Division Laundry Thriving After Fire

Division Laundry & Cleaners, San Antonio, has risen from the ashes after a devastating 2001 fire that caused the company to lose 65% of its business. A reminder of this trying time is depicted on the company’s trucks in the form of a phoenix, which portrays Division’s rebirth from this fire, according to local media reports.

While the fire decreased its customer base, Division was able to hold onto 35% of its customers, without a plant until Division could rebuild a facility two years later. Clients that remained on board included the Methodist Healthcare System and Wilford Hall Medical Center. Company President Patrick R. Garcia said the company survived by shipping laundry to plants as far away as Abilene, TX; Houston; and Corpus Christi, TX. Division also sent employees to supervise quality control at those plants.

Since 2003, when Division reopened with its new facility, it added a picker and a computer controlled overhead rail system, and poundage has increased almost 11% annually. The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) recognized the company in 2004 for its water conservation initiatives. It remains a family business, and is “highly respected,” says CEO Reynaldo Chavez, San Antonio Manufacturers Association, and “involved in a lot of issues that we care about,” including water and waste.

To read the full article, click here.