Linen & Uniform Supply Services Industry Profile

Companies in the industry provide industrial laundry and linen supply services. Major companies include ARAMARK, Cintas, and UniFirst (all based in the US), along with Elis (France) and Watakyu Linen (Japan).

Many linen and uniform supply companies rely on international suppliers for uniform and textile products, as well as equipment and other supplies. Textiles and garments typically come from countries such as China, the European Union (EU), Bangladesh, Vietnam, Turkey, and India, according to the Statista.

The US linen and uniform supply services industry includes about 2,400 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $14 billion.

Industrial laundry services clean and supply heavy work garments, such as overalls, bib trousers, and protective gear; and laundered and unlaundered mats. Linen supply companies handle easier-to-clean, ironed items, such as aprons; hospital scrubs and gowns; and bedding, tableware, and cloth napkins, also known as flatwork. Because the two cleaning processes use different washing techniques and machinery, few companies offer both services. Dry cleaning and laundry facilities used primarily by consumers are covered in a separate industry profile.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by employment trends, as swings in 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 ...