Summary:
Happy Valley, a leading cannabis company known for cultivating, manufacturing, and retailing high-quality cannabis products through its exclusive stores in Gloucester and East Boston, Massachusetts, needed a workwear provider who could optimize their uniform and facility services program. As a growing enterprise, maintaining a professional image and ensuring compliance with safety standards in their operations was crucial. Their previous uniform supplier fell short, failing to manage inventory effectively, which caused uniform shortages. Seeking a solution, they turned to UniFirst.
Challenges:
Happy Valley faced several challenges with their prior uniform rental and facility service supplier:
- UNIFORM SHORTAGES: Uniforms were not delivered on time, creating worker productivity challenges.
- LACK OF UNIFORM MAINTENANCE: Garments were not properly cleaned and repaired, tarnishing their professional appearance.
- SURPRISE FEES: Unexpected charges frequently appeared on their weekly invoices, which caused frustrations.
- OUT OF CONTRACT INVENTORY CHARGES: The company was billed for flame-resistant garments they didn’t require.
- POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE: There was a pressing need for better service responsiveness, especially for urgent or last-minute needs.
These issues not only strained Happy Valley’s budget but also disrupted their operations, making it essential to find a better solution.
UniFirst Solutions:
Discovering UniFirst through their partnership with the New England Patriots (UniFirst is the Official Uniform Supply Company of the New England Patriots), Happy Valley decided to explore our uniform rental services. Our uniform experts conducted a comprehensive VIP Cost Analysis Program®, focusing on Value, Image, and Price. We quickly identified cost-saving opportunities, such as eliminating expensive flame-resistant garments that were not even required based on the needs of their business.
UniFirst customized a solution to meet Happy Valley’s specific needs. For the retail part of their business, we recommended products to enhance their professional image, including:
- Professional polos and work shirts
- Chef pants
- Professional button-down shirts
For the cultivation side:
- Industrial work uniforms were essential to prevent cross-contamination
- Additionally, UniFirst provided PPE including hairnets and shoe covers
Facility Service solutions included:
The switch from their former provider to UniFirst was seamless and stress-free. The changeover was strategically executed swiftly, with all uniform sizes preloaded and ready, ensuring no disruption to Happy Valley’s operations. This smooth transition was attributed to UniFirst’s local service locations and account teams.
“UniFirst’s responsiveness and willingness to make minor adjustments as needed were highly valued,” said Rusty Tucker, Happy Valley Maintenance Specialist. “The introduction of custom floor mats and high-quality cleaning supplies further contributed to maintaining a hygienic and presentable retail and office environments.”
Impact:
Switching to UniFirst brought significant improvements to Happy Valley across several areas, including:- COST SAVINGS: The switch to more cost-effective workwear delivering a 50% reduction in total costs. In addition, uniforms are now promptly cleaned, repaired, and ready to go, eliminating the costs associated with last-minute deliveries.
- ENHANCED WEARER COMFORT: The new uniforms maximized worker productivity due to the comfortable, breathable uniforms that were well-suited for the warm and humid conditions of the grow rooms.
- IMPROVED UNIFORM QUALITY: Comfortable, breathable uniforms maximized worker productivity, especially in the warm and humid conditions of the grow rooms.
- INCREASED EMPLOYEE MORALE: Better looking uniforms increased employee pride and satisfaction levels.
- CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE: Consistent pick-up and delivery for both uniforms and facility products ensured hygienically clean uniforms and mats were available when needed.
Conclusion:
Happy Valley’s experience with UniFirst has been overwhelmingly positive. The company has not only resolved the issues that plagued them with their previous supplier but has also benefited from a partnership that offers reliability, cost-effectiveness, and superior service.
“We appreciate UniFirst’s organized and resourceful approach, which has supported our operational needs extremely well,” said Jason Eliot, Happy Valley Director of Facilities and Engineering. “As we continue to grow, UniFirst remains a trusted partner in maintaining our professional image and operational efficiency.”
