55 Years of Car Wash Success
Founded in 1969 by the Howard family, Howco, Inc., has designed, built, serviced, and supplied car washes for over 50 years. Offering a broad range of car wash products and services, Howco is ready to assist the new investor and support the veteran car wash operator in maximizing their sales and profits.
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Why Howco
The case for Howco is a simple one. We want to be your partner in profitability today, tomorrow, and ten years from now. Whether we assist you in sprucing up your existing wash or help you prepare for the investment of a lifetime, your profitablility determines Howco’s success.
We build a lot of second washes. Customers who are profitable and have enjoyed the investment process with Howco invariably turn to us again when it is time to build a second car wash. Customers select Howco because of our turnkey offerings, our manufacturers, and our proven “Plan, Develop, Operate” process.
Our Process:
Plan • Develop • Operate
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01Plan
Your personal Howco consultant will guide you from the very first step – assisting in the creation of your business plan. Once that is in place, they help clarify and streamline the entire process, from initial planning of the site to project management, ongoing financial planning, car wash equipment decisions, and preparing to build your car wash. The Howco planning phase provides you with a fundamental understanding of the steps that ensure a successful and profitable operation. Explore Planning
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02Develop
As you move into the development phase, the process of managing your project has already begun. Howco serves as your project management partner throughout the construction of your car wash. We supply consultative analyses, offer engineering support, and provide budgetary oversight on every step of the project. Our goal is to assist you and your contractors in delivering the project on time and on budget. Learn How to Develop
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03Operate
Along with the best location and finest facilities, car wash profitability relies upon continuous operational excellence. We offer a comprehensive range of solutions to help operators achieve the highest levels of efficiency, including: Operator and Key Staff Training, Service and Preventive Maintenance, Parts and Supplies, Chemicals, and Marketing and Branding. Improve Operations
Our History
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1969On a mission to source and deliver quality car wash parts to their family business and beyond, the Howard family founds Howco. Their new business operates from a shared, 10x10 equipment room.
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1972A forgotten tin shed and an old telephone truck are repurposed as Howco’s first warehouse and service truck.
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1984With business booming, Howco quickly outgrows its offices and moves into its current 90,000-square-foot warehouse in Charlotte.
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1990sTo widen its offerings of car wash necessities, Howco expands its equipment distribution pipeline. By requesting to be a distributor of Jim Coleman Distributors, Howco adds self-service and in-bay automatic systems to its repertoire.
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2003Howco acquires its first company, Andretti Enterprises, an ambitious strategy for growth.
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2015Howco receives three awards for industry excellence at Las Vegas for The Car Wash Show™, hosted by the International Carwash Association®.
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2023Howco supports 30+ car washes in a single year, delivering more locations to our happy car wash customers to date.
Leadership
Your Howco Team
Where We Operate
With a service area that covers Pennsylvania to Georgia and everywhere in between, Howco has seasoned sales consultants and service technicians ready to assist you with every challenge of the car wash business.
And Beyond…
Beyond the design and installation of your car wash equipment, Howco has the finest team of chemical sales specialists and service technicians in the industry. Our warehouse and customer support teams lead the industry in their knowledgeability and access to manufacturers’ parts. As you grow your business and continue to streamline and improve your operations, Howco continues to be your trusted partner, always a phone call away.
In addition to general professional car washing, Howco also produces projects in the following market segments for vehicle washes:
- Tunnel car washes- drive-through or conveyorized
- Auto dealers- auto wash equipment
- Convenience stores
- Gas station locations
- Lube centers
- Truck washes
- Specialty applications
- Bus washes
- Military vehicle washes
- Construction and heavy equipment washes
- Car rental and fleet washes
- Apartment self-contained units, pay vacuums, and pet washes
Need Immediate Support?
We are available 24/7 for service and equipment needs at 800-633-3914.
