Most Managers Report Greater Production in 2006

CHICAGO — The vast majority of managers who responded to January's Wire survey report their laundry operations processed just as much poundage or more during 2006 when compared to 2005 figures.

Two-thirds (66.7%) of respondents say their poundage was "somewhat higher than anticipated." Approximately 17% say their poundage was "much higher than anticipated," and 11.1% say it was "virtually the same amount."

Only 5.6% report their production "was somewhat less than anticipated," and no one described it as being "much less than anticipated."

Among those whose poundage increased during 2006, 80% say it was due to receiving more institutional business or increasing total accounts. One-third credit their increase to adding or replacing production equipment, and another 20% report having improved distribution or transportation methods.

Others reported adding staff (13.3%), redesigning their plant for better workflow (13.3%) or expanding their facility or moving to a larger site (6.7%).

Those who experienced decreases blamed them either on receiving less institutional business or fewer total accounts, or on a change in management direction.

Finally, managers were asked to share their New Year's resolutions. The most popular responses were eating healthier and/or losing weight (44.4%), exercising regularly (38.9%) and spending more time with family (27.8%).

Nearly 39% of respondents say they didn't make any resolutions this year.

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