Content about Ecolab

April 25, 2013

On the Trail of Textiles

CHICAGO — Tracking and counting the flow of goods improves productivity and inventory control

CHICAGO — Those who manage laundry/linen services or textile rental firms find that tracking and counting the goods streaming in and out of their plants improves productivity and inventory control.

Yes, washing, drying and finishing goods for an end-user or client is only part of a professional launderer’s job. Keeping track of the linen, garments or mats flowing into and out of their facility is just as important.

So, how does a laundry go about tackling that task in the most efficient way possible?

RFID SYSTEMS

Radio-frequency identification, or RFID, first used for item tracking and access-control applications, made its way into the textile service industry in the 1990s. Key components of an RFID system generally include a tag or chip (packaged into a rugged plastic casing specially designed to withstand harsh industrial laundry processes), an antenna connected to a reader, and a reader connected to a software system that collects and manages the data collected. The tag or chip is affixed to a garment or linen in some fashion.

“Such devices come in many forms and sizes, from small wires and tags to tiny chips,” says Ecolab’s Jim Mitchell, who discussed linen tracking while a member of the American Laundry News Panel of Experts. “Using these devices to track linen flow is becoming commonplace, especially with more expensive linens such as uniforms, bed linens and silks.

“Although some laundries use RFID tags or chips for inventorying, sorting and tracking of all linens, having these devices applied to common linens such as sheets and terry may not be practical or economical in your operation.”

RFID technology is constantly improving, according to Mitchell, and devices on the market are smaller, more cost-effective and offer greater resistance to adverse cleaning elements.

There are many instances of organizations using RFID tracking to better maintain their inventories. For example, Four Winds Casinos recently selected InvoTech’s RFID Multi-Property Uniform Tracking System to centrally consolidate uniform inventory, tracking and purchases for all of its properties to reduce labor and purchasing costs.

Four Winds use the InvoTech system coupled with a White Conveyors system to automatically deliver uniforms to employees’ hands. InvoTech centrally tracks uniform use, controls inventories, monitors laundry cycles, and consolidates purchasing for more than 10,000 uniforms.

“We now have an accurate combined uniform inventory count for all properties on one database and can purchase in larger numbers to benefit from higher-volume buys,” says Jennifer Lasiewicz, Four Winds Casinos’ vice president of hotel operations.

Four Winds launders its own uniforms and uses an RFID drop-chute reader to record when staff returns soiled items.

“It reads each uniform’s RFID chip as the garment is dropped,” Lasiewicz says. “We do not manually count every piece the staff returns to our laundry. With a large number of employees, that would take a long time. InvoTech monitors uniforms coming and going at all properties, and we maintain a central bulk inventory at Four Winds New Buffalo to simplify our operation.”

Some hotels are even using RFID technology to deter theft. They are sewing tags into pricey linens such as towels, bathrobes and high-thread-count sheets. When a tag is read by a strategically placed RFID reader, a system instantly alerts staff that an item is in danger of being pilfered.

A Hawaii hotel which introduced the technology a couple of years ago claimed to have reduced theft of its pool towels from 4,000 a month to just 750, saving $16,000 in replacement costs monthly.

BAR-CODE LABELING

Bar coding is a more mature, simpler technology than RFID. Such a system can provide a launderer with information about each individual item, including when it was last turned in, how many times it has been processed, and when it was originally issued. Bar codes are generally thought to be less expensive than RFID tags.

But bar-code labeling has some limitations. It requires line of sight, which RFID does not in most cases. RFID systems can read multiple tags simultaneously, while bar codes are read one at a time. Many RFID tags are read/write, while a bar code is read-only. And most fixed RFID readers don’t require human involvement to collect data, while most bar-code scanners require a human to operate them.

Some large plants apply a bar-code label as well as an RFID tag, so if something prevents the RFID tag from being read, the bar code serves as a backup.

Regardless of how one goes about tracking their textiles, gathering the information is just the first step. Then one has to decide what the data means and then put it to use it in their operation.

“Item tracking with RFID chips, bar codes, electronic route accounting, etc., are all important opportunities to help you control your merchandise,” says American Dawn’s Steve Kallenbach, a former member of the American Laundry News Panel of Experts. “However, if you don’t have good reconciliation processes, any of these systems will only allow you to know what’s missing!”

April 24, 2012

Texcare International Preview: Buzzword is Sustainability

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — Around 250 exhibitors and 15,000 trade visitors expected

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — Sustainability will be the dominant theme of Texcare International — World Market for Modern Textile Care when it returns here in two weeks.

Show organizer Messe Frankfurt says all international market leaders—including the Alliance International brands, Barbanti, Beirholms Vaeverier, Ecolab, Girbau, Heprotex, Jensen, Kannegiesser, Kreussler, LG Electronics, Lavatec Laundry Technology, Macpi, Miele, Multimatic, Pellerin Milnor, Renzacci and Veit—have registered to exhibit during the May 5-9 show.

Altogether, Messe Frankfurt expects to welcome around 250 exhibitors and 15,000 trade visitors. As in previous shows (the event is staged every four years), the proportion of manufacturers from outside Germany will exceed 60%; the most important exhibitor nations besides Germany are Italy and the United States, Messe Frankfurt says.

“Texcare International is the leading meeting place for the sector,” says Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt. “Only in Frankfurt do the top companies from all around the world launch so many new products. Only here is it possible to make so many business contacts. And only at the world’s leading trade fair for the sector can visitors gather so much detailed information.”

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND BUSINESS SUCCESS

One of the main objectives of industrial textile care is sustainable economic development because business success depends greatly on efficient machinery and plant coupled with effective processes and durable textiles.

As an information platform, Texcare International plays a key role by offering a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in the mechanical engineering sector, as well as in the fields of detergents and textiles, Messe Frankfurt says.

Plant and control systems that provide energy at the right time and in the right quantity are the key to the future. Thus, steam-on-demand is the starting point for highly efficient, low-loss heating processes. But other developments in the field of consumption-dependent control technologies are also expected at Texcare.

Recycling is another key issue and includes highly efficient recovery systems for the optimum use of heat energy, as well as the best possible circulation system and practical, economical process-water treatment processes. Additionally, existing technologies, such as solar energy and bioenergy, are generating new impulses in the world of industrial textile care.

IT’S IN THE WASH

Sustainability is also of great importance to manufacturers of detergents and washing additives. With the development of effective low-temperature processes, the chemical industry is making a significant contribution to the reduction of energy consumption.

New, customized concentrations of active agents improve washing results while cutting the need for post-treatment or rewashing. Other important issues at Texcare will include ecologically harmless “green” detergents, washing and impregnating agents. Discussion will be offered on a variety of topics, including nonhalogen solvents that are not marked as hazardous, as well as alternatives to hydrophobizing agents.

Moreover, increased attention is being given to the ecological balance of a product and the sector will pay increased attention to systems such as carbon footprint, cradle-to-cradle and life-cycle assessment.

MODERN COLORS, DESIGNS

Instead of the monotone royal blue and standard twill fabric of the traditional boiler suit, modern colors and designs, as well as multi-faceted materials and surfaces, now characterize the image of trade and industry. Elegance and style have conquered large sections of the workwear sector. Even protective clothing is oriented more than ever before to fashion.

Exhibitors from the textile and apparel industry, as well as the accessories and finishing sectors, will present the latest trends for a modern, functional and professional appearance. Concepts for corporate fashions will also play an important role.

Designs and colors are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fabric manufacturers are taking up decorative elements from the 1970s, using striped patterns in herringbone and satin weaves, creating new Panama looks, reinventing the cavalry style and interpreting denim for workwear applications.

In addition to vintage-look hues, the current color spectrums are supplemented by fashionable natural and earth shades. Other highlights are classics from the world of suits and costumes, such as black, graphite, anthracite and night blue, which are now playing a leading role on the workwear stage.

Streetwear trends mainly influence the collections. The outfits are more robust in appearance, the pockets bigger, the cut more casual although practical, the material combinations and color mix less conventional, and the details more stylish.

INTEGRATING PROTECTION, COMFORT

In the past, the focus was on providing comprehensive protection against as many possible dangers at work as possible. Now, aspects such as moisture management, breathability, climate comfort and freedom of movement are growing in importance.

The latest developments in the fiber, yarn and textile industry diminish the symptoms of physical stress by minimizing the effects caused by perspiration and an increased core-body temperature. Special mixtures make it possible to produce fabrics for modern protective clothing that combines quality protection with a comfortable wearing climate. Additionally, the industry is working on further improvements to the elasticity of protective and professional clothing.

TEXCARE FORUM

Apart from the activities surrounding what is sure to be a busy exhibition floor, the international Texcare Forum will give the sector an opportunity to find out about the latest developments in the fields of science and research, as well as to exchange ideas and opinions with colleagues from home and abroad.

The Association of the Textile Service Industry (Industrieverband Textil Service – intex) and the German Dry Cleaning Association (Deutscher Textilreinigungsverband – DTV), in cooperation with Messe Frankfurt, will treat attendees to a free educational program for two hours each afternoon.

For the first time, each day of the Forum is individually themed. The conference will be of particular interest to dry cleaners and laundries on May 5-6 and to textile service companies and laundries on May 7-8. Here are some of the topics (tentative):

May 5, Future Day — Professional textile care in 2012; E-DryClean: online instruction for European dry cleaners; experiential marketing of dry cleaning; how textile service providers can face the challenges of the future.
May 6, Innovation Day — Teamwork between research and practice; recycling of personal protective equipment from the standards and certification perspective; innovative control options for laundry and finishing processes using test fabrics; antimicrobial textiles from laboratory to practical usage.
May 7, Sustainable Day — Holistic view of sustainability; ISO 26000 standard; energy efficiency; efficiency management in commercial laundries; water and energy savings for laundries.
May 8, Market Day — Regulatory and market trends for European textile services; the U.S. textile services market; HORECA (hotel/restaurant/café) market and the potential for textile services; professional textile services and the market demand in 2030; workwear developments.

WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION

Texcare will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 5-8 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 9. Admission tickets can be purchased quickly and easily online at Texcare.com. Cost in advance is 15 euros (roughly $20) for a one-day ticket, 35 euros (roughly $46) for the entire show. If purchasing at the box office, cost will be 22 euros (roughly $30) for a one-day ticket, 48 euros (roughly $63) for the entire show.

For additional show information and updates, visit Texcare.com.

American Laundry News will be attending the show — Watch for updates beginning May 7!

January 30, 2012

Career Track: New Hires and Promotions at Lavatec Laundry Technology, Ellis, Tingue Brown and IPA

Lavatec Laundry Technology Hires Washbrook as VP of Operations

BEACON FALLS, Conn. — Lavatec Laundry Technology continues to expand company resources with the addition of Tom Washbrook as vice president of operations.

Washbrook brings 40 years of industrial laundry experience in multiple disciplines, including machinery manufacturing, facilities and process design, construction management, laundry plant operations, equipment sales management and marketing.

His activities within the laundry community have spanned the globe, as he has provided various sales and technical services throughout North America, Central America, the Middle East, Asia and the South Pacific, the company says.

Fesmire Jr. Returns to Ellis Corp.; Mundt Also Joins Company

ITASCA, Ill. — Bob Fesmire Jr. has returned to the staff of Ellis Corp. in the newly created position of vice president of customer support. Joining him will be Craig Mundt, recently hired as director of customer support, also a new position.

Fesmire worked 13 years for Ellis, rising to vice president and chief operating officer, before leaving to work for Ecolab as corporate account manager and business improvement/SAT lead.

“I am thrilled to have Bob back in the organization,” says Bob Fesmire Sr., president/CEO of Ellis and Bob Jr.’s father. “This business is his passion, and we are very happy that he has returned. Bob will be heading a newly reorganized customer service group to place a stronger emphasis on our customer visibility within our organization.”

craig mundt Mundt brings more than 30 years experience in sales, service and marketing in the laundry industry. Most recently, he was vice president of sales for Amko America. He is a former president of C&W Equipment, capital equipment manager at ARAMARK, and vice president of sales and marketing for American Laundry Machinery.

“With his years of industry experience on the consultant, customer and supplier side, he is a perfect fit,” Fesmire Sr. says of Mundt.

Tingue, Brown Appoints Bridge as Sales Representative in Northeast

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. — Tingue, Brown & Co. has appointed Jamie Bridge as sales representative serving the growing region of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, the company says.

jamie bridge Bridge brings 22 years of laundry experience to his new assignment. Most recently, he spent eight years as general manager of a group laundry for a Boston-based restaurant chain. This operation processed and delivered table linen and uniforms to restaurants all along the East Coast.

“I’m very pleased to have Jamie Bridge join the Tingue, Brown team,” says Mitchell Strauss, Tingue’s North Region sales manager. “His decade-long experience in the laundry industry will strengthen our ability to serve our New England customers.”

Bridge lives in Dracut, Mass., with his wife and two children. In his spare time, Bridge coaches youth sports and has served on the board of directors for Dracut’s youth football program.

IPA Hires Hawthorne as Marketing Specialist

DULUTH, Ga. — Innovative Product Achievements (IPA) has added Kera Hawthorne, marketing specialist, to its expanding team. Her responsibilities are to evaluate, develop and execute on marketing initiatives relative to the mission of the organization, the company says.

Hawthorne has considerable experience overseeing marketing strategies, with recent experience at SunTrust Bank and a large consulting firm within the Manpower Group, says the maker of automated scrub suit and linen dispensing systems for the healthcare market.

Hawthorne is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a degree in marketing communications. She has also served on the American Marketing Association Young Professionals committee as the chair of graduate student recruitment.

January 17, 2012

2012 Panel of Experts Ready to Answer Industry Questions (Part 1 of 4)

Healthcare Laundry: Scott Beaton, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

I am the Kaiser Permanente Northern California regional product manager for linen and laundry, overseeing and maintaining a system that serves 21 Northern California hospitals with more than 27 million pounds processed annually.

Previously, I was operations manager for Sodexo in Stockton, Calif., one of the largest COG healthcare laundries in its laundry division. The plant processed more than 44 million pounds of linen per year while serving 30 hospital and 47 clinic customers in accordance with HLAC and Title 22 healthcare standards.

scott beaton I’ve been in the commercial laundry industry for more than 20 years, having operated healthcare, hospitality and uniform plants throughout the West. I developed and implemented initiatives that contributed to increases in productivity and quality at each location while operating in union and nonunion environments.

I began my career at ARAMARK as a group merchandise control manager and worked at several different facilities throughout the Southwest in merchandise control and production. I later joined UniFirst Corp., where, as Western regional production trainer, I was responsible for the development of production managers and the implementation of all production-related best practices and procedures in the region.

My goals this year include enhancing the patient care experience and healing environment through enhanced linen quality and product upgrades. I also plan to increase the velocity and utilization of products by training stakeholders through the implementation of best practices at the user level while at the same time reducing our carbon footprint.

It’s an honor to be selected for this Panel. I hope to share the benefit of my experience with you.

Equipment/Supplies Distribution: Steve Clark, Laundry Equipment Services Inc.

Most of my laundry knowledge comes from hands-on experience, which I hope to be able to share while serving on this panel.

steve clark I grew up in the laundry industry; my father worked for Economics Laboratory for 32 years. I began transporting and installing laundry equipment when I was 16, and worked as a service technician for Ecolab in my early 20s. The latter position allowed me to understand general laundry procedures, applications, and the challenges that laundries face on a daily basis.

After several years, I decided to move into sales as a territory manager with Diversey and explored the chemical aspects of the industry. All of this experience primed me to open Laundry Equipment Services Inc., a commercial/industrial laundry equipment sales and service company. We supply new and refurbished equipment, as well as ancillary items, to hospitals, hotels, resorts, nursing homes, prisons, Laundromats, etc. We also have a large coin-operated division and parts department.

Operating LES allows me the diversity of managing a great group of employees, training customers, designing locations, constructing and/or rebuilding laundry facilities, and doing so within budgets. We focus on proper equipment sizing, correct equipment mixes, professional installations and continuous service after the sale.

Because so many of our customers are financially challenged by the economy, we’re forced to continually look for ways that they can save money. Our biggest challenge is keeping our customers operating safely while maintaining quality with the lowest costs possible, but it’s one we conquer.

Textile/Uniform Rental: David Dersheimer, SITEX Corp.

I am the plant manager for SITEX Corp. in Henderson, Ky. SITEX is a well-established uniform and linen rental company that has been serving customers in Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee and Indiana for more than 50 years. We provide outstanding image programs for our customers and reference that in our company’s tag line – SITEX, The Image Makers.

dave dersheimer I am responsible for the day-to-day production, maintenance, and safety of our Henderson operation. I’ve been with SITEX for six years.

I’ve been in the commercial laundry industry on the production side for 29 years, and have worked for companies that produced from 3 million to 30 million pounds annually. I served one company briefly as a service manager. I have extensive experience in work measurement and production standards, as well as safety.

One of our challenges over the last couple of years has been dealing with the continued increase in the cost of raw materials that go into our end products. With the volatility in the cotton and petroleum markets, we have all seen price increases on our rental textiles as well as processing supplies.

SITEX has been able to maintain operating expenses by carefully researching alternate textile products and operational supplies and procedures. We have been able to offer our customers alternate and, in some cases, better products to suit their needs. I would consider this challenge met to be a success.

I am excited about what 2012 holds for my company and our industry, and I am proud to have been selected to serve on this panel. I hope that my experience and input helps my peers not only meet but exceed their expectations in 2012.

Tomorrow: Introductions to representatives of the consulting services, commercial laundry, and uniforms/workwear manufacturing sectors.

September 20, 2011

Panel of Experts: The Lowdown on High-Thread-Count Linens (Part 1 of 3)

“Our resort has upgraded its linens everywhere, from the guestrooms to the pool to the five-star restaurant. So, the pressure is on to clean, handle and store these goods so they give us the longest useful life possible. What advice can you give me about processing high-thread-count linens?”

Textiles: Elizabeth Easter, Ph.D, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.

High-thread-count linens, especially cotton sheets, were introduced to consumers in the ’90s. In the past five years, the hospitality industry has begun offering these so-called “luxury linens” to their elizabeth easter customers. Thread counts that traditionally averaged 180-200 have been replaced with thread counts up to 1,500.

There are some misunderstandings about what they actually are. Most people believe that quality, softness and durability increase in a linear way with increasing thread count number. This is not necessarily true. The truth is that it’s just not that simple. Thread count is only one measurement to examine when considering luxury linens.

What are the quality indicators of high-thread-count linens?

Fiber Quality — 100% cotton sheets are by far the most popular among high-thread sheets. The highest-quality cotton is long staple. Staple refers to the length of the cotton fiber: the longer the fiber, the better. It creates stronger and finer yarns. Among long-staple cottons, the longest are Egyptian extra-long staple and Pima (Supima).
Yarn Size — This is a measure of the fineness of each yarn: the higher the yarn number, the finer the yarn. The yarn size in sheets is typically between 40 and 100. The size will determine how many yarns can be woven in a square inch. Higher thread counts are created with finer yarns, as more of them can be woven into a square inch. Also, super-fine yarns can be twisted, creating two-ply yarns that can then be woven into sheeting.
Thread Count (Yarn Count) and Construction — Thread count is the number of yarns per square inch of fabric, i.e. add the number of warp and weft yarns. Construction refers to how the thread count is achieved (number of warp and weft yarns, number of picks in the weft, use of two-ply yarns, etc.) To achieve higher thread counts, sometimes two-ply yarns are used, and sometimes multiple yarns (picks) are inserted into the weft.

Chemicals Supply: Carrie Armstrong, Ecolab, Eagan, Minn.

The upgrade of linens throughout the facility creates an opportunity to develop a partnership with each department. Training the end-user on the linens, development of quality standards, par levels, and linen-abuse potential will assist in linen management. Written procedures and standards that are specific to each department for handling the upgraded linens can then be established and practiced.

carrie armstrong Processing high-thread-count linens in the laundry has its challenges. High thread counts provide for luxurious linens and often require specific guidelines for processing. It is important to consult the manufacturer and/or read the care labels before laundering and processing. The manufacturer and/or labels will provide guidelines for processing based on the thread count, fabric type, color and manufacture.

Upgrading to high-thread-count linen does not indicate an increase in industrial wash durability. More often, these linens are more delicate due to the nature of the manufacturing of the cotton, the yarn size, and production of the thread count.

Here are items to review and document when upgrading linen, with a goal of reducing mechanical, chemical and stain damage in processing:

All linen type specifications
Wash formulas — revise per manufacturer’s recommendations
Wash processes — water levels, chemical concentrations, temperatures, wash/rinse/extract speeds and times
Load weights — do not overload or underload
Dryer temperatures — do not over-dry
Spreader/feeder tensions
Ironer cleanliness and temperatures
Stain program
Sorting procedure
Quality assurance program
Par levels
Storage space
All equipment maintenance — no rough edges, clean
Test-wash all linens multiple times

After this review, put written procedures and standards into place and begin monitoring. Continued training and education for laundry personnel, as well as the various departments, is necessary. Soon, processing the upgraded linens will be routine, and you’ll be prepared for the challenges of optimizing the life of your high-thread-count linens.

Textile/Uniform Rental: John Shoemaker, General Linen & Uniform Service, Detroit, Mich.

Marriott in New Jersey has a large laundry. Per its policy, processed linens are allowed to “rest” for a 24-hour period. In order to make linens last, be sure to maintain plenty of par and avoid quick wash turnarounds.

john shoemaker Likewise, it would be a wonderful time to have the chemical company visit and do titrations with increased regularity.

Full checks should be done. All four pieces of the “washroom pie”—time, temperature, mechanical action and chemical action—should be addressed to assure longevity of life.

Are the washers being under-loaded, resulting in too much chemical action? Is the temperature too hot? Is the run time correct for the upgraded products? Check and recheck all washroom elements to assure the maximum longevity of your textile products.

Tomorrow: In many ways, cotton is easier to wash, but finishing is another issue …

May 24, 2011

Sheraton Denver Resurrects OPL with New Tunnel System

January 27, 2011

Meet Our 2011 Panel of Experts (Part 1 of 2)

CHICAGO — Each year, American Laundry News selects a Panel of Experts, a group of individuals representing different segments of the textile services industry. These professionals and tradesmen respond to various management and production questions throughout the year. Let’s meet some of our contributors for 2011:

Hotel/Motel/Resort Laundry: Phil Jones, Sheraton Vistana Resort, Orlando, Fla.

November 30, 2010

New Online Toolkit Intended to Help Hotels Address Growing Bed-Bug Problem

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Ecolab and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) have launched www.bedbugtoolkit.com, a free online resource to help hotel owners and operators stop bed bugs before they spread.

October 13, 2010

Bed-Bug Resurgence Has Housekeepers on Lookout

CHICAGO — As if our dicey economy isn’t enough for hoteliers to contend with, the bed bug—a longtime pest of the lodging industry—has made a resurgence in America.

Once virtually eradicated from the hospitality industry, the bed bug is back and showing up in even the most exclusive hotels and resorts, according to Ecolab, which has a Pest Elimination division and even offers a removal service specific to bed bugs.

October 5, 2010

Expo Detergo Moves to New Fairgrounds

MILAN, Italy — Leading exhibitors such as Kannegiesser, Jensen, Renzacci, Alliance Laundry Systems, Electrolux, Imesa, Ecolab and Girbau will offer cutting-edge solutions for drycleaning and laundry professionals at Expo Detergo 2010, slated for Oct. 15-18 at Milan’s new exhibition centre in Rho.

The show will feature more than 250 exhibitors in the 172,000 square feet of exhibit space, plus offer a complete conference program organized by national and international fabricare associations.

September 11, 2010

Ecolab Acquires Dober Chemical’s Commercial Laundry Division

Updated 9/10/2010 — 4 p.m. CT with additional details and comments

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Ecolab Inc., a leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services, has purchased the Commercial Laundry Division of Dober Chemical Corp., Woodridge, Ill., Ecolab announced Thursday.

August 13, 2010

Laundry Under Greater Scrutiny As Hospitals Shore Up Against Infections (Part 2)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) strike 2 million Americans annually, killing 99,000—more people die from HAI than car accidents and homicides combined.

“The statistics are pretty brutal,” says Linda Homan, RN, CIC, a longtime infection-control professional who works for Ecolab Healthcare’s Clinical and Professional Services. “They really do speak for themselves.”

CHAIN OF INFECTION

April 30, 2010

Association for Linen Management Conference Deadlines Approaching

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As industry struggles to manage costs, provide quality and sustain growth, it must continue to evolve. Its aspiration is to preserve the principles that made it strong, continuously examine new opportunities to improve, and form a clear strategic plan.

April 30, 2010

Association for Linen Management Conference Deadlines Approaching

September 8, 2009

Ecolab Named Among ‘Best Places to Work’ for Fourth Consecutive Year

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal has named Ecolab Inc. one of the “Best Places to Work” in the Twin Cities area for the fourth consecutive year.

The publication named Ecolab one of the top-scoring businesses on its employee survey, which is conducted by Quantum Market Research and the Business Journal.

June 15, 2009

Angelica Expands Use of Oxygen Bleach Sanitizer to All Service Centers

ST. LOUIS — Angelica Corp. is expanding its use of Ecolab’s AdvaCare 120 sanitizer/sour to all of its service centers nationwide. Angelica is the first major healthcare laundry processor to implement the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered oxygen bleach sanitizer throughout its service centers, the company claims.

June 8, 2009

Numbers, Not Energy, Down at NRA Show ’09

CHICAGO — Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show at McCormick Place provided a high-energy forum where tens of thousands restaurant and hospitality operators from around the world connected with exhibiting companies to boost business.

January 30, 2009

Laundry Does Its Part to Polish Ruby Princess Crown

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Sprays of ruby-colored water from two escorting fireboats cleared a path for the majestic Ruby Princess, arriving here for a few days of festivities before its maiden voyage.

The newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet housed a flurry of activity prior to its early November launch. Crewmembers and VIP guests shuffled through a security check, while dockworkers delivered supplies and equipment.

January 19, 2009

Ecolab Announces Restructuring for Cost Savings, Efficiency

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Ecolab Inc. has announced that it plans to undertake restructuring and other cost-saving actions as it streamlines and improves its global business. This will result in a special charge in the fourth quarter of 2008 and a restructuring special charge in 2009. It will produce significant annual cost savings and create a more efficient organization, Ecolab says.

December 8, 2008

Ecolab Named Among ‘Most Military-Friendly Employers’ in the United States

ST. PAUL, Minn. — G.I. Jobs magazine has named Ecolab Inc. one of the nation’s Top 50 Most Military-Friendly Employers.

The magazine chooses companies based on criteria that include the strength of their military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, and company policies toward National Guard and reserve service.

October 31, 2008

Tracking, Control Are Keys to Merchandise Control (Part 2 of 2)

“Our facility’s linen and uniform losses are becoming a real issue, and I need to develop a strategy to improve security. Where do you suggest I begin? Item tracking, surveillance, keep it all under lock and key? How far should I go?”

Technical Support: Jim Mitchell, Ecolab, Eagan, Minn.

Although you’ll probably never solve all of your linen loss issues, awareness will go a long way in reducing losses.

October 22, 2008

TRSA Seminar Examines Healthcare Opportunities

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Growth in the healthcare market will only increase as baby boomers age, and the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) wants to help healthcare laundry operators learn how to capitalize on these burgeoning business opportunities.

The Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa will host the Nov. 6-7 2008 Healthcare Seminar, presented by TRSA and the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA).

August 26, 2008

Ecolab Named Among ‘Best Places to Work’ for Third Consecutive Year

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal has once again recognized Ecolab Inc. as one of the “Best Places to Work” in the Twin Cities area.

For the third year in a row, the publication named Ecolab one of the top-scoring businesses on its employee survey, which is conducted by Quantum Market Research and the Business Journal.

July 30, 2008

What's the Difference Between Powdered, Liquid Detergents? (1 of 2)

“This may seem like a silly question, but what’s the difference between liquid detergents and powdered detergents? How do their cleaning abilities and storage characteristics compare? Is one type more environmentally friendly than the other?”

June 27, 2008

When Seeking Production Equipment, Should You Buy New or Used? (Part 2 of 4)

“I'm looking to acquire a piece of production equipment for my laundry, but am undecided about whether to buy it new or used. What information should I consider as far as total cost vs. benefits are concerned? I want to make sure I'm comparing apples to apples."