Lawrence, MA – July 31, 2020 – Unitex and Dacon Corporation are transforming a 188,000 SF manufacturing plant into an automated healthcare laundry and uniform service facility that is anticipated to bring 300 jobs to Lawrence. The facility will consist of both processing and delivery operations to service the state’s life science and healthcare industries. Situated at the former location for Crown Holdings, a global can manufacturer, the new facility for phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by November. The project consists of two phases, beginning with a 90,000 SF laundry production build-out. Additionally, new entrances, loading docks and 6,000 SF of offices will be added.
As the nation’s largest family owned linen and uniform service provider to the healthcare industry, Unitex has with 11 locations in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. This is their first expansion into the Massachusetts market. Based upon a green business model, the firm’s investments in technology, operations, environmental quality and conservation training focus on conserving Big 3 resources (gas, water and electricity). Efficiency measures include the reclamation of heat from wash cycles yielding a gas savings equivalent to 1,204 households and electricity savings amounting to 218 homes per year. Additionally, water softening reduces detergents and excess waste resulting in an annual water savings equivalent to 5,000 homes. Detergents are composed of 100% organic chemicals. In place of chlorine bleach an oxygen-based, biodegradable cleansing agent is used to protect waterways and reduce linen damage. As a result, their fabrics have a longer product life and less discarded solid waste. LED lighting in the facility, high speed automation and infrared monitored dryer temperature controls contribute to electricity savings. Each iron machine has its own gas burner, making it 20% more efficient. Trucks are monitored for air quality control, energy expenditure and are programmed to shut off after 3 minutes of idling. Plastic recycling totals 1.5MM pounds each year.
Unitex is an immigrant success story begun in 1915 when Max Potack began working for U & S Coat Supply. Eight years later, he purchased the business, expanding outside hospitality into long-term care facilities and hospitals, which ultimately led the firm to solely servicing healthcare industries. Today Rob Potack and David Potack are 4th generation family members to assume leadership. The firm operates 365 days a year and has attained the TRSA’s Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification for is best management practices in operations, training and sterilization, “We are very excited to be partnering with Unitex, not only for the quality of work they bring to Massachusetts-based establishments, but also the job opportunities to Lawrence. Their long-term heritage, green commitment, focuses on employee education and value of community resonates with the contributions family owned businesses make to the American economy,” states Kevin Quinn, CEO.
Dacon Corporation is a fully integrated design build firm providing comprehensive facility development services to address clients’ unique project requirements. With a process centered on transparency and collaboration, Dacon’s multidisciplinary team is comprised of professionals specializing in architectural design, engineering and construction management. Dacon provides comprehensive building solutions while eliminating the inherent risks of traditional construction processes.
