Detroit Mayor Commemorates General Linen’s Centennial

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan (D) recently visited General Linen & Uniform Service at its 411 Piquette St. headquarters to mark the independent laundry’s 100th anniversary in the Motor City, according to a Facebook post and comments from Vice President John Shoemaker.

Shoemaker said the mayor drove up in his personal car (a Ford Focus) without fanfare, although an aide and a security detail did precede his arrival. “The mayor came and did a meet-and-greet with the employees,” Shoemaker said. “He posed for pictures with everyone. He was very kind and giving with his time.”

The mayor also toured the plant, which processes a mix of restaurant, hospitality and healthcare linens, along with industrial garments and dust-control items. A luncheon followed, after which he commented that “It’s truly a wonderful thing to have a family-owned and operated company in Detroit that employs over 100 people and is celebrating 100 years in business.”

In addition to Shoemaker, General Linen executives in attendance included President John Dwyer, who praised the mayor for working to strengthen the local economy. “I would like to thank the mayor for all that he has done in uplifting the city and for the positive impact that he has had on the businesses and citizens who work and live in our wonderful city.”

Shoemaker shared a story with the mayor of how the late owners, Bill and Irene Schumer, cited concerns for their staff in resisting a call to relocate the business decades ago when two interstate highways, Nos. 75 and 94, were under construction.  “They approached General Linen and Mr. Schumer said to build the interstate around us because if we left, that would negatively impact the workers who walk to work and take public transportation,” Shoemaker said. The city didn’t force General Linen to vacate the property through eminent domain, so the highways were built around the plant. Today, the on-ramp for I-94 is nine feet from the laundry, Shoemaker said.

Other discussions with Mayor Duggan centered on the current tight labor market in the city and how employees can get to General Linen. “The mayor spoke of how great strides have been made to improve public transportation, but we still have a long way to go,” Shoemaker said.

Mayor Duggan also praised General Linen for its longtime role in community affairs, including its current support for young people through the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent Program. “We offer first jobs to 6-12 teenagers each year, and the city provides them with free transportation on the bus and rail systems,” Shoemaker said.