Centrex Technologies

CHICAGO — It is very important for laundry operators to learn about their customers and even potential customers, shares Jo Dekmak, member services manager at Metropolitan Detroit Area Hospital Services Inc.

“Outstanding customer service distinguishes your laundry from other laundries,” she says. “Building those relationships will not only improve agreed-upon service levels but will also improve communications and resolve issues promptly.

“Learning about each other will build partnership, loyalty and will create positive experiences that might also be shared with other potential customers.”

But how can industrial and institutional laundry operators learn more about their customers and potential customers?

American Laundry News asked Dekmak and customer service/experience guru Shep Hyken to find out more about the process of enhancing relationships with business-to-business (B2B) customers.

Understanding Current, Potential Laundry Customers Better (Part 1) CHICAGO — Value of getting to know customers, deepening relationships

(Conclusion)
“We’re planning for 2025. What do you think we need to keep an eye on in the coming year to keep our laundry healthy?”

Planning for Healthy 2025 Laundry Operations (Conclusion) CHICAGO — Insights into 2025 from healthcare laundry, equipment/supply distribution, textile/uniform experts

(Part 1)

“We’re planning for 2025. What do you think we need to keep an eye on in the coming year to keep our laundry healthy?”

Planning for Healthy 2025 Laundry Operations (Part 1) CHICAGO — Equipment manufacturing, hotel laundry, commercial laundry experts look ahead to next year

CHICAGO — The laundry and linen services industry provides textile services for key markets across the country.

From healthcare to food and beverage (F&B), from hotels to manufacturing, staying ahead of the curve is vital to the success of a laundry operation that serves one or more of these markets.

That’s why American Laundry News communicated with two industry insiders to share what they’re seeing now and into 2025 for key markets served by laundry and linen service operators.

Insider Views: Laundry/Linen Service Markets (Part 1) CHICAGO — Association shares views gathered from members

American Laundry News communicated with several textile providers to find out what’s going on with mills and how laundry and linen services are affected by what mills do.

Describe the supply status of materials used, costs and how these affect the production of laundry/linen services goods and prices.

Textile Insights: View from the Mill (Part 2) CHICAGO — Materials-production status, mill environmental practices, influence on processing goods

CLAREMORE, Okla. — In my previous column, we discussed the relentless pursuit of fantastic customer service and the need to train and involve your entire team in how to handle a customer service need.

We can and should take the same approach when it comes to safety.

Having every team member engaged and involved in the safety aspects of your operation will pay off in spades—not only in reduced workers’ compensation expense but in manpower planning, overall improved workplace health and assuring that an unexpected visit from OSHA is handled properly.

Safety Engagement—Relentless Readiness CLAREMORE, Okla. — Author says important to have every team member engaged, involved in safety efforts

Part 1

CHICAGO — Many factors influence the operation of laundry and linen services.

Materials and costs, the environment, trends in textiles customers want, all these and more affect laundries.

But these elements come into play earlier than the textile/linen supplier. What happens at textile mills is the start of the effect goods have on a laundry operation.

American Laundry News communicated with several textile providers to find out what’s going on with mills and how laundry and linen services are affected by what mills do.

Textile Insights: View from the Mill (Part 1) CHICAGO — Four insiders provide general overview of mill operations

The healthcare industry faces a few problems with its workforce, primarily that it is aging and getting ready to enter retirement. Attracting and retaining talent is going to be key to keeping healthcare facilities staffed properly so that patients and employees can stay safe. Compounded with the aging workforce, the healthcare industry faces critical employment issues while already struggling with staffing shortages.

What Do Healthcare Employees Want from Their Organizations? - Maintenance and Operations Health care facilities professionals learn about: Safety, location and company culture are among employees’ top concerns.

By embracing sustainable practices, investing in innovative technologies, and fostering collaboration across the supply chain, the laundry and dry cleaning industry can mitigate its environmental impact and ensure long-term viability

Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse: Challenges and solutions for the laundry, dry cleaning, and textile care industry - Laundry And Cleaning News By embracing sustainable practices, investing in innovative technologies, and fostering collaboration across the supply chain, the laundry and dry cleaning industry can mitigate its environmental impact and ensure long-term viability

(Conclusion)

Manufacturer/dealer involvement, processes used for adjusting settings

When industrial laundry equipment is on the right settings, goods are more likely to be processed efficiently and with the expected quality.

It’s also easy to get lost in the busyness of the operation and overlook monitoring those settings.

American Laundry News communicated with five laundry operators about getting “back to the basics” with equipment settings.

Back to Basics: Equipment Settings (Conclusion) CHICAGO — Manufacturer/dealer involvement, processes used for adjusting settings