Onwards and upwards
October 1st 2007

Taking over as Unger's UK general manager just days before this year's Cleaning Show, John Sobucinski says the company now has all the elements in place to match its market ambitions.Brendan Coyne reports

Sobucinski claims Unger is perceived as the window cleaning market leader in terms of product quality. Although many manufacturers would baulk at his claim, Sobucinski says the benefit of being part of a global brand that prides itself on perfecting products before bringing them to market is beyond dispute.With new sales staff in place, new products hitting the market and plans for new premises well under way, he says the first year of the firm's five year plan "to get where we think we should be in this market" is well under way.

New products Launched at the Berlin CMS show in September, Sobucinski says Unger's new 'mid entry' HiFlo water-fed pole, will attract a new market segment.Whereas its top of the range CarbonTec pole may cost up to £3000, the biggest HiFlo system will cost around £500."It's a significant cost advantage but it is also designed around the principles for which Unger is renowned – innovation, safety and ergonomics," says Sobucinski. "A key benefit of the system is that it fits into a standard saloon car – along with a free standing purified water system also launched at CMS – because none of the pole sections are longer than six foot.And although it's mid-entry, it's still a very good quality product.

"As always,Mark Unger has ensured the product is right rather than rushing it to market – and if US sales are anything to go by, it will be a very popular product," says Sobucinski."The UK launch has actually been delayed due to strength of demand in the US. But we now have the stock to support a successful launch and have invested in a new sales person to concentrate on the window cleaning market. I've managed to snatch Darren Meddings away from Ecolab (my former employers) who joins us in early November.

So while my name might not be what it used to at Ecolab(!) all the elements are now in place to support growth."He says another sales professional will be added to the window cleaning side of the business by March 2008, by which time, the company will have launched new ergonomically correct scrapers.

Also announced at the show was a deal with German manufacturer which now provides modular pure water units for the HiFlo CarbonTec systems under the Unger badge.

Distributors With new product and sales staff in place, the elements are now in place to fill in the gaps in its distribution network, according to Sobucinski."I would say we're well covered in around 75 per cent of the UK but that leaves around a quarter that we need to focus on. But because we have new staff coming on board,we can steal a march on other manufacturers by physically going to see potential distributors in those areas. I feel we have neglected parts of Ireland and patches in the North and Scotland, so we will actively targetting distributors who meet our criteria in those areas."However, Sobucinski says the company is highly aware of the existing dealers:"We'll ensure that toes are not trodden on".

So while the window cleaning market traditionally slows over the rainy winter months, it appears that Unger is preparing a major assault for 2008.With new products, people, partners and potentially new premises, it will be interesting to see how competitors react to the gauntlet being thrown down.

Cutting edge not bleeding edge

Unger says its new ErgoTec glass scraper can remove thick layers of paint, dirt, grime and sticky residue from glass surfaces without causing damage to the window or glass surface.

With two blade widths – 15cm for larger areas and 10cm for regular use – the ultra sharp blade is made from lacquer coated carbon steel and comes with a protective cap which clips onto the scraper for safety and protection when not in use.

The scraper incorporates an easy blade-change mechanism which works by pushing the blade release button and then just sliding the blade in and out of the handle.

"This is the most professional glass scraper Unger has designed with its ultra sharp and extra wide blade," said John Sobucinski, general manager for Unger UK."Safety along with quality was high on the list of design requirements and its protective cover and easy blade release system ensures the scraper can be used safely and effectively." The ErgoTec glass scraper has an ergonomic bi-component grip with a non-slip rubber overlay designed to reduce risk of injury and promote greater productivity.The company says one of the best features of the new scraper is the fact that it can lock onto the end of one of Unger's telescopic poles, allowing the user to reach heights of up to 30ft.

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