Soltron, Inc.

by Wendy Craft

The wellsystem equipment can complement salon owners’ existing business, providing salon clientele a “one-stop shop,” says Andy Momberg, director of development at Soltron.

“Our research and development department in Germany is always designing and developing new equipment—not only for the tanning industry but also the wellsystem products,” he says.

In addition to the Relax, there is the wellsystem Medical. The Relax model is the second-generation model of the wellsystem company, while the Medical has similar features of the Relax but is designed and marketed toward chiropractors and physicians.

The wellsystem Relax introduces a fresh concept to the tanning industry.

“It’s a unique combination of water, heat and motion,” Momberg says. “When you get a massage before you tan, your blood circulation increases and your skin is more receptive to acquiring a good tan.”

Only 25 square feet of space is required for the Relax, and a separate room is not needed because clients can remain fully clothed during each session.

The sleek design allows clients to experience a water massage on a dry, rubber-lined bed. They operate the waterjet system through an easy-to-understand, flexible control pad with soft-touch buttons. Clients can choose several different variations of massage, including whole-body, partial-body, spot or sectional. The full-body massage begins at the head and moves to the toes and back up.

The control pad features symbols for each massage. Users can choose to set a fixed time limit for their massage. Water pressure also can be adjusted through the control pad with plus and minus buttons. Also, three optional chip cards hold various massage programs and can be inserted into the control pad.

The equipment holds approximately 80 gallons of water, and a device similar to a refrigeration system helps cool the water between uses.

“It has a preset temperature control and contains ordinary water,” Momberg says. “It’s sealed so no bacteria can get inside, and you don’t have to replace the water often, which makes it easy to maintain.”

If the equipment will experience heavy use, Momberg recommends a permanent water hookup be installed to help circulate the water and maintain a cooler temperature for clients. Since people don’t disrobe to experience the wellsystem Relax, the surface of the bed can be easily cleaned with soap and water after each use.

Salon owners were quick to recognize the benefits of the wellsystem Relax at the ITA World Expo last fall.

“Owners of big tanning-salon chains as well as owners of small salons who saw it in Orlando are absolutely interested in this product,” Momberg says. “Our distributors have already sold the first ones that we had imported around the end of December.”

Distributors are excited about the wellsystem Relax because its wellness and healing features appeal to several demographics. Soltron’s marketing approach for the wellsystem Relax is similar to the way it markets its tanning equipment.

“Soltron is more hip, trendy and colorful, and the blue-colored Medical and orange-colored wellsystem Relax really fit into our bold designs,” he says. “Our main approach is that we not only sell a sunbed, we sell the Soltron brand.”

Since the wellsystem Relax is relatively new to the United States, the company’s 2005 marketing plan includes brochures and direct mail to get the word out.

“We want to increase our market penetration via our distribution network as well as through trade shows to make people aware that we have this unique product,” Momberg says.

The growing trends toward improving overall health make the wellsystem Relax a great fit for tanning salon owners who want to keep ahead of the evolving market. The company’s approach to accommodating consumer demands with innovative products and equipment undoubtedly will maintain its success throughout 2005.