The Challenge: Outdated Equipment and Limited Space
The Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites is a 340-room full-service property in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with a high-volume third-floor laundry room. After more than 20 years of use, the hotel’s existing ironing line – consisting of a Chicago Dryer feeder, ironer, folder, and stacker – had become outdated and inefficient. The equipment took up nearly all available floor space, limiting workflow and making it difficult to improve overall efficiency.
The Plan: Designing a Solution for a Third-Floor Hotel Laundry
Equipment International was brought in to assess the existing operation and recommend a more efficient solution that maximized usable floor space. After reviewing the laundry layout and linen processing needs, we proposed the Tri-Star Ironer with an OPL Feeder. This newer system offered a smaller footprint (less than half the size of the original setup), while delivering faster flatwork processing and improved energy efficiency.
To start the project, Equipment International developed a comprehensive plan and budget that covered equipment costs, freight, tax, installation and all necessary logistics.
Complex Installation and Coordination: From Permits to Cranes
With the laundry located on the third floor, standard equipment delivery wasn’t possible. The only way to install the new ironer was to remove a large window and use a crane from the street to remove the old equipment and lift the new ironer into place, all while keeping hotel operations running with minimal disruption.
Equipment International managed the entire coordination effort including working with the crane operator, rigging crew, window contractor, and securing the necessary street closure permits from the city.
The Result: Streamlined Laundry Operations with a New Ironer Setup
With the new ironer installed, the Radisson now has a more efficient laundry set-up that processes linen faster while taking up less space.
From initial consultation to final installation, Equipment International provided full-scope project management tailored to the property’s unique challenges. We don’t just sell machines – we help hotels find smarter solutions and see them through every step of the way.
