Outpatient healthcare is growing largely because technology is making it possible to do more complex medical procedures without overnight hospital stays. While the growth of nonacute care varies by region, laundry operators can capitalize on this trend by applying a comprehensive yet flexible approach—whether they specialize in healthcare or have mixed plants.

That was the rough consensus that emerged from recent interviews with five laundry executives on what they believe the growth of nonacute care means for linen, uniform and facility services operators. David Potack, president of Unitex, Elmsford, NY, says that companies that want to compete in outpatient medical ...