JLA launches new healthcare division
LAUNDRY equipment supplier JLA is to launch a new medical division to capitalise on its growing business in the healthcare sector.
The Ripponden-based business, which employs almost 450 people and had turnover of £62m last year, is expecting the new operation – aimed at care homes – to net business worth more than £1m in the next 12 months.
JLA, which celebrates its 40th year in business this year, is currently recruiting new staff as it continues to expand.
The new JLA Medical range includes a set of bedpan washer-disinfector and macerator products specifically designed to maximise infection control and improve hygiene in care homes and hospitals.
JLA chief executive Stephen Baxter expects the launch of JLA Medical to further boost the company’s economic profile, with hundreds of care homes expected to install the new products by the end of 2013.
He said: “There are more than 22,000 care and nursing homes in the UK and our research tells us that many are still reliant on hand-sluicing and yellow waste bag collections when it comes to disposing of their incontinence and sanitary waste. These can be time-consuming, unreliable and unpleasant tasks, which is why we’ve developed easy-to-use machines that take the hassle and uncertainty out of the equation.
“With our efficient mechanical solutions, there is a real opportunity to increase our already unrivalled presence in the care home market as operators seek to streamline operations and minimise costs.”
JLA is the market leader in commercial equipment and service provider for care homes, working with thousands of UK homes to supply and service washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, detergents, bedpan washer disinfectors and macerators.
Mr Baxter added: “JLA Medical represents another big step forward for JLA in terms of our continuing commitment to meeting our customers’ needs and specific requirements. Following other recent advancements in warewashing and detergents provision, it further highlights our significant investment into product development and carefully planned expansion into new areas of commercial equipment supply and servicing.”
