Robison & Smith at 100: New Name, Broad Focus

Robison & Smith Inc., Gloversville, NY, is celebrating its 100th anniversary next month with a new name and an expanded focus on services, including the industrial sector. Going forward, the rechristened company founded in 1915 will be known as “Century Linen & Uniform,” according to a news release.

“We’re celebrating our history with a ferocious vision and keen eye on the future,” said Richard Smith, president and CEO. “Our previous name didn’t describe what we do, and that’s important as we continue to expand into new markets.”

The rebranding effort includes a new logo featuring the new name, along with a lion’s head profile.

Century Linen has two plants in upstate New York. One plant is focused exclusively on healthcare textiles, while the other processes a mix of goods, including food and beverage (F&B) items from restaurants; hotel linens; industrial uniforms, including dust control products; and outpatient medical textiles. The company also has three service centers across New York state; it employs roughly 300 full-time “team members,” the release said.

As it enters its second century, the newly renamed laundry is expanding its geographical service area. This effort included last year’s opening of a service center in Albany, NY. The company’s focus on growth, coupled with its long history of service, made the new name appropriate, the release said. “A name that represents our experience and reliability is essential as we enter new territories,” said VP of Sales and Service Matthew Smith. “We also strategically added ‘Uniform’ to the name, since we have been successful in growing that segment and we want to continue to be.” More than 20% of the work in the company’s mixed plant is now industrial garments and dust control, the release said. That’s up significantly in the last five years. 

During this period, the company has focused on expanding its product line as well. It now includes soap, paper and latex/vinyl gloves. The father-and-son management team have also added technology, including radio frequency identification tracking for garments and mats, plus online ordering to improve customer service and convenience.

Century Linen & Uniform also operates two dry-cleaning outlets and Laundromats. These will soon be renamed “Century Cleaners,” the release said.

The company has trained its route service reps (RSRs) and service managers to begin introducing the new name and logo to customers during September. Richard Smith, the CEO, says his “entire team is excited and ready to ‘roar’ into our second century!” Click here to learn more.