Linen & Uniform Supply Services

Linen & Uniform Supply Services

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in the industry provide industrial laundry and linen supply services. Major companies include ARAMARK, Cintas, and UniFirst (all based in the US), along with Elis (France) and Watakyu Linen (Japan).

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by employment trends, as swings in hiring impact uniform and garment needs. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations and maintaining low labor costs. Large companies have advantages in centralized laundry plant operations. Small companies can compete effectively by securing favorable locations and by offering specialized services. The US industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 80% of revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major services include uniform rental and linen supply (about 95%) and commercial laundry (less than 5%). Other services include local transportation and delivery of purchased services, laundry and dry-cleaning agency, and dry-cleaning.