How was 2022 for Spitwater?

2022 was a demanding but successful year for SPITWATER around the country.  As COVID challenges including higher than normal absenteeism, continued supply chain disruption, shipping complexity and unprecedented price rises, increased, we became stronger in our ability to be agile and flexible across all areas of the businesses.

We became increasingly open to change that included the successful renaming and rebranding of the factory in Albury as well as rebranding of the distributors in each of the states and their dealers spread across Australia.

Throughout the year we were reminded of the importance of being close and listening to our people and giving them the tools, support and space to thrive in unceasingly challenging times. The importance of understanding and nurturing relationships with key customers and suppliers was also a focus for us and our teams.

What were the highlights?

Highlights included:

• Embedding of the rebrand that was launched nationally in September 2021. The biggest changes were probably the factory adopting the new name of OTTICO Equipment, a new logo for SPITWATER, and the colour change for the SPITWATER high pressure cleaners from the traditional red to yellow.
• With the new factory name,  OTTI comes from the courage and tenacity of the founding Martinotti family and co from the collaborative and innovative company culture they created in setting up the factory in Albury NSW and building the brand and businesses in Australia.
• Having the new name, we are able to leverage our brands SPITWATER (high pressure cleaners), JETFIRE (space heaters) and the newly created VACSTORM (floor cleaning products), as well as create space for future new brands.
• The 40^th anniversary of manufacturing SPITWATER high pressure cleaners in Australia. This significant and joyous event was marked by a wonderful party in the countryside close to Albury at the end of November 2022.  There were over 100 key contributors in attendance including factory team members (past and present), representatives from each of the Australian distributors (including 25+ years team members), as well as key supplier representatives including a couple of whom flew in from Italy just for the party – testament to the strong and enduring partnerships formed with these companies over many decades.
• The relocation of SPITWATER NSW to impressive new premises in Wetherill Park, Sydney. Now located on busy Victoria Street, the Sydney office is the new benchmark for SPITWATER sales, service, hire and training nationally.
• The establishment and opening of a new SPITWATER sales and service centre on the Gold Coast.
• A new and improved way of doing business with our customers internally and externally, drawing on our strengths, experience, and new ways of thinking.
• SPITWATER Platinum Dealer Futures Forum in Albury in October 2022 encompassing a factory tour, introduction to new products, innovations and other strategic initiatives.

What were the challenges?

The factory and distributors experienced similar challenges to many other businesses around Australia and internationally.  For the factory, supply chain resilience was still difficult as was transportation, particularly from overseas.  Costs, infrequency of services and poor availability of space continues to be an issue.

Rising costs of raw materials has been challenging to manage as has the scarcity of talent locally, particularly skilled talent.  We are continually looking at how to overcome this and with our People & Talent Strategy, are starting to make inroads in this area with excellent new team members choosing to join us around the country.  Despite all the challenges, teams are working together well, the businesses are continuing to grow and we are feeling optimistic about the future.

What have been some of the learnings has the company taken from the past 12 months?

We have been reminded of the importance of a strong and well-balanced culture within the businesses.  We have been reminded of the importance of communications – communicating openly with our teams internally and with our strategic partners externally. We have learned the importance of valuing our strategic partners and of being valued by them.

We have learnt the strength of the company legacy as a building block to an exciting and strong future of opportunity for our people, our partners and our brands.

What do you see as the main challenges the market is facing in 2023?

Rising energy costs will continue to be a challenge to the market hence a shift to renewable energy sources in some industry sectors.  Floor care is one area where this will be seen.

Supply chain and logistics will continue to be a challenge. Managing procurement, improving forecasting, managing inventory, and nurturing key partnerships will all continue to contribute to successful outcomes.

Economic downturn is always a possibility of course.  It’s our job to continue to manufacture and provide quality products and to be the best at what we do whereby giving ourselves the greatest chance of success.

What are the company’s main priorities for 2023?

Our main priorities for 2023 include increasing production at the factory to meet market demand through various investments, engagements and initiatives, looking after and investing in our people, and creating better solutions for our customers.

What do you see as the big trends for 2023?

Innovation in providing smarter, more energy efficient (and efficient) cleaning solutions for customers.  In some industry sectors, battery technology will be a significant trend.

How do you see the cleaning industry evolving in 2023? 

We see the cleaning industry evolve towards improved safety and efficiency for the jobs that need to be performed.  This will be achieved through innovation in smart customer focused solutions and in some cases, the incorporation of renewable energy.

Is there a message you would like to share with the industry?

As an Australian manufacturer we have been innovating and providing opportunity to and supporting people and the economy locally and nationally for 40 years.

We are passionate about continuing this legacy for future generations.  We encourage all business owners and decision makers to support Australian manufacturers wherever possible and of course to consider us for their cleaning solutions!

Our new brand promise to our customers of Tough + Ready embodies who we are and what we do.

Tough identifies the passion and persistence we bring to everything we do and every product we manufacture. Like us, our products are resilient. They are made from the ground up to be tough.

Ready speaks to our commitment to building connections that will build confidence in others.  Like us, our products are always ready to step up. When you need us, we are always at the ready.

SPITWATER is passionate, proud, and persistent and we are looking forward with optimism to 2023 and beyond.

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