Dacon completes 97,000 s/f addition at Unitex’s Lawrence, MA facility

Lawrence, MA Unitex and Dacon have added 97,000 s/f of production space to Unitex’s facility in response to the market growth. Focused on the life science and medical sectors, Unitex is one of the nation’s largest family-owned linen and uniform service providers to the health industry, with 13 locations in NY, CT, NJ and now Mass. The first phase - 90,000 s/f for large-scale processing of bulk hospital/long-term care facility linens - was repurposed from the former Crown Holdings headquarters. This expansion is focused on the laundry processing of uniforms and supplies for ambulatory care/outpatient medical facilities.

President of Unitex, David Potack, said, “Unitex is excited to expand our client service offerings in the greater Boston and Eastern New England markets with the construction of our newest facility, which will focus on outpatient and ambulatory healthcare locations. Boston is truly a healthcare hub for growth and innovation and our increased capacity to serve new clients in this market is an exciting development in the evolution of our company. We are proud of our record in constructing environmentally sustainable laundry facilities, where automation is paramount and helps us deliver reliable, consistent high-quality service and products to our clients every day.”

Lawrence is Unitex’s first facility located in the Mass. market. An immigrant success story rooted in the hospitality linen industry, this year marks Unitex’s 100^th anniversary with Rob and David Potack as the 4^th generation of family members to assume leadership.

The firm operates 365 days a year and has attained the TRSA’s Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification for its best management practices in operations, training and sterilization. Unitex’s strategy is based upon a green business model, investing in technology, operations, environmental quality and training focused on natural resource conservation. Operational results:

• Waste heat reclamation yields gas savings equivalent to usage by 1,200+ households and electricity savings enough to power 200+ homes per year.

• Water technology reduces detergent use and excess water waste resulting in annual water savings equivalent to usage by 5,000 homes.

• Detergents are composed of 100% organic chemicals. In place of chlorine bleach, an oxygen-based, biodegradable cleansing agent is used to protect waterways and reduce linen damage.

• LED lighting, high-speed automation and infrared monitored dryer temperature controls contribute to electricity and gas savings.

• Ironing machines each have their own gas burner, making them 20% more efficient.

• Delivery trucks contain GPS telemetry and real-time tracking, resulting in efficient routing and reduction of fuel use and emissions. Trucks are programmed to shut off after 3 minutes of idling.

• Plastic recycling totals 1.5 million pounds each year.

Dacon’s CEO, Kevin Quinn, said, “Unitex’s long-term heritage, community focus and environmental commitment underscore their business ethics and acumen. It has been a joy working with them.”