Albany Washroom Services was formed in 1992 by its then parent company the Albany Laundry, a family owned business established in 1909 by James Burton, Henry Bowen and Willie Lawrence. That business originally specialised in domestic laundry and drycleaning until, when in 1971 with the introduction of washing machines into all our homes, the company was compelled to switch to developing the successful business of supplying restaurant linen and industrial workwear.
In later years the company was to further diversify into washroom hygiene services and floorcare services. In 1992, fourth generation family member Mike Burton became the Albany Laundry’s managing director. In the same year the Albany Laundry seized the opportunity presented by a growth in demand for professional washroom services.
Albany Washroom Services was created and expanded rapidly to respond to customer demand. March 2005 saw the laundry business sold to Johnsons Apparelmaster. This allowed Albany to focus on growing its washroom hygiene and floor care service business and to exploit other opportunities for growth in the commercial service sector markets.
Since its inception Albany has seen consistent growth and has developed an enviable reputation amongst both customers – and competitors alike.
2001 saw Albany launch a new floor care range that enabled the company to further broaden its business offer. In 2003 the company detected a decline in the service standards offered by other washroom service providers. Albany saw this as a key opportunity to promote its own customer service beliefs and strong business offer.
In seizing this initiative the company also took stock of itself with a complete company-wide ‘brand review’, where it re-defined its beliefs and values culminating in a comprehensive re-branding programme. Key objectives were to raise the target market’s awareness of the company’s total commitment to customer service and confidence, and to reinforce that as a strong point-of-difference (or unique selling point) over its competitors. The slogan ‘a fresh approach’ was developed to support the revitalised company offer along with a refreshed and vibrant brand identity.
