26 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Target Apparelmaster Timaru T T Rosa Watson Growth ahead for laundry provider The company has moved into linen-laundry services, turning over linen for accommodation providers. What started as a small dry-cleaning operation three decades ago has grown its services to offer high-volume garment and linen-cleaning services. Launched by Bev Green 31 years ago, Target Apparelmaster Timaru started out with a dry-cleaner, one washing machine, one dryer and a sewing machine, with two part-time staff. Today, there are 18 staff and the operation processes around 15-tonne of laundry a week – the largest machine handling 160kg. “Which is a bit bigger than your six-kg machine at home,” general manager Deon Robertson tells Business South. Deon is Bev’s son and joined the business 11 years ago. The largest drier can dry 120kg in 25 minutes, and a 4000-litre boiler on site produces steam for the whole operation. The company has also invested heavily into garment-folding machinery, and an ironing line that dries and folds wet sheets, processing 600 sheets an hour. Much of the machinery is provided by Kannegiesser, supplied through an Auckland dealership, and also Jensen. There is, in total, 470kg washing capacity and 290kg drying capacity. There are two dry-cleaning machines – one 18kg machine for retail and a 27kg machine for industrial. Dry cleaning is a busy arm of the business, particularly as it is the only dry cleaner in Timaru, Deon says. A lot of commercial clients were heavy industry, such as the food industry or production industry. Clients include Sanfords, which sends bedding from commercial fishing vessels that come into Timaru Port, Fresh Pork and Mt Cook Alpine Salmon. In the last couple of years, the company has moved into linen-laundry services, turning over linen for accommodation providers, including bed and breakfast companies, motels and hotels. They provide services to Tekapo three times a week and to Wanaka twice a week. And Deon says they are looking to grow further. “There’s always more and more motels and hotels being built, and more and more bed and breakfasts being built, but there’s not really more laundries being built.” So, the linen side of the business is a growing space. The company has acquired neighbouring properties to its North Street premises for future growth. “We’ve doubled the throughput of our existing footprint and that will help raise the capital for our expansion. It’s something that hasn’t happened quickly. It’s happened over 20 years.” Meanwhile, the North Street laundromat operation remains busy, with four 10kg machines and six 18kg machines, and the dry-cleaning service. Deon points to changes in the marketplace and everyday life. “The cost of clothing has come down. It’s a throw-away world now,” he says. “If somebody gets a big stain on their top they just go to The Warehouse.” People were also dressing more casually for work, he says. “Gone are the days of suits and tie. The market has changed, so therefore we’ve had to adapt with it over the years.” Deon also notes people have less time for doing laundry at home. “With both partners working, people have less time to be doing the washing themselves. Because our machines are big you can do a whole week’s worth of washing in one day.” The operation has a family atmosphere, with Deon’s wife in the office and both daughters helping out in the factory after school, while Bev remains involved, helping out wherever she is needed. Proud to support Target Apparelmaster Timaru: ww Cath Booth - Director w.solveca.co.nz BISON WORKWEAR IS PROUD TO BE WORKING WITH THE TEAM AT TARGET APPARELMASTER! 10 Station Street, Timaru • Phone 03 688 6630 Proud to keep Target Apparelmaster’s vehicles serviced & maintained Proudly supporting TARGET APPARELMASTER
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