Linen & Uniform Supply Services Industry Overview

Excerpt from Linen & Uniform Supply Services Report

Companies in the industry provide industrial laundry and linen supply services. Major companies include ARAMARK, Cintas, G&K Services, and UniFirst, all based in the US, and Berendsen, based in the UK.

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by employment trends, as swings in labor and service hiring impact uniform and garment needs. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations and maintaining low labor costs. Large companies have advantages in centralized laundry plant operations. Small companies can compete effectively by securing favorable locations and by offering specialized services. The industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 80 percent of revenue.

Products, Operations & Technology

Major services include cleaning and renting industrial garments (35 percent of revenue); flatwork (20 percent); other garments (15 percent); and industrial mats (10 percent). Other services include supplying wiping cloths, mops, cleaning products, and lint-free “clean room” garments. Linens and uniforms may be sold; rented (includes cleaning); or leased (without cleaning) to customers.