BEACON FALLS, Conn. — Commercial laundry equipment manufacturer LAVATEC has entered into an equipment agreement with West Michigan Shared Hospital Laundry (WMSHL) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

The member-owned, non-profit cooperative has purchased three LT-120 continuous tunnel wash systems with 12 compartments, another LT-120 tunnel with six compartments, and 30 TT-745 series gas dryers. 

Each of the tunnel system compartments has a capacity of 265 pounds, and the front-loading, high-performance, energy-efficient dryers offer 292-pound capacities.

“We chose LAVATEC equipment based on several key indicators for us. This includes the simplicity of operation, machine productivity, maintenance needs and costs, and the layout and design for the project,” says Bob Pfeifer, executive director of WMSHL. 

“I have purchased and operated many LAVATEC systems with great success during my career. Service is always an issue with any vendor today, but I’ve been fortunate that LAVATEC’s staff have been responsive, helpful, and timely with their assistance. It has always felt like a true partnership for me.”

WMSHL supports over 40 healthcare facilities and more than 500 medical clinics in Western Michigan and Northern Indiana. With over 700 total delivery points, it now processes nearly 47 million pounds of laundry annually. 

Needing to replace two older 2009 tunnel systems sooner than expected, Pfeifer said the board of directors opted to switch from a gradual, phase-in of new equipment to one big project.

“We discussed it and decided to pivot and change out the entire soil and washroom,” says Pfeifer. “In looking at the whole project, we felt it would be better than spreading out the disruption each phase would cause, especially for our employees. 

“Along with the simplistic nature of the LAVATEC systems, the history and relationship with their people played a big role in our decision.”