Last week we saw how the Metro Laundry Service grew from a small, 1500-square foot rental property in metro D.C. to a 24,000 square-foot facility. This week we’ll hear about the equipment that helped them grow.
Fourteen years of Improved consistency, productivity, and efficiency with LAVATEC equipment
Several key factors have helped MLS to earn and retain their hotel customers’ business. There is the cutting-edge stain identification and removal technology, the continuous linen monitoring and RFID-tagged linen technology, and the 24/7 continuous support they provide day in and day out.
Driving that kind of reliability is both new and used LAVATEC equipment, from the wash stage through the drying phase. An LT60 15 compartment bottom transfer tunnel washer with 132-pound capacity per chamber spans the better part of three decades. Built and entered into service in 1993, MLS bought the remanufactured machine in 2012.
“It has been running strong ever since, which we believe is a testament to the quality of the machine and LAVATEC brand,” said Young. “We chose them based on the positive feedback we got from other colleagues in the industry. I’m very pleased our experience with their tunnel washer systems lived up to what we were told. With future growth plans, it is very likely we will seek to acquire another LAVATEC tunnel washer.”
LAVATEC is known for designing and engineering simple equipment, which enhances its reputation for delivering reliable and long-lasting machines. Young said that a couple of years ago, they added another LAVATEC gas dryer (to the six already on the floor) and bypass to reduce the number of times the tunnel washer goes on hold.
“It also gave us some flexibility,” he noted, “in case a dryer goes down.”
More recently, MLS upgraded their 40-bar, LP572 extraction press to a 50-bar LP581S LAVAPress single stage extraction press. It handles 132-pound loads and, according to Young, has improved workflow and provided other benefits.https://lltusa.com/product-express.php
“The upgrade to the 581S press allowed us to reduce our cycle transfer times to the mid-70 seconds so we are able to average 40-plus transfers per hour, which has increased our washed pounds per hour and capacity,” stated Young.
“It has resulted in significantly reduced drying times due to the decreased moisture retention and hourly capacity. Overall, this has a direct impact on the bottom line since it helps reduce our utility costs and increase our pounds per operator hour (PPOH).”
Young indicated the dependability of LAVATEC’s equipment and team make it easier for MLS staff to get the job done and keep customers happy.
In addition to the tunnel washer and extractor press, Metro Laundry Service utilizes LAVATEC gas dryers as part of its operation.
“When servicing our hotel customers, there are no days off. There are standard primary maintenance functions we follow for maintaining the tunnel system, the dryers, and their components, so it really comes down to the engineering team and how that department is managed,” he explained.
“Overall, the downtime we have experienced with the LAVATEC tunnel system has been minimal. When we needed their assistance, they have been responsive. The LAVATEC team, including service manager Edwin Schrijvers, and regional sales manager Eric Schori, have been instrumental in helping us navigate through any issues and maintaining open communication with our team.”
Read Part 1 HERE
For more information on LAVATEC Equipment, visit their web site: LAVATEC
