Home / Career Stories / Precision, Quality and Maintenance in Production: Josh Cooper’s Lindström Career Journey
19.02.2026

Precision, Quality and Maintenance in Production: Josh Cooper’s Lindström Career Journey

Finding Lindström at the right time

Josh joined Lindström in 2017 after a setback. A broken leg left him out of work for a year, and when he was ready to return to work, he registered with a job agency. “The opportunity that came up was at Lindström.

Josh initially thought it would be a short term role, but it quickly became a long term career built on learning, trust and progression.

Josh Cooper, Textile Care Worker, Bedford, UK

Learning the laundry from the ground up

Josh started as a Textile Care Worker, beginning with folding and training across different stations. He built the skills needed in a practical, fast paced environment. Early on, some people around him dismissed laundry work as not being for everyone. Josh has seen first hand that it suits anyone who enjoys practical work, problem solving and being part of a team.

Stepping into hygiene and maintenance

As his knowledge grew, Josh became interested in the machinery and the technical side of the laundry. With support from experienced colleagues, he began learning maintenance tasks and the controls behind wash quality. That progression led to him becoming the site Hygiene Coordinator, whilst also taking on more maintenance responsibility over the last year as roles changed and new opportunities opened up.

The checks that keep everything running

Josh’s role is at the centre to keeping production safe and compliant. Many of his checks are business critical, because if results are not right, washing cannot continue. He monitors water and chemical performance to protect both textiles and the people who wear them, including pH tracking to help prevent skin irritation. Also carrying out control measures such as legionella sampling, wash quality testing and chemical stock monitoring so the site avoids unplanned downtime.

“It’s about making sure everything stays within spec, because those results protect quality and safety and keep production moving.

When the readings are right, the process runs smoothly. If something starts to differ, we can spot it early, put it right quickly, and avoid disruption for the whole production.”

His regular responsibilities include:

Daily water softener hardness checks
Weekly pH tracking, wash quality checks, drum dimensional checks, steam generator gauge checks and chemical stock level checks
Monthly microbiological tests, dryer temperature checks and meter readings
Safety checks such as emergency stop button testing, plus annual process validation and quality documentation

Sustainability is part of the day-to-day work too. Most washes reuse water through a clean and dirty tank system, and Josh regularly helps clean and bleach the tanks so recycling stays effective and safe.

Josh describes his progress as something he has worked hard for, with the right support around him. He also values the friendly, open culture and the trust to get on with the job.

Growing through development

Sustainability is part of the day-to-day work too. Most washes reuse water through a clean and dirty tank system, and Josh regularly helps clean and bleach the tanks so recycling stays effective and safe.

Josh describes his progress as something he has worked hard for, with the right support around him. He also values the friendly, open culture and the trust to get on with the job.

As his responsibilities have grown in maintenance, Lindström has invested in his development by supporting his NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations at Bedford College. The qualification strengthens the practical engineering skills that matter on site, from working safely and consistently to using technical information properly, so he can bring that learning straight back into day to day production and maintenance work.

Life outside work

Away from the laundry, Josh has two long standing passions. He has ridden dirt bikes since he was ten and now shares that interest with his son.

He also plays blues guitar, another hobby that helps him switch off. That practical mindset carries into work too, as someone who likes to understand how things work and fix problems properly.

In Summary

Josh’s journey shows what can happen when a role becomes an opportunity. From starting on the folding stations to becoming a Hygiene Coordinator and expanding his maintenance skills, he has built a career based on learning, reliability and steady growth. His advice to anyone starting out is simple: “Don’t overthink things, just take your time with it. It’ll come to you.” If you are looking for a workplace where people are approachable, development is supported and your work genuinely matters every day, Lindström is a great place to build your own story.

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