Lapauw Will Offer Tunnel Washers
The 2017 Clean Show brings news that a new player has entered the highly competitive tunnel washer market, Lapauw International N.V., a laundry machinery manufacturer based in Kortrijk, Belgium.
Lapauw announced on June 5 that its first continuous tunnel washing system will be installed before the end of 2017, according to a news release. The company’s goal is to offer laundry operators “Total Laundry Solutions.” That will encompass the design and production of presses, dryers, conveyors and all other supporting equipment – now to include tunnel washers. “We are overjoyed to finally reveal what we have been working on so many years to achieve,” said Steve Renders, CEO of Lapauw International. This move helps us further in achieving our mission of improving the businesses of our customers and the experiences of those who come in contact with our brand. We have brought a number of people on board over the past several months and years who have relevant experience in the field of tunnel washers. They will help us to lead and build the new division.”
Lapauw’s new tunnel washers will range in capacity size from 35, 50, 70 and 100 kg. (77, 110,154 and 220 lbs.), with a 50-bar press and both steam- and gas-heated dryers, the release said. All machines will have the CE mark (certifying compliance with European health, safety and environmental standards) and also will adhere to other international standards in the markets in which Lapauw operates, including North America.
“Today marks an important milestone in the evolution of Lapauw International, as we are achieving one of the goals we established when we acquired Lapauw in 2010, namely to bring complete laundry solutions to our worldwide customers,” said Philippe D’heygere, president of Lapauw International. “The tunnel washer was clearly missing in our product range, and we had to decline many requests from our customers for this kind of equipment.”
Lapauw made its announcement during the June 5-8 Clean Show in Las Vegas, where the company’s booth is displaying several pieces of equipment, including two new ironers, a small piece folder, the Mediwave barrier washer and the HotSTREAM garment finishing tunnel.
Speaking of the new tunnel washer, Lapauw USA President David Bernstein added that, “Our customers in North America have been asking when we would add a tunnel washer line to our offering, and I can’t wait to show them what has been developed. The Lapauw USA team is anxiously anticipating our first installation here.” Click here for details.