At Barker – a large domestic laundry specialist and drycleaner in the UK – the new year has begun promisingly. The business stated to have invested almost £1 million in new plant and machinery during the past months and the works have recently been completed.
According to the company, the investment has resulted in considerably increased efficiencies and that sustainability goals are being realised better. The large-scale refit began during the summer of 2022 and included the creation of a new plant room with a new boiler and water treatment plant, as well as upgrades to other machinery. Apart from that, the wash house was moved and extended, thus increasing wash capacity. New dryers were installed and a new ironer line completed the transformation of the factory that is now stated to have 20% more working space. This has been realised by a redesign of the workflow and repositioning of the machinery. All in all, it has resulted in an increased capacity of some 50% and a reduction in handling time.
Managing director Matthew Barker stated that after Covid, a strong balance sheet within his company meant an opportunity to get in shape for the future and find ways to benefit from the increased efficiencies.
