National Clothesline

The UK-based Johnson Service Group announced profits of $15.9 million for the first six months of 2004, boosted by a growth in drycleaning sales from $64 million to $74.1 million. Operating profits for the drycleaning divisions showed a 12.5 percent increase.

The company reported that the roll-out of its GreenEarth drycleaning process is continuing and that more than 150 shops have been converted.

The group has 620 drycleaning shops trading mostly as Johnsons. Earlier this year, Johnson acquired the 103-strong chain of Sketchley shops. This followed the purchase of the Jeeves of Belgravia brand last year.

Overall sales for Johnson improved from $197.4 million previously to $302 million during the period. Despite increased revenue during the period, the textile and hospitality division saw operating profits drop almost 8 percent.

Simon Sherrard, chairman of Johnson, said he was “very encouraged” by the progress made during the first half of 2004, adding, “The two months of the second half-year have continued this trend and I anticipate a satisfactory outcome for the year as a whole.”

The full year will include a first contribution from Dimensions, the supplier of corporate clothing to blue-chip companies that was acquired for up to $49 million in July.

Rymark Plastics, LLC, has announced the acquisition of The Hanger Holder Co.

The acquisition brings together two promotional items that will be available through one company and one toll-free number.

Rymark Plastics will change its name to Hanger Holder and market both products under that name. It will retain the current Rymark Plastics contact information.

The two products offered through this newly combined company are the Original Hanger Holder and the AutoHanger Holder (previously known as the Rymark Plastics Automobile Garment Hanger).

The Original Hanger Holder is used to easily carry hangers from the cleaners to the car and then again into the home.

The hanger holder, recently upgraded and made with a stronger, polycarbonate plastic to increase its strength, can be customized with the cleaner’s name and phone number or a small message.

The AutoHanger Holder is designed for use in the car and holds up to 20 shirt hangers. It can be used both on the car’s hook as well as upside down on the car’s grab-handle. It is made with a glass-filled polycarbonate plastic for strength. The AutoHanger Holder is a smaller design than the Original Hanger Holder and has a larger, more distinct area for a larger logo, contact information, or marketing message.

The new Hanger Holder Company is currently offering a holiday special.

For questions or information, contact Hanger Holder, 5226 E. Helena Dr., Scottsdale, Arizona 85254; phone toll-free (866) 796-2751, direct (602) 788-1118, or fax: (602) 788-6966.

The e-mail address is hangerholder@cox.net and the web site is www.hangerholder.com.

PROS Parts and Equipment of Minneapolis, MN, has announced new expanded hours of Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. New Saturday hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Orders placed on the PROS Web Site, www.prosparts.com, will be processed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information or to order a free 2004 catalog, contact PROS at toll-free (800) 950-7767 (English) or (800) 899-7035 (Korean).

IPSO USA has announced that Andrew Hager has joined its sales team to become the northeast sales manager, covering the northeastern U.S. and Canada.

A graduate of New York University with a bachelors of science in marketing, Hager has more than 20 years experience with financing capital equipment. He has worked in the laundry industry for the last five years as a coin, OPL and route specialist.

He will continue to reside in Bellmore, NY, where he is an active member of the community, including co-chairing events for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

John Strandell, consumer financing and sales support specialist, has retired after serving nearly four years at Continental Girbau Inc., in Oshkosh, WI.

He began his career in the laundry industry 31 years ago as manager of the print and mail departments at a major laundry equipment manufacturer.

Over the years, Strandell climbed the corporate ladder to serve as a personnel manager and international credit manager. At Continental he handled financing, inside sales for national accounts and international sales.

Strandell said he’s ready for the next stage in his life. “I’ve been working since I was 12 years old. I want to goof off for a while.”

Continental Girbau Inc. is a subsidiary of Girbau S.A., based in Vic, Spain. Girbau S.A.