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Content about Neil MacDonald

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.

September 25, 2008
It’s Everywhere, but What Exactly Does That Buzzword ‘Green’ Mean? (Part 2 of 2)

“What ‘green’ laundry products are available for my operation? Are they truly ‘green’ or ‘environmentally friendly’? What’s the difference? I hear the term applied most often to chemicals, but can’t equipment or textiles carry that description, too?”

Hotel/Motel Laundering: Neil MacDonald, the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, Lihue, Hawaii (ONLINE EXCLUSIVE)

July 23, 2008
Compact Laundries Squeeze in Productivity

ITHACA, N.Y. — The on-premise laundry at Kendal at Ithaca, a continuing care retirement community in the central Finger Lakes region of New York, is not unlike many on-premise laundries (OPL) operating today.

Using three washer-extractors (two 90-pound models and one 55-pounder), a commercial top loader and three dryers (120 pounds each), Vicki Elliott’s staff of two FTEs and one part-timer run an 8-hour shift six days a week in processing 275,000 pounds of linen annually for Kendal’s 350 residents.

May 23, 2008
Removing Clutter, Reorganizing Often Reclaims Wasted Production Space (Part 2 of 3)

“My laundry isn't all that large. I am always looking for tips and advice to make the most of our production space. What general suggestions can you give me about how best to operate in cramped quarters?"

April 9, 2008
Failure to Keep Laundry Facility Clean Turns Customers Off, Threatens Quality (Part 2 of 4)

“Sometimes, we get so caught up in getting the work processed and to our customers that we don’t keep the laundry production areas as clean as they should be. What tasks should we be performing regularly to keep our facility clean? To what degree do we need to clean our equipment and how often?”

February 1, 2008
Greet the 2008 American Laundry News Panel of Experts (4th in a Series)

In the fourth and final installment of our series, this year’s contributors to the American Laundry News Panel of Experts introduce themselves, describe their operations, identify challenges and list their accomplishments for 2007.

November 28, 2007
When Hotels Upgrade, Pressure's On to Process Carefully (Part 1)

My hotel has upgraded its guest-room linens and bedding package, as well as its restaurant linens. It’s made a sizable investment, so the pressure’s on to clean, handle and store these goods carefully for the longest useful life possible. What advice can you give me?

July 9, 2007
Frequent Lint Removal Improves Plant Safety and Productivity, Boosts Morale (Part 2 of 3)

Because of the amount of lint that a laundry generates, how often should my laundry be blown off, and to what degree? Do you recommend having a formal policy that describes exactly what is to be done and when? What benefits can I reap from a lint-removal program?

January 1, 2007
Meet Our 2007 Panel of Experts (Part 1 of 3)

HOTEL/MOTEL LAUNDERING: Neil MacDonald has managed the laundry at the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club since the property opened in 1995. His other experience includes managing laundries at the Ihilani Resort & Spa on Oahu, the Westin Century Plaza Hotel and the Westin Kauai Resort.