Valley City Linen Celebrates Diamond Anniversary
The largest family-owned linen supply company in Michigan recently celebrated seventy-five years of business. Operated by third-generation brothers Jeff, Greg, and Tim Jeltema, Valley City Linen has found a way to thrive amidst stiff competition. Their secret? The brothers insist that setting high expectations for themselves has propelled Valley City Linen to excellence as one of the leading commercial laundry services and linen and uniform rental companies in Michigan.
Operating three automated distribution centers, Valley City Linen serves customers throughout Michigan’s lower peninsula—over 54,000 square miles! Its customers range from national restaurant chains to hotels to health care providers; offering items from table linen rentals and bed linen rental to nursing scrubs and lab coats.
Despite its wide reach, Valley City Linen doesn’t stray far from its local roots. The original 1935 storefront still stands as part of the Grand Rapids, Michigan distribution center. The Jeltema brothers are involved in all aspects of the business, staying true to their grandfather Paul Jeltema, Sr:’s original goal: to be the best linen service in the state.
This family background is the foundation of Valley City Linen’s business model, the Jeltema brothers say. “Our grandfather and parents held extremely high expectations for the company,” they explain. “They taught us their craft and showed us how to set the bar higher for exceptional service and products.”
High standards are the reason that one country club has been a customer for over 70 years. “Our customers are loyal,” the Jeltemas say. “Once a customer signs on, we want them to stay a customer for life.” Investment in state-of-the-art equipment is one reason that customers sign—and stay—with Valley City Linen. An energy-efficient heat reclamation system, advanced wastewater systems and finishing equipment all allow Valley City Linen to process over 450,000 pounds of laundry each week.
One of Valley City Linen’s hallmarks is its local, professional service. “Our goal is for every customer to feel like they are our only customer,” the Jeltemas said. Daily deliveries and prompt service are guaranteed. All customers also receive personalized online accounts to communicate instantly with their distribution center.
Valley City Linen recently decided to shift to American suppliers for the majority of its table linens, hotel towels, and professional restaurant uniforms. The Jeltemas see this as a natural extension of their business philosophy. “We’ve always wanted our products to help our customers succeed,” they explain. “And by shifting to local suppliers, we’re doing even more to ensure that we support our neighbors.”