G&K Services
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Uniform rental and facility services |
| Founded | 1902 |
| Defunct | 2017 |
| Fate | Acquired by Cintas Corporation |
| Headquarters | Minnetonka, Minnesota , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, Ireland |
| Products | Branded identity uniforms, facility maintenance products, flame-resistant clothing, personal protective equipment |
| Parent | Cintas Corporation (since 2017) |
G&K Services, Inc. was a company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, specializing in the rental and sale of branded identity uniforms and facility-related products. Their portfolio included custom logo-embroidered apparel, facility maintenance items such as restroom supplies and floor mats, cleanroom attire, and process control solutions. G&K catered to a wide range of sectors including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, food processing, energy, retail, and hospitality.
The firm managed both rental-lease programs and direct sales through its GKDirect division. In 2017, Cintas acquired G&K Services for around $2.2 billion, significantly increasing Cintas' presence in the uniform and facility services market.
For the fiscal year 2014, G&K reported revenues of $900.9 million with a growth rate of 4%. The company received accolades for its environmental initiatives and was recognized as one of Canada’s “Best Employers” for eleven years running. Additionally, G&K engaged in promotional activities by sponsoring auto racing teams such as JD Motorsports.
History
Founded in 1902 as a family-run dye house under the name Twin City Steam Dye Works, the company later became known as Gross & Kronick Dyers in Minneapolis. In 1910, it innovated by offering "door-to-door" laundry services and introduced "diaper service" in 1948 to address Baby Boom era demands. Responding to the growing automobile market, G&K launched "drive-in cleaners" in 1960. The company went public in 1969 and expanded its footprint throughout the Central and Midwest United States during the 1970s. By 1990, G&K extended operations into Canada and established a direct-purchase business unit in 1996. The company marked its 100th anniversary in 2002.
In 2016, G&K Services entered into an agreement to be acquired by Cintas Corporation, based in Mason, Ohio; this transaction was completed on March 21, 2017.
Acquisitions
G&K followed a strategic expansion approach via acquisitions to broaden its market share and diversify its product and service lines. Notable acquisitions include WorkWear of Canada (1991), BCP Garment Manufacturing (1994), and National Linen Service (1997). In 1999, it purchased Northeast Dust Products located in Massachusetts.
Additional acquisitions comprised Rental Uniform Company (2002), Keefer Laundry Limited serving Western Canada (2004), along with Nettoyeur Shefford (Quebec), Marathon Linen, and Lion Uniform Group all acquired within the same year. In 2005, subsidiaries such as Custom Linen Systems, Coyne Textile Services, and Glis Laundries (Canada) were added.
The company further expanded by acquiring Leef Services (Minnesota), Alltext Uniform Rental Service, and Nonclean Limited based in Ireland during 2007. In 2008, G&K strengthened its position in uniform rental services by acquiring Best Uniform Rental Service.
Products and services
G&K Services provided an assortment of apparel including flame-resistant clothing and personal protective equipment under its ProTect flame resistant safety solutions brand.
Sustainability
As a founding participant in the Textile Rental Services Association of America’s Laundry Environmental Stewardship Program (LaundryESP) and an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), G&K promoted environmentally responsible operations. The company offered numerous products certified by EcoLogo and Green Seal to meet eco-friendly standards.
Their laundry facilities implemented water recycling systems that reduced freshwater consumption by up to 40%, while heat recovery technology minimized natural gas use and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, G&K improved fleet fuel efficiency and lowered emissions through GPS-based telematics systems, adoption of cleaner diesel fuels, and utilization of hybrid electric vehicles within California.
Community
The G&K Services Foundation was created in 2005 to bolster community support through monetary donations, uniform contributions, and matching employee pledges to the United Way. From 2007 through 2013, the foundation distributed more than $1.3 million to various nonprofit organizations. In 2014, G&K increased its United Way contributions to over $320,000, marking a 110% rise compared to the prior year. Additionally, the company collaborated with workforce development initiatives such as Twin Cities RISE!, LifeWorks, and The Newman Association to strengthen job training efforts. Since 2009, GKdirect has spearheaded the Workforce for a Cure campaign, motivating customers to buy pink ribbon apparel during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with all proceeds directed to the American Cancer Society.
Awards and recognition
G&K Services has been honored with several local government accolades for excellence in wastewater management and environmental responsibility. The company’s manufacturing site in the Dominican Republic achieved a Gold Certificate from Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) for maintaining high workplace safety and standards. G&K Services Canada earned recognition as one of the “Best Employers in Canada” for eleven years running. In 2010, the company was listed among Canada’s “The Green 30” for its dedication to environmental sustainability. Facilities located in Albuquerque, Denver, and Los Angeles were awarded Gold Awards by regional water authorities in acknowledgment of their wastewater pretreatment compliance and environmental achievements.