development to deliver
new and innovative products that help our customers and drive
growth. And that has always been
the focus of our R&D department,
regardless of financial climate." More articles from The Hill Brush Co. Ltd: | 
