CHICAGO — The majority of laundry/linen managers who took this month’s American Laundry News Your Views survey say 2014 turned out as they expected it would—84.3%, in fact, weren’t surprised by how their operations/businesses did, while 11.7% say things did not turn out as they thought they would. Nearly 4% say they are undecided.
Still, more than half of managers rate 2014 as having been a “good” year, and a quarter of respondents rate it as having been “great.” Fewer than 20% say the year was “average,” and a small percentage (1.9%) report that it was “below average.” No respondents rate 2014 as having been “poor.”
“Great results in 2014—board of directors [was] very pleased,” says a respondent.
In terms of meeting their 2014 goals, nearly 60% report that they accomplished some of their goals, while 37.3% say they accomplished every goal they set. A small percentage (3.9%) admit they didn’t set any goals for last year. No one who took the survey reported not accomplishing any goals.
Goals achieved included developing safety programs, replacing dryers, increasing sales and productivity, staying within budget and reducing operating costs. Respondents point to a number of unmet goals, too. Adding a second shift, updating equipment, plant expansion and adding business just didn’t happen for some of those polled.
Not surprisingly, respondents have already identified their major goal for 2015: 22% say their No. 1 priority is to market their service to attract more customers. Other top goals eyed by respondents include increasing productivity (20%), building on quality staff (16%), adding or replacing equipment (14%), and improving distribution or route management (12%). Creating greater energy savings is the top goal for just 8% of respondents; another 8% list “other” priorities, such as managing inventory and getting new products.
“We are working to add business, increase efficency and prepare for HLAC [Healthacre Laundry Accreditional Council] certification,” says a respondent.
“We are looking to expand our production capabilities by updating equipment and looking for a larger production facility,” says another.
Overall, respondents are fairly optimistic about these goals. Nearly half say they have a good chance of accomplishing their top priority; more than a quarter are confident that they will accomplish it, “without a doubt.” Slightly more than 25% estimate they have about a 50-50 chance of accomplishing their top priority. No one who took the survey said they have a “slim” or “no” chance.
“As an in-house laundry, we just want to stay open,” a respondent comments.
“Our company is robust,” says another. “And though not perfect, it is a good company to work for and is very goal-oriented.”
While the Your Views survey presents a snapshot of readers’ viewpoints at a particular moment, it should not be considered scientific; due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100%. Subscribers to American Laundry News e-mails are invited to take the industry survey anonymously online each month.
All managers and administrators of institutional/OPL, cooperative, commercial and industrial laundries are encouraged to participate, as a greater number of responses will help to better define operator opinions and identify industry trends.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].