A commercial laundromat has introduced new equipment that will expedite the processing time for clients.

Colin Smith launched Bermuda Commercial Laundry more than 30 years ago at Tribe Road No 2, Ord Road, Warwick and completed a renovation and expansion of the facility in January.

“I started off as part-owner of Pembroke Laundry and Ord Road Laundry that opened in 1987, but we decided to separate and I took over the Ord Road Laundry,” he said.

His son, Tarik Smith, who helps run the business, said the new equipment will be beneficial to both businesses and their employees.

“Our employees have been loyal to us for a long time and they worked very hard over the years. The new machines will definitely limit their workload and also give us the capacity to take on larger business and have a quick turn around time on items,” Tarik said.

The new equipment consists of a pressing machine, the continental compact. It is made by Girbau.

Colin said: “If a single person is operating the machine it will distribute 120 sheets per hour and if two people are using it, 300 sheets per hour. The laundry will come out folded neatly on the other side.”

In addition, the laundromat has added a towel machine that will process 600 towels per hour.

Colin said it is all about giving back to the community and hired an all Bermudian team. “When I first got into the business I hired the guys from around the neighbourhood that other people wouldn’t give a chance to. Some of them were recovering addicts, but they were hard working and stayed loyal to me.”

As part of their community spirit the Smiths are providing a service for seniors, allowing them to drop off table cloths and linens to prepare for the Christmas holiday free of charge.

“If they prefer to wash the table cloths themselves and bring it to us to press that is fine too. We will do the rest,” Tarik said.

Right now the business is looking to expand by taking on more clients from large commercial businesses such as Airbnb, and rest homes.

“Although we are a commercial laundry, we will still take on personal items, if people have large duvets and comforters that they can’t fit in their washer we can do it for them,” Tarik said.

There is also an island-wide pick-up and drop-off service. The hours of operation are from 8am until the last job is completed. For information call 236-0749 or 236-2367.