FAIRFIELD, Iowa — This year marks 130 years of business for commercial laundry equipment manufacturer Dexter Laundry, helping people and companies all over the world process laundry faster and more efficiently.
Its journey began in tiny Dexter, Iowa, in 1894, the era of hand-powered wringer washers. As wringer washers gained popularity, Dexter founder W.H. George realized he could improve upon the existing designs and capabilities. He wanted to provide customers with an affordable laundry solution that would withstand the test of time.
As the years passed, the Dexter business grew in size and prestige. When it outgrew its space in Dexter, George looked for a new location and new partners, and he found what he was looking for here in Fairfield.
Fairfield was a rural town with a growing population and both an east-west and a north-south railroad for shipping and receiving goods and materials. A group of businessmen saw the company’s potential and a purchase agreement was signed August 10, 1911. Ground was broken for a new plant, and Dexter moved to Fairfield in 1912.
As the company’s journey progressed through that century, it manufactured many types of laundry equipment. Its wooden hand-powered wringer washers gave way to single and twin tub wringer washers made of zinc, copper and porcelain. These washers featured a variety of power options, including belts, steam, gas and electricity.
Around mid-century, Dexter began to manufacture top-load and front-load laundry equipment for the home and commercial markets. These machines were the precursors to the home and commercial laundry equipment that are familiar today. A couple of decades later, Dexter restructured its product offering and began focusing solely on commercial laundry products.
More than a century later, Dexter says it’s still proud to call Fairfield home. The employee-owned company designs, engineers, and manufactures all of its products from start to finish. It offers a complete line of washers, dryers, and management systems for laundromat owners and managers across the globe.
“With an emphasis on quality and a refusal to compromise, we have flourished and grown into a premier brand and leader in the vended and on-premise laundry industries,” the company reports.
“While our company and products have evolved over the years, we haven’t forgotten our roots. Our Dexter horse icon logo reminds us of our champion namesake and symbolizes our dedication to performance, unmatched strength, unrivaled endurance and loyalty to our Dexter customers. We look forward to continuing our Dexter legacy while wowing and supporting our customers for another 130 years.”
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].
