Clean Express Arrives in Flint, Fueling Car Wash Boom and Community Support

FLINT, MI – May 27, 2026 – The rapidly expanding express car wash industry has officially arrived in Flint with a new major player, as Express Wash Concepts (EWC) announced the grand opening of its first Clean Express Auto Wash at 4515 Corunna Road. The opening marks a significant investment in the region by one of the nation's fastest-growing car wash operators and is being celebrated with a 10-day event offering free top-tier car washes to the public and a substantial fundraising initiative for a century-old local charity.

Starting May 29 and running through June 7, customers can receive a complimentary "Ceramic 4 Ultra" signature wash, a service valued at $26. The promotion introduces Flint residents to the company's high-tech, express tunnel model while simultaneously launching a partnership with the Humane Society of Genesee County, weaving community support directly into its market entry strategy.

A Strategic Expansion into a Competitive Market

The new Flint location is more than just a single business opening; it represents a calculated move by Ohio-based Express Wash Concepts to solidify its footprint in Michigan. This is the 16th Clean Express location in the state and the company's first foray into the Flint market. EWC has already signaled a deeper commitment, with two additional sites in the Greater Flint area—one on W. Hill Rd. in Flint and another in nearby Davison—already under construction and slated to open by the end of 2026.

This expansion is fueled by a period of explosive growth for the parent company. EWC, which operates 141 locations across six states under brands like Moo Moo Express and Flying Ace Express, has been repeatedly featured on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. This rapid development is backed by significant capital, including a reported $150 million credit facility secured in late 2023 to fund its "greenfield" strategy of building new locations from the ground up.

"Flint is an important next step in our Michigan growth strategy as we introduce the Clean Express experience to a new community," said John Roush, Founder and CEO of Express Wash Concepts, in a statement. "We're excited to bring customers in the Flint market a fast, high-quality wash experience backed by industry-leading equipment, award-winning customer service and the consistency people deserve when caring for their vehicles."

However, Clean Express is not entering an empty field. The Flint area is already home to established express wash competitors like Tommy's Express and Krispy Klean, which have built a customer base with similar unlimited membership models and free vacuum services. EWC's entry intensifies the competition, offering consumers more choice but also challenging existing businesses to maintain their market share. The company's strategy appears to rely on a combination of advanced technology, strong community engagement, and an appealing introductory offer to carve out its niche.

Beyond the Bubbles: Technology and Environmental Focus

At the core of the Clean Express model is a modern approach to car care that prioritizes speed, quality, and environmental responsibility. The express tunnel design allows for a complete wash and dry cycle in minutes, a stark contrast to traditional full-service or self-service bays. After the wash, customers have access to complimentary, professional-grade vacuums to clean their vehicle interiors.

The company heavily promotes its unlimited wash club, which allows members to wash their vehicles as often as they like for a flat monthly fee at any of its 141 locations nationwide. During the grand opening, Clean Express is offering its top-tier unlimited plan at a 50% discount for the first three months, a tactic aimed at quickly building a recurring revenue base.

Beyond customer convenience, EWC emphasizes its eco-friendly practices. The company claims its wash systems use less than 20 gallons of fresh water per vehicle, saving up to 100 gallons compared to a typical driveway wash. This efficiency is achieved through sophisticated water reclamation technology that treats and recycles water on-site. This process not only conserves a vital resource but also prevents soapy runoff containing oils and road grime from entering local storm drains and polluting waterways, a common issue with at-home washing.

Furthermore, the facilities are designed for energy conservation, employing variable frequency drives (VFDs) that power equipment only when a vehicle is present and utilizing high-efficiency LED lighting. The company also uses biodegradable soaps and waxes, aligning its operations with environmental best practices and regulations overseen by agencies like the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Driving Community Investment and Local Impact

From its first day of operation, the new Clean Express is positioning itself as a community partner. The grand opening celebration is directly tied to supporting the Humane Society of Genesee County, an organization that recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2026. For every new unlimited wash club membership sold during the promotional period, Clean Express will donate $10 to the non-profit.

In a second fundraising effort, the location is selling $50 gift cards for just $25, with 100% of the proceeds from these sales also going directly to the Humane Society. These funds are critical for the organization, which relies on public donations to provide shelter, medical care, and adoption services for thousands of companion animals annually. This partnership reflects a broader corporate philosophy for EWC, which donated over $490,000 to local non-profits across its markets in 2022 alone.

The opening also brings a modest but welcome economic boost. The new facility creates local jobs for roles such as team members and sales associates, with wages in the sector typically hovering around $15 per hour in Michigan. As EWC continues its planned expansion with two more locations in the area, this will translate into additional employment opportunities and increased commercial tax revenue for the community.

As residents line up for their free washes between May 29 and June 7, they are not just getting a clean car; they are participating in the launch of a new business venture that reflects major trends in the service industry—speed, technology, and corporate social responsibility—while providing tangible support for a cherished local institution.