G&K Services
{{Infobox company
| name = G&K Services, Inc.
| logo = Logo Google+
| type = Subsidiary
| traded_as = {{NASDAQ was|GK}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|1902}}
| location_city = Minnetonka, Minnesota
| location_country = U.S.
| key_people = Douglas A. Milroy (CEO){{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/business/44593002.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUZ|title=G&K Services tries on a new CEO|last=McKinney|first=Matt|date= May 8, 2009 |work=Star Tribune |access-date= May 8, 2010|location=Minneapolis}}{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2009/05/04/daily38.html|title=G&K Services replaces CEO|last=Black |first=Sam |date= May 8, 2009|work=Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal|access-date= May 8, 2010}}
| industry = Service
| products = work uniforms, facility services, fire resistant clothing, work shirts, work shorts, high visibility clothing, scrubs, healthcare clothing, manufacturing uniforms
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| num_employees = 7,800 (2013)
| parent = Cintas
(2017–present){{cite news|url=http://www.cintas.com/news/press-releases/cintas-corporation-completes-acquisition-of-g-k-services-inc/|date= March 21, 2017|access-date= March 22, 2017|title= Cintas Corporation Completes Acquisition of G&K Services, Inc. | Cintas}}
| subsid =
| homepage = {{URL|www.gkservices.com}}
| footnotes =
}}
G&K Services, Inc. was an American company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, which provided branded identity uniforms and facility products and services for rent and purchase. G&K Services' branded clothing and facility services programs provided rental-lease or purchase options through its direct sale programs (GKDirect). On March 21, 2017, the company was acquired by Cintas for approximately $2.2 billion.{{cite news|url=http://www.cintas.com/news/press-releases/cintas-corporation-completes-acquisition-of-g-k-services-inc/|date= March 21, 2017|access-date= March 22, 2017|title= Cintas Corporation Completes Acquisition of G&K Services, Inc. | Cintas}}
G&K Services' primary offerings were custom-embroidered logo clothing programs, facility services such as restroom supplies and floor mats, cleanroom garments, and process control services.{{Cite web |title=Laundry and CleaningNews Industry News Archive - Laundry and Cleaning News |url=https://www.laundryandcleaningnews.com/news/industry_news_archive.html |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=www.laundryandcleaningnews.com}} It served various industries including automotive, warehousing, distribution, transportation, energy, manufacturing, food processing, healthcare, warehousing, mining, gas, oil, pharmaceutical, semi-conductor, retail, restaurants, security, airline, and hospitality.
The company experienced a 4% growth in revenue in fiscal year 2014 with an annual revenue of $900.9 million.{{cite web|title=Form 10-K for G&K SERVICES INC |url=http://biz.yahoo.com/e/140821/gk10-k.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222215724/http://biz.yahoo.com/e/140821/gk10-k.html |archive-date=2015-02-22 }} The company received awards for good water practices{{cite web|title=G&K Services' Denver Facility Receives Gold Award for Environmental Excellence|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130515005185/en/GK-Services-Denver-Facility-Receives-Gold-Award#.VMf-K_54rkI|date=2013-05-15}} and G&K Services Canada was named one of the “Best Employers in Canada” for eleven consecutive years.{{cite web|title=The 2015 List of the 50 Best Employers in Canada|url=http://www.aon.com/canada/products-services/human-capital-consulting/consulting/best_employers/bes_the_winners.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222205044/http://www.aon.com/canada/products-services/human-capital-consulting/consulting/best_employers/bes_the_winners.html|archive-date=2015-02-22}}{{cite web|title=G&K Named a Top Canadian Employer|url=http://www.trsa.org/news/gk-named-top-canadian-employer}} G&K was also active in auto racing sponsorship with JD Motorsports.{{cite web|title=G&K SERVICES RETURNS AS CASSILL SPONSOR|url=http://teamjdmotorsports.com/gk-services-returns-as-cassill-sponsor/|access-date=2015-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217105751/http://teamjdmotorsports.com/gk-services-returns-as-cassill-sponsor/|archive-date=2014-12-17|url-status=dead}}
History
Image:GK CorporateOffice.jpg, Minnesota]]
G&K began as a family-owned dye house. In 1902, the company, founded as Twin City Steam Dye Works, was renamed to Gross & Kronick Dyers in Minneapolis. They introduced "door-to-door" laundry service in 1910. In 1948, G&K introduced "diaper service" due to the Baby Boom. The company responded to the automobile wave in 1960 by opening "drive-in cleaners". G&K went public in 1969, and they began expanding into the Central and Midwest regions in 1970. G&K became a multinational company when they expanded into Canada in 1990. In 1996, they formed their direct-purchase division. In 2002 G&K celebrated their 100th year of business.{{cite web|title=The G&K Services, Inc. History|url=http://www.gkservices.com/our-history}}
In 2016, G&K Services agreed to be purchased by Cintas Corporation of Mason, Ohio. The acquisition was completed on March 21, 2017.{{cite news |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Cintas Corporation Completes Acquisition of G&K Services, Inc. | Cintas |url=http://www.cintas.com/news/press-releases/cintas-corporation-completes-acquisition-of-g-k-services-inc/ |access-date=March 22, 2017}}{{Cite web |first= |date=22 March 2017 |title=Cintas Completes G&K Buyout to Boost Services Capabilities |url=https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/cintas-completes-gk-buyout-to-boost-services-capabilities-2017-03-22 |access-date=6 March 2024 |website=Nasdaq}}
Acquisitions
In 1991, G&K acquired WorkWear of Canada. In 1994, the company acquired BCP Garment Manufacturing. In 1997, the company acquired National Linen Service.{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PD&s_site=twincities&p_multi=SP&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB5E1AF59BA595F&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=G&K SERVICES TO ACQUIRE NATIONAL LINEN FOR $287 MILLION|date= June 3, 1997 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |pages=1E|access-date=May 8, 2010}}{{Cite web |date=2 June 1997 |title=G&K to acquire National Linen Service assets |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/1997/06/02/daily1.html |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=www.bizjournals.com}} In 1999, G&K acquired Northeast Dust Products out of Massachusetts.
In 2002, G&K acquired Rental Uniform Company.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2002-10-04 |title=USA: G&K Completes Rental Uniform Company {{as written|Aq|uisition [sic]}} |url=https://www.just-style.com/news/usa-gk-completes-rental-uniform-company-aquisition/ |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=Just Style |language=en-US}} In 2004, G&K acquired Keefer Laundry Limited in Western Canada. In the same year, G&K acquired Nettoyeur Shefford out of Quebec, Marathon Linen, and Lion Uniform Group.
In 2005, G&K acquired Custom Linen Systems, Coyne Textile Services,{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2005-03-21 |title=USA: G & K Acquires Coyne Textile Assets |url=https://www.just-style.com/news/usa-g-k-acquires-coyne-textile-assets/ |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=Just Style |language=en-US}} and Glis and Glis Laundries in Canada.
In 2007, G&K acquired Leef Services out of Minnesota,{{Cite web |date=2007-08-02 |title=G&K Services Acquires Competitor Leef Services {{!}} American Laundry News |url=https://americanlaundrynews.com/node/65981 |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=americanlaundrynews.com |language=en}} Alltext Uniform Rental Service, and Nonclean Limited out of Ireland. In 2008, G&K acquired Best Uniform Rental Service.{{Cite web |last=Beggs |first=Bruce |date=2008-04-28 |title=Distributor CLEC, G&K Services Announce Recent Acquisitions {{!}} American Laundry News |url=https://americanlaundrynews.com/node/66107 |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=americanlaundrynews.com |language=en}}
Products and services
G&K services provided a variety of clothing and uniform products. In addition, G&K Services provided flame resistant garments and personal protective equipment by developing and providing the ProTect flame resistant safety solutions.{{buzzword inline|date=September 2019}}{{cite web|title=G&K Announces New Line of Vented Flame Resistant Uniforms|url=http://electricalarcflashsafety.com/gk-announces-new-line-vented-flame-resistant-uniforms/}}
Sustainability
G&K Services was a founding member of the Textile Rental Services Association of America's (TRSA) Laundry Environmental Stewardship Program (LaundryESP).{{Cite web |url=http://www.trsa.org/page/participants |title=Participants | TRSA |access-date=2015-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014073833/http://www.trsa.org/page/participants |archive-date=2014-10-14 |url-status=dead }}
G&K was also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), an organization that advocates for environmentally sustainable practices in buildings and communities.{{cite web|title=G&K Services, Inc. U.S. Green Building Council Profile|url=http://www.usgbc.org/organizations/gk-services-inc}}
G&K Services sold and rented many products that are EcoLogo Product Certified,{{cite web|title=Protective Clothing for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire|url=http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/showpage.html?name=QGWB.MH49051&ccnshorttitle=Protective+Clothing+for+Protection+of+Industrial+Personnel+Against+Flash+Fire&objid=1082589887&cfgid=1073741824&version=versionless&parent_id=1075195611&sequence=1}} which is a part of the Environmental Choice Program. The company also carried numerous Green Seal Certified paper towels and products.{{cite web|title=Award-Winning Environmental Stewardship|url=http://www.gkservices.com/award-winning-environmental-stewardship}}
G&K Services’ water reuse system in their laundry facilities reduced fresh water use by up to 40%. Their heat recovery systems reduced natural gas consumption and lowered greenhouse gas emissions.{{cite web|title=G&K Services Makes Continued Investments to Promote Environmental Stewardship |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/g-k-services-makes-continued-140000199.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224032251/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/g-k-services-makes-continued-140000199.html |archive-date=2015-02-24 }}
G&K cut fleet fuel consumption and greenhouse gases by using a GPS-based telematics system in their vehicles that helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Vehicles ran on cleaner burning diesel, and in California trucks were hybrid electric powered.{{cite web|title=G&K Services Tests Hybrid Electric Delivery Trucks|url=http://www.greenfleetmagazine.com/news/story/2012/06/g-k-services-tests-hybrid-electric-delivery-trucks.aspx}}
Community
In 2005, G&K Services launched the G&K Services Foundation, which supported communities through financial grants, in-kind uniform donations and matching employees’ United Way pledges. Between 2007 and 2013 they gave more than $1.3 million in financial grants to charitable organizations and nonprofits.{{cite web|title=G&K Services Foundation Announces Annual Grant Recipients|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gk-services-foundation-announces-annual-grant-recipients-2014-05-21}}
G&K Services supported the United Way, and in 2014 they contributed more than $320,000.{{cite web|title=G&K Services Pledges More Than $320,000 to United Way|url=https://americanlaundrynews.com/articles/gk-services-pledges-more-320000-united-way|date=2015-01-08}} In 2014, the company achieved a 110% increase in their campaign compared to the year before.{{cite web|title=Companies That Give 110% Deserve Special Recognition|url=https://www.gtcuw.org/campaign/campaign_news_and_events/110_percent/?cm_mid=4235031&cm_crmid=87657d90-a75f-44b0-b4ba-5f1c5c095781&cm_medium=email|access-date=2015-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224031805/https://www.gtcuw.org/campaign/campaign_news_and_events/110_percent/?cm_mid=4235031&cm_crmid=87657d90-a75f-44b0-b4ba-5f1c5c095781&cm_medium=email|archive-date=2015-02-24|url-status=dead}}
G&K worked with job training programs such as Twin Cities RISE!, LifeWorks and The Newman Association to help people reach their full potential in their work and careers.{{cite web|title=G&K Services Foundation Announces Annual Grant Recipients |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/g-k-services-foundation-announces-110000308.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224033044/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/g-k-services-foundation-announces-110000308.html |archive-date=2015-02-24 }}
Beginning in 2009, GKdirect held a Workforce for a Cure campaign that encouraged G&K Services’ customers to trade in their everyday work wear for pink ribbon apparel in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (TRSA Source). A portion of the purchase price was donated to the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.{{cite web|title=G&K Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign|url=http://www.trsa.org/news/gk-launches-breast-cancer-awareness-campaign|date=2014-10-08}}
Awards and recognition
G&K earned recognition from several local government organizations for compliance with wastewater requirements.{{cite web|title=LA County Cites 'Good Corporate Citizens'|url=http://www.trsa.org/news/la-county-cites-good-corporate-citizens|date=2012-07-19}}{{cite web|title=Water authority honors firms, KAFB|url=http://www.abqjournal.com/84229/biz/outlook/water-authority-honors-firms-kafb.html}}{{cite web|title=G&K Gets Enviro Award in Denver|url=http://www.trsa.org/news/gk-gets-enviro-award-denver}}
G&K Services' manufacturing facility in the Dominican Republic was recognized with a Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) Gold Certificate of Compliance for its compliance with workplace standards and commitment to workplace safety and environmental conservation.{{cite web|title=G&K Apparel Plant Earns 'WRAP" Certification|url=http://www.trsa.org/news/gk-apparel-plant-earns-wrap-certification|date=2013-02-15}}
G&K Services Canada was named one of the “Best Employers in Canada” for eleven consecutive years.{{cite web|title=The 2015 List of the 50 Best Employers in Canada|url=http://www.aon.com/canada/products-services/human-capital-consulting/consulting/best_employers/bes_the_winners.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222205044/http://www.aon.com/canada/products-services/human-capital-consulting/consulting/best_employers/bes_the_winners.html|archive-date=2015-02-22}}{{cite web|title=G&K Named a Top Canadian Employer|url=http://www.trsa.org/news/gk-named-top-canadian-employer}}
G&K Services was named to “The Green 30” list in Canada for their commitment to environmental stewardship in 2010.{{cite web|title=G&K Services Named to "The Green 30" List in Canada| website=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=GK1:GR&sid=akNE0h46KOdw}}
G&K Services in Albuquerque received a 2011 Gold Award from the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority.{{cite web|title=Water authority honors firms, KAFB|url=http://www.abqjournal.com/84229/biz/outlook/water-authority-honors-firms-kafb.html}}
G&K Services in Denver received a 2012 Gold Award from the Denver Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation District for compliance with wastewater pretreatment requirements and a demonstrated commitment to environmental excellence.{{cite web|title=G&K Gets Enviro Award in Denver|url=http://www.trsa.org/news/gk-gets-enviro-award-denver}}
G&K Services in Los Angeles was recognized by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District for full compliance with wastewater discharge requirements.{{cite web|title=LA County Cites 'Good Corporate Citizens'|url=http://www.trsa.org/news/la-county-cites-good-corporate-citizens|date=2012-07-19}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:GandK Services}}
Category:Business services companies of the United States
Category:American companies established in 1902
Category:Business services companies established in 1902
Category:Clothing companies established in 1956
Category:American companies disestablished in 2017
Category:Clothing companies disestablished in 2017
Category:Clothing companies of the United States
Category:Companies based in Minnetonka, Minnesota
Category:Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq
Category:1902 establishments in Minnesota