Alsco Uniforms has supported businesses across the Illawarra and South Coast for 28 years. Now, we’re investing in the future of the region with a new Wollongong commercial laundry designed to increase capacity, improve efficiency and support long-term growth.
As construction of our new commercial laundry progresses, we sat down with Wollongong Branch General Manager Rob Andreeski to discuss why Alsco Uniforms is making this investment, what it means for the Illawarra and South Coast region, and how the new commercial laundry will help support customers into the future.
1. Why is now the right time to invest in a new Wollongong commercial laundry?
The region is buoyant and our existing plant could not continue to support industry on a sustainable long-term basis. Our reputation in the region is strong, and we have unfortunately had to limit new business opportunities in the past due to capacity constraints. This investment allows us to prepare for future growth, support more customers, and continue delivering the high level of service our customers have come to expect from Alsco Uniforms.
2. What does this investment say about Alsco Uniforms’ commitment to the Illawarra and South Coast region?
We are here for the long term. We want to offer local the high level of service it expects and values, and we are confident businesses across the region will continue to support us based on our strong service reputation, quality products, and now a new smarter plant with greater capacity. This investment is also about creating job security for our loyal employees and reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the communities we have supported for many years.
3. The campaign theme is “More Capacity. Same Great Team. Smarter Plant.” What does that mean for customers in practical terms?
It means customers will continue to receive the same trusted, reliable service and quality they know us for, backed by a team they already know and work with. The difference is that we will now have the capacity to grow alongside our customers while operating more efficiently and productively. The new facility is designed to improve operational efficiency and support our ongoing sustainability initiatives.
4. How do you see the region evolving over the next few years, and how does this facility help prepare for that growth?
We continue to see positive activity across tourism, manufacturing, mining and other emerging industries in the region. At the same time, we’re seeing increased activity in emerging industries including food production, renewable energy and innovative start-ups. This new facility positions us to support that growth across a broad range of sectors while ensuring we have the capacity and capability to meet changing customer needs well into the future.
5. Beyond the building itself, what do you believe will have the biggest impact for customers?
Beyond added capacity and reliable service, smarter technology is expected to support improvements in quality and operational efficiency, helping us remain competitive, flexible, and better able to support customer growth. These improvements will help us operate more effectively while continuing to deliver consistent outcomes for customers. The commercial laundry has been designed with features intended to help reduce our environmental footprint.
6. What are you most excited about when you think about the new facility opening?
I am most excited about the technology, the state-of-the-art working environment it will provide for our team, and the sustainability initiatives and technology incorporated into the laundry. This represents a significant step forward for our business and creates opportunities for both our employees and our customers. Above all, I’m excited about our greater ability to support local industry and contribute to the continued growth of the Illawarra and South Coast region.
7. If there was one message you’d like local businesses to take away from this project, what would it be?
Alsco Uniforms is committed to the region and committed to supporting local businesses with smart, efficient and reliable solutions. This investment is about ensuring we can continue meeting the needs of our customers today while also being ready to support their growth into the future. We’re investing in the region because we believe in its long-term potential and want to grow alongside the businesses that call it home.