05/20/2025

Posted By: DreamingCode Admin

Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) is committed to providing the people in our programs with hands-on experience using current, industry-relevant equipment. A recent investment at our Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) Laundry facility reflects this mission and is already making a measurable difference in daily operations and training opportunities.

A Global Journey to Umatilla

On March 27, 2025, OCE Laundry at TRCI officially brought online two new machines: a Girbau BW Series Sanitary Barrier Washer from Slovenia and a Girbau Cart Washer from the Netherlands. These impressive machines traveled internationally by sea and road to reach their new home in Eastern Oregon, where they're now enhancing both productivity and sanitation.

Girbau Sanitary Barrier Washer: Powerful, Precise, and Hygienic

The new 505 lb-capacity sanitary barrier washer has significantly increased TRCI's daily laundry capacity by up to 5,000 additional pounds. Empty, the washer itself weighs 12,500 lbs and can spin at forces up to 350 G's, removing water efficiently while reducing drying time and energy use.

Designed for optimal hygiene, the washer's barrier design ensures dirty laundry is loaded on one side and clean laundry is removed from the other, keeping cross-contamination risks at zero. Its microprocessor control system allows for precise chemical dosing, temperature control, and wash cycles — providing reliable results and hands-on experience for AICs learning to operate high-tech, commercial-grade laundry systems.

Girbau Cart Washer: Upgrading Reliability

Replacing a 25-year-old model, the new cart washer brings improved efficiency and dependability. It uses steam disinfection and automated controls to clean laundry carts thoroughly — an often-overlooked but critical part of the commercial laundry process. With manual loading and automatic unloading, the system offers a straightforward user experience while delivering hospital-grade sanitation.

Hands-On Training with Industry-Standard Equipment

These new machines are more than upgrades — they're tools for growth. AICs at TRCI are now gaining direct experience operating state-of-the-art commercial laundry equipment used by major facilities across the country. This real-world training not only improves efficiency at TRCI but also prepares AICs for employment upon release.

A key OCE laundry partner has hired several individuals directly from our programs and continues to be impressed with their technical knowledge, safety practices, and professionalism. Investments like these ensure that OCE participants are confident, qualified, and competitive in the job market.

A Commitment to Reinvestment

OCE continually reinvests in its programs to ensure participants are working with modern equipment that reflects current industry standards. Whether it's flat work irons, barrier washers, or high-efficiency cart disinfection tunnels, we understand that training on the right tools makes all the difference. By prioritizing both equipment and education, we're investing in people — and in brighter futures.