From Fontaine Sands, DRPH, MSN, CIC, RN; ALM Clinical Advisor

All viruses can mutate over time, especially when they interact with different hosts. As expected, we are seeing other variant strains of the COVID-19 virus (UK, Brazil, South Africa). As the virus moved from an animal host to human host, it learns how to best attach (transmit to the host) and replicate within that host. This is what the variant strains seem to be doing, changing so they can attach easier to nasal and lung tissue and cells, and replicate more quickly. This can increase the transmission rate from one person to the next. However, at this time, these new strains are not shown to cause more severe illness or death. The CDC has not made any changes in PPE or social distancing recommendations for these new strains. You can follow the CDC mapping of new variant cases on the CDC website COVID-19 section.

At this time there is no evidence that shows the current EPA-approved disinfectants or processes will not kill the other strains. The CDC is working with the EPA to evaluate the current disinfectants on the N-List to ensure they kill all strains. The CDC recommends that everyone periodically review the posted EPA list to make sure the chemicals/disinfectants being used are still approved.

View the ALM COVID-19 Resource Page for all laundry-related information.

The first webinar of the year is in just 2 weeks! 2020 brought changes for all of us, but what didn't change was OSHA looking out for our workers' safety. As of November 2020, nearly $2.5 million in fines have been issued for COVID-19 safety violations. Do you know what OSHA regulations are being applied to issue these fines and what changes have been made on a state/local level? If not, it could cost you!

Join us Thursday, February 25, at 2 p.m. ET for 2021 OSHA Update/COVID-19 Related Safety Guidelines with Barry Spurlock, Esq.

Webinar Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsoring ALM webinars this year? You'd better hurry, there's only 4 spots left!

For the 2021 webinar series, we are limiting it to just 6 sponsors. For only $500 per sponsorship, logos of all six will be displayed on the ALM Webinar page, and each will be the primary sponsor for one webinar during the year. By setting primary sponsorship for each, we grant sole sponsorship billing on that webinar's promos, an opportunity to provide a 30-second video promo to be streamed at the start of the webinar, and a promotional email to be sent after the webinar to our full mailing list of over 3,000 individuals!

Tentative dates and topics of webinars are listed on the ALM Webinar page (please note, dates and topics may change due to speaker availability and industry events). To purchase a sponsorship, visit the ALM online store. Please note, sponsorship claims are first-come, first-served, and there is a slight delay between purchase and the online store being updated. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Morris.

The American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) announced the loss of industry veteran, Donald A. Pedder, at the end of January, due to COVID-19 at the age of 77.

Pedder was well-known throughout the textile care industry, and often left an impression on all who met him. He was the first laundry operator to join ARTA in 1992, and served as its president from 2004 to 2008. Under Pedder's leadership, the number of laundry operators in ARTA grew to make up 50% of the membership. Most recently, he was the principal of his own consulting firm.

The family plans a private service with cremation and will spread Pedder’s ashes along the ocean, as was his wish. They ask that in lieu of flowers, any donations should be made to a charity of choice in his name.

For more details about Pedder and his history in the industry, please visit American Laundry News.

Mark Mann, Vice President of MIP USA, Inc. and Michael Bernstein, CEO of World’s Global Source Operating (WGS), have announced a definitive agreement whereby MIP USA, Inc. has purchased the intellectual property, inventory, customer list and future supplier agreements from WGS on patient gowns, styles and prints.

“We have tremendously valued our corporate and personal relationships over the years with the MIP team; and I firmly believe that, with this transition, your future inventory requirements in patient gowns and other products will be a benefit all customers," Bernstein said, adding that he will ensure the transition proceeds in a seamless manner.

"After several years of working on other projects together, I realized just how much the culture and willingness to delight our customers is embodied in the WGS organization, so this feels like a very natural fit," Mann said. "Further, we believe that the combination of efforts from both entities will only further improve service levels for all customers."

ALM member Yamamoto Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Representative Director Shohei Yamamoto was recently highlighted in a Wall Street Journal business section article on avoiding the status quo and the importance of looking beyond Japan’s shores. Currently, Yamamoto is the only Japanese producer of washing machines looking to expand beyond Japan.

Yamamoto goes on to say in the article, "Our business philosophy consists of three elements: human capital management, coexistence and co-prosperity. We have worked to develop a good corporate culture and environment where our staff are motivated. They also help one another and share joy. Currently, we have around 200 employees and very low turnover rate."

Tingue, Brown & Co. announces the acquisition of Toronto-based Cramer Co. by its Canadian subsidiary, Tingue Canada, effective January 15, 2021. Ty Acton, Tingue’s president, shared, “We’re very happy for David Cramer, who ran a terrific business starting back in 1978.  We’re also excited for the opportunity to expand our service to Canadian laundry operators going forward.”

Westport Linen Services, a leading partner for healthcare laundry, is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of a 140,000 square foot laundry facility in Greenville, Mississippi. With this plant expansion, the service reach of Westport can now include the Central/Northern Mississippi area, Tennessee, and Arkansas market- a welcomed addition to the strong customer-base the company has within the gulf-coast area of Texas to Alabama serviced by 3 plant locations in Louisiana. 

United Hospital Services (UHS) is excited to introduce William Muse as the new Director of Customer Service and Sales. William began his tenure with UHS in 2015 as the IT Manager. Since then, he has undertaken the roles of Assistant Operations Manager, Interim Maintenance Chief and now as the Director of Customer Service and Sales. We look forward to watching his continued growth in his new position.

UNX Industries, Inc. is excited to welcome Kevin Peterson to the team. Kevin will be serving customers in the greater Tampa, FL, area, and brings with him 20 plus years of industry experience on both the manufacturer and the distributor sides of the business. Kevin is a lifelong learner and uses that to benefit him both personally and professionally. In his free time, you might find him on the golf course, out on the boat with his family, or searching for some new sports memorabilia to add to his collection. Please join us in welcoming Kevin to the UNX team!

G. A. Braun is actively seeking an experienced and professional candidate for the position of Midwest Regional Sales Manager. Benefits include a competitive salary and commission plan, 401K, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, paid vacation, and personal time.

For a challenging and rewarding career opportunity, contact jcorrigan@gabraun.com. Responsibilities and experience requirements are available in the full job description below.

Cupron, Inc. (Richmond, VA) and NOVO Health Services (Atlanta, GA) have announced an exclusive partnership agreement to offer Cupron’s antimicrobial copper patient linens to healthcare providers in key markets.  Cupron’s copper linens have an added ongoing level of protection for the linen as it passes through the various chains of custody within the hospital environment.  A growing portfolio of peer-reviewed outcomes studies show that replacing regular patient linens with Cupron’s copper linens reduces the incidence of healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals.

“The addition of Cupron linen to the NOVO portfolio of products furthers our overarching mission to improve patient outcomes” said Karl Fillip II, COO of NOVO.

Leonard Automatics recently added to its North American sales team. Robert Spradley has provided sales and service, as well as engineering support, to the textile, garment manufacturing and laundry industries for well over 30 years. His experience and talents have taken him all over the world in support of those products and o­fferings.