Few would argue that the COVID-19 pandemic has tested the mettle of people in various fields, from restaurants to healthcare providers, as well as linen, uniform and facility services companies.

The pandemic forced Balfurd Linen Service, a mixed operator in Tipton, PA, to scramble as restaurants eliminated indoor dining, and as clinics and hospitals experienced explosive demand for linens and garments. In this environment, the need for customers to get precisely what they ordered from their linen supplier was more critical than ever as end-user demand fluctuated frequently.

Balfurd President Dave Manter says this situation underscored the need for route ...