Alsco

{{ safesubst:ifsubst||

ALSCO

Alsco is a linen and uniform-rental business service provider to restaurants, health care organizations, the automotive industry and industrial facilities. Its located in around 180 locations, with 355,000 customers in 14 countries. Alesco ranked #380 in Forbes 2007 list of America's Largest Private Companies.

History

Alsco is fourth-generation family-owned and -operated business, founded in 1889, that was recognized by the prestigious Hohenstein Institute for having invented the linen- and uniform-rental industry. George A. Steiner made his first foray into the linen business when he was only 14 years old. Working odd jobs to help support his family, George was hired part time to deliver towels in Lincoln, Neb., for $3 per week. Less than a year later, George jumped at the opportunity to purchase the business from the owner for $50.80. On Aug. 15, 1989, he became owner of the Lincoln Towel Supply, and by 1891, his younger brother, Frank M. Steiner, became an equal partner in the business. The purchase included few assets: an armful of roller and hand towels and a few 10-cent wooden rollers that were hanging on customers’ walls. However, George and his brother were enterprising, and their business began to grow.

The 1890s saw the worst economic depression up to that point in U.S. history. Corn prices, which greatly affected Nebraska’s economy, dropped considerably. Weather—drought, blizzards and early frosts—compounded the problems. Banks and crops failed. The Lincoln Towel and Apron Supply Company, along with most other businesses, began to struggle. As customers reduced their accounts, the young Steiner brothers found it difficult to continue. George decided to move to Salt Lake City and continue the business.

In Salt Lake City, George’s business grew rapidly, and by 1899, it was large enough for George to rent his first plant, located on First South at the site of the old Morgan Hotel. This plant would allow George’s company, now called American Linen, to launder and process its own linens rather than contracting out the work to competitive laundries. From there, the company continued to grow. In 1910, American Linen added a new processing plant at 33 East and Six South, where the Grand America Hotel now stands. And in the early 1990s, it built its current local facility in West Valley City.

At present, the company employs more than 20,000 people worldwide. It is still managed by members of the owner’s family, Kevin and Robert Steiner.

Services

Alsco provides linen- and uniform-rental services to customers that include restaurants, health care organizations, the automotive industry and industrial facilities.

Weblinks

• ALSCO USA
• ALSCO Germany
• ALSCO Austraila
• ALSCO Brazil
• ALSCO Canada
• ALSCO China
• ALSCO Italy
• ALSCO Malaysia
• ALSCO New Zealand
• ALSCO Singapore
• ALSCO Thailand
• ALSCO United Kingdom