From observation to innovation: The Modular Heavy-Duty Interior Conveyor that sets a new standard
The world of car wash systems is evolving rapidly – and staying ahead requires more than just improving existing technologies. Car Wash Transmissions (CWT) understands this better than anyone. What began with a specific customer request in Italy has grown into a revolutionary breakthrough: the development of an entirely new, heavy-duty modular interior conveyor concept that combines customization, innovation, and technical precision.
A challenge from Italy as a catalyst for innovation
After years of analyzing traditional interior conveyors, CWT was presented with a unique challenge: replace a 14-year-old, outdated interior conveyor at a car wash in Italy. The question: can it be done better? The answer: absolutely. With a team of engineers, designers, and skilled technicians, CWT developed a completely new system tailored to the client’s specific needs. But it didn’t stop there – the experience served as the launchpad for something much bigger.
From custom solution to modular vision
More and more frequently, clients began asking: “Can you also provide modular heavy-duty interior conveyor systems?” Under the leadership of Patrick Ketelaar (COO, Car Wash Transmissies) and Hans Ketelaar (CFO, K&W Beheer), the CWT team made a bold decision – rather than copy existing concepts, they pursued a radical innovation grounded in real-world practice and advanced engineering. The first step: listening. Not just to customers in Europe, but also in the U.S. What are the bottlenecks? What already works well? And where is the current market falling short of practical needs?
Collaborating with Industry Experts
To perfect the system down to the smallest detail, CWT partnered with top-tier companies like Ammeraal – manufacturer of one of the best modular belts on the market – and Maurice Piket Techniek, who contributed both practical experience and a complete electronic control system.
Technology as the foundation for innovation
The technical development focused on three pillars: dimensional stability, structural integrity, and durability. “A modular conveyor is essentially a looped drive system,” says Patrick Ketelaar. “We could immediately apply our specialized knowledge to that.”
The future of vehicles brings new demands
With the rise of electric vehicles – featuring heavier battery packs and larger dimensions – the average vehicle weight has increased significantly. CWT responded proactively with a modular heavy-duty interior conveyor, engineered for maximum load-bearing capacity. The system is built to handle the toughest real-world conditions, including electric SUVs, fully loaded vans, and pickup trucks. The engineering accounted for the heaviest vehicles currently in use, plus an additional 1.5x safety margin. The result: a robust, stable structure that ensures reliability, even in extreme environments. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), stress points and loads were precisely mapped. The outcome: a patented stress-absorbing frame that maintains shape under pressure and minimizes wear – a unique innovation within the industry.
Drive system with no compromises
The drive system received maximum attention as well. The main conveyor is powered by a robust motor and chain drive. A split main shaft with a gear coupling ensures perfect parallel motion without tension build-up, while vulcanized return rollers ensure quiet and stable operation.
Built for the future
The frame is constructed from galvanized, extra-heavy steel profiles that resist both internal stress and corrosion. Every detail was reviewed and improved – from profile selection to the return path. No compromises. No coincidences.
An investment that pays off
“An interior conveyor isn’t a cost – it’s a strategic investment.” For entrepreneurs aiming to grow, differentiate, and activate new revenue models, it’s a logical next step. The ROI comes not only from direct income – via premium interior cleaning – but also from increased customer satisfaction, faster processing times, more efficient staffing, and a stronger positioning as a high-end car wash. With an interior conveyor, it’s not just the car that comes out cleaner – the business model becomes smarter too.
Raising the bar higher than ever
CWT’s mission is clear: to create the best interior conveyor on the market. One that unites practical experience, customization, and technical innovation. And according to all involved, they’ve succeeded. “What started as a project in Italy has evolved into a completely new system that is setting a new industry standard,” says Hans Ketelaar. “But the final verdict, as always, lies with the customer.” “Everything works fine here, the belt seems to work well and I'm very happy about that. Yesterday was a non-stop day for the belt with 250 cleanings inside cars and everything worked fine.” (Feedback from the car wash owner)
Exterior Conveyor: The next logical step for CWT
With the introduction of the modular heavy-duty interior conveyor, CWT has made a solid move toward the future of car wash systems. But to remain a market leader, one must look further ahead. The next question is already being asked: “Is now the time to develop our own modular exterior conveyor?” The answer is clear: “The foundation is already in place.” The knowledge gained in drive technology, frame construction, modular systems, and load calculations is directly applicable to the development of a high-end modular exterior conveyor. The ongoing collaborations with technology partners also provide a solid base for continued innovation. Moreover, demand for complete solutions is growing. Entrepreneurs want full-service solutions – a single provider for the entire system, from entry to drying zone. By developing their own modular exterior conveyor, CWT can offer a fully integrated, seamless system: one vision, one system, one point of contact.
Spotless inside… and now outside too
And that next step has already been taken: the first orders for CWT’s newly developed modular heavy-duty conveyor systems are in. The future has begun.
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