ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Two health care companies in St. Louis are combining to create a laundromat.
SSM Health and BJC HealthCare have formed a joint venture to build and operate a regional laundry facility to meet their systems' needs. The organizations say the new laundry facility is needed to free up precious space in their medical facilities.
It's organized through the St. Louis Anchor Action Network, an initiative to increase economic opportunity.
SSM System Vice President Michael Gray tells KMOX it will be set up in a 100,000-square foot space in a Soulard warehouse.
"Initially, we're looking at 80 good paying jobs with benefits from that community," said Gray. "We'll focus on those communities in the underserved area."
The laundry facility is expected to process 35 million pounds of linen for the health systems each year.
Tom Harvieux, BJC vice president and chief supply officer tells KMOX linen is crucial for the health care industry.
"Linen is a critical part of our services that we provide to our patients," said Harvieux. "It literally touches every patient that comes to our facilities."