MARCH 2017
Late News Precision AirConvey expands laundry and waste group NEWARK, Del. — A dedicated team of expert engineers from automated conveying systems manufacturer Precision AirConvey Corp. (PAC) has been formally tasked with solving critical challenges in healthcare, recycling and facility design, the company reports. Called the Precision AirConvey Laundry and Waste Group, PAC says the division specializes in the custom design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of pneumatic conveying systems that automatically transport bagged waste, soiled linen and/or recycling from multiple collection points in a facility to central points for pickup or laundering. Featuring proprietary technology proven in more than 10,000 installations worldwide and backed by more than 40 years of engineering expertise, PAC says the Laundry and Waste Group offers automated vacuum systems to replace manual laundry and waste collection systems that rely on rolling filled carts in view of patients and guests in favor of a hygienic, quiet, streamlined system. The company says the system is ideal for use in hospitals, multi-family housing, hotels and other ALN facilities.
Volume 43, Number 3
LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT LEASING:
Understanding your options Financing alternatives can help service providers conserve cash BY MATT POE, EDITOR CHICAGO — When it comes to laundry equipment, service providers have different options for acquisition. The most traditional is an equipment loan, through which the laundry borrows the money necessary to purchase equipment from a financial institution and pays off the debt according to the terms of the loan. The challenge for some laundries going this route is the down payment, the initial capital outlay needed to secure the loan and purchase the equipment. Another financing option that can keep capital in a laundry’s bank account is equipment leasing. “Many customers with an onpremises laundry (OPL) consider
leasing as an option as a financing solution to acquire new equipment,” says Dennis Mack, president of Western State Design, an equipment distributor based in California. “We provide laundry equipment leasing options to all types of commercial customers, including hotels, motels, hospitals, sports clubs, linen rental, correctional facilities and municipalities—and all types of for-profit commercial laundries.” Keith Ware, vice president of sales for Lavatec Laundry Technology Inc., an equipment manufacturer with a U.S. base in Connecticut, sees all types of laundries taking advantage of the leasing option. “We don’t see much financing from publicly held companies due to their financial options and their size,” he says. “Most often, it is
It’s important that a laundry operator understand costs, length of term and options at the end of a lease before signing. (Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)
smaller, privately held laundries where ownership is looking to preserve capital and avoid large down payments. Most of the finance deals we work on do not require a large down payment, which is a big help to the borrower since they are
conserving their cash.” “The best part of leasing is being able to budget,” adds David Chadsey, vice president of sales for TLC Tri-State Laundry See LEASING on Page 6
PCI Solar completes solar project for AmeriPride Solar projects part of company’s broader environmental sustainability effort AUSTIN, Texas — PCI Solar has completed installation and commissioning of a rooftop solar energy system for AmeriPride Services, a textile rental services and supply company, at its Odessa, Texas, processing plant, AmeriPride reports. The company says this is its second solar energy project, following a rooftop installation at its Worcester, Mass., location. The solar projects are part of AmeriPride’s broader environmental sustainability effort that
includes alternative-fuel vehicles, heat reclamation systems, equipment upgrades and water conservation and treatment, it says. The company says it was one the first commercial laundries worldwide to earn the industry’s “Clean Green” certification from the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA). This signifies its production facilities meet the highest international standards for water efficiency, energy conservation and best practices for reusing, reclaim-
ing and recycling resources. “AmeriPride is committed to leading the industry in environmental sustainability by testing and incorporating new technologies, such as solar power, that help move the textile industry forward,” says Mike Lavoie, director of mechanical engineering for AmeriPride. “As one of the biggest players in the industry, we have the resources to pilot innovative new programs that benefit our company, our customers and the community.” The rooftop solar energy system, comprised of Hanwha Q Cells 335 watt panels and Fronius inverters, will offset approximate-
www.americanlaundrynews.com
INSIDE Columnist at Large
ly 15% of AmeriPride’s energy use at its Odessa site, according to the company. To overcome a somewhat complicated interconnection, PCI Solar worked closely with AmeriPride officials to ensure that the proposed design solution was compatible with AmeriPride’s ongoing business operations at the facility. To help the project make economic sense, PCI Solar leveraged Oncor Electric Delivery Co.’s cash rebate for solar energy projects in Texas, AmeriPride says. The rebate program, renewed See SOLAR on Page 4
The Newspaper of Record for Laundry & Linen Management
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Product/Service Directory
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Company Directory
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Eric Frederick looks at challenges and successes in vendor relations.
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