CHICAGO — The time between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a great opportunity to look back at the year’s top stories (based on page views) posted on AmericanLaundryNews.com.
News headlines piqued readers’ interests most in 2024. Here are stories No. 10 though No. 6:
10. Vestis to Sell Minority Stake in Japanese Joint Venture
In September, Vestis agreed to sell its 39% equity stake in Aramark Uniform Services Japan Corporation (AUSJ) to majority owner Mitsui & Co. Ltd. for approximately $37 million. The company said it will use the proceeds from the transaction toward debt repayment.
The company believed monetizing this non-operating asset would further enhance its strategic focus, strengthen its balance sheet and provide additional financial flexibility.
9. In Memoriam: Jim Vaudreuil, Huebsch Services
In March, Jim Vaudreuil, CEO and fourth-generation owner of Huebsch Services, died after a reoccurrence of esophageal cancer. He served as served as president and CEO of the company since 1980 and received the TRSA Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 12, 2023.
“He will be dearly missed by so many,” Huebsch said in a statement.
8. UniFirst Names Rooney Chief Operating Officer
In September, UniFirst Corp. appointed Kelly Rooney as chief operating officer (COO). Before joining UniFirst, she was the chief human resources officer at Waste Management, a $20 billion public company.
The company also shared that Michael Croatti, executive vice president, would transition from his role in November after a 35-year career.
7. Cintas Acquires Kentucky-based SITEX
In February, Cintas Corp., which provides products and services such as uniforms, mats, mops, and towels, acquired SITEX, a Kentucky-based, family-owned supplier of uniform and facility service programs.
“The Sights family has grown SITEX into a strong regional provider of quality apparel and facility service solutions to their customers in the central Midwest,” said Scott Garula, president and COO of Cintas’ Rental Division.
6. Goodwill Closing Milwaukee Laundry Operation
In August, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago closed its commercial laundry business in Milwaukee.
“We have taken a thorough approach to get to this point and we are confident that although it is not ideal, we have made the right decision for Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago,” the organization said in a prepared statement.
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago shared that it put resources in place to help employees connect to new opportunities and maintain employment.
Check back New Year’s Eve as we count down to the top story of 2024!
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
