More and more busy managers of nursing homes and hotels are setting up on-premise laundries in preference to using an outside source. These can be very cost-effective, provided careful thought is given to planning – especially with regards to equipment.
The washer-extractor is the cornerstone of every OPL. Yet there are still managers who opt for a cheaper domestic machine over one specifically designed to offer reliable service in a commercial laundry.
It is a false economy. Domestic models are designed for occasional use, not for continuous operation for up to 12 hours a day, most days a week.
OPL washer-extractors are fully automatic, microprocessor-programmed units with a wide variety of cycles to cater for work as diverse as towels, uniforms and table linen. Most now feature automatic detergent and chemical dosing, wash liquor concentration monitoring, and temperature control.
A significant change has been the increased understanding amongst customers of the benefits that energy saving appliances bring in reduced running costs over a long period of time.
Support packages are also now an important factor in the purchasing decision. Downtime obviously has to be kept to a minimum to maintain an effective and efficient business, and the level of maintenance support and quick response times have become one of the deciding factors in purchasing.
Wise managers will put their trust in a machine from one of the number of reputable companies offering dedicated washers designed for OPL use, and at the same time will benefit from a wealth of good advice and excellent back-up service.
With careful choice, such a machine will give excellent performance and results.
ELECTROLUX
Product range: Electrolux Laundry Systems can provide provide a complete range of washer-extractors from 5.5kg to 110kg. This includes barrier washers which are fully compliant with UK water regulations at the highest risk categories.
Developments: ELS now offers a package for mop cleaning. This includes a washer with special programs to process damp and wet heads, a stock of heads and a dosing system.
The W3600H washer-extractor, another development, is a 60lb capacity machine with a large door opening for easier loading and unloading, plus a high extraction force.
This machine benefits from a frequency-controlled motor for maximum versatility, boosted by a Clarus Control fully programmable microprocessor with up to 192 programs, and 13 liquid detergent signals.
It has also been designed with a high degree of rust protection, and for easy service and maintenance.
Customer support: ELS can offer a 365-day service and has a 24hour manned call centre. Technical advice is readily available from the company’s help-desk and spare parts continue to be available for up to 10 years after production of any particular model ceases.
MIELE PROFESSIONAL
Developments: In the past 12 months, Miele Professional has introduced the WS5243 and WS5323 barrier washers, and the WS5100 and WS5140 washer-extractors.
Product features: Miele’s WS series barrier washers are aimed primarily at the healthcare market with a space-saving design which conforms to European Standard EN14065, yet uses 24% less energy and up to 38% less water than former models.
These barrier washers allow the management system to deliver an agreed level of microbiological quality according to the intended use of the textile.
The two washer-extractors, the WS5100 (10kg) and the WS5140 (14kg) have been designed with the needs of catering establishments in mind.
The digital display shows both time and temperature, and LEDs chart the progress of the washing sequence through the user’s choice of 23 programs.
ARMSTRONG COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY SYSTEMS
Product range: Armstrong aims to meet the needs of every size and type of OPL with a portfolio of washer-extractors produced by Asko, Huebsch, Lapauw, Primus and Schulthess. Capacities range from 5kg to 300kg.
At the top end of Armstrong’s range of capacities are Lapauw washer-extractors. Aimed at large OPL installations, the range goes from 60kg to 300kg with both single and three compartment models and barrier washers.
The Primus range is of interest to medium sized OPLs, and especially popular in the hospitality and care sectors. These reliable machines cover sizes from 7kg to 55kg, rigid-mounted and high-spin and with a variety of control systems.
Armstrong recently installed a Primus-based laundry at the stables of racing trainer H Morrison which handles the huge volume of tack laundry generated by more than 60 racehorses.
Developments: As well as having a Type A airgap as standard, the latest compact 6kg Asko washer is designed with a strong focus on operating costs.
The Sensisave consumption sensor adjusts the quantities of energy and water used to the size of the load. For example, a 2kg load will use 0.3kWh and 20litres of water less than a full load.
Customer support: In addition to its expertise on compliance with regulations, Armstrong offers finance options and reports that there is increasing interest in its fixed price rental plans.
JLA
Developments: JLA has introduced additional freestanding machines with capacities up to 125lb to its range of washers, which are all described as cost-effective, efficient and built to last.
Product features: Installation costs are cut dramatically because, subject to site surveys, they can be used on suspended floors and in other areas unsuitable for washers that require bolting down. They are available with 16lb, 30lb and 35lb capacities, and in manual or coin-op versions. All feature high-speed spins to reduce drying times and cut energy costs.
JLA has also developed 35lb and 40lb freestanding machines with the additional benefit of larger doors, making them ideal for processing duvets and other bulky items.
Customer support: Customer service is provided through more than 70 JLA engineers strategically placed nationwide.
This enables the company to offer customers who opt for Total Care Plus packages service within eight working hours seven days a week, 364 days a year.
JENSEN GROUP
Product range: The Jensen Group offers a wide range of washer-extractors developed especially for the higher end of the hotel and hospital OPL sector, from 2ton production per day and upwards. The Jensen washer-extractors business unit (formerly D’Hooge) offers three different types of machine:
• WH open pocket hard-mount washers capable of reaching 300G extraction thanks to patented smart spin. These machines are equipped as standard with a PS40 microprocessor, Windows-based software (data transfer is via an RS232 optical link), and are available in capacities from 27kg to 76 kg (ratio 1:10)
• WE and DH open pocket soft-mount high-spin (360 to 400G extraction depending on the model) washer-extractors standard equipped with PS 40 microprocessor. Capacities range from 57kg to125 kg (ratio 1:10)
• WE(H) and DH(H) soft-mount barrier washers with split and open-pocket executions and standard PS40 microprocessor. Capacities range from 27kg to 300 kg (ratio 1:10).
Jensen OPL washer-extractors are equipped with advanced microprocessor or PLC (optional) controls enabling a very precise control at all times of all wash parameters.
Developments: Designed with hospital installations in mind, the barrier WE900-1250 HT washer-extractor has a forward tilting feature on the clean side. Features include advanced PLC functions and remote GSM monitoring.
The new generation DH1250 open-pocket washer-extractor has an extremely compact design, making it ideal for laundries with limited floor space. It is available in top loading and barrier pass-through formats, with active airbag suspension, tilting functions and weighting system.
Customer support:
Jensen offers support in the UK through Jensen UK SSC based in Banbury, a fully-owned sales and service centre for the entire Jensen Group of products.
JHC LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT
Product range: JHC has offered “The Complete Laundry Service” over the past 20 years, from free laundry surveys to laundry specification, design and workflow consultation, operator training, laundry specification and supply, complete laundry installation, laundry maintenance and service plans.
Both high-spin (WF55, WF73, WF95, WF165 and WF234) and rigid-mount washer-extractors (WR73, WR95, WR165, WR234) are available in the JHC-Grandimpianti range. Sizes vary from 5.5kg to 23.4kg load capacity; and electronic motor speed control via inverter is featured in high- spin models.
All JHC washers are WRAS Type AB approved and have met the full medical HSG (95) 18 specification. They are ready for automatic dosing connection and operated through an easy-to-use control panel. Washers up to 23.5kg are available ex-stock while larger models (50kg and 100kg) are available to order.
Customer support: JHC’s regional engineers are located throughout the UK and offer 24-hour, seven day-a-week repair and maintenance support for laundry equipment (any brand) on both a contract and on-call basis.