Dreams Eco Xpress Car Wash makes getting your car washed, well, a dream. Located in Okotoks, Alberta, 15 minutes south of Calgary, Dreams provides the most technologically advanced carwash available. The carwash is equipped with the Express Conveyorized Tunnel Car Wash model, a system that allows operators to keep costs down and process a larger number of vehicles in less time while still providing a superior wash.

“This model is fairly new to Canada but has been growing in popularity in the United States and worldwide,” says Farouk Haji, one of the partners who own Dreams. “We saw value in bringing the model to Alberta. This is the first express tunnel in Calgary and the surrounding area.”

EQUIPPED FOR SUCCESS

The group worked with PD McLaren to build Dreams because they wanted to offer their customers a superior quality wash, something PD McLaren delivers. “Our model incorporates Peco Car Wash’s tunnel system from the U.S. The conveyorized extract tunnel can process multiple vehicles at a time and is capable of washing up to 80 vehicles per hour,” says Haji.

Dan Findlay, national sales manager for PD McLaren adds: “The equipment package is a blend of friction and touchless components that shows some of the robust features Peco has to offer. Its’ layout represents a methodical approach to cleaning via varying brush locations, intermingled with precise chemical applications and powerful high-pressure rinsing. Whether it be the stainless-steel arches, high impact signage, or the multi colored Soft Flex Foam, this tunnel looks just as good as it can clean.”

Gunnar Beauregard, general manager for Kesseltronics Systems was pleased to be a part of this project.

“The Dreams Eco Car Wash project truly illustrates the flexibility of the rTC controller,” says Beauregard. “The direct integration of the Hamilton HTK tellers and the unique door control configuration allows a US-style express tunnel model to operate with minimized energy/heat loss due to door operation. It takes an accomplished distributor like PD McLaren to bring together a complex project like Dreams by making the best use of the installed equipment.”

The wash itself is a hybrid, using touch plus high-pressure wash options to provide a great clean. Precisely calibrated water pressure combined with lubricating shampoos, polishes and neoprene foam materials provide a residue and scratch-free cleaning. In addition to a great wash Dreams provides their customers with a great experience as well. Colourful neoprene foam and LED lighting help to create this ultimate carwash experience.

“Dreams is using Zep Vehicle Cares newest and most comprehensive program, the Assure Platform,” says corporate account manager for Zep Vehicle Care, Brad Baldwin. “The all-inclusive Assure program provides the perfect harmonization of chemicals, dispensing and applications. Owners can receive real-time data on track car counts, chemical usage and alerts.”

ECO PRACTICES

A leader in sustainable water management, the town of Okotoks has one of the lowest per capita gross water consumption rates in North America. The use of water recycling and reclamation technology that Haji and his partners chose to use was desirable to a town committed to water conservation.

“Including the environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and water recycling was a choice that was important to us,” says Haji.

Water recycling helps reduce fresh water requirements, optimizing the use of water and ensuring the proper disposal of solid waste and wastewater. To achieve this Dreams is using the Con-Serv model CS-100PS II PUMP SYSTEM: 100GPM.

“Upgraded to 120 gallons-per-minute, the system also has ozone for odour control and water clarity as well as the pit flush option to keep the trench free of debris,” says Stan Royal, President of Con-Serv. Mfg. “This set up included an above ground tank system designed to supply water for the high-pressure functions of the wash process.”

THE XPRESS EXPERIENCE

Customers have the option of paying before each wash or purchasing a monthly membership. Members are given a non-transferable RFID sticker which is scanned at the carwash entrance. Upon leaving the tunnel, customers are welcome to self-clean their interiors with powerful vacuum systems, car mat cleaners and air pump sprays – all a part of their carwash purchase.

“Offering a great value was crucial to us,” says Haji. “Customers should have a clean, shiny, dry car quickly and economically. We included the use of vacuums and mat cleaners because we didn’t want people to feel gouged by additional costs. Wash options are affordable and vary from $8 to $20.”

So far, customers love the experience. “Our customer service is top notch thanks to our incredible manager, Tony Heembrock, who brings 35 years of industry experience to Dreams,” says Haji. Moreover, customer reviews seem to back up his statement.

Market analysts speculate the conveyor carwash concept may become the leading carwash format over the next decade as customers demand even more convenience, automation and express services. Whatever the case, Dreams is poised to accommodate their customer’s car washing needs now and in the future.