Editor’s Note: Division Laundry in San Antonio, Texas has rightfully earned their spot on the LAVATEC Hall of FAME. The facility survived a devastating fire, yet thrived due to its determination, expansion, exceeding client expectations, and equipment longevity. The laundry invested in the first of their three LAVATEC tunnel systems 31-years-ago, and the equipment is still operating today, servicing the facilities healthcare and hospitality client base. The 87-year-old company has had its share of – and overcame many – challenges.
Last week in Part 1 of we explored the history of Division Laundry, a LAVATEC Hall of Fame Member. This week we’ll take a look at how Division Laundry is meeting their biggest challenge with the help of LAVATEC laundry equipment.
A Respected Pillar of the Community
Theresa Garcia, Division Laundry COO, oversees an operation that now employs 320 people in facilities which run five days a week. San Antonio is the hub, producing work over two shifts while Dallas, Houston, and Muskogee run one shift each. Together, the four facilities keep a steady and growing volume of linen moving through their operation each year.
Division was one of the community’s oldest and most respected institutions before it was honored with the 2018 San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Family Business of the Year award. More tributes have followed in recent years.
In 2023, the company was recognized with a Minority Legacy Firm award. The next year, Patrick Garcia received a Lifetime Achievement award from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Last year, Division was named inclusive Employer of the Year by the Workforce Inclusion Network in San Antonio and was inducted as a charter member into the LAVATEC Hall of Fame, which recognizes exceptional laundry industry companies and individuals.
“Community involvement is something I am proud that our leadership team is actively engaged in,” said Patrick Garcia. “As a company, Division also participates each holiday season in the Communities in School Holiday Pledge. This program helps provide meals to families experiencing financial hardship through our local community schools and it is one of the ways we give back to a community that has supported us over the years.”
Award-winning program has saved over 500 million gallons of water
When the population in Texas increased from 27 million in 2016 to nearly 32 million in 2025, the state became one of the fastest growing states — second only to California. Coupled with the region being among the world’s largest agricultural producers, water availability is always a concern.
Division management began taking steps in their water conservation efforts in the 1990s and have won numerous awards. In 1995, Division installed a LAVATEC continuous tunnel washer (CTW) with 110-pound capacity that began paying immediate dividends and continues to run both shifts. It required less water usage and also provided them with additional labor and utility savings.
The 31-year-old system has since been joined by two other LAVATEC CTWs. Patrick Garcia confirmed that since 1995, the company has saved more than 500 million gallons of water from the San Antonio Water System (SAWS). In turn, SAWS recognized the company with a Water Excellence award for the best environmental performance as a large wastewater site.
“All three machines here in San Antonio hold a special place in our company’s history. When we rebuilt, we installed the other two tunnel washers when we reopened in 2003,” noted Patrick Garcia. “Having an automated washing system has been a significant advantage for our operations. It has helped us improve production time, reduce labor requirements, and save on energy costs.”
Mark Langford Photography210-229-9950mark@mlphoto.com
With the tunnel washers, Division utilizes over 20 LAVATEC machines. The San Antonio facility is also home to 18 dryers, 15 of which are from the TT-745 series and three are high performance, FL656 front-loading gas dryers. They also employ a pair of LX-445 washer extractors.
Theresa Garcia said Division’s maintenance team works with LAVATEC’s service department to ensure all of the equipment is performing at the highest productivity levels.
“Keeping our equipment running at a high level is a top priority for us. Staying on top of preventative maintenance is what allows us to sustain that kind of operation without sacrificing performance,” she explained. “Our team performs regular maintenance on all three tunnel washers, which has been key to keeping them running efficiently and reliably.
“We also have a strong working relationship with the LAVATEC service group,” continued Ms. Garcia. “We work closely with them whenever we need assistance or help with troubleshooting, and we collaborate with them to make sure we have all the necessary parts in stock to keep our equipment maintained and running. They have always been responsive and helpful, and we value the partnership we have built with them over the years.”
As Division reaches the halfway mark of its 87th year, Patrick Garcia is grateful for its current standing in the marketplace.
“I never envisioned Division being where it is today. This business was founded by my father, and when he became ill my mother stepped in and kept it going. That spirit of resilience carried us through everything that followed,” he recalled. “We rebuilt, grew, and now have our children and son-in-law as part of the team carrying forward a legacy that started with their grandparents. We are extremely proud of how far we have come.”
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Photo Caption Upper Right: Representatives of the senior management team at Division Laundry & Cleaners are, from left to right: Theresa Garcia; Patrick Garcia, Jr.; Patrick Garcia, Sr.; Patricia Luna; and Adam Luna.
Photo Caption Upper Left: After rebuilding, Division installed these two new LAVATEC tunnel wash systems in 2003 based on the outstanding performance their first tunnel washer has delivered since 1995.
