Automation, Ergonomics, and Sustainability The Future of Laundry Operations in India
As labour shortages and increasing costs affect laundry operations globally, automation has become crucial for maintaining productivity, reducing strain, and improving operational efficiency. “In India, where the market is rapidly expanding, the need for innovative, long-lasting, and energy-efficient laundry solutions is stronger than ever,” says Thorsten Malzer, Managing Director & Group CFO, Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH. Excerpts:
How does automation help reduce labour costs and improve efficiency in laundry operations?
We are seeing the need for automation because labour is getting increasingly expensive, and there’s a shortage of labour across all the countries we operate in. People do not want to work in soiled areas of laundry or in sections that are physically demanding. Automation is needed here first, as a starting point for the process.
Why is ergonomics crucial for laundry workers, and how do our solutions address long-term physical strain?
Ergonomics is a critical factor in laundry operations. Workers face significant physical strain, not just over weeks or months, but over years. It’s hard to evaluate the impact of ergonomics when purchasing equipment, but once it is running, the improvement in ergonomics is clearly noticeable. Our solutions help reduce the stress on the body by automating the more physically demanding tasks.
How can businesses assess whether automation and ergonomics are a good fit for their specific laundry needs?
The decision depends on the customer’s needs, whether in hospitality or healthcare. There is no single product suitable for all. It also depends on the volume of linen being processed. After understanding the customer’s goals, we work towards delivering a solution that’s the most productive for their needs.
What makes Kannegiesser machines a better investment over cheaper alternatives in terms of longevity and productivity?
Kannegiesser’s machines are priced higher, but we ensure that these products run for not just years, but decades. Our machines are highly productive, fast, and require minimal downtime. We’ve seen these machines running for 10, 20, 30 years with little to no issues. Cheaper alternatives often don’t deliver the same level of reliability or longevity.
How does sustainability play a role in our product offerings, and how does it impact long-term cost savings for laundries?
Kannegiesser is the world leader in sustainability for laundry equipment. Our machines have the highest efficiency in energy, gas, and steam consumption. It’s not just about the initial investment but about long-term savings. We have real-world data showing how our products save money by being more energy-efficient compared to competitors.
What potential does India offer for expanding automation and sustainable laundry solutions?
India has enormous potential. We are eager to expand in this market and bring our solutions to meet the growing demand for automation and sustainability in the laundry sector.
