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May 9, 2013

Chilean Company Earns Top Maytag Commercial Laundry Award

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Intertrade Chile S.A. honored for “outstanding achievements and remarkable performance”

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Intertrade Chile S.A., Santiago, Chile, recently received the prestigious Fred Maytag Award during the Maytag® Commercial Laundry 55^th Annual Meeting in Amelia Island, Fla. The Fred Maytag Award, with a history of more than five decades, is the longest-running award in the commercial laundry industry, Maytag Commercial Laundry says.

“Since joining the Maytag Commercial Laundry family nearly two decades ago, Intertrade Chile has become a laundry distributor pioneer within the South American market,” says Bob English, Maytag Commercial Laundry general manager. “From effective marketing materials to unmatched after-sales service, this distributor’s No. 1 priority is its customers. In celebration of exceptional overall performance in 2012, we are pleased to present Intertrade Chile with the Fred Maytag Award.”

When Fred Maytag established this award, his primary objective was to recognize a Maytag Commercial Laundry distributor for outstanding achievements and remarkable performance. Recipients emulate Fred Maytag’s marketing philosophy to distribute Maytag products with professionalism and integrity.

“We are honored to receive Maytag Commercial Laundry’s Fred Maytag Award,” says Victor Hirmas, managing director at Intertrade Chile S.A. “We believe in the Maytag Commercial Laundry brand, the company and its products. We look forward to a continued relationship with such a strong partner.”

April 22, 2013

Whirlpool Earns Honors for Reputation, Corporate Citizenship

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Recognized as 2013 Top 50 Best Corporate Citizen by CR magazine, and one of world’s Most Reputable Companies by Forbes magazine and Reputation Institute

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp., the parent company of Maytag Commercial Laundry, has been recognized as a 2013 Top 50 Best Corporate Citizen by CR magazine, and one of the world’s Most Reputable Companies by Forbes magazine and the Reputation Institute.

The company made the 100 Best Corporate Citizens list for the 11th consecutive year and the Most Reputable Companies list for the sixth straight year.

Considered the top corporate responsibility ranking based on publicly available information, CR magazine’s Best Corporate Citizens List ranks Whirlpool at No. 42. The company climbed 27 spots this year, with its highest scores coming in the corporate governance, environment, and climate change categories.

Whirlpool also ranked No. 43 on the Most Reputable Companies list with a score of 70.03 on the Reputation Institute’s RepTrack™ Pulse, the world’s largest study of corporate reputation.

“Whirlpool Corp. has long been known for its unique sense of responsibility in the way it operates,” says Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and CEO. “Being once again recognized by some of the most respected organizations in the world for this commitment speaks to the dedication of our employees and the work they do. We are proud of these achievements and will strive to continue conducting our business with integrity and purpose.”

March 20, 2013

Maytag Commercial Laundry Honors Standout Distributor Performances

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Companies recognized for excelling in coin laundry, multi-housing and on-premise laundry markets in 2012

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Maytag® Commercial Laundry recently recognized standout distributor performances at its 55^th Annual Meeting in Amelia Island, Fla. The following companies excelled, Maytag says, in the coin laundry, multi-housing and on-premise markets in 2012:

Fred Maytag Award — Receiving Maytag® Commercial Laundry’s most prestigious award was Intertrade Chile S.A., Santiago, Chile. The award is presented to the customer that best emulates the founder’s marketing philosophy and supports Maytag® Commercial Laundry brand with professionalism and integrity, Maytag says.
Shaping the Future Award — Mac-Gray Corp., Waltham, Mass., was recognized for its history of innovation and long-time leadership in the industry.
Multi-Housing Excellence Award — Coinamatic Canada, Mississauga, Ont., was honored for its outstanding service to the multi-housing market, including colleges and universities, condominiums and apartment buildings.
Maytag® Red Carpet Service® Excellence Award — BDS Laundry Systems, St. Paul, Minn., was recognized as the distributor that best exemplifies excellent service and dependability.
Top Quota Award — Tri-State Technical Services/TLC Equipment Co., Waycross, Ga., was honored for exceeding its annual sales target by the highest percentage this year.
On-Premises Laundry (OPL) Excellence Award — Pierce Commercial Laundry, Mandeville, La., was recognized for effective and efficient service to OPL market customers.
Maytag® Marketing Excellence Award — Equipment Marketers, Cherry Hill, N.J., was honored for its development and implementation of marketing and sales programs and overall support of Maytag® Commercial Laundry offerings.
Outstanding Achievement Award — Richard Jay Laundry Equipment, Adelaide, Australia, was recognized for its “unmatched sales performance and use of marketing and social media.”
Maytag® Energy Advantage™ Excellence Award — Hercules, Hicksville, N.Y., was honored for exceptional promotion and marketing of energy and water efficiency.

“We’re honored to collaborate with quality partners, such as those recognized at our recent annual meeting,” says Bob English, general manager at Maytag® Commercial Laundry. “Our successes are a direct result of the dedication and support exemplified by these outstanding customers. We congratulate and commend them for their superb efforts.”

February 4, 2013

Maytag Concept Stores Debut in North America

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Seven now open, with eight more ready by month’s end

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Seven new Maytag® Equipped Laundry stores have opened since the brand launched in May and Maytag® Commercial Laundry says more are on the way this month.

The company introduced the concept store after recognizing the market need for “a well-designed, aesthetically pleasing and branded store.”

“The Maytag brand is the No. 1 preferred and most recognized brand in laundry,” says Randy Karn, national sales manager. “We saw a void in the market and are now delivering a concise, well-developed concept store built on the 100-plus year equity of the Maytag brand.”

Maytag® Equipped Laundries are open for business in:

Salisbury, Pa.
Lackawanna and Addison, N.Y.
Haledon, N.J.
Mississauga, Ont., Canada
Calera, Ala.
Laurinburg, N.C.

Another eight stores are scheduled to be finished by the end of February, Maytag says.

Scott Rider, owner of the Lackawanna store, calls the Maytag® Equipped Laundry store program “the complete package.”

“The support from my local distributor was exceptional, and I’m already planning to open additional stores. My doors have been open since September and I’m seeing enough of a revenue increase that I’m expanding my store’s services.”

“The main thing that sold me on this program was equity behind the Maytag brand name,” says David Whitehurst, who owns the new store in Calera, Ala. “All customer feedback has been incredibly positive.”

Maytag has delivered on its promise to provide a program designed to bring aesthetically pleasing and well-designed coin stores to the market, he adds.

Built on five decades of commercial laundry experience and the 100-plus year equity of the Maytag brand, the new store model encompasses more than just equipment, Maytag says. The complete package includes:

A consistent look and feel designed with input from architects and industry experts that allow for flexibility
Exterior and interior signage
Complementary paint and flooring options in hues of blues, greens and neutrals
Coordinating bulkhead and folding-table options

Maytag® Equipped Laundry owners/operators qualify for a special Maytag Advantage™ Program, which offers exclusive perks; grand opening or reopening kits with materials and timelines to help plan effectively; discounts on exterior signage; special financing options; and a free membership to the Coin Laundry Association.

September 25, 2012

Maytag® Commercial Laundry Recognizes Karn for 30 Years of Service

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — National sales manager joined Maytag team as service trainer in 1982

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Maytag® Commercial Laundry says it is proud to recognize National Sales Manager Randy Karn for 30 years of dedicated service to the company.

“After 30 years with Maytag® Commercial Laundry, Randy continues to be a valued member of our team,” says Craig Kirchner, global director of Maytag® Commercial Laundry. “He plays an integral role in our company’s continued growth and success, and he is as dependable as the machines he has helped bring to market.”

Karn’s interest in the commercial laundry business grew out of his years as a teenage installation and service technician for an appliance dealer. He joined the Maytag® Commercial Laundry team in 1982 as a service trainer, following his graduation from Iowa State University, and worked his way up the ranks to national sales manager.

From communication methods and office equipment to the many technological machine advancements, Karn has witnessed many changes in the industry throughout his career.

To Karn, the past 30 years have been an enjoyable journey of never-ending discovery, all the while surrounded by great people.

“I enjoy the people I meet and work with each day—whether they are colleagues or customers, I’m always learning something new from them,” he says. “It amazes me how many people spend their whole careers in the commercial laundry industry and always maintain that passion to be the best they can be every day. They’ve been a great inspiration to me.”

May 30, 2012

StatShot: Highest Attendant Wage Paid by Operators in West

CHICAGO — April sales up in three of four regions compared to 2011

CHICAGO — April sales were up in three of the four regions, according to the most recent AmericanCoinOp.com StatShot unscientific survey. Attendant wages are also fairly consistent across the United States, with the average pay ranging between $8.25 and $9.25.

April sales rose 3.3% in the Midwest (compared to April 2011). Only 10% of the respondents reported a decrease in sales. Despite the results, comments from several Midwest operators were only cautiously optimistic.

“Apartment rentals are increasing, causing increase in business,” reports one operator. “Competition is heavier, causing decrease in business.”

“We are in Michigan and we were hit hard,” adds another. “It has stopped getting worse, but (business is) not growing very fast, if at all.”

Southern self-service laundry sales were up 2.5% in April from the previous April.

“Lots of construction people dropping off laundry,” says one operator located in a region that suffered tornado damage last year. “Most will be here at least two years. Average wash and dry customers (are) still finding other ways of getting their laundry done without coming to the Laundromat.”

An operator attributed last month’s performance to students, while another said it was due to the area’s strong Hispanic population.

April’s numbers were virtually flat in the West, where sales increased 0.1%. A greater share of operators experienced sales increases, but those who saw their sales fall offset the pluses with more significant decreases. Many operators in the region say they are seeing a slow recovery buoyed by gas prices coming down.

Operators in the Northeast had a tough April, with sales falling nearly 5% for the month. Twice as many owners reported sales decreases as increases; several operators suffered double-digit declines. As you might expect, reports from the area were less than stellar.

“(There is) a slow erosion of Hispanic population due to economic conditions,” says one operator. “Competition fierce with everyone struggling for every last customer.”

“Too many mats are charging very low prices and not making a profit,” adds another.

But there were some positive assessments tied to the increased presence of construction workers and refinery workers.

StatShot respondents were also asked about attendant wages. Attendants in the West have the highest average hourly wage ($9.09); this region also had the highest wage this time last year ($8.87). Next highest is the Northeast ($8.94), followed by the Midwest ($8.81). The average hourly wage for attendants in the South is well behind the others, at $8.38.

In the South, the hourly wage range is $7 to $10. The low-end wage in the Midwest is $7.70, with the top-end wage being $10. Attendants in the Northeast have the largest pay range: $7 to $11 per hour. In the West, attendants are paid at least $8 per hour, the survey results show. The top-end wage there is $11, and at least one-third of attendants make at least $10 an hour.

The StatShot includes information on sales, wages, costs or other financial data based on anonymous survey information provided by industry owners and operators.

Audience members are invited via e-mail to participate in these unscientific surveys, which are conducted online via a partner website. Self-service laundry operators are encouraged to participate, as a greater number of responses will help to better define industry trends.

May 17, 2012

Great Lakes Commercial Sales Appointed Electrolux, Wascomat Distributor

INWOOD, N.Y. — Authorized distributor for brands’ coin and OPL equipment

INWOOD, N.Y. — Great Lakes Commercial Sales, based in Wisconsin, is now an authorized Electrolux and Wascomat distributor for coin and on-premise laundry equipment, Laundrylux has announced.

Great Lakes Commercial Sales is a full-service company providing commercial and on-premise laundry equipment sales, service and parts to coin/self-service laundries, apartment complexes, and on-premise laundry facilities. The company also has offices in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

“We are pleased to welcome Dan Naumann and the Great Lakes team to the Electrolux and Wascomat distributor network,” says Laundrylux President Howard Herman. “After 20 years in the business, industry leader Great Lakes is a super addition to our family. Everyone at Laundrylux is looking forward to working with Great Lakes to further expand the business and our relationship.”

“I’ve worked with Dan Naumann and the Great Lakes team for many years now,” adds Bryan Rausch, regional business manager for Laundrylux. “Great Lakes is a professional company with an established market presence and reputation for excellent customer service. We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship.”

May 2, 2012

Maytag Commercial Laundry Introduces New Concept Store

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Turnkey program handles prep work for potential owners

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Maytag® Commercial Laundry saw the need in the market for a well-designed, aesthetically pleasing and branded store. The manufacturer sought input from a strategically selected advisory council and has now introduced the Maytag® Equipped Laundry concept.

A consistent look and feel designed with input from architects and industry experts that allow for flexibility
Exterior and interior signage
Complementary paint and flooring options in hues of blues, greens and neutrals
Coordinating bulkhead and folding-table options

“The Maytag brand is the No. 1 preferred and most recognized brand in laundry,” says Bob English, general manager of global commercial laundry at Whirlpool Corp. “This concept store bridges an industry gap, encourages a consistent environment among vended laundry stores and offers users the dependable and reliable equipment our brand is known for—in one concise package.”

Maytag® Equipped Laundry owners/operators qualify for a special Maytag Advantage™ Program, which offers exclusive benefits and perks, such as complimentary factory service training; discounted residential appliances from Whirlpool; grand opening or reopening kits with materials and timelines to help plan effectively; point-of-purchase materials; discounts on exterior signage; special financing options; and a free membership to the Coin Laundry Association.

“The Maytag® Equipped Laundry store and owner benefits are one of a kind. We’ve done the prep work for potential owners and developed a turnkey program offering easy set-up, operation and potential for maximum profit,” says English.

More information about the store concept is available at maytagequippedlaundry.com.

April 24, 2012

Magazine Lists Whirlpool Among Best Corporate Citizens

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Company ranked for 10th consecutive year

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp. has been named one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s100 Best Corporate Citizens for the 10th consecutive year. Whirlpool ranked No. 69 on the magazine’s 13th annual list, which is regarded as the top corporate responsibility ranking based on publicly available information.

Last year, Whirlpool ranked No. 85. Its move of 16 spots can be attributed to high scores in the Corporate Governance, Employee Relations and Philanthropy categories.

“We are honored to be named one of the best corporate citizens for a decade straight,” says Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “Whirlpool Corp. strives to conduct business with integrity while continually keeping a diverse workplace as a guiding principle. It is a priority for us to improve communities—with sustainable and innovative products and operations, as well as giving back to the communities where we live and work.”

Launched in 2000, the 100 Best Corporate Citizens List is based on more than 318 data points of publicly available information in seven categories: environment, climate change, human rights, employee relations, corporate governance, philanthropy and financial performance.

Whirlpool has also recently been named to the Forbesand Reputation Institute’s Most Reputable Companies in the U.S. and Fortune’sWorld’s Most Admired Companies lists.

April 23, 2012

Lakeside Laundry Equipment Earns Top Service Award from Maytag

ST. JOSEPH, Mich.— Distributor best exemplifies service, dependability characterized by brand

ST. JOSEPH, Mich.— Lakeside Laundry Equipment, Cleveland, recently received this year’s Red Carpet Service® Excellence Award during Maytag® Commercial Laundry’s 54th Annual Meeting in Marco Island, Fla.

A longstanding tradition, the award is presented to a company that best exemplifies the excellent service and dependability characterized by the Maytag Commercial Laundry brand.

“Although relatively new to the Red Carpet Service® Program, Lakeside Laundry Equipment went above and beyond the program’s requirements, hosting two service schools, a sales and service open house, and working closely with our service personnel,” says Bob English, general manager of global commercial laundry at Whirlpool Corp. “The company’s dedication to quality service, our brand and their customers is commendable.”

Award criteria include service response time, customer comments, loyalty and service etiquette, and a commitment to the company by continually engaging in Red Carpet Service® training courses.

“From the top down, our sales and service departments go to exceptional lengths to ensure customer satisfaction,” says Howard Shear, co-owner at Lakeside Laundry. “We see these same qualities in the Maytag brand and equipment, and we’re proud to be associated with a respected industry leader.”

Lakeside Laundry Equipment offers commercial laundry equipment solutions for coin, multi-housing and on-premise laundry (OPL) applications, and has more than 50 years of combined experience.

April 16, 2012

Harco Co. Ltd. Earns Fred Maytag Award

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — The honor's primary objective is to recognize a Maytag Commercial Laundry distributor for

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Harco Co. Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, recently received the prestigious Fred Maytag Award during the Maytag® Commercial Laundry 54th Annual Meeting in Marco Island, Fla.

The Fred Maytag Award, with a history of more than five decades, is the longest-running award in the commercial laundry industry, the company says.

“Enthusiasm for the industry, loyalty, and unmatched performance are synonymous with the Harco name,” says Bob English, general manager of global commercial laundry at Whirlpool Corp. “This award testifies to Harco’s strong performance in all three markets, including a 46% increase in overall business from 2010, and an all-time record year in the multi-housing segment.”

When Fred Maytag established this award, his primary objective was to recognize a Maytag Commercial Laundry distributor for outstanding achievements and remarkable performance. Recipients emulate his marketing philosophy to distribute the company’s products with professionalism and integrity.

“We are honored to receive Maytag Commercial Laundry’s Fred Maytag Award,” says Robert Jackson, president at Harco. “We believe in the brand and the time-tested reliability of the company and its products. We’re fortunate to be associated with a strong and innovative industry player that supports our business in so many ways.”

Founded in 1961, and with present ownership in place since 1981, Harco was appointed as a Maytag Commercial Laundry distributor in 1984. Harco is a three-time Fred Maytag and Red Carpet Service® Excellence Award winner. In addition, Harco won the inaugural Breaking Away Award last year.

Jackson and fellow owner Robert Stevens were on hand to receive the award. Also present at the awards dinner was Fritz Maytag, grandson of founder Fred Maytag.

January 5, 2012

Maytag, Whirlpool Commercial Laundry Introduce New GM

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Maytag® and Whirlpool® Commercial Laundry recently appointed Robert English as general manager of Global Commercial Laundry at Whirlpool Corp.

English’s responsibilities include managing the ongoing business strategy and overseeing marketing and sales, product development, quality, parts and service components of the commercial laundry business unit.

“Whirlpool Corp. recognizes the commercial laundry business is very different from the residential side and is dedicating special resources to ensure its continued success,” says Wes Pringle, vice president strategic business units at Whirlpool. “Bob’s recent appointment is part of a strategic process to support our customers and position the company to become the leader in the commercial laundry industry.”

Previously director of Commercial Laundry in 2000, English’s most recent role included managing Whirlpool’s laundry and refrigeration sales and marketing efforts with Lowe’s.

December 28, 2011

StatShot: November Sales Mixed; Front-Loader Prices Range from $1 to $17.50

CHICAGO — Self-service laundry sales were a mixed bag in November, with two regions reporting increases and the other two lamenting drops, according to the most recent AmericanCoinOp.com unscientific StatShot survey.

November sales in the Northeast were up 5.3%. Fifty-three percent of the operators experienced an increase in sales, most of them double-digit increases.

Sales rose 1.4% in the West, where about half of the operators had increases.

In the South, sales fell 0.7%. Operators reported having been impacted by increasing utility costs, a recently passed immigration law, layoffs among NASA clientele, and bans on the local fishing trade.

The Midwest saw the country’s biggest sales decline, 2.2%, for November. “Still very flat here in Michigan. People put more in each load and come in less often,” says one operator.

“The market is pretty bad,” adds another. “Most self serves are starting to move into the commercial sector to stay afloat.”

Respondents were also asked about November 2011 front-loader prices — their lowest prices, highest prices, and whether the prices had changed since the previous November. The lowest and highest prices varied quite a bit.

In the West, customers can get a front-load wash for as little as $1.50. The lowest-priced front-load washes range from $1.50 to $3.75. Nearly 88% of these prices were unchanged from November 2010. The remaining 12.5% of respondents have raised their lowest-price wash in the last year.

The price range for the most expensive front-load washes in the Western region is $2.75 to $7.89. Every respondent reported these prices were unchanged from a year earlier.

Low-end front-load prices in the South range from $1.75 to $4.25. Approximately 62% of respondents have kept the same low price since November 2010, and 31.6% have raised the price. Just 5.3% have lowered the price.

Southern customers face the widest price range of all regions — $2 to $17.50. Nearly 58% of operators reported having raised their high-end price since November 2010, and the remainder were unchanged.

In the Northeast, the most inexpensive front-load prices are $1.50 to $5.50. Just 6.7% of operators have raised their prices in the last year, while the remainder has kept the prices unchanged.

When it comes to the most expensive wash, Northeastern customers are paying $2.25 to $8. Approximately 21% have raised this price compared to November 2010, while the remainder has stood pat.

The most inexpensive front-load prices in the Midwest range from $1 to $4.50. Just 5.9% of operators have raised their prices in the last year, while another 5.9% have lowered them. The remainder has kept prices unchanged.

When it comes to the high side of front-load prices, Midwestern customers face a range of $2.50 to $8.79. Some 12% of respondents have increased prices, with the remainder keeping the status quo.

AmericanCoinOp.com’s StatShot includes information on sales, wages, costs or other financial data based on anonymous survey information provided by industry owners and operators.

Audience members are invited to participate in these unscientific surveys, which are conducted online via a partner website, on a regular basis. Self-service laundry operators are encouraged to participate, as a greater number of responses will help to better define industry trends.

Click the “Subscriptions” button at the top right-hand corner of this page and follow the instructions to sign up for the free e-mail service.

November 21, 2011

Maytag Service School Draws Attendees from Around the Globe

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Service technicians from as far away as Australia and Singapore attended Maytag® Commercial Laundry’s latest coin-op factory service school here recently.

“Maytag Commercial Laundry believes in providing coin-store technicians with unparalleled product and industry training,” says Robert Small, global commercial laundry service team lead. “At the service school, attendees glean experience from highly qualified field service veterans that are passionate about top-notch service and troubleshooting.”

Seminars focused on a wide range of topics, including diagnostics, programming, disassembly and reassembly of various products, and proper chemical injection setup. The company’s state-of-the-art interactive lab offered attendees access to single- and multi-load coin-op equipment for demonstration and testing purposes.

“The service school presenters shared a wealth of product and technical knowledge,” says Steve Wylie, Dependable Laundry Solutions. “Attendees benefit from all aspects of the five-day event, specifically the electrical tips and wiring diagram information.”

Small says Maytag has hosted nearly 70 technicians at service schools over the past three years.

Maytag’s next service school is slated for the spring. For additional details, contact Rick Trama.

September 9, 2011

Fall Brings Calendar Full of Open Houses, Service Schools

CHICAGO — The arrival of fall can only mean one thing for self-service laundry operators — a calendar full of opportunities to attend manufacturer and distributor special events, open houses and service schools. Here is a brief rundown of events from the AmericanCoinOp.com calendar through October—call or visit the website listed for registration information. In many cases, space is limited.

Monday — Alco Washer Center Open House, Erie, Pa.; 800-633-7153, www.alcowasher.com.

Wednesday and Thursday — BDS Laundry Systems Open House and Product Show, St. Paul, Minn.; 800-688-0020, www.bdslaundry.com.

Wednesday and Thursday — Gold Coin Laundry Equipment Founder’s Day Open House, Jamaica, N.Y.; 718-658-2646, www.goldcoinlaundry.com.

Thursday — Wholesale Commercial Laundry Co. SE Commercial Laundry Show, Atlanta; 866-544-7228, www.laundryman.com.

Friday — Dexter Service School at Western State Design, Hayward, Calif.; 800-633-7153, www.westernstatedesign.com.

Sept. 17 — PWS The Laundry Company Annual Fall Show, Los Angeles; 323-721-8832, www.pwslaundry.com.

Sept. 19 — American Dryer Corp. Coin-Store Service School, Fall River, Mass.; sepps@amdry.com.

Sept. 21 — Midwest Laundries Fall Open House & Service School, Chicago; www.midwestlaundries.com/community/special-events.html.

Oct. 3-7 — Maytag Commercial Laundry Fall Coin Service School, St. Joseph, Mich.; www.maytagcommerciallaundry.com.

Oct. 5 — Dexter Service School at Launette, Laurel, Md.; 800-229-3036, www.launette.com.

Oct. 5 — Star Distributing Open House/Service School, Nashville, Tenn.; 800-897-7570, www.stardistributing.com.

Oct. 7 — Dexter Service School at Western State Design, Cerritos, Calif.; 800-633-7153, www.westernstatedesign.com.

Oct. 8 — Western State Design Open House, Cerritos, Calif.; 800-633-7153, www.westernstatedesign.com.

Oct. 10 — Sav-A-Day Laundry Machinery 53rd Annual Open House/Sale, St. Louis; 800-489-9274, www.sav-a-day.com.

Oct. 11 — Maytag Commercial Laundry Service School at Coin & Professional Equipment Co., Phoenix; www.maytagcommerciallaundry.com.

Oct. 11 — Southeastern Laundry/Dexter Open House, Marietta, Ga.; 800-522-9274, www.selaundryequip.com.

Oct. 12 — Maytag Commercial Laundry Service School at Coin & Professional Equipment Co., Tucson, Ariz.; www.maytagcommerciallaundry.com.

Oct. 12 — SAMCO Fall Distributor Showcase and Education Conference, Fayetteville, Ga.; 800-969-7627, www.southernautomatic.com.

Oct. 13 — Laundry Concepts Open House and Service School, Addison, Ill.; 800-845-3903, www.laundryconcepts.com.

Oct. 13 — Maytag Commercial Laundry Service School at Loomis Bros., St. Louis; www.maytagcommerciallaundry.com.

Oct. 17-20 — Maytag Commercial Laundry Fall Factory Sales School, St. Joseph, Mich.; www.maytagcommerciallaundry.com.

Oct. 18 — Dexter Service School, Albany, N.Y.; www.macgray.com/october.

Oct. 19 — Dexter Service School, Milford, Conn.; www.macgray.com/october.

Oct. 20 — Dexter Service School, Waltham, Mass.; www.macgray.com/october.

Oct. 25 — Star Distributing Co. Open House, Atlanta; 800-897-7570, www.stardistributing.com.

Oct. 27 — Coin & Professional Equipment Co. Open House & Product Expo, Phoenix; 602-248-0808, www.cpec-laundry.com.

Check the AmericanCoinOp.com calendar periodically for updates. If your company has a similar event that’s upcoming but you don’t see it listed here, post it free today. Click here to get started!

July 18, 2011

Harco Earns Maytag Inaugural Breaking Away Award

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Mississauga, Ont.-based Harco Co. Ltd. recently earned the Maytag Commercial Laundry Breaking Away Award. The honor, presented during Maytag’s 53rd Annual Meeting in Palm Springs, Calif., recognizes Harco’s leadership and increased overall sales of Maytag Commercial Laundry products.

“This award recognizes a distributor who demonstrates an initiative to think and act differently, especially during tough economic times,” says Craig Kirchner, global director of Maytag Commercial Laundry. “Knowing that past results can always be improved upon, Harco ‘broke away’ from some of the more traditional marketing and sales tactics and undertook new initiatives.”

“When a number of companies were pulling back and cutting inventory levels, we made a conscious decision to do just the opposite,” says Robert Jackson, owner of Harco. “We grew our business in 2010, and the Maytag Commercial Laundry products were an integral part of our success.”

Founded in 1961, and with present ownership in place since 1981, Harco was appointed as a Maytag Commercial Laundry distributor in 1984.

In addition to this award, Harco has also won the Fred Maytag and Red Carpet Service Excellence Award three times.

July 13, 2011

Hercules Corp. Captures Maytag’s Multi-Housing Excellence Award

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Hicksville, N.Y.-based Hercules Corp. recently won the Multi-Housing Excellence Award during Maytag Commercial Laundry’s 53rd Annual Meeting in Palm Springs, Calif. The honor recognizes outstanding service to the multi-housing market, including colleges and universities, condominiums and apartment buildings.

“Hercules’ dedication to the multi-housing industry is unmatched,” says Craig Kirchner, global director of Maytag Commercial Laundry. “This market covers a wide variety of audiences, and Hercules continues to represent the Maytag Commercial Laundry brand with loyalty and respect. We commend them on their efforts and look forward to many years of continued success.”

“Our customers value the Maytag Commercial Laundry brand and what it stands for,” says Andrew May, president and CEO of Hercules. “We feel privileged to work with a leader in the industry, and we will continue to provide our customers with the reliable and top-notch service this award honors.”

Hercules is a two-time Maytag Commercial Laundry Multi-Housing Excellence Award. The company has also won the Maytag Commercial Laundry Red Carpet Service Excellence Award.

May 12, 2011

Energy Credit Boosts Whirlpool Profit

April 21, 2011

Maytag Salutes Distributors

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Maytag Commercial Laundry recently honored exceptional distributors at its 53rd annual meeting, held in Palm Springs, Calif. The Fred Maytag Award went to Pierce Commercial Laundry Distributors, Mandeville, La., for outstanding achievements and remarkable performance. The Maytag Red Carpet Service Excellence Award went to John Morris Equipment & Supply Co., Springfield, Mo., for

February 10, 2011

Whirlpool Net Earnings Rise

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp. recently announced fourth-quarter net earnings of $171 million, or $2.19 per diluted share, compared to $95 million, or $1.24 per diluted share reported during the same period last year.

November 8, 2010

Whirlpool Third-Quarter Earnings Fall

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp. has announced third-quarter net earnings of $79 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, compared to $87 million, or $1.15 per diluted share reported during the same period last year (a 9.2% drop).

November 8, 2010

Whirlpool Third-Quarter Earnings Fall

July 26, 2010

Whirlpool Corp. Expands Investment in Michigan

June 7, 2010

Whirlpool to Close Benton Harbor Plant

May 3, 2010

Whirlpool Sales Jump 20% in First Quarter