Gurtler Industries Celebrates 40th Year of Laundry Innovation

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL. — At a time when experience matters most, the three active generations of the Gurtler family are pleased to celebrate their 40th year in business. From its beginning as a small family-owned business serving the Midwest, Gurtler Industries has grown into an international leader within the commercial laundry industry, now serving customers throughout North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and Australia.

Founded by William Gurtler in 1982, who remains active as Chairman, the company tradition of excellence continues through son Greg Gurtler, President and CEO, and his son Jake Gurtler, Vice President. This past year, as the COVID-19 pandemic reverberated throughout the laundry industry, the Gurtler family and their team of research chemists and application technologists created breakthrough products and programs to benefit commercial laundry operations worldwide. “We are proud of the quality driven, customer service focus that we established in 1982 and how that that corporate commitment has built a leader in the laundry chemical industry,” says Bill Gurtler.

This long-standing commitment to industry leadership was first articulated by Bill Gurtler as The Gurtler Advantage, a credo that continues to guide the company culture today. There are three pillars:

Service: always delivering on commitments and having the customer’s best interests in mind.

Innovation: continually embracing innovative ideas that enhance the laundry industry and exceed customer expectations.

People: investing in the industry’s best laundry chemical representatives to provide unparalleled customer service.

“The Gurtler Advantage is evident in every level of our organization,” says Greg Gurtler. “As a family-operated business, we believe in treating all people — our employees, customers and suppliers alike — with the utmost respect and appreciation. We intend to continue setting the industry standard of excellence for our next 40 years and beyond.” Bill Gurtler adds, “It is gratifying to see how that appreciation and respect has been the formula for our success.”

Over the decades, Gurtler’s headquarters and research center has grown to more than 100,000 square feet of space. The company now has more than 120 employees, including both domestic and overseas staff.

“We are deeply grateful to all our partners who have contributed to our success,” says Greg Gurtler. “As we continue to expand with new products, into new markets, we will always strive to offer industry-leading solutions that deliver the best possible results at the lowest possible cost.”

About Gurtler

Gurtler Industries is a leading manufacturer of advanced detergents, specialty chemicals and injection systems for the commercial laundry industry. From its headquarters and research center in suburban Chicago, Gurtler supports the entire spectrum of the laundry industry, including healthcare, hospitality, industrial uniforms, shirt laundries and textile rentals. Gurtler is a family company now in its third generation, maintaining its tradition of excellence, innovation, and service.

Gurtler’s Director of R&D

Kevin McLaren Director of Research and Development for Gurtler Industries recently presented a telecourse offered through Webber Training entitled “Hospital Laundry and C.difficile Spore Inactivation.” Webber Training presents an international lecture series on infection prevention and control topics. Its objective is to share the latest and best information on infection prevention and control with the largest possible audience. This telecourse was free and available to countries in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Webber Training estimates that nearly 900 attended the live broadcast, and over 4,500 have reviewed the on-line recording. The course partner/ sponsor was the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA).

The telecourse focused on healthcare laundering, including factors that impact the antimicrobial properties of the wash cycle; features of the modern tunnel washers; the role of laundry bleach for stain removal and microbial control; the factors involved in the selection of laundry chemicals; and the sporicidal properties of the modern laundry process.

The telecourse presented a brief historical perspective of the healthcare laundry as it pertains to microbial removal/kill. There was a summary of many of the evolutions which have occurred within the healthcare laundry space during the period from 1938 to today. Focusing on the current healthcare market, the spore forming bacterium Clostridioides difficile was addressed as a pathogen of concern specific to Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs), and a life-form (spore former) which requires additional research.

A summary of ARTA’s research was presented as evidence that a tunnel washer process inclusive of peracetic acid bleach may be effective at achieving spore destruction. Kevin was the main researcher who developed ARTA’s recent investigation into the effect of certain laundry processes on C. diff.

Also presenting was Lynn Sehulster, PhD, of Environmental Infection Prevention, LLC, and previously with the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Infectious Diseases, US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

ARTA is a membership of allied associates, suppliers, operators, and manufacturers that support the textile maintenance industry. Their mission is to create greater appreciation and demand for reusable textiles — those cloth products that are reused rather than thrown away like paper disposable items. Their members represent all facets of the textile maintenance industry: manufacturers of textiles, machinery, and chemicals, as well as suppliers, sister associations, and the operators who clean and deliver clean linen and garments to customers in a variety of industries.

Gurtler Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of advanced detergents and specialty chemicals for the commercial and institutional laundry industry. A privately held, family owned and operated business, Gurtler has grown into one of the largest specialists in the laundry chemical supply industry, offering a full line of processing chemicals, injection systems and personalized service across the US, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

Gurtler Introduces Gurtler Rx Hand Sanitizer Liquid Gel Formula

Gurtler Introduces:

Now available:

• Liquid Gel Formulation
• 75% Isopropyl Alcohol Sanitizer
• FDA Approved
• 4 x 1-gallon case
• Hand pumps also available

With the heightened concern for sanitation and employee safety, Gurtler has now made available a key addition for your operation and facility. Gurtler Rx Hand Sanitizer meets all the US regulatory requirements and will help provide a safer workplace for your team. And the gel formulation assures better coverage on your hands for maximum efficacy. Order your first case today!

Gurtler Research Team Develops New Laundry Method to Transform Typical Healthcare Garments Into PPE

Gurtler Industries, Inc. announced today that their Research and Development team has developed a new laundry method utilizing Pulse Shield fluid repellent fabric finish which can transform typical healthcare scrubs and clothing into fluid repellent garments, increasing their potential use as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The current healthcare crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has strained the healthcare community to a point where there is a significant shortage of PPE including but not limited to Face Masks, Isolation Gowns, Gloves, Face Shield and other. The shortage of appropriate healthcare PPE has become a major issue. Plus, a general lack of disposable isolation gowns and protective coverings has further deepened the healthcare community’s concern.

Gurtler’s Pulse Shield is a fluid repellent finish that can be applied in the laundry process. Normally used to extend the useful life of surgical gowns and textiles, Gurtler’s research team has demonstrated a method to transform normally non-repellent healthcare wear into fluid repellent protective garments. The research supported by multiple evaluations using accepted AATCC fluid repellent test methodology was performed using typical healthcare wear, including 100% polyester scrubs, blended cotton/poly scrubs and patient gowns, and 100% polyester laboratory coats.

The laundering and treatment method developed by Gurtler scientists produces garments that pass all the tests for fluid (water and oil-based) repellency with excellent performance after multiple washings. The full research study is posted on the Gurtler website here. Contact your Gurtler specialist for details on how you can set up this process in your healthcare laundry operation.

Gurtler Update on Corona Virus COVID-19 and Proper Laundering and Sanitation Methods

Beginning in December 2019, and continuing through today, the world has been facing another new and not previously seen microbial pathogen. This viral pathogen, named Coronavirus 2019-nCoV or “Covid-19”, emerged out of China and has been spreading across the globe. Effective the week of March 9, 2020 the World Health Organization has declared this viral spread a global Pandemic. The emergence and spread of the virus, coupled with media sensationalism has instilled a degree of concern and panicked behaviors which is seldom seen with annual viral diseases, including such viral disease as Influenza Flu.

Gurtler continues to actively monitor this emerging contagion since it was first identified in Wuhan China. While much remains unknown about this virus’ communicability, pathogenicity and treatment regiments; there is much which is known about its susceptibility to inactivation. Rather than attempting to capitalize on sensationalism and hysteria, Gurtler is following the science as it relates to:

• Laundering protocols
• Environmental cleaning
• Hand hygiene and personal practices

This new viral infection/disease is a very fluid and active field of microbiological science and is being studied globally. We know that the normal laundry process will effectively remove and/or degrade the virus. This is due in part to the Coronavirus family being an enveloped virus, and the relative ease by which enveloped virus are inactivated. The CDC has indicated that no extraneous precautions or processing steps are required specific to laundering, and this recommendation has been summarized in Gurtler Technical Bulletin TB-034, here. Included in the Gurtler Technical Bulletin are links to various association communications for your added reference.

Proper laundering of textiles is to a level where the vegetative bacteria are removed, and to a point where soils are removed, then it is expected aerosolized viral secretions would also be removed. Upon review of additional resources, including microbiology & disinfection text documentation, Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses and are the easiest form of microbe to “kill.” As referenced previously, if the proper laundry process is followed, you are removing/killing Staphylococcus and there is no reason that you would leave behind sufficient virus to cause disease transmission. As with all disease, the critical key is to break the chain of infection: eliminating the potentially effective dose of pathogen.

In regard to hard surface sanitizing/disinfecting, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) follows a similar approach of following the science. The EPA’s list of Disinfectants for Emerging Pathogens (List N) was recently released, which is a list of suggested disinfectants/cleaners suitable for use in meeting the housekeeping and environmental cleaning goals when addressing this new Coronavirus.

Gurtler’s Mint Disinfectant Plus hard surface EPA-Registered product is both on this list and carries a specific claim of inactivating a member of the Coronavirus family. Reference Gurtler Bulletin TB-035 here.

Gurtler continues to monitor the spread of this virus, and the recommendations for meeting its containment and control. Gurtler is committed to continuing to lead the way, in partnership with customers/associations, in validating the efficacy of laundering programs.

Gurtler Industries and Healthcare Linen Services
Group Solidify Long-Term Strategic Partnership

Gurtler Industries and Healthcare Linen Services Group (HLSG) are pleased to announce they have entered into a long-term strategic partnership agreement. Gurtler will provide all the specialty laundry chemicals and services to HLSG’s facilities under Logan’s Linens and Superior Health Linens names. HLSG currently operates state-of-the-art laundry processing facilities in the Mid-West states delivering over 185 million pounds of assorted quality linens into both the healthcare and hospitality markets. These business units were brought together through the guidance and ownership of Thompson Street Capital Partners (TSCP), St Louis, MO.

Besides specialty chemical supply and service Gurtler’s offerings of unique chemical dispensing systems, production management data, information management technology, tunnel water conservation and treatment systems, and energy-saving technology that will be offered at each location across the HLSG business units.

“Gurtler is proud to extend our long-term strategic partnership with HLSG. We are well-positioned to provide support across the HLSG operations,” said Greg Gurtler, President and CEO of Gurtler. “Our support team is well-versed in healthcare, hospitality, linen and industrial textile processing. We have continued to support our customers in producing hygienically clean linen across all markets, plus our unique sanitizing technology and microbiological laboratory testing services will help HLSG continue to leverage Gurtler for their partners,” Greg continued. Gurtler’s scientists have contributed to the development of ARTA’s recently published C-diff study, HLAC’s Healthcare Laundering Standard and to TRSA’s Hygienically Clean advisory group.

“As an outsourced provider, HLSG partners is focused on growth and currently provides service to healthcare administrators, clinicians and staff to deliver a wide variety of textiles to thousands of hospitals, physician offices, surgery centers, and nursing homes,” said Joseph LaPorta, President and CEO of HLSG. He continued, “Gurtler’s expertise in healthcare laundering technology, their superior products, and expert technical support make them a premier partner, and together we will continue to meet and exceed the highest standards in healthcare laundry processing.” HLSG is a member of the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) and has earned accreditations from the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) which exceed healthcare laundry processing standards set by OSHA, JCAHO and other federal agencies.

Gurtler Industries, Inc. is a family-owned ISO-9001 certified business that has been trusted over three generations. Our commitment, expertise, chemical products and dispensing systems have driven our success as we expand across North America and Internationally.

Healthcare Linen Services Group, is a leading provider of linen management services to the healthcare and hospitality industries. Four premier regional brands, Logan’s Linens, Logan’s Uniform Rental, Superior Health Linens, and Textile Care Services were brought together through the guidance and ownership of Thompson Street Capital Partners (TSCP), St Louis, MO. HLSG currently operates nine state-of-the-art laundry processing facilities in Mid-West states delivering over 185 million pounds of assorted quality linens into both the healthcare and hospitality markets.

Gurtler Completes Phase I of Headquarters Expansion and Renovation

Gurtler Industries, Inc. has completed the first phase of a planned expansion and renovation of their South Holland, IL corporate headquarters. The increase in footprint and upgrading of facilities was necessary to accommodate continued growth of the company.

“We recognized several years ago that to in order to continue serving our current customers and support our record growth, we needed a larger building.” said President Greg Gurtler. “At the time, our only option was to look for another location to purchase or build upon. But during our search process, the opportunity arose to expand at our current location, and we were able to stay in South Holland, while meeting our goal for increased space.”

Gurtler added approximately 68,000 square feet of space by purchasing the building and land of their southern neighbor, who relocated to another state. The acquisition allows Gurtler to keep all office, laboratory, production and warehouse space at one location, split between two adjacent buildings. The purchase kicked off nearly 18 months of renovations to both buildings and the surrounding grounds.

“It was a challenge to manage all the construction and upgrades while maintaining production and fulfillment operations.” said Lester Gurtler, Vice President of Operations, who oversaw the expansion. “But in the end, we were very pleased with the increased capacity and site improvements, which improves efficiencies in our internal processes and translates to better service to our customers.”

The renovations to the newly acquired building include removing almost all existing structures and utilities under the roof, installing new mechanical and electrical systems, adding skylights and new energy-efficient LED lighting, rebuilding two shipping and receiving docks and building a new lunch and locker room for employees. The new space now serves as a finished goods warehouse and order fulfillment center.

“We’ve been able to reduce order fulfillment lead times by 30% and increased our flexibility to accommodate the ever-changing needs of our customers.” added Lester Gurtler. “The increased warehouse space has also allowed us realize efficiencies in raw material procurement and blending operations, further driving our continuous improvement program in operations.” Over the last 18 months, with the new space Gurtler has also increased production, planning and order fulfillment staff to accommodate a growing customer base.

Other improvements to the grounds and existing building included replacing and widening of tanker receiving driveway, replacing asphalt parking lot with concrete, rebuilding four shipping and receiving docks and enhancing the front façade of both buildings. All told, over 250 yards of concrete was poured across all site improvements. With the new dock space, we have increased our bulk product shipment capacity by 50% allowing for our ongoing increase in bulk laundry chemical shipments.

“This expansion allows us to enhance our industry-leading service to our customers and support our tremendous growth.” said Greg Gurtler. “We are truly blessed to have a thriving, family-owned business that is positioned to serve our customers and industry for many years to come.”

The next phase of improvements, slated to start this Winter, includes the addition of 5,000 square feet of new office space, a 40% increase in new pallet racking, and upgrading blending and packaging equipment.

Gurtler Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of advanced detergents and specialty chemicals for the commercial and institutional laundry industry. A privately held, family owned and operated business, Gurtler has grown into one of the largest specialists in the laundry chemical supply industry, offering a full line of processing chemicals, injection systems and personalized service across the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Australia.

Article date: October, 2019

ARTA C-diff Study

ARTA is pleased to announce that its study on the effectiveness of peracetic acid (PAA) to kill Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) spores is now available for download from the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC). The ARTA study — “The efficacy of a simulated tunnel washer process on removal and destruction of Clostridioides difficile spores from healthcare textiles” — is now available “In Press,” which means it has been accepted for publication but has not yet been published in hard copy by AJIC, according to a recent ARTA release.

AJIC is a peer-reviewed scientific journal produced by the Association for Prevention and Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

“The ability to kill C-diff in healthcare textiles is critical to professional laundries and ARTA has therefore purchased Open Access for this article, which means everyone can easily download and read the study,” says ARTA President Brendan O’Neill of London Hospital Linen Service, London, Ontario. O’Neill adds that this is an important study to share with healthcare clients.

AJIC editors say the article will likely be published in the next six months or as soon as October. This study was funded by ARTA and conducted with assistance from Accuratus Lab. Many thanks to study authors: Kevin McLaren and Steve Tinker, Gurtler Industries; Ed McCauley, UHS; Brendan O’Neill, London Hospital Textile Service; and Lynne Sehulster, PhD, Environmental Infection Prevention, LLC. Nancy Jenkins, executive director of ARTA, served as project manager for the study.

Kevin McLaren, Director of R&D for Gurtler Industries, managed and directed the study. Kevin’s background in microbiological testing protocols and procedures was instrumental in the design and execution of the series of tests that are reported in the publication. Kevin, with Dr. Lynn Sehulster were the primary authors of the study. Steven Tinker, Sr. Vice President of R&D and Marketing for Gurtler Industries, also contributed to the development of the study’s design parameters.

The abstract of the study follows:

Background: Research on reducing Clostridioides difficile spore contamination of textiles via laundering is needed. We evaluated the sporicidal properties of 5 laundry chemicals and then determined the ability of a peracetic acid (PAA) laundry cycle to inactivate and/or remove spores from cotton swatches during a simulated tunnel washer (TW) process.

Methods: In phase I, spore-inoculated swatches were immersed in alkaline detergent, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, or PAA for 8 minutes. In phase II, inoculated swatches were passed through a simulated 24-minute TW process employing 5 wash liquids. Spore survivors on swatches and in test chemical fluids in both studies were enumerated using standard microbiologic assay methods.

Results: In phase I, hypochlorite solutions achieved >5 log10 spore reductions on swatches and >3 log10 reductions for wash solutions. PAA achieved minimal spore reduction in the wash solution (0.26 log10). In phase II, the PAA equilibrium-containing process achieved a >5 log10 spore reduction on swatches. In wash solution tests, the cumulative spore reduction peaked at >3.08 log10 in the final module.

Conclusions: Sodium hypochlorite as a laundry additive is sporicidal. The cumulative effects of a TW process, coupled with a PAA bleach agent at neutral pH, may render textiles essentially free of C difficile spore contamination.

Download the full ARTA study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0196655319304638

Wildman Honors Gurtler Rep

Attendees at a celebration at Wildman Business Group for a longtime chemical rep include: (l/r) Drew Scholl, president and CAO, Wildman; Jake Gurtler, VP, corporate accounts, Gurtler Industries Inc.; Caleb Gilmer, assistant VP, sales, Wildman; Josh Wildman, CEO, Wildman; Clinton Judd, assistant VP, operations, Wildman; Doug Oren, district manager, Gurtler; Greg Gurtler, president, Gurtler; Jeff Brewer, COO, Wildman; Nate Maier, assistant VP, service, Wildman; Todd Deaton, Executive VP, Wildman; Scott Coffman, production manager, Wildman.

Wildman Business Group, Warsaw, IN, recently paid tribute to Doug Oren of Gurtler Industries Inc. for more than 25 years of dedicated service as the chemical company’s representative to the launderer, according to a Wildman news release.

Wildman staff surprised Oren with a luncheon at the plant during a routine service visit. They presented him with an award and a family vacation while he was at Wildman’s northeast Indiana headquarters. Greg and Jake Gurtler, president and vice president, corporate accounts; respectively, for the eponymous chemical vendor also attended the program to “celebrate this meaningful service together.”

“Doug’s unparalleled knowledge, results and responsiveness will always be remembered,” the release said. “His dedication is a testament to the person he is and what we all hope to become.”

Gurtler Industries Receives ARTA Award

The American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) presented the 2019 Nate Belkin Award at Clean in New Orleans on June 21. ARTA President Brendan O’Neill (far right) presented the award to Greg Gurtler and Gurtler Industries, South Holland, Illinois.

The Nate Belkin Award for Excellence in Marketing Reusable Textiles recognizes the person and / or organization that has most effectively realized ARTA’s mission to create greater awareness and appreciation for reusable textiles.

Greg Gurtler provided steady leadership for ARTA as president from 2003 to 2005, and as a director for several terms. It was under his presidency that ARTA first allowed operator members, which expanded ARTA membership significantly. In addition, Gurtler has generously supported ARTA by providing staff, such as Steve Tinker and Kevin McLaren, to serve on the board and support ARTA initiatives. Gurtler Industries is a family-owned chemical manufacturer based in South Holland. Greg is the second generation providing leadership for the company.

In addition, ARTA recognized Kevin McLaren, with the VIP Award. Kevin, the director of R&D for Gurtler Industries, has played a key role in overseeing the ARTA C.diff study for the past two years.

About the Nate Belkin Award

The award is presented every two years at the Clean Show, during ARTA’s Member Breakfast typically scheduled the second morning of the show. Nominations are open to all ARTA member companies, both laundries and allied companies. The winning person or organization receives a custom trophy to showcase in their lobby or executive offices and two complimentary tickets to the ARTA Breakfast at Clean.

A committee of suppliers and operators formed from the ARTA Board of Directors reviews the nominations and selects the finalist. Nominators are asked to complete an online application form, which includes a 200-word summary on the rationale for awarding the recognition to the company being nominated. The Nate Belkin Committee may contact finalists, as needed, to learn more about their entry.

About ARTA: The American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) www.arta1.com

ARTA is a membership of allied associates, suppliers, operators and manufacturers that support the textile maintenance industry. Our mission is to create greater appreciation and demand for reusable textiles — those cloth products that are reused rather than thrown away like paper disposable items. Our members represent all facets of the textile maintenance industry: manufacturers of textiles, machinery and chemicals, as well as suppliers, sister associations, and the operators who clean and deliver clean linen and garments to customers in a variety of industries.