OPL equipment

Improving hygiene reducing costs

1 January 2008



On premise laundries need equipment that helps them to be more efficient and cost effective, while greater hygiene concerns healthcare OPLs. Kathleen Armstrong reports


The pressure continues to mount for on-premise laundries (OPLs) to improve hygiene standards to control infection and to cut energy costs.

However, manufacturers are responding with developments in equipment that will benefit all sizes of OPL.

Miele has a sales presence in 38 countries worldwide and it produces a wide range of machines targeted at all types of OPL.

The honeycomb drum used in its washers and dryers was introduced in 2001. Independently tested by the Applied Laundry Research Institute in Krefeld, Germany, it was designed to use less water and to do so more efficiently. It also allows increased spin speeds without risking damage to fibres.

Improvements in software, electronic controls and drive motors have widened the possibilities for OPL equipment manufacturers. Malcolm Martin, product manager for Miele Professional in the UK, says the company works to develop specialist wash programs that have been customised to suit the OPL.

Technological developments mean control systems can offer a wide range of programs in different languages.

Smaller OPLs that only use a few programs may find a control with a large number of different cycles confusing. So the control can be simplified to include include only the specific cycles needed, making it more user-friendly.

The company can now provide remote access to the electronic controls on its machines. “Machines can be linked to a central area and we can see a problem when it arises,” Martin says. He adds that remote access can also be used to monitor several basic functions. “It’s the way of the future – and it can bring real improvements to operational costs.”

For smaller OPLs, the main concern is the bottom line. It is this desire to reduce energy and water consumption and other operating costs that is driving the demand for systems that will increase efficiency.

Lee Wilson, vice president of international sales at Alliance Laundry Systems, says this is especially true in Latin America where the need to cut costs is paramount.

The company, based in the USA but with its portfolio of brands a main manufacturer worldwide, has seen a rise in demand for high G-force washer-extractors as customers look for ways to reduce drying times.

But Wilson says the most significant development within the Alliance family has been the introduction of the UniLinc control for UW washer-extractors, sold under the UniMac brand. “This cutting-edge control offers unparalleled access to laundry operations’ data, including logging error codes with a date and time stamp as well as offering maintenance reminders.

The control will help laundries meet their need for better use of labour and of utilities and water.

Through its Belgium-based Ipso brand, Alliance has also launched the Cygnus Professional control which, Wilson says, improves communication with laundry managers. “Again, the technology is aimed at giving management more data to make better operational decisions.”

In 2007, Electrolux launched the G4000, its latest generation of laundry machines. The range incorporates the Compass control. This allows programs to be set in line with the laundry’s specific priorities, whether these are energy savings, performance and/or fast process times.

Matteo Giordano, international media and events manager, notes that the G4000 Pullman machines include improved ergonomics such as automatic opening of inner drum doors, large and smooth doors and an end-of-cycle alarm system. These features speed operation and allow the machines to operate an extra cycle each day.

The Dubixium multi-layer cylinder on Electrolux’s ironers was launched in 2004 and, according to Giordano, has become a must for OPLs with stringent requirements for ergonomics and productivity. Because it offers electric and gas-heated machines the same advantages as steam does, without the inconvenience of a heavy installation, the Dubixium cylinder now represents 75% of the company’s production.”

USA-based Dexter Laundry has also developed more “intelligent” controls for its machines that are delivering benefits to customers.

Director of sales and marketing Kevin Hietpas says the company pioneered an electronic converter drive control which allows OPLs to examine what they are doing and to find “increments of efficiency”.

The electronic systems are user friendly, says Hietpas, and can be set up according to the OPL’s needs. For example, a small OPL’s system might have a microprocessor with as few as six different programs while a larger establishment may need one with 30 cycles.

The company currently operates in the USA, Asia and Australia and says there is little real difference between the requirements within the different regions.

The need for quality and cost saving applies across the board. The boom in international travel means more and more high quality hotels are opening their own OPLs to help them keep control over their laundry processes. In some locations transporting linen to a central laundry is not an option, while the cost of having someone dedicated to laundry is relatively low.

Hietpas says that competition is also making quality control a priority for hotels. “When a customer is in a hotel they spend most of their time sleeping. So each property is trying to see how they can outdo the competition in bedding by buying linen with higher thread counts.” Therefore, ensuring the OPL is able to deliver high standards is essential.

As a supplier that focuses mainly on the hospitality sector, Hietpas is upbeat about the opportunities it provides : “As travel expands, the need for accommodation will grow. Those companies that are ready for it, will be the beneficiaries.”

In the healthcare sector the main focus is hygiene and in particular the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) such as MRSA and Clostridium Difficile.

In 2007 Danube International introduced the Medical 16, a 16kg barrier washer for nursing homes and other small OPLs. Managing director Bernard Jomard says that although HCAIs are a concern, some of these of laundries have to struggle with the budget to buy a good quality system, “even if the difference is only 15%!”

To counter concerns about utility costs, Danube’s washers use only 11-13 litres of water per kg. This not only reduces the amount of water used but, says Jomard, also cuts drying time, leading to further energy and cost savings.

Malcolm Martin says that, in the UK in particular, there is a move from thermal disinfection to chemical treatment at low temperatures. In response, Miele is developing machines that detect if a chemical has not been dispensed and stop the cycle to ensure that disinfection is carried out correctly.

Noise and vibration are also worries for the OPL says Eva Torrents at Girbau. Care homes are particularly concerned about these problems as the laundry may be on the same floor as the residents,

The sector is also demanding guaranteed disinfection systems as well as energy efficiency, she says.

Girbau has paid special attention to efficiency by building water recovery systems into all its washer-extractors.

According to Sven Boegeholz from Switzerland-based manufacturer Schulthess, a well-run OPL can be less expensive than outsourcing. It is kinder to the environment because it reduces the need for transportation. An on site laundry also makes it easier to control and reduce linen stocks.

Schulthess provides machines from 5.5 – 30kg to a wide range of businesses including restaurants, sports clubs, fitness centres, high street outlets such as hairdressing salons and medium and large nursing homes, old people's homes, guest houses and hotels.

Most OPL manufacturers supply their equipment through distributors, although some, such as Miele and Girbau, sell directly to OPLs in some areas.

Dexter is currently seeking European partners. The company has not operated in Europe for some time but it launched a range of machines that meet CE requirements at the Clean Show in Las Vegas in 2007 and is now in discussion with prospective distributors to re-establish its presence on the continent.

It is looking for suppliers that will meet the company’s standards for support and service. Dexter will provide training including advanced courses in its factories in the USA.

Alliance prides itself on its “customer-centric focus” and furnishes design and layout services on behalf of its worldwide network of distributors “to help managers maximise the elements of throughput, floor space and energy efficiency”.

Girbau also offers laundry planning and design services using Autocad drawings and 3D photos. In addition, customers have a support service which is available for 364 days a year, guided by a real-time customer service system. It also leases its services to architectural and consultancy companies both for new buildings and for updating existing premises.

Miele’s CAD software offering is provided to customers through its partners who use Miele-trained dealers.

Danube sells through distributors but has five service people to support them, as well as a technical hotline.

While Electrolux says it provides its customers with “complete support – from consulting and sizing premises to installation, training and service”.

Schulthess works with partners throughout Europe. Boegeholz says: “We train their technical engineers so that they are able to service their customers perfectly. We promise to have spare parts available for our machines for a minimum of 15 years.”

Considering the future for OPLs, most agree that the environment, hygiene and running costs will continue to be priorities. However, Lee Wilson at Alliance adds: “I think OPLs will grow in future as properties, especially those in hospitality, seek greater control of quality. As this growth continues, the emphasis will remain on throughput and efficiency.”


Unilinc control ( alliance) Unilinc control ( alliance)
DANUBE DANUBE
ELECTROLUX  G4000 Pulman OPL feature January08) ELECTROLUX G4000 Pulman OPL feature January08)
DEXTER OPL DEXTER OPL
girbau ( title pic OPL Jan 08 girbau ( title pic OPL Jan 08


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