News & Innovations

Valuing Diversity

Anyone who forms a company aims to be successful on the market, to undergo development, and to secure their continued existence. The same applies to the laundry service “Heinzelmännchen” in Wächtersbach. For Managing Director Martin Berg, it is about more than just satisfied customers and clean linen, however: “Our company undertakes an important societal and socio-political task, in that we employ people with disabilities, and further and safeguard their workplace through the profitability of our company. People are always at the heart of what we do. Valuing diversity is part of our corporate culture here.”

A step ahead of the times
Exactly 25 years ago, in 1996, the company “Heinzelmännchen” Wäscheservice und Hausdienstleistungs-gesellschaft mbH was founded as an inclusive company and subsidiary of Behinderten-Werk Main-Kinzig e.V. (BWMK). The company offers people with disabilities – who frequently have no or very few opportunities on the job market – employment, thereby creating the conditions for them to participate equally in society.

“Heinzelmännchen is an inclusive company. A company is considered to be inclusive when 30-50% of employees have a disability,” explains Operations Manager Frank Brasch. “Here, people with and without disabilities work side by side.”

As can be seen today, the laundry was one step ahead of the times with its efforts. Today, equal opportunities and the participation of people with disabilities are central topics within society. And at the heart of the company: 110 employees, around 50% of whom have disabilities, responsibly provide a reliable full service range, from preparing the linen to transportation – right up to services provided locally on site. It’s a laundry service with complete dedication.

Growth in Wächtersbach
Over time, the laundry has continued to develop and has specialized in the full provision of textiles for companies in the health care and social services system. In 2007, the company underwent expansion by building a new laundry in Wächtersbach in order to manage steady customer growth and large orders from a single source, improving customer service in the process. More than 15 hospitals, 30 rehabilitation clinics, and 70 residential and care homes have been putting their trust in the service and commitment of the company for many years.

Healthy company growth plays an important role for Managing Director Martin Berg and Operations Manager Frank Brasch: 
“We aim to meet the individual requirements and wishes of our customers, whilst complying with the highest quality demands.”

Today, around 20 metric tons of linen is processed by the laundry each day due to more efficient production processes and constant adaptation by upgrading the machinery. A JENSEN Senking Universal tunnel washer is now also part of the team, and it provides them with real added value with all of its options.

Awash with clever solutions
JENSEN tunnel washers are tailor-made and provide special options for all applications. Together with Martin Berg and Frank Brasch, Sales Manager Sascha Wehr configured the right tunnel washer for the company. When asked why Heinzelmännchen decided to use JENSEN, Managing Director Martin Berg replies: “We are loyal to JENSEN as, since we were founded, we have only had good experiences with JENSEN washing systems and the service provided.”

JENSEN has introduced numerous innovative options for all manner of quality requirements; in the version for Heinzelmännchen Wäscheservice, they are combined in one machine: the JENSEN Senking Universal P50-14 FlexRinse. FlexRinse is a special washing process for linen with complete batch integrity from the first to the last compartment, and it is suitable for practically all applications – from slightly to heavily soiled linen. It works with standing baths in the prewash, main wash, and rinsing zones, i.e. a bath exchange process in all compartments of the machine. This process was developed by JENSEN and introduced around the world.

The patented QuickSoak option offers an additional shower for the linen in the first compartment – to maximize the soaking process and achieve excellent washing results. The company can process a wide range of types of linen, whilst keeping consumption extremely low, and achieving top washing results and utmost productivity. As QuickSoak does not use any resources, no supplies are wasted.

The brand-new, patented UVClean system automatically prevents bacteria from growing in the double drum areas, and focuses on hygiene without the addition of any chemicals. The low-maintenance system ensures the highest levels of hygiene through an environmentally-friendly preparation process.

The EcoTanks, which have also been installed, play a part in sustainability. These are additional large-volume storage tanks which further improve the separation of liquor, and the reclaiming of process water by up to 100%, especially in the event of frequent color changes.

A path to success through diversity
“In the future, we would like to continue offering a workplace for people with and without disabilities. I am delighted by our employees who contribute so much to the success of the company with their commitment – and I would like to extend my heart-felt thanks to all of them,” says Martin Berg, Managing Director of Heinzelmännchen Wäscheservice, and explains: “When it came to our project, JENSEN’s expertise helped us with our plans and provided perfect solutions. Mr. Wehr was a real help.”

In response to the question of how he would describe the installation and commissioning, Martin Berg replies very positively: “The tunnel washer that is now integrated was installed quickly and easily. And it has already been commissioned.”

Sales Manager Sascha Wehr is delighted by the intensive and respectful collaboration: “Here at JENSEN, we are very proud that we are able to be a part of this special team.” The new JENSEN tunnel washer with all its options actively supports all the employees at the laundry in implementing their aim of valuing diversity.