Laundry Suppliers – Keep Calm, Carry On During COVID-19
Several TRSA Associate Members contacted in recent days shared statements circulated to customers that noted they’re taking extra precautions because of the COVID-19 crisis, but are continuing to service customers in as close to a normal fashion as possible.
Brim Laundry Machinery Co.
As the situation with coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, the team here at Brim Laundry Machinery Co. is ready to support you. As your reliable business partner for industrial laundry machinery needs, we are standing by to assist with your equipment, planning, parts and service needs.
We are closely monitoring information related to the outbreak to ensure we are best positioned to remain prepared. Currently we have not experienced any changes in our supply chain, capacity remains strong and we will continue to adapt as changing conditions demand.
We recognize that these are uncertain times, and we wish you, your families, and associates health and safety as we move forward. Thank you for your business and continued trust in our ability to serve you during this unprecedented time.”
G.A. Braun Inc.
As of this writing, Braun has had no supply interruptions as a result of the virus, and we feel confident in our ability to continue to manufacture products. In most cases, Braun has multiple approved sources for components that go into our machines as well as products supporting the aftermarket parts business. Because of this, we feel strongly that we will be able to continue to support all of our customers’ needs as we have in the past. However, should a disruption occur, we will immediately notify our customers of any delays.
Our No. 1 concern is the safety and well-being of our employees and those of our valued customer base. For more information or to send us an email with questions, please visit www.gabraun.com/COVID-19.
JENSEN USA
The developments of the last few days are impacting all our customers and markets. Each of us is now obliged to make a contribution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It even impacts the way we live our normal lives, as our daily activities are reduced to a minimum for the next few weeks.
We want to live up to our responsibility and run our business to the best extent possible.
We will do everything possible to support you in your current projects and to meet your requirements, especially when it comes to servicing and maintaining your equipment. You can contact our service departments via e-mail or telephone.
We kindly ask you to check our local contacts page for more details. Provided that forwarding services are maintained, we will continue to send spare parts. Also our sales managers can be contacted and are at your service. Updates will be posted on our website www.jensen-group.com if the situation changes from now on until further notice.
Kannegiesser ETECH
It is especially true in these times that we recognize the importance of supporting you – the front-line providers of clean, hygienic linens and uniforms for use throughout North America. Extra preparedness, especially in a time of crisis, is key for seamless operations. While world events are unpredictable in timing and severity, there are several actions we can take to ensure you are able to continue providing the results your customers have come to depend on.
The proper operation of your equipment and logistics plays a key role in maintaining integrity with your customers. In order to ensure continued results, Kannegiesser ETECH is taking the following actions:
- Coordinating with our suppliers to ensure that the inventory in our Minneapolis, MN, and Grand Prairie, TX, warehouses will continue to support your business.
- Monitoring and collaborating with our freight partners to confirm timely delivery of replacement and spare parts.
- Remaining flexible and ready to adapt as the situation continues to develop.
Due to the fluidity of restrictions and guidance related to the COVID-19 world event, there are precautions that we recommend you take immediately:
- Check inventory of your spare parts; if necessary, place an order to help supplement it. With shipping restrictions becoming a possibility, along with the unknown future or length of the virus and its impacts, it is important that both critical and wear parts are available within your facility. If you need support in defining what you should have stocked, please contact our team using the information shared below.
- Post Kannegiesser ETECH technical service contact information prominently within your facility. Our inside service teams are available for technical support if the need should arise.
Contact Tony Schult, service director, Kannegiesser ETECH at 651.246.4901 or tony.schult@kannegiesser-etech.com.
Lavatec Laundry Technology Inc.
Management at LAVATEC wants to reassure its customers that a process is in place to continue with business as normal as possible during the worldwide COVID-19 coronavirus situation.
“The past few weeks have been challenging for everyone as we find ourselves in uncharted territory,” said Mark Thrasher, president of Lavatec Laundry Technology Inc. “Based on the latest information issued by the CDC and the medical community, the pandemic will continue to be a fluid situation and we are prepared to manage and adjust accordingly.” He added that “We have been cautious in the approach to maintaining service to our customers, beginning with taking care of our employees. In accordance with recommended social distancing guidelines, we devised a plan to minimize contact where some are working from our headquarters and others from home. This is being done so we can continue to provide 24/7 customer support. We have an abundance of available equipment parts in the U.S. and we expect parts shipments to continue arriving from our factory in Germany.”
If customers have any questions, Thrasher said they should contact Keith Ware, vice president of sales, at k.ware@lavatec.com or 203.707.7220.
Penn Emblem Co.
“At Penn Emblem, the well-being of our customers, team members and associates are our No. 1 priority,” President Randi Blumenthal wrote in a personal letter to customers and other stakeholders. “We want to keep you informed of our current processes and all updates as the world goes through this very difficult and trying time together. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who has been personally affected by family members and/or friends who have contracted the disease. Penn Emblem is committed to being as responsive as possible as we continue to service your needs as well as your customers during this time. We want to assure you that we are following all guidelines presented by the state and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) regarding social distancing:
- All work stations are being continuously cleaned and sanitized
- Employees have been updated on work-from-home tools as well as being briefed on proper cleanliness protocols
Again, I’d like to assure you, our customers, our partners and vendors that Penn Emblem remains unaffected currently. There are plans in place for immediate implementation, given a situation arises. There has been no interruption at this point in our manufacturing plants. All facilities are currently working at full capacity on all of our product lines.”
Pellerin Milnor Corp.
Rick Kelly, vice president of sales and marketing, Pellerin Milnor Corp. (rkelly@milnor.com) provided the following statement:
Pellerin Milnor Corp. is committed to following the precautions outlined by the CDC for the well-being of our employees. Should we be required to implement our business continuity procedures due to external influences, employees will be positioned to support parts and service support so that laundries can continue their operations, provided truck and delivery services continue to operate. Additionally, many of our network of local dealers across the U.S. and Canada can also provide local service support. Dealers with parts inventory and service technicians are prepared to provide service within the possible constraints mandated by governmental authorities.