PRODUCT FOCUS
CARLTON INVESTS IN MARQUEE FABRIC CLEANING MACHINE
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ith the continued investment in these skins, it is important that after each hire they are cleaned and dried to ensure they have longevity in the asset base of any business. One of the problems faced is how to clean and dry large fabric pieces in a small area. Auckland based company Carlton Events Ltd has made significant investment in fabric purchases in recent years and in 2017 started looking into the options of an updated automated fabric cleaning system. Although they already owned a cleaning machine, the outdated technology did not allow for large quantities to be washed in a short amount of time, nor did it have the ability to dry. Turning over large volumes of fabric quickly is essential in peak periods, but drying is crucial when storing fabric over quieter periods. Manager Andrew Armstrong says “anyone in the marquee hire sector knows that rolling stock quickly and efficiently in the summer months is essential” he continues “keeping our costs as low as possible, whilst providing quality products and sharp efficient service is an absolute key component to our profitability”. After a lengthy analysis of different
In the world of marquee hire one of the biggest issues facing any hire company is keeping the fabric as clean as possible, for as long as possible. Whilst marquee frames can stand the test of time for decades, the fabric (or skins) is something that usually requires replacement every 5 years or so. ...rolling stock quickly and efficiently in the summer months is essential SAYS ANDREW ARMSTRONG
machine types, Carlton Events invested in a UK made machine capable of washing and drying large volumes of fabric quickly. Running at its peak the machine can wash and dry a marquee roof at approximately 2 minutes per lineal metre. Compare this to previous models or hand washing and it is easy to see efficiencies. Andrew says “there are a few machines on the market worldwide, however we selected this model due to its ability to wash quickly and efficiently, whilst being simple to operate. The machine not only had to fit our wash criteria, but impact minimally on the environment. We did not want a water and energy hungry machine or something that used hard chemicals”. Health and Safety management is a huge part of any business and being
able to operate the machine with basic training is something Carlton looked at. All critical moving parts are enclosed within the machine so there is minimal risk to the operator. In the last 3 years Carlton Events has increased its fabric replacement program and this would not have been viable without the ability to maintain it properly. A noticeable improvement to quality has also been noticed by clients. “The feedback has been noticeable” says Andrew “we now have the option of weeding out old or defunct stock and can be selective of how we manage client expectations” Carlton Events also washes fabric for other companies. The fabric is cleaned, dried, folded and packaged ready for collection.
Contact Andrew for a price and scheduling at andrewa@carltonevents.co.nz
HIANZ HIRE & RENTAL 2020 -
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