This History of Girbau Industrial

Backed by 15 years in North America and 50 Worldwide

Continental Girbau was established in 1995 as the North American subsidiary of the 50-year-old, commercial laundry equipment manufacturer, Girbau S.A., headquartered in Vic, Spain. Family owned, Girbau employs more than 600 people throughout its corporate headquarters in Vic and subsidiaries in France, United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Cuba, United Arab Emirates, China, Dominican Republic, Australia and the United States. It markets its industrial and commercial laundry products to more than 80 countries worldwide.

In 2001, following a 25-year relationship, Girbau acquired Jean Michel, a renowned producer of innovative and high quality linen handling and folding systems established in 1965. The purchase provided Girbau – and its subsidiary companies – with needed industrial laundry products, such as folders, feeders and stackers to compliment its line of commercial industrial products.

At the time of the acquisition, Girbau had for years been producing significant industrial equipment, including a flexible and highly efficient tunnel washing systems, finishing systems and high-capacity open pocket washers and tumblers. Now, with Jean Michel branded industrial finishing equipment, Girbau produced and marketed entire industrial laundry systems throughout the world.

It made sense then, that in 2009, Continental Girbau formed its own industrial division and brand – Girbau Industrial – to be marketed throughout North America. The establishment of Girbau Industrial in North America provided clients with proven industrial laundry products and systems, as well as technical support, closer to home. Both Girbau and Jean Michel branded products – known globally for superior quality – were re-branded “Girbau Industrial” when sold in North America. While the Girbau Industrial brand and the North American distribution network were new, Girbau Industrial products had been in operation across the world for many years.

Today, Continental Girbau, Inc. and its brands of Continental Girbau, Girbau Industrial and OnePress generate a significant share of Girbau's total export sales, which has boosted production in Spain and made manufacturing more efficient and cost-effective. As a result of Continental's success in North America, Girbau has gained strength throughout the world and become more competitive in the United States and abroad.

timeline of girbau events
  • 1924: Engineer Joan Girbau Vilageliu establishes appliance service company from his home in Vic, Spain.
  • 1934: Joan opens his first appliance store, Radio Girbau.
  • 1955: Antoni and Pedro join their father’s business. They begin manufacturing washers for the domestic market under Golder brand name.
  • 1960: Girbau switches from manufacturing domestic products to commercial laundry products to take advantage of booming hotel market. Girbau produces a 12 kilo washer.
  • 1969: Girbau develops first soft-mount washer-extractor (LF-40) and first dryers (SB-12 and SB-20). Total unit sales reach 796 for the year.
  • 1971: Girbau now manufactures 12 products, including its first drying-ironing machine. Unit sales reach 1,216.
  • 1973-74: Spanish tourism and hotel growth decrease. Girbau refocuses to manufacture equipment for hospitals and export. From 1973 to 1975, sales drop 19%.
  • 1977: U.S. exportation begins. U.S. sales make up 6% of Girbau’s total export revenue for the year.
  • 1982: Girbau exports products to 41 countries. U.S. sales drop to 2% of Girbau’s total export revenue.
  • 1985: Girbau washers begin to be sold in U.S. under a private label.
  • 1989: Girbau opens its first corporate office outside of Spain in Paris. During the next six years, Girbau opens operations in Argentina, United Kingdom, U.S. and Brazil.
  • 1995: Continental Girbau is established as U.S. subsidiary.
  • 1996: Continental begins marketing Express Laundry Center concept.
  • 2001: Girbau acquires Jean Michel, a manufacturer of industrial laundry accessories in France.
  • 2003: Girbau opens a new branch in Germany and opens a third manufacturing facility (G3) in Vic.
  • 2004: Girbau opens new branch in China.
  • 2007: Continental debuts two new lines of high-efficiency washer-extractors—E-Series and M-Series—and ExpressDry drying tumblers.
  • 2008: Continental opens first regional distribution center—Continental Girbau West.
  • 2009: Continental Girbau Inc. establishes a new division and brand—Girbau Industrial. Girbau Industrial provides industrial laundry products and systems, as well as signigicant support, to high-volume laundries throughout North America.