Vintage car owners, garages and even a restorer of antique aeroplanes are among those who have benefitted from the Metalwash Launderette’s service during its start-up period.

The company has identified the need for  the environmentally-friendly cleaning of industrial and machine parts for companies and private owners for whom hiring a specialist cleaning machine on a long term basis is not viable.

Metalwash was established in 1995 and now has service depots in Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Cumbria, Yorkshire and Bedfordshire.  Its customer list to include industry giants such as Siemens, Tesco, M.A.N. and Scania.

The new venture is aimed at lesser large-scale businesses which have a requirement for smaller items to be regularly cleaned and refurbished, with rust, degreasing, ingrained dirt and paint being the most common problems. 

The Metalwash Launderette is run by the founder and CEO of Metalwash, James Marshall, and director Andrew Young, with newly appointed Michele Turley working as sales manager.

James Marshall said: “We have had many customers getting in touch who do not have the need to hire an on-site machine from us for long term use but instead prefer us to clean their items for them. With the Metalwash Launderette we are now able to offer a regular door-to-door service, collecting components and returning them restored to their former glories.” 

Commenting on her new position as sales manager, Michele Turley said: “It may seem a strange job for a woman but I absolutely love it – I like the wide variety of things our clients need cleaning, and overcoming some of the unusual challenges with which we are sometimes faced.  It’s extremely satisfying taking away something that may look like its destined for the scrap heap and then bringing it back looking like new”.