In 1923 an inventive dry-cleaning plant owner in Brooklyn, New York conceived a revolutionary idea for a new machine that would both WASH and Extract. Washex was the name given by founder Abe Traube to the machine he had envisioned while sitting in the trenches in Europe during World War I. The realization of Abe Traube’s dream and the birth of Washex came true after he returned from the war. The laundry and dry cleaning industries took a giant leap forward with a machine design which cut costs, increased production per square foot of floor space, and made safer the hazardous dry-cleaning operation. Thus began a formidable list of “firsts” contributed by Washex to the laundry, dry-cleaning, and textile markets.
From 1923 to 1945 Abe Traube developed side-loading equipment ranging in size from 100 lb to 1,000 lb capacity for the dry-cleaning industry. In 1946, an aging Mr. Traube handed over the reins of Washex to Dutchman Steven Landon, whose tireless energy and phenomenal engineering ability made him well suited for the task of continuing the company’s innovative traditions. Under his guidance Washex machines became virtually standard in the dry-cleaning sector. Washex brought to the industry automation for the two-bath dry-cleaning system, regenerative tubular filters, and the development of vacuum distillation and atmospheric stills. In addition, Washex introduced the first end-loading, open-pocket machine in 1948.
Washex machines were now significantly impacting the commercial and industrial laundry markets by the mid-Fifties. The commercial laundry washer extractor line was still in it's infancy, but continued to grow steadily until the development and patenting of the “Floataire” suspension system in 1964. These innovations marked the beginning of Washex dominance. The Floataire® system eliminated the need for massive machine foundations. High speed Washex machines could be installed anywhere including upper floors without transmitting vibrations to adjacent buildings. This design feature was especially appreciated by hospitals and institutional laundries.
Washex relocated to Plainview, New York and with their continued commitment to innovation created more new products in the 1960’s, with the development of an oil-based mop cleaning and treating system that was effective and cut mop processing cost in half. Washex engineering created a dual-phase machine to first dry-clean heavily soiled textiles in solvent to remove oil and grease, then to wash them removing soluble soil. The hotel, fast food and airline industries benefited from Washex technology when designers modified a laundry machine with a chiller unit to quickly cool pre-cooked food with low temperature water before freezing. This procedure, previously taking 2-3 hours, was now cut to less than half an hour.
Moving to Wichita Falls, Texas in 1973, Washex experienced phenomenal growth as it expanded its dominance into the export market.
In 1978, Washex participated in its first European exhibition, selling all of their machines on the spot and generating an increase in production and plant expansion.
The transition from washer extractors to textile dyeing extractors (TDX) came in 1976 with research and development of an end-loading dye extractor. Efforts expanded in 1978 after a leading hosiery manufacturer saw the possibilities of adapting Washex equipment to the dyeing of ladies’ hosiery. The first hosiery dyeing machine shipped in 1980. Since that time, Washex Textile Dyeing Extractors have expanded into other product areas such as socks, area rugs, sweaters, sportswear, blankets and toweling.
Development of denim processing equipment started in 1983. The extreme demands placed on equipment by the denim processes has allowed Washex engineering to again show its talents. By designing durable, functional, flexible equipment Washex has taken its place as the largest supplier of machinery to the denim market the world over.
In November, 1988, Washex Machinery Corporation was purchased by AB Electrolux of Sweden through White Consolidated Industries, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent company.
Since 1989 Washex has continued to develop new equipment and technology for the textile and denim markets. Patents have been acquired for the static dyeing feature, STATEX®, and the denim enzyme processing machine. In 1993 Washex introduced the newest model to its line of equipment, the DPM 4000 is an 800 lb. capacity end-loading, open-pocket machine for processing of denim products.
Washex was awarded the Presidential “E” Award for export excellence in 1993. The qualifications for this award indicate the worldwide acceptance of our product, the level of quality of our products, and our technical support of these products.
. . . With a Commitment to Quality and Innovation for over 80 years.
Strong leadership coupled with a continuing commitment to quality and innovation have always been cornerstones for the success and growth of Washex Incorporated. Today as the flagship company of the world’s largest industrial laundry and textile equipment manufacturing group, Washex Inc. is still the benchmark by which all other equipment is measured.
. . . Challenge research and design innovation setting the standards for efficiency and productivity
Challenge Dryers, through research and design innovation that sets the standards for efficiency and productivity, is the industry leader in the manufacture of tumbler dryers and lint collectors.
True to their record, Washex Incorporated continually strives to advance the technology of its products to satisfy markets demands. Our success has undoubtedly stemmed from the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Quality and innovation – the guiding tenets that will remain
Unchanged through the next 80 years.
Although the ownership has changed since 1955, Challenge is now a prominent part of Washex Incorporated. The dedication to innovation and quality has remained paramount in the ongoing product development programs.
Owning numerous patents covering items from air flows, combustion, lint removal and specialized components, Challenge offers the most efficient and productive tumbler dryers available to laundry, denim, textile and specialty wet processing markets. Patents and trademarks include Axial Air Flow, Geyseric burner, Direct Drive Swing-out Exhaust Blower, Accu-Dry microprocessor, and Universal Lint Collector system; these illustrate the Challenge commitment to product research and development.
Challenge offers tumblers dryers in 200 lb, 400 lb, and 600 lb sizes in gas, steam, gas/oil and thermal fluids, providing a size to cover any high production requirements. With the expansion into specialty markets, Challenge has developed dryers for the apparel processing micro-contamination industries.
With a commitment to engineering innovation and quality, Challenge will continue to provide leadership in producing products that enable our customers to receive the most cost effective equipment available.
In October 2000, Washex was purchased by Lavatec AG, a German based manufacturer of heavy duty laundry equipment who is now the largest manufacturer of this type of equipment in the world.