National Clothesline

Don Desrosiers of Tailwind Systems initiated a new course on “Lot System Workflow Productivity Training” last month at the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute’s School of Drycleaning Technology.

During the three-day course, Desrosiers taught students how to save money by using lot systems from the moment the garments come in at a mock counter to how they get washed and pressed. The emphasis was on reducing production time and lowering the cost of producing clean clothes while eliminating the end-of-the-day rush to get everything accounted for and bagged.

One of the attendees, Tripp Penninger of Tripps Fine Cleaners in Columbia, SC, said the course was informative.

“I had been in other plants where this system was being used and we had an idea it would be good for our business,” he said. “I wanted to get a first-hand glimpse of Don in action. I was very impressed.”

Another attendee, Andy Lien of Camelot Cleaners in Fargo, ND, said Desrosiers is “ an excellent communicator and a great trainer.”

“We’re definitely going to implement his lot system in our business. We’re going through a lot of other changes right now and this will help us a great deal.”

He also said he was impressed with Desrosiers’ approach to the course and follow-up. “I had a question, so I e-mailed Don and within 10 minutes he was on the phone explaining the issue so I could understand it better. That says a lot about his personality. He’s just an awesome guy,” he said.

Desrosiers said DLI’s School of Drycleaning Technology provided a more relaxed setting for him to teach the basics of the lot system than a functioning drycleaning business.

“The class was a lot of fun,” he said. “We were able to take our time and hit all of the topics. When I do this sort of thing in an operating plant environment, it’s a little more challenging because there are garments coming in that have to be processed.”

Desrosiers said there’s a stronger sense of urgency in an operating drycleaning business. “There’s more of an emphasis on keeping the gears turning in there. It’s not like, ‘Let’s discuss this over a latte.’ But in this case I was able to share tips about some of the finer points. I thought the size of the class was great and the students were all fantastic. I’m looking forward to doing it again this fall.”

That opportunity will come when the course is offered again at DLI Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.

Coming up next month at DLI is a wetcleaning course. The two-day class covers sorting loads for wetcleaning; operating wetcleaning machines and wetcleaning dryers; identifying fibers and fabric construction; understanding how water affects various fibers; wetcleaning wool, silk, satin, and more; stain removal techniques for wetcleaning; and using bleaches without damaging the fabric color. Finishing procedures for wetcleaned items and using tensioning equipment will also be covered.

The cost for the June 10-11 class is $349 for DLI members and $449 for non-members. Premier Club members may send as many students as they wish to the course for free.

For registration or more information on DLI’s course offerings, call (800) 638-2627.

Also on the schedule is the third round of the introductory and advanced drycleaning courses. The introductory course meets July 19-23 and the advanced course from July 26 to August 6. The fourth and final round for this year will be held in October.

DLI will also offer a one-week drycleaning and stain removal course beginning Sept. 13.