How Innovative Design is Transforming Industrial Washing Machines at IWM

Designing the Future of Industrial Washing

Behind every reliable industrial washing machine is a thoughtful design process that balances hygiene, efficiency and long-term performance. At Industrial Washing Machines (IWM), this process is led by Design Manager Stan McDonald, whose team is shaping the next generation of industrial washing machines for manufacturers across the UK and beyond.

With over 40 years of industry experience behind the company, IWM has always believed that great engineering starts long before a machine reaches the factory floor. It starts with design.

Leadership in Industrial Washing Machine Design

Stan joined Indwash in 2020 as a Design Engineer and Technical Writer before stepping into the role of Design Manager in 2024. Today, he oversees the entire design team, making sure every machine is supported by accurate CAD models, detailed documentation and robust design standards.

His role is about far more than drawings. It’s about setting the direction for how machines are engineered, managing projects across the department, and ensuring that every deadline is met without compromising quality.

Designing for Efficiency - From Build to Daily Operation

One of Stan’s biggest passions is efficiency, not just how a machine is built, but how it performs in day-to-day use.

On the manufacturing side, this means standardising components across the product range wherever possible. Doing so reduces waste, shortens build times and ensures consistent quality.

On the operational side, it means making each industrial washing machine simple to use, reliable under heavy workloads, and economical with water and energy. For customers, that translates directly into lower running costs and fewer headaches on the production line.

Embedding Sustainability into Every Machine

Sustainability is built into the design process from the very start.

This includes:

• Simplifying machine layouts to reduce material waste
• Designing for long service life to avoid premature replacement
• Reducing water and energy usage over the machine’s lifetime

By engineering smarter, more practical machines, IWM helps customers meet their own environmental targets without sacrificing performance.

Cutting Errors with CAD Design

One of the most exciting developments in the design department has been the introduction of model-based definition for sheet metal parts.

Rather than relying on traditional 2D drawings, all the key manufacturing information is now embedded directly into the CAD model. This has dramatically reduced design labour time and eliminated many of the errors that typically occur between design and production.

The result? Faster project turnaround, fewer mistakes, and more time for the design team to focus on innovation.

Hygiene-First Engineering

For many customers, hygiene is non-negotiable. That’s why all Industrial Washing Machines are designed in line with strict internal standards based on EHEDG guidelines.

This includes:

• Good drainage to prevent standing water
• Easy access for cleaning
• Avoiding crevices where dirt or bacteria could accumulate

These details might seem small, but they make a huge difference in food production, pharmaceutical and industrial environments where cleanliness is critical.

Collaboration That Makes Designs Work in the Real World

Stan and his team work closely with manufacturing and electrical departments throughout the design process. Regular design reviews and open feedback loops ensure every machine is not only functional on screen, but practical, buildable and reliable in the real world.

Redefining Standard Industrial Washing Machines

IWM is currently refining its standard machine range to improve safety, ease of use and sustainability. Rather than change for the sake of it, every update is carefully evaluated to ensure it delivers genuine value to customers.

The result is a range of industrial washing machines that are:

• Safer for operators
• Easier to run and maintain
• More efficient with water and energy

These same improvements are also carried over into bespoke projects, so even custom industrial washing systems benefit from proven design principles.

Why Indwash Design Delivers Long-Term Value

What truly sets IWM apart is experience. With more than four decades in the industry and all major manufacturing stages completed in-house, the design team can see machines being built in real time.

For Stan, one of the most rewarding achievements has been overhauling IWM's CAD practices. It’s a project that continues to pay dividends across the business, improving communication, reducing waste and raising standards.

And for customers, it means something simple: machines that work better, last longer, and deliver real value where it matters most, on the factory floor.

Upgrade Your Industrial Washing Process - Contact IWM

If you’re looking for an industrial washing machine that delivers outstanding hygiene, efficiency and long-term reliability, the team at IWM is here to help.

Whether you need a standard solution or a fully bespoke system, our engineers will work closely with you to understand your process and design a machine that fits your exact requirements.

Get in touch with IWM today to discuss your application and discover how our industrial washing machines can improve performance, reduce operating costs and support your sustainability goals.