You know, I’ve never been to the inside of a factory before. I’ve never honestly stopped to think about how things are made that we use every single day. I think that’s kind of sad. Last week, I got to fly out to Ripon, Wisconsin for a quick overnight in order to meet the PR team from Alliance Laundry Systems and to see how the Speed Queen brand laundry machines are made, and why they are made the way they are, and also how they are made.
First, though. I have to tell you.
Cheese curds are a thing. Apparently, a really big thing. And if you don’t know what they are, well, head to Wisconsin because everyone will find a way to get you to try- and fall in love-with them. They might even send you home with a bag. They are also, by the way, a yummy thing. A really yummy thing.
Next…traveling on a company plane is really fun and exciting and actually not as scary as I’d anticipated. And a little tip… the smaller the plane, the smaller the bathroom, so plan accordingly. But, everyone can see out the windows and enjoy beautiful vistas like this as they approach their destination, and that’s pretty amazing. Also? I saw a teeny part of Wisconsin on the ground. So beautiful. The air is so much cleaner than other places I’ve visited. I love it.
Wearing toe caps over your shoes is a very strange feeling. It also sounds like you are in a tap dance performance, or like you might be starring in a Monty Python movie, especially if you are walking with a group of people who are also wearing them. It’s a safety thing, of course, but still kind of amusing. (There is not, I’m told, a company variety show where everyone does a *number* with the caps on).
I also had the chance to visit Alliance Laundry Systems,where Speed Queen washers and dryers are made. I already knew through our own personal research when our “mainstream” front loader washing machine died last fall that we wanted a Speed Queen, but I really didn’t know how they were made, or what made them stand out. I know that we always hear “They don’t make things like they used to” so very often, but with Speed Queen, they DO make things like they used to. That’s their thing. Quality. Reliance. Consistency.
I’m guessing that just about any company that makes washers and dryers has a place (or more) that assembles said machines. Perhaps they, like Speed Queen, are on American soil. Perhaps not. But the one really big thing that makes Speed Queen stand out from all of the others is one thing.
Yep.
One.
They don’t cut costs with materials.
They still make stainless tubs for all of their machines, and no one else does.
One thing, but it’s HUGE.
Where almost everyone has cut costs with materials and gone to plastic- which, yes, saves money- Speed Queen has just stayed rock steady. They’d rather just do what they have been doing so very well almost nonstop since 1928, and produce a reliable product that’s built to last.
In our old house, I wanted to cry when leaving the dryer behind. I don’t honestly recall what the brand was, but it was already 25+ years old, and would dry anything- ANYTHING- in 34 minutes. (My husband still thinks that this is a universal feature of dryers, but that’s not our topic today…). We didn’t bring the dryer because we were going to buy a top of the line front loading washer/dryer SET- a matching set! Squee! and it was going to be so awesome.
They were good machines, at first. Then we got some smells, and started reading the WHOLE manual, and realizing that there were so many issue with front loaders, especially our model. Fast forward 9 years, when the machine had enough and just died. In between? At least another $500 was spent on parts, and $150 on labor to have a friend of a friend come install a few things. We didn’t get 10 years from the washer. That “top of the line” washer cost us $100 and change a year plus the cost to run it. They don’t make washing machines or dryers to last 25 years anymore. They really don’t build them to last 10. 5-10 years is about the best you’ll do. Once you’ve had it that long, it starts to fall apart, and it ends up in a landfill. That’s not good for anyone except the company who has you back in the door buying yet another washer dryer.
I vowed to never have a front loader again. Even when Speed Queen invited me to be part of their blogger program, and offered to send us a washer and dryer for our personal use, I was adamant that I didn’t want anything to do with a front loader, and I definitely didn’t want a digital display. I wanted knobs. I was SO SURE of this. Now, we flew to Ripon, Wisconsin midday on Weds, Aug. 26th. I returned home around 7pm on the 27th, driving from the airport to my son’s soccer practice. Within hours of getting home, having spoken with engineers and seeing for myself just how hard the Speed Queen brand works to make sure their machines- top to bottom- are reliable and meant to last and perform to expectation…well, I emailed one of the PR folks from the trip and sheepishly asked if we might be able to change our minds and do the digital control front loading washing machine. Foot in mouth? Maybe. But seeing the testing and looking at actual data and information from that testing that’s gone on for so long for every single model that Alliance Laundry Systems makes changed my mind.
If we had done a little more research back then, before moving, like we’ve done in the past 10 months…we’d have chosen a Speed Queen. They don’t skimp on materials and they do extensive testing and checks and reviews to make sure that their machines will last and last and last. Their “big” business is commercial- you’ve probably seen Speed Queen or one of their brother brands in a local laundromat, hotel, college, apartment building, hospital, or nursing home, for example. Clearly when you are in a setting with high demand, you need machines that people can rely on to work. Speed Queen doesn’t change the technology or design for their consumer models that you or I can buy from a local appliance store.
Do you know what that means? It means those machines that are built to last through hour after hour of college kids doing laundry at all hours of the day and night, year round, are the same ones that are available for you or I to have in our homes. Speed Queen makes rough and tumble washing machines that are MADE TO LAST.
Buying from a local store also means you are supporting your neighbors. Buy local, shop small, right? Put the dollars back into your own communities, that’s the idea?! Plus, a small appliance store staff is more likely to have a good understanding of the different machines they carry and make recommendations for you than you might find at a big box store. Often, the folks who you are buying that machine from are also the ones who can service your machine if you need it, so you can rest assured you will have a real person to call with your questions and get help from.
Now that I know how a Speed Queen Washer and Dryer are made, I’m having a really hard time waiting for mine to arrive so I can do laundry in them!
I may be a Speed Queen blogger, and I did get invited on this trip, but these are my opinions.
The Future Mrs. Vines says
I had NO idea Speed Queen made residential laundry products. As much as I hate going to the laundromat (even though I currently have a working W/D – knock on wood), I LOVE Speed Queen Commercial Products. These are on the top of my list for our next laundry room purchase.
I love that they’re made in the USA. I’d love to take a tour of their factory. I have a fascination with manufacturing.
shelly peterson says
this is a pretty cool experience. These look like good quality products.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
It’s such a great opportunity for you to witness how Speed Queen washing machines are made! Now, you know why you should trust them
Cara (@StylishGeek) says
What an amazing opportunity! Kudos to you! Now I am also curious about this company because I am in the market for a new washer and dryer! Thanks for sharing!
Nickida says
I was following along with Val on this trip and it seemed so cool. Seeing your photos and your post just proves how cool this really was. Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes stuff with us.
kate says
So cool you got to tour the factory. Im surest gives you a greater sense of appreciation of where products come from!
HilLesha says
I’ve been looking for a new washer and dryer. I actually have never heard of this brand, but I’ll definitely look into this brand.
Manu Kalia says
I’ve never been in a factory before, this washer factory is so clean and the aerial view of the place is beautiful.
Dina says
My washer is 26 years old. I’m scared to buy another one because it works and has lasted so long. It seems the ones they make now don’t last. I may just have to try out the Speed Queen when mine dies.
Bonnie @wemake7 says
How neat! I have never been into a factory either. Looks so cool to see how products are made.
Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven} says
I really like that they’re built to last! Most appliances like this aren’t made to last that long anymore. My current washer is leaking oil around the foot and I just know I’m gonna have to buy a new one soon! I’m gonna check these out.
Uplifting Families says
We had to replace our washer and dryer this year. I am hoping that the new washer lasts at least 10 years. It isn’t anything fancy but it’s so much different than our last machine.
Chubskulit Rose says
How cool is that to see how this washer and dryer are made. I love USA made products.
Tee says
I definitely support your idea of buying local. What a cool visit to the Speed Queen factory. I think I’d be a little bit scared to be on a company plane too. Glad you had a nice visit.
Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey says
How cool! I always liked learning how things are made. Factories amaze me, with all those machines or robots, or whatever! lol
Annemarie LeBlanc says
When I was a little girl, I loved school field trips to manufacturing companies. It was so nice to see how stuff is made. This was a nice experience for you, to learn more about the brand from the production to the finished product.
Ron Leyba says
This is one of a kind experience. Awesome trip indeed!
rika says
Its so cool that you can see all of these things. Such a fun experience. We need a new washer, dryer and dishwasher
ricci says
I love products that are made in the USA! The next time I am in the market for washers/dryers I will look for these!
Emily says
I bet seeing all this behind the scenes felt like a ‘how its made’ episode. It’s so cool to see how everyday products come to be.
Liz Mays says
It seems like they put a lot of care into their washers and dryers. I like that they build their machines to last a long time.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
How fun! I’d love to take a tour of a factory like that. I think they’re fascinating.
lisa says
I have never heard of a Speed Queen but I will have to check them out now. I am in the market for a new dryer.
Jenn says
That is soo cool! I love learning where things come from. Washing machines are something I didn’t know too much about! Those toe shoes are too cool!!
lena says
This is pretty cool! I do love the process – just like in the show
Jennifer Pridemore says
It’s so cool that you got to see how these washers and dryers are made! I love learning how things are made.
Kristin Wheeler (Mama Luvs Books) says
Interesting to hear more how they work. We just got a new set ourselves! It’s helpful to have a pair that are efficient and work well!
Elizabeth Lampman says
Cheese curd is amazing. We use it here for Poutine. It is so delicious when it starts to melt on the fries and gravy. I had to leave a washer and dryer in an old house and i was so upset because i loved that set. The new set we got was good but not the same.
gingermommyrants says
My friend just bought a Speed Queen set and she loves it. She had similar issues as you with her first front loader set.
Tammy Roy says
I would love to get a new Washer and Dryer. It would be amazing to go to the factory like this. I will have to take a look at Speed Queen for my replacement. I hope you get yours soon.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I need a new washer and dryer. I will have to check out Speed Queen. I have never tried a front loading washer.
Ourfamilyworld says
I am using a very old washer and dryer. The hubs and I are thinking of getting a new pair. I will check this out.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
Washing machines are getting so energy- and water-efficient these days! It’s a necessary step forward!
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
That would be a great experience! I could use a new washer and dryer actually!
tess says
I would love any new washer lol. Those look like they are nice machines.
Mandi @ Moments With Mandi says
When you can see just how something is made, and the people who work there to get the product from dream to reality, it makes that product worth so much more. I have a feeling our washer and dryer are going to need replaced with in the next year or two, and I’m going to consider Speed Queen.
Amber Edwards says
I think those toe covers would be really fun to try….for a day that is. lol.
But what an awesome experience to see how those washing machines are made. I would love an experience with one. They sound like they really are made to last.
Mistee Dawn says
What a cool experience to see how they are made. I definitely need a new washer and dryer.
Maureen says
It is crazy how something you use every single day is something you have no idea on how it is made. This sounds like a great trip and fun too!
Aubrey says
What a fun experience. I really need a new dryer. Mine is so old.
Jeanette says
We need a new washer and I LOVE that this company doesn’t cut corners. I am very done with companies that do. I end up buying two products and when on a budget that is a HUGE waste of time! I will check into these!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I had never really given much thought to this. Sounds like an episode of How is this Made.