Clean highlights

24 August 2017



In a whistle-stop tour of the Clean Show 2017 ahead of our in-depth coverage scheduled for the September issue, Kathy Bowry picks out some of the highlights of the event


Clean Show 2017 – or using its official name World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning – delivered all it promised in its 40th year with the organiser claiming record footfall during the event. Turnout was up for both attendees and exhibitors over the four days of the show last month, according to figures from organiser Riddle & Associates. The total number of at the final count hit 12,563 people, a substantial increase on the 11,264 visitors at Clean 2017 in Atlanta.

All the big name manufacturers and suppliers were there and many new developments for the North American market made their debuts.

Continental Girbau kicked off the proceedings with a pre-show presentation and reception for Continental customers, distributors and business partners.

Innovator-themed and co-hosted by Continental and its parent company Girbau Global Laundry Solutions (Girbau), the event unveiled new commercial and industrial laundry products; a joint-venture between Girbau and Chinese manufacturer Shenguang; Girbau’s 2020 Strategic Plan focused on growth, adaptation and people; and the new GirbauMax, a virtual reality laundry experience.

New products introduced included the G-Flex 33-pound hard-mount washer-extractor, the FR Folder, 90- and 200-pound on-premise dryers, and the 80-pound E-Series/ExpressWash Washer for vended and on-premise laundry applications.

Girbau CEO Merce Girbau announced the joint venture between Shenguang and Girbau, indicating the move will bring more products and opportunities to China as well as other emerging markets worldwide.

More big news at Clean 2017 included the announcement from Lapauw International that the company has developed continuous tunnel washing systems, allowing the company to provide total laundry solutions. A new division of the group will be responsible for design and production of tunnel washers, presses, dryers, conveyors and all other supporting equipment.

The first Lapauw continuous tunnel washing system is expected to be installed and operational by the end of 2017. Steven Renders, CEO of Lapauw International explains that the move was planned over many years. The new Lapauw product range will include tunnel washers with capacities of 35, 50, 70 and 100kg, a 50-bar press, and both steam- and gas-heated dryers. Philippe D’heygere, president of Lapauw International adds: “The tunnel washer was clearly missing in our product range and we had to decline many requests from our customers for this kind of equipment.“ On its stand, Lapauw USA showcased two new Lapauw ironers, a new small piece folder, the Mediwave barrier washer, and the HotSTREAM garment finishing tunnel.  Lapauw promises demonstrations of its new tunnel washer system in Belgium later this year, and plans to present its full product range, including tunnel washer, at Expo Detergo in Milan next year.

Another piece of hot news released at the show was the announcement that HJ Weir is now the exclusive authorised distributor in the UK and Ireland for Milnor.

Milnor itself featured its new 8-module 76039 PBW tunnel system (with an MP1650 single-stage press and 6458TG pass-through dryer). In addition to the PulseFlow technology tunnel, Milnor launched its PurePulse technology water recovery treatment system to help commercial and on-premise laundries achieve water and energy cost reductions.

Meanwhile, Lavatec Laundry Technology introduced its new ride-on shuttle, the LT50 110-pound continuous tunnel washer, and the osLaundry software system. Lavatec sold the majority of its booth equipment to several customers during the four-day event.

“We are thrilled with the results of this year’s Clean Show,” says Keith Ware, Lavatec vice president of sales. “We enjoyed many good conversations with customers and others about our new and existing equipment, including the TT-series Ecodry dryers. As expected, the ride-on shuttle was a hit with everyone. It was located along the main aisle and it stopped people in their tracks.”

Jensen was preoccupied with ‘the elephant in the room’ on its stand, which in this case was its new press with a press efficiency equivalent to “150 elephants” according to Jensen’s Gerda Jank.

For Kannegiesser E-Tech, the recent merger of the two companies brought the established E-Tech factory in North America, giving the brand a one-stop shop for everything laundry including rail systems. A big bonus for USA customers is that rail systems no longer have to shipped out from Kannegiesser’s UK plant thereby slashing costs for customers in the Americas.

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