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Dempsey Uniform and Linen Supply, in operation since 1959, has opened a new facility within Jessup's Mid-Valley Industrial Park. The $14 million operation, with a 132,000square-foot high-tech building, sits on a 10.38-acre site.
The company currently serves 6,000 customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Maryland via three different facilities. As an example of the market niche it fills, Dempsey provides businesses with a wide variety of uniform styles.
Other Dempsey services include delivery of table and bed linens, plus utility towels for the hospitality industry. The company also offers a wide variety of mats and mops, along with hygienic, low-maintenance restroom services.
The task facing Dempsey's personnel is formidable. The company processes 600,000 pounds of laundry per week, amounting to 30 million pounds annually.
Patrick J. Dempsey and Richard J. Dempsey founded the company. Richard Dempsey retired in 1999, while Patrick Dempsey still remains active as chair.
Patrick Dempsey's son, P.J. Dempsey joined the company in 1996 and now serves as president. His sister, Kristin Dempsey came aboard in 1998 and now serves as vice president of sales and marketing.
"Our new plant in Jessup is the most technologically advanced facility of its kind in Pennsylvania," says P.J. Dempsey "It's extremely energy efficient and environmentally compliant."
In addition to the Jessup facility, Dempsey also operates a plant in Sunbury and a Harrisburg distribution service center. The company employs a total workforce of 350 people, with one-half in Jessup and the other half divided between the Sunbury and Harrisburg facilities.
Business strategy
Dempsey's roots stem from its home laundry business, started by the grandfather of P.J. and Kristin Dempsey.
"We still some have great old pictures of laundry bundles...