THE BENEFITS OF OPL


Should hotels consider installing an On-Premise Laundry (OPL) system, rather than sticking with outsourced solutions? Liz Smith-Mills investigates.


Rising standards, motivating staff to deliver a quality experience for guests, and profit contribution are just a few of the reasons why businesses offering quality accommodation are embracing OPL systems.


With OPL systems, the laundering activities are carried out by staff employed by an establishment on site – as opposed to laundry and linen being transported elsewhere for cleaning. OPL systems can offer many long-term benefits which may not be obvious at face value.


IMPACTING THE


BOTTOM LINE Depending on the size of the hotel and occupancy percentages, funding invested in OPL equipment can see a return on investment relatively quickly. For example, the cost of installing a towel laundry, including the purchase of towelling, chemicals, gas, water and electrics, can be recouped within a very short period of time. I have seen some facilities break even in just 14 months.


While linen may be an expensive item to purchase, outsourcing laundry costs are generally the second highest operating cost, next to labour. However, having an OPL system enables the on- site Periodic Automatic Replenishment (PAR) stock levels to be reduced to meet daily demands – and in turn this can decrease stockholding costs – of dedicated linen.


Additionally, fluctuations in occupancy as experienced by seasonal trading properties will less likely result in minimum wash charges, which are often imposed by linen hire companies. And, any lost stock and subsequent charges can also be managed in house and pilferage can be reduced.


IMPROVING GUEST


SATISFACTION The location of the property can be a key factor when considering an in- house laundry solution, especially in rural locations. Diverse weather could affect the regular delivery of fresh


56 | COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY


linen, which in turn impacts service standards as guests expect linen to be fresh on a daily basis.


Yet another benefit of operating an internal OPL system is the ability to extend or minimise the hours of operation to best suit business needs. For example, an airport hotel subject to delayed flights can benefit from managing laundry supplies onsite to ensure a continuous supply of clean linen, keeping disruption to hotel operations to a minimum.


"OPL systems can


offer many long-term benefits which may not be obvious at face value."


One of the biggest advantages of installing an on premise laundry system is quality control, where consistent standards can be maintained. The washing programmes, processes, temperature and chemical choice can be controlled in-house to ensure linen is cared for in such a way that its life is prolonged and replacement costs saved.


Finally, having an internal OPL system can help improve guest services with a rapid response personalised laundry and dry cleaning experience. This enables hand finishing, especially of delicate fabrics and packaging, to be best undertaken on site and in doing so produce an extra revenue source for the hotel.


TURNING TO THE


PROFESSIONALS And you needn’t do it alone: reputable companies like Procter & Gamble (P&G) Professional offer support and assistance in setting up wash programmes, processes and chemicals used with OPL systems.


The Ariel Professional Laundry System contains deep cleaning technology,


which leaves nothing behind but Ariel’s impeccable 1 Wash Clean. There are three system options available, and each system is installed for free – with the equipment available on a no-cost loan – whilst the system is used with the recommended P&G Professional products.


Five-star golf and spa hotel Rockliffe Hall switched to P&G Professional’s products in early 2017. Since then, staff have reported that the laundry process is safer, towels and flat work last longer, and feel and smell fresher and softer, with feedback also given by guests.


Where there is a lack of space or funds for capital investment, then combining an OPL system with some work being contracted out may be considered – even in luxury operations. It’s important to remember that guests’ expectations are very high, and it is essential for the management team to work with suppliers that understand that ethos.


www.pgpro.co.uk twitter.com/TomoCleaning


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