Otto Christ AG has been one of the leading manufacturers of vehicle washing machines in Europe since 1963.
The Christ vehicle wash is a washing experience developed by people, for people. We are inspired by the needs of our customers and end users. Every day, we ask ourselves how we can perfect vehicle washing. This results in an aspiration for maximum quality, tailored technical solutions, customer-friendly usability, sustainability and low energy consumption.
Thanks to the comprehensive and modern portfolio of washing technology, customers worldwide benefit from obtaining suitable solutions from a single source. With high-end washing technology, Christ wants to make the washing business simple and profitable for you and turn washing into a great experience.
COMPANY HISTORY
A brief summary of the company's history
1879
Foundation
In 1879 Anton Christ founded a handicraft business in Memmingen. Christ initially produced grain sieves, wire mesh and church grids.
1963
The first wash system
Franz Christ builds the first car wash next to his parents' business in Dickenreiserweg. This was followed by an one-off production which formed the basis of the current production. The first wash tunnel is produced in 1968. The increase in motorization means that demand is increasing more and more.
1996
Restructuring to Otto Christ AG and founding of Christ Electronic Systems
Restructuring to Otto Christ AG and founding of the subsidiary Christ Electronic Systems GmbH. Together they combine over 125 years of tradition in mechanical engineering and electronics with the dynamics of an innovative company.
1997
Founding of Christ Packing Systems
Founding of the subsidiary Christ Packing Systems GmbH & Co. KG by taking over the company Pietruska (manufacturer of primary, secondary and special packaging systems) in Memmingen, which has existed since 1950.
2000
Acquisition of SVG Superwash
Acquisition of shares of SVG Superwash Waschanlagen GmbH. The company specialises in the realisation of commercial vehicle, train and special wash units in Germany.
2001
Relocation of Christ Electronic Systems
The subsidiary Christ Electronic Systems moves into the new company building at Alpenstraße 34 in Memmingen.
2007
Expansion of Christ Packing Systems
Takeover of the end-packaging specialist Skinetta Pac-Systems and relocation of the Christ Packing Systems company headquarters to Ottobeuren, Germany.
2013
Otto Christ AG office expansion
After a construction period of about one year, the existing office building was extended by an office space of 1,850 m². There are also 25 parking spaces in the underground car park.
2015
Founding of the Christ Akademie and expansion of Christ Chemie
Foundation of the subsidiary Christ Akademie Aus- und Weiterbildungs-GmbH and the expansion of Christ CAR CARE. The storage area at the Christ CAR CARE plant will be more than doubled to meet the increased requirements of the future.
2017
Expansion of production areas
Expansion of the production areas for Christ Packing Systems was necessary. The original production and assembly area was no longer sufficient for the pending and future projects. As a result, it was decided to relocate production to a new hall and to expand installation with the original production area.
2023
Logistics centre
Scheduled relocation of the Otto Christ AG main warehouse as well as the commissioning of the new logistics centre with covered loading zone.
Family | Innovation | Passion
The values of "family, passion and innovation" are the driving force behind our success, and we want our customers and business partners to feel them. All DNA core values are already anchored by the founders and are all directly related.
In a strong family and community, we encourage each other with the aim of having a respectful interaction and understanding for the other. This requires a change of perspective.
We are passionate about innovation. The needs of our customers are our inspiration for innovation.
Family
Even the founders have repeatedly reinvented themselves. In a family-run business, this can be achieved through short decision-making processes.
Innovation
The Christ vehicle wash is a washing experience developed by people, for people. With high-end washing technology, Christ wants to make the washing business simple and profitable and make vehicle washing an experience.
Passion
The result is a demand for maximum quality, tailored technical solutions, customer-friendly usability and low energy consumption.
With this self-commitment, we commit ourselves to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate.
- To create safe and healthy working conditions.
- To eliminate accidents and environmental incidents.
- To reduce waste, sewage and emissions from our plants.
- To continuously measure and monitor the energy consumption, energy use and energy efficiency of our processes and activities in order to plan and implement energy-saving measures.
- To produce quality products that can be used by our customers without risk.
- To regularly assess the security risks we face and ensure that they are professionally managed.
- To consult with our customers, neighbours and public interest groups, to listen to them and respond openly to their concerns.
- To set goals and to provide detailed information on our performance.
- To provide the necessary resources and information to achieve our operational and strategic goals.
- To work together with our employees, partners, suppliers, competitors and legislative authorities to improve our goals.
- To honour those who help us to improve our corporate goals.
Environmental Certificate 2022
Duales System Deutschland GmbH
By participating in the dual system for the recycling of sales packaging, we contributed to the following savings in 2022:
CO2 equivalents: 2,250 kg
Phosphate equivalents: 5 kg
Primary energy: 80 GJ
Sulphur dioxide equivalents: 6 kg
The amount of CO2 avoided by the contribution corresponds to the amount that 2,250 m2 forest filters out of the air in a year.
Calculation basis: The Green Dot's environmental performance balance, scientifically verified by IFEU Heidelberg (Institute for Energy and Environmental Research)
SUBSIDIARIES
other sales areas
Christ Electronic Systems
Christ Electronic Systems GmbH is a leading manufacturer of panel PCs, touch panels and measuring instruments.
As a subsidiary of Otto Christ AG, we originally started out producing special electronics for car washes. We now sell our products across a wide range of sectors, including industry, such as mechanical and plant engineering, medical technology, the pharmaceutical and food industry, vehicle construction and the panels used in agricultural machinery.
Our mission is to build reliable, durable and robust devices that perform well in harsh surroundings with high temperature differences or vibration.
The development department plays a very important role in our company. Alongside production, it is the heart of our business. This is where we develop innovative new products or design individual equipment in conjunction with our customers to meet their specific requirements. We employ development engineers for hardware and software, as well as for mechanical development. This enables us to guarantee a comprehensive service for our customers.
Christ Packing Systems
Christ Packing Systems is your specialist for intelligent end-of-line packaging solutions for pharmaceutical and medical technology products. We offer individual and innovative packaging machines that are perfectly adapted to your needs.
We have more than 72 years of experience in the manufacture of packaging machines and complete packaging lines. On a production area of 12,500 m² (equivalent to a size of over 47 tennis courts), our highly qualified and experienced team ensures that your individual, tailor-made packaging requirements in the field of Pharma & Medical Devices are met reliably and precisely.
Maximum flexibility, superior quality, excellent service and personal all-round support — this is what Christ Packing Systems stands for.
It is your success that we have in mind and that motivates us to seek solutions that do not necessarily reflect conventional standards.
Our portfolio includes cartoners, film machines, carton packers and palletisers.
Christ Service
On behalf of Otto Christ AG, Christ Service GmbH installs vehicle wash systems of all types.
The installations are carried out nationwide in Germany and Austria by around 42 in-house installation technicians. In addition to the national task, the company also takes on assignments abroad. The tasks of Christ Service GmbH also include training and instruction of customers into the washing technology supplied by Otto Christ AG.
Five in-house project managers ensure that optimum satisfaction is guaranteed for the customer.
Christ Akademie
Start a promising career with us with a wide variety of development perspectives and create your bright future with us.
Across the entire Christ Group, Christ Akademie Aus- und Weiterbildungs-GmbH is responsible for training. This enables trainees to get to know as many departments and areas of the company as possible and makes them highly versatile, even after their apprenticeship.
Training at Christ means a diverse and interesting apprenticeship.
In addition to a challenging and versatile apprenticeship in a highly innovative environment, Christ offers excellent opportunities for development and employment in a forward-looking and dynamic company. Find out more and apply now to start your training.
We are looking forward to welcoming you!
SVG Superwash
SVG Superwash specialises in commercial vehicle, tram and train wash systems and is one of the market leaders in the industry with over 1200 projects implemented. Even the implementation of special washing units is no problem for SVG Superwash. In addition, you benefit from SVG Superwash's decades of experience in the commercial vehicle washing sector in conjunction with the background of Otto Christ AG.
Auto-Jet
Auto-Jet operates wash tunnels, roll over wash units and self-service wash systems throughout Germany, using the well-known wash systems from Christ Wash Systems. Auto-Jet subsidiaries are located in Belgium under the name of Tornado S.A. (based in Brussels). Sister companies exist in Austria (Salzburg) and the Netherlands (Tilburg).
We attach great importance to a perfect wash result. It is not for nothing that our top programme is called Premium Wash. We regularly invest in the latest Christ washing technology, in environmentally friendly detergents and in gentle and paint-friendly wash materials. We are also one of the leading wash tunnel operators when it comes to water recycling.
In addition to many private customers, numerous commercial customers are impressed by our quality. We wash vehicles for car dealerships, company fleets and car rental companies. With our cleanliness guarantee, we underline our high standards for the best results.
Short waiting times, friendly and highly motivated service teams and mat scrubbers are standard for wash tunnels.
CAR CARE
Our washing chemicals are developed and produced at our own washing chemicals factory in Memmingen in the beautiful Allgäu. Our chemicals are optimally adapted for use in all wash systems, no matter which make. Christ Wash Systems relies on high-quality raw materials that are easily biodegradable. A shiny wash result and good drying are significantly influenced by the washing chemicals used.
All products of Christ Chemicals are constantly updated and developed. These advances in development have a positive effect on system operators, car dealerships and wash customers, as they speed up the washing process and reduce consumption.
Short waiting times, friendly and highly motivated service teams and mat scrubbers are standard for wash tunnels.