Lead Laundry and Catering is proud to announce the successful completion of a significant two-phase modernisation at Cato Manor Regional Laundry in KwaZulu-Natal. From the installation of advanced barrier washers through to the commissioning of two new JENSEN continuous batch washer lines, this project represents a complete transformation of one of the province’s most vital healthcare laundry facilities — serving 14 hospitals across the region.
We take great pride in supporting public healthcare infrastructure through laundry equipment that delivers performance, reliability and the highest levels of infection control.
Phase One: Laying the Foundation with Barrier Washers
The first phase of the upgrade focused on establishing a hygienic foundation for the facility’s operations. Lead Laundry and Catering supplied and installed three new barrier washers, purpose-built for healthcare environments and offering:
- Complete separation between clean and soiled zones to eliminate cross-contamination
- High-volume throughput to meet growing demand from regional hospitals
- Energy-efficient operation to support sustainability goals
- Robust automation and diagnostics to reduce downtime and improve productivity.
Cato Manor Regional Laundry plays a vital role in servicing healthcare facilities throughout KwaZulu-Natal. With linen volumes increasing and infrastructure under pressure, the Phase One upgrade represented a major step forward — delivering faster turnaround times, enhanced hygiene, and greater operational resilience.
Phase Two: A Full Modernisation of Workflow
With the foundation firmly in place, Phase Two replaced two ageing CBW lines with two brand-new JENSEN continuous batch washer lines, each complete with its own dedicated loading conveyor and press. This was not simply an equipment swap — it was a complete rethinking of the laundry’s workflow:
- Loading conveyors move linen smoothly and continuously into each CBW, reducing manual handling from the outset
- JENSEN CBWs deliver consistent, high-volume washing with the reliability and efficiency that a facility of this scale demands
- Integrated presses extract excess moisture immediately after the wash cycle, optimising linen for drying and reducing overall processing time.
The installation itself was a remarkable logistical achievement. To position the new CBWs, a 150-ton crane was required to lower the machines 30 metres below floor level into a confined space. Despite adverse weather conditions, the lift was carried out safely and without incident. Once the washers were in position, the team worked efficiently to connect and commission the conveyors and presses — completing the project ahead of schedule and allowing the laundry to bring both new lines into operation without delay.
“This project reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare systems with world-class laundry technology,” says Project Manager, Juandre van Aswegen. “It’s a privilege to work alongside the Department of Health to implement solutions that make a measurable difference to patient care and service delivery.“
With both JENSEN CBW lines now fully operational, Cato Manor Regional Laundry is equipped to process a significantly greater volume of linen — ensuring that all 14 hospitals it serves receive clean linen reliably and on time. In a healthcare setting, that consistency directly supports hygiene standards and patient care across KwaZulu-Natal.
We remain committed to driving innovation and excellence in laundry solutions — helping our clients meet the demands of today while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.