Unitex Textile Services: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation in Laundry Solutions

Historical Roots

Approximately 115 years ago, Polish immigrant Max Potack began his journey in the laundry business at a modest operation in Brooklyn, New York, run by his uncles. The venture, A&P Coat and Apron Supply, specialized in laundering linens and aprons for local butcher shops and restaurants, employing a horse and carriage for deliveries.

Evolution into Unitex Textile Services

Over the past century, the company has transformed into Unitex Textile Services LLC, a robust organization with around 2,200 employees spread across 13 facilities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Now managed by the Potack family’s descendants, Unitex focuses on sanitizing and renting medical uniforms and linens to hospitals, nursing homes, and various care facilities. Their service area spans from Bangor, Maine, to northern Delaware.

$21-Million Expansion in Hartford

In Hartford, Unitex is embarking on a significant $21-million expansion to renovate a 130,000-square-foot industrial building, which will turn into a state-of-the-art laundry facility, ultimately creating about 220 jobs.

• Location: 121 Wawarme Ave.
• Previous Use: The site formerly hosted an inserting operation for the Hartford Courant. The facility was acquired for $9 million in early 2024.

Upcoming Changes:

• Opening Timeline: The new facility is set to begin operations in approximately one year.
• Operational Capacity: Designed to efficiently handle up to 1.2 million pounds of laundry weekly.

Insights from Unitex Leadership

David Potack, President of Unitex, describes this as their largest plant built in the last two decades. He emphasized, “There is no one in our market that has added that type of capacity, or has that type of investment.”

Robert Potack, CEO, highlighted that the expansion responds to industry needs, stating, “We have been fortunate to grow with our clients amidst substantial consolidation in the healthcare industry.”

Advanced Automation Features

Unitex operates four smaller laundry facilities in Connecticut and will integrate operations at the new site, shutting down three existing facilities while retaining a smaller, more modern site on Ledyard Street in Hartford.

Consolidation Overview:

• Facilities Closing: Three smaller Connecticut locations will close.
• Staff Transition: Employees from the closing facilities will be invited to the new site, starting with an expected 160-170 staff, increasing to 220.

Enhanced Efficiency

The new plant is set to feature sophisticated automation and more energy-efficient equipment, positioning Unitex at the forefront of the industrial laundry sector.

Unique Construction Innovations

One remarkable aspect of this expansion involves raising the building’s roof from 22 to 32 feet, a complex task managed by Rooflift Specialists and Rooflifters.

• Process Highlights:
  • Concrete walls will be anchored.
  • The roof will be cut into three sections and elevated using hydraulic jacks.

This increase in height will enable the installation of a mile-long track for efficient operations, minimizing manual labor.

Community Support and Economic Impact

The Hartford City Council has actively supported Unitex’s expansion, endorsing a 10-year tax agreement that stabilizes property taxes during the initial years of operation.

• Tax Structure:
  • Fiscal 2026: Tax on equipment and real estate set at $125,200.
  • Fiscal 2031: Gradual decline to $330,000 over five years.

Looking to the Future

Leaders at Unitex express gratitude for the swift permit processing and enthusiastic community backing from Hartford officials.

As David Potack notes, “[City officials were] very appreciative of us bringing more jobs into the city.” This collaboration showcases the enduring legacy of the Potack family, leading the charge in the industrial laundry sector with innovative solutions and a commitment to community growth.

For additional information on Unitex and their laundry solutions, visit their website.

This article provides an engaging overview of Unitex Textile Services, highlighting its historical significance and future expansion plans while incorporating SEO best practices.