Division Chief to Lead San Antonio Manufacturers’ Group

Posted January 12, 2023 at 4:40 pm




Patrick Garcia, president of the third-generation family-owned Division Laundry & Cleaners, a San Antonio-based healthcare and hospitality laundry, recently was installed as chair of a local manufacturers’ group, following his election last fall by its Board of Directors, according to a news release.

“It is our intention to continue to make great strides with manufacturers to see them achieve success with their goals and objectives in their businesses and in our community,” said Garcia, during a Jan. 5 meeting of the San Antonio Manufacturers Association (SAMA). “This is especially important as the manufacturing industry has endured the effects of the economy and coming through the pandemic.”

Garcia’s father, Peter G. Garcia, founded Division in 1939 in San Antonio, where it continues to operate today. Division services healthcare and hospitality customers across metro San Antonio, as well as Austin and Corpus Christi, TX, with a staff of 250 employees. Recent acquisitions of laundries in Houston and Dallas will expand Division’s service area, while adding another 200 employees to its ranks, the release said.

In his installation speech at SAMA’s Jan. 5 meeting, Garcia pledged to continue initiatives aimed at helping area manufacturers address a range of issues in the post-COVID economy. “Through SAMA’s programs this year, we are directly addressing the challenges of hiring, supply chain and inflation,” said Garcia, whose company is also a member of TRSA. “We also see opportunities in representing our members through raising awareness of manufacturing’s impact as a leading regional economic driver on issues of energy, regulation, safety and business-to-business connections.”

Founded in 1914, SAMA represents 281 member organizations, including manufacturers and associates. It provides educational and professional certifications, workforce development, networking and advocacy at the state and local levels. As a regional trade association, SAMA represents the interests of 1,500 manufacturers with more than 51,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $40 billion annually in Bexar and other counties surrounding San Antonio.

SAMA President and CEO Dan Yoxall praised Garcia’s dedication to the community and his leadership in areas such as dealing with local utility providers. “Patrick Garcia brings the perspective needed for this role at this time,” Yoxall said. “He has been a SAMA member and volunteer for more than four decades, leading his family business through growth, addressing many of the issues our members face as manufacturers. In addition to his Board of Directors service, he is recognized for his civic leadership on issues related to water and energy as important resources for our community to manage, conserve and plan for the future.” Click here to read the full release.

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