News
September 15, 2015Robison & Smith, Inc. Announces Anniversary and Rebranding as ‘Century Linen & Uniform’
Robison & Smith, Inc. celebrates their 100th anniversary next month and the company announced that it is rebranding to better reflect the services it offers, and to support future growth. The company will change the name of its existing corporation to Century Linen & Uniform in October. No new corporations have been formed.
“We’re celebrating our history with a ferocious vision and keen eye on the future,” announced Richard Smith, President and CEO, unveiling the new logo. “Our previous name didn’t describe what we do, and that’s important as we continue to expand into new markets.”
Century Linen & Uniform has two plants in upstate New York; one that serves exclusively healthcare in Gloversville, and one that serves restaurants, hotels, industrial, and retail medical in Johnstown. The company employs around 300 full time team members, and also has three service centers across the state, in Canastota, Potsdam, and Albany.
The company continues to expand geographically, opening the Albany service center last year, and continuing to expand to the south and west. “A name that represents our experience and reliability is essential as we enter new territories,” says Century’s VP of Sales and Service Matthew Smith. “We also strategically added ‘Uniform’ to the name, since we have been successful in growing that segment and we want to continue to be.” Over 20% of the work in the company’s mixed plant is now industrial garments and dust control, up significantly from just 5 years ago.
In recent years the company has focused on expanding its product line, which now includes soaps, paper, and latex/vinyl gloves. The father and son team have also added technologies, such as RFID garment and mat tracking, and an online portal and ordering, which they say has improved customer experience and satisfaction. Century Linen & Uniform also operates two dry cleaning stores and Laundromats, which will be branded as ‘Century Cleaners.’ Smith notes that the Gloversville Laundromat has recently received several equipment upgrades.
The company trained its Route Service Reps and Service Managers to personally introduce the new name and logo to current customers during the month of September. CEO Smith, a 3rd generation operator says his “entire team is excited and ready to ‘roar’ into our 2nd century!”
