Mark Johnson, chief executive of Böwe Passat (UK), has made it clear that his attack on irresponsibility in the drycleaning sector is nothing to do with independents versus groups. He emphasised his concern is for irresponsibility across the market.
Mr Johnson considered that a report in the March 1998 issue of Laundry and Cleaning News did not properly represent views he expressed at a recent Textile Services Association conference.
He said: “My point at the conference was clear that there is a section of the industry that cares little for safety features and is obsessed with machine price above all else.
“This has nothing to do with independents versus groups, rather the fact of responsible versus irresponsible operators within the total market.
“Taking the issue of automatic rake out, it is clear to anyone who visits independent drycleaning shops regularly that a large majority of owners have not bought this safety feature.
“This is true even for machines bought in recent years—the feature has been available from all suppliers.
“Every drycleaner that we talk to about machine purchase is advised about the safety features which are available on the machine, but we find that other machinery suppliers are quoting for machines that have the minimum possible specification to the detriment of safety in perc exposure levels.
“It is clear to me that if the industry does not ‘clean up its act’ and agree a code of conduct then the result will be more imposed regulation on perc which cannot be in the interests of the industry long-term as costs will undoubtedly rise significantly for all operators due to this.
“As it is, the responsible operators in the market, of which there are many in both the independent and group sectors, are presented with a cost disadvantage simply for following a health and safety conscious approach in their businesses.
“The sooner we can discuss these problems in an open and constructive manner, without a ‘points scoring’ mentality between rival suppliers, the sooner we can change the public’s perception of the industry from negative to positive which, in the long run, will benefit us all.” Mr Johnson is also concerned with the problems of fatty acid build up in hydrocarbon machines which are sold without a still—contaminated machines and solvent result.
“This is a major issue at present because many drycleaners are being told there is no problem in processing without a still. Some suppliers are saying this in order to sell a cheaper machine. Böwe Passat (UK) does not operate in this way. We advise what is best for the customer. This often means we do not make a sale, but we realise the need for a long-term, trusting relationship with our customers.”
