Vontier Deepens Leadership in Car Wash Technology with Acquisition of Sergeant Sudz
Vontier Corporation, a global leader in mobility technologies and solutions, has announced the acquisition of Sergeant Sudz™ (Sgt. Sudz)—a prominent U.S.-based provider of advanced tunnel automation and smart motor control center (MCC) technologies tailored specifically for tunnel car wash operations. This strategic move enhances Vontier’s position in the fast-evolving car wash technology space and underscores its commitment to delivering fully integrated, digitally driven solutions to its customers.
By bringing together Vontier’s existing DRB® suite of technologies—including point of sale (POS) systems, digital consumer engagement tools, tunnel control systems, and data analytics—with Sgt. Sudz’s industrial automation capabilities and smart MCC expertise, the combined offering will provide a holistic and next-generation platform for car wash operators. This unified technology stack is designed to help operators improve operational efficiency, increase throughput, lower costs, and enhance the customer experience through seamless automation.
The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
A Strategic Fit: Elevating Tunnel Automation Capabilities
Founded in Greenville, Tennessee, Sgt. Sudz has quickly emerged as a market innovator in tunnel control technologies. Known for its intuitive user interfaces, customer-first service model, and a deep understanding of the car wash market, the company has developed a suite of products that are custom-built to address the unique needs of tunnel wash operators. Sgt. Sudz technologies are currently used by many of the top car wash chains in the U.S.
The integration with DRB—a pioneer in car wash software and systems for over four decades—marks a natural evolution for both companies. DRB’s expertise in cloud-based software, real-time business intelligence, and robust POS infrastructure will now be complemented by Sgt. Sudz’s sophisticated tunnel controls and MCC systems. This combination is set to redefine what it means to run a digitally optimized tunnel wash business.
Executive Perspectives on the Acquisition
Devon Watson, President of DRB, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition and its long-term potential:
“Sgt. Sudz extends DRB’s digital expertise and advances our strategic priority to help car wash operators run and grow their businesses. DRB is taking our software and cloud expertise—and what we’ve learned in the POS space over the last 40 years—and enhancing it with smart tunnel controls. We now have a powerful and integrated solution that not only drives revenue but unlocks greater cost awareness, efficiency, and productivity. We’re excited to welcome the Sgt. Sudz team to the DRB family and bring this full capability to our customers.”
From Sgt. Sudz’s side, the move is seen as an opportunity to expand their innovation potential and reach more customers through a broader platform. James Vanderwiele, co-owner of Sgt. Sudz, shared:
“Joining forces with Vontier and DRB strengthens our capacity for innovation and expands the value we bring to customers. Subeth and I are honored to continue leading Sgt. Sudz, and we are excited to join a family that truly aligns with our vision. Together, with Vontier and DRB’s combined expertise and innovative technologies, we are well-positioned to empower our customers to achieve forward-thinking solutions that address evolving industry needs and help our customers thrive in a rapidly changing market.”
Enhancing the Value Proposition for Car Wash Operators
This acquisition is more than a simple technology expansion—it represents a commitment to delivering data-rich, automation-enabled operations to car wash businesses of all sizes. By leveraging real-time diagnostics, intelligent automation, and connected infrastructure, the combined solutions from DRB and Sgt. Sudz will allow operators to monitor and manage every aspect of their operations from a centralized platform.
For example, smart MCC systems from Sgt. Sudz can dynamically manage energy usage, reduce operational downtime, and proactively identify potential issues before they disrupt service. When integrated with DRB’s advanced analytics and POS systems, these controls provide operators with deeper insights into performance, customer behavior, and equipment health—enabling smarter decisions and proactive management.
As competition grows in the professional car wash industry and customer expectations for speed and quality increase, such tools can be crucial differentiators. Operators who adopt a comprehensive digital solution stand to benefit not only from streamlined operations but also from enhanced customer retention and revenue growth.
Building on DRB’s Legacy of Innovation
DRB has served the car wash industry for 40 years, supporting thousands of businesses and 17 of the 20 largest car wash chains in the U.S. Known for its innovation in POS systems, subscription management, dynamic pricing, and marketing automation, DRB’s integration with Sgt. Sudz represents a significant step in the evolution of tunnel car wash operations. This move supports Vontier’s broader vision of intelligent infrastructure—where physical assets are connected, digitalized, and optimized for performance.
In the coming months, DRB and Sgt. Sudz will work closely on product integration, joint development initiatives, and support structures to ensure a seamless transition for existing customers and to maximize the combined value of their technologies.
A Digital Future for Tunnel Car Washes
This acquisition underscores a larger trend in the mobility and vehicle services space—the convergence of industrial automation, data analytics, and cloud technology. As more operators modernize their facilities and seek to differentiate in a competitive marketplace, the demand for fully integrated, automated car wash platforms is expected to rise.
With this acquisition, Vontier and its DRB division are positioning themselves to lead that transformation. Sgt. Sudz’s deep focus on tunnel optimization, combined with DRB’s long-standing leadership in car wash business solutions, creates a compelling value proposition for both existing and new customers looking to grow profitably in the digital age.
In a market where margins can be tight and customer loyalty is hard-won, technology-driven efficiency and personalized service are key. With DRB and Sgt. Sudz now working under the same banner, tunnel car wash operators across the U.S. will have access to some of the most advanced, integrated tools available—ensuring they are not just keeping up with industry changes, but leading the charge.
Vontier is a global industrial technology company uniting productivity, automation, and multi-energy technologies to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving, more connected mobility ecosystem. Leveraging leading market positions, decades of domain expertise and unparalleled portfolio breadth, Vontier enables the way the world moves – delivering smart, safe and sustainable solutions to our customers and the planet. Vontier has a culture of continuous improvement and innovation built upon the foundation of the Vontier Business System and embraced by colleagues worldwide.
