From sweepers to new models: automation wins
Manager of RCM S.p.A., what does the company do?
RCM designs, manufactures and sells sweepers and scrubber-dryers, professional machines for floor cleaning. Founded in 1967, the company has developed one of the most complete ranges worldwide, both walk-behind and ride-on, 100% Made in Modena. RCM relies on a network of distributors that cover the Italian and international markets, exporting 70% of its production to Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Australia. In some areas (Milan, from Reggio Emilia to Romagna, Catalonia in Spain), RCM also manages sales and after-sales directly, in order to maintain close contact with the market, which provides valuable insights into users’ operational needs and machine maintenance throughout the entire product lifecycle. Always attentive to sustainability, RCM generates most of the energy used in production through two photovoltaic plants. Over the years, the company has also developed systems to control dust, reduce water and detergent consumption, save electricity, lower noise levels and extend the working life of its machines.
Which product best represents RCM?
The sweeper range, with which the company was born, remains the most representative for RCM. It is no coincidence that we coined the term motoscope (motorized broom) to convey the idea of simplicity and effectiveness in use. The walk-behind sweepers – today represented by the Brava model – have been the true driver of RCM’s growth, a product category that we have repeatedly innovated and revolutionized. Today, however, the flagship products are above all the ride-on sweepers, such as the Supra, Boxer and Mille series: thanks to their special debris collection system, these machines are easy to use, safe and deliver outstanding performance even in very dusty environments. In the 1990s, scrubber-dryers were added to the range. This line has grown significantly and is appreciated for reliability, performance and low maintenance costs, just like the sweepers. In this segment too, the ride-on models – Giga, Icon and the latest Link – are among the most widespread and valued in the market.
How long and why have you been collaborating with ISB?
It is not easy to identify an exact date for a company that has been operating for almost sixty years. According to our records, the first invoice with ISB dates back to 1996. As for the reasons behind the partnership, I believe they are the same that still allow us to work together successfully today: a wide range of quality products, proximity combined with stock availability and great flexibility.
What are the main strengths of this collaboration with ISB?
The main strengths of our collaboration with ISB are the same that convinced us to choose them almost thirty years ago. First of all, the wide range of bearings, perfectly suited to the variety of our professional cleaning machines. Added to this is quality, which is essential to ensure the reliability of RCM machines. Another decisive factor is proximity, which together with stock availability and service flexibility, allows us to respond promptly and effectively to market needs.
Which kind of projects are currently in progress?
RCM products are constantly updated to integrate new components and functions aimed at three main goals: reducing environmental impact, improving ergonomics and lowering costs throughout the entire product lifecycle. In addition to this ongoing product evolution, we are investing in the development of autonomous machines, a segment that provides concrete solutions to the increasingly common difficulties in finding cleaning staff. From an industrial point of view, our investments focus on automating chassis production as well as on the automation and digitalization of aftersales services and spare parts supply, with the goal of making our processes even more efficient and closer to customer needs.
