All articles by kathy bowry
kathy bowry
WASHCO allies with Danish market leader Nortec
UK/DENMARK
Nortec, Denmark’s market-leading laundry equipment company has taken a strategic equity stake in WASHCO. Making Nortec’s proprietary technology available will support Washco ambition to be the go-to support partner for commercial laundry equipment. The two companies have much in common, including a focus on customer service and innovation. The partnership will be focused on utilising the latest technology to deliver superior customer experience, says Washco.
Pincroft invests €3.5 million to produce nearly 70% of its own electricity
EUROPE
European textile dyer, printer, and finisher, Pincroft, released the company’s latest energy saving figures after investing €3.5m in a new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant for its site, where the manufacturer is now able to produce its own electricity and recycle heat for use across its textile operations. The textile manufacturer made the investment in 2022 and after a year is now able to quantify the fuel consumption saving benefits of the equipment.
Registrations for CINET World Congress and GBPA 24 start coming in
INTERNATIONAL
Although the closing date for the registrations in the CINET Global Best Practices Awards 2024 (GBPA 24) is still a few months away, the first registrations of retail textile cleaners and industrial laundries are coming in to the Cinet secretariat. This is a result of a first mailing of invitations earlier this year. Over the next months the secretariat will follow up with personal invitations and networking.
Registrations so far include companies who have participated before, newcomers and registrations for the national events. Applications are announced in all categories and from all parts of the world. Country coordinators will be supporting this process by sending invitations and assuring follow-up in an increasing number of countries. They can provide more information and are receiving a good response.
TRSA Hygienically Clean and Green program appoints new auditors
NORTH AMERICA
The TRSA (the trade association for the linen industry across North America) Hygienically Clean and Clean Green Certification Programs have welcomed seven industry professionals to serve as new auditors as part of its Certification Program Enhancement Initiatives. On 22-23 January, the new auditors gathered for an initial in-depth training session held in Las Vegas, which included a comprehensive review of the Hygienically Clean and Clean Green standards followed by mock healthcare, HACCP programs and Clean Green audits.
BC SoftWear promotes spa inclusivity with plus-sized robes
UK
Plus-sized hotel and spa guests may well feel body shamed when not offered large enough robes, indicated Spa textiles supplier, BC SoftWear, which is urging the industry to consider the range of bathrobes it is stocking, in a bid to highlight the vital role spas can play in supporting inclusivity. The company, which has been supplying luxury robes to spas for 21 years, is appealing to the sector to offer more appropriately sized robes for plus-sized guests as standard.
Three senior sales appointments for BC SoftWear
UK
BC SoftWear, hotel and spa textiles supplier, has further strengthened its business development team with the addition of three new staff members. The new team will help BC SoftWear continue its focus on developing customer relationships as well as pursuing growth globally
TSA Spring Conference presents star-spangled line-up
UK
With speakers that include broadcasting legend and unexpected Strictly Come Dancing sensation John Sergeant, the Textile Services Association (TSA) Spring Conference glides back into the spotlight on 15-16 April, Hilton St George’s Park, Burton Upon Trent. With bookings already high the association is asking anyone who plans to come to reserve their ticket as soon as possible. Last year’s Autumn Conference attracted a record 160 delegates and, with another formidable programme for the Spring edition, places are becoming limited. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back, and perhaps setting another record,” said David Stevens, CEO of the TSA.
Vikas Shah: A lesson in leadership and entrepreneurial humility
UK
The Worshipful Company of Launderers (WCL), supported by the Oliver Family Education Trust, hosted a leadership conference on Tuesday, 13 February at Glaziers/Launderers Hall in the City of London. According to WCL: “Motivation is what causes us to act or choose not to. What lessons did the pandemic teach us about motivating ourselves and our teams and how can we maintain our motivation to grow our industry in the face of today’s changing marketplace?” A stand-out keynote speaker at this year’s event was Dr Vikas Shah MBE DL, CEO, Swiscot Group, the textiles and commodities trading business.
Women are driving change in the workwear sector
INTERNATIONAL
The evolution of workwear to include designs that cater to the needs of women in the workplace marks a significant stride towards inclusivity. Historically, the working environment, with its attire predominantly designed for men, has overlooked the specific requirements and safety of women. This shift towards creating workwear that embraces women’s requirements is not just about clothing; it’s about acknowledging women’s integral role across various sectors, from the boardroom to the manufacturing site, and ensuring female workers are equipped to thrive in these spaces.
Record growth recorded by Jensen-Group in 2023
INTERNATIONAL
In 2023, the Jensen-Group achieved an unprecedented revenue milestone of €400.1 million, compared to €341.6 million in 2022, representing exponential growth of 17.1%. This increase was attributed to an exceptionally high order backlog at the end of 2022, a strong order intake in the first semester, and a notable rebound of orders received in the second semester of 2023. “This achievement highlights our sustained growth and solidified market position. The notable increase in operating profit, standing now at €40.7 million, is a direct result of profitable growth,” said the company.