Written by
23 September 2024
•
4 min read
Autoflo's journey began over 30 years ago, remarkably not as a tapware company but as an electronics firm. Alex Mayer, Managing Director at Autoflo, reflects on the company's unique origins: "Our forte is incorporating electronics into tapware. We’ve carved out a niche by offering something different with our inventions.”
This tech-focused foundation has been pivotal in driving the company’s innovations, setting them apart in a highly competitive industry. "We were the first company to introduce electronic tapware in Australia," Mayer proudly states. "And we developed a feature that is now a standard in the industry—a safety mechanism that prevents flooding by limiting the [electronic tap’s] water flow to a maximum of 90 seconds."
This smart thinking has earned Autoflo a reputation as a trusted expert for designers, architects and developers working on commercial and residential projects. Autoflo’s extensive product range, including sensor taps designed for both kitchen and bathroom use, are not only technologically advanced but also crafted with a keen eye for design, ensuring they enhance the aesthetic of any space they occupy.
One of Autoflo's key differentiators is its commitment to local manufacturing. While imported products are common, Autoflo manufactures all its electronics in Melbourne. "We’re proud to be a local manufacturer and a member of the Australian Made Council," says Mayer. This not only supports the Australian economy but also gives us the flexibility to customise our products for specifiers."
"We work closely with architects and designers to tailor our products to the specific requirements of each project," Mayer explains. "It’s not just about what’s available off the shelf; we’ll make it to suit the job."
Autoflo's commitment to innovation is perhaps most evident in its advanced features, particularly regarding health and safety. Its latest product line-up comprises taps equipped with an anti-legionella feature that flushes itself every 24 hours to prevent bacterial buildup. "This feature is ideal for public or health facilities to minimise the risk of infection and where hygiene is essential," says Mayer.
In addition to health-focused features, Autoflo’s products also prioritise safety. Adding tempering valves to the taps helps minimise the risk of scalding, ensuring a safe and more comfortable experience. "We’re constantly looking for ways to improve the safety and functionality of our products – like how our battery-operated taps have a battery life of up to four years, compared to the typical 12 to 18 months offered by most products," Mayer adds.
Autoflo’s ability to blend technology with design is perhaps best showcased in their commercial projects. The company’s sensor taps are a popular choice for architects and designers looking to combine operational ease with visual appeal, such as the recent refurbishment of the L’Occitane store in Chatswood, Sydney.
For this project, Autoflo’s Pillar Standard Touch Free Sensor Taps, in an elegant brushed-gold finish, were chosen to complement a luxurious marble basin. The result is a refined fit-out that enhances the retail space and demonstrates that sensor technology can be both functional and beautiful.
The Just Italy in Mentone project recently incorporated Autoflo’s AutoAqua S38 wall-mounted sensor taps in on-trend matte black to create a contemporary design. The taps were combined with elements of rustic timber, black porcelain, and mosaic tiles to create a visually striking bathroom interior.
When it comes to specifying tapware for commercial projects, Autoflo’s products are not only Australian-made but also backed by decades of expertise in engineered auto tap technology. "Our approach is to work closely with our clients to ensure that our products not only meet the technical specifications but also enhance the overall design of the space," says Mayer.
As Autoflo continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the company is gearing up to launch a new product specifically designed for commercial applications—a sensor tap and soap dispenser duo. "We’re excited to introduce this new product, which has been designed with architectural applications in mind," Mayer reveals. "It’s a perfect fit for multi-story buildings and other commercial spaces, and we expect it to be a popular choice among our clients."
With this upcoming launch, Autoflo is poised to further solidify its reputation as a leading provider of engineered auto tap solutions in Australia. Its commitment to quality, innovation, and local manufacturing ensures that Autoflo will continue to set the standard in the design industry for years to come.
View the extensive Autoflo product range or contact them today on ArchiPro.