In-house Laundry for Spa and Leisure Complex

Planning For The Future

Now that partnership has seen the development of a new laundry facility to cater for guests including those visiting the new leisure pool and spa, one of the finest of its kind in the highlands. Having used Miele washing machines before, recognising the reliability, durability and ease of use, the Portavadie team first contacted Thain Commercial four years ago when planning the initial phase of their laundry provision.

“As a company, if we are investing in machinery, we always look at what is best and most cost effective over the longer term. Miele provides this,” says Iain Jurgensen, Portavadie General Manager. The owners trust the Miele product in terms of reliability. The ability to deal with volume was important, too, as was service on a long-term investment. Having access to the service that Thain Commercial can provide, when we needed it, was necessary.”

In the first stage, Thain staff consulted with the Portavadie team, establishing a solution to cope with anticipated volumes and linen types as well as producing the highest performance and energy efficiency. They also planned around the challenges presented by the temporary portakabin site. Miele’s range of slimline and stackable machines all came into consideration, enabling them to circumvent space restrictions whilst providing a laundry system which delivered the targeted benefits.

The recent introduction of a stunning leisure facility, complete with hydro pools, spa pools, a gym and treatment spaces, however, has changed the game for Portavadie and the requirements of their customers.

The Right Solution For The Client

Working with Thain Commercial, the company has installed an expanded laundry system, housed in a new purpose-built building.

“The leisure facility is generating hundreds of towels per day so we needed to be able to handle that volume,” added Iain Jurgensen. I was impressed with the level of research and detail that Thain Commercial provided for the project, working with our Guest Services Manager, Kim, on the development side and liaising with the architects. They advised on the plan, piping and all aspects of the operation.”

With the Miele machines installed four years previously still in excellent working order, consideration was given to continued use while adding new capacity in the form of a further 16KG, PW6167 Washer and PT8403 Dryer.

With an eye to the long-term, the system has flexibility for the addition of further 16 kg machines, should the company wish to add further attractions for its customers.

“What is pleasing is that Thain Commercial do not try to sell something which is over-capacity, in order to increase margins. Instead, they have been thoughtful of our business needs and respectful of our timescales in terms of pushing things forward,” added Iain Jurgensen.

Scott Falconer of Thain Commercial said: “Portavadie have ended up with an extremely professional and efficient laundry facility, which can be developed further in line with the plans they have for the business. The new facility has a purposeful, permanent lay-out.”