Running one of the UK’s longest-standing industrial laundries while keeping up with modern technology and efficiency requires the right systems and support. Susan Peat, Operations Director at Shortridge Laundry, explains how partnering with ABS has helped the company maintain exceptional service, high quality, and continuous innovation.
A Legacy of Service and Quality
Shortridge Laundry, founded in 1845, has a long history of serving hotels, guest houses, restaurants, spas, and hospitality operations across Northern England and Central Scotland. Offering linen hire, towel processing, and workwear rental, the company recently became part of the international K-Bro Linen group, while retaining the Shortridge brand and management team.
Susan Peat explains the company’s enduring focus: “We have always prioritised reliability and customer service, maintaining long-standing relationships with our clients.”
Modernizing Operations with ABS
The partnership with ABS has been pivotal in modernizing Shortridge’s operations. Susan Peat says, “We were actually the first company in the UK to work with ABS, and we’ve been using the system properly for about 17 years now.”
Before ABS, invoicing and laundry tracking relied on paper notes and basic printouts, which made production planning cumbersome. “We were looking for a system that could handle everything: generate orders, manage laundry production, and support invoicing all in one place,” Susan adds.
Advanced Visibility in Production
One of the major improvements for Shortridge came from gaining clearer insight into daily production. Susan notes, “It was a big step forward for us. Our teams could immediately see what needed to be produced, which made planning much clearer.”
Having this level of visibility allows the operation to run more smoothly and helps staff respond quickly to changing requirements throughout the day.
Using Data to Support Operational Decisions
Beyond day-to-day production planning, ABS also provides valuable operational insight. Susan explains that the system makes it easier to review information and use it to support planning and management decisions.
“Having access to reliable data helps us understand what is happening across the operation and allows us to plan more effectively,” Susan says.
Reliable Support and Security
Susan emphasizes the reliability of ABS support. “Every time we do an upgrade, there’s always technical help available. We rarely have issues, but if something comes up, it is picked up and resolved very quickly.”
Cybersecurity was another critical consideration when Shortridge migrated to the cloud. “We were concerned about data security, but ABS ticked all the boxes, and our IT team was confident that everything was safe and backed up,” Susan adds.
Innovation for the Future
Susan sees opportunities for continued innovation. “There’s definitely potential to develop further with ABS, especially with energy efficiency initiatives and AI-driven tools.”
She also envisions exciting ways digital tools could support staff. “It would be fantastic if everyone, even on the production floor, had access to smart systems that guide them step by step through reporting or operational tasks,” Susan explains.
Integrating with External Systems
Shortridge also values the ability to connect ABS with other business systems when needed. Susan Peat explains that this flexibility helps ensure information can move smoothly between different parts of the organization.
“Having systems that can work together makes a big difference in daily operations. It allows us to manage information more efficiently and maintain consistency across the business,” Susan says.
These integrations help reduce manual work, improve data consistency, and support more efficient day to day operations.
Long-Term Partnership
Susan’s loyalty is clear: “I have not really used any other systems because we have been with ABS for so long. I can honestly say that most of the big laundries in the UK now use ABS.”
This long-standing partnership demonstrates the trust and effectiveness of their collaboration, positioning Shortridge as a leader in industrial laundry operations.
Building a Future on a Strong Foundation
Shortridge Laundry exemplifies how a company with a deep-rooted legacy can embrace modern technology without compromising service or quality. Susan highlights, “ABS has enabled us to maintain high standards, innovate, and continue delivering excellent service to our customers. The system is powerful, and the support is fantastic.”
With a solid foundation, ongoing technological advancements, and a customer-focused approach, Shortridge Laundry is well-positioned to continue its journey from tradition to innovation.
