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Navigating market challenges with Continental

Continental’s expertise in rubber continues to give rise to innovative industrial hose solutions for the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

Finding the right industrial hose can be a daunting task in the face of regulatory compliance requirements and the glut of options on offer. But making the right selection will ultimately benefit a company in the long run.

Something that the experts at Continental are keenly aware.

Continental has been a key player in the Australian industrial hose market, renowned for its high-quality products and dedication to innovation.

It’s range of specialised hoses, such as the Vintner and Extreme Flex Beverage and Milk hoses, ensures compliance with food safety standards and supports efficient, hygienic processing.

The company’s reputation, particularly within the food and beverage manufacturing industry, is a testament to its commitment to excellence.

“We’ve been a major player in the industrial hose market here in Australia and have built a strong reputation within the food and beverage industry for the quality of our products,” said Lee Cranswick, head of Sales Distribution – AUS/NZ, Industrial Solutions APAC, ContiTech.

ContiTech is a division of Continental that specialises in the development and production of high-performance industrial products and solutions.

At the forefront of hose technology, Continental continues to set high standards with products like the Extreme Flex Petrol & Oil and Extremeflex Versiflo hoses.

These hoses, designed for petroleum and water suction and discharge, have remained in high demand.

Both Continental’s Extreme Flex Petrol & Oil and Extremeflex Versiflo industrial hoses are engineered for top-tier performance in challenging environments where flexibility and durability are essential, along with versatility and reliable fluid handling in a variety of industrial applications.

“We still lead the world in quality and performance,” said Cranswick.

However, the industrial hose sector is currently facing challenges. 

Economic downturns in various countries and a softening market have impacted the industry.

Amid these challenges, Continental’s focus remains on the quality and innovation of its products rather than competing on price.

Continental’s sales team prides itself on explaining not just the features of its products, but how these features translate into practical benefits for customers.

For example, the Vintner hose, with its monofilament helix, is highlighted for its durability and resistance to crushing in tight spaces.

“In tight spaces, like those found in many start-up breweries, the monofilament helix allows the hose to bounce back into shape if it’s run over by a forklift,” said Cranswick.

Similarly, the Easy Clean beverage hose is designed for environments where frequent cleaning is necessary. 

Its cover facilitates easy cleaning, making it suitable for settings where hygiene is crucial.

“Our hoses can be wiped down or washed off and used in different areas without worry,” said Cranswick.

Continental’s commitment to advanced technology is also evident in products like the washdown, and some of their food and beverage transfer hoses, featuring Microban cover technology.

Microban cover technology is an advanced antimicrobial treatment integrated into the outer cover of
its hoses. 

The technology is designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew on the hose’s surface. 

This can be beneficial in maintaining cleanliness and extending the hose’s lifespan.

“A 30-metre assembly can be moved from one section to another without any risk of contamination, thanks to the Microban cover,” said Cranswick.

Despite a higher up front cost, Continental’s hoses offer long-term savings through durability and versatility.

While cheaper alternatives like PVC hoses exist, they come with trade-offs, particularly in temperature tolerance, as the PVC’s lower range makes it less suitable for high-temperature applications or wash downs.

“PVC hoses have a lower temperature range compared to rubber hoses,” said Cranswick.

A good example of Continental’s product value is a case study with an international airport terminal

When complaints about water taste were traced back to a low-quality PVC hose, Continental provided a high-quality alternative and immediately received positive feedback.

“We up sold the client to a fit for purpose hose, which had quite a significant cost difference but eliminated the issue” said Cranswick.

“This investment not only solved the taste issue but also highlighted the importance of choosing the right product for long-term satisfaction.”

Cranswick also underscored the significance of maintaining a good reputation.

“Issues like these can impact not just the product, but also the business’s reputation,” he said.

With heightened awareness of hygiene, especially in the food and beverage industry, the emphasis on quality and reliability becomes even more critical.

Continental’s dedication to premium quality is reflected in customer requests for specific products.

“When customers come to us with specific needs and ask for our brand, it’s a testament to our product quality,” said Cranswick.

The long-standing reputation of Continental’s range of products is an ongoing demonstration of the company’s commitment to excellence and meeting the unique needs of the industry.

Despite occasional challenges, Continental remains focused on delivering high-quality solutions.

“We’ve consistently had excellent products,” said Cranswick.

The company’s ongoing efforts to educate customers about its full range of offerings are also crucial in maintaining and enhancing its reputation while learning their exact needs.

Continental’s products are always designed to offer flexibility, durability, and ease of use, to help manufacturers maintain the quality and safety of their products while optimising
their operations.

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