Case Study

Lola’s Cupcakes treats shift workers to the sweet benefits of Polytex uniform management

Background

Lola’s Cupcakes is a legendary, London-based brand specializing in cupcakes, cakes, and brownies, created by two baker friends in 2006. It was acquired by the Budwig family in 2010, who have significantly expanded manufacturing and distribution since then. Today it has over 30 locations, which include stores and collection lockers, as well as a centralized factory where over 10 million cupcakes are baked and decorated annually.

With the Polytexuniform management system, Lola’s Cupcakes has improved workwear availability and hygiene, while creating a more pleasant work environment.

  1. Fast access to workwear
  2. Clean items always available
  3. No more hoarding
  4. Happier staff
  5. Improved hygiene levels

Customer Testimonials

It's been a very efficient system, and both employees and production managers love it. If they love it, I love it. As a business owner, seeing a messy uniform cupboard isn’t ideal when running a tight operation. Now, the uniform room is clean, hygienic, and organized—a great improvement.

Mario Budwig

Co-owner, Lola’s Cupcakes, UK

Customer Needs

The factory has 120 bakers and decorators working in shifts. For sanitation reasons, workers are required to change their uniform coat every shift and their pants two or three times a week, depending on their job. The professionally laundered uniforms were stored in three cupboards, often left messy as workers rummaged through them. Chronic uniform hoarding led to frequent shortages and missing inventory.

Requirements

Lola’s Cupcakes wanted a more efficient way to manage the workwear distribution process, to improve availability and the workers’ experience.

  • Streamline uniform distributions: Workers needed faster and easier access to clean workwear.
  • Eliminate hoarding: The system needed to ensure workers could only take and keep their allotted uniform items.
  • Ensure a hygienic work environment: Working in the food service industry, the availability of clean uniforms is key to meeting hygiene requirements.

The Solution

A Polytex PRO uniform management system was installed at the Lola’s Cupcakes factory in early 2024. Mario Budwig, Co-owner, opted for the Polytex solution on the recommendation of his laundry supplier and after seeing the Polytex solution working at the Cleveland Clinic London hospital, which assured him of its hygiene advantages.

  • Easy usage: Workers tap their employee fob on the distribution unit, and the right workwear items are received. Workers also return soiled items using the same process.
  • More control over uniform returns: Since workers cannot get new items until they have returned the soiled ones, accountability is created, ensuring a higher level of returns.
  • Controlled access: The system recognizes each worker by their fob and dispenses only the items they are entitled to.
  • Reliable operations: The system works reliably, without breakdowns or technical issues, and proactive Polytex support is always available.

Results

The Polytex solution ensures workwear availability, improving efficiency, comfort, and hygiene for both workers and management.

Reliable access to workwear items
Clean coats and pants in the right size are always available at the start of shifts, as required. The system works efficiently, without glitches, so there’s no worry on the workers’ or management’s part.
No more missing workwear items
Workers no longer hoard uniforms in their lockers or at home as they know clean items will always be available. Additionally, they are prevented from getting clean items without returning soiled ones.
Better organized inventory
Rather than a messy cupboard full of uniforms, the closed Polytex unit ensures a more orderly environment.
A hygienic uniform distribution process
With automated distribution, workers no longer take and put back multiple garments as they search for the right size, improving sanitation levels.
Instant adoption by staff
Simple use with a fob swipe made it easy for staff to use the Polytex system from day one.
Factory-wide satisfaction
Both shift workers and production managers love the enhanced efficiency, hygiene, and overall organization level delivered by the Polytex solution.
Less laundry lost
With a new ability to track items and reduce losses, Lola’s Cupcakes anticipates potential benefits in negotiating contracts with its uniform supplier.

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