American Laundry News - April 2017

Proactive laundry equipment replacement plan for solid ROI

firing case

TRENTON, N.J. —

CleanTex, which handles laundry and linen processing for healthcare facilities in New Jersey and three other states, will pay a former employee $75,000 to resolve allegations it fired her soon after learning she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, reports New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino.

The company fired the Trenton woman from her job as a production worker at its plant here in April 2015. Two days prior to her dismissal, the worker had gone to a hospital emergency room with a severe headache and been diagnosed with a brain tumor, according to Porrino.

CleanTex says it fired the employee after 10 days on the job for poor performance, not due to the brain tumor. The company says the decision to fire her was made before the diagnosis.

The former employee is not being identified to maintain her medical privacy.

The settlement also contains a $10,000 suspended penalty if CleanTex fails to comply with any of its obligations under the agreement. Porrino says that under the settlement, CleanTex makes no admission of wrongdoing or liability. ALN

BY MATT POE, EDITOR

CHICAGO — TMI Hospitality, which manages nearly 200 hotel properties in 26 states, uses equipment built by Alliance Laundry Systems in its laundries, according to Sid Lien, vice president of procurement.

He says the company has found the equipment lasts 20 or more years.

“The question we had to ask ourselves is, ‘Should we maintain equipment this long?’” Lien says.

“By designing products that help withstand daily rigors, each brand engineers its washers and dryers to perform optimally—providing the throughput and longev-

CLEAN SAYS:

ity expected in the marketplace,” says Rick Murphy, sales manager for Whirlpool Corp. Commercial Laundry.

“Lavatec has equipment that has been operation for almost 30 years,” says Keith Ware, vice president of sales for Lavatec Laundry Technology Inc. “Most companies replace their equipment every 20 years or more, but at times many hold onto the operating performance of a piece of equipment that has gone beyond its useful life.”

After some research, Lien says TMI Hospitality determined that the best return-on-investment (ROI) equation that considers ongoing maintenance costs and

new-equipment efficiencies was to replace equipment when it reaches 12 to 15 years of age—depending on operating conditions and routine maintenance schedules.

BY MATT POE, EDITOR

LAS VEGAS — It’s been six years since the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning, the Clean Show, has taken place in Las Vegas.

Clean ’17 takes over the “City of Lights” June 5-8 for its 40th anniversary.

The Monday-Thursday show will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, but this being Vegas, attendees will want to make the most of their time off the trade show floor.

American Laundry News

reached out to both the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Clean Show management company Riddle & Associates to put together a Las Vegas “travel guide” for attendees.

From classic Vegas attractions to new entertainment options, attendees will be sure to have the trade show experience of a lifetime.

GETTING AROUND

First off, attendees need to get from McCarran International Airport to their hotels. Riddle

says they can catch a taxi or a transportation shuttle. In addition, LASxpress is an airport

shuttle service that can guarantee

Panel of Experts

Our experts discuss pre-sorting vs. post-sorting and linen damage.

Effective Plant Tours

Dynamic plant tours can garner new sales, impress current clients.

Each laundry and linen service provider has to look at its own equipment, maintenance and effi-

The Newspaper of Record for Laundry & Linen

Laundry firm to pay $75,000 settlement in

Columnist at Large Eric Frederick shares his views on enhanced medical textile products.

The ins and outs of getting around, experiencing Clean ’17 host city in June

Experts say planning ahead to replace worn machinery can increase efficiencies, save money

Decision trees can help guide laundry and linen service management on equipment repair and replacement. (Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

(Photos: L as Vegas N ews Bureau)

Survey:

CHICAGO — With the 2017 Clean Show coming up in Las Vegas in June, laundry and linen service managers from around the country will have the chance to visit with equipment, chemical and textile vendors face-to-face.

However, since Clean only occurs every other year, most managers consider visits from their vendors to be important throughout the year.

That’s the result of this quarter’s American Laundry News Your Views survey.

In fact, 57.6% of respondents consider vendor visits “highly important,” and 30.4% say the visits are “somewhat important.”

The figures take a dramatic drop after that, with just 6.5% being indifferent to the visits and the remaining 5.5% considering on-site vendor meetings somewhat or highly unimportant.

“You get an idea of the type of person they are and how much they know about their product,” writes a respondent, about what is gained during a visit. “It’s nice to see a face from time to time, instead of hearing a voice over the phone or receiving an e-mail.

“I think it is good customer service when they stop in to see how things are going and not always trying to sell you something.”

When asked why vendors usually visit their laundries, most respondents (37.4%) say vendors stop by for general customer service. More than 13% say vendors visit to help identify and fix a problem, while 7.7% make stops to offer advice on operational improvements.

Of course, vendors have a responsibility to their company and clients to talk about new products and technology. Second only to general customer service, 28.6% of survey respondents say that talking about what’s new is the main reason for a vendor visit.

“If they would show up, best practices for their products, how to solve particular problems with customer products—to name a couple of items I would discuss,” one respondent writes about the gains of a vendor visit.

When it comes to the types of vendors that visit laundry and linen service providers, 61.5% of survey respondents say it’s usually chemical suppliers. Next to visit most often are equipment vendors (18.7%), followed by textile suppliers (13.2%).

“We discuss upcoming changes that will affect how my laundry operation may change. Fewer chemicals needed, different delivery system for chemicals,” one respondent writes about visits. “We discuss how the newer washers and dryers will impact times and, most importantly, costs.

“Some of these changes also include other non-related items, such as computers. If I buy new equipment, will my office computer be able to network with them? Will I need to add office equipment to better utilize my laundry equipment?”

Besides vendor visits, survey respondents identified other ways that vendors could help their operations.

Top of the list? Send information. Nearly 67% of respondents want vendors to send them information on both new products and technology, and educational/informational materials.

Almost 33% would like a phone/e-mail check-in from their vendors.

And nearly 40% of respondents indicate they would appreciate a visit during a trade show, like Clean.

While the Your Views survey presents a snapshot of readers’ viewpoints at a particular moment, it should not be considered scientific. Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100%.

Subscribers to American Laundry News e-mails are invited to take the industry survey anonymously online each quarter. All laundry managers and administrators are encouraged to participate, as a greater number of responses will help to better identify industry trends. ALN

Publisher

Charles Thompson

Phone: 312-361-1680

E-Mail: cthompson@ ATMags.com

Editorial Director

Bruce Beggs Phone: 312-361-1683

E-Mail: bbeggs@ ATMags.com

Editor

Matt Poe

Phone: 231-740-2842

E-Mail: mpoe@ ATMags.com

Digital Media Director

Nathan Frerichs

Phone: 312-361-1681

E-Mail: nfrerichs@ ATMags.com

Advisory Board

Jim Buik • Richard Griffin

Greg Gurtler • Phil Hart

Janice Larson • Tom Marks Gerard O’Neill Richard Warren

Production Manager Roger Napiwocki

National Sales Director

Donald Feinstein

Phone: 312-361-1682

E-Mail: dfeinstein@ ATMags.com Main Phone: 312-361-1700 Fax: 312-361-1685

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© Copyright AMERICAN TRADE MAGAZINES LLC, 2017. Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher or his representative. American Laundry News does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any article, product, service or information found within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of American Laundry News or its staff. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the magazine’s contents at time of publication, neither the editors, publishers nor its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom.

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Vegas anticipation high

I’m assuming your anticipation for Las Vegas, specifically the Clean Show in June, is high.

The headline for this column really reflects my anticipation.

You see, I’ve never been to Las Vegas, and I’m really looking forward to experiencing at least a little of the “City of Lights.”

In preparing the Las Vegas travel preview for this issue of American Laundry News, I found a few things I want to try, if I get the chance.

Casinos? Pfft, no. Shows?

Hardly.

I’m a roller coaster junkie, so I’m hoping to make time (maybe even a little later in the evening than I would prefer) to try the coasters on the Stratosphere and zipline over Fremont Street.

The Editor’s Desk MATT POE

However, my main focus in June will be to cover the Clean Show as thoroughly as I possibly can. This trip is about business, not fun. So, enough talk about fun in this issue. What’s inside to help you

with your laundry business?

Healthcare laundries will find information on helpful chemical products on page 12 and the value of preventing linting on operating room linen on page 22.

Likely you’re trying to get more business. Have you considered taking potential clients on a plant tour? On page 24, you can find helpful tips on conducting a tour that will make an impression.

Or check out page 27 to see what a New York company did in March to try and bring in new clients.

There are plenty more news stories, articles and topics to help keep you on top of the laundry industry.

And in June, if you want to join me on top of Las Vegas, let me know. ALN

ARCO/Murray completes laundry expansion for Paris Cos.

RAVENNA, Ohio — ARCO/ Murray recently completed a 17,000-square-foot healthcare laundry expansion for Paris Cos., located here, the design and construction firm reports.

It was a turnkey design/build project that included three separate building additions, ARCO/ Murray says.

Paris Cos. says that the expansion not only provides additional capacity to accommodate growth, but it also incorporates the latest equipment technologies, resulting in increased operational flexibility and efficiency.

This is the second major expansion project in which Paris and ARCO/Murray have partnered since 2011, adding almost 35,000 square feet of floor space and reflecting Paris’ steady growth over

The 17,000-square-foot expansion features three separate building additions. (Photo: ARCO/Murray )

recent years.

Equipment installation included a Milnor tunnel washer system, Chicago Dryer Co. and G.A. Braun finishing equipment, and an

expanded Jensen rail system. PAC Industries provided equipment installation and coordination services for the project, according to ARCO/Murray. ALN

Use caution with enhanced medical textiles

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COLUMNISTS/FEATURES

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From AmericanCoinOp.com:

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his is a column I have been developing in my mind for many years but felt it would be best to write it and publish it after I had retired. During my 44-year career, I saw many wonderful advancements in our industry. I also saw a number of complete failures.

Recently there has been a big push for enhanced medical textile products that will help the patient recover faster and keep their immediate environment cleaner. There are currently three types of products on the market that I am aware of: those that use copper, those that use a blend of polyester and nylon, and those based on the use of silver oxide threads.

There are strong marketing programs behind each product and obvious drawbacks to each one. I think the critical flaw in all these products is the application of the product broadly over a healthcare facility. A product that would be a great help to a patient undergoing bone marrow transplant surgery and is in strict reverse isolation may not be appropriate for a person who just had knee replacement surgery.

This overuse of a potentially great product can possibly be explained by the need for manufacturers to quickly increase sales to a point that makes manufacture of the product cost-effective, overzealous administrative personnel looking for a new marketing advantage or just the natural spread of the latest technology through a healthcare facility.

Several studies have been under way for some time now to try and prove the efficacy of these products. The difficulty of conducting highquality clinical trials creates a roadblock to many of these studies.

The need to account for the “Hawthorne Effect” is another challenge. For those of you not familiar with this, it basically states that whatever you focus attention on, conducting a study will naturally result in improved results; the increased attention to following procedures during a study will create, in and of itself, an improved result.

So, what are some of the reasons that this new generation of medical textiles might not be a good fit on a house-wide basis? The first and most obvious consideration is cost. Why would you stop buying sheets for $4.25 each and start buying them for more than $20?

To be fair, I do not have exact pricing on several of the products because the companies refused to share that data with me until after the study. But there are very few secrets in the laundry industry.

The second major problem is in processing the new material. Each new medical textile needs processing that requires changes from the normal textile products in the laundry. In the case of polyester/nylon medical linens, they are best processed in a washerextractor, tumble-dried and hand-folded. Linens that use copper must be batch-washed together and not left in a damp state overnight. This type has also been known to increase the amount of copper found in the laundry discharge water.

Another potential problem is the look or feel of the product. Polyester/nylon linens have a slick feel to them and have carbon threads woven into them to help control static electricity. It does not feel or look like a traditional sheet. Copper-using products start out as a light orangish color, but after a few washings quickly become a disgusting gray color. The color variance, which is obvious based on the age of the linen, can be very off-putting to nursing staff and patients.

The key question to me has always been how patients would truly benefit from these types of technologies and which textile items should be in the product line. I will leave the decisions of which patients should get these products up to the medical professionals, but would recommend that only those items that have constant and direct contact with the patient be considered for use.

As the cost of healthcare continues to climb, it is incumbent upon healthcare professionals at every level to advocate for the wise use of medical technology, including advanced medical textile products. ALN

Eric Frederick has retired from active laundry management after 44 years. He is available as a laundry operations consultant. He is a past president and two-time manager of the year of the Association for Linen Management. You can contact him by e-mail at elfrederick@cox.net or by phone at 540-520-6288.

From

COLUMNIST AT LARGE Eric L. Frederick, RLLD

ciencies to determine when equipment needs to be replaced and how best to go about the changeover for maximum efficiency and minimum impact on day-to-day operations—to have a proactive plan in place.

Bill Brooks, North American sales manager for Alliance’s UniMac brand, recommends creating an asset list, which details the age of the machines at various properties, and applying a matrix to guide repair decisions.

“If the machine is X years old, spend up to X dollars on repair. If the total repair is more, the guidance is to replace,” he says. “This is, by far, the most proactive way to plan for equipment replacement and guide when to repair.”

According to Ware, the two keys in replacement of current equipment are 1) the projected return on investment, and 2) the new equipment’s payback in terms of labor, utilities and maintenance.

“You should also consider if the current equipment is negatively affecting production, quality and service,” he says.

This varies by equipment. Ware says, as a general measure, after 15 years, if the repair cost is more than 40% of the value of the equipment, the laundry should consider replacement.

“If a piece of equipment is much younger but the frame is damaged or cracked, repairing it may be futile,” he adds. ”Often, older equipment is working but the performance of the equipment is affecting labor, utilities and downtime in the plant. If the ROI makes sense, it may be a better financial move to purchase or lease new equipment.”

Brooks says the proactive replacement conversation begins by knowing the overall efficiency and features of the equipment currently in service.

“If your laundry is operating with low-G-force washer-extractors and/or old tumble dryers without moisture-sensing, then no

repair makes good fiscal sense,” he says. “Any major repair, such as bearings and seals on a 12-yearold machine, is a bad decision. Best case, you will get maybe five more years of life, but overall you are losing money, since it’s likely a low-G-force model.

“With today’s advanced, moisture-sensing tumble dryers, efficiency is light years beyond what even a 6- or 8-year-old dryer could produce.”

He says the end result is that the ROI on new equipment purchases is much faster than laundry managers realize.

“I like to say that you can’t improve what you can’t measure,” Brooks adds. “So, getting a baseline and then focusing on bringing equipment-monitoring technology that keeps an eye on operations to prove out the ROI of new equipment and ensure the operation maintains a high level of efficiency is a prudent path.”

He says having a replacement plan is the best method for two reasons.

“First, you have a plan to follow, and, second, you are able to create a matching capital budget that removes year-to-year fluctuations that are inevitable without a detailed plan,” Lien says.

There are typically three ways a centralized operating organization will handle this, according to Lien.

Some procurement platforms have asset-tracking functionality. Other organizations maintain an asset-tracking database (e.g., Microsoft Access) for similar assets, such as laundry equipment, heating and cooling, etc.

Finally, some manufacturers or distributors have the ability to provide reports that show equipment age and the cost of replacement parts. Each of these options will help in creating a schedule, according to Lien.

Murphy says a facility manager or operator needs to know the number of years the equipment operated before needing to be replaced in helping to create a schedule. Also, managers and maintenance need to be diligent in documenting operations, and make sure a preventative maintenance program is in place.

However, Murphy cautions that laundries need to be aware that circumstances and events can change a replacement timetable.

Lien says TMI Hospitality has an asset-tracking mechanism that allows visibility to the number of times equipment has been repaired and at what cost.

“The goal is to stay on top of this so equipment is replaced proactively rather than reactively,” he says. “There are times, however, when a machine will go down and the quoted repair cost does not make sense when compared to replacement. This has a compounding negative impact.”

The repair may still be necessary to keep the laundry running, according to Lien, but replacement may soon follow to avoid more unexpected operational downtime and related costs.

“Say a laundry facility is in a hotel, and that hotel sees an increase in business. It is likely the equipment mix will need to be updated, which could mean replacing old equipment to maximize space,” he says. “Recognizing this change as it’s happening can help facilities manage schedules long-term.”

Lien says a laundry should review its maintenance records and the equipment replacement schedule. After that, quantify the benefits that will be gained by replacement (i.e., time, energy, etc.). Finally, he says that if competing manufacturers or distributors are going to be considered for equipment replacement, start the process at least three months prior to the designated replacement date.

“By doing this, you allow time to review equipment needs, equipment specifications, potential utility rebates, the equipment removal/ installation plan and all competing proposals,” Lien says.

Brooks says an important first step for laundries seeking to plan for equipment replacement is to meet with a distributor and obtain a quote for what equipment is needed to meet the demands of the laundry.

Murphy says that manufacturers and distributors should be used as a trusted resource. They’re often accustomed to industry trends and new product innovations, and can guide laundry and linen service providers as needed.

A laundry also needs to deter-

mine the production parameters of the new equipment, according to Ware, including the development of a layout for it. Is it bigger in size, does the laundry have enough utilities, and does the plant have the ability to process in other departments the added volume?

“Often, we see someone purchase a new tunnel that produces more than the finishing department can take away,” says Ware. “If finishing is not designed to handle the added volume, will your new tunnel be handcuffed by the downstream departments?”

Brooks also recommends completing a laundry cost analysis study to understand if new equipment changes production outputs. ALN

AmeriPride to add 20 electric vans to California delivery fleet

vehicles sets an industry record for a textile rental services and supply company with the most electric trucks in the United States.

FOSTER CITY, Calif. — After initially replacing 20% of its Vernon, Calif., fleet with electric delivery trucks, AmeriPride Services plans to add 20 additional walk-in vans equipped with the Motiv Power Systems all-electric powertrain to its California fleet, the company reports.

AmeriPride says the total of 30

Supported in part through a multimillion-dollar grant from the California Air Resources Board, the new order of 20 trucks will be deployed in the San Joaquin Valley cities of Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced and Stockton, according to the company.

“Continuing to reduce the carbon footprint of our delivery trucks further demonstrates AmeriPride’s commitment to the environment and communities we

serve,” says Bill Evans, president and CEO of AmeriPride. “We’re proud to be an industry leader in environmental sustainability and will continue to implement green technologies that help enhance our clean operations, especially in areas where there is an identified need for air-quality improvements.”

Utilizing Roush Industries’ assembly services to manufacture AmeriPride’s 20 walk-in vans, Motiv was able to use line assemblers, rather than engineers, to build the vehicles, the company says. Roush uses a total systems approach to designing and manag-

ing the entire workflow of information, materials and services, from raw materials suppliers, through factories and warehouses, to the end customers. The company has more than 35 years of experience building a responsive, agile and effective supply chain that supports a diverse product base.

“Thanks to Roush Industries’ assembly line, we’re able to improve the production of work trucks powered by Motiv’s AllElectric Powertrain, improving the pricing for these trucks due to economies of scale,” says Motiv CEO Jim Castelaz. “More reliable,

affordable all-electric work trucks are coming, and we look forward to bringing them to our customers at a much more efficient pace and price.”

Late last year, Motiv initially provided AmeriPride’s Vernon branch with 10 zero-emission step vans, the company says. The delivery vehicles feature up to 20% gradeability, 80 miles of range and a 50% battery charge time of 2.5 hours.

Like other Motiv-powered vehicles, AmeriPride says its walkin vans are built on a Ford F59 Chassis.

Planning and communication are key to developing a laundry equipment replacement strategy. (Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

“THE GOAL IS TO STAY ON TOP OF [REPAIRS AND COSTS] SO EQUIPMENT IS REPLACED PROACTIVELY RATHER THAN REACTIVELY.”

—SID LIEN, VP OF PROCUREMENT, TMI HOSPITALITY

Featuring a compact design and flexibility that allows Whistler Laundry to automatically feed, iron, fold and stack a variety of items, the Compact fits perfectly into its designated spot at the laundry. Configurable for one, two or four working lanes, with one lane for sheets, two for table linens and four for small items, including napkins and pillowcases, it executes up to three-lane primary folds and single- or two-lane cross folds. A bypass option allows goods to exit the front or rear of the machine, and the Compact offers left or right discharge and front or rear stacker orientation to meet specific needs. Finally, it automatically adjusts ironing speed and moisture removal — processing goods with no dryer preconditioning.

Contact Girbau Industrial for a FREE ESTIMATE and discover how production automation can boost productivity and profits in your laundry! (800) 256-1073 • www.girbauindustrial.com

Steve Wheeler, Co-Owner, Whistler Laundry Inc., British Columbia, Canada

Tools f the Trade

33-pound, flexible-speed, hard-mount OPL washer unveiled

Continental Girbau Inc. recently added a 33-pound G-Flex® Washer to its line of hard-mount flexible-speed washers, the company reports. The G-Flex line now includes 33-, 40-, 55- and 70-pound capacity models.

Like all its G-Flex Washers, Continental says the new 33-pound-capacity (4.5 cubic feet) model offers programmable extract speeds reaching 200 G-force, a highly programmable control and superior results using less water and energy. G-Flex Washers deliver the flexibility of six programmable extract speeds, including 100, 140 and 200 G-force, according to the company.

Programmable extract speeds allow laundries to custom-design wash programs to specifically meet the cleaning needs of a variety of items. Additionally, flexible G-force is critical when installation variables are not ideal, according to Joel Jorgensen, Continental vice president of sales and customer services.

Inadequate concrete (thickness, chemical/structural damage, foundation not properly tied, etc.) requires laundry equipment with the flexibility to modify G-force, he says. “Unlike some other washers on the market, G-Flex Washers can operate over lesser foundations by adjusting G-force accordingly. Flexible G-force allows G-Flex Washers to perfectly meet a variety of installation, application and load requirements.”

Offering advanced programmability, G-Flex Washers properly clean a variety of laundry items, says Continental. The highly flexible Logi Pro Control brings 25 individually modifiable programs, each

with up to 11 baths, including multiple pre-wash, wash and rinse cycles.

Variables within each bath, including wash temperature, water levels, cycle times, rotation and G-force extract speeds, are individually programmable for maximum efficiency given the load type. The company says six selectable water levels, four external dosing signals, a soak option, crease-guard thermal cool down and delayed start are among the Logi Pro’s many offerings.

Continental says that despite advanced technology, G-Flex Washers are simple to use. Operators enter a program number and press start.

Working to further extend linen life, a Smooth Touch system ensures goods are delicately treated while inside the washer’s AISI-304L stainless steel drum, Continental says. The Smooth Touch stamping system creates drum holes without sharp edges for gentle linen treatment and thorough water evacuation.

Additionally, the company says exclusive AquaFall, AquaMixer and Load Sensing systems work in concert to further reduce water, energy and natural gas usage. AquaFall releases water into each load through holes in the drum lifters for better saturation and rinsing.

Moreover, the company says the unique G Drive system—a management communication system between the washer inverter, motor and microprocessor—saves energy while reducing noise, vibration and component fatigue.

www.cgilaundry.com 800-256-1073

Near-waterless cleaning system for firefighter PPE introduced

Xeros, which features an ultra-low water laundry system, now offers an NFPA 1851-compliant polymer cleaning solution for firefighters’ personal protective equipment (PPE) that uses 80% less water, 50% less energy and 50% less chemical, and is gentle on firefighter ensembles, the company reports.

The Xeros NFPA 1851-compliant polymer laundry system provides a cleaning method that is highly cost-effective, eco-friendly and gentle on turnout gear, thus saving on replacement costs, the company says. The system is now available to fire stations and government and military agencies.

The Xeros polymer beads replace water as the primary cleaning agent, drastically reducing the amount of water needed, while providing a visibly cleaner result, according to the company. The beads remain in the machine and can be used for hundreds of washes.

At the end of their useful life, the beads are removed and recycled. The molecular structure of the beads attract soil from the gear, producing cleaner results, Xeros says.

The Xeros system uses a detergent package that is compliant with the pH requirements of NFPA 1851 and developed to work with low water levels and wash temperatures at or below 105 F as required, according to the company.

Xeros says it offers Sbeadycare, a fully integrated, all-inclusive program that provides a stressfree solution to firefighter laundry operation with options that include NFPA- and OSHA-compliant training, polymer cleaning technology, service and support, and maintenance.

“Xeros has built a strong reputation to create fanatical customers who experience real value and benefits from using our polymer cleaning technology. We are excited to introduce our offering into the fire industry and are confident that the results experienced through affirmation partners will be realized by all who adopt our system,” says Joe Bazzinotti, Global Commercial Laundry president at Xeros.

www.xeroscleaning.com 844-207-1099

Manufacturers: Have you introduced a new product? Revamped your system? Released a new catalog? E-mail your product news, along with a high-resolution image, to mpoe@atmags.com and we’ll consider publishing your news free in Tools of the Trade.

Company updates online support videos

Pellerin Milnor has launched the newest update to the Technical Knowledge Base on its website, the company reports.

After nine months in production, the upgrade now features numerous user-friendly video shorts that address frequently asked questions in technical support, says the company.

“We have found that a 2-minute video can deliver details that would have required 15 pages of text to communicate,” says Gary Lazarre, director of product support.

The updated and enhanced knowledge base provides easily accessible information for technicians to repair and maintain their Milnor machinery, according to

the company.

The videos range from learning how to back up Miltouch machine formulas to explaining how to replace O rings in Kawasaki Press pumps.

The company says users can also submit additional questions through the feedback channel, which go directly to Milnor’s technical support department. www.milnor.com 504-712-7780

Ergonomic, spring-loaded laundry carts feature choice of springs to match load

Ergonomic, spring-loaded laundry carts from laundry product manufacturer MODRoto offer a choice of heavy- and light-duty springs to accommodate a variety of different loads without overbuying or underspecifying, the company reports.

MODRoto says by matching the ideal spring rate and load rate for the job, the spring-loaded carts may be designed to handle a wide range of heavy, wet laundry in process; light, dry linens; laundry falling from chutes; and bagged laundry conveyed through pneumatic systems.

The spring-loaded carts feature the company’s signature spring platform that sinks into the cart when loaded and rises automatically as goods are removed to maintain proper work positioning, minimize bending and reaching, and support

worker safety.

Ideal for use in commercial laundry plants and in on-premises laundries in hotels, resorts, hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities, the company says the ergonomic carts hide the spring mechanism in the cart bottom under a rotomolded plastic or vinyl-covered platform to block contact with linens and workers.

www.modroto.com 800-829-4535

Sunburst Chemicals has introduced Conserv SG81, a new fabric softener and sour combination for commercial laundries that has been specifically designed to work in hard-water conditions and helps prevent hard-water deposits from building up, the company reports.

The product is a unique blend of laundry softener, conditioner and neutralizing ingredients that lubricates fibers to reduce friction and eliminate static electricity, according to Sunburst. Conserv SG81 also reduces drying time by providing more complete water extraction. Linens are left clean, white, bright, soft and fresh with a pleasant fragrance, the company says.

www.sunburstchemicals.com 800-899-7627

Results on whites are excellent. On colors, you have nothing more to lose and everything to gain by trying YellowGo. YellowGo may take out color you want to keep. But if it removes the unwanted dye without damaging the underlying color, you win! You won’t have to pay for the dye-stained garments and you won’t disappoint your customers.

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Vegas

easy and fast transfer to and from their hotels and the airport.

Once on the Strip or downtown, Clean Show attendees who have been to the show in Vegas before know that it isn’t as short and easy as it seems to walk the area.

On show days, Riddle says the Clean Show will provide a complimentary shuttle between most official hotels and the convention center. The shuttle will run approximately every 15 to 20 minutes. On opening day, the shuttle will start at 7 a.m. (7:30 a.m. on other show days) and runs to 11:30 a.m. In the afternoon, it will run from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday.

After the show is done for the day, it makes sense to take advantage of the city’s transportation options to save time and wear-and-tear on the feet.

According to the LVCVA, taxis are the main form of transportation used throughout Las Vegas. There is an abundance of them all over the city and, most likely, a few waiting within a taxi line at a hotel during all hours of the day and night.

One item of importance to note: Visitors aren’t allowed to hail a taxi from the street. There are certain areas for taxi pickups at hotels. Just look for the taxi line sign, usually near valet.

Uber and Lyft are also a way to get around the city. For those unfamiliar with these options, they’re riding-sharing services where drivers will pick up riders in their personal car and transport them to their destinations.

The LVCVA recommends using ride sharing off the Strip, not while at a hotel property or looking to get to the Strip. Also, it recommends being aware of when surge pricing is in effect. A rider could end up paying $100 for a trip that could have cost $30 to $50.

Another option for getting around the Strip is the Monorail. It stops at seven locations along the Strip: MGM Grand, Bally’s/ Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah’s/ The LINQ, the Las Vegas Convention Center, Westgate and SLS Las Vegas.

The LVCVA says the Monorail is good option for attendees of Clean at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Monorail

also offers free shuttle rides to various offthe-Strip hotels. It has options for single rides, a day pass and passes ranging from two to seven days. However, the Monorail does not run all night.

The Deuce is the name of Las Vegas’ public transportation that’s operated by the Regional Transportation Committee, according to the LVCVA. The bus runs throughout town, and there are two routes to take specifically for the Strip and Downtown. These are Deuce on the Strip, which will stop at about every property on the Strip, and SDX Strip & Downtown Express, which stops at about half the stops as the other route.

FOOD

Once the day is done on the floor, Clean Show attendees will most likely want to grab a bite to eat. Of course, Vegas has something for every taste—and every budget.

The LVCVA says that new restaurants open just about every month. Eateries that have recently opened include Eggslut at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which includes comfort food and innovative eats. These range from the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich to the Gaucho Sandwich, which includes seared Wagyu tri-tip steak, chimichurri, red onions and seasoned arugula topped with an over-medium egg in a warm brioche bun.

Another, internationally renowned MR CHOW, is now open inside Caesars Palace. The restaurant features signature dishes such as chicken satay, green prawns, handmade pulled noodles and Beijing duck.

Chef Bradley Manchester recently debuted Glutton in downtown Las Vegas. It features an eclectic menu of New American cuisine for lunch and dinner, daily. Located on Carson Avenue, across 7th Street from Downtown Container Park, Glutton showcases savory meats, locally sourced produce, housemade pastas and seafood from the Pacific Northwest.

Of course, being Vegas, buffets are big for dining. The LVCVA says The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas debuted a new concept, elevating the traditional buffet with additional unique dishes, a more intimate atmosphere and state-of-the-art technology in both the kitchen and dining room.

Riddle says that each Clean ’17 official hotel boasts its own restaurants and food courts. Most hotels have at least one exceptional dining facility on site.

For instance, Caesars Palace has six

Clean Show hotels offer dining options for attendees, such as Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill in Caesars Palace.

upscale restaurants in addition to one buffet, eight casual dining eateries and a food court. MGM Grand features 13 elite-chef restaurants, including Emeril’s and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.

ENTERTAINMENT

Attendees won’t be lacking for something to do once the trade show floor closes. Las Vegas is known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” so there are many concerts and shows to enjoy.

The LVCVA says that one of the newest shows on the Strip is BAZ - Star Crossed Love at the Palazzo Theatre. This new-generation cabaret is a high-energy movie-music mashup of the world’s most iconic love stories, as imagined by famed film visionary, Baz Luhrmann.

Inspired by Luhrmann’s signature take on Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby and Strictly Ballroom, LVCVA says this theatrical concert features soul-stirring and stunning performances from an ensemble cast and band.

Riddle says attendees have many concerts and shows to look forward to while attending Clean. Jennifer Lopez will be at Planet Hollywood June 7–10. David Copperfield is at MGM June 4–10. Terry Fator, winner of

America’s Got Talent, does his celebrity singing impersonations and unparalleled ventriloquism at the Mirage nightly Monday through Thursday.

For spectacular productions, Cirque du Soleil offers seven shows around town, all of which are well worth seeing, according to Riddle. The Blue Man Group has one of the best-selling shows in Las Vegas, running Monday through Sunday at the Luxor.

Or, maybe after a day on the trade show floor, attendees will be looking for a laugh. The LVCVA says there are many comedians and venues for chuckles and belly laughs.

Carrot Top, part prop comic with his 35 trunks chock-full of his latest ingenious inventions and part ringmaster of a spectacle of lights, lasers, pyrotechnics, loud music and outstanding humor, takes audiences on a wild 90-minute ride during his show at Luxor Hotel & Casino, according to the LVCVA. Comedy-magician Mac King has brought The Mac King Comedy Magic Show to the Las Vegas Strip for a historic 17-year run at Harrah’s Las Vegas.

Comedy clubs include Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana

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Since a trip to Las Vegas may be a rare occurrence for some Clean Show attendees, maybe they’ll come early or stay a day longer. Show management Riddle & Associates has identified several daytrip options that range from seeing the sights to exhilarating adventures.

Adventurous types or nature enthusiasts will find many options near Las Vegas.

Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire State Park and the Mojave National preserve are just a few of

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There are several ways to get around Las Vegas conveniently, including the Monorail.

DAY-TRIP EXP E RI E NC ES

the attractions close to the city lights of Vegas.

For a quick day trip, visit the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon and Death Valley.

Popular cities to visit within a few hours’ drive are Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs.

A day-trip adventure could include Red Rock Canyon.

See VEGAS on Page 14

Chemical products for healthcare laundries

adhesive from the linen. The product allows the tape backing to fall off and dissolves the adhesive residue into the wash water.

“It goes down the drain,” Becker says. “When you physically remove the load of laundry, the tape pieces will fall off, shake out.”

BY MATT POE, EDITOR

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Processing healthcare laundry presents unique challenges.

One challenge that laundries may encounter is adhesives from tape and other healthcare products left on the linens.

Then there is the issue of having to use harsh chemicals to achieve hygienically clean textiles.

Topping the list of challenges is the need to rid textiles and linens of harmful microorganisms.

Representatives from four chemical companies discussed these challenges and their companies’ products during the Textile Rental Services Association’s (TRSA) webinar titled Innovative Chemical Products for the Healthcare Market.

Angela Becker, technical service manager for Ecolab’s Textile Care division, says adhesives end up on healthcare linens in many ways. A doctor or nurse may place IV tape on the sheet. An EKG tab may be stuck to the linen. Also, personnel will often roll up linen and tape it in place to prop up a patient.

These adhesives end up at the laundry facility. If tape isn’t removed, Becker says, it leaves a sticky residue behind that attracts dust and dirt and leaves a gray stain on the linen. The linen may need to be rewashed or scrapped if it goes through finishing equipment.

If the damaged linen isn’t caught, it may be returned to the healthcare facility, and the laundry will face quality complaints, she says.

“You end up losing dollars through linen loss and loss in labor and productivity,” Becker says.

She says Ecolab offers a new product, Restora, to help with the adhesive problem. It’s a surfactant fabric adhesive remover that is utilized directly in the laundering process. She says it works on all fabrics and also is effective in removing oils.

Becker says with the product, laundries separate linens with adhesives into reclaim bins at various stages of the process, such as soil sort, in the finishing area and in shipping. She says the product is automatically dispensed during the wash process, so there doesn’t have to be any physical removal of the

She says Restora increases linen reclamation rate, decreases replacement expenses and reduces water, energy and labor costs due to rewashes.

Eli Cryderman, director of technical services for Gurtler Industries Inc., says Gurtler’s RX program helps laundries assess and achieve healthcare processing microbiological goals.

“It’s not a certification program,” he says. “There are plenty of third-party programs out there. Our scope is limited to the wash floor— washing equipment, water supply, chemical selection and application.”

Cryderman says when a laundry uses the program, Gurtler evaluates what the goals of the facility are, diagnoses the current situation, prescribes options to reach the goal and then confirms the results.

“If you go to your doctor and say you want to reduce your cholesterol, most likely he’s going to tell you to eat right, exercise, reduce stress and maybe take a statin to reduce your LDL,” he says. “We all want a magic bullet to remove the symptom without dealing with the root causes. This program deals with the root causes.”

Cryderman says that the RX program looks at all factors, including water; product selection and application; hygiene and maintenance; and the micro-quality of the textiles.

Multiple solutions are used to achieve goals, he says, noting that each laundry is unique, from layout of equipment to soil mix to water quality. Therefore, trying to force the same solution to each laundry doesn’t make sense.

Jack Heaviside, national sales and service manager-laundry group for Sunburst Chemicals, says that about 10 years ago, his company started looking at peracetic acid (PAA) and its impact on healthcare scrubs.

“It’s an effective bleaching agent, but it’s hazardous to personnel in the laundry and the environment,” says Heaviside. “The CDC classifies it as flammable and explosive. The maximum temperature you can use on it is 104.9 degrees (F).”

He says using PAAs is a risk for plant operators. There are specific safety protocols that must be followed in its handling, such as wearing safety glasses and face shields,

hand and skin protection and self-contained breathing apparatuses. It must be stored in a well-ventilated area, and should be used in a closed system. Of course, it can’t be discharged down the drain, and spills can’t be absorbed with wood-based products.

To achieve the results of PAAs, without the drawbacks, Heaviside says Sunburst developed Activator.

He says the product is injected into a washer-extractor or tunnel, where it reacts with hydrogen peroxide and produces the results of PAAs safely.

“There are no special requirements,” he says. “You get the same benefits of lowtemperature washing, but it also reduces linen degradation and prevents damage to commercial washers as a result of misuse.”

Finally, Jack Reiff, president of Wet-Tech, The Ozone People, says ozone in the laundry enhances washroom chemistry for more effective performance, and removes organic material in the wash process.

Ozone is a strong oxidizer, he says, and it also cleans the wash wheel and wash liquor during use. It’s more stable in colder water, effective in lower temperatures for chemical activation, he adds.

“It’s an extremely effective disinfectant,” Reiff says. “It’s 3,000 times more effective than chlorine. It destroys bacteria and other organisms. Then, it reverts back to oxygen, leaving no residue on fabric.”

Reiff says ozone works through a process called cell lysis. This means the ozone creates holes in the cell wall, rupturing the cell.

“It’s relentless on its attack on organic microbes, organic material,” he says. “Also on heavy oil stains.”

Reiff says that many operators ask why everybody doesn’t use ozone if it’s so effective. He notes reasons such as false promises, overselling the benefits and a poor system design.

Claims have been made that ozone only needs cold water and that a laundry can eliminate washroom chemistry. Water temperature is improved, according to Reiff, but a laundry does need chemicals for effective wash with ozone.

“It’s an enhancer, part of the process,” he says.

Wet-Tech’s product is the Envirosaver II system, which manufactures ozone on site. Reiff says the system is engineered and designed for a specific facility, the company has an ongoing and open dialogue with the chemical supplier, and communication and service is provided by the ozone company.

Reiff says Envirosaver II can provide utility savings, reducing hot water use up to 80% and water usage by 25%, and it reduces environmental contaminants.

Healthcare laundries do face unique challenges, but as these webinar participants show, chemical manufacturers are developing products to help meet those challenges. ALN

Suppliers talk challenges, products that offer solutions

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

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Las Vegas and Aces of Comedy at the Mirage Hotel & Casino.

SEE & DO

If Clean Show attendees want to be a bit more active in the evening, or if they have some free time during the day, Vegas boasts fun activities and interesting museums.

Downtown’s famous casinolined Fremont Street has been converted into a 175,700-squarefoot pedestrian area covered by the Viva Vision canopy, the world’s largest graphic display system, says the LVCVA. Called the Fremont Street Experience, this canopy showcases spectacular light and sound shows every hour, on the hour, during the evenings.

Clean Show attendees looking for thrills of a different nature can ride SlotZilla, the world’s most unique zipline attraction, according to the LVCVA, featuring the 850-foot zipline and the 1,750-foot Zoomline, as people launch from a 12-story slot-machine-themed takeoff platform to fly under the Viva Vision canopy.

For more rides, the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower has four of the world’s highest rides, located 100 stories above the ground, according to the LVCVA. SkyJump is a “controlled free-fall” in which participants plummet 855 feet at a speed of up to 40 miles per hour. X-Scream teeters riders over the edge of the tower 900 feet above the ground, 30 feet over the edge of the building, at 33 miles per hour.

Big Shot is a thrill ride that shoots adrenaline-seekers 160 feet into the air at 4Gs before letting them free fall back to the launching pad. Insanity is an appropriately named, dizzying, spinning ride that dangles passengers over the edge of the tower before whirling them around at speeds approaching 40 miles per hour.

For a less heart-pounding ride, the LVCVA recommends the High Roller, the tallest observation wheel in the world at an impressive 550 feet tall, at The LINQ Promenade. It towers above outdoor dining, entertainment and retail district by Caesars Entertainment and provides spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip and Valley.

An alternative entertainment option to shows and concerts, rides and, of course, gaming, are the many museums available throughout the city, Riddle notes. Madame Tussauds Celebrity Wax Museum is located at the Venetian, where attendees can take photos, interact with favorite celebrities and enjoy a 4D short film experience.

Other museums the LVCVA notes include the Neon Museum and The Mob Museum. The Neon Museum exhibits iconic Las Vegas signs and is available through an hour-long guided tour. Tours are

available seven days a week.

The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, better known as The Mob Museum, is dedicated to telling the thrilling story of the downfall of organized crime, led by law enforcement. True stories of the mob’s history are brought to life via engaging exhibits, hightech theater presentations and more than 600 artifacts.

For no-cost entertainment, Riddle says that Clean Show attendees only need to take a stroll down The Strip. In addition to great people-watching, enjoy the volcano show at the entrance of the Mirage (7 p.m. and 8 p.m.), talking Roman statues and changing lighting at Caesars Forum, a beautiful water show at Bellagio (from 3 p.m. to midnight), a harbor rainstorm at the Miracle Mile Mall, and many more street concerts and performances.

SHOPPING

It seems like most trade show attendees want to at least buy a little something when they’re in Vegas, and the city doesn’t disappoint with its shopping options.

According to the LVCVA, one of the most recent shopping options to open is the Grand Bazaar Shops outside of Bally’s Las Vegas. Modeled after the famed Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, this is a two-acre outdoor walking mall. Shoppers stroll under the brightly tiled roof as they visit more than 80 boutique retail spaces, including a Swarovski store where customers can haggle over crystals, as well as experience a nightly light show featuring a 4,000-pound crystal in front of the store.

Riddle notes that Las Vegas has several shopping centers to take attendees out of the heat. Many shopping venues are intricately built to replicate some of the best marketplaces in the world. Browse the stores of Paris, Rome, New York, Cairo, Venice and South Pacific all in one trip.

The Forum Shops at Caesars has more than 100 stores and 11 restaurants with an impressive collection of premium chic designer shops. Rue de las Paris, a collection of cobblestone streets and alleys, houses a promenade with numerous French shops and boutiques.

The Venetian has the Grand Canal Shops, reminiscent of the famous Grand Canal waterway in Venice, Italy. Browsers at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will find 200-plus reasonably priced specialty stores and restaurants in the swanky Los Angeles-themed mall.

For just a simple mall experience, Fashion Show Mall houses 140 stores, including those usually found in a typical upscale mall.

Of course, there is much more to see and do in Las Vegas. These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg for Clean Show attendees to make the most of their time in the “City of Lights” and the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

VEGAS TRADE S HOW TIPS

Riddle & Associates has assembled the following tips to make a Clean ’17 attendee’s Las Vegas experience positive from the trade show floor to the gaming floor:

• High temperatures and scorching sunshine are the Las Vegas norm in June. During the day, stay cool on the exhibit floor and enjoy the city lights after the sun goes down and the temperatures begin to drop a bit.

• Be sure to bring good, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing (both business and casual). Vegas is no place for high heels, especially on the trade show floor where you will do lots of walking at the convention center. Walking one city block might be one-half mile.

• Bottled water is valuable during the long, hot days to stay hydrated. Avoid overpaying for water at the hotel by going to a convenience or grocery store.

• If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke, be cautious about standing or walking through the casinos. Although many restaurants do not

allow smoking on the premises, smoking in casinos is allowed.

• Casinos can be noisy with bells and whistles on each machine and shouts from lucky winners. If you prefer a quieter gaming experience, the card tables are a bit quieter than slot machines. ALN

(Photo: Las Vegas News Bureau)

The Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s is one of the newer shopping venues in Las Vegas.

The Fremont Street Experience features a canopy light-and-sound show and now has ziplining over the street.

Hotel laundry needs, wants?

There’s a trade show for that

Hospitality laundry managers can benefit from the Clean Show experience

BY BOB BRUCE

RIPON, Wis. — Let’s face it, in the hospitality industry, the laundry isn’t exactly sexy. It has long been viewed as a backof-the-house cost center; something you don’t worry about unless there’s a machine leaking water, or something that should be turning has stopped turning. In short, if it isn’t broke, or in the process of breaking, don’t worry about it.

Obviously, that’s a broad generalization, but it is also based on a certain amount of experience. Hotels are normally in the market for equipment when the need is immediate. Often, those in the hospitality industry limit their exposure to laundry equipment shopping to their specific brand or association shows. But with limited brands and technology represented at these shows, staff may not be getting exposed to all the technology available to make their lives easier and property more profitable.

What if there were a show focused solely on laundry equipment, laundry technology, and laundry products? There is such a show. It’s called the Clean Show, and it’s happening in June in Las Vegas.

PREPLANNING

So, what’s the value of going to a laundryindustry-specific event for a hotel laundry or facilities manager? The obvious benefit is a one-stop shop for everything laundryrelated. Quite often in this area, staff is used to working with one distributor or brand and never truly gets a view of what else is on the market. There may be a better solution that management is unaware of. But how does the hospitality industry approach the show?

A good first step is preplanning your visit. That starts with an overall assessment of your laundry’s current status. Collect as much data as possible. What is the age of current units? What are the current capacities? How many shifts (hours) is the laundry running? What types of linens is the laundry processing?

Jot down what you see as any challenges the laundry is facing—equipment repairs over the last year that have led to downtime; overtime; utility cost spikes; rising rewash rates, etc. Also, be thinking about expansion or anything that may impact the laundry—new linen packages that might add to per-room poundage, or the addition of a restaurant or banquet center that could add new pieces and demands to the laundry.

While you may not necessarily need to come to the show armed with all this information, the exercise will help you zero in on some key areas and serve as conversation starters with exhibitors.

Don’t forget to include the guest laundry in this preplanning exercise. Is theft an issue? Is equipment aging and breaking

PLANNING FOR THE SHOW

Now that you have a wealth of information, highlight or rank what you see as the most important concerns impacting your property’s laundry. It may be as simple as the washer-extractors are dated and need to be replaced in the next year, or the laundry staff overtime seems to be spiking and you need to get better control of these costs

These are your priorities to go into the show with—challenges you are seeking to come away from Clean with clarity in the direction or products that may help you solve these issues.

I think it’s important for those in hospitality, or any industry for that matter, attending their first Clean Show to not go into the show with a laundry list (pun intended) of goals.

The show can be daunting enough without adding to the stress of solving every laundry problem you have in four days.

ATTENDING THE SHOW: DAYS 1 AND 2

Once at the show, structure your first day as more of a reconnaissance mission. Make that initial walk-through of the show floor a high-level view. This first pass is all about identifying what brand booths may hold the most promise for solving the challenges you came to the show to solve. Note that it also may take you into the second day to see the entire floor.

It definitely helps to bring a highlighter to identify on the show map the booths that stand out. Jot down notes from your conversations with staff. For instance, if your problem to solve was about finding a replacement washer-extractor, jot down capacities for models that stood out, highlevel pricing to begin to compare and contrast against other competing machines.

The goal here is to see as much of the show as possible. Too often, attendees only see a fraction of the exhibits because they spend valuable time having deep conversations in a few booths that may or may not be targeting their main purpose for being there.

Remember, stay focused; don’t be distracted or spend too much time in booths that deviate from your main mission(s).

Day two can be reserved for any sections of the show you missed and for beginning to identify booths to visit in focusing on your secondary goals and areas of general interest, should you have time left over toward the end of the show.

Perhaps a secondary goal is expanding guest laundry services—could the hotel offer wet cleaning as an additional source of income and guest service? With the proper equipment and programming, some equipment could serve both the laundry’s highvolume needs, as well as specialized wet cleaning of guest garments.

DEEP DIVING FOR SOLUTIONS

On day three, it’s time to get serious and have deeper conversations at your highlighted booths. Here’s where you begin sharing some of that info you collected about your laundry’s current status and get into the solutions each company can present.

Be open-minded at this point. You are still in the information-gathering phase, so don’t limit your options on what you think you know about each brand/company you speak with. Make sure you ask about service and support, in the event you run into any breakdowns or have technical questions. Your hotel property needs to know that it will be supported. Be sure to take notes during these conversations, as you will want to revisit the information when you begin comparing solutions.

The whole idea is to gather as much information about the solutions available and

have detailed notes to revisit upon returning home (we all know how easy it is to forget things we learned at the show upon returning home). It is also worth noting that you should not make your purchasing decision at the show.

FINAL DAY, FINAL QUESTIONS, FINAL THOUGHTS

On the last day, ask any follow-up questions of the vendors you met over the last few days. Also, use this time to explore other booths to acquaint yourself with other product innovations, accessories to help gain revenue, and other cost-saving products.

Upon returning home is when the fun part starts. Here’s where you weigh the solutions, identify the best fit for your facility (and budget). Don’t be afraid to chat with internal stakeholders and run possible ideas past peers, who can comment on their experiences with particular brands. You can also do this at the show. Events like this are wonderful places to network with others and bounce ideas off each other.

The bottom line is that laundry managers serving hospitality properties have ample reasons to attend the Clean Show, regardless of whether or not they are in the market for new equipment. It’s important to see the latest in technologies that can help them reduce costs. However, it is also important to go into the show with a well-defined plan of attack. This gives the trip focus and prevents you from wandering the show floor aimlessly. ALN

down more frequently?

Bob Bruce is manager of National Accounts for UniMac® and Speed Queen® brands of laundry equipment.

Bruce

(File photo: Bruce Beggs)

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Textile damage: Pre-sort vs. post-sort

human contact and conveyors. This happens while the textiles are wet and warm, which are the primary ingredients for bacteria growth.

Post-sorting of healthcare textiles has a number of issues in comparison to pre-sorting:

1. Post-sorting requires that you launder to the highest degree of soil concentration, meaning your light-soil blankets get laundered using the same conditions as your heavy-soil washcloths and incontinent pads. The increased chemistry, water levels and time necessary to remove heavy soils is unnecessarily destructive to the light-soil textiles.

2. In the healthcare environment today, where patient satisfaction and patient experience are both critically important, higher-end textiles, added colors and patterns are increasingly used by hospitals. These products, even when manufactured to withstand repeated commercial processings, are more susceptible to variables in water temperature and chemistry, leading to premature fading and product degradation when laundered through a mixed-load process.

3. Additionally, the dyes from these multi-colored items can be stripped from the textiles and redeposited on white and lighter textiles. This dye redeposition causes white linens to appear discolored, gray or blue.

4. Typically, post-sort laundries incorporate a sorting process after the wash, before the dry-and-finish process. This allows for drying parameters that are product-specific, which is better for the products. Unfortunately, it also increases the number of touches that clean textiles are exposed to—both

5. Finally, while post-sorting ostensibly provides the employee with a safer work environment by reducing their exposure to potentially dangerous pathogens, the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and following appropriate OSHA and CDC guidelines has proven to be extremely effective in protecting employees against the very small risk associated with handling soiled linen.

In my opinion, there is not enough value in post-sorting to justify the process, given the downside risk of poor product quality and reduced linen life expectancy.

Simply stated, yes, it is going to be more damaging to linens due to loss of tensile strength if one has to wash all the goods using the formula for the heaviest-soiled linen in the mix.

When one has to use more chemicals, temperature and wash time on everything being washed, it is going to be more abusive of more delicate and lightly soiled materials.

There may be more damage to linens from foreign objects not being removed prior to washing. Sharps, utensils, etc., can produce lots of pricks and holes in goods. Paper products not removed prior to washing can add lots of loose lint that has to be removed.

The chemical cost will be higher, water usage will be higher, wash times will be longer, and one still has to sort the goods after washing, which can be more difficult wet than dry. Sanitized goods are less hazard-

ous to personnel, but sorting still has to be done, unless one is also going to dry everything at the same time and temperature. At some point, goods have to be separated for ironing, folding, counting and so on.

Note, however, that new chemicals, such as low-temperature products, enzyme detergents

and color-safe bleaches, can lower the aggressiveness of some formulas. Consult with your chemical supplier. They can possibly offer suggestions to wash all your classifications more gently.

Some of these options can also save water and energy, offsetting any extra cost and time of those formulas.

Don’t forget that tensile strength loss is always there to some extent. The very act of washing fabric takes a little of its life away.

The entire point of laundering is to get the most use out of the goods possible. It isn’t usable if it’s dirty, stained, dingy or unsanitary. Consider

“I have heard in the past that post-sorting, versus pre-sorting, is much more damaging to linens in loss of tensile strength due to chemicals that are formulated for a mix of items. Is this true? What is your opinion of post-sort versus pre-sort?”

Chemicals Supply David Barbe U.N.X. Inc., Greenville, N.C.

Equipment/ Supply Distribution

Chuck Rossmiller

Medline Industries, Sun Prairie, Wis.

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

all the economics.

The decision whether to postsort or pre-sort depends heavily on the goods being washed and the logistics of the particular laundry. For instance, if certain goods are brightly colored, those will still have to be pulled from the whites. Even if using colorsafe bleach, dyes leach and fade when washed aggressively. Some materials are totally incompatible with the chemicals and temperatures used to clean other materials.

However, in spite of the possibility of textile damage, postsorting might still be desirable. One operator tells me that linen loss and physical damage in their hospital accounts can be higher than any loss due to tensilestrength loss. Abuse and theft of linen is a large factor in some cases. Efforts can be made to minimize such loss, but it won’t be eliminated totally.

If your laundry is washing lots of customer-owned goods for different accounts, keeping those goods together and being able to return them to the customer in the same ratio received can be accomplished more easily when post-sorting. Scheduling of the wash deck and finishing area might be simpler when the goods come through as a group from one customer.

Don’t discount the costs of personal protective equipment needed for pre-sorting. Workers will need gloves, masks, gowns, facemasks—much of which are disposable. One might have to pay employees more to perform the more unpleasant and hazardous job of pre-sorting.

Employee turnover may be a real concern. These costs may offset the extra wash-aisle expenses somewhat.

So, to summarize: If the goods are of similar color and material, higher chemical costs and water usage isn’t a big concern, tensile loss is exceeded by textile loss, and scheduling and handling by individual customers is simplified, then post-sorting might offset any tensile-strength loss and be the best choice for your laundry.

nal quality assurance program. The separation and classification of textiles will take place before the wash process in the

vast majority of all professional laundries. Only extremely contaminated or infected linens, which are processed completely differently to minimize exposure, should be sorted post-wash to ensure the safety of your team members.

Sorting linens before washing ensures that each piece receives the appropriate wash time, water temperature, chemicals and mechanical action as required by the item’s manufacturer. A proper sorting process will help take into consideration the following:

• Fiber Type—Washing loads with the same or similar fiber type will help reduce shrinkage, thermal shock and pilling, and will be the main determinant of your finishing quality.

• Color—Washing similar colors together helps prevent color transfer.

• Soil Level—There are different levels of soil. Some linens will require a heavyduty wash cycle to ensure stain removal while others require a normal wash cycle. Differentiating between the

two will allow you to operate more efficiently and extend the life of your textiles as you process linens based on their individual needs.

• Stain Type—Oils and fats on food-and-beverage items are not treated the same way bed linens are. Separating these different linens will ensure proper stain removal. Failure to process individually not only increases the chance of residual staining, but also creates a potential fire hazard

The final result of any items sent for laundering is dependent upon the very first step of the laundering process: sorting. Therefore, it can be argued that sorting is the single-most important aspect of the laundering process.

A well-established sorting plan is the first facet of your own inter-

when drying. Not to mention, who would want their bedsheet washed with last night’s dinner?

• Chemicals—Certain chemicals will have an adverse effect on different linen types. For example, Nomex garments require their own wash process to ensure that the flame-resistant chemicals are not removed during the wash process. A proper sorting plan ensures this will not happen, and your customers can operate their businesses safely.

As you can see, a well-implemented sorting process is pivotal to the success of a laundry. Sorting before the wash cycle ensures that you “get it right the first time.”

Linens will be washed based on their needs, eliminating the need for rewash and ensuring a high-quality finish. Your customers and shareholders will thank you as you provide the best product efficiently with maximum profitability.

Black, Charcoal, Chocolate, Burgundy, Maroon, Navy, Pecan, Red, Rust

Each of these color groups has a slightly different chemistry in the wash formula. Whites call for a good amount of bleach. Although bleaching is not recommended for any color, it is typically used in Color Group 2, mostly to accomplish the removal of mildew.

company, we have customers processing in both post- and pre-sort methods. There are pros and cons with both methods, and I will attempt to cover some important aspects of each.

If these sharps then tumble together with the linen in the mechanical-action process or dry cycle, it tends to lessen linen life substantially.

Finally, if post-sorting after the washing/extracting process, one still has to physically sort the damp items by classification. Due to the moisture in the items, the actual labor extended is greater, as the damp items tend to cling together and are heavier to pick up and pull apart. This could have an adverse effect on overall productivity during a complete shift.

you could consider post-sort. With industrial goods, sorting may not be a major concern at all, because the customer usually sorts in bins, so garments and items like shop towels hopefully wouldn’t get mixed.

As a general practice, our industry as a whole mixes table linens by “color grouping” for the purpose of washing “like product” on the same chemical formula.

To accomplish this, pre-sorting occurs to group the product into like colors. Once washed, post-sorting occurs to finish and pack the goods into their singular colors. This mixed process is much more cost-efficient than complete pre-sorting would be. Here are the suggested color groupings for washing mixed linens:

• Color Group 1— White (always by itself due to the amount of bleach needed)

• Color Group 2—Includes Beige, Bermuda Sand, Ivory, Maize, etc.

• Color Group 3—Includes Gray, Olive, Seafoam Green, Wedgewood Blue, etc.

• Color Group 4—Includes Gold, Peach, Pink, Sandalwood

• Color Group 5—Includes Bronze, Burnt Orange, Dusty Rose, Orange

• Color Group 6—Includes Forest Green, Kelly Green, Royal Blue, Teal

• Color Group 7— Includes

As to the loss of tensile strength, both bleach and alkali contribute. The lighter the product, the more bleach, detergent, time and temperature is used, which all depletes tensile strength.

So, our industry has come to a balance in this area, by mixed “like” colors, to fill the wash wheel for maximum efficiency.

There may, however, be other reasons or needs to presort. If an operation has very large amounts of a specific color, it might be worthwhile.

Additionally, if an operation has low inventories and quick turns on specific colors, this might also be a reason to pre-sort that specific.

A good manufacturing source for information on soil sorting can be found on USA Milliken’s website, on its wash color PDF. This color grouping information would apply whether it’s USA Milliken product or imported linen goods.

In the area of bed linens (a completely different business), pre-sorting is almost always done for the purpose of preparing the product for efficiency in the finishing (ironing) process. Additionally, in bed linens, the type of soil can dictate the sort needed in order to use the right wash formula to achieve clean, unstained linens.

For any operator, it is recommended that you look into this area annually to make sure that color sorts have not migrated to a point that certain colors are being mixed incorrectly and washed on the wrong formula, creating tensile strength loss.

Once mix-ups like this occur in an operation, it can become standard practice. As they say, “Inspect what you expect.” Happy laundering!

I see the post-sort scenario quite often in healthcare operations in both European and Canadian laundries. As an equipment

The customers doing postsort mostly use this method due to either local governmental regulations or for the safety of their employees in the soil-sort area. With post-sorting, there is far less chance of biohazard material affecting the staff, and the opportunity for injury to operators by foreign objects (sharps) is mostly avoided in this area prior to washing.

On the other hand, post-sort also creates some added washroom challenges for the equipment and overall linen life. The Panel question seems to be true that this could do some damage to the linens over time.

With post-sort, the wash formula is typically set to clean and sanitize the heaviest soil classification. The chemistry has to be dosed higher (per pound of goods) for the entire load even though some items would normally take less to achieve hygienically clean status. With this higher-soil wash formula programmed across the full batch, this could create additional chemistry, wash time and possibly increased temperature on the light-soil classification items.

From all I have seen in our industry, the predominant method of processing is presorting, so one would be led to accept the fact that when all factors are considered, it is the way to go.

After numerous washings on the items, this added chemistry, wear, etc., can break down the fabric prematurely on the lightsoiled items, increasing the chances for linen loss.

In addition to the linen damage, the equipment can also be affected, with hospital instruments and sharps not being sorted prior to entering the wash phase. We have seen scalpels and other items puncture press membranes.

Additionally, there have been instances where the foreign objects get lodged in a wash cylinder (perforation holes) and then do physical damage to all linen items being processed.

There could be a case that post-sorting allows for more damage, since you are not able to control the chemical dosing as fine like you can with pre-sort. By separating cottons, blends and polyester, you can better regulate the dosing to prevent damage.

For example, caustic could strengthen cotton fibers, but too much would damage polyester fibers; a mixed load prevents good application of chemistry to provide maximum product life.

Also, chemicals such as sour and bleach might not be rinsed effectively because of the fabric mix, and this could lead to damage in the dryers.

Concerns about pre-sort and post-sort go beyond chemical usage. For example, with batches of mixed towels and sheets, it would be difficult to dry goods and process them on the clean side with any consistency. In this case, pre-sorting improves quality and makes you much more efficient on the back end.

With that said, there are certainly situations where post-sort could work.

In a food-and-beverage plant, you could wash spun napkins with spun table tops and have very few issues, other than the time to post-sort, which in theory is the same to pre-sort. Assuming the restaurant linens being processed are all white or all color, this would be fine.

The answer to this question needs to be centered on each individual process. If done in hospitality/healthcare and stripping a bed, you should definitely pre-sort. In other industries, like the preceding food-and-beverage example,

W

hile I can see some benefit to post-sorting soiled linen, particularly when space is limited, I have never resorted to it for a variety of reasons.

First, post-sorting requires that the linen be washed on the strongest possible formula. For instance, in a healthcare plant, you would need to wash all items on a pad formula. This would result in more time, energy, water, mechanical action and chemicals than would otherwise be necessary. The 30% more chlorine or peroxide required for cleaning would result in some loss of tensile strength.

Secondly, you would need to dry everything on the longest dry time, which would use more energy and shorten the life of the linen.

In a modern plant with overhead rail storage, unless you were prepared to post-sort at every clean station, post-sorting makes no sense whatsoever. Post-sorting in this environment would also negatively impact production planning, as you would have no idea how much of any particular item you had either to wash or finish.

Pre-sorting soil, aside from the obvious laundering benefits, results in the removal of unwanted items, particularly trash, plastic and needles, which can damage the equipment and, in the case of needles, injure workers.

Even a partial post-sort, such as sheets and pillowcases separated from dry-fold items, would mitigate some of the drawbacks previously mentioned, but not enough, in my opinion, to institute such a program.

In a nutshell, I would say that unless you have no space whatsoever to do so, post-sorting provides much fewer benefits and many more drawbacks than pre-sorting.

Equipment Manufacturing Tony Jackson Kannegiesser USA, Grand Prairie, Texas

Healthcare Laundry

Charles Loelius CleanTex, Irvington, N.J.

Textiles

Steve Kallenbach

American Dawn, Los Angeles, Calif.

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Reducing lint in the OR

BY ANGIE O’CONNOR

DENVER — Lint and fibers in the operating room (OR) can enter the surgical wound, creating an opportunity for surgical site infection (SSI) and other complications. Some invasive procedures like angiography, which use guide wires, can introduce lint and fibers directly into the bloodstream.

Commercial, cooperative and on-premises healthcare laundries (OPL) can partner with both hospital and surgery center ORs to reduce lint and complications and improve clinical outcomes.

SSIs are also a significant financial problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 157,500 inpatient SSIs in 2011. While there has been a 17% decrease in 10 selected procedures that were tracked from 2008 to 2014, the issue is even bigger than the data reveals.

In 2013, Trendwatch data from the American Hospital Association (AHA), it’s shown that 88% of all surgical procedures are now conducted on an outpatient basis, and outpatient SSIs are not captured in the CDC figures. The total annual costs associated with the treatment of five of the major healthcareassociated infections (HAI) is estimated to be $9.8 billion, with SSIs accounting for 33.7% of that cost.

Medical industry articles have stressed that it is more important than ever to take steps to reduce lint, listing six complications resulting from their introduction into the surgical wound.

Blood clot formation; amplified inflammation; poor-quality wound healing; adhesions and band formation; granuloma formation; and increased incidence or severity of infections have all been linked to lint or airborne particles in the surgical wound.

In addition, a 2015 post in Advanced Healthcare Network for Nurses says that “lint may contain toxic glues, adhesives and/or fireresistant agents that may leach into tissues, and thereby exacerbate the potentially damaging physiological defense mechanisms initiated by lint itself.”

SOURCES OF LINT

Lint and fibers can be shed from both disposable and reusable items. The factors that affect an article’s propensity to lint include the type of fiber used; the quality of the fibers used; the type of yarn used; the type of weave, knit or non-woven construction used; and the quality of the construction.

In practical terms, there is no

truth to a blanket statement that a disposable item will lint less than a reusable, or vice versa.

At one end of the fiber spectrum used in the OR, we have natural fibers (mostly cotton), which are inherently short (referred to as the staple length), and must be twisted together into a yarn before a cloth can be woven.

Cotton is mostly blended in yarns with longer-length polyester fibers to give the resulting yarn more strength and the article less propensity to lint.

In the early days, OR textiles were constructed of 100% cotton. Today, the absorbent towel or huck towel is the only major woven article used in the OR that is made from 100% cotton. Cotton huck towels continue to be used due to their ability to quickly absorb fluids and for their low cost.

These towels typically come in two different quality-construction levels. The common blue, presterilized “disposable” OR towel is 100% cotton and is not optimized for reuse. If washed and processed, it breaks down quickly and would be a major lint hazard if reintroduced for use in the OR setting. It is standard practice to dispose of them at the hospital. If they find their way to the laundry, they are repurposed as cleaning rags.

The common green or gray OR towel is also made from 100% cotton, but the quality and length of the fibers are generally better and longer. The yarn twist and the construction is tighter to form a closed, lower-linting weave. These towels are generally able to be rewashed several times, and the laundry will take care to de-lint them before wrapping them in packs for sterilization.

At the other end of the OR fiber spectrum is monofilament fibers (think extremely thin fishing line), mainly polyester. Articles made from monofilament polyester include the non-critical areas of reusable OR gowns, reusable drapes, Mayo stand, back table and ring stand covers.

Monofilament fiber fabrics can also be used in the critical zones of lower-level-protection gowns. By nature, monofilament fibers are extremely lint-resistant, unless the fiber is damaged in use.

In between these two ends of the spectrum are a wide variety of blended, single-fiber, woven, nonwoven, knitted and laminated fabrics, both reusable and disposable. Unlike with the 100% cotton and 100% monofilament fabrics, the fabric’s propensity to lint in this middle area is unclear.

Non-woven fabrics are typi-

cally made with short-to-medium length polypropylene fibers entangled together in a web or sheet structure and then bonded chemically, thermally or mechanically. The quality of the fibers and the design of the bond and construction will determine how much these articles lint. The major OR items constructed in this manner are pre-sterilized disposable protective gowns and surgical drapes.

Monofilament polyester microfibers do not shed lint like polypropylene fibers do.

Shelley Petrovskis, director of marketing at Lac-Mac Limited, makers of reusable OR gowns and drapes, says, “Monofilament polyester fibers result in a very lowlinting fabric, as there are no staple fibers (the little short guys) which are prone to break off, which in essence becomes lint.”

Since polyester microfibers are known to generate little lint, they are gaining popularity for reusable surgical textile products.

Petrovskis goes on to say, “Monofilament polyester, which has been on the market for several years, is also becoming widely used in the OR for things like OR towels and baby blankets, due to their exceptionally low-linting properties”.

Woven articles such as bath blankets, sheets, pillowcases and scrubs are generally blended cotton and polyester, or in some cases 100% polyester. Once again, the

quality of the fibers and the construction will determine their propensity to lint.

Knitted fabrics can be found in the critical areas of reusable gowns, drapes and stand covers, and are generally used in a trilaminate fabric constructed for high AAMI-level (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) protection.

These high-end fabrics are designed and constructed to be extremely low-linting, as they are used close to or in the sterile field.

Lint shed from sterile gauze or lap sponges included in custom packs can also be problematic.

Lint and fibers can also be carried into the OR from linens, fabrics, curtains and carpets in the preoperative (pre-op) or waiting areas. Once introduced into the patient’s wound, and over time, significant complications can develop as the patient’s body identifies this foreign substance and attempts to wall off and eliminate it.

Lint or fibers in the OR can enter the patient’s wound in a number of ways. They can attach to the skin cells of the perioperative (periop) staff and then shed into the room. The skin cells can be picked up by the air currents that are present in the OR. These currents can stir up airflow, circulating lint, fibers and other particulate matter, creating the opportunity for them to land in the open wound.

In addition, the lint and fibers provide a mechanism for other airborne substances, such as bacteria, to attach to them and then potentially land in the surgical wound.

The lint and fiber from huck towels, tray liners or wrappers can also adhere or attach to the instruments used in the procedure. As the instruments are used, the lint or fiber is introduced directly into the surgical wound. In each situation, the body responds in a defensive manner to attack, wall off or isolate this foreign substance from the body.

Regardless of the response, each can result in significant postoperative (post-op) complications.

COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH LINT, FIBERS IN THE SURGICAL WOUND

As mentioned previously, there are a variety of complications that can result when lint or fibers enter the patient’s body.

Adhesions—Adhesion formation is a band of scar tissue that

“LAUNDRIES CAN PARTNER WITH ... ORS TO REDUCE LINT ... AND IMPROVE CLINICAL OUTCOMES.”

—ANGIE O’CONNOR, ENCOMPASS GROUP

binds two parts of tissue or organs together. Adhesions can appear as thin sheets of tissue similar to plastic wrap or as thick fibrous bands. Adhesions can lead to pain, and over time can constrict the blood supply to the surrounding tissues.

Infections—Lint and fibers in the wound increase the risk of infection. When kicked up by air currents in the OR, they attract bacteria and other microorganisms and are carried into the wound.

Unfortunately, the process of normal, healthy wound healing is disrupted, and inflammation occurs, which over time disrupts wound healing all together. The continued inflammation prevents complete wound healing, resulting in increased scarring and a suture line that is weak and frail. This condition adds an increased risk of surgical site infection and dehiscence (parting) of the wound.

Granulomas—A granuloma is a mass of tissue that is formed when the body’s immune system attempts to wall off substances it perceives as foreign but is unable to eliminate. These substances include lint and fibers.

Some examples of this would be bowel obstructions or peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal cavity.

Blood Clots—When lint or fiber enters the patient’s bloodstream via a guide wire, the body’s defense mechanism is to create a blood clot to surround, capture or seal off the foreign substance. Unfortunately, as the body continues to respond to the foreign substance, it causes the clot to get bigger and bigger.

As the clot enlarges, it can become a serious risk by lodging in a blood vessel and blocking the blood supply to the surrounding tissue. A blood clot lodged in a coronary artery or lung can be fatal.

HOW CAN THE COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY HELP?

Commercial laundries have the opportunity to position themselves as valued partners by providing high-quality, low-linting textiles to the OR, procedural areas and for items used in procedure trays. High-quality, low-linting textiles can reduce the opportunity for wound contamination and risk for surgical site infection.

Reusable linen items that are processed by laundries (especially those that contain some natural fibers like cotton), and that have the greatest potential of contributing to linting are:

• Bath blankets

• Flat and fitted sheets

• Wrappers

• Drapes (cotton blend)

• Mayo stand and table covers (cotton blend)

• Staff attire

• Unsealed gauze/sponges in reusable packs

• Terry cloth towels

• Pillowcases

• Huck towels

• Reusable gowns (cotton blend)

• Instrument tray liners

• Cleaning rags OR managers and nurses should be aware of the potential sources of lint in the OR and make informed decisions about what is being purchased and allowed into their departments. Given this directive, the healthcare laundry should anticipate questions related to product construction and for manufacturer test data. Providing this information will allow periop staff to make informed decisions in an effort to select the most suitable, low-linting product available.

The utilization of high-linting products in the OR has been proven to contribute to SSIs and other complications postoperatively. These complications can be extremely costly to treat and increase the length of stay.

Studies show that products constructed of natural fibers produce high levels of lint or fiber shed compared to newer polyester monofilament fibers.

Commercial laundries providing products that are constructed of low-linting synthetic microfibers will support the periop team as they work to reduce SSIs,

improve outcomes and reduce costs associated with delivering quality patient care.

As the OR management and staff become increasingly aware of the connection between highlinting linen items and the risk of lint and fibers in the OR, they will seek the expertise and support of the commercial laundry to select suitable textiles for their periop departments.

Together, they can lead the effort to reduce complications that can result

from the use of high-linting or fiber-producing products in the OR. ALN

Angie O’Connor, RN, BS, CLLM, is director of clinical resources for the Encompass Group. She brings skills in periop nursing, medical device sales, field sales training and consulting. She has an RN diploma from Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich., and a bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. O’Connor

When you purchase a Kannegiesser system, you get more than the world’s finest laundry equipment. Starting with installation by Kannegiesser experts, you get a long-term partnership with professionals who know our brand of automation inside and out. Our 24/7 phone support won’t cost you a dime. And for the life of your system, we’ll do whatever it takes to keep your equipment productive and profitable.

Giving effective plant tours

BY TROY LOVINS

FORT MILL, S.C. — Our industry isn’t exactly known for giving dynamic plant tours.

In fact, we rarely do them, but a plant tour is a great opportunity to showcase your competitive advantages. It gives prospects the opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes and reveals not only how advanced your procedures are, but also how much time and attention goes into doing things the right way to service your customers.

In addition to garnering new sales, using well-executed plant tours can strengthen your relationship with current customers, especially those who need to be reassured of your commitment and capabilities.

When you think of plant tours, most of us envision potential new customers getting walked around while a plant manager points out all the various equipment. Have you ever really stopped and thought about what a properly conducted plant tour could mean to your bottom line?

Neither have your independent competitors.

On the other hand, that may be why you are losing business to the national companies that often do a terrific job at organized plant tours. Luckily, a dynamic plant tour can be executed no matter your company’s size. Don’t focus on the fact that your plant may not have all the bells and whistles of a competitor’s newer facilities. Instead, emphasize what makes you unique.

Need more motivation? Consider that your closing rate (or renewal rate) is almost guaranteed to substantially increase if you can convince a prospect (or customer) to join you on a tour that follows our recommendations.

A little bit of preparation before a prospect arrives will go a long way. Prior to their arrival, think through the current issues and needs of a prospect to customize their experience while on the tour. Know in advance how much time a prospect has for the tour and be careful to respect their time limit. You’ll want to pick a primary leader for the tour who you think will be able to build the best rapport with your potential customer. Of course, make sure all cell phones are turned off before a tour begins.

Instead of putting the weight of the tour solely on the shoulders of your plant manager, consider making plant tours a group effort. I recommend having the

sales manager be the one to greet the customer and take him/her through the pre-tour session. The plant manager may be the primary leader when going through the plant, but the service manager should join the tour and contribute. This promotes a collaborative environment and demonstrates to the customer that everyone at your plant works together.

Next, try to imagine yourself as a potential customer. A prospect arrives at the plant for the first time and as they walk in, they see a posted welcome sign with their name on it. This makes the experience personal and helps them feel important. (Spelling the person’s name or company incorrectly has the opposite effect, so doublecheck before posting the sign.)

Start with a pre-briefing in a conference room. Make an effort to have the room be a comfortable environment where everyone can relax. Having some drinks and snacks available is a definite plus. Of course, cleanliness is also important—especially every bathroom.

The management team should make a brief appearance to welcome each guest. If possible, have their potential route rep join in during this time. If their potential route rep is not available, have them stop by the customer’s location prior to the tour to introduce themselves.

The tour leader—typically the sales manager or general manager—should offer a brief introduction of the company and help lay out the goals of the tour. Reveal the information you collected in your pre-tour preparation that shows that you understand their needs and point out similarities between your two companies.

the service that they will receive from their route rep and the support that your plant provides in order to exceed expectations. This is your opportunity to highlight what makes your team uniquely positioned to best service their specific business needs.

I also recommend creating a one-page “fact sheet” about the company that the prospect can take with them. It should contain statistics such as how long the company has been in business, number of employees, utility consumption, community awards, annual sales and other key performance statistics. When appropriate, also include a list of key customers in similar industries as good referrals for your prospect.

STATION #1: THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT

At this point, I suggest having the service manager speak up and share how he/she understands the concerns of that particular prospect (based on information shared by the sales team). The service manager can speak to the fact that any uniform or linen service can provide the same materials but what sets your company apart is

Start in your service department and explain that this is “home” to each member of your service team. Of course, most of the time, those offices will be empty, so explain that all of your route reps are currently out on location servicing your many clients.

It may be helpful to have pictures of all your route reps posted on a wall to provide you the oppor-

tunity to point out their potential route rep as one of your best.

STATION #2: THE SOIL ROOM

Begin the plant tour in the soil room. Know where to stand so that the customer will have the best view. (I recommend going so far as to paint feet on the floor as a visual cue at each station along the tour.)

Help the customer understand your business by explaining it without the technical jargon. Draw an analogy to their home laundry, only on a scale that is 3,000 times larger.

Talk about unloading soil, separating into classification and getting proper weights. This gives you a great opportunity to talk about all your product offerings. Emphasize levels of soil and the cleanliness of the finished result. Address the negative impact on the environment if everyone were to wash all their items at home.

For uniform rental companies, have the customers imagine the impact on morale if each of their employees had the added inconvenience of washing, drying and pressing their own uniforms every day. Emphasize safety and the

environmental benefits. This is a great opportunity to talk about employee longevity and why they choose to continue working for your company.

At each station, make sure to pause and ask for questions; you want to make sure you are talking with the prospect, not to the prospect.

STATION #3: WASHROOM/ DRYERS

While standing in a spot that offers the best viewpoint, again preferably marked by painted feet, explain how your technology best meets their needs. This is a great opportunity to brag about your equipment.

Help prospects understand how much goes into properly laundered textiles. For the washers, talk about time, temperature, water levels, chemicals and even the computerized chemical injections. Explain how the machines don’t move on to the next step until the current function (water level, temperature, etc.) has been completed for consistency.

For the dryers, emphasize technology, dry times and moisture retention, as it will impact the tunnel and press, and ultimately gar-

An effective plant tour shines a spotlight on a laundry and linen service’s competitive advantages. (Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

ment or fabric quality. Call attention to the need to get the items on a hanger as soon as possible once it has been through the dryer.

Be sure to point out investments in new or updated equipment and technology throughout the tour.

STATION #4: STEAM TUNNEL/PRESS

At the steam tunnel or press, address productivity, repair inspection and percentages, proper collaring techniques and proper leg alignment. Explain how hot air and steam interact with polyester and cotton materials versus permanent-press items. Discuss the time through the tunnel and the optimal temperature.

I recommend doing a “before tunnel” and “after tunnel” comparison so the prospect can see the difference. Point out the cleanliness that your process ensures. At the press, use a drycleaning analogy, but explain that you can buy the materials and process them for one-third the cost. Again, make an effort to emphasize safety and the environmental benefits.

STATION #5: REPAIR

Show the customer how you identify and repair rental items. Speak about your replacement policy, as well as the external repair system used by the customer and the route rep. Make sure to explain to the customer why quality and proper repairs/replacements are important to your company.

STATION

them the process from order pull to assignment.

If you know what the prospect is looking for, show them potential items. If managing uniforms, let them know that used garments are the first option to help keep their costs down, and discuss the process for names and emblems.

Also, talk through your process for garments from “quit wears” and exchanges. Share how you recycle garments for reuse. For all items, explain the function of a bar code and why your company uses them. If you are proud of the percentage of your orders that

are complete for the next delivery, share it with the prospect.

STATION #9: DEBRIEFING

Once the tour is complete, head back to the conference room to discuss next steps. Have your service manager highlight processes, tools and systems for ensuring customer satisfaction, emphasizing any points that he knows are important to that specific prospect. Mention again your commitment to safety and the environment, but most of all, speak to your company’s emphasis on customer satisfaction.

If you have the opportunity, bring lunch in or take the prospect to lunch. It’s also a good idea to have a small branded gift for visitors to take with them.

As an added bonus, consider having your lunch catered by, or taking your prospect to lunch at, one of your customer’s locations. Allow the current customer to meet the prospect, and you may even get your testimonial right there.

All these seemingly small details add up to a

dynamic plant tour that involves every area of your business. It showcases your competitive advantages while allowing the prospect to feel important and a part of the team.

And, in the end, your plant tour will optimize your opportunity to grow your business and meet your financial goals. ALN

#6: SORTS

Take the prospect to the area with an optimal view of the sorting area. Explain the multi-step process of sorting, and be sure to mention just how many items go through your plant every week.

For uniforms, talk them through from day route to customer to individual wearer. Refer back to the soil room where everything was dirty and mixed together. Show off your newly processed items that are clean, bright and sorted.

If appropriate, talk about your successful load completion rates. Show them how items are readied for truck loading and explain how your company runs two to three days ahead of the sort process so that you can be proactive if any concerns or needs arise with customers.

STATION #7:

MISCELLANEOUS

If applicable, show visitors the mat and fold areas and highlight the wide range of products you offer.

STATION #8:

STOCKROOM

Explain to your prospect/customer that the stockroom is the hub of the garment operation. Lead visitors through the process so that they understand what happens behind the scenes—from generating work orders to showcasing the differences in grades, colors, sizes and emblems. Show

With

Performance features include an all-new direct drive system which comes standard with high extract speed functionality as all our machines, accurate cylinder positioning and standardized Braun machine controls that

provide an efficient operating platform that will improve cycle rate productivity; while reducing operational costs.

We back it all with free 24/7 telephone support for the life of the equipment along with the largest team of direct factory-trained field service technicians in the US and Canada and factory-trained partners internationally.

And, our exclusive Parker Hannifin Hydraulics three-year, leak-free warranty really gives Braun the industry advantage.

For more information visit gabraun.com or cleanshow17 booth #2261

Troy Lovins is the founder and president of Performance Matters. He has more than 25 years of experience in the textile rental services industry.

Lovins

Aramark plant expands cleanroom

PHILADELPHIA — Aramark, a global entity in food, facilities management and uniforms, is increasing its capacity to provide cleanroom services to customers throughout the Southwest with its new 34,350-squarefoot processing plant in McKinney, Texas, the company reports.

Over the next three years, the new Mc-

Kinney operation is expected to create approximately 120 new local jobs, Aramark says.

“This expansion is designed to drive innovation and improve the speed of service for our growing cleanroom service customer base in the Southwest,” says Brad Drummond, COO for Aramark’s uniform business. “The McKinney processing facility is the sec-

ond recent expansion of our cleanroom service capacity, as we opened a smaller but similar plant in April 2015, in Toronto.”

ARCO/Murray, a national design-build company, says it completed the cleanroom laundry build-out for Aramark.

The project included a 5,500-square-foot clean room, a 9,900-square-foot office remodel, renovated laundry space, a new mezzanine, boiler room and a reverse osmosis deionized (RODI) room.

Upgrades to the building included LED lighting, new plant ventilation to reverse the building airflow, and new utility services. The washroom equipment was provided by G.A. Braun, and Ludell furnished the mechanical room equipment, according to ARCO/Murray.

Aramark says it is an industry leader in supplying sterile garments and contamination control supplies, serving critical environments in the pharmaceutical, medical device, microelectronics, semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing industries.

The company also says it offers products for cleanroom environments such as the Aramark Acuity Goggle®, which retains visual clarity after sterilization; MicronSwep™, a ceiling-to-floor microfiber cleaning system; and CleanTrak™, a proprietary inventory control system that tracks the history of every garment from first use to repairs and expected last date of use.

All of Aramark’s cleanroom processing facilities are International Organization for Standardization Class 5-certified and use a proprietary wash formula with deionized water to help ensure garments meet Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology recommendations, according to the company.

Aramark says it provides uniform rental and uniform leasing services to more than 300,000 customer accounts nationwide from more than 225 service locations and distribution centers across the United States. Aramark’s full-service employee uniform solution includes design, sourcing and manufacturing, customization, cleaning, maintenance and delivery.

Aramark’s new plant in McKinney, Texas, increases its capacity to provide cleanroom services throughout the Southwest, the company says. (Photo: Aramark)

NYC

NEW YORK — Stamford Uniform and Linen, a linen service operating here, including service in Brooklyn, offered a special competitive quote and analysis program for potential linen service customers in March, the company reports.

During that month, Stamford says that any customer who owned a business in the city of New York was invited to reach out to the company for a no-cost competitive quote analysis.

The company says that a small business, such as a Brooklyn restaurant, only had to visit the Stamford Uniform and Linen website and mention that it would like a “competitive quote analysis.” Businesses looking for restaurant uniforms for chefs, cooking staff, wait staff and bartenders, plus restaurant table linens and hotel linens, could try the program.

The company says each business that took advantage of the program provided details about its current pricing from a competitive linen service company, including the volumes of linens (e.g., uniforms, linens, towels, napkins, etc.) being cleaned and processed. After that, Stamford says it not only analyzed current pricing and contract, but also generated a competitive quote.

“Even in New York City, many small-business owners, such as restaurants, are not aware of what they are spending on linen rentals and a complete linen service,” says Paul McDonald, CEO of Stamford Uniform and Linen. “The so-called ‘big boys’ hide behind fancy contracts and obfuscate the true costs of a linen service.”

According to Stamford, Brooklyn has one of the most competitive and most vibrant restaurant scenes in the United States, if not the world. The company says small businesses there need a linen service provider that is a small business like them—at least in terms of costs, efficiency, and customer service.

However, most small-business owners are too busy to understand the terms and conditions of their linen service contract, according to the company. They say business owners see all of the terms and conditions from other services, which prevents them from even investigating their contract terms, let alone asking for a competitive bid.

Stamford says its consultations took place either in person or over the phone. The company says a representative would go over, point-by-point, how the business could save money with

Stamford Linen and/or get better

quality service. If the linen service contracts were good, the business owners lost nothing as the service was free of charge, the company says.

“We

many satisfied customers in both Brooklyn and Manhattan

who have urged us to restart our competitive quote program,” says McDonald. “In this way, we are helping small-business owners in Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx to minimize their costs and get the detailed, incredible linen service that we know that they deserve.” ALN

From heated roll to heated chest

BY S ETH WILLER

OSHKOSH, Wis. — How many laundries use a heated-roll flatwork ironer?

Have they considered the possibility of switching to a heated-chest ironer with a folding system?

It’s not easy to know when it makes sense to move to more automated laundry equipment.

That’s why I’m writing for American Laundry News, to help laundries like yours figure out if it’s time to automate.

In the February issue, I looked at ironers from the perspective of flatwork ironer vs. hand folding, the value of an all-in-one ironer/folder/stacker vs. a flatwork ironer, and the value of all-in-one system with and without an optional feeder.

In this article, I’ll go through the steps of moving from a heated-roll flatwork ironer to a system that uses a heated-chest ironer.

STEP 1: IRONING FOR QUALITY, THROUGHPUT AND EFFICIENCY

Q: Why might a laundry install a heated-chest ironer in combination with an automatic folder versus a flat-work

heated-roll ironer?

A: Improved quality, efficiency and throughput. There’s a big difference between a heated-roll flatwork ironer and a heated-chest ironer.

Efficiency:

A heated-roll ironer features an openair combustion system. Thus, some of its heat escapes and makes it less efficient than a heated-chest ironer.

Heated-roll ironers are 70-75% efficient. Conversely, a heated-chest ironer offers a sealed combustion system that can use thermal fluid/natural gas as heat sources.

The closed-loop system transfers more heat through the chest to the damp linen and puts more heat energy to the task of evaporating and ironing.

A chest ironer is not necessarily hotter in temperature, but it has a faster recovery time to keep at consistent programmed temperatures. A heated-chest system with a thermal fluid/natural gas option is between 93% and 95% efficient.

Both ironers operate at the same temperature, but the open heated-roll/ flatwork ironer is always losing heat, efficiency and productivity. It is constantly

burning fuel to maintain temperature to support production needs.

Productivity/Throughput:

Because heat stays in the chest ironer, textiles run through more quickly. The heated-roll ironer is slower because heat is always escaping, causing longer recovery times to maintain temperature. Thus, it takes longer to remove linen moisture.

Quality:

In terms of quality, the heated-chest ironing system is far superior. Chest ironers use a continuous, single-piece roll pad

to iron linens. This creates completely consistent ironing all the way across the sheet. Conversely, heated-roll flatwork ironers use strap-tensioning systems to hold the sheet against the roll. These belts/ straps cause inconsistency in ironing, so the end result isn’t as perfect. Consider installing a heated-chest high-volume ironer if your washing pounds per hour range from 250 to 510.

Is it time to purchase a heated-chest ironing system?

1. Quality: Linen presentation and guest comfort (mechanical folding produces superior quality over hand folding) are improved.

2. Linen Life: Linen life is extended. Items move straight from the washer to the ironer. Automatic ironing speeds removal of moisture as items travel through the ironer. This eliminates dryer time and linen wear-and-tear.

3. Utility Costs: Costs are lower. Heatedchest ironers are 93-95% efficient—24% more efficient than most heated-roll ironers. It eliminates dryer pre-conditioning, lowering utility costs further.

4. Labor: Such a system eliminates hand folding, as it includes an integrated folder. Two operators feed and one catches.

5. Production Threshold: One is appropriate for laundries processing 250 to 510 washing pounds per hour.

6. Sheets per Minute/Hour: 10/600.

7. Pounds Per Operating Hour (PPOH): 306 at 85% efficiency (assuming 1.8 pounds per sheet).

STEP TWO: ADDING A FEEDER TO A HEATED-CHEST IRONER AND FOLDING SYSTEM

Q: A heated-chest ironer and folding system will boost productivity. What difference does it make to also add a feeder to the system?

A: First, you need to understand the feeder. A feeder offers one to four feeding stations with mechanical clips to spread, center and feed large-sized items/sheets. The advantage to an automated feeder, over hand feeding, is quality and production.

The automated feeder feeds items more quickly than operators can by hand. It also has options to ensure consistent quality on every sheet, such as vacuum suction and spreading brushes and belts. These are important features because they automatically straighten the sheets when fed into the ironer. This eliminates the possibility of operators feeding sheets into the ironer so

they enter crooked rather than centered. Finally, in terms of productivity, the automated feeder can feed sheets as quickly as the chest ironer/folder can process them. Think about adding a feeder when you reach 510 washing pounds per hour.

Is it time to add an automated feeder to your chest ironing/folding system?

Considerations:

1. Quality: Improved sheet/tablecloth presentation and guest comfort.

2. Linen Life: Life is extended.

3. Utility Costs: Lower. It speeds production for less overall daily run time and utility usage.

4. Labor: Eliminates hands-on feeding and folding. Three to four operators to feed and one to catch.

ALN_Tab_half 10/9/12 2:40 PM Page 1 See us at the Clean Show • Booth #2502

5. Production Threshold: Appropriate for laundries processing 510 to 900 washing pounds

per hour. Allows for complete utilization of high-speed chest ironer.

6. Sheets per Minute/Hour: 14/840.

7. Pounds Per Operating Hour (PPOH): 321 at 85% efficiency (assuming 1.8 pounds per sheet).

These considerations may help you see how moving from a heated-roll flatwork ironer to a system that uses a heated-chest ironer could benefit your laundry and linen service operation.

In an upcoming issue, I’ll offer information about moving from hand folding to dry-fold automation. ALN

Seth Willer, national sales manager for Girbau Industrial, has expertise in on-premises and industrial laundry design, equipment, workflow and productivity.

For over 50 years U.N.X. INCORPORATED has been involved in the development of products that not only solve quality problems that exist at the moment, but also provide long term benefits to the customer and the environment in which we live.

For over 50 years U.N.X. INCORPORATED has been involved in the development of products that not only solve quality problems that exist at the moment, but also provide long term benefits to the customer and the environment in which we live.

U.N.X. was built on the foundation of improving the industry in which we participate. U.N.X. prides itself on being an industry leader with state-of-the-art products and dispensing equipment, and our plans for the future are extraordinary. With a Research and Development team second to none, U.N.X. is in a position to provide the industry with the most technologically advanced products and dispensers as possible. U.N.X. INCORPORATED 707EArlingtonBlvd Greenville,NC27858 (252)756 8616 www.unxinc.com

U.N.X. was built on the foundation of improving the industry in which we participate. U.N.X. prides itself on being an industry leader with state-of-the-art products and dispensing equipment, and our plans for the future are extraordinary.

Willer

Tingue promotes Acton to president

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. — Global laundry product supplier Tingue has named Ty Acton president, the company reports.

Promoted from vice president of sales by CEO David Tingue, Acton is responsible for implementing the company’s overall strategic direction, driving its sales strategy and leading the organization on a global expansion that already encompasses operating businesses in the United States, Canada, Asia and Latin America, according to the company.

Smith assumes president, GM post at Forenta

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. —

Track Career

Leland E. White has retired as president of Forenta, a manufacturer of finishing and pressing equipment, the company reports.

Russell (Rusty) Smith has assumed the position of president and general manager.

White was president of the company for 24 years, during which time Forenta says it introduced many new and innovative products into the marketplace.

Bazzinotti is Xeros global commercial laundry president

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Joseph Bazzinotti has been appointed global commercial laundry president for Xeros Inc., the company reports. He previously served as senior vice president, general manager.

In Bazzinotti’s new role, he

will be responsible for overseeing sales, operations, service and marketing functions for global commercial laundry, according to the company.

Prior to joining Xeros, Bazzinotti was president and CEO of American Dryer Corp., says Xeros. Before that he was vice president of operations at American Dryer Corp., and prior to that, general manager of Foxboro Corp., which was acquired by Schneider Electric.

Laundry systems marketing director Albers retires

KENNER, La. — Pellerin Milnor Corp.’s laundry systems

marketing director, Dick Albers, has retired, the company reports.

The company says Albers first became involved in the laundry industry in 1961, just one year after graduating first in his mechanical engineering class at Vanderbilt University. He started out as a washer engineer for GE, then joined FMC Corp., where he participated in the first successful North American batch washer installation.

He later joined Milnor in 1985, as a proud father of three and honors MBA graduate of Harvard Business School.

CG West welcomes Mendoza, Podany to its team

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif.— Continental Girbau West (CG

West) recently welcomed Steve Mendoza and Michelle Podany to its team, the company reports. Mendoza serves as parts and warehouse assistant, while Podany serves as office support coordinator.

Mendoza, of South Gate, Calif., is bilingual in English and Spanish. In his new role as parts and warehouse assistant, he supports a growing CG West parts department by handling parts and product order completion, inventory stocking and warehouse organization.

Podany

Podany, of Whittier, Calif., serves CG West customers, as well. As office support coordinator, she supports CG West’s sales

MAY

Feature: Clean 2017 Show Guide Complete listings of the exhibitors, educational sessions and events that make Clean the industry’s can’tmiss show. Plus, our helpful show floor map!

Editorial Submission Deadline — March 15

JUNE

Product Showcase: Small-Capacity Dryers

Editorial

Mendoza

Albers

staff, responds to customer inquiries, assists the parts department and directs all incoming calls, the company says.

Mc Allister joins Continental Girbau

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Continental Girbau Inc. (Continental), located here, recently welcomed Dave “Mac” Mc Allister, of Berlin, Wis., as director of services and product development, the company reports.

Mc Allister, who fills a newly created position at Continental, oversees customer and technical service areas for all Continental subsidiaries, the company says. He is also a member of Continental’s seven-person executive committee.

In his new role, Continental says Mc Allister manages the customer service and technical service departments, innovates strategies to help the company meet strategic goals, implements tactical operations plans for

enhanced customer experiences and monitors Girbau Industrial work procedures and schedules.

Leonard hires CFO, names regional sales manager

DENVER, N.C. — Leonard Automatics recently hired a new CFO and named a Western regional sales manager, the company reports.

Leonard says it hired Greg Watson as CFO. The company says Watson was the CFO of a manufacturing group in North Carolina for 11 years, managing the finances of four related companies with combined revenues of $40 million annually.

Leonard also says it named Jason Miller as its Western regional sales manager. The company says

Miller brings experience working with a leading uniform provider in the industrial laundry industry.

Dexter’s Albregts retires, Kretz promoted

FAIRFIELD, Iowa — Pat Albregts, chairman and CEO of Dexter Apache Holdings, has retired as CEO, reports Dexter Laundry Inc. and its parent company, Dexter Apache Holdings.

Andy Kretz has been promoted to president and CEO of Dexter Apache Holdings.

The company says Albregts started his career as vice president and general manager of Dexter Laundry in 2004. He held that position until 2005 when he became president and CEO of Dexter Apache Holdings.

Albregts will continue to serve as chairman of the board for Dexter Apache Holdings, the company says.

Kretz was president and COO of Dexter Apache Holdings before the promotion. Prior to that, the company says he was president of Dexter Laundry Inc. from 2006 to 2016, a post now held by Craig Kirchner.

AmeriPride has new general manager in Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. — Mike Jackson has been promoted to general manager of AmeriPride Services’ Omaha branch, the company reports. Jackson will have fiscal and operational oversight over the entire branch and affiliated service centers for the textile rental

services and supply company.

Jackson joined AmeriPride in November 2013 as a sales manager in the Topeka and Kansas City markets and took a new position as sales training and recruiting manager in February 2015, the company says.

Whirlpool Corp. welcomes Gizzi

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Steve Gizzi will join the Whirlpool Corp. Commercial Laundry team as merchandising manager, the company reports. An analytics specialist and relationship cultivator, he will design differentiated programs to help advance commercial laundry selling strategies.

Gizzi’s knowledge will also play an integral role in pricing strategy, long-term planning and landscape analyses, according to the company. ALN

Mc Allister

Albregts

Jackson

Watson

Miller

Kretz

Gizzi

American Laundry Products acquires Clenacorp

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — American Laundry Products Inc., a division of Andrew Industries Group headquartered in Altham, England, acquired the business and certain assets of Clenacorp Inc., San Carlos, Calif., effective Jan. 1, the company reports.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

American Laundry Products is a manufacturer of pads, covers and accessories for flatwork ironers, as well as feed and folder belts, according to the company.

Clenacorp, established in 1947, formulates and manufactures a complete line of paste and liquid lubricants, cleaners and Karagami Flake Wax, as well as a complete line of guide tapes, beltings and accessories for flatwork ironers and folders.

days of technical training that focused on improving service capabilities, learning about new innovative products and systems, and personal development.

More than 75 sales-and-service and management team members attended the three-day conference, according to the company. Representatives came in from across the United States, Mexico, Canada and Australia.

Gurtler says the highlight of the meeting was a customer forum during which four executives from various laundry market segments spoke about their views on service, innovation and people, as they affect their businesses, their vendors and their customers.

The open-forum, question-and-answer format helped the Gurtler sales-and-service team learn what is topof-mind for their laundry customers and how they can better respond to their needs, according to the company.

Hurst Boiler celebrates 50 years in manufacturing

pus, making it one of the largest employers in Thomas County.

Moving into its next 50 years, Hurst Boiler has plans for strategic expansion into new markets, as well as continued product innovation that delivers the highest quality at competitive prices.

“After 50 years, our core values of integrity, achievement, investment and balance continue to be the standards by which we measure our success,” says Tommy Hurst. “By remaining true to the founding values and personal integrity of Gene Hurst, we have been able to deliver the highest-quality people, products and processes to our customers and position ourselves for continued growth.”

Monarch Brands moving HQ to Northeast Philadelphia

conference

SCHERERVILLE, Ind. — Laundry chemical products manufacturer Gurtler Industries recently conducted its biennial global sales and service meeting here, unveiling its new corporate philosophy, the company reports. The company says its newly developed corporate philosophy is The Gurtler Advantage: Service • Innovation • People . Gurtler says its sales team participated in three

COOLIDGE, Ga. — Hurst Boiler is celebrating 50 years of growth and success in 2017, the company reports.

“In 1967, my parents, Gene and Edna Hurst, founded Hurst Boiler and Welding Co. Inc. upon the core values of integrity, achievement, investment and balance,” says Tommy Hurst, president of Hurst Boiler and Welding Co. Inc. “Fifty years later, their founding principles have ensured steady growth and success that has seen us through both good times and economic downturns to become the strong, still-family-owned corporation that we are today.

“We remain committed to helping our customers, employees, vendors and associates accomplish their goals, and we’d like to thank everyone for their dedicated support during the past 50 years. We promise to continue providing value to our partners every day and working with integrity in everything we do.”

Hurst Boiler began in 1967 as a small repair company of industrial boilers and equipment, the company says. Today, it has more than 250 employees and 130 privately owned representative organizations worldwide. Hurst says its main manufacturing facility has grown to 300,000 square feet, which is housed on an 18-acre cam -

PHILADELPHIA — Monarch Brands, an importer and manufacturer of commercial linens, towels, microfiber cleaning products and professional wipers, is moving its headquarters to Northeast Philadelphia, the company reports.

Monarch says it is expanding from its current location in Southwest Philadelphia to a 300,000-square-foot facility on Norcom Road.

The move, along with the implementation of a new “pick and pack” system, quadrupled dock space and a new four-tier roll-back racking system, should streamline operations and ensure efficiency now and into the future, Monarch says. The move is scheduled to be completed by May 1.

Founded as A&B Wiper Supply in 1947, the company says it started in professional wiping rags and has since diversified into many commercial and consumer textiles lines, as well as industrial and linen supply lines. The company says it rebranded as Monarch Brands in 2015 to better reflect its diverse product offerings.

“We are proud to be at a point in our firm’s history where we can make this move and drive capital efficiencies for years to come. This will allow us to grow without compromising our goal of delivering quality and value to our customers,” says Hal Kanefsky, president of Monarch Brands.

Gurtler Industries introduces new corporate philosophy during global sales

The move will allow the company to consolidate three East Coast warehouses, according to Monarch. The company says its West Coast facility will continue to operate in Los Angeles.

In memoriam: Robbie L. Freeman, Phenix Supply

TAMPA, Fla. — Robbie L. Freeman, longtime president of drycleaning and laundry supplier Phenix Supply Co., died March 5 after a brief illness. He was 69.

Freeman was born Nov. 24, 1947, in Sandersville, Ga. The son of a Methodist minister, he lived in various towns throughout South Georgia. After graduating from Georgia Southern College, he served in the U.S. Army before moving to Atlanta.

He began working for Phenix Supply Co. in 1972, and served as the company’s president until 2013. During his 45 years in the drycleaning industry, Freeman served on the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) Board of Directors for 12 years and as TCATA president in 1996-98. In 2005, he was honored with the association’s J. Morry Friedlander Award for Outstanding Dedication and Service.

Freeman is survived by his parents, Ramus and Betty Freeman; his wife of

46 years, Pennie; siblings Karen Watson, Steve Freeman and Kristi Fuss; children Brandon Freeman, Jimmy Freeman and Alyson Freeman; a granddaughter, Evelyn Freeman; and many other relatives.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, FL 33742.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Blount & Curry Funeral Home – Carrollwood Chapel in Tampa.

Calendar

April

18 Textile Rental Services Association Workforce Management Summit Chicago, Ill. Info: 703-519-0029

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — NorthStar Mat Service, based in Wixom, Mich., awarded G.A. Braun Inc. its inaugural NorthStar Mat Service Supplier of the Year Award for 2016, Braun reports.

“Since our decision to install Braun laundry equipment in our plant over the last four years, they have shown us that they are capable and willing to work with us to have a long-range advantage to supply a quality product to our customers,” says John Sloan, president of NorthStar. “We are very proud to have G.A. Braun as our laundry equipment provider.”

Sloan says the award was given in recognition of exceptional service, performance and providing the highest quality of product for NorthStar’s success.

“This award is based on meeting and exceeding quality, delivery times, technical support and budgeting goals,” he adds.

ALN

19 Textile Rental Services Association

6th Annual Safety Summit Chicago, Ill. Info: 703-519-0029

24-28 Performance Matters Coaches Clinic, 3rd Series Charlotte, N.C. Info: cgilbert@performancematters.com

26 Textile Rental Services Association Webinar: Hygienically Clean— Commercial vs. Home Wash for Healthcare Linens and Garments Alexandria, Va. Info: 703-519-0029

27 Association for Linen Management

Webinar: Global Market Update Richmond, Ky. Info: 859-624-0177

May

17 Textile Rental Services Association

Webinar: Tips for Locating TRSA’s Most Useful Resources Alexandria, Va. Info: 703-519-0029

31 Textile Rental Services Association

Webinar: Mat Safety Alexandria, Va. Info: 703-519-0029

June

5-8 The Clean Show

World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning Las Vegas, Nev. Info: 404-876-1988 ALN

Michigan-based mat service names Braun its 2016 Supplier of Year

Plants earn Hygienically Clean certification in early 2017

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Five plants from U.S. laundry operations have earned Hygienically Clean certification in the early months of 2017, the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) reports.

Four of the plants earned Healthcare certification (Crothall, Hospital Cooperative Laundry [HCL], Crown and Alsco) while the fifth (AmeriPride Services) garnered certification in Food Safety.

The association says these certifications reflect the laundries’ commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by TRSA inspection and their capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

“Congratulations to these facilities on their certification,” says Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their dedication to building their

customers’ confidence that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Crothall Laundry Services’ La Mirada, Calif., facility; HCL in Pueblo, Colo.; Crown Health Care Laundry Services in Columbia, Miss.; and Alsco Inc.’s San Jose, Calif., plant all received Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification.

With the certification of the La Mirada location, TRSA says Crothall now has 12 Hygienically Clean Healthcare-certified facilities.

In addition to the newest designee, Crothall’s other certified locations include Mobile, Ala. (Coastal Laundry); Phoenix,

Ariz.; Ontario, Calif.; Lakeland, Fla.; Augusta and Rome, Ga.; Madisonville, Ky.; Bellcamp, Md., Winston-Salem, N.C.; Johnson City, Tenn.; and Milwaukee, Wis.

HCL is owned by the hospitals it serves, producing more than 50 million pounds of laundry for 36 hospitals and more than 300 clinics, according to the association.

The Pueblo operation is HCL’s second. It opened in May 2001 to serve its members and customers in Southern Colorado. The original operation, in Denver, serves healthcare facilities in Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming.

AmeriPride Services Inc., Fresno, Calif., earned TRSA’s Hygienically Clean Food Safety designation.

The Fresno facility is the first in the AmeriPride chain to receive the Hygienically Clean Food Safety certification, according to TRSA.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification, for serving hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities, was previously awarded to 11 of the company’s U.S. locations: Little Rock, Ark.; Phoenix; Watkinsville, Ga.; Topeka, Kan.; Bemidji, Minneapolis and Twin Falls, Minn.; Springfield, Mo.; Omaha, Neb.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Lubbock, Texas.

TRSA says the company’s Canadian Linen and Uniform Service facility in Lethbridge, Alberta, is also Hygienically Clean Healthcare-certified. ALN

TRSA summits set to take place this month

Association adds Workforce Management Summit to accompany Safety Summit

ALEXANDRIA, Va. —

The Textile Rental Services Association’s (TRSA) sixth annual Safety Summit gets a partner event in Chicago this year, the association reports. The Workforce Management Summit will provide linen, uniform and facility services management with practical tools to ensure compliance and cultivate talent April 18.

This new TRSA event takes place in the same location as the April 19 Safety Summit: Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile.

TRSA says the Safety Summit has been heralded each year for assembling the largest group anywhere dedicated to discussing

laundry workplace injury and illness reduction.

The association says it introduced the Workforce Management Summit because so many past participants in the Safety Summit have been professionals in human resources or other functions critical to managing and supporting employees.

Both events appeal to human resources (HR) professionals, owner-operators, corporate and regional executives and plantbased general, plant, production, engineering and safety managers, according to TRSA.

Keynote and general sessions highlight both agendas. Breakout sessions require at least two col-

leagues from the same workplace to attend for their operation to witness each Summit’s entire program.

The Safety Summit features concurrent facilitated workshops on fire prevention, low-voltage electrical, fleet safety, lockout/ tagout, hazard communication and working in confined spaces, TRSA says. At the Workforce Management Summit, participants have their choice of breakouts on Fair Labor Standards Act regulations, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rules, pre-employment testing and the future of human resources.

Each program also offers a panel discussion with members of the TRSA committee staging the respective summit (Safety and HR) serving as panelists. Attendees will provide the subject material for these discussions by noting on their event registration forms three contentious management issues related to the summit’s subject they face in their jobs.

Keynoting the Safety Summit will be Joe Wheatley of EnPro Industries, a sealings, bearings and engines manufacturer hailed by EHS Today magazine as one of America’s safest companies, TRSA says. Attendees will discover opportunities to adapt principles of EnPro’s corporate safety system that provides resources for management commitment coupled with intensive employee training.

At the Workforce Management Summit, keynoter Valerie M. Grubb will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a dynamic team and flexible structure for improving human resources effectiveness as an organization grows. Now advising corporate leaders and employees worldwide

on training and coaching, Grubb has held senior management roles with NBC Universal, Rolls-Royce and more.

Finally, TRSA says to test the Summit’s participants’ expertise on termination, Joe Shelton, partner in the Fisher Phillips law firm, will conduct a video exercise in which the audience serves as a

mock jury in trial proceedings. He’ll present footage depicting a termination for poor performance and its aftermath, including pretermination and termination meetings with the employee and encounters with plaintiffs’ and defense attorneys.

Shelton will also participate on the HR Committee panel. ALN

TRSA joins Dream It. Do It. network for awareness

TRSA says it is just the second industry-related association, the only laundry industry association, to join the Institute’s Dream It. Do It. program,

“TRSA is developing alliances that improve our ability to recruit, retain and develop the executives, managers and skilled workers necessary to continue the growth of our industry,” says Joseph Ricci, president and CEO of TRSA. “Our partnership with The Manufacturing Institute offers access to expertise, contacts and resources that meets these objectives.”

Through this partnership, TRSA and its members will have access to market-tested materials targeting young people, parents and teachers, according to the association. This library includes posters, brochures, social media, videos and web content. Dream It. Do It. also provides a collection of best practices, how-to guides and resources for activities proven to influence the perception of manufacturing careers.

TRSA says it plans to target Manufacturing Day, on and around Oct. 6, for members to hold tours and connect with schools in their communities. Manufacturing Day is an initiative of The Manufacturing Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers.

“The skills gap is very real and impacts virtually every sector of manufacturing,” says Brent Weil, senior vice president of The Manufacturing Institute. “I applaud TRSA for its bold leadership in addressing the skill needs head-on. Joining Dream It. Do It. is an important step in turning that vision into action.”

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) and The Manufacturing Institute entered into a partnership to reach the next generation of manufacturing workers and the linen, uniform and facility services industry, the association reports.

which raises awareness of careers in manufacturing.

MATERIAL HANDLING / CONVEYORS

Gardner Machinery Corporation P.O. Box 33818, Charlotte, NC 28233 Ph.: (704)372-3890; Fax: (704)342-0758 www.gardnermachinery.com

Pellerin Milnor Corp. P.O. Box 400, Kenner, LA 70063 504-467-9591, Fax: 504-468-3094 www.milnor.com

Pellerin

Corp. P.O. Box 400, Kenner, LA 70063 504-467-9591, Fax: 504-468-3094 www.milnor.com

P.O. Box 400, Kenner, LA 70063 504-467-9591, Fax: 504-468-3094 www.milnor.com

Pellerin Milnor Corp.

P.O. Box 400, Kenner, LA 70063 504-467-9591, Fax: 504-468-3094 www.milnor.com