Airdri Hand Dryers - an update

We know that Airdri hand dryers are a firm favourite with our customers – and once people have experienced them, they frequently come back again and again. So the other day  when we met Ashley Hart (the new Sales Manager at Airdri) we asked him about the recent changes in the company and what this means for Airdri users in the future:

There have been a lot of changes at Airdri recently – can you tell us a little about them?

Airdri marks its 40th year this year. It has always been a privately owned business.  Sadly the two owners and founders of the company – both engineers – died last year and the company passed to their children. Bruce Philipps has taken up the role of Managing Director and his brother, Toby, is now the Chairman. It’s certainly true to say that their appointments have inspired a great many changes. Their wish to carry on their father’s legacy and to grow the company significantly worldwide has meant a number of new board appointments including those of Group Commercial Director and Group Operations Director.  Continuity is key and the new appointments ensure that Airdri can continue to innovate and deliver quality in all that it does.

As part of Airdri’s global growth strategy, we have now opened an Airdri office in Guangzhou, China close to our manufacturing facility. From this office we will be better able to store and distribute our products and also welcome our customers in China.

Airdri products have a great reputation in the market – how do you think they score over the competition?

Yes, Airdri products have a good reputation. They are extremely reliable and reliability drives reputation.  The life expectancy of an Airdri fast-dry hand dryer is 6 times that of any other model in the same category and servicing is both easy and quick – it can take as little as three minutes!  We also believe that we have raised the bar in hand dryer manufacturing where sound is concerned. Airdri was the first in the fast dry category to be awarded the UK Noise Abatement Society’s Quiet Mark for its Quartz model and now has 4 dryers boasting the accolade as it is committed to reduced sound in its ongoing hand dryer development.

Are you more successful in particular market sectors?

No one sector in particular although the life expectancy of our dryers is extremely appealing to washroom services companies as it translates into greater ROI. Our dryers will easily last for the length of an average 5 year contract so, once paid for, the dryer represents clear profit!  Airdri also manufacturers on behalf of a number of partner companies applying their branding to our models. These companies have chosen Airdri models over other manufacturers for the qualities which have become synonymous with the Airdri brand – energy efficiency, reliability and reduced sound – and chosen Airdri because they are assured of innovation in its product development and exemplary customer service.

What’s behind the range name change?

Airdri is committed to a robust product development programme and, as we move forward and add new models into our hand dryer range it seemed the right time to introduce a new naming strategy encouraging recognition of an Airdri model within the marketplace. 2014 seemed an excellent time to launch the new naming strategy as part of our 40^th year celebrations.  The ‘Q’ strategy lends itself perfectly to the promotion of the Quiet Mark which will be a feature of all future Airdri hand dryers.

What’s coming up next for Airdri?

Airdri has also created the new post of Research and Development Director to spearhead its future product development programme.  Two new hand dryer models will be launched later next month with another already in development for launch Q4 2015.   The company is committed to a continuous programme of innovative product development – both hand dryers and elevator door detection systems. Formula Systems, part of The Airdri Group, is currently developing new elevator products which will take the company into new markets.

Until now, Airdri has managed the sales of its edge products only from its North American operation. From September 2014 the Chicago office will also be engaged in hand dryer sales and has recently appointed a hand dryer sales manager to join the North America team.

 Need any more info on the Airdri products? Give us a call on 01934 253600.