The challenge: modernise laundry room facilities with minimal downtime
Based in the suburbs of Bolton, the Withins is a family-run home that has specialised in elderly residential care since 1989. After 35 years in business, the team now looks after 65 residents in purpose-built facilities where everyone’s comfort, independence and safety are paramount.
While the Withins has leased JLA commercial laundry equipment through Total Care since 2003, the home recently set out to modernise its ageing laundry room floor and appliances to improve infection control and stay compliant. The upgrade was seen as a vital but disruptive job, and would also coincide with the installation of new equipment. This demanded expert planning to minimise downtime.
The solution: a managed install with state-of-the-art equipment
Thanks to combination of trusted equipment, price and reliable service, the Withins chose to extend its longstanding partnership with JLA. The team arranged for its new laundry machines to be commissioned alongside a new floor, and JLA’s installer arrived on site to help coordinate the works.
"We were dreading the install as we’re just so busy, but JLA’s install team were extremely helpful, and we had it turned round in just three days: the first moving equipment to one side of the space, for continuity; the second to move everything out, so we could finish the floor; and the third to finish up. We were really impressed – it went seamlessly and helped us avoid a complete shutdown of the laundry room for a full week, which was simply not an option for us."
The care home’s equipment upgrade saw JLA deliver three new commercial washers and two dryers, including the easy-to-use JLA 50 Touch, along with a highly efficient JLA Breeze commercial dishwasher for the kitchen. For the Withins’ management team, investing in these appliances was a straightforward decision.
“We’ve been renting JLA products for over 20 years, and for good reason: the machines are the best on the market. This new generation of washers and dryers are better than ever, and our laundry team are really happy with them.”
Through Total Care, JLA’s all-inclusive equipment and repair package, the Withins continues to enjoy free installation, with 24/7 support and ongoing maintenance and parts covered by one simple monthly cost. It’s real peace of mind that the team doesn’t have to worry about the cost of servicing or repairs for their most critical assets – something the team enjoyed first-hand when an older dishwasher recently broke down.
“As a business owner, you do worry about budgeting, and when things go wrong with equipment you own outright, it can be costly. With Total Care, you pay what you pay. You pick up the phone and an engineer comes out. For us, it’s a lot more relaxed, and always reassuring. Two engineers were sent to fix our dishwasher issue, which historically saw us having to turn it off and wash plates by hand. The engineers were professional, very polite and seriously worked hard to get it repaired within the hour. It’s working great, now!”