Sorting, the first step in the laundry process, can be the most important in maximizing the overall efficiency of the operation. Steven Tinker, senior vice president, research & development for Gurtler Industries, Inc., outlines what laundry managers have to consider to ensure their efficiency is the best it can be.

Braun has announced the availability of their new Science Stands The Test Of Time^® Finishing Environments publication. The purpose of the publication is to educate the industry on the science behind and evolution of textile finishing technology and equipment. This publication examines various finishing environments that are employed in the industry. In doing so, it enlightens readers on the many advancements in technology and equipment solutions that are available to the market.

Fourteen members of the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) gathered in Tampa, Florida, in late February for a strategy meeting to discuss plans for the Association’s future direction. Continued consolidation and other factors have changed the textile care industry in significant ways, and the Association’s leadership recognized that now is the time to examine TCATA’s role and how it can best serve the industry. 

In early 2014, Ecolab Inc.’s Textile Care Division filed a suit against Gurtler Industries, Inc., claiming that Gurtler had infringed on Ecolab’s Patent No. 6,262,013: “Sanitizing Laundry Sour” issued on July 21, 2001. In response to the suit, Gurtler contended that the patent was invalid, and asked the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to open a reexamination of the patent claims. On August 29, 2018, it was determined by the USPTO that the Ecolab patent was invalid; all original and amended claims in the patent were rejected as unpatentable. 

Greg Snoddy is the new executive vice president of healthcare sales for Encompass Group, LLC, as announced by Mark Beran, CMO of Encompass. In this role, Greg will manage both the Acute Care and Senior Living Sales channels. A 20-year veteran of Encompass, Greg joined the company in 1999 as field sales manager, through the acquisition of the Lintex Corporation headquartered in St. Paul, Minn. He was promoted to region director for senior living in 2003. In 2006, he was promoted to vice president of sales and held leadership roles in corporate accounts. In 2014, Greg assumed the senior sales leadership role for the Senior Living sales organization.

Leonard Automatics is pleased to announce the promotion of Scott Graham to the position of special projects manager. Scott’s new duties will include all aspects of the project from planning and engineering to prototype and software creation and implementation for all new equipment or major revisions or upgrades to existing machinery.