How was 2022 for Polivac? What were the highlights? What were the challenges?

2022 was another good year for Polivac. Many of the challenges we have faced as an industry since the beginning of the pandemic remained throughout 2022, such as increased product and freight costs and staff shortages, but despite these challenges we managed to have a strong sales year and I’m proud of how our team continues to adapt.

Another challenge was keeping up with increased in product demand, however, our supply and production strategy ensures that we always hold a high volume of local stock so that we can deliver for our customers without any delays or disruptions.

During the year we also upgraded our manufacturing software to a more streamlined system, and we implemented QR codes across our entire product range, giving customers instant access to more in-depth, product information.

What are Polivac’s main priorities for 2023?

Our new product launches will be our main priority for 2023. We’re currently developing several new products, including a battery-operated carpet machine, which we’re aiming to launch in the middle of next year.

We’re also developing a new, high speed burnisher. We’re always looking at ways to improve our offering for our customers, whether it’s new features to existing equipment or launching new products. We will also increase our office space in Melbourne this year to keep up with demand.

What do you expect to be the big trends of 2023?

Product manufacturers need to be willing to innovative. At Polivac, our focus is on building safe, operator-friendly, environmentally friendly, and recyclable machines. Customers are now demanding speed and efficiency from their products. They are moving towards battery-operated equipment and quieter machines.

Because of these product trends, we are always looking at ways to make our machines more ergonomic, efficient, and easy for operators to use. Our customers have also been asking us for other products outside of our current lines so we’re currently looking into new products such as stick vacuums.

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

Every company must maintain and deliver high quality customer service. Manufacturers need to focus on using machines incorporated with advanced technology and provide employees with continuous training to provide top-quality results and help save time, energy, and money. I think it’s also important to remember that competition in the industry is healthy – it keeps everyone on their toes and prepared for whatever is thrown at you.

What advice would you give to fellow leaders in the cleaning industry?

Manufacturers need to focus on innovation. Innovation is the key to surviving and succeeding. So, invest time and money in research and development, and remember it is a continuous process. We also need to work together as an industry. We welcome competition in the industry and believe that it is a key driver for innovation. We always try to have good relationships with our competitors, and we believe that competition keeps up always innovating and wanting to do better.

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

Keep it clean – be open to friendly competition. And remember to continue to build and nurture your relationships with your suppliers and customers.

This first appeared in the January/February 2023 issue of INCLEAN magazine. 

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