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Wet Cleaning Equipment Report
A report on washers, dryers, finishing equipment, and detergents for machine-based professional wet cleaning
by Anthony Star and Cindy Vasquez
May 1997
This report was prepared entirely by the Center for Neighborhood Technology 2125 West North Avenue Chicago, IL 60647
Wet Cleaning Hotline: 773/278-4800 ext. 299
Table of Contents
Introduction
Wet Cleaning Machines Aqua Clean Aquatex Böwe Permac Daewoo Marvel Milnor UniMac Size Comparison Chart
Finishing Equipment Aqua Clean High-Steam Sankosha Veit
Detergents Adco Aqua Clean Aquatex Büfa Caled Daewoo EnviroSafe Fabritec Gurtler Laidlaw R.R. Streets Royaltone Stamford Soap Comparison Chart
Introduction
Professional wet cleaning can be called something old and something new. Cleaning in water has always been part of the repertoire of professional cleaners. The ability to clean a large portion of clothes in water in an economically viable way became possible with the development of machine based wet cleaning. By reducing reliance on perchloroethylene -- the most commonly used dry cleaning solvent - wet cleaning can reduce concerns regarding environmental and health impacts of the garment-cleaning industry. It can help dry cleaners provide their customers with high quality service while avoiding the burdens of regulation and liability.
Wet cleaning machines are a new line of high-tech commercial washing and drying machines that increase the range of dry clean only garments that can be cleaned in water. Wet cleaning processes include these computer-controlled washing and drying machines and professional, labor-intensive techniques which control factors, such as mechanical action and temperature, that can cause shrinkage.
Wet cleaning is a process that requires skill, experience, and knowledge- with a dose of experimentation for best results. With machine wet cleaning, several machine manufacturers believe that the essential components of a quality wet cleaning system should include: a high tech washer, the specifically formulated wet cleaning detergents/ chemicals, a high tech dryer, and proper training, cleaning skills, and knowledge of fabrics and fabricare.
This report covers the equipment currently on the United States market. It is divided into three sections. The first section covers washers and dryers, the second section, finishing equipment, and the third section, detergents and other chemicals.
With many new products being released at the Clean Show in June, 1997, complete information and pricing was not available on all products.
Acknowledgments
This report was prepared by Research/Outreach Associate Anthony Star. It was based upon previous editions by Cynthia Vasquez. CNT would like to thank representatives of all the companies for their assistance with information. Partial funding for this report comes from the United State Environmental Protection Agency Design for the Environment project.
Disclaimer
The Center for Neighborhood Technology compiled this information on the features and costs of wet cleaning machines which are presently on the U.S. market. The finding are summarized in this report. This document is not an endorsement of machine based wet cleaning, nor does it include a qualitative evaluation of wet cleaning machines. It is strictly a compilation of information obtained from each company featured.
Return to Table of Contents
Wet Cleaning Machines
In machine based wet cleaning technology is harnessed to make washers and dryers with precise controls, chemicals optimized for cleaning in water, and tensioning finishing equipment to restore the proper size and shape to garments.
The machines in this report share many common features. Computer control, programmability and other similar features are the essential components of these machines. Manufacturers have adopted different strategies for their equipment. Some offer a full package system of washer and dryer (and also offer the chemicals and finishing equipment) while others sell components and allow the professional cleaner to put together a system tailored to their needs. The machines span a wide range of sizes. There are inexpensive machines designed to supplement dry cleaning to large systems for heavy production loads. There is no one best way for wet cleaning. The diversity of equipment now on the market allows the cleaner who is considering wet cleaning to shop among brands, technologies and scales. It is the position of CNT and the discovery of many cleaners around the world that wet cleaning is an effective, viable technology. It is up to the individual cleaner to decide what selection of equipment and chemical is appropriate for their particular shop.
When considering the investment in any of this equipment, a cleaner should be sure to try to see the equipment in use first hand. Ask a dealer for a demonstration, inquire about other local cleaners using the machine for references, or attend trade shows or seminars.
Note
In wet cleaning machines, load capacity in practice depends upon whether the operator is doing wet cleaning, washing (i.e., regular laundry), shirt laundry, or leather and suede cleaning. For those articles which are highly sensitive to mechanical action, actual load capacity is often only 50% of stated maximum capacity. The capacity will differ between manufacturers and machine size. Where possible this report lists the recommended wet cleaning capacity.
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Aqua Clean
Manufactured in Sweden and Denmark by Wascator/Electrolux.
|
Model
|
Capacity (lbs.)
|
Drum RPM
|
Extract G
|
|
Mini Aqua Clean
|
12
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
System 15
|
15
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
System 30S, 30G
|
18
|
24-950
|
40-310
|
|
System 50/30S, 50/30G, 50S, 50G
|
30
|
24-850
|
40-300
|
|
System 80S, 80G
|
50
|
24-650
|
40-220
|
|
EX90
|
70
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
Key Features Aqua Clean sells complete packages consisting of both a washer and dryer. They also sell finishing equipment and their own line of wet cleaning chemicals. Washers feature frequency controlled motor, which allows operator to change speeds/mechanical action of the drum quickly and efficiently. Machines come with programs preloaded and new programs may be added by the user, up to a maximum of 90. Average wash cycle in 25 minutes, longest is 35 minutes. Average drying cycle is 15 minutes. Dryers are available with either gas and steam heat. Model names are indicated by either G or S. Dryers feature Residual Moisture Control (RMC) sensors which directly measure garment moisture 400 times per second for precise drying. Dryers have up to eight preset programs plus manual cycle options. Aqua Clean provides hands-on training with the purchase of each machine and additional marketing and promotional support.
Notes on Specific Models The Mini Aqua Clean model is designed to have the dryer stacked on top of the washer and fits into only four square feet of floor space. Aqua Clean offers a one year trade-up credit program which allows purchasers of this system to apply the purchase price to a larger machine if they decide to expand their wet cleaning capacity. The 30 lb. models are distinguished by the size of the dryer. The 30/50 systems have a 30 lb. dryer, the 50 systems, a 50 lb. dryer. The EX90 washer is paired with 2 50 lb. dryers.
Pricelist Mini Aqua Clean n/a System 15 n/a System 30S $22,730 System 30G $22,020 System 50/30S $26,165 System 50/30G $25,450 System50S $34,605 System50G $31,640 System 80S $36,380 System 80G $33,475 EX90 Washer n/a
Options:
Base recycling tank for 30 & 50 systems $4,020
Machines without base tanks may have prefabricated steel base to raise washer 6 inches. System 30 $353.75 System 50 $376.75
Contact Aqua Clean Systems, Inc. 469 Doughty Blvd. PO Box 960338 Inwood, NY 11096-0338
Phone: 516-371-4513 or 800-381-7222 Fax: 516-372-4204
Return to Table of Contents
Aquatex
Washer manufactured in Belgium by IPSO, dryer in the US by American Dryer, drying cabinet in England by Evapoform.
|
Model
|
Capacity (lbs.)
|
Drum RPM
|
Extract G
|
|
AQW3050
|
30
|
10-50,250-1000
|
383 max.
|
|
AQW4065
|
40
|
10-50,250-1000
|
383 max.
|
|
AQW75125
|
75
|
10-50,250-1000
|
383 max.
|
Key Features Aquatex sells complete systems consisting of both a washer, dryer and detergent stand. An additional drying cabinet is also available to supplement the dryer. Machines come with 10 programs and the ability to create 30 additional programs Average wash cycle is 20 minutes. Dryers are available with either gas or electric heat. Humidity sensors measure both garments and ambient room humidity. Dyer has six programmable cycles. Cycles range from 15 to 30 minutes. Dryer temperature is reduced as humidity decreases.
Pricelist Prices were not available from Aquatex.
Contact Aquatex PO Box 1322 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Phone: 800-727-1592 Fax: 319-366-8941
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Böwe Permac
Manufactured in Switzerland by Schulthess.
|
Model
|
Capacity (lbs.)
|
Drum RPM
|
Extract G
|
|
Wash 150
|
25
|
20-1050
|
380
|
|
Wash 200
|
35
|
20-950
|
400
|
Key Features Böwe Permac sells complete packages consisting of both a washer and dryer. They also sell chemicals and Veit finishing equipment. Washers come with 19 standard programs, 12 special commercial programs and room for 87 additional programs. Washers feature 3 pump automatic injection system. Dryers are steam heated and feature fuzzy logic and residual moisture control sensors. Air is recirculated.
Pricelist Wash 150 $23,700 Wash 200 $32,100
Options:
Single reuse tank for Wash 150 $2,696 Double reuse tank for Wash 150 $4,850 Single reuse tank for Wash 200 $2,995 Double reuse tank for Wash 200 $5,295 Circulation Pump $1,285 Door Pump with Spray $1,225
Contact Böwe Permac 13628 Beta Road Suite B Dallas, TX 75244
Phone: 972-503-1998 or 800-287-0870 Fax: 972-503-3311
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Daewoo
Manufactured in Korea.
|
Model
|
Capacity (lbs.)
|
Drum RPM
|
Extract G
|
|
DWF-1088PA
|
24
|
160/770
|
n/a
|
|
DWF-9290PA
|
20
|
160/770
|
n/a
|
|
DWF-5590PA
|
12
|
145/780
|
n/a
|
Key Features Daewoo only sells a washer. Special chemicals are also available. Washer fits into approximately 4 square feet. Daewoo washers use what the company calls "air bubble power" in which air bubbles pumped through the base of the drum provide vertical water flow while the pulsator provides reverse flow. 7-8 programs are included.
Notes on Specific Models DWF-1088PA and DWF 9290PA allow programming by the user and have steel cabinets.
Pricelist DWF-1088PA $1,099 DWF-9290PA $949 DWF-5590PA $599
Contact CNA, Inc. 1113 Salem Drive Schaumburg, IL 60194
Phone: 847-885-3600 Fax: 8470885-3672
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Marvel
Manufactured in the US.
|
Model
|
Capacity (lbs.)
|
Drum RPM
|
Extract G
|
|
ADS 40#
|
40
|
24-600
|
98/193
|
|
ADS 60#
|
60
|
24-600
|
115/170
|
|
ADS 10#
|
100
|
24-600
|
28/111
|
Key Features Marvel sells the "AquaDry" washer which features a built-in drying system. The Marvel system eliminates the need to transfer clothes from the washer to dryer by processing the clothes in one unit. Microprocessor controlled. May be reprogrammed on a personal computer. Two temperature gauges for adjustable drying settings.
Pricelist ADS 40# $20,995 ADS 60# $23,995 ADS 100# $29,995
Options:
Thermometer $175 Alarm $130 Steam Injection $515 Extra Supply $310 Two Thermal Fills $460
Contact Marvel Manufacturing 5922 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210-344-8551 or 800-487-1326 Fax: 210-344-3004
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Milnor
Manufactured in the US.
|
Model
|
Capacity (lbs.)
|
Drum RPM
|
Extract G
|
|
30022 F8W
|
55
|
5-40/200-835
|
297 max.
|
Key Features Milnor sells both a washer and a dryer. 100 programs available, 98 are user-programmable. Programmable temperature control Options include water/chemical recirculation, overhead water reuse tank, five compartment flushing supply injector, electric heating cooldown.
Pricelist 30022 F8W $17,245 Dryer $7,816
Contact Pellerin Milnor PO Box 400 Kenner, LA 70063
Phone: 504-467-9591 Fax: 504-468-9307
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UniMac
Manufactured in USA
|
Model
|
Capacity (lbs.)
|
Drum RPM
|
Extract G
|
|
UF18
|
10
|
86-1080
|
350 max.
|
|
UF35
|
20
|
69-960
|
350 max.
|
|
UW35
|
20
|
65-795
|
350 max.
|
|
UF50
|
25
|
65-900
|
350 max.
|
|
UW60
|
30
|
65-720
|
350 max.
|
|
UF85
|
45
|
63-825
|
350 max.
|
|
UW85
|
45
|
70-580
|
350 max.
|
|
UW125
|
65
|
62-580
|
350 max.
|
|
UF135
|
70
|
55-715
|
350 max.
|
|
UF250
|
125
|
55-650
|
350 max.
|
Key Features UniMac sells both washers and dryers, but does not specifically package them together. UF models are softmounted, UW models have a rigid mount. 39 programmable cycles, 7 programmable wash actions, 3 programmable water levels, 2 programmable wash speeds, 4 programmable extract options, 8 liquid supply signals, programmable heat option. UniMac recommends consulting with chemical suppliers for programming advice. Wash cycles range from 15 to 40 minutes. Washer options include: water reclaimation module, water recirculation module, starch dispenser module, and spray impregnation module. Dryer available in either steam or electric heating. Dryers have 10 levels of dryness Drying cycles range from 8 to 35 minutes. Dryer options include: reversing cylinder, stainless steel cylinder and stainless steel panels.
Pricelist Washers: UF18 $4,352 UF35 $10,332 UW35 $8,373 UF50 $12,980 UW60 $9,191 UF85 $14,167 UW85 $19,609 UW125 $19,791 UF135 $30,340 UF250 $50,480
Dryers: DTB35 $2,594 DTB50 $2,896 DTB75 $3,489 DTB120 $7.429
Contact UniMac 3595 Industrial Park Drive Marianna, FL 32446-9458
Phone: 414-4267 Fax: 414-748-4590
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Wet Cleaning Machines Size Comparison Chart
|
Lbs
|
Aqua Clean
|
Aquatex
|
Böwe Permac
|
Daewoo
|
Marvel
|
Milnor
|
UniMac
|
|
10-19
|
Mini 15 30/SG
|
|
|
5590PA
|
|
|
UF18
|
|
20-29
|
|
|
Wash 150
|
9290PA 1088PA
|
|
|
UF35 UW35 UF50
|
|
30-39
|
50/30S&G 50S&G
|
AQW3050
|
Wash 200
|
|
|
|
UW60
|
|
40-49
|
|
AQW4065
|
|
|
ADS 40#
|
|
UF85 UW85
|
|
50-59
|
80S, 80G
|
|
|
|
|
30022 F8W
|
|
|
60-69
|
|
|
|
|
ADS 60#
|
|
UW125
|
|
70-79
|
EX90
|
AQW7512 5
|
|
|
|
|
UF135
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
ADS 100#
|
|
|
|
125
|
UF250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return to Table of Contents
Finishing Equipment
While some equipment companies say their machines work with standard pressing equipment, tensioning finishing equipment is increasingly recognized as an essential component of wet cleaning. Performance tests have shown that wet cleaning is effective in the actual cleaning of clothes, but that dimensional change (shrinking and stretching) can be a problem. The increased labor costs associated with proper finishing of clothes can increase the cost of wet cleaning and make it not financially comparable to dry cleaning. Tensioning equipment can provide a means to reduce the labor costs of finishing clothes.
There are two main types of tensioning equipment, form finishers and pants toppers. Both pieces of equipment function by using steam to relax fibers, moving parts to stretch and shape clothes and hot air to dry.
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Aqua Clean
Apollo Multifinisher
40 programs can be permanently stored to process different types of garments. Aqua Clean claims 40 jackets per hour. Shoulder device can be exchanged for a waist form for the finishing of skirts. Steam is injected into the garment while tensioning devices reform the garment. The steam cycle is followed by hot air to dry the fabric. Steam pressure: 79 PSI (max)
Zeus Pants Topper
Microprocessor controlled.
Contact Aqua Clean Systems, Inc. 469 Doughty Blvd. PO Box 960338 Inwood, NY 11096-0338
Phone: 516-371-4513 or 800-381-7222 Fax: 516-372-4204
Return to Table of Contents
High-Steam
Hi-Steam sells a "European Finishing Center" which includes a tensioning form finisher, a tensioning pants topper and a finishing board.
JAM500 Tensioning Form Finisher
Telescoping Form-Adjusts in height to allow for finishing of long garments and overcoats. Front and rear blades along with inside expanders-Hold the garment in the proper position and shape. 3 Timers-Steam, Steam/Air, and Air cycles with the variable cycle times. Automatic tensioning-at start of steam cycle the form raises slightly to put the garment under tension. Foot Pedal Controls-Allows both hands free for proper positioning of garment. Steam Pressure: 60-90 PSI Air Pressure: 90-125 PSI
PAM200 Tensioning Pants Topper
Waistband Tensioning Device.
Adjustable Cuff Clamps, Inside Cuff Expanders. Electronic Program Controls- Can program Steam, Steam/Air and Air cycle times. Automatic Tensioning- At the start of the steam cycle the pants are placed under tension. Steam Pressure: 60-90 PSI Air Pressure: 90-125 PSI
Contact Hi-Steam 610 Washington Avenue Carldstadt, NJ 07072
Phone: 201-560-9333 Fax: 201-460-3578
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Sankosha
CN-50 Automated Form Finisher
Sankosha claims that a garment may be finished in 40 seconds. The form height is adjustable to suit various types of garments and adjustment of garment on the form is easy to do. Button Control- Once garment is on the form, front and back clamping, upward and sideways stretching are in automatic operation. Steam, Steam-air and drying time set by button control. Form Height selection 9 increments. 3 modes: No sideways stretching; Before and after steaming the form is stretched up in 2 steps; Steam-air is eliminated. Steam: 71 PSI Air: 71 PSI
CN-200 Panther Press
Combination pants topper and legger.
Contact Sankosha USA Inc. 1715 Elmhurst Road Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: 847-427-9120 Fax: 847-427-9634
Return to Table of Contents
Veit
8355 & 8360 Multiform
Pneumatic height adjustment. Easy garment positioning is granted by a suction facility in the hem area. Lateral slide, clamps and height controlled separately. Removable lapel clamp with height adjustment and long pressure clamp are included. Base unit with strong, adjustable fan and bust, can be turned through 180°. Controls on a separate stand.
Accessories: Sleeve tensioners. Sleeve fix, small and large sizes Cabin. Creates less condensate, no steam escapes during the finishing process
8705 & 8710 Trouser Topper
Veit claims 125 parts per hour output. Excellent, condensate-free steam provided by integrated steam reheater. Optimal steam distribution through double steam nozzles. Times for steam, steam/air and air can be adjusted separately to give good finishing with all types of materials.
Contact Böwe Permac 13628 Beta Road Suite B Dallas, TX 75244
Phone: 972-503-1998 or 800-287-0870 Fax: 972-503-3311
Return to Table of Contents
Detergents
A wide range of detergents and other chemicals for wet cleaning are now available. Some products are marketed with wet cleaning machines while others may be purchased from distributors or directly from the manufacturer. The typical chemicals used in wet cleaning include spotting agents, detergents, fabric conditioners and sizing products. Because wet cleaning will handle water and oil based stains differently then dry cleaning, the process of treating stains will require different chemicals and process. Some of these products were originally designed for laundry and hand washing and have been adapted to machine based wet cleaning. Others have been specifically formulated for wet cleaning.
Cleaners particularly concerned with the complete elimination of toxic and hazardous chemicals from the cleaning process may wish to ask for Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) from the supplier. These information sheets will provide information on specific chemicals, and risks associated with the use of a product. Some of the chemicals listed here are completely non-toxic while others contain small amounts of hazardous substances.
Professional wet cleaning is most successful when specially formulated detergents and chemicals are used. In the early days of wet cleaning, cleaners had a limited selection of soaps to choose from. As the popularity of wet cleaning has increased, there is now a strong line-up of products available.
Return to Table of Contents
Adco
- Wetcleaning Detergent
- Wetcleaning Sizing and Conditioner
- Wetcleaning Combo
Contact Adco PO Box 999 Sedalia, MO 65302-0999
Phone: 800-821-7556
Aqua Clean The following products are available to owners of Aqua Clean systems:
- Aquasafe Detergent.
- Prefinish Conditioner.
- Dye Fixer.
- Suedesoft. Leather and suede cleaner.
Contact Aqua Clean Systems, Inc. 469 Doughty Blvd. PO Box 960338 Inwood, NY 11096-0338
Phone: 516-371-4513 or 800-381-7222 Fax: 516-372-4204
Aquatex Aquatex detergents have been specially developed to work in conjunction with the system. These include detergents for cleaning, finishing, leather detergent and finish, stain removal agents and specialized finishes for flame resistance and water resistance. When a cleaner buys the Aquatex system, these products are available for purchase.
Contact Aquatex PO Box 1322 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Phone: 800-727-1592 Fax 319-366-8941
Büfa
- Oldopal Prefinish.
- Oldopal Basic. Detergent.
- Oldopal L. Detergent.
- Oldopal W. Detergent.
- Oldopal Forte.
- Detafix-Set. Stain remover.
- Terasit + Scotchgard. Fabric Finish.
Contact Böwe Permac 13628 Beta Road Suite B Dallas, TX 75244
Phone: 972-503-1998 or 800-287-0870 Fax: 972-503-3311
Caled
- Detergent
- Flame retardant
- Fabric protector
Spotting agents:
- Zuds.
- Tan-e-cal/Tanpan.
- Prote-cal.
Contact Caled-Signal Corp. 26 Hanes Dr. Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone: 800-OK-CALED
Daewoo
- Dryten. Detergent for wool and silk
Contact CNA, Inc. 1113 Salem Drive Schaumburg, IL 60194
Phone: 847-885-3600 Fax: 8470885-3672
EnviroSafe
Contact Envirosafe Wet-Cleaning Technologies 130 Morristown Road Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Phone: 908-766-3700 Fax: 908-766-7054
Fabritec
- Gentle Tex. Detergent.
- Versa Tex. Detergent.
- Conditionit. Conditioner.
These products are sold directly to dry cleaners on a selective basis. Fabritec also sells products under the Sanitone line.
Contact Fabritec 200 Industrial Road Cold Spring, KY 41076
Phone: 606-781-8200 or 800-543-0406 Fax: 606-781-8280
Gurtler
- Easiclean. Detergent.
- Dis-it. Stain remover.
- Softfab. Fabric softener.
- Handle. Sizing product.
Contact Gurtler Chemicals Inc. 15475 South LaSalle St. South Holland, IL. 60473
Phone: 708-331-2550 or 800-638-7300
Laidlaw
- Laundry Wetspo. Prespotter.
- Powerbrite. Detergent.
- Soft N' Brite. Detergent.
- Softenall. Fabric softener.
- Aquasize. Sizing product.
Contact Laidlaw Corp. 1212 E. 5th St. Metropolis, IL 62960
Phone: 800-851-7731
R.R. Streets The Hydrocare system includes:
- Detergent.
- Retexturizing Finish.
- Fabric Conditioner.
- Universal Pre-Treatment.
Contact R.R. Street & Co. 184 Shuman Boulevard Naperville, IL 60563-8464
Phone: 630-416-4244 Fax: 630-416-4150
Royaltone
- Spot Plus. Spray spotter.
- Spot Magic. POG spotter.
- Blood Magic. protein spotter.
- Stain Magic. Tannin spotter.
- Ink Magic. Ink remover.
- Soil Magic. Detergent and conditioner.
- Magic Kote. Repellent conditioner.
Contact Royaltone PO Box 35949 Tulsa, OK 74153
Phone: 918-663-9666 or 800-331-5506 Fax: 918-665-6017
Stamford
- Laundry pre-spotter.
- DLD. Detergent.
- Wetcleen. Detergent.
- Conditioner.
Contact Stamford 200 Industrial Road Cold Spring, KY 41076
Phone: 606-781-8200 or 800-543-0406 Fax: 606-781-8280
Soap/Chemical Comparison Chart
|
|
Spotting Agent
|
Detergent
|
Conditioner
|
Sizing
|
Other
|
|
Adco
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
Aqua Clean
|
|
X
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
Aquatex
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
Büfa
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
Caled
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
Daewoo
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
EnviroSafe
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
Fabritec
|
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
|
Gurtler
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
Laidlaw
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
R.R. Streets
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
Royaltone
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
Stamford
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
|