Zip’s Covid pivot pays off with big orders for its HydroTap

Sydney water systems manufacturer Zip Water has scored big with its rapid pivot to new, safer boiling, chilled and sparkling water dispensers following the outbreak of Covid-19.

The company’s HydroTap Touch Free Wave, revealed by @AuManufacturing in October, has won an unprecedented 1,200 orders even before its public launch as companies embrace its hands-free operation.

Zip, which manufactures underbench water appliances at its Condell Park, Sydney factory, pioneered instant boiling water taps for homes and offices with its HydroTap.

By adding four infrared sensors into the tap head of the HydroTap the company fast-tracked development of a contactless solution that will help employers create Covid-safe workplaces.

Zip Water Marketing and Strategy Director, Mike Abbott said orders had come in from corporate offices, hotels, hospitals and aged care facilities in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Abbott said: “The amount of orders we’ve received in the first few weeks alone is unprecedented, and many companies want to install the product before the end of the year to prepare for a safe return to the workplace in 2021.

“This has left us with a huge waitlist of orders to fulfil ahead of first installation in December.”

With contactless COVID-safe workplaces set to become the norm internationally, Zip Water identified this growing trend n April with inquiries from customers and distributors.

“The response we’ve seen to the HydroTap Touch-Free Wave highlights the shifting expectations of our customers.

“It’s living proof that workplaces globally are willing to invest significantly in new health and safety measures in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The HydroTap Touch-Free Wave will be rolled out to other international markets throughout 2021.

Zip was founded by the late Michael Crouch and acquired by Culligan International for $550 million in 2017.

Picture: Zip Water

Subscribe to our free @AuManufacturing newsletter here.