The Tribune

BY FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A $3m investment in a former derelict property has given birth to a technology-driven laundromat that its owners say is setting a higher standard for such services in The Bahamas.

Eco-Wash Laundromat, located on Tonique Williams Highway, will officially open this week and has positioned itself as a modern, cashless facility built around efficiency, sanitisation and community engagement.

Montino Roberts, chairman and president of Eco-Wash, said the investment has already exceeded initial projections. “The investment is rather simple. It’s $3m and growing because there’s more technology that we want to put into this facility so that we can cater to more of the demographic,” he added. “I’ve gone on record to say that we did seek a loan from the bank as well. Royal Bank is our partner, and we hope to have them here on Friday for the grand opening.”

Mr Roberts said the investment is transforming a long-abandoned structure into one of the most technologically-advanced laundromats in The Bahamas. He added that a key feature of the business model is its fully cashless laundry system, designed to streamline transactions and reduce on-site cash handling. Customers can pay digitally while also benefiting from high-capacity washers and dryers aimed at cutting down the time typically spent completing multiple loads.

Mr Roberts said community response has been encouraging even before the ribbon was cut. “I’ll be the first to say I was shocked to see the response from the neighbouring community. Even during the construction phase we had clients coming in with their clothing while we were still building out the space, and that hasn’t stopped,” he added. 

“They’ve continued to come and are beginning to patronise us. We’re working on a loyalty programme so that we can give back to them, as well as to the wider community.” Eco-Wash is also marketing itself heavily on hygiene and environmental efficiency. The facility incorporates ozone-ready sanitisation technology that injects O3 into cold-water washes, eliminating up to 99 percent of germs and bacteria without relying on hot water. 

Mr Roberts said this approach reduces energy consumption, extends fabric life and improves overall wash quality. “We’re offering a very professional, personalised atmosphere with the latest technology and equipment. Sanitisation is a major focus for us. Disinfecting and eliminating germs on every wash, free of charge, was something we really wanted to put out there. We’re pushing a really nice, inviting, friendly environment and the transformation is almost unrecognisable,” he added.

The concept, Mr Roberts said, emerged three years ago when the owners identified a gap in the Bahamian market for a cleaner, more modern laundry experience.

“Why Eco Wash, and why now? I’ll go back a little. Three years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about laundry other than using it. We were passing this facility — it was a derelict location — and we stopped in, had a conversation and decided we wanted to resurrect it as Eco Wash. We wanted to offer the Bahamian public something different, something more modern. And here we are today,” he said.

While management is focused on stabilising operations at the Tonique Williams Highway location, expansion is already under consideration. “As it stands now, we hope to expand,” said Mr Roberts  “We’re already looking at another location, but we have to get this one off the ground first. We’ve gone through all the planning, consultancy and design. Today, we’re moving into operations. This is another phase of learning, and our key focus right now is delivering excellent service to the Bahamian public.”