Continental Girbau Inc. Celebrates 20 Years in Business

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Commercial laundry equipment manufacturer Continental Girbau Inc. recently hosted a two-day celebration marking its 20th year in business.

Formed in 1995 as Girbau S.A.’s North American subsidiary, Continental has grown to become an industry-leading provider of on-premises, vended and industrial laundry solutions, according to Continental President Mike Floyd.

More than 150 business partners, staff, distributors, community officials and friends participated in Continental’s Sept. 23-24 anniversary celebration here, the company says.

Events on Sept. 23 included an open house and tour at Continental’s headquarters, followed by a presentation and reception at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Air Venture Museum, according to the company.

Keynote speakers included Floyd; Mercé Girbau, co-CEO, Girbau S.A.; Brian Wallace, president and CEO, Coin Laundry Association (CLA); John Casper, president and CEO, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce; and John Riddle, senior vice president, LG Home Appliances.

“The formation of Continental came before I joined Girbau S.A.,” says Mercé Girbau. “But I know it took a lot of negotiation between my father, Santi Carol, Len Kafer and Mike Floyd. My father wanted to establish distribution in the United States. Today, Continental accounts for 25% of Girbau’s total sales.”

The celebration continued throughout the next day with a group tour of Lambeau Field/Packer Hall of Fame, in Green Bay, Wis., and a golf outing in Green Lake, Wis. A riverside tailgate party at the local Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel culminated the event, says the company.

Continental says that it has ballooned since 1995, expanding product offerings; serving new niche markets; establishing new brands, divisions and subsidiaries; investing in facility expansions and additions; expanding its professional distributor network; and continuing its commitment to environment, community, service and quality.

Locally, the company supports organizations in need; partners with and supports Oshkosh area hotels, restaurants, printers, photographers and schools; and owns and runs a local business—the Express Laundry Center.

Continental Girbau President Mike Floyd engages visitors during his company’s open house and reception celebrating 20 years in business. (Photo: Continental Girbau Inc.)

Continental’s six original employees were recognized for 20 years of service. Five of the six still serve Continental and are pictured here. The sixth, retired Continental President Len Kafer, was not present. Pictured are (from left) Gary Clark, technical services division manager; Santi Carol, export vice president, Girbau S.A.; Laurie Kilgore, customer care manager; Mike Floyd, president; Kelly Zabel, director of finance administration and human services; Mercé Girbau, co-CEO, Girbau S.A.; and Jay Leitz, inventory control and operations logistics manager. (Photo: Continental Girbau)

During Continental’s open house, guests enjoyed facility and showroom tours. Pictured in the foreground are (from left) Victor Aguirre, of Centrax, in Mexico City; Mercé Girbau and Santi Carol, of Girbau S.A., in Vic, Spain; and Joel Jorgensen, of Continental Girbau. (Photo: Continental Girbau)

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