Updated May 20, 2019
Multi-million Dollar Upgrades Underway at CLS
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo based Continental Linen Services (CLS) is announcing the near completion of phase one of a 7-million-dollar upgrade project. The investment will continue the family-owned company’s mission of annually increasing production capacity in Kalamazoo and at the same time reduce waste and the use of utilities.
Phase one, scheduled to be fully operational June 10th, cost CLS $2.4 million and will allow for major growth at the linen, uniform and laundry company.
The first phase is strictly to handle the incoming soiled textile rental products.The project includes new equipment that will streamline the soil sort process by integrating vacuum sort technology and a series of conveyor belts leading to soil sort bins that precisely weigh the product. The process will also improve safety and efficiency for workers at CLS.
I could not be more thrilled to have the support and approval to be investing into state-of-the-art production equipment. This project is a huge step towards embracing technology and setting up our company for future growth, said Sarah Wrubel, Senior Vice President and Owner at CLS. Our Team Members are so excited for us to be investing to improve their work environment and give them the best equipment that is out there.”
Prior to the upgrades, the CLS production facility was manually sorting more than 912000 pieces of dirty uniform garments, floor mats, patient gowns, napkins, towels, table linen and aprons each week. The company serves more than 6000 customers across the state of Michigan.
The last major expansion at CLS in Kalamazoo was the addition of the Covington Road campus in 2016.
About the project, CLS President and Owner, Kurt Vander Meer said, “It allows us to grow substantially for years to come as we add on the additional investments in equipment and technology. Investing in our talent, community and Michigan is what we are all about. Together we grow!”
CLS History:
CLS has been a family owned business in the Kalamazoo area since 1899. The production facility on Manchester Road has been in operation since 1980 and has steadily grown over the last 38 years, currently employing approximately 140 Team Members. CLS also has six additional locations in Michigan, employing a grand total of 240 CLS Team Members company-wide.
