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AUGUST 2026 NEWS

Jensen-Group acquires full ownership of Inwatec

The Jensen-Group has reached an agreement with CMA-Holding Odense ApS, represented by Mads Andresen, to acquire the remaining 30% of Inwatec ApS. Following completion of the transaction, the Jensen-Group will own 100% of the Danish automation and robotics specialist.

The Jensen-Group acquired a 30% stake in Inwatec in 2018 and additional 40% in 2021, following a shared vision of how robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence could transform industrial laundry operations. Since then, the two companies have worked closely together to develop and introduce new technologies to the global laundry market.

From partnership to full ownership

Over the past eight years, Inwatec and the Jensen-Group have brought technologies into industrial laundries that were still considered futuristic when the partnership began.

The combination of Inwatec’s technology expertise and entrepreneurial spirit with Jensen-Group’s laundry knowledge, engineering capabilities, global sales and service network and close customer relationships has helped accelerate the adoption of robotics and AI across the industry.

Moving from 70% to full ownership is a natural next step in this long-standing co-operation and a clear commitment to further investment in automation, robotics, software, and artificial intelligence.

“Eight years ago, we shared the conviction that robotics and artificial intelligence would fundamentally change our industry. Together with the Inwatec team, we have turned many of these ideas into solutions that are operating successfully in laundries today. Acquiring the remaining shares is a strong signal that we believe in this direction and want to accelerate it further,” says Jesper Munch Jensen, CEO of the Jensen-Group.

Continuing to push the boundaries of laundry automation

Founded in 2009 and based in Odense, Denmark, Inwatec has built a reputation for challenging traditional processes and developing highly automated solutions for industrial laundries. Its team, known as the #laundrynerds, will continue to play an important role in Jensen-Group’s innovation activities.

For customers and partners, the transaction represents continuity combined with a clear long-term commitment. The Jensen-Group will continue to integrate automation, robotics and AI across the laundry process with the aim of helping customers increase productivity, improve working conditions, and operate more efficiently.

“Inwatec and the Jensen-Group have already been one team for many years. Together, we have been able to move from ambitious ideas to industrial solutions that make a real difference for laundries. Full ownership gives us an even stronger foundation to continue developing the technologies that will shape the laundry of the future,” says Mads Andresen, founder of Inwatec and Chief Innovation Officer as well as COO Europe of the Jensen-Group.

Lavatec Launches New OEM Parts Platform 

New 24/7 digital storefront gives operators faster access to original Lavatec parts, engineering expertise, and real-time inventory visibility

In an industrial laundry facility, downtime doesn’t stay contained to the maintenance department. A single tunnel washer shutdown can disrupt production schedules, strain labor resources, delay customer deliveries, and quickly ripple across an entire operation. When thousands of pounds of linen move through a system every hour, uptime becomes everything.

To help operators keep equipment running with greater speed and confidence, Lavatec has launched a new online OEM parts storefront. The new platform provides 24/7 access to original Lavatec replacement parts, real-time inventory visibility, streamlined ordering, and simplified repeat purchasing for commercial laundry facilities across North America.

Lavatec maintains the original drawings, specifications, and bills of material for every machine it has ever built over decades. This gives operators direct access to the exact OEM parts designed for their specific system, whether sourcing a fixed bearing, basket arm bushing, double-lip seal, sensor, drive component, or critical motor assembly.

“While our equipment is simple to operate and maintain, every tunnel system of ours is a highly engineered system where every seal, sensor, bearing, and motor must work in precise synchronization,” said Kim Thrasher, the company’s sales and marketing coordinator who manages the Lavatec parts program.

“When uptime matters, operators need more than a replacement part. They need confidence they are installing the exact component that is engineered specifically for their machine.”

The Hidden Cost of Third-Party Replacement Parts

The launch reflects a growing industry focus on reducing preventable downtime caused by non-certified replacement components. Plant operators have increasingly recognized that the short-term savings of generic parts can lead to repeat failures, emergency repairs, and catastrophic operational disruptions.

One laundry plant manager described the consequences of relying on rebuilt third-party drive motors and non-certified replacement components.

“We started to buy the original motor, and it lasts three times longer than the one that goes out on you with no notice.”

For some facilities, the consequences of straying from OEM parts have been far more severe than an unexpected repair bill. Plant managers reported repeated quarterly breakdowns that shut tunnel operations down for two to five days at a time, forcing maintenance crews to physically crawl into the middle of tunnels to clear preventable jams and failures.

Original Drawings. Original Specifications. Original Expertise.

For laundries operating Lavatec systems that have been running reliably for decades, simply identifying the correct replacement part can become another major challenge. Older equipment documentation, superseded part numbers, and missing operating manuals can leave maintenance teams guessing. 

By sourcing original Lavatec OEM parts directly from the manufacturer, operators can eliminate guesswork, reduce repeat failures, and keep their plants running smoothly.

“Our customers are responsible for uptime all the time,” said Thrasher. “This platform becomes their new counterpart in keeping their equipment going.”

For more information, visit https://spareparts.Lavatec.com

TCATA Wraps Successful 2026 Conference in Asheville

The Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) welcomed members of the textile care industry to Asheville, North Carolina, Aug. 2–5 for its 2026 Management & Educational Conference at the Omni Grove Park Inn.

Held under the theme “Summit of Possibilities,” the well-attended conference brought together manufacturers, distributors and industry partners for four days of education, networking and association activities.

The centerpiece of the educational program was an interactive economic and geopolitical simulation led by Alex and Eugene Chausovsky of 3DM Consulting. Attendees worked through hypothetical scenarios reflecting economic and geopolitical challenges that could affect their businesses, followed by analysis and discussion of current economic conditions and what companies should be watching in the months ahead.

Patti Rausch of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) addressed one of the most rapidly evolving issues facing businesses today: artificial intelligence. Her presentation focused on practical ways companies can incorporate AI into their operations and provided attendees with strategies and tools they can apply within their own organizations.

Brian Wild, Chief Government Relations Officer with the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) provided attendees with a timely government affairs update, highlighting legislative and regulatory developments affecting businesses. His presentation offered insight into the current policy landscape and key issues companies should be watching as they plan for the months ahead.

Networking remained a major component of the conference, with members reconnecting with longtime industry colleagues and welcoming new attendees to the TCATA community. Conference activities extended beyond the Grove Park Inn. The Kickoff event took place at Asheville’s oldest brewery, Highland Brewery. Attendees also visited Asheville’s Biltmore Estate, giving attendees and guests an opportunity to experience one of the region’s best-known destinations while continuing to build industry relationships.

TCATA Welcomes New Leadership and Board Members

The conference also marked an important leadership transition for the association. Mack Magnus of M & B Hangers passed the gavel to Rusty Smith of Forenta, who begins his term as TCATA’s next president.

TCATA also welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors: James Baker of MN Chemicals, Chip Ottman of R.W. Martin and Kristen Vos of R.R. Street & Co. Inc.

The association recognized outgoing board members Kelly Kelleher of Kelleher Casares Equipment and John Silverman of Tschopp Supply and thanked them for their years of service and contributions to TCATA as they completed their tenure on the Board.

Five Companies Celebrate 25 Years of TCATA Membership

TCATA recognized five longtime member companies celebrating 25 years of association membership: B&C Technologies, Energenics, Kreussler, Richclean and Sankosha USA.

The anniversary recognition celebrated the companies’ longstanding support of TCATA and their continued involvement in the textile care industry.

“The Asheville conference was a wonderful example of what TCATA does best: bringing our industry together,” said Luci Ward Pettys, TCATA Executive Director. “Our speakers gave members valuable information they can take back to their businesses, but equally important were the conversations and connections taking place throughout the conference. We were also proud to recognize the companies and individuals who have given so much to TCATA while welcoming a new group of leaders who will help guide the association forward.”“

TCATA thanked Conference Chair Wes Nelson of Sankosha USA, Business Committee Chair Kristen Vos of R.R. Street & Co. Inc., members of the Business Committee, conference sponsors, speakers and attendees for their contributions to the success of the event. The next Management & Educational Conference will be held April 25-28, 2027, at The Meritage in Napa Valley, CA.

The Textile Care Allied Trades Association represents manufacturers and distributors serving the textile care industry and provides opportunities for education, networking, advocacy and industry collaboration.

Newly Formed Western Fabricare Association Joins DLI

This summer, The California Cleaners Association (a Drycleaning & Laundry Institute-affiliated regional partner association) merged with several states to form the Western Fabricare Association (WFA). The move expands DLI & WFA’s reach to serve fabricare professionals throughout the western United States.

The newly formed WFA brings together members and industry professionals from California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, and Idaho under one unified organization.

The expansion reflects a commitment to strengthening the fabricare industry by providing broader educational opportunities, stronger legislative and regulatory advocacy, expanded networking, and greater access to resources that help garment care businesses succeed.

“All of us at the newly formed WFA are excited with the opportunity to help train Cleaners in the West,” said Ray Rangwala, WFA President, DLI District 8 Director, and owner of Esteem Cleaners in Glendale, CA. “We are looking for good operators who want to make a difference in educating all of our members. Interested in joining the association or our leadership team? Call me at (818) 590-2416 to discuss.”

“The formation of the Western Fabricare Association represents an important step in building a stronger regional community for professional cleaners,” said Jon Meijer, DLI’s Membership Director. “By working together, we can better support our members with education, advocacy, and connections that help their businesses grow and adapt to the changing needs of the industry.”

The Western Fabricare Association will focus on delivering practical value to members through:

  • Industry education and training
  • Legislative and regulatory advocacy
  • Professional networking
  • Business development resources
  • Industry leadership and collaboration

Additional information, leadership structure, membership benefits, and upcoming events, will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Western Fabricare Association, visit: westernfabricareassociation.org or contact WFA Executive Director Leslie Schaffer at Leslie.Schaeffer@calcleaners.org or (916) 239-4070. 

Hallak Cleaners joins America’s Best Cleaners

Hallak Cleaners has received official national certification as an affiliate of America’s Best Cleaners, joining one of the garment care industry’s most respected and exclusive luxury affiliations.

Founded in 1966 by Joseph Hallak Sr., Hallak Cleaners has built a legendary reputation for couture garment care and personalized luxury service throughout Manhattan, Bergen County, and the greater New York metropolitan area. Today, second-generation leaders Joe Hallak Jr. and John-Claude Hallak continue the family’s legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail.

Widely recognized as one of the premier couture cleaners in the United States, Hallak Cleaners has become a trusted resource for luxury fashion houses, discerning clientele, and the New York fashion elite. The company is known for its expertise in couture fashion, wedding gown preservation, designer handbags, leather and suede care, vintage restoration, interior furnishings, and museum-quality textile care.

Over its nearly six decades of operation, Hallak Cleaners has earned numerous industry honors and consumer recognitions for operational excellence, sustainability leadership, and luxury client service, including:

  • 2024 CINET Global Best Practices Awards Finalist — ranked 5th globally out of 120 companies representing 36 nations
  • Manhattan Bride “Best Of” Awards
  • WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards
  • Manhattan’s First GreenEarth Licensed Cleaner
  • EP Certificate of Environmental Stewardship
  • Green Cleaners Council Certified Green Cleaner
  • American Drycleaner National Plant Design – Grand Prize Award
  • International Drycleaners Congress Outstanding Innovator Award
  • TV News Appearances (ABC 7, CW11, Fox, NBC 4 New York, and CNBC)

Operating from locations in Manhattan and Hackensack, New Jersey, Hallak Cleaners offers pickup and delivery service throughout the tri-state luxury market while continuing to invest heavily in advanced garment tracking systems, state-of-the-art production technologies, and ongoing textile care education.

“I started developing our proprietary software in 1983 on Tandy Radio Shack computers with 8” floppy disks. The dark ages. In the over 40 years since, we have taken advantage of all the breathtaking advances in computing power and data storage to arrive at a comprehensive, and more importantly, fully integrated system. By using a 4GL rapid application development language, new features, as well as improvements to existing features, can be accomplished in minutes instead of months. All modules talk to one another. POS, Accounting, Payroll, Timeclock, CRM, Routes, Metal Progetti, and more. This allows for instant in- depth analytics and KPIs. “

John-Claude Hallak

“Hallak Cleaners represents everything the CoutureCare Certification stands for—heritage craftsmanship, operational excellence, innovation, and an uncompromising commitment to the luxury client experience,” said Chris White, Executive Director of America’s Best Cleaners. “Joe and John-Claude Hallak have spent decades building one of the most respected couture garment care brands in North America. They have long been trusted peers, friends, and leaders within our industry, serving the New York fashion elite with extraordinary professionalism and consistency. Their history of craftsmanship and dedication to couture garment care make Hallak Cleaners a perfect fit for the America’s Best Cleaners CoutureCare Certified affiliation. We are incredibly proud to welcome Hallak Cleaners into our network.”

As one of fewer than 50 businesses certified by America’s Best Cleaners, Hallak Cleaners joins an elite network of leading garment care professionals committed to advancing luxury textile care, sustainability, client service, and operational excellence throughout the industry.

About America’s Best Cleaners:

America’s Best Cleaners is a certification agency and an industry-leading team of consultants who assist owners, managers, and team members to realize their full potential while striving for continued personal and professional success. For more information on America’s Best Cleaners and its Affiliates, visit this page.


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