Model Coverall Service - The People Who Care
Header image

COMPANY OVERVIEW & HISTORY





Welcome to Model Coverall Service, Inc. We're a third-generation, 86-year old family-owned and operated independent company. We truly are "The People Who Care."  Our mission is to build loyal relationships with Customers, Team Members, and the Community.  Because we're not a billion-dollar public company, our only job is to SATISFY CUSTOMERS ON MAIN STREET, not STOCKHOLDERS ON WALL STREET.  We are, however,  NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED as a service and technology leader of our industry.  And we've been honored as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Small Family Business Of The Year. 

Model offers exceptional products and services that promote the image, cleanliness, productivity and safety of the workplace.  Our services include uniforms, mats, towels, mats, mops, restroom products, and linens.  We also have a First Aid, Safety and Training Division. (MFAST)

We service Michigan and Indiana from our main office and plant in Grand Rapids, and from our Service/Sales offices in Lansing and South Bend.More than 6.500 working men and women wear our IDENTIFORMS® every day, and more than 3,000 businesses enjoy the great value of our many services. With our membership in a national alliance of independent companies like ours, we can offer national customers caring service at national pricing. Our goal is to provide the best VALUE possible. As a smaller, family business, our reputation for dependability, caring, honesty, and value allows us to prosper in an industry full of large, public companies. We offer our personal guaranty of VALUE. Our professional sales staff will help you develop the best program to fit your needs and your budget. Our service staff will provide dependable, friendly service, and will satisfy your needs week after week, year after year, even as your needs change. Contact us, or keep surfing to find out more.

BRIEF HISTORY
1923   Max Subar started Model. Max was a textile salesman to restaurants in Detroit, and saw an opportunity for rental linen service in West Michigan.

1930's  With 2 brothers as partners, the Subars expanded linen service throughout West Michigan.

1940's  The war was a difficult time, especially when 44 year-old Max tried to enlist in the Navy but was denied, told that his efforts were needed here at home, in industry.  After the war, manufacturing picked up and the new industrial uniform and towel rental business grew. 

1950's  Model established a separate uniform division on 28th St. in Grand Rapids, and soon after sold off  the linen division.  Model pioneered chemically-treated dust mops.  Latex-backed cotton mats were developed to stop dust and dirt at the door.  Max's son Jerry returned from military service and helped spur Model's growth in new markets.

1960's  Polyester-blend fabrics revolutionized the process of washing and drying uniforms, and offered customers a better-looking, longer-lasting uniform. Nylon, rubber-backed mats were introduced.


1970's  High fuel prices forced major improvements in energy-efficient equipment and processes, such as a "steam tunnel finisher" instead of pressing.

1980's  Jerry became sole owner and focused on improved service processes.  Model became the first to introduce computer-controlled liquid chemical injection into the washing machines, for better quality and consistency, and reduced environmental impact. Jerry introduced heat-exchange technology to recapture heat from discharged water to warm incoming fresh city water.  Plus the new stack economizer reused heat from boiler exhaust to further pre-heat incoming fresh water.  In ‘86 Jerry's son, Jon, entered the business full time.

1990's  Model's focus shifted to improved efficiencies and improved service through technology. Early entry into barcoding allowed for the first complete automated sorting system in the region. Model upgraded its route accounting software. Logo mats and anti-fatigue mats were introduced.  Uniform styles and color offerings multiplied.

2000's   Focus on expanding product offerings and reducing costs to keep costs down and help customers remain competitive in a challenging economic decade.  Mirit Subar, Jon's wife, enters the business, bringing her diverse and cross-cultural insight of business and people.  Model starts Model First Aid, Safety & Training with safety guru, Mike Bradley, and quickly introduces hand-held technology to improve the billing system. Model places major focus on improving training in production, maintenance, sales, service, and safety.  Model is recognized by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Textile Rental Service Association, as an outstanding local, independent company worthy of special recognition.

 


Take a Cool, Quick Tour of Model. Click Here: <script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/4805fc0db4a3562c/4a11362ce8d41d5d/4805fc0d77937ef0/8251d983/-cpid/e72f6d72aacb983c/widget.js"></script>



Footer image