Better all round

Space is in limited supply at Wintex, the busy laundry based in Winchester. So when the time came to replace its ageing ironer, owner Brian Hampson and general manager Tony Robertson knew they needed a machine that occupied no more floorspace than the old one had done.

They were also adamant that the new ironer line should be an all-round better set up. They wanted improved output, higher quality and, no less important, better ergonomics for their operators. The line solution that satisfied all their requirements was Jensen's Jenroll EXPress thin-bed ironer matched to a Variant 4022 feeder and a Modusal folder combined with an Amscan camera system, which automatically detects holes, tears and stains in sheets.

"Initially we wanted a three-roll 1200 ironer, but we just didn't have the space," said Mr Hampson. "What we've put in though - a two-roll 1200 - has more than met our needs." According to Jensen, a two-roll Jenroll EXPress has the performance of a three-roll ironer with a traditional chest.

He explained that the company can now handle more work without resorting to an unpopular evening shift, which is just as well because there has been a 10% increase in the customer base. The result is a less pressurised working environment which has a better atmosphere, yet output is up.

Tony Robertson was particularly impressed with the feeder. "Not only is the clipping height lower, which operators like," he said, "it's the fastest feeder I've ever seen." He added: "With a thin-bed ironer you get a better polish on the sheets, which our customers appreciate."

Mixed batches

Mr Hampson said his operators are processing 50% more work through the ironer. They are typically processing 900 sheets every hour in mixed batches of singles, doubles and king-size. With duvet covers the rate can be even higher. Wintex's customers tend to be privately-owned small hotels with high quality expectations.

Savings have also been made because the evening shift is no longer required. Oil consumption is down by 25%, said Mr Hampson, and electricity usage is down by 12%.

The best improvement in quality is down to the Amscan camera system on the folder. They have found that 4% of their sheets have holes and 6% have stains. It's an ironic fact of life that the customer will probably never notice this improvement, but for Wintex the investment has been worthwhile.

"We're satisfied that the ironer will pay for itself," said Mr Hampson, "and with the improvements in output, quality and ease of use for our operators that we're seeing already we're delighted."