RYCO Filters named in Top 10 most innovative companies

This is the third straight year the company has been recognised in this way

RYCO Filters has again been honoured to be recognised as one of Australia and New Zealand’s Most Innovative Companies. The prestigious annual list, published by The Australian Financial Review and Boss Magazine, is based on a rigorous assessment process managed by Australia’s leading innovation consultancy, Inventium, in conjunction with a panel of industry expert judges. RYCO says it was honoured to be ranked second on this year’s Manufacturing and Consumer Goods list, with over 700 nominated organisations across Australia and New Zealand in this year’s awards. The assessment measures a top innovation implemented in the past two years. Specifically, the judges look at how valuable the problem is that the innovation is solving, the quality and uniqueness of the solution being provided, and the level of impact that the innovation is having in the market. Inventium also assess internal elements such as innovation culture, strategy, resources and process, which demonstrate a sustainable and repeatable approach to innovation. RYCO Filters says it is thrilled to be recognised in second place this year for its innovation with Cabin Air Filters. The RYCO MicroShield N99 Cabin Air Filters are a medical-grade face mask for a vehicle’s cabin. In a world-first, RYCO explains that MicroShield N99 brings ‘medical-grade’ air filtration to vehicles, protecting the health and safety of occupants from hazardous pollution, allergens, bacteria, and viruses with a fine-particle filter suitable for most of Australia’s and New Zealand vehicles. The MicroShield N99 Filter filters outside air before it can enter the vehicle cabin and occupants’ airways, replacing existing largeparticle dust filters with a unique integrated fine-particle filter comprising an anti-viral and bacterial pre-filter to eliminate biological agents; an activated carbon barrier to remove chemicals and odours; a electrostatically-charged nano-fibre filter to capture fine particles; and a 360° air-tight seal to prevent air bypassing the filter. Occupants experience an enhanced air quality with improved health and safety benefits. The N99 filter performance removes 99.7 percent @0.3micron, viral and bacterial particles that can enter deep into the lungs and customers have praised the noticeably reduced odour driving experience. The MicroShield N99 Cabin Air Filter range is suitable for most vehicle applications in Australia and New Zealand with the initial range covering more than 10 million vehicles. MicroShield is easily fitted during a regular professional or DIY service following simple instructions with no specialty tools required. “I’m extremely proud of RYCO’s second placing on this year’s list,” RYCO Executive General Manager, Stuart Chandler, said. “The continued outstanding and innovative work being carried out within the entire RYCO Business, in particular identifying and successfully solving one of the most interesting problems faced by car owners. “The development of a product that is not only easy for the automotive service trade to install but to deliver a world first product that enhances the health and safety of consumers when driving their vehicles in these tough COVID times and beyond, is certainly cementing RYCO as the leader in filtration solutions.” For more about the RYCO MicroShield N99 Cabin Air Filter, please visit www.rycofilters.com.au/N99-MicroShield

COOLDRIVE NAMES TOP BRANCHES FOR 2021

CoolDrive Auto Parts has recognised outstanding performance at its annual Branch Managers Conference

Held virtually for the second year, the 2021 Conference provided an opportunity for key CoolDrive personnel including the leadership team, branch managers, regional managers and product team managers to catch up and share recent experiences and knowledge. “All of our branches achieved impressive results during 2021, despite tough operating conditions with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and it was fantastic for everyone to be able to catch up – albeit virtually,” CoolDrive Auto Parts Chief Executive Officer, John Blanchard, said. “The conference provided a perfect platform to reflect on the opportunities and challenges of this year, and also discuss our plans for the future growth of CoolDrive. “We launched the CoolDrive Branch of the Year awards in 2015 to recognise and reward our top performers, and it’s incredibly pleasing to see how our teams come together to work with one another while also celebrating each other’s victories. “This is also reflective in the new CoolDrive values which we have recently introduced company-wide – We Work Together, Show You Care, Embrace Change, Act Fairly and Aim to Inspire. “At its core, CoolDrive is a family business and we want these values implemented at every level of the business to build and nourish our culture, while also recognising excellence when it comes to servicing our customer base.” Measured on a number of performance criteria, the CoolDrive Branch of the Year awards are split into revenue turnover and regional categories, with the awards themselves named after key company founders and personnel. The winner of the WJ (John Senior) Blanchard Branch of the Year award for turnover over $5 million was CoolDrive’s Sydney branch, with Victoria’s Hallam branch the runner-up for the second year in a row. Winner of the SL (Shirley) Blanchard Branch of the Year award for turnover under $5 million was Queensland’s Brendale branch, with second place going to Tasmania’s Launceston branch. The top-performing region was New South Wales/ Australian Capital Territory, which received the JW (John) Blanchard Award for Region of the Year. CoolDrive Auto Parts says it is Australasia’s largest family-owned automotive parts distributor. For more information, please visit www.cooldrive.com.au