When an industrial laundry is ready to maximize throughput, nothing delivers more impact or more labor savings than automation. By automating washing, ironing and folding processes, laundries significantly reduce labor costs while boosting productivity. This combination not only strengthens the bottom line, it also positions laundries to pursue and service new accounts.
Washing
Once a laundry reaches 1,000 pounds per hour, it’s time to automate. A continuous batch tunnel washer can replace the three operators typically needed to run four large washers and five large dryers — reducing that requirement to one operator. The labor savings add up quickly:
- $75,000 per year
- $225,000 over 3 years
- $375,000 over 5 years
Tunnel systems can also be configured for even greater productivity and labor reduction. A Girbau Industrial (GI) batch tunnel system processing 1,000 pounds per hour saves roughly $375,000 in labor over 5 years. A 12‑module GI tunnel system processes 3,200 pounds per hour and requires only one operator — a smart use of automation for maximum output with minimal labor.
Ironing
An ironing line equipped with a feeder, heated‑chest ironer and folder/stacker dramatically outperforms an all‑in‑one ironer or any hand‑fed, hand‑folded process.
The automated feeder delivers consistent, high‑quality feeding thanks to features like a vacuum table and box, with optional spreading brushes and belts for enhanced quality. These features ensure sheets enter the ironer straight and centered — something manual feeding simply can’t guarantee.
Because the feeder keeps pace with the ironer and folder, productivity increases while labor requirements drop.
- With four operators (three feeding), laundries can process 321 pounds per operator hour, or 14 sheets per minute / 840 sheets per hour.
- Eliminating hand feeding and hand folding results in approximately $149,000 in annual labor savings.
Towel Folding
The GI FT‑Maxi, triple sort towel folder, is one of the most impactful automation tools in a laundry. It automatically folds, sorts and stacks up to 900 pieces per hour with just one operator.
Compared to hand folding, laundries can reduce labor hours by 87%, saving more than 8 labor hours per day. At the same time, consistency improves — folds and stacks are uniform, making goods easier to transport and store.
- Processes 900 pieces per hour
- Saves 8 labor hours per day
- ROI in under 2 years
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