ounded in 1980, Automated Laundry Systems & Supply (ALS&S) is proud to celebrate 45 years of serving Alaska. But the anniversary is not just a celebration of its longevity, it’s a testament to the Alaskan owned company’s ability to innovate, adapt, and excel in a competitive market.

General Manager Tami Hill attributes the company’s success to two primary practices: putting customers first and taking care of its seventeen employees—who have a combined 178 years of industry experience. “Our customers keep us going, but at the end of the day, we value our employees,” she says. “We have our employees’ back because they do a great job taking care of our customers.”

The company’s community focus and career-based environment is driven by its owners. “We are truly blessed to have the ownership we do; they support each and every one of us here and encourage us to do right by our customers and employees—even when it cost them money,” Hill says.

ALS&S has come a long way since its inception in the garage of its original founder, Dick Wells. Now Alaska’s premier source for commercial and industrial laundry equipment, ALS&S supplies coin-operated systems, dry cleaning equipment, and energy-saving technology statewide. It also provides sales and service on leading brands and stocks a large inventory of parts and supplies.

“Carrying on the legacy that ALS&S has and caring for both our customers and employees are at the root of everything we do,” says President Kyle Mirka. “We’re proud of what was built before us, and what we’ve continued to build since 2016 when we acquired the business.”

In 2019, ALS&S underwent a significant change in management, refocusing on its core values and mission. Essentially, it went back to the basics after pondering key questions like “What is our core focus?” and “What do we provide the community and state?”

This introspective approach allowed ALS&S to streamline its operations, enhancing its ability to serve customers more effectively. Ultimately, this enabled the company to remain true to its original principles while adapting to the evolving market landscape.

Ten years ago, ALS&S created a separate division—Automated Chemical & Equipment Solutions (ACE)—to strategically diversify its operation. ACE is a dishwasher leasing, sales, and service company for top Energy Star-certified products. It also offers chemicals for janitorial, laundry, and kitchens, giving customers a convenient, single source for their commercial chemical needs.

ACE has also advanced into floor care, recently offering autonomous scrubbing robots to help customers conserve manpower. Soon, ACE will begin mixing its own chemicals, which should help the company reduce supply chain problems and its carbon footprint. “We will be the only chemical company to blend their own chemicals here in Alaska,” Bookman says.

ACE focuses on providing stellar service and a positive experience for customers, including convenient, onestop shopping. Division Manager Alex Bookman emphasizes: “Our number one priority is servicing the customer and making sure things are operating; we’re not just trying to sell them something… We are a service company that provides chemicals versus a chemical company that tries to provide service.”

Having local ownership, factorytrained technicians, and a deep understanding of Alaska’s unique environment gives ALS&S a significant competitive edge. The company is not just selling equipment, it’s delivering solutions that are built to last in some of the harshest conditions in the country, according to Service, Industrial Sales, and Special Projects Manager Justin Wells. “Our team’s dedication to handson support, tailored consultation, and long-term relationships sets us apart,” he says. “We’re problem solvers, not just suppliers. We provide ‘complete laundry room solutions.’”

Operating in Alaska requires a special kind of resilience, and this is reflected in ALS&S’ business processes. When making equipment recommendations, ALS&S considers factors like extreme weather, limited access to parts, and high energy costs. And it tailors preventative maintenance plans to reduce downtime, which is critical in remote or highdemand facilities. “Our technicians are well versed in Arctic travel and are prepared to deal with the curveballs that can arise here,” Wells says. “Basically, we design systems and programs to thrive where others might fail.”

Logistics is always a challenge in Alaska, with freight schedules, unpredictable weather, and limited local infrastructure being crucial factors. “But we’ve become experts in planning ahead,” Wells emphasizes. “We coordinate closely with local partners, pre-stage equipment when necessary, and always make sure our technicians are prepared for on-site problem-solving. Flexibility and experience are key.”

ALS&S also offers ozone and water reclamation systems, which are game-changers—especially in Alaska where utility costs can be high. Ozone technology reduces the need for hot water and harsh chemicals, while improving disinfection and textile service life when properly utilized—critical for healthcare, hospitality, and correctional facilities. And water reclamation systems help conserve resources by recycling rinse water, significantly reducing overall water and energy usage. “These systems offer cost savings and align with our commitment to sustainability,” Wells says.

Recently, ALS&S completed several large-scale laundry system installations in healthcare, government, and hospitality facilities. These projects required creative logistics, coordination with multiple agencies, and rugged, reliable equipment designed for efficiency and durability. Wells notes, “We’re especially proud of the positive impact these systems have on communities that rely heavily on dependable infrastructure.”

As another source of pride, ALS&S has received various recognition for its business practices, including awards from Green Star, the Alaska Hotel Lodging and Association, and United Way. “These honors reflect the trust and loyalty we’ve built with our partners and customers,” Wells says.

Despite this recognition, many Alaskans do not know that ALS&S is the state’s only full-line laundry equipment distributor. ALS&S is uniquely qualified to provide commercial and industrial laundry machines and high-quality chemical solutions. Hill says, “Nobody offers what we offer as far as the fullpackage deal; we have a little bit of everything.”