INTERNATIONAL cleaning technology and solutions provider Kärcher inaugurated its first and newest hub in the Philippines as part of efforts to bring its products closer to the domestic market.
“Our new flagship Kärcher Center will definitely help develop our commitment to bring the right cleaning solution to every Filipino customer,” said Zurich Fernandez, country manager of Kärcher Philippines.
Located in Sucat, Parañaque, the facility serves as a showroom where visitors can view and buy the company’s latest range of products, from high-pressure cleaners to vacuum cleaners and other cleaning equipment, implements, solutions both for industrial, commercial and home use.
Customers and potential business clients can also experience the products or see how they work through a demonstration by professionals.
It also serves as the business and service center for local customers for both the home and garden, as well as the professional product lines.
“With the brand-new showroom and service center, local customers can now expect full and immediate support from us—from simply inquiring about our products to actually seeing and using the products in action for a test run,” he added.
This investment of Kärcher at an undisclosed amount is a sign of the increasing German interest in setting up business here in the Philippines.
“The Philippines is an economic powerhouse in the Southeast [Asian] region, and together with its English-speaking population, it is no wonder that German firms are confident in expanding in the country,” said Dr. Andree Buhl, economic and commercial counsellor of the German Embassy in Manila.
“I’m very excited that a company as huge as Kärcher is now here. It will not only bring world-class cleaning technologies for Filipinos, but also help both nations’ economies in creating job opportunities,” he added.
Sharing the same sentiments with him, Parañaque Vice Mayor Jose Enrico Golez expects the city’s ongoing partnership with Kärcher will lead to more opportunities for growth.
“On behalf of the city, I am very happy that we have new investors here in Parañaque. Germany has a long-standing relationship with the Philippines that I’m not surprised a great German company has invested here. We hope this is the start of a very good relationship with Kärcher, which will contribute to further economic growth in the Philippines,” he said.
Kärcher’s decision to complement the e-commerce trend by opening a physical showroom is a testament to its commitment to show customers that cleaning is a process.
“By having a brick-and-mortar-store, we can teach our customers the right process. We can offer them advice and practical learning through our professionals. At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to know our customers better by way of face-to-face interactions,” Fernandez said.
Headquartered in Winnenden, Germany, Kärcher produces both cleaning equipment and full cleaning systems. It employs over 12,000 people worldwide and has more than 110 subsidiaries in 67 countries.
In the Philippines, Karcher Inc. established its operation in 2015, a direct subsidiary of Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. KG. In September 2015 the first Karcher Center in the country, including its office and service center, was also inaugurated.
Earlier this year, it restored the People Power Monument along Edsa, and last December, refurbished the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park. Both of these are under the “Kärcher Cleans the World” campaign that aims to help preserve national and historic landmarks across the world.