Valley Industries’ Valley Linen Service took out the excellence in social enterprise award at the NSW Regional Business Awards in Port Macquarie on Friday, September 14.
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The company was the only winner from the Manning Valley.
Laundry workers Shane and Dearne Minett collected the award with social enterprises manager Rob Gander on behalf of all the employees at Valley Linen Service.
The award qualifies the business for the State finals at Luna Park on Friday, November 23.
Earlier this year, Valley Industries received a Federal Government grant under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages scheme to improve capacity and efficiency.
The grant was matched by Valley Industries to create a $360,000 investment fund.
Stage one of the works saw the addition of a 60KW solar system installed on the roof.
This will significantly reduce environmental impact through a drop in electricity consumption from the grid.
A new 30hp air compressor has also been installed to ensure a continued reliable air supply to all the equipment in the factory.
The most significant addition has been the installation of a new JENSEN Tematic Pro towel folding machine.
This machine is capable of folding 900 towels per hour and customers will see an improvement in the consistency, quality and the neatness of the bundles delivered.
Stage two will start in late October and will see the addition of a new 120 kilogram washer/extractor and a second 50hp steam boiler.
All lighting will be changed to LED to improve working conditions for staff as well as reducing electricity usage.
To manage the increase in business and capacity, the workforce has also expanded from the original three in the old Valley Launderette to 22 in the Elizabeth Avenue facility this year.
Valley Linen Service is the fastest growing division of Valley Industries. It is the only commercial laundry between Port Macquarie and Newcastle.