Equipment Upgrades Power Metro Laundry Service

The nation’s capital in Washington, DC, is more than just the federal home of government in the U.S. It is also one of the most competitive markets for the hotel industry. In addition to catering to a broad range of corporate visitors who attend business meetings, hotels in the District of Columbia also serve many domestic and international leisure travelers and government workers.

For nearly a quarter century, Metro Laundry Service (MLS) has gradually grown while making its mark. They expanded from newcomer status to a highly respected player in the metro area by winning new business and delivering outstanding service to brand-name luxury hotel customers.

MLS in Capitol Heights, MD, is the only wholly family-owned certified Minority Business Enterprise commercial laundry business in the metro DC-area specializing in the needs of hotels. CEO Bernard Young started the business in a small, 1,500-square-foot rental property on the east side of the city in 2004. Today, their 24,000-square-foot facility is located not far from Northwest Stadium, home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders.

Bernard’s nephew, Steven Young, serves as the company’s COO. When he completed his education at Baltimore’s Morgan State University in 2004, he joined MLS the same year it opened and began working as a supervisor. In his current role, he manages various aspects of daily operations and new business development.

Servicing chain brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and MGM, MLS currently employs 140 people and runs two shifts daily. Young indicated 85 percent of the work is hotel room linens, as well as some food-and-beverage and a small fraction of spa work.

In 2024, MLS processed approximately 22 million lbs. of laundry and are on pace to finish 2025 with a similar amount. Depending on some government-related factors, Young anticipates the volume could grow to 24 million pounds in 2026. He pointed out favorable developments in the second half of 2025 that could result in more work.

Several key factors have helped MLS to earn and retain their hotel customers’ business. There is the cutting-edge stain identification and removal technology, the continuous linen monitoring and RFID-tagged linen technology, and the 24/7 continuous support they provide day in and day out.

Both new and used LAVATEC equipment powers the MLS Capitol Heights facility, from the wash stage through the drying phase. Recently, MLS upgraded their 40-bar, LP572 extraction press to a 50-bar LP581S LAVAPress single-stage extraction press. It handles 132 lb. loads and, according to Young, has improved workflow and provided other benefits.

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