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G&K Services

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G&K Services, Inc. was an American company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, which provided branded identity uniforms and facility products and services for rent and purchase. G&K Services' branded clothing and facility services programs provided rental-lease or purchase options through its direct sale programs (GKDirect). On March 21, 2017, the company was acquired by Cintas for approximately $2.2 billion.[4]

G&K Services, Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
Nasdaq: GK
IndustryService
Founded1902; 122 years ago (1902)
Headquarters
Minnetonka, Minnesota
,
U.S.
Key people
Douglas A. Milroy (CEO)[1][2]
Productswork uniforms, facility services, fire resistant clothing, work shirts, work shorts, high visibility clothing, scrubs, healthcare clothing, manufacturing uniforms
Number of employees
7,800 (2013)
ParentCintas
(2017–present)[3]
Websitewww.gkservices.com
G&K Services delivery truck & driver

G&K Services' primary offerings were custom-embroidered logo clothing programs, facility services such as restroom supplies and floor mats, cleanroom garments, and process control services.[5] It served various industries including automotive, warehousing, distribution, transportation, energy, manufacturing, food processing, healthcare, warehousing, mining, gas, oil, pharmaceutical, semi-conductor, retail, restaurants, security, airline, and hospitality.

The company experienced a 4% growth in revenue in fiscal year 2014 with an annual revenue of $900.9 million.[6] The company received awards for good water practices[7] and G&K Services Canada was named one of the “Best Employers in Canada” for eleven consecutive years.[8][9] G&K was also active in auto racing sponsorship with JD Motorsports.[10]

History

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G&K Services Corporate Office in Minnetonka, Minnesota
 
G&K Services Facility Services

G&K began as a family-owned dye house. In 1902, the company, founded as Twin City Steam Dye Works, was renamed to Gross & Kronick Dyers in Minneapolis. They introduced "door-to-door" laundry service in 1910. In 1948, G&K introduced "diaper service" due to the Baby Boom. The company responded to the automobile wave in 1960 by opening "drive-in cleaners". G&K went public in 1969, and they began expanding into the Central and Midwest regions in 1970. G&K became a multinational company when they expanded into Canada in 1990. In 1996, they formed their direct-purchase division. In 2002 G&K celebrated their 100th year of business.[11]

In 2016, G&K Services agreed to be purchased by Cintas Corporation of Mason, Ohio. The acquisition was completed on March 21, 2017.[12][13]

Acquisitions

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In 1991, G&K acquired WorkWear of Canada. In 1994, the company acquired BCP Garment Manufacturing. In 1997, the company acquired National Linen Service.[14][15] In 1999, G&K acquired Northeast Dust Products out of Massachusetts.

In 2002, G&K acquired Rental Uniform Company.[16] In 2004, G&K acquired Keefer Laundry Limited in Western Canada. In the same year, G&K acquired Nettoyeur Shefford out of Quebec, Marathon Linen, and Lion Uniform Group.

In 2005, G&K acquired Custom Linen Systems, Coyne Textile Services,[17] and Glis and Glis Laundries in Canada.

In 2007, G&K acquired Leef Services out of Minnesota,[18] Alltext Uniform Rental Service, and Nonclean Limited out of Ireland. In 2008, G&K acquired Best Uniform Rental Service.[19]

Products and services

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G&K services provided a variety of clothing and uniform products. In addition, G&K Services provided flame resistant garments and personal protective equipment by developing and providing the ProTect flame resistant safety solutions.[buzzword][20]

Sustainability

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G&K Services was a founding member of the Textile Rental Services Association of America's (TRSA) Laundry Environmental Stewardship Program (LaundryESP).[21]

G&K was also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), an organization that advocates for environmentally sustainable practices in buildings and communities.[22]

G&K Services sold and rented many products that are EcoLogo Product Certified,[23] which is a part of the Environmental Choice Program. The company also carried numerous Green Seal Certified paper towels and products.[24]

G&K Services’ water reuse system in their laundry facilities reduced fresh water use by up to 40%. Their heat recovery systems reduced natural gas consumption and lowered greenhouse gas emissions.[25]

G&K cut fleet fuel consumption and greenhouse gases by using a GPS-based telematics system in their vehicles that helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Vehicles ran on cleaner burning diesel, and in California trucks were hybrid electric powered.[26]

Community

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In 2005, G&K Services launched the G&K Services Foundation, which supported communities through financial grants, in-kind uniform donations and matching employees’ United Way pledges. Between 2007 and 2013 they gave more than $1.3 million in financial grants to charitable organizations and nonprofits.[27] G&K Services supported the United Way, and in 2014 they contributed more than $320,000.[28] In 2014, the company achieved a 110% increase in their campaign compared to the year before.[29] G&K worked with job training programs such as Twin Cities RISE!, LifeWorks and The Newman Association to help people reach their full potential in their work and careers.[30] Beginning in 2009, GKdirect held a Workforce for a Cure campaign that encouraged G&K Services’ customers to trade in their everyday work wear for pink ribbon apparel in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (TRSA Source). A portion of the purchase price was donated to the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.[31]

Awards and recognition

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G&K earned recognition from several local government organizations for compliance with wastewater requirements.[32][33][34]

G&K Services' manufacturing facility in the Dominican Republic was recognized with a Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) Gold Certificate of Compliance for its compliance with workplace standards and commitment to workplace safety and environmental conservation.[35]

G&K Services Canada was named one of the “Best Employers in Canada” for eleven consecutive years.[36][37]

G&K Services was named to “The Green 30” list in Canada for their commitment to environmental stewardship in 2010.[38]

G&K Services in Albuquerque received a 2011 Gold Award from the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority.[39]

G&K Services in Denver received a 2012 Gold Award from the Denver Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation District for compliance with wastewater pretreatment requirements and a demonstrated commitment to environmental excellence.[40]

G&K Services in Los Angeles was recognized by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District for full compliance with wastewater discharge requirements.[41]

References

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  1. ^ McKinney, Matt (May 8, 2009). "G&K Services tries on a new CEO". Star Tribune. Minneapolis. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
  2. ^ Black, Sam (May 8, 2009). "G&K Services replaces CEO". Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
  3. ^ "Cintas Corporation Completes Acquisition of G&K Services, Inc. | Cintas". March 21, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  4. ^ "Cintas Corporation Completes Acquisition of G&K Services, Inc. | Cintas". March 21, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  5. ^ "Laundry and CleaningNews Industry News Archive - Laundry and Cleaning News". www.laundryandcleaningnews.com. Retrieved 2023-05-11.
  6. ^ "Form 10-K for G&K SERVICES INC". Archived from the original on 2015-02-22.
  7. ^ "G&K Services' Denver Facility Receives Gold Award for Environmental Excellence". 2013-05-15.
  8. ^ "The 2015 List of the 50 Best Employers in Canada". Archived from the original on 2015-02-22.
  9. ^ "G&K Named a Top Canadian Employer".
  10. ^ "G&K SERVICES RETURNS AS CASSILL SPONSOR". Archived from the original on 2014-12-17. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  11. ^ "The G&K Services, Inc. History".
  12. ^ "Cintas Corporation Completes Acquisition of G&K Services, Inc. | Cintas". March 21, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  13. ^ "Cintas Completes G&K Buyout to Boost Services Capabilities". Nasdaq. 22 March 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  14. ^ "G&K SERVICES TO ACQUIRE NATIONAL LINEN FOR $287 MILLION". St. Paul Pioneer Press. June 3, 1997. pp. 1E. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
  15. ^ "G&K to acquire National Linen Service assets". www.bizjournals.com. 2 June 1997. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  16. ^ admin (2002-10-04). "USA: G&K Completes Rental Uniform Company Aquisition [sic]". Just Style. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  17. ^ admin (2005-03-21). "USA: G & K Acquires Coyne Textile Assets". Just Style. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  18. ^ "G&K Services Acquires Competitor Leef Services | American Laundry News". americanlaundrynews.com. 2007-08-02. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  19. ^ Beggs, Bruce (2008-04-28). "Distributor CLEC, G&K Services Announce Recent Acquisitions | American Laundry News". americanlaundrynews.com. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  20. ^ "G&K Announces New Line of Vented Flame Resistant Uniforms".
  21. ^ "Participants | TRSA". Archived from the original on 2014-10-14. Retrieved 2015-02-23.
  22. ^ "G&K Services, Inc. U.S. Green Building Council Profile".
  23. ^ "Protective Clothing for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire".
  24. ^ "Award-Winning Environmental Stewardship".
  25. ^ "G&K Services Makes Continued Investments to Promote Environmental Stewardship". Archived from the original on 2015-02-24.
  26. ^ "G&K Services Tests Hybrid Electric Delivery Trucks".
  27. ^ "G&K Services Foundation Announces Annual Grant Recipients".
  28. ^ "G&K Services Pledges More Than $320,000 to United Way". 2015-01-08.
  29. ^ "Companies That Give 110% Deserve Special Recognition". Archived from the original on 2015-02-24. Retrieved 2015-02-23.
  30. ^ "G&K Services Foundation Announces Annual Grant Recipients". Archived from the original on 2015-02-24.
  31. ^ "G&K Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign". 2014-10-08.
  32. ^ "LA County Cites 'Good Corporate Citizens'". 2012-07-19.
  33. ^ "Water authority honors firms, KAFB".
  34. ^ "G&K Gets Enviro Award in Denver".
  35. ^ "G&K Apparel Plant Earns 'WRAP" Certification". 2013-02-15.
  36. ^ "The 2015 List of the 50 Best Employers in Canada". Archived from the original on 2015-02-22.
  37. ^ "G&K Named a Top Canadian Employer".
  38. ^ "G&K Services Named to "The Green 30" List in Canada". Bloomberg News.
  39. ^ "Water authority honors firms, KAFB".
  40. ^ "G&K Gets Enviro Award in Denver".
  41. ^ "LA County Cites 'Good Corporate Citizens'". 2012-07-19.
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