about VCE
IN GOOCHLAND COUNTY, A 50-foot-long tunnel washer churns almost continuously while a computer monitors its progress. It is able to process one ton of clean linen per hour. Cost of this high-tech, American-made precision machine: $1,200,000.
Sheets, pillowcases, uniforms, and hospital gowns go into the washer soiled and come out clean, chemically-treated, and dry. Cost to VCE clients: one of the lowest on the market.
Today VCE washes some four-and-a-half million pounds of hospital linen per year. Yet Laundry Manager Sonny Flynn says his operation could easily handle another million pounds, and he is eager to prove VCE's capabilities to other non-profit hospitals throughout the state.
In addition to a competitive low price, Flynn says VCE's laundry offers personalized service not available elsewhere. One example is sorting. The Goochland inmates press and fold the linen for VCE's primary hospital client, but they also pack the various items on huge rolling carts according to what is needed on each floor of the hospital. When the VCE truck then delivers these pre-packed carts to the hospital, each floor has exactly the linen it needs, neatly stacked on a single mobile cart.
"We're not just a processor," explains Flynn. "Our clients count on us to help with inventory, quality control, and cost-containment. I'm always there to talk to them personally. In a lot of co-op laundries, you can't ever find the manager."
VCE periodically sends linen out for testing to analyze its tensile strength. This helps guarantee a client actually received the quality of linen it ordered. VCE also looks for signs of wear and treats stains, keeping track of how much linen is "mendable" and how much is beyond repair and must be "ragged out." Finally, Flynn's operation helps with inventory, piece-counting soiled laundry, and helping to analyze use patterns.
Every morning after the plant is operational but before the inmates arrive for work, the water is tested for hardness and mineral content. Chemicals are adjusted as needed to guarantee soft water, which helps insure that no chemical residue remains on the linen.
The linen is washed, treated, dried, folded, and sorted. Plus VCE offers optional pick-up and deliver service, depending on the size of the job and the location of the client.
For more answers to your laundry questions call toll-free 800-823-2823. In central Virginia call 804-743-4100.