You can't create the most innovative laundry facility in Europe on your own. In the preparation and construction phases, Nedlin collaborates closely with various partners, from the architect and contractor to the machine builder. BJÖRN FRIJNS, Nedlin’s Director of Technical Affairs, explains how indispensable good partners are for the realization of the project: “What we have developed together is unique.”
It all starts with an idea, a vision on the horizon. An image of what the laundry facility of the future looks like: sustainable and circular, with its own water treatment plant and 100% hygiene. And with the willingness to invest in that development. Then comes the real work. Making plans, analyzing and dissecting our own services until we have a clear picture of every step in the washing process. And identifying where improvements can be made in each of these steps.
We challenge each other to go to the limit.
Björn has been involved from the very beginning. Together with Erik de Win, former owner and father of directors Stef and Luuk, he has been working on the preparations for the new Nedlin Healthcare facility for three years. It has been an exciting time filled with passionate discussions, both with partners and amongst themselves. “Initially, Erik and I discuss the various possibilities. Once we have several options on the table, we bring in Stef. We challenge each other to go to the limit.”
The perfect solution
Suppliers and other partners have also been involved in the project from an early stage. Their input has been essential in developing the concept and various technologies. “It’s truly a collaborative effort, working together to find the most perfect solution.” Take water management, for instance. Along with chemical supplier Christeyns and TBR Solutions, the entire flow of the laundry facility has been mapped out. “This way, all components come together as a whole, allowing us to look at savings and water purification.”
We challenged our machine supplier to look at the entire machine park. How can all these machines from different suppliers work together?
Nedlin ensures there is plenty of challenge. "We know exactly what we want. We don't settle for 'no' or 'it can't be done.'" A significant portion of the machine park is supplied by the German company Kannegiesser, known for its stand-alone machines. "We challenged Kannegiesser to look at the entire machine park. How can all these machines, from different suppliers, work together?"
Every step presents a challenge
Each step in the laundry process presents a new challenge. For instance, linens are stored in trays, and this process works smoothly only if the folding machine is perfectly adjusted to the tray dimensions: a primary challenge for the machine builder. Numerous steps in the process must seamlessly integrate to optimize energy consumption, productivity, and error margins.
In our organization, you'll recognize our long-standing partnerships with suppliers. We are very loyal in that regard.
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In our organization, everyone needs to sit down together at the table. Alongside Kannegiesser, Inwatec, a Danish robotics company for the laundry sector, plays a crucial role. Dutch company I-Collector provides a dynamic storage system of the same name, while Octenium facilitates the connection between Kannegiesser's machines and the I-Collector. Additionally, various partners contribute to the new laundry through one of these suppliers.
Björn already sees that the new construction solidifies existing and new partnerships. "In our organization, you'll notice our longstanding relationships with suppliers. We're very loyal in that respect." Collaboration is more than just supply—it involves extensive teamwork. "We'll soon need to commission a large number of new installations. This requires a lot of expertise. For instance, two project leaders from Kannegiesser will remain with us for a year, allowing us to absorb their knowledge into our own organization."
Focus on sustainability and circularity
Although relationships with Architecten aan de Maas and Willems Bouwbedrijf BV are relatively brief, they are equally vital. With a strong focus on sustainability and circularity, the new construction isn't a typical commercial building. "It's reassuring to see the depth of knowledge and experience within the architect's team." The architect also oversees construction. A construction management team has been assembled, with Björn representing Nedlin. The contractor has a similar team, including key suppliers. "Together, we oversee the process and ensure optimal construction sequencing."
Nedlin Healthcare's new laundry facility is being built to BREEAM Outstanding standards, the certification method for sustainable building environments. This means sustainability plays a crucial role throughout the construction process. An external expert, LOIS Advies, helped assess the environmental impact of every decision—not just in choosing building materials and energy-saving measures, but also in areas like packaging materials and landscaping. "For instance, greenery must be planted using local species. We have insect hotels and bat habitats. It's an aspect where we've challenged ourselves."
Next level
In January, the machines for the new building will be delivered, and the racks will be assembled. Subsequently, the laundry will gradually begin operations. Employees will find themselves in a very different environment from what they're used to. Following the Industry laundry in Hoensbroek, which handles a lot of laundry for the food industry, the Healthcare laundry will also feature a clean street, hygiene locks, and hairnets.
We are only satisfied when the laundry operates as it should, that goes without saying.
Due to the sustainability measures and the reuse of residual heat, the building is also more comfortable. "It would have been easy to replicate the current laundry facility. But we prefer to push the boundaries. Our technologies must remain relevant even 25 years from now. What we have developed is unique; it has never been built before. We hear this feedback from suppliers as well. We are truly setting a new standard in the laundry industry."
Even at the municipality, where Nedlin must substantiate with detailed calculations that the new laundry meets all standards, the building has been positively received. However, despite the structure of the new building rising into the sky and despite Björn hearing how impressive the building is from those around him, there's no time to rest on laurels. He will only do so once the new laundry is fully operational in 2022. "We are far from finished. An impressive building is not the goal; it must function well. We are only satisfied when the laundry operates as it should, that goes without saying."