Developing a master strategic plan for upgrading an industrial-scale laundry in the next decade will be the topic of a presentation at the upcoming TRSA Midwest Summit. Netherlands-based systems integrator WSP will present case studies of operations that implemented this process, particularly one that’s underway at Miller’s Textile Services, Wapakoneta, OH.
The summit takes place April 15 in Livonia, MI (outside of Detroit). The event will unite industry professionals for a full day of sessions focused on issues shaping today’s linen, uniform and facility services operations.
Miller’s, aiming to double production in its facility in up to 10 years, looked to WSP to develop its plan. Independent of any individual laundry equipment supplier, the integrator began by assessing the laundry’s capabilities and prompting Miller’s to articulate its marketing goals.
“We have the experience to recommend to laundry owners what might be the best ways to prepare their laundries for the future,” explains Jacco van Riessen, WSP president. But those recommendations hinge on an owner’s plans for positioning the business in its marketplace.
Initial phases of the Miller’s plan are in place. Initially, the company is adding automation to the clean side of the operation. New conveyors will improve material handling of industrial items, transporting them from drying to finishing (mat rolling, hangering). Similar work for linen processing will follow. RFID technology (already in use at Miller’s) will factor into these solutions.
The next phase, yet to be scheduled, will be a gradual shift from work now taking place in open-pocket washer-extractors to new tunnel washers. In the end, they expect to add three tunnels and retain some open pockets. By the time the second tunnel is installed, it’s anticipated that about 40% of the capacity in the third tunnel will be needed to achieve the doubling-of-total-capacity goal.
Other topics to be covered on the Summit agenda:
- Collaborative Workforce Strategies: Aligning Employer Needs with Opportunity Pathways
- Technology Adoption Challenges
- Leveraging Technology and Information Sharing to Improve Customer Experience
- Navigating and Resolving Workplace Conflict
Closing sessions include facilitated roundtable discussions, allowing participants to choose topics to explore more deeply with peers. These small‑group exchanges encourage practical problem-solving, candid dialogue and collaborative learning tailored to attendees’ most pressing operational needs.
A local CEO/executive panel discussion features:
- Jason Feldman, co-president, Economy Linen & Towel Inc., Dayton, OH
- Ed McCauley, president & CEO, United Hospital Services LLC, Indianapolis
- John Shoemaker, senior VP, General Linen & Uniform Service, Detroit
Click here to register for this event, which begins with breakfast at 7 a.m. and concludes with a reception from 5 to 6 p.m.
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Receive the latest updates on the linen, uniform and facility services industry from TRSA delivered straight to your inbox.
