The ever increasing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the laundry and linen services industry support the trend for larger national and regional laundry and linen service operations. However, M&As also influences the way independent laundries create and maintain their backup plans for business continuity in case of  emergencies or disasters.

The American trade magazine for PTC recently interviewed various industry professionals on the effects these M&As have on independent operations. We present a short summary. To begin with a positive effect was being mentioned: M&A’s allow independent businesses to stand out as a local provider! However, a less favourable effect is being felt by independent laundry operators when creating or updating their emergency backup plans.

Now more than ever, a vital component of independent laundry backup plans is to maintain relationships with other independent operations. Key elements of such a backup plan should include, relationships, understanding capabilities and having a general idea of what would need to happen in the first 72 hours. Once an independent laundry creates a backup plan, it’s important to do everything possible – from regular conversations to testing – to help ensure the plan will work if needed.