The French companyJean Michel is now part ofthe GIRBAU Group(page 7)

The HS-4110 washerextractor completes therange of the HS-4000series (page 8)

Continental GIRBAU Inc.Uses Pro-SeriesTM as aSpringboard to UniqueMarket Opportunities(page 11)

The subs id iary ofGIRBAU in the United ArabEmirates celebrates its firstyear (page 12)

The c e r t i f i c a t i on sobtained by GIRBAUconfirm the quality cultureof the company (page 14)

The new HS-5008 washer extrac-

tor is the proof that GIRBAU,

S.A. has been able to adapt its

wide experience in the industrial

laundry field down to nearer the

domestic level.

With 8kg capacity, the new was-

her extractor has been designed

and manufactured to satisfy the

needs of small establishments:

coin-op laundries, nursing home,

rural guests house, gyms, cam-

ping, etc.

The new GIRBAU washer ex-

tractor offers great advantages to

these establishments when com-

pared to domestic washing ma-

chines. The new HS-5008 has a

bigger load capacity, does shorter

and more efficient wash cycles

and the price is very competitive.

The result is a spectacular in-

crease of laundry output.

GIRBAU, S.A., is convinced

about the success of its new pro-

duct and has not hesitated in

building a new factory and in

installing an automated produc-

tion line for the HS-5008.

It is financially better to buy the

HS-5008 washer extractor not on-

ly by its high production capacity

and energy saving but also becau-

se the new washer extractor assu-

res a life five times longer than a

domestic washing machine.

Moreover, GIRBAU has desig-

ned the HS-5008 concentrating

on its ease of use.

The new washer extractor incor-

porates a large access door that

makes loading and unloading ea-

sier, and a drawer with 4 self-

cleaning dispensers.

(Page 3)

The Hostelco exhibition, that will

take place between the 23rd and

the 27th October in Montjuïc,

Barcelona, will be one of the

main shop windows of GIRBAU

products this year.

Some other important show

meetings this year for GIRBAU

are: Texcare Asia (9th-11th May,

Hong Kong), Hôpital Expo (21st-

24th May, Paris) and Expo

Detergo International (8th-11th

November, Milan).

(Page 15)

reviewby

20

02

G I R B A U , I N H O S T E L C O THE NEW GIRBAUST-100 DRYERThis year GIRBAU S.A.

introduces to the market the ST-

100 dryer to satisfy the drying

needs of the large laundries. With

100 kg capacity, the new drier

offers an optimal output and a

high evaporation capacity that

guarantees a high drying

efficiency.

The new ST-100 dryer from

GIRBAU has a mechanism that

allows unloading the clothes with

the blower stopped and without

tilting.

The ST-100 dryer is perfectly

adapted to the GIRBAU TBS-50

batch washer. Due to its capacity,

it’s also an ideal size for larger

installations that, even if they

don’t have a batch washer,

process large volumes of linen.

(Page 9)GIRBAU, S.A. stand in Hostelco 2000

NEW HS-5008 WASHER EXTRACTOR: THEGREAT INNOVATION OF GIRBAU, S.A.The 8 kg capac i ty makes i t idea l for smal l es tab l i shments

New GIRBAU HS-5008 washer extractor with Logi Control and Coin Control options

Issue

nº 3

www.

girb

au.co

m

PUBLISHERS:IDRI SAHARA S. L.

Rda. Camprodon, 4308500 VIC (Barcelona)Tel. 34 93 886 07 56Fax 34 93 886 11 75

E-mail: clip@interausa.com

EDITORSHIP:Montse Orriols

ADMINISTRATION:Núria Orriols

GRAPHIC DESIGNER:Jordi Solé Molas

EDITORS:GIRBAU S.A .

Ctra. de Manlleu, Km 108500 VIC (Barcelona)

(Spain)Tel. 34 93 886 11 00Fax 34 93 886 07 85

E-mail: girbau@girbau.eswww.girbau.com

EDITORIAL STAFF ANDCO-ORDINATORS:

Eva TorrentsJosep LázaroMercè BoverJordi Crusats

PRINTING:7.000 units

Spanish version

7.000 unitsEnglish version

PRINTERS:Impressions Intercomarcals

D.L.:B-23685-99

Pere Girbau BoverChairman of GIRBAU S. A.

page 2

Attending to normaldaily work mattersdoesn’t allow us tohave an overall viewof GIRBAUS’s trans-formation over the lastfew months.Looking at the outlineof Laundry Review byGIRBAU issue 3, I’ve

realised that our company has experienced a veryimportant change.The incorporation of Jean Michel, a leading enterprisein its sector in the French market, has given an ex-traordinary impulse in the project and achievementof the large automated industrial laundries. Jean Michelcomplements our continuous washing tunnels and ourironing installations and opens the doors to the most

important companies involved in linen renting, cen-tralised laundries, and to the largest hospitals andhotels.But there have been more changes: the completionof the 4000 series washer extractors with the110 kg capacity model. The launching of the highcapacity ST-100 dryer. The achievement of UNE-EN ISO-14001 standard and the renovation of theISO-9001.However, I want to highlight the launching of the newHS-5008 washing machine that represents the biggesttechnological and economical effort ever done byGIRBAU, S.A. It implies a new design concept andautomated manufacturing and that’s why we haveincreased our production area by 8.600 m2 with anew building.I want to thank the people from our company for theireffort and enthusiasm and our clients for their support.

HEADQUARTERS

SPAIN:GIRBAU, S.A.08500 Vic (Barcelona) - Ctra de Manlleu, km. 1Tel. (34) 93 886 1100 - Fax (34) 93 886 0785girbau@girbau.es - www.girbau.com

BRANCHES

ARGENTINA:Argasa, S.A.1405 Buenos Aires - Hidalgo 100Tel. 54 11 4901 7600 - Fax. 54 11 4903 2362argasa@infovia.com.ar - www.girbau.com.ar

BRASIL:Girbau do Brasil LTDASo Paulo-SP - Rua Mãrio Lopes Leão, 1097 –Santo Amaro - Cep 04754 - 010Tel./Fax. 55 11 569 35820E-mail: girbau@uol.com.br

CUBA:Girbau, S.A.La Habana - Lonja del Comercio, Oficina 3J - Lamparilla No.2Tel: (53-7) 662071 al 73 - Fax: (53-7) 662083girbau@girbau.co.cu

FRANCE:S.A. Girbau95970 Roissy CDG cedex - 12, Rue des Chardonnerets(Z.I Paris Nord II) - BP 60008Tel. 33 1 4938 8585 - Fax 33 1 4938 8586info@girbau.fr - www.girbau.fr

Jean Michel73100 Grésy-sur-Aix – Z.I. Aix NordTel. 33 4 79 34 80 80 – Fax 33 4 79 34 84 43jm@jeanmichel.fr - www.jeanmichel.fr

U.A.E.:Girbau Middle East FZCODubai – Jebel Ali Free Zone - P.O.Box 17881Tel. 971 4 8839951 - Fax 971 4 8839952girbau@emirates.net.ae - www.girbau.co.ae

U.K.:Viking Laundry EquipmentLondon NW9 OHZ –1, Carlisle Rd.Tel. 44 020-8205 72 85 - Fax 44 020-8200 37 41mail@viking.uk.com - www.viking-girbau.co.uk

U.S.A.:Continental Girbau Inc.Oshkosh, WI 54904 - 2500 State Road 44Tel. 1(920) 231-8222 - Fax 1(920) 231-4666info@cont-girbau.com - www.cont-girbau.com

GIRBAU S.A. has not hesitated about building a new factory andinstalling an automatic production line for the new HS-5008.Having the objective to fully satisfy the needs of the smallestablishments, GIRBAU has worked to achieve a machine thatwill adapt to their needs, with more load capacity, shorter andmore effective wash cycles and at a very competitive price.

N E W WA S H E R E X T R A C T O R H S - 5 0 0 8 : T H EGREAT INNOVAT ION OF G IRBAUIt’s ideal for coin-op laundries, youth hostels, gyms and small establishments

GIRBAU R & D team has

made sure that the work with

the new HS-5008 will be as

effective and comfortable as

possible. Therefore, they have

manufactured a machine with

large access door making it

easier to load and unload, along

with a large detergent drawer

with four self-cleaning dispen-

sers.

The machine programming is

also very easy. The control pa-

nel is simple and accurate.

Other advantages that the user

will appreciate about the HS-

5008 are: the facility for the

machine programme to be star-

ted with time delay, its soun-

dless operation and the fact

that it doesn’t need a lot of

space or bolting-down. It even

allows stacking of a compatible

dryer.

A life five times longer than adomestic washing machineIt is financially better to buy

the new GIRBAU washer ex-

tractor not only due to its high

production capacity and energy

saving, but also because the

HS-5008 assures a life five ti-

mes longer than a domestic

washing machine.

The materials used in the HS-

5008 construction provides a

rugged and durable machine.

All the parts in contact with

the water along with the front

and top panels have been ma-

nufactured in stainless steel

AISI-304L.

The absence of plastic in the

inner and outer drums, the high

resistance elastomers (EPDM)

and the industrial bearings as-

sure its durability.

Shor ter and more effectivewashing cyclesUsually domestic washing ma-

chines, for example, have a 3,5

or 4 kg capacity and they do

washing cycles of about an

hour.

HS-5008 has an 8kg capacity

and, at the same time, its wash

cycle lasts about half an hour.

To equate this in time and cost

is easy: a domestic washing

machine could wash 4 kg in 1

hour, while the new washer

extractor from GIRBAU can

wash 16 kg in that time.

Other washing machines only

have a cold water inlet and they

need time for the heaters to bring

the water up to temperature.

The new washer extractor of

GIRBAU, S.A has a direct hot

water inlet. An automatic

mixer of hot and cold water

obtains the temperature progra-

mmed in very quickly.

The direct consequence of this

feature is the absence of idle

time in the HS-5008 and the

high precision of the wash tem-

perature control (+/- 2ºC).

Efficiency, quality and ecologywith the GIRBAU experienceThe new washer extractor has

been designed and manufactu-

red following the high quality,

security and respect with the

environment guidelines. The

DIN EN ISO 9001 and DIN

EN ISO 14001 certifications

obtained by GIRBAU are a

proof of it.

GIRBAU S.A. is convinced

that due to its features, HS-

5008 is ideal for coin-op laun-

dries, valet washing in hotels,

holiday cottages, hairdressers,

gyms and all type of establish-

ments.

VIKING GETS THE WRAS CERTIFICATION FORTHE HS-5008Viking Laundry Equipment, GIRBAU’s branch in the United Kingdom, has obtainedthe WRAS certification for the new washer extractor HS-5008.Water Board Approval certifies that wash water cannot be returned to the watersupply network.HS-5008 design incorporates both mechanical & materials testing to obtain theWRAS certificate. Similarly other 13 kg & 22 kg high spin machine have also receivedthis accreditation.GIRBAU’s branch in the United Kingdom has recently stimulated a change in itscommercial image whereby the old name of Anglowest Distributors Limited will intime promote its well established Viking trademark and will be known as VikingLaundry Equipment.A further change in Viking’s image has been to design a new logo.

New washer extractor HS-5008 of GIRBAU

A life five timeslonger than a

domestic washingmachine

page 3

Engineeringnews

Have you ever wondered how a

GIRBAU product is born? Do

you want to see the birth of a

star?

Prior to the commercial launch

of a new product, there is a care-

ful planning in the Engineering

Department. Before a new pro-

duct is launched on the market,

the whole team takes great pains

until it manages to create the

“new star” of GIRBAU.

F I RST PHASE : PRODUCTDEFINITIONThe definition phase starts when

the GIRBAU Engineering Depar-

tment receives new demands

from the market through the in-

formation of the Commercial De-

partment, the setting, the clients,

etc.

The Engineering Department Di-

rector, Ramon Sans, is certain

that “this phase is decisive. It is

here where we identify the

market”.

The Product Committee of GIR-

BAU (general management,

commercial direction and techni-

cal direction) opens a round of

meetings to define exactly the

objective to pursue.

In this phase are defined all the

technical specifications, the di-

mensions, the software, the func-

tions and the aesthetic design that

the new product will have.

The definition is so detailed that

we even obtain a virtual image

in 3D of the future product that

is the same as the real final pro-

duct.

SECOND PHASE: CALCULATIONThe calculation phase with the

F in i t e E lement s Method

(FEM) defines geometrically

the critical parts to determine

the weak points of the mecha-

nical resistance and therefore

we obtain a very reliable parts

dimensioning. The FEM secu-

res the life of the machine and

avoids repeating tests with the

real parts.

Through the FEM calculations,

the engineering department secu-

res the parts resistance of the new

product.

THIRD PHASE: DESIGNAfter having certified the parts

resistance of the future product,

it starts the design phase.

The entire machine is drawn, with

all its components and the speci-

fications of each part.

The design phase is performed

following the instructions of a

manual, which provides the gui-

delines, to take into account the

design of any GIRBAU pro-

duct.

FOURTH PHASE: PROTOTYPESTESTSWhen all the parts are defined

and the specifications of the

drawings are detailed, the first

prototypes are made. This is the

test phase.

- Prototype structural test: the

mechanical structure of the pro-

totype is put to the test.

The prototype is subject to diffe-

rent test, among them the one of

extensometry, to validate the cal-

culations obtained by the Finite

Elements Method and to pass

different mechanical fatigue or

life tests to assure the product

resistance.

- Prototype complete test: the

operation of the software is

tested and some tests of energy

and water consumption are do-

ne. The target is to obtain the

minimal consumption possible,

following the guidelines of ISO

14001.

In this phase are also done func-

tional tests to check the machine

operation.

During all the process, there’s a

continuous feedback between

the laboratory team and the en-

gineering one until the prototype

includes all the initial specifica-

tions detailed in the definition

process.

- Product certification: the la-

boratory team in GIRBAU has

itself or in collaboration with

external laboratories or accredi-

ted enterprises checks, after the

manufacture of the new pro-

duct, that it fulfils all the secu-

rity, environmental, electromag-

netical compatibility or other

domain rules that can be

applied.

FINAL PHASE: FINAL CHECK OFTHE PRODUCTTechnical direction establishes

the control specifications to make

sure the client receives a product

with all quality guarantees.

In the production phase, each one

of the machines that leaves the

production line is subject to ex-

haustive tests with water and tem-

perature.

Each machine is subject to a test

by a computer connected to the

machine microprocessor. The test

determines if there’s any pro-

blem.

Before delivery, the machines

are tested thoroughly to see if

there are water leaks and if each

component works accurately.

They must also pass some elec-

trical security tests as: dielectric

rigidity (the electric part of the

machine is subject to 1000V to

check whether there’s a leak or

not) and of continuity of the

ground circuit.

After carrying out all these tests,

the life of the machine starts.

Phi losophy of the produc tdevelopmentAll the phases of the product de-

velopment are based on the re-

quirements of two main axes: the

ISO 9001 and the ISO 14001.

The performance of ISO 9001

secures that the prototypes and

all GIRBAU products will have

a uniform and acceptable quality

level.

ISO 14001 certifies that the pro-

duct design and manufacturing

have been respectful with the

environment.

F I V E R E A S O N S F O R G I R B A U ’ SPRODUCT SUCCESSThe design process of our products has f ive dist inct phases

PHASE 2: FEM calculation PHASE 3: Prototype parts design PHASE 4: Laboratory tests PHASE 5: Check of the finished product

PHASE 1: Product Committee meeting

page 5

Ramon SansDirector Engineering Dep.

This excellent relationship bet-

ween the companies, built up

over the years, has meant that

the agreement is good news for

both parties.

The Chairman of the GIR-

BAU Group, Pere Girbau,

gave a very positive assess-

ment of the operation becau-

se "on one side, Jean Mi-

chel is a company with a

large presence in the French

market and this will help

promote GIRBAU sales the-

re. On the other side, the

operation will round off the

range of GIRBAU products

on sa l e th roughou t the

world”.

The combination of 2 world leadersFuture prospects are very bright

for Jean Michel: by bringing

GIRBAU into their body of

shareholder they will expe-

rience considerable gains both

in short-term growth and in

exports.

The operation brings together

two leaders in their respective

segments. The GIRBAU Group

has become a world leader in

the manufacture of industrial

laundry machinery, while Jean

Michel is one of the most

outstanding manufacturers

worldwide in its particular

product range.

And the similarities do not

end there. The two are also

family businesses - the son

of Jean Michel 's founder,

Nicolas Baboz, will continue

at the head of the French

company as General Mana-

ger.

R+D SynergiesSynergies will also favour the

work of the R+D departments of

both companies. The continuous

flow of information between GIR-

BAU S.A. and Jean Michel R+D

teams will benefit both parties.

THE FRENCH COMPANY JEAN MICHEL BECOMESPART OF THE GIRBAU GROUPThis union lets GIRBAU complete the whole range of large laundry installations

Premises of the Jean Michel company at Aix-les-Bains (France)

A HISTORY GOING BACK ALMOST 40 YEARS

- Jean Michel S.A. was founded in 1964 by Michel Baboz and Jean Guillemin(the latter gave up his interests in the company during the 80s). Its present headis Nicolas Baboz.- Current staff: 80 employees (15 in the R+D Department).- Premises: 6.500 m2 building.- Products manufactured: Feeders, folders and air transport systems for largelaundry installations.

The relationship between the two companies is not new: GIRBAUhas been a customer of Jean Michel for more than 25 years.GIRBAU manufactures washer-extractors, flatwork ironers andtunnel washers, but they needed Jean Michel's feeders, foldersand air transport systems to complete their laundry installations.

N. Baboz, General manager of Jean Michel, and P. Girbau Chairman of the GIRBAU Group

page 7

HS-4110: THE GIRBAU WASHER EXTRACTORT H A T C O M P L E T E S T H E 4 0 0 0 R A N G EThe incorporation of the GDRIVE to this model reduces notably the energy consumption and increases its performance

page 8

The HS-4110 model (with 110

kg capacity) is the final model

in the range, and completes the

generational change throug-

hout the GIRBAU HS-4000

series.

The inclusion of the GDRIVE

in the 4000 series means the

units operate with only one

motor instead of three conven-

tional motors. In the case of

the HS-4110, the necessary

structural modifications for

this change have been more

important than in other models

of less capacity, due, basica-

lly, to its small dimensions

and to the minimal space avai-

lable.

Great performance thanks to theGDRIVE incorporationThe new HS-4110 washer ex-

tractor is a silent machine that

operates with low water and

energy consumption unavaila-

ble up to now in other washing

machines in the market.

The GDRIVE is an effective

soft tool able to provide abso-

lute autocontrol of the was-

hing machine while it is con-

nected to the power supply,

regardless of the work phase

it is doing. GIRBAU has

achieved this design and ma-

nufacture, which will analyse

at any time its own operation,

protecting itself against the

possible internal and external

effects.

It incorporates low power

consumption and reduces the

starting peak currents of the

motor by up to 70%. This way

for its implantation it’s not

necessary neither important

electrical connections nor the

installation of expensive elec-

trical protections which im-

plies savings in installation

costs.

The HS-4110 washer extractor

has been designed to offer opti-

mal performance and the highest

productivity, together with an

effective mechanical action and

optimal treatment of different

types of textile.

Thanks to the GDRIVE sys-

tem of this model, it has seve-

ral advantages: up to six rota-

tion speeds with only one

motor, an integral control of

the imbalances, controlled ac-

celeration and braking, an im-

portant reduction of the noise

and vibrations, a lengthening

of the mechanical life of the

washer extractor and a wide

voltage tolerance of power

supply.

Josep MagemManufacturing Director

To provide a fast and quality

delivery system at the mini-

mum cost is not easy in any

company, and in the case of

GIRBAU, where so many mo-

dels are manufactured with a

high number of options for

each model, it is still more

difficult.

Having the goal to provide a

delivery period of 2 or 3 weeks,

GIRBAU has developed a

complex system of organised

production that allows the fac-

tory to comply with the deli-

very requirement and, at the

same time, to have a good

stock rotation.

Production programming andstocks managementComputer software for produc-

tion management allows us to

evaluate statistically each of

the multiple options of our mo-

dels. The key to good program-

ming i s to h i t t he con-

sumption projections in each

option.

A good management system

guarantees the fast service to

our clients with optimal stock

levels.

The versatility of the operatorsadapt to the production needsAnother problem is the variety

of manufacturing options, one

of which is the demands in the

posts. That is, each machine

model has a specific produc-

tion needs and requires the

services of a specific section.

Therefore, depending on the

model type demanded, it is

necessary to reinforce one

section or another.

The solution is to have a list

of posts ready to adapt to the

manufacturing needs in each

moment. GIRBAU has achie-

ved it. Most of its operators

are versatile and are able to

work in different sections.

Without them and their efforts,

the progress of GIRBAU

couldn’t be possible.

In addition to a good prepara-

tion and to their commitment

to their work, the GIRBAU

staff in factory has the techni-

cal and documentation support

realised by the Production En-

gineering Department. Each

operator receives from this de-

partment documentation with

the drawing of the product to

be manufactured, the manufac-

ture phases and some control

rules of the tasks to be done.

The factory adaptability to any

production process demanded

is completed by a large exter-

nal collaborators network that

manufacture the pieces that

GIRBAU needs.

Vertical lift storage system to makeeasier materials managementTime is precious when talking

about serving the client with effi-

ciency. GIRBAU has recently

installed a vertical lift storage

system that allows a very fast

spare location, since the conven-

tional organisation has changed

to an integration of all the opera-

ting system.

The implantation of this new sys-

tem has provided a floor surface

reduction for the material and

components storage in the fac-

tory.

All these elements, combined

with GIRBAU staff make it pos-

sible to provide satisfaction to

our clients.

The new HS-4110washer extractoroperates with lowwater and energy

consumption

THE PRODUCTION ORGANISATION ALLOWSGIRBAU TO OFFER A RAPID AND QUALITY SERVICEA strict control of the programming, manufacturing and stock material is the key of the success

Vertical lift storage system

New GIRBAU HS-4110 washer extractor (TILT version)

Designed and built with high

quality components, the ST-

100 dryer gives an optimal

output and, at the same time,

a high evaporation capacity

which guarantees a high effi-

ciency of the drying.

The loading capacity of the

new dryer ST-100 is 127 kg (R

1:20) and 100 kg (R 1:25), with

gas, steam and hot oil heating.

The sequential dryer GIRBAU

ST-100 is a perfect unit to ins-

tall next to the GIRBAU Batch

Washer TBS-50. The excellent

output this dryer gives allows

the installation which is able

to dry 100% of the linen pro-

duced by the batch washer

(TBS-50/12 batch washer with

five ST-100 dryers).

Due to their capacity, they be-

come an ideal component for

those installations that do

not have a batch washer, but

handle large quantities of

clothes daily.

For example, a hotel with

washing and drying needs of

200kg/h of towel textiles could

perfectly operate with two HS-

4110 washer extractors and one

autonomous ST-100 dryer with

a manual load conveyor. In this

way, the washer extractors will

produce a wash cycle of one

hour each (processing 200 kg

of clothes) whereas the ST-100

dryer will process the produc-

tion of both machines (in half

an hour batch, the dryer produ-

ces 100 kg).

In this case, the ST-100 is per-

fectly adaptable to any future

installation with a batch was-

her.

Easy access to all parts andinnovative unloading systemThe dryer ST-100 design has

been made thinking that its

big technical and production

capacities will be completed

by its friendly use for the user.

Therefore, the ST-100 can be

installed with walkways to

allow access to the top of the

dryers, thus giving safe access

for control and inspection

They have also been designed

t o m a k e t h e a u t o m a t i c

unloading process as easier as

possible. GIRBAU adds to the

ST-100 a mechanism that

allows the unloading with the

blower stopped and without

t i l t ing (exclus ive Girbau

patent).

The absence of airflow to eva-

cuate the clothes prevents heat

loss to atmosphere within the

laundry and decreases pollu-

tion given out.

Automatic cleaning, cool-downand Teflon coating optionsThe new ST-100 dryer has a

wide range of opt ions to

adapt it to the needs of the

client.

The automatic cleaning of the

filter is very interesting. When

the filter is saturated, the dryer

makes an automatic cleaning

cycle, after which the filter is

clean, and this procedure

doesn’t harm the machine

output.

In the case of the installations

where there can be plastics

mixed with the textiles to be

washed (in the hospitals, for

example), the ST-100 has as

an option a Teflon coating to

prevent these materials adhe-

rence to the drum due to the

high temperature.

Another option is the cool-

down (cooling cycle before

unloading).

T H E K E Y T O E F F I C I E N T D R Y I N GThe new range of GIRBAU dryers provide the best solution for all kinds of laundries

The large laundries and the hotel laundries in particular, need a large capacity ofdrying due to the type of textiles they’re used to wash. GIRBAU presents the bestsolution: the ST-100 dryer.

STI GIRBAU TUMBLE DRYERS RANGEGIRBAU extends its range of tumbler dryers for laundry installations.The new STI tumble dryers are available in 12 kg, 22 kg, 30 kg (new) and45 kg version.They are designed and built with high quality components, assuring an optimaloutput. Their high evaporation capacity and their constructive features assurehigh efficiency of drying.Thanks to a powerful and generously sized heating coil, together with thelarge flow-rate provided by the blower, an airflow with the correct percentageof heated air is obtained.Its control by the microprocessor allows doing multiple functions in an easyand simple way.This versatile microprocessor allows working with different drying programs.In each one of them it is possible to introduce multiple parameters such as:drying time, cooling time, cool-down features, etc.Another feature of the STI range is the filter location in the front to make thecleaning tasks easier.The STI tumble dryers by GIRBAU are efficient, compatible with the environment,sustainable and with a high load capacity.

Laundry installation with dryer ST-100

page 9

page 11

CONTINENTAL USES PRO-SERIES AS A SPRINGBOARDTO UNIQUE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

The programmablehigh extraction

speeds eliminate theneed for drying the

towels at all

Lutheran Homes in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA

Marketed by Continental as the

Pro-Series line, the soft-mount

design with G-drive technology

has given Continental the ability

to pursue and capture new and

unique market opportunities.

“The Pro-Series machines give

laundry operators in unique

markets the flexibility they re-

quire to greatly impact equip-

ment performance and efficien-

cy,” s ta ted Mike Floyd,

Executive Vice President of

Continental.

Whether it is a fire department

concerned about the processing

of their expensive turnout gear,

or a nursing home interested in

a machine that they can install

on the second level of their buil-

ding, giving these facilities the

ability to control the factors that

matter to them most has resulted

in an explosion of new market

opportunities for Continental.

Fire DepartmentsContaminants from a fire can

expose firefighters to cancer-

causing carcinogens, and even-

tually weaken the gear meant to

protect them. If there is fabric

breakdown, firefighters are faced

with a risk of burns or even death.

By cleaning the gear promptly

and thoroughly after use, the life

of the gear can be extended by

up to 50 percent. Turnout gear,

however, requires special atten-

tion when laundering.

The PM Microprocessor control,

which is packaged on the Pro-

Series line, can be customized

to meet the gear’s unique laun-

dering requirements.

With only one set of gear per

firefighter in most cases, it is

critical that the washer removes

a large percentage of the water

from the fabric, greatly reducing

drying time and the risk of steam

burns. With speeds that reach

up to 387 G-force, Pro-Series

washers satisfy that need leaving

gear drier while saving the fire

department valuable time and

money.

Nursing HomesLaundries in long-term care fa-

cilities often need to be installed

in non-conventional locations

such as a second floor or in a

temporary space. Because of the

freestanding design of the Pro-

Series washers, with no bolt

down or conventional concrete

foundations required, this is ma-

de possible, no longer does the

laundry facility need to be loca-

ted in the basement level.

Many long-term care facilities

are also facing staffing pressures

and increased labor costs.

Pro-Series washer-extractors

help properties keep up with

high volume laundering requi-

rements without spending more

on labor. The soft-mount design

and high extract speed can grea-

tly reduce drying time and gas

usage. The microprocessor con-

trol can further reduce utility

and labor cost through progra-

mmed controls and one touch

operation. The delayed start op-

tion allows for a load to be pro-

cessed before the first shift even

begins.

Correctional FacilitiesCorrectional facilities will, in

many cases, use inmate labor in

their laundry operations. Doing

this requires the use of safety

features on the machines. The

impact resistant microprocessor

control on Pro-Series washers

can be easily set by facility

maintenance personnel.

Once the desired programs are

set, the control allows for cycle

lockout capability that prohibits

operators from changing pre-set

wash or using unauthorized for-

mulas during production.

It ensures that no operator tam-

pering occurs and allows the

laundry operator to begin the

laundry process with the single

touch of a button while still

achieving the optimal laundering

conditions for saving water, re-

ducing sewer volume, and redu-

cing chemical consumption.

Athletic Facilities/Sports TeamsLaundries in athletic departments

and facilities often find themsel-

ves falling victim to peak period

overloads. This can result in bot-

tlenecks at the dryer due to longer

dry time than wash time. Because

the Pro-Series line of washers

extract at speeds almost 4 times

greater than a standard “hard-

mount” washer, more moisture

is removed from fabrics upon

completion of the wash cycle.

To athletic facilities this not only

reduces the bottlenecks created

at the dryer, but also extends the

linen life.

High School athletic departments

are likely to have volunteers in

their laundries. Because of this,

the PM microprocessor control

can be of great benefit.

The pre-set controls allow for

one-touch operation while still

achieving the perfect blend of

wash water temperature, water

levels, chemicals, wash and ex-

traction speeds and cycle time.

Having the ability to control these

processes gives facilities the abi-

lity to reduce utility costs with

thorough and quality laundering

results.

Car WashesCar wash facilities require a par-

ticular moisture content in the

towels they use too dry and they

can be abrasive and leave a lint

trail on the vehicle finish, too wet

and they will not absorb the water

from the wash. Continental’s Pro-

Series washers give car wash ow-

ners the ability to achieve the

ideal moisture content of their

towels.

The programmable high extrac-

tion speeds eliminate the need

for drying the towels at all. This

not only saves on labor costs, but

also decreases the linen damage

and increases the life of the

towels. Pro-Series washers also

give them the durability of an

industrial washer that they need

while saving energy and utility

costs.

Pro-Series washers featuring new

G-Drive technology are available

in 18, 30, 55, 90, 130 and 255-

pound capacities. They are per-

fect ly matched with the

Continental’s Pro-Series high-

performance tumbler dryer line

and flatwork ironer line to ensure

fast, efficient throughput. All are

backed by the company’s 5-

year/3-year limited parts warranty

and a nationwide distribution and

parts network to help customers

keep their laundries fully functio-

nal and productive.

Continental Girbau, Inc., is the

US subsidiary of Girbau S.A., ba-

sed in Vic (Barcelona), Spain. For

more information about Pro-Series

washer extractors or Continental’s

extensive line of commercial and

industrial laundry equipment, con-

tact: Continental Girbau Inc., at

(800) 256-1073, Fax (920) 231-

4666 or visi t www.cont-

girbau.com.

Fire Chief Bob Carter of Hudson Fire Dep. in Hudson, Ohio, USAAssistant Chief Mark Tallman of Franklin Township, Ohio, USA

In a US market populated by “hard-mount” machines, the newseries of soft-mount washer extractors manufactured by Girbauis getting attention with the country’s more recent concerns ofenergy efficiency and productivity.

The microprocessorcontrol can furtherreduce utility andlabor cost through

programmed controls

GIRBAU Middle East is located

in the Jebel Ali Free Zone area,

an industrial zone that allows the

GIRBAU Group to distribute its

products both in the United Arab

Emirates (60% of sales), and in

the Middle East countries.

Newmatic Trading Co. continues

the responsibility of distributing

the GIRBAU products in the

Emirates, as it has done in the

past.

The creation of a new GIRBAU

subsidiary in the area took shape

due to the strong sales increase

in the Middle East area and the

increase in demand of GIRBAU

machinery.

With the construction of new ho-

tels, the laundry needs increased.

This explains the progressive

growth of GIRBAU products.

Anyway, the Dubai subsidiary

also includes hospitals, industrial

laundries, dry cleaners, etc.

among its customers.

Jordi Bosch, President of GIR-

BAU Middle East FZC, states

that “the importance of this sub-

sidiary is strategic because it

allows the sales extension of

GIRBAU to the countries in the

area such as Yemen, Iran, Iraq,

Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi

Arabia, Palestine, Pakistan and

exsoviet countries, as well as

Dubai and the res t o f

Emirates”.

For 2002, the subsidiary manage-

ment goes for a continuous and

sustained growth.

New 600 m2 facilitiesThe Dubai subsidiary facilities

use an area of 600 m2, of which

50 m2 is used as offices and the

rest is used for storage and the

technical service department.

GIRBAU has equipped the faci-

lities with Cd-Rom, video, web

pages, etc. to achieve a better

communication with the custo-

mer.

The GIRBAU Middle East faci-

lities were inaugurated on the

1st of march 2001, at the same

time as the Gulf Food fair that

takes places in Dubai every two

years.

Some management people from

the GIRBAU Group went to the

inauguration with some represen-

tatives of the subsidiary equip-

ment suppliers.

The inauguration event consisted

of a welcome dinner and a visit

to the new GIRBAU Middle East

facilities.

The President of the GIRBAU

Group, Pere Girbau, and Majd

Abulaban, director of the subsi-

diary, gave a speech to underline

the strategic importance of the

subsidiary for the GIRBAU

Group.

According to Majd Abulaban,

“the Dubai subsidiary becomes

an international bridge for the

whole area. Dubai and its free

zone in the Jebel Ali Free Zone

is the perfect point to cover a

great many customers and

countries”.

Abulaban also referred to the task

performed by Newmatic Trading

Co. and he assured that “from

Newmatic we have given techni-

cal service and sales to different

countries as for example Siberia,

Nigeria, Azerbadjan, etc. This

will also be the spirit of the new

subsidiary”.

The office management has been

entrusted to its two directors,

Majd Abulaban and Mounzer

Wakil. Both of them know per-

fectly the Middle East market

and they both have an impeccable

career in representing laundry

machinery.

A sales team and qualified office

staff make up the human resour-

ces of the United Arab Emirates

subsidiary.

Some examples of facilities that

GIRBAU Middle East have pro-

vided for are hotels for the She-

raton chain in Nigeria, Yemen,

Dubai and the Hilton hotels in

Dubai.

The team has accomplished all

their expectations and keeps wor-

king to improve the subsidiary

results during 2002.

1ST ANNIVERSARY OF GIRBAU SUBSIDIARYIN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESThe results of 2001 have slightly exceeded the planned expectations.

All those responsible for GIRBAU Middle East FZC (G.M.E) are very satisfied with the results thatGIRBAU subsidiary has achieved in the United Arab Emirates in only one year. The facilities of thesubsidiary were inaugurated on the 1st of march 2001.

In its thirty-year history,

GIRBAU’s dealer in Galicia has

achieved a major presence there.

Directed by Mr José Manuel Mu-

ñoz and his son Miguel, the office

has achieved 60% of the hotel

sector market share in Galicia;

100% of the public hospitals in

the area use GIRBAU machinery.

The numbers are equally optimis-

tic with regard to the dry-cleaning

sector: of the 360 dry-cleaning

businesses in Galicia, more than

120 are clients of the GIRBAU

dealer.

GIRBAU introduction in Galicia

is very satisfactory. Mr Muñoz’s

great professionalism and exten-

sive knowledge of the sector have

been proven through his provi-

sion of an advisory service and

monitoring of his clients’ insta-

llations down to the last detail.

GIRBAU offers its clients so

many different possibilities, that

Mr Muñoz does not hesitate to

affirm: “we franchise at no char-

ge, in the sense that we sell ma-

chinery and provide advisory

services and training for clients

on issues such as the facilities

and machine operation; howe-

ver, they have the advantage of

not being required to conform

to a corporate image”.

Electronics have led to more

comfortable and environmentally

friendly machines.

With 30 years of experience in

the sector, Mr Muñoz has seen

the evolution of GIRBAU machi-

nery up close, especially the in-

troduction of electronics, which

has allowed the company to offer

its clients machines that are easier

to use and more environmentally

friendly.

It is a pleasure for GIRBAU to

work with dealers such as José

Manuel Muñoz, an individual

who has put his own personal

imprint of energy and professio-

nalism into the company.

MORE THAN 60% OFTHE HOTEL SECTORIN GALICIA AREGIRBAU CLIENTS

José Manuel MuñozDealer of GIRBAU in Galicia

J. Bosch, M. Abulaban, P. Girbau, M. Wakil and A. Reixach attended the day of the inauguration

GIRBAU Middle East offices in Dubai

“The Dubaisubsidiary is an

internationalbridge for all

the area”

For 2002, thesubsidiary

management goes fora continuos andsustained growth

page 12

One of the main guidelines that

direct the financial politics of

GIRBAU is to set aside most part

of the profits generated to proper

funds, strengthening the financial

structure of the company.

To assure the future of GIR-

BAU, every year the board es-

tablishes:

- The objectives for new tech-

nological developments, in

both Research and Develop-

ment activities, expanding and

improving the productive ins-

tallations.

- The consolidation and interna-

tionalisation of their commercial

network, with technical assistan-

ce services and customer help

service

- The training plans, for the inter-

nal personnel and for the sales

and services personnel.

- The establishment of new infor-

mation technologies, improve-

ment of the administrative process

and communication among the

departments (informatics integra-

tion).

All this implies important in-

vestments, essential to keep our

leading position in the world

market.

Most of the investments in

R+D+I+T (Research, Develop-

ment and Technological Innova-

tion and Training plans of the

personnel) don’t appear in the

Fixed assets of the company, and

they are part of the operating

costs.

GIRBAU, S.A. sets aside about

4% of its annual invoicing to the

R+D+I+T for realising different

research and development pro-

jects of new machines and tech-

nologies.

The 28 people working in the

Engineering department, Labo-

ratory, Tools and Prototype De-

partment and Documentation in

both factories of GIRBAU in

Vic, work for the creation of new

products.

The administrative departmentfunctionsThe professional team of the Ad-

ministrative Department in GIR-

BAU, S.A., establishes:

- The financial budget of each

year, according to the investments

to be applied.

- Information criteria for the di-

rection, commercial and sales

areas.

- Budget control

- Administration and accounts.

Miquel SadurníFinancial Director

*Research, Development, Technological Innovation and Training plans** Numbers in thousands of Euros

1999 2000 2001 Previsions2002

Participation in subsidiariesand other financial assets

Fixed assets material

R+D+I+T (*)

AMOUNT ACCUMULATED

596 5088 3033 500

1328 841 3833 1800

1360 1850 2100 2200

3284 7779 8966 4500

THE FINANCIAL POLITICS OF GIRBAU ALLOWSFACING THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCEGIRBAU reinvests the resources generated in each accounting period

StaffFinancial expensesStateShareholdersAuto-financing

DISTRIBUTION OFTHE ADDED VALUEGENERATED IN2000

INVESTMENTS IN 2000-2001 ANDINVESTMENT FORECAST IN 2002

page 13

The philosophy behind these cer-

tifications is not a race to win

titles. That is not the way it is

understood by GIRBAU, the com-

mon target is to guarantee to the

clients, the employees, suppliers

and environment that everything

in the company is done correctly.

GIRBAU was one of the pioneer

enterprises in Spain in obtaining,

twenty years ago, the CSA (Ca-

nada Standard Association) cer-

tification of electrical safety of

their products.

Further on, they obtained the Ger-

man certification GS, the most

stringent in Europe in terms of

safety.

Europe has established the CE

label and created some specific

directives and standards for each

product. The GIRBAU products

carry out these different directi-

ves. For example, the washer ex-

tractors conform with the direc-

tives of machine safety, low

tension and electromagnetic com-

patibility. The gas ironers, besides

the previous directives, carry the

gas devices directive.

It is important to mention the

correct fulfilment of the machine

safety directive and the low-

tension directive that through a

careful risks analysis allow the

design of a completely safe pro-

duct.

The electromagnetic compatibi-

lity that was certified through the

“Laboratori General d’Assaigs i

Investigacions” (LGAI Testing

Laboratory) guarantees that the

GIRBAU products are protected

against both electromagnetic in-

terferences, the active ones and

the passive ones. That is, they

don’t emit interferences that

could damage their environment,

and they are not interfered by

external emissions.

The obsession for the quality andthe environmentThe recent company certifica-

tions obtained by GIRBAU are

those related to quality and envi-

ronment protection, two basic

axis that follow the policy pro-

moted by GIRBAU.

The ISO 9001, obtained in 1996,

guarantees that the GIRBAU pro-

ducts have been designed and ma-

nufactured following the pre-

established procedures in the qua-

lity manual.

The Technical director, Ramon

Sans, assures that “in GIRBAU,

quality is one of our obsessions.

We design our products always

thinking in a quality market. We

start at the point where the

others stop”.

The quality of the products is

possible thanks to the responsibi-

lity of the human team in GIR-

BAU.

In parallel to the quality, the

environment protection is ano-

ther of GIRBAU’s priorities. In

2001, the company obtained the

ISO 14001 certification that gua-

rantees: an “ecological” design

(parts completely recyclable,

low energy consumption of the

machines), the minimisation of

waste and the use of materials

that are respectful of the envi-

ronment during the production

process.

To fulfil the requirements of this

certification GIRBAU made im-

portant decisions and investments

like: change of combustible fuel,

from oil to natural gas, monitoring

of the subsoil contamination and

later make it waterproof, change

in the surface treatment process,

edition of a manual and procedu-

res of the Enviromental Manage-

ment System, new painting line,

minimisation of waste, energy

saving, control of the atmospheric

contamination, sonometric con-

trols, etc.

The application of these certifica-

tions also promotes the continuous

training of the GIRBAU staff.

Nowadays, constant improve-

ments are made day by day that

reaffirm the principles of the en-

vironmental policy of GIRBAU,

S.A.

During this year an evaluation of

the suppliers will be done to

know the degree of fulfilment of

their environmental objectives.

The purpose is to expand the po-

licy of the environment protection

to our environment in a progres-

sive way.

Antoni GirbauGeneral Manager of GIRBAU S.A.

THE CERTIFICATIONS OBTAINED BY GIRBAUCERTIFY THE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER HELPENTERPRISE CULTUREI S O 1 4 0 0 1 i s t h e l a t e s t c e r t i f i c a t i o n o b t a i n e d

From the beginning, GIRBAU S.A has progressively increased its autoexigence levels not only toimprove its productivity but also to be sure that its production process guarantees the quality, securityand protection of the environment.

ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications obtained by GIRBAU S.A.

page 14

T E X C A R E A S I A , H O P I TA L E X P O A N D E X P ODETERGO INTERNAT IONAL

GIRBAU will be this year in

Texcare Asia, the Hong Kong

show dedicated to the textile

industry.

The exhibition takes place in

Hong Kong from the 9th to the

11th May in the Convention &

Exhibition Centre.

Texcare has become this year an

important platform for the ope-

ning of the enterprises to the new

Chinese market.

Most visitors will be potential

buyers in China and in the region

of Asia-Pacific.

The Chinese legislation is more

and more exigent in terms of

environmental protection and

this forces the hotel, hospital

and other laundries to renew

their machines.

The changing situation of the

Chinese market favours the

expansion of companies like

GIRBAU that see the possibi-

lity to make contacts in Tex-

care Asia to expand their al-

ready important international

presence.

GIRBAU will show in this

edition as star, the HS-5008

washer extractor, the ST-100

dryer and the HS-4110 washer

extractor.

Hôpital Expo in France and ExpoDetergo International in ItalyOther important shows to

which GIRBAU will go this

year are Hôpital Expo and Ex-

po Detergo.

Hôpital Expo will take place

from the 21st to the 24th May

in Paris Expo – Porte de Ver-

sailles.

The exhibition, organised by

the Association of Medical Ma-

ter ia l Manufacturers and

Agents, has become one of the

most important in the health

sector. In twenty-five years, it

has passed from 17000m2 and

13000 visitors to an area of

23500m2 and 35000 visitors on

the last exhibition.

In Hôpital Expo, the visitors can

see on the GIRBAU stand the

great advantages and benefits of

the new products.

On the other hand, GIRBAU

will be at the Expo Detergo

International that will take pla-

ce in the International Fair of

Milan from the 8th to the 11th

November.

Among the star products of the

exhibition, the visitors can see

the new HS-5008 and HS-4110

washer extractor.

One of the most important shows

for GIRBAU, S.A in the exhibi-

tions calendar of this year is Hos-

telco, the International Restau-

rants, Hotels and Community

Equipment exhibition.

The meeting will take place bet-

ween the 23rd and the 27th Oc-

tober in the pavilions 1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8 and Z6 in Montjuïc,

Barcelona. The visitors could go

to the halls between 10.00 and

19.00h.

In Hostelco, GIRBAU, S.A will

show all the range of products

that it manufactures in a stand of

500 sq.m.

Hostelco 2002, is organised by

Fira de Barcelona and FELAC

Insti tutional and Related

I n d u s t r i e s ’ E q u i p m e n t

Manufacturers’ Association with

the collaboration of most repre-

sentative industrial associations.

It is the most important exhibition

in Spain and among the three

most important in Europe within

this sector.

The show has become an impor-

tant meeting point of manufactu-

rers, dealers, installers and users

of this sector.

The visitors can see on the GIR-

BAU stand the new products of

this year: the new HS-5008

washer extractor, the ST-100

dryer, the complete range of

HS-4000 washer extractors and

the products of Jean Michel,

recently incorporated to the

GIRBAU group.

Visitors, apart from these new

products could also see other

GIRBAU products like the spec-

tacular batch washers.

GIRBAU W I L L BE IN HOSTELCO 2002 IN ASTAND OF 500 SQ .M .

Partial image of the GIRBAU stand in Hostelco 2000

Teresa Girbau, Pere Girbau, José Valmaña and Antoni Girbau

page 15

HOMAGE TO MR. JOSÉ VALMAÑAThis year GIRBAU S.A. will not have the collaboration of Mr. José ValmañaCortiella who has been the advertisement consultant and exhibitions co-ordinatorof the company for 40 years.Mr. José Valmaña died in Vic on the 18th February. The burial took place onthe 19th in the town of La Galera (Tarragona) and on the 22nd took place thefunerals in Barcelona to give a chance to those who met him to say goodbyeto Mr. Valmaña. The respect that we all had for him was demonstrated in bothceremonies.Despite his age (81 years old), his vitality and energy never left him. That’swhy his death surprised us.GIRBAU, S.A. wants to thank in public not only his great professionalism thathe demonstrated during all these years, but also his personal commitment thatmake him a very close friend to everybody.

Image of the GIRBAU stand in Equiphotel exhibition, in Paris

GIRBAU S.A. presented on the

8th March 2002 in Vic (Spain)

the new washer extractor HS-

5008.

The convention assembled more

than a hundred of dealers and

distributors from Spain, Portugal

and Italy interested in knowing

the new HS-5008 and the tum-

bler dryers STI.

The commercialisation of the

new HS-5008 means that GIR-

BAU will have to approach new

segments of the market like cam-

ping, rural guest house, youth

hostels, hairdressers and all kind

of establishments that will need

a bigger output than the domestic

washing machines.

Furthermore on the 2nd & 3rd of

May second international con-

vention took place to present the

HS-5008 and the STI Dryers.

There were fifty dealers and dis-

tributors from Argelia, Austria,

Belgium, Egypt, France, Ger-

many, Great Britain, Greece,

Ireland, Israel, Holland, Russia,

Tanzania, United Arab Emirates,

etc.

NEWSGIRBAU COLLABORATES WITH THE

FUNDACION CATALANA PRISBA IN THERAVAL NEIGHBOURHOOD OF BARCELONAThe Fundación Catalana Prisba was born in the Raval

neighbourhood in Barcelona, in 1992.

It started as a small laundry of the neighbourhood. Its target

was to offer the laundry service to the neighbours of the old

quarter of Barcelona because they didn’t have running water

in their flats. The establishment was opened in a small site,

with 2 people working. The objective was very clear: to clean

the linen at “social” prices, because they knew the economic

and social situation of the residents and to contribute actively

in the reintegration at a social and working level, of those

people who were socially excluded, who had difficulties to find

a job, offering them working possibilities.

Nowadays, the laundry of the Fundación Catalana Prisba has

8 people working in it, most of them immigrant women older

than 45, without education and neighbours of the neighbourhood.

In addition to attend the needs of the neighbourhood, the laundry

collaborates with the social services of the City Council of

Barcelona washing for example the clothes of the hostels for

the homeless.

Projects like this one show the important possibilities of the

neighbourhood laundries, an innovative concept in the Spanish

market.

GIRBAU is proud to collaborate with the Fundación Catalana

Prisba through its advice and washer extractors and they want

to congratulate them for the work they do every day.

28 TONS OF PAPER AND CARDBOARDAND 102 KG OF BATTERIES HAVE BEEN

RECYCLED IN 2001 IN GIRBAU, S.A.GIRBAU S.A, being aware of the environment, has invested

during 2001 more than 37.600 EUR to apply a correct

management of waste products. In 2001 they collected 28 tones

of paper and cardboard, 102 kg of batteries and 425 fluorescent

tubes in the two factories in Vic. It is also important, the 60 kg

of toners and the 420 plastic drums and cans collected.

In 2002, the target is to recycle a higher quantity. They want

to save the documentation paper, used for the ISO-9001 and

14001, by sending 45% of the documentation by e-mail. Another

target is to change the actual fluorescents for triphosphorus

fluorescent (recyclable and not considered as special waste)

and replace the magnetic reactance for electronic ones that

assure durability three times longer than the tube type.

GIRBAU PARTICIPATES IN THE PUBLICATIONOF A BOOK BY THE POLITECHNICUNIVERSITY OF CATALONIA (UPC)

Carles Riba, Doctor of Industrial Engineering, professor of the

Mechanical Engineering Department of the Polytechnic Uni-

versity of Catalonia and director of the Industrial equipment

design Centre of the same university, has published the book

Diseño de máquinas V Metodología (Machines Design V

Methodology) in the collection Temas de Ingeniería Mecánica

(Mechanical Engineering Subjects) of Ediciones UPC. The

target of this book is to give conceptual and methodological

aids to the professionals that have to design a product or a

machine.

Riba, collaborator for 18 years of the Engineering Department

of GIRBAU, S.A thanks in the book the collaboration of the

Technical Director of GIRBAU, Ramon Sans, and the General

manager, Antoni Girbau.

The book analyses the development of some GIRBAU products

such as the Kits system and the batch washer.

PRESENTATION OF THE NEWWASHER EXTRACTOR HS-5008

T H E N E W C O N C E P T O FLAUNDRIES IN THE USA

Could you imagine having a

coffee or surfing the Internet

while you’re doing the washing

in a coin-op laundry?

In the United States, where the

coin-op laundries are very esta-

blished, there’s a new concept

of laundry based on a combina-

tion of traditional services with

a wide offer of leisure services.

An example of this new concept

is the Laundry 101 (Madison,

Wisconsin). Continental GIR-

BAU Inc. has installed a number

of coin-op washer extractors that

allow doing the washing in 40

minutes, and users don’t have

to bring neither soap nor softe-

ner. Laundry 101 has become

one of the fashionable places in

Madison, haunted by students

and young professionals that de-

cide to spend some time with

their friends having a sandwich,

watching the TV or surfing

in Internet while they do the

washing.

Laundry 101 in Madison, Wisconsin

Image of the attendants at the convention on the 8th March 2002