Bernard Milch, the founder of Laundrylux, was recognized posthumously with the Founder’s Award during the 2019 Industry Awards for the Coin Laundry Association. Laundrylux is the North American distributor for Electrolux’s commercial laundry equipment for laundromats and on-premise laundry.
The award recognizes individuals who have been pioneers in the industry and their lifetime contributions to the vended laundry industry.
“His innovative thinking and entrepreneurial drive pushed the vended laundry concept into the modern era,” according to the Association.
Bernard Milch was a Holocaust survivor who came to the United States to start a new life. He later obtained the sales and marketing rights for Swedish manufacturer’s Wascator equipment in the North America for the growing coin laundry and institutional markets. Electrolux purchased Wascator in 1973 and credited Bernie Milch and his team to the growth in professional laundry.
“This is a well-deserved award for Bernie, who helped shape and influence the industry,” said John Evans, Head of the Americas, Electrolux Professional. “He was certainly proud of the future generations of Milchs, who continue to work at Laundrylux, as well as the success they certainly will drive.”
Bernard Milch passed away in January 2019 at the age of 93. Laundrylux Executive Chairman Neal Milch accepted the award on his father’s behalf.