SIC 7213 Linen Supply

SIC 7213

This industry classification covers businesses that primarily supply or rent to commercial establishments or household users the following laundered items: uniforms, gowns, and coats used by doctors, nurses, barbers, beauticians, and waitresses; table linens, bed linens, towels and toweling; and similar various items. Companies included in this industry may or may not operate their own laundry facilities. Companies that primarily provide diaper service are in SIC 7219: Laundry and Garment Services, Not Elsewhere Classified.

NAICS CODE(S)

812331

Linen Supply

According to U.S. government statistics, there were 1,142 establishments in this category in 2002, down from 1,347 in 1997. A continued decline in number of businesses was anticipated in the mid-2000s. Industry sales, in contrast, increased with sales of $3.09 billion in 2002 compared to $2.94 billion in 1997. Industry employment continued to decrease in the early 2000s, with approximately 52,000 workers in the industry and a total payroll of $1.2 billion, compared to 56,700 workers in 1997 earning a total of $1.08 billion.

Among the dominant corporations in the industry is uniform giant Cintas Corporation, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, who also designs, manufacturers, and rents work uniforms in addition to its dry-cleaning services. The company serves businesses ranging from small shops to large corporations. Cintas's clientele extended to 500,000 business customers in 2005, with sales of $2.8 billion and 28,300 employees in 2004. A close second in this category is the ARAMARK Corporation, with a net income of $263.1 million in 2004 and 242,500 employees.

Other industry leaders included G&K Services, Inc., the third-largest uniform and rental supply company, serving more than 160,000 customers. G&K...