Bedford has joined forces with White Box Enterprises to transform its large-scale commercial laundry at Lonsdale into a jobs-focused social enterprise under the Beacon Laundry brand, creating up to 50 new jobs over the next three years for South Australians who face barriers to work.
The two organisations will work closely together to transition the existing operation into a social enterprise model. Currently, the laundry operates as a supported employment model for 24 employees who identify with a disability.
Bedford CEO, Myron Mann explains how the White Box partnership aligns with Bedford’s strategy to provide more choice for people with disability and those experiencing barriers to work.
“It’s another example of Bedford pushing itself to look for new business models and partnerships to offer different pathways into open employment,” said Mr Mann.
Previously owned by Minda Incorporated, the Lonsdale based commercial laundry transferred to Bedford Group in June 2024, with the Beacon Laundry partnership to commence in tandem with the acquisition.
This partnership is so much more than simply acquiring a new brand for the laundry, it’s a complete transformation of the laundry into a best practice, jobs-focused social enterprise
“This partnership is so much more than simply acquiring a new brand for the laundry, it’s a complete transformation of the laundry into a best practice, jobs-focused social enterprise,”
“Bedford will continue to work closely with White Box to drive efficiencies and impact through procurement, logistics and advocacy for Adelaide’s first Beacon Laundry enterprise, which has a strong customer base across aged care, health and hospitality sectors,” said Mr Mann.
White Box Enterprises CEO and founder of Beacon Laundry, Luke Terry, said “we are thrilled to be collaborating with Bedford to bring Beacon Laundry to South Australia.”
The first Beacon Laundry was officially opened in Bangalow, 15 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay in Northern NSW by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in April this year. It is the fourth jobs-focused social enterprise incubated by White Box Enterprises since 2019.
“We’re having great success with the original Beacon Laundry in Northern NSW. In less than six months we’ve created 70 jobs for people experiencing barriers to work and have over 30 new customers on our books.” said Mr Terry.
“The Beacon Laundry model focuses on people, purpose, and the planet. Its goal is to create jobs and deliver a scalable approach to open employment which generates incredible returns for individuals, the community and the economy.”
Beacon Laundry joins Bedford’s portfolio of three open employment social enterprises which operate across a diverse range of industries including food manufacturing, landscape construction and advanced timber manufacturing.
Visit beaconlaundry.com.au to find out more.
Headline image shows Myron Mann, right, and Luke Terry, centre, with Beacon Team Member Dale, left.
