Content about Alliance Laundry Systems

May 1, 2013

Picnic Events at PWS Locations Draw Hundreds of Store Owners

LOS ANGELES — Equipment displays, parts specials, service classes and picnic lunches draw attendees

LOS ANGELES — Picnic sales/service school events hosted by PWS - The Laundry Co. at its facilities in Los Angeles, South San Francisco and San Diego on the weekend of April 5-6 drew hundreds of store owners who took advantage of equipment displays, parts specials, and service classes conducted by PWS and Alliance Laundry Systems personnel, the distributor reports.

Special sales events have been standard among California distributors during the fall, PWS says, but the marketing strategy is now being employed to entice customers in the springtime, too. Even so, laundry owners show no signs of growing weary of the gatherings.

“Maybe this attendance phenomenon is because there have been many new operators entering the business who have not had the time to become bored with shows and picnics, or maybe it can be attributed to the fact that the current population of laundry owners is taking a more professional approach toward running their business,” the distributor says.

PWS claims that more than $100,000 in parts were sold at the Los Angeles site during its event.

April 29, 2013

CLA Releases its Final 2013 Clean Show Lineup

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — More than 10 hours of educational sessions, networking opportunities and social events are planned

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — The Coin Laundry Association (CLA) has unveiled its final schedule of events—including educational sessions, networking opportunities and social receptions—for June’s Clean Show in New Orleans.

“The Clean Show is the best opportunity for professionals in the laundry industry to grow their business in 2013 and beyond,” explains Brain Wallace, CLA president/CEO. “The educational programming alone is more than worth the price of admission, but coupled with tremendous networking opportunities and incredible equipment exhibits – you simply cannot miss Clean 2013.”

EDUCATION

As one of the Clean Show sponsors, CLA will provide more than 10 hours of education geared toward making laundry owners more successful, and will cover an array of topics pertaining to the coin laundry industry, including:

Coin Laundry Trends for 2013
Internet Marketing Success Stories for Coin Laundries
Social Media: Which Tools Should Laundry Owners Embrace?
Best Practices for Wash Dry Fold and Commercial Accounts
Advanced Laundry Lease Analysis
The ABCs for Potential Laundry Owners
The Keys to Successful Multiple Store Management

NETWORKING/SOCIAL EVENT

To make sure the Clean Show is not all work and no play, CLA plans to host a hospitality reception on Thursday, June 20, and a CLA Mardi Gras Party the following evening. This year’s members-only party will feature Big Band entertainment, an open bar with Mardi Gras-themed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, strolling entertainers and revelers, a Tarot card reader, caricature artist, and more.

Member pricing for this event is $65 per person. Visit the CLA website to learn more and to purchase tickets.

CLA’s Clean Show programming would not be possible without support from the following “signature sponsors”: American Dryer Corp., Alliance Laundry Systems, Continental Girbau, Dexter Laundry, Eastern Funding, EasyPay, ESD, Laundrylux, Maytag Commercial Laundry, and Setomatic Systems.

“We greatly appreciate the many distributors and manufacturers who continue to support the CLA’s mission of providing superior education and networking opportunities to today’s self-service laundry owners,” says Wallace.

To learn more about the Clean Show, which is expected to draw 10,000 trade attendees from all segments of the laundry and dry cleaning industry, visit the show’s website.

March 13, 2013

Alliance Laundry Holdings Reports Record Revenues for 2012

RIPON, Wis. — 2012 net revenues totaled $505.5 million, an increase of 10.4% from the previous year

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Holdings LCC, the parent company of Alliance Laundry Systems, saw overall revenue growth for the year ended Dec. 31, according to its financial results for 2012. The company’s net revenues for the year totaled $505.5 million, a $47.5 million increase over 2011’s reported net revenue of $458 million.

“2012 was a tremendous year, with net revenues increasing 10.4% year-over-year,” says President and CEO Michael D. Schoeb.

The company attributes its net revenue growth to increases in United States and Canada revenues of $40.2 million; Latin America revenues of $4.9 million; Asia revenues of $6.8 million; and Middle East/Africa revenues of $2.0 million. Those increases were offset by a decline in Europe revenues of $6.4 million.

“In 2012, we achieved record revenues in all regions of the world, with the exception of Europe, where the economy continues to struggle,” Schoeb says.

While the company reports an increase in net revenue for the past year, its net income for 2012 decreased $7.0 million, falling to $16.4 million from 2011’s reported $23.4 million.

Despite this, its adjusted EBITDA (net income before interest expense, income tax provision, depreciation and amortization) increased $10.5 million, going from $83.9 million in 2011 to $94.4 million last year.

Schoeb anticipates another profitable year in 2013. “The steps we have taken to improve our competitive position over the last several years gives us confidence, and we expect continued sales and profitability growth in 2013,” he says.

Alliance Laundry Systems designs, manufactures and markets commercial laundry equipment under the brand names of Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, IPSO and Cissell.

March 5, 2013

Alliance Laundry Systems Recognized for Market Leadership

MILWAUKEE — One of eight companies honored out of 58 nominated in statewide awards program

MILWAUKEE — Alliance Laundry Systems, manufacturers of commercial laundry equipment under the Huebsch, IPSO and Speed Queen brands, last week received a special award for “Market Leadership” as part of the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year program recognizing outstanding achievements in manufacturing in 2012.

Alliance was one of eight companies honored out of 58 nominated in the statewide awards program, now in its 25th year. Bruce Rounds, chief financial officer, and Jay McDonald, vice president of business development, accepted the award for Alliance during a black-tie ceremony at the Pfister Hotel.

“Alliance’s story started more than 100 years ago when two Ripon hardware store owners figured out how to mechanize hand-powered washing machines,” notes Alliance CEO and President Mike Schoeb. “Now, we are the largest manufacturer of commercial laundry equipment in the world. Our continued success is driven by that same spirit of innovation, the dedication and work ethic we find in the local labor force, our world-class distribution network, and the competitive advantages and positive business climate of Wisconsin.”

In addition to the “Market Leadership” award, the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year program handed out four grand awards to companies categorized by the number of employees – small, medium, large and mega. Alliance, nominated for the first time in 2012, competed in but did not win the Mega category.

Nominees were judged in such areas as financial growth or consistency, technological advances, product development, environmental solutions and sustainability, operational excellence/continuous improvement, commitment to employees, and effective research and development.

The awards program is co-sponsored by Baker Tilly, one of America’s largest accounting and advisory firms; Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, a leading Midwest-based law firm; and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Wisconsin’s largest business association.

December 4, 2012

Alliance Laundry Puts Chiavetta in Charge of Customer One Program

RIPON, Wis. — Customer One initiative is cornerstone of equipment manufacturer’s customer-centric culture

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Systems has chosen Scott Chiavetta to lead the company’s Customer One team as vice president. He will also continue to oversee the Information Technology team in his current role as chief information officer.

The Customer One initiative is the cornerstone of the company’s customer-centric culture. It makes improving the customer’s experience, profitability and success the focus of every Alliance Laundry employee and ensures best practices in manufacturing, service and training, the company says.

scott chiavetta “Scott’s insight, intellect and leadership experience position him to add substantial value to his team and the company,” says Mike Schoeb, Alliance Laundry president/CEO. “He will make an outstanding addition to our executive staff.”

Chiavetta has 13 years of management experience with Alliance Laundry. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s of business administration.

November 27, 2012

Alliance Laundry Holdings Posts Higher Third-Quarter Earnings

RIPON, Wis. — Net revenues up 11% for quarter ended Sept. 30

RIPON, Wis. — Net revenues for Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, the parent company of Alliance Laundry Systems, were $126.6 million for the quarter ended Sept. 30, an 11% increase from third-quarter 2011.

Third-quarter net income was $11.4 million, compared to $3.4 million for third-quarter 2011. Adjusted EBITDA was $26.1 million compared to $20.3 million during the same period one year ago.

The overall net-revenue increase of $12.5 million was attributable to revenue increases in the United States and Canada ($10.3 million), Latin America ($1.6 million), Asia ($1.2 million) and the Middle East and Africa ($2.0 million). These increases were partially offset by lower Europe revenues of $2.6 million.

The overall net-income increase of $8 million for the third quarter was primarily attributable to improved operating income of $9.9 million and a decrease in interest expense of $3 million, partially offset by increased income-tax provision of $4.9 million.

Net revenues for the nine months ended Sept. 30 increased $36.5 million, or 10.8%, to $372.7 million compared to the first three quarters of 2011. Net income for the period increased $9 million, to $22.9 million.

“Despite challenging global economic conditions, revenues were again strong during the third quarter and have continued to build towards a higher baseline level of demand for Alliance products over the longer term,” says CEO and President Michael Schoeb. “Our ongoing business performance should continue to improve due to our strong cadence of new products, the benefits of our strategic initiatives and positive trends in vended laundry around the globe.”

Alliance’s announced expansion at its Ripon facility “will help ensure that we meet our customers’ expectations to deliver outstanding equipment on schedule.”

Alliance Laundry Systems designs, manufactures and markets commercial laundry equipment under the brand names of Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, IPSO and Cissell.

November 14, 2012

Alliance Laundry Promotes Bittner to VP of North American Sales

RIPON, Wis. — Assumes responsibility for managing Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, IPSO and Cissell brands

RIPON, Wis. — Commercial laundry equipment manufacturer Alliance Laundry Systems has promoted Bill Bittner to vice president of North American sales. He succeeds Jeff Brothers Sr., senior vice president of North American sales, who is retiring at month’s end after 35 years of service.

Beginning Dec. 1, Bittner will be responsible for managing Alliance Laundry’s well-known brands, which include Speed Queen®, UniMac®, Huebsch®, IPSO®, and Cissell®, through a team of national sales managers and their respective regional sales managers. Additionally, he will oversee pricing, budgets, forecasts, sales promotional activity and distributor development.

bill bittner During his 15-year tenure at Alliance, Bittner has held a wide variety of positions that include leadership roles in sales, manufacturing, and genuine parts. He most recently served as vice president of Customer One, the global company initiative focused on customer service.

“Bill’s passion for sales combined with his creativity and experience in the commercial laundry business makes him an ideal choice to lead our North American sales organization,” says Mike Schoeb, Alliance Laundry’s president and CEO. “In his new role, he will continue to be an essential member of Alliance Laundry’s leadership team.”

Bittner graduated with honors from Wilfrid Lauier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration.

jeff brothers For 35 years, Brothers has served as an important and respected leader in the commercial laundry industry, having made “significant contributions that have helped the company achieve the market success that it continues to build upon today,” Alliance Laundry says. He participated in three major acquisitions and the integration of those companies, resulting in “significant market share, sales and profit growth.”

“I want to thank Jeff for his years of service and dedication to Alliance Laundry Systems, and wish him the very best in his retirement,” Schoeb says. “While he will be deeply missed, he has earned the opportunity to enjoy more time for his leisure interests and his family.”

November 7, 2012

Equipment Providers Offer Hurricane Sandy Relief Programs

INWOOD, N.Y., and RIPON, Wis. — Laundrylux and Alliance Laundry Systems offer deferred payments/interest and no fees on purchases made by qualified laundries

INWOOD, N.Y., and RIPON, Wis. — Superstorm Sandy impacted New York, New Jersey and other areas along the East Coast, causing catastrophic damage. At a time when vended laundries in those areas are assessing the disaster’s impact on them, some equipment providers are offering special recovery programs.

Laundrylux and Alliance Laundry Systems have each announced programs that offer deferred payments and interest and no fees on equipment purchases made by qualified laundries.

Qualifying businesses purchasing Electrolux or Wascomat equipment under distributor Laundrylux’s Disaster Recovery Program can make no payments for up to six months and pay no interest for up to 12 months. All associated fees will be waived.

The program is available in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia or West Virginia. Interested parties should call Laundrylux at 800-645-2205 to learn more.

Alliance Laundry Systems’ Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief program allows owners to replace their damaged washers and dryers with no payments or interest for up to four months, no loan fees, and a cash allowance to assist with installation costs. Additionally, there is no prepayment penalty if customers choose to pay off their loan in full with reimbursement they may eventually receive from FEMA or their insurer.

The program is available to qualifying businesses in New York and New Jersey, but Alliance Laundry says it will review other situations and offer the finance program to other affected Laundromats on a case-by-case basis.

Local owners who were impacted by the storm can contact Metropolitan Laundry Machinery (Huebsch distributor) at 800-214-9200 or 800-214-9300 in New York or 800-728-0001 in New Jersey, or Super Laundry (Speed Queen distributor) at 888-678-9274 in New York or 800-992-7269 in New Jersey for eligibility requirements and more details.

Sandy’s impact hits close to home for Laundrylux, based in Inwood, N.Y. “We have personally witnessed the devastation in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states and our hearts go out to the millions of people affected by Hurricane Sandy,” says Laundrylux CEO Neal Milch. “Our families have been affected, too, so we understand personally what our customers are going through.”

Laundrylux says it is reaching out to distributors and customers to make it as affordable as possible for self-service laundry owners, as well as hotels, nursing homes, etc., to get the equipment they need right away.

“Laundries that are able to serve affected populations will be running at maximum capacity and as power is restored elsewhere, laundries may need to replace equipment destroyed by salt water,” says Milch. “We have inventory stockpiled for immediate shipment as needed.”

“Dealing with the aftermath of a storm of such epic proportions is incredibly challenging, and we want to help those in need get back to normal as soon as possible,” says Mike Schoeb, CEO of Alliance Laundry Systems. “We know the value a Laundromat provides a community, particularly when people are struggling with the kind of disruption this storm has caused. As the market leader, we are glad we are able to act quickly to help our customers.”

October 29, 2012

Alliance Laundry Systems Dedicates Facility Expansion to 60-Year Employee

RIPON, Wis. — Longtime worker has seen evolution of Alliance Laundry over six decades

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Systems, which recently announced expansion plans, says it will dedicate one of its new expanded manufacturing facilities here to longtime employee Melvin Blank.

“Melvin has seen firsthand the evolution of Alliance Laundry over the past decades,” says Todd Kaull, Alliance Laundry’s plant manager. “He embodies the history and culture of the company, and we want to celebrate his contributions, dedication and commitment to the industry.”

Blank celebrated his 60^th anniversary with the company in September. He became an Alliance Laundry employee when he was 19 years old, and has held a variety of positions, including warehouse driver and top-load washer assembly. Today, Blank works in the plastics injection molding department, where he is a machine operator and responsible for the management of plastic parts after molding.

“I am humbled that Alliance Laundry has honored me with this recognition,” Blank says. “Alliance is my home, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities, experience, friendship and support this company has shown me over the years.”

Blank’s positive outlook on Alliance Laundry has also fueled other family members to join the organization. His son Mike works as a leadman in the tub cell welding department.

Alliance Laundry’s $23 million expansion will add more than 20,000 square feet to the existing plastic injection molding, assembly, metal stamping and press shop facilities. More than 250 skilled jobs will also be added to the company’s 1,300-member Ripon workforce.

September 17, 2012

Alliance Laundry Systems to Expand Manufacturing Operations

RIPON, Wis. — Project to add more than 20,000 square feet to existing assembly, metal stamping, press shop facilities

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Systems announced Friday a planned $23 million investment to increase production capacity for current and new products, and to purchase tooling and equipment for its plant here. Alliance Laundry Systems designs, manufactures and markets commercial laundry equipment under the brand names of Speed Queen, Huebsch, UniMac, IPSO and Cissell.

The expansion will add more than 20,000 square feet to the existing assembly, metal stamping and press shop facilities. Plus, it will add more than 250 skilled jobs to the company’s 1,300-member Ripon workforce.

Alliance expects the project, which will not impact ongoing machine production, to be completed by the summer of 2013.

It is expected to increase Alliance’s production capacity for small-chassis washers and dryers by more than 40%, ensuring that it will be able to meet increasing customer demands for what the company calls “the most reliable and durable products available on the market today.”

“Alliance Laundry is experiencing unprecedented growth across our product portfolio,” says Mike Schoeb, the company’s president/CEO. “Demand for our small-chassis products, domestically and internationally, is driving this phase of our expansion strategy. We have the best distribution network in the industry, and our customers depend on us to deliver outstanding equipment on schedule. This expansion will guarantee that we can continue to meet that expectation.”

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. approved up to $1.5 million in tax credits for the project, and the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corp.’s County Special Allocation Revolving Loan Fund has provided a $500,000 performance-based loan.

The WEDC incentive is tied directly to job creation. It will distribute tax credits to Alliance annually in direct relation to the number of jobs retained over a 54-month period, based on the number of new, full-time positions created.

For local media coverage of the announcement, click:

WLUK Fox 11 (Green Bay, Wis.)

WGBA NBC 26 (Green Bay)

September 10, 2012

Statewide Machinery is Newest IPSO Coin/OPL Distributor

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Distribution rights cover 14 counties in New York and Pennsylvania

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Statewide Machinery Inc. has secured the distribution rights for IPSO coin and on-premise laundry equipment in 14 counties located in New York state and Pennsylvania, the company reports.

The new territory allows Statewide Machinery to increase its distribution footprint, plus add a quality product line from Alliance Laundry Systems to its portfolio of equipment offerings, the company says.

Statewide Machinery distributes various brands of laundry and other equipment in 53 counties in Upstate New York and eight counties in northern Pennsylvania.

August 8, 2012

Alliance Laundry Holdings Reports Record Second-Quarter Performance

RIPON, Wis. — Second-quarter net revenues jump 9.4% compared to same period in 2011

RIPON, Wis. — Net revenues for Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, the parent company of Alliance Laundry Systems, were $128.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, a 9.4% increase from second-quarter 2011.

Second-quarter net income was $6.0 million, compared to $5.8 million for second-quarter 2011, a 4.5% increase. Adjusted EBITDA was $24.4 million compared to $21.5 million the previous year.

The overall net-revenue increase of $11.0 million was attributable to revenue increases in the United States and Canada ($8.5 million), Asia ($2.9 million), Latin America ($0.9 million) and the Middle East and Africa ($0.6 million). These increases were partially offset by a decline in Europe revenues of $1.9 million.

The overall net-income increase of $0.2 million for the second quarter was primarily attributable to improved operating income of $2.1 million, a decrease in interest expense of $3.8 million and a decrease in provision for income taxes of $0.6 million. Early extinguishment of $6.2 million in debt partially offset the gains.

Net revenues for the six months ended June 30 increased $24.0 million, or 10.8%, to $246.1 million compared to the first half of 2011. Net income for the period increased 9.3%, to $11.5 million.

“We are pleased to report a record quarter driven by strong organic growth in North America, Latin America, and Middle East and Asia,” says CEO and President Michael Schoeb. “Our diverse operations delivered record revenues and EBITDA despite continued headwinds in Europe, the negative impact of foreign currency, and higher raw material and distribution costs.”

Second-quarter results continue to demonstrate Alliance’s progress in executing strategies with an intensified effort on new product development, according to Schoeb.

Alliance recently completed a refinancing of its senior credit facilities, which dramatically reduces interest expense over the term of the new agreement. “This new credit agreement improves our financial position and provides the flexibility to invest in additional capacity and innovative new products, which positions the business for long-term growth,” Schoeb says.

Alliance Laundry Systems designs, manufactures and markets commercial laundry equipment under the brand names of Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, IPSO and Cissell.

June 7, 2012

Coin Laundry Finds Niche in International Exhibition

FRANKFURT, Germany — Handful of U.S.-based exhibitors display or promote coin equipment

FRANKFURT, Germany — Every four years, Frankfurt hosts the Texcare International trade show. Also known as the World Market for Modern Textile Care, much of the show’s focus is on industrial laundry and dry cleaning.

But during the five-day event in early May, there were opportunities to see coin laundry equipment amidst the tunnel washers, rail systems and finishing equipment. A handful of U.S.-based exhibitors displayed or promoted coin equipment to an international trade audience.

Alliance Laundry Systems presented a sizable booth featuring a wide variety of equipment. One of its brands, IPSO, showcased a fully operational vended laundry. Visitors to the booth were able to see how the machines process clothing and linens and how advanced controls help owners increase energy efficiencies.

The display included eight of IPSO’s new HD softmount washer-extractors and three DR tumblers. The washers operated using the Cygnus standard control and were connected to a central pay system. The tumblers featured the DX4 control.

“At IPSO, we know our products work hard to get the job done and it’s important for customers to see that, too,” says John Balman, senior director of sales—Europe for Alliance Laundry Systems. “Having a fully operational coin store at Texcare gives us the opportunity to not only describe how a Laundromat works, but to actually allow our visitors to experience it.”

Another Alliance brand, Speed Queen, promoted its relaunch to the international market. Its various segments, including vended, multi-housing, on-premises and home, have been united under a single brand identity that includes a new look, feel and message platform focused on Speed Queen’s key attributes.

Maytag Commercial Laundry successfully launched a new stack washer-dryer combo for the international export market. “So far, it’s been very popular for both distributors as well as end-users,” says Craig Kirchner, director of global commercial laundry for Maytag. “We’re getting both in the booth to talk about it.”

There was a lot of interest from dealers and potential customers from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. “They’re interested in taking it on because there aren’t a lot of options out there, specifically in this smaller (8-10 kg) equipment. … I’ve talked to a lot of guys in Europe that are going to be put those in coin laundry stores … because they don’t have as much space like the big Laundromats in the United States. These are perfect for that type of venue.”

Dexter Laundry is seeking to open up new international markets and used Texcare International to introduce or, for a number of attendees, reintroduce its brand of coin and OPL laundry equipment, says Kevin Hietpas, Dexter’s vice president of sales and marketing.

“We’re very happy that customers seem to recognize us,” he says. ”They’ll comment, ‘Hey, we’ve heard of you. We’ve never seen you before.’ By reputation, they’re interested in hearing more.”

Dexter is active in Italy and is looking to become more active elsewhere, he says. “We’ll follow up with a lot of potential opportunities from here. Some will turn into customers immediately, others may turn into customers down the road. We’re trying to approach the show from a very long-term perspective.”

To be successful in international markets, it’s vital that a manufacturer have a reputable, reliable distributor network. “Developing a distributor is a long-term process,” says Lee Wilson, director of international sales for Dexter. “It’s a partnership. It’s not something where we’re going to come in here and we’re just going to sign up a distributor. We’ve got to get to know them, they’ve got to get to know us.”

LG Electronics, which launched its family of card, coin and on-premise laundry equipment at last year’s Clean Show, exhibited at Texcare for the first time.

Other Texcare exhibitors that were listed as offering coin laundry equipment included Fagor Industrial (Spain), Krebe-Tippo (Slovenia), Miele (Germany) and Renzacci (Italy). American Dryer Corp. and Pellerin Milnor Corp., which offer coin laundry equipment among their product lines, exhibited but were not listed in the Texcare guide under that category.

John Riddle, Riddle & Associates, and David Cotter, CEO of the Textile Care Allied Trades Association, manned a booth promoting next year’s Clean Show in New Orleans. “For us, we made a decision many years ago that the Clean Show was an integral part of the world community of laundry and dry cleaning,” says Riddle, whose firm has managed the Clean Show for nearly two decades. “The way you show that support is you come and participate in these types of events.

“We wanted to show support, we have a lot of American manufacturers here and we wanted them to know that we’re here. … Plus, it exposed the attendee, the operator, the dry cleaner, the coin wash dealer, in all these countries … to what the Clean Show really was.”

Texcare International registered a 3% increase in attendance from the previous show in 2008. Altogether, 15,800 trade visitors from 100 countries attended the trade fair. More than half of all visitors (52%) came from outside Germany.

There were 264 exhibitors hailing from 26 nations in Hall 8 and the adjoining Galleria. Top exhibitor nations after Germany were Italy, the United States, Belgium, the Netherlands and Great Britain.

March 7, 2012

Alliance Laundry Holdings Reports $32 Million Rise in 2011 Net Revenues

RIPON, Wis. — The increase was primarily attributable to

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, the parent company of Alliance Laundry Systems, saw its 2011 net revenues increase $32 million from the previous year, according to financial results for the year ended Dec. 31.

Net revenues for the full year of 2011 increased 7.5%, to $458 million from $426 million for the full year 2010. Net income for 2011 increased $0.8 million, to $23.4 million from $22.6 million for 2010. Adjusted EBITDA for 2011 increased $2.9 million, to $83.9 million from $81.0 million for 2010.

The 2011 net-revenue increase consisted of $19.6 million in added U.S. and Canada revenues (6.6% above the prior year) and $12.4 million in added revenues outside the U.S. and Canada (9.6% above the prior year).

The overall net income increase of $0.8 million was primarily attributable to higher gross profit of $3.5 million and a loss from early extinguishment of debt during 2010 of $7.7 million with no comparable loss during 2011. These were offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses of $4.7 million, higher securitization and other costs of $1.6 million and higher interest expense of $4.3 million.

“We are pleased with the overall results of our business in 2011, with net revenues increasing 7.5% year-over-year,” says President & CEO Michael D. Schoeb. “As expected, 2011 was a challenging year, but continued focus on our Customer One initiatives with a commitment to product innovation, and investments in growing our international footprint helped us navigate a difficult environment of increasing material costs.”

Schoeb says that while Alliance is optimistic, the company expects 2012 to be another challenging year. “The steps we have taken to improve our competitive position over the last several years give us confidence, and we expect continued sales and profitability growth in 2012.”

Alliance Laundry Systems designs, manufactures and markets commercial laundry equipment under the brand names of Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, IPSO and Cissell.

November 22, 2011

Alliance Laundry Promotes Bittner to VP of Customer One, Appoints Bowe to Lead Speed Queen Commercial Sales

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Systems has promoted William Bittner to vice president of Customer One, the company’s global initiative focused on customer service and satisfaction, and selected Dan Bowe to replace Bittner as national sales manager of Speed Queen’s commercial division.

“Bill has been a valuable asset to this organization for many years and his experience with sales and customer relations made him an ideal candidate for this role,” says Mike Schoeb, president and CEO of Alliance Laundry Systems. “I am confident that Bill will be a positive driving force leading Customer One on a global scale.”

Customer One is the cornerstone of Alliance’s customer service strategy, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a customer-focused culture by bill bittner consistently meeting customers’ demands for superior product quality and reliability while providing comprehensive and responsive service. The program ensures best practices in manufacturing, provides essential services and offers continuous training.

Bittner has been with the company for more than 13 years, holding various senior positions. He was instrumental in reclaiming Speed Queen’s position as the premium brand in the vended laundry space, Alliance says.

“I look forward to leading one of Alliance’s most highly regarded programs,” says Bittner. “Putting the customer first is more than a slogan; it is the way we do business.”

dan bowe Bowe will oversee regional sales managers, develop policies and procedures, cultivate distributor partnerships, and participate in the development of new Speed Queen products and services.

Since joining Alliance in 1996, he has held a variety of senior sales and marketing positions. He has particular expertise in manufacturing, distribution services and advancements in card technologies, according to Alliance.

“We welcome Dan’s broad experience and in-depth industry knowledge and look forward to having him at the helm of the Speed Queen brand,” says Jeff Brothers, senior vice president of North American sales.

November 14, 2011

Alliance Laundry Reports Improved Earnings

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, parent company of Alliance Laundry Systems, saw its net revenues for third-quarter 2011 increase to $114.1 million from $103.6 for the same period in 2010, the company reports. Net income was $3.4 million, compared to $2.5 million in 2010.

For the nine months ended Sept. 30, Alliance Laundry’s net revenues rose $26.6 million—or 8.6% from the same period in 2010—to $336.2 million. Net income increased $0.3 million, to $13.9 million, in comparison to the same period in 2010.

“Our solid third-quarter results reflect the sustained success we are experiencing with our Customer One and international growth strategic initiatives,” says CEO and President Michael Schoeb. “We are executing on our initiatives to drive increased customer satisfaction, new-product development and allocation of resources to our greatest growth opportunities.

“While the broader economic landscape remains challenging, we are well positioned for the long term as we continue to capitalize on a larger global footprint and new products that truly set us apart from our competitors.”

Alliance Laundry Systems designs, manufactures and markets commercial laundry equipment used in Laundromats, multi-housing laundries and on-premise laundries under the Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, IPSO and Cissell brands.

October 13, 2011

Time Running Out to Take Advantage of Tax Relief Act

RIPON, Wis. — Self-service laundry owners have approximately two months left to take advantage of 2010 Tax Relief Act incentives, according to Alliance Laundry Systems, a manufacturer of commercial laundry equipment.

The tax incentive allows laundry store owners to get 100% bonus depreciation when they purchase new equipment and place it into service in 2011. Bonus depreciation is not limited to taxable income; it can create a net operating loss that can be carried back two years to offset taxable income in those years and result in an immediate tax refund, Alliance says.

There is no cap on the amount of equipment that can be depreciated under this provision.

The Section 179 Deduction limit has been raised to $500,000. A business with total equipment purchases—both new and used—that don’t exceed $2 million can expense the first $500,000 (subject to certain limitations) of those purchases for the 2010 and 2011 tax years.

Store owners can combine 100% bonus depreciation with the Section 179 Deduction for purchases incorporating both new and used equipment. Additionally, for the first time, certain leasehold improvements, such as updating or refurbishing a laundry, will qualify for bonus depreciation, Alliance says.

These tax incentives dramatically accelerate cash flow and reduce the time it takes to pay back the investment on new equipment, the company adds.

For more information about these incentives, it’s recommended that you contact a professional tax adviser.

August 18, 2011

Alliance Laundry Systems Streamlines Financing Process with Online Credit Application

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Systems has streamlined its in-house loan process with a new online credit application.

New investors interested in opening a vended laundry, existing store owners and laundry facility managers can apply for loans of up to $100,000 using the new online credit application. The system is designed for ease of use, safety and security, and applicants will receive a response within one business day, Alliance says.

The application is available through Alliance’s brand financial programs—Speed Queen Financial Services, UniMac Funding, Huebsch Financial Services and IPSO Finance. For more information, visit the following sites, and click on the Finance tab: www.speedqueen.com, www.unimac.com, www.huebsch.com, www.ipso.com.

December 1, 2010

Improving the Self-Service Laundry Industry (Part 2 of 3)

October 25, 2010

Alliance Laundry Systems Launches Training Program

May 24, 2010

Alliance Laundry Doubles First-Quarter Earnings

June 30, 2009

Alliance Wins Export Achievement Award

March 13, 2009

Attracting Customers (Part 4 of a Series)

May 12, 2008

Stimulating Small Business: Tax Relief on the Way