Refreshed and renewed

The past few years have seen many changes and none more so than for Rob and Ross Weir, managing directors of HJ Weir, the long-established family-owned British manufacturer of flatwork finishing equipment.

Last year, Rob and Ross had to make a tough decision to ensure the survival of the business, 61 years since Ross’s grandfather started the company in 1961. In June 2022, HJ Weir manufactured and dispatched its last machine.

“It was hard enough pre-Covid and only got tougher,” Ross explains. “We were advertising for staff within a 50- mile radius of the factory but to no real effect. During and post-Covid we also had to contend with a shortage of parts and, when we could get them, paying in some circumstances double for them.”

According to Ross, as the HJ Weir manufacturing story drew to its close, he could see an opportunity for a complete refresh and to bring Weir Laundry Equipment (WLE) to the fore. WLE was originally created as a separate company to HJ Weir by Ross and his father Rob in 2006 and initially the company focused on the remanufacturing of its own flatwork finishing equipment.

The company was formed to offer its customers a more cost-effective option of purchasing commercial and industrial laundry equipment.

Initially the company focused on the remanufacturing of its own family brand of flatwork finishing equipment. WLE has since diversified, establishing itself as an exclusive sales partner for new commercial laundry equipment including Electrolux Professional (Sweden) offering washing and drying, along with flatwork preparation, feeding, ironing, folding and stacking by Image Laundry Systems (Thailand).

“Now we are not manufacturing ourselves but buying quality machines in from Image. We looked carefully at potential partners, and we feel Image stands on a par with HJ Weir machinery. HJ Weir had a great reputation for its machines and we can say that with Image there is no change there. HJ Weir machines were simple and reliable and known for doing what they needed to do. Image reflects that. The Image range is a reliable mid-range offering – neither cheap, nor expensive. So, for us it is business as usual,” says Ross.

The tie up with Electrolux is extremely positive, too, explains Ross, as it offers the chance along with Image ironers to offer a turnkey ‘wash and dry’ solution. “It gives us the opportunity to grow with the smaller laundries – and OPL – and go with them on their journey to wherever they are going. We have always had the relationship with independents, and we aim to continue that,” he says.

“WLE also deals with after sales service for HJ Weir machines and upgrades and it is the same service team as before. We carry an inventory of more than 15,000 spare parts at our facility in Chepstow, South Wales. Our parts team can discuss specific requirements and close customer contact ensures that 80% of the held spares are available to be supplied on 24- hour express delivery with established couriers.

“I have to admit I am quite excited for 2023,” says Ross, who adds that the initial focus for the company will be on the UK and Eire.