The BarGuard
System is an
automatic
beverage tube
cleaning program
that increases
beverage quality
and customer
satisfaction.
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Europe achieved steady growth as sales rose
8%, driven by strong product offerings, crossdivisional
distributor partnerships, a pan-European approach to offset sluggish markets
in the central regions and a Pest Elimination
acquisition that bolstered the product
portfolio. The Middle East and Africa
businesses posted moderate growth despite
turbulence in some areas.
Institutional sales showed solid growth,
leveraging successful product launches
including X-Streamtec, a revolutionary new
warewashing system, and BarGuard, the
world's first fully automated beer and
beverage line cleaning system. Institutional
also boosted growth in the independent
restaurant segment.
Food & Beverage sales rose, benefiting
from ongoing success with existing
products and innovative new introductions
such as Oxysan ZS, a disinfectant for
brewery, beverage and dairy customers.
Professional Products
helped offset the
effects of industry-wide
consolidation with
successful new product
initiatives, including
Phazer, a mobile floor
finishing system that
features a backpack and
microfiber applicator to
dramatically increase
efficiency, and Healthguard, a
hospital cleaning system that improves
hygiene, ergonomics and productivity.
Textile Care secured major customers with
its popular Aquamiser, an efficient water
reuse system that reduces water
consumption, and Energy Optimizer, a selfcleaning
heat exchange system that helps
reduce energy costs.
Healthcare's solid growth, led by the United
Kingdom and Germany, was driven by
success with government contracts and
geographic expansion.
Pest Elimination expanded its international
presence through the acquisitions of
Nigiko, a $55 million Paris-based
commercial provider, and Elimco, a $4
million South African provider, as Ecolab
continues to bring its proven premium
service to new global markets with good
growth potential.
Europe foresees continued growth in 2005 on
the strength of new product launches,
increased headcount, corporate account gains
and cross-divisional distributor relationships.
Key Institutional programs such as BarGuard
are expected to grow business with
independent restaurants, and
foodservice distributor
relationships will be aggressively
expanded. The division also plans
to focus on healthcare
opportunities such as nursing
homes and clean rooms.
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