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EXCEL-DRYER

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EXCEL-DRYER

Excel Dryer is a family-owned American manufacturer of touchless, high-speed commercial hand dryers, headquartered in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts [8]. The company specializes in the design and production of electric hand drying systems for public and commercial restrooms, positioning itself within the broader commercial appliance and hand hygiene industry. Its significance stems from its role in advocating for and providing alternatives to paper towels, with a focus on operational cost savings, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability claims [3]. As a manufacturer, Excel Dryer's products are installed in facilities globally, targeting a potential market of well over 25 million bathrooms in the United States alone [2]. The company's product line is characterized by high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers that use heated air to evaporate water from users' hands. A core model, the XLERATOR, is noted for its Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification, which provides independently verified data on environmental impact [6]. Excel Dryer has expanded its offerings to include models like the ThinAir, which is advertised to dry hands in approximately 15 seconds while operating on 960 watts of power, and the sink-mounted XLERATORsync [4][7]. A defining operational claim for these dryers is a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint associated with hand drying—up to 70% compared to 100% recycled paper towels, according to the company—and significant cost savings compared to paper towel systems by eliminating ongoing supply, labor, and waste disposal expenses [3][7]. Excel Dryer's hand dryers find application in a wide range of public, commercial, and institutional settings, including airports, schools, stadiums, and office buildings, where they are promoted as a tool for maintaining cleaner restrooms and reducing facility operating costs [4]. The company's modern relevance is tied to increased attention on sustainable building practices and material transparency. In this context, Excel Dryer has published what it describes as the first global Product Category Rule (PCR) for hand dryers, along with supporting Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) to standardize and verify environmental and health impact reporting for the category [1]. An additional point of note in the company's narrative is its commitment to domestic manufacturing, having moved to produce an all-American-made hand dryer [5].

Overview

Excel Dryer is a family-owned American manufacturing corporation specializing in the design, engineering, and production of touchless, high-speed commercial hand dryers [14]. The company maintains its headquarters and primary manufacturing operations in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, a location that has been central to its identity and operational philosophy since its founding [14]. As a manufacturer within the commercial restroom equipment sector, Excel Dryer has established a significant global presence, with its products installed in a diverse array of facilities worldwide. The company's core technological focus is on developing hand drying systems that prioritize hygiene, energy efficiency, and operational cost savings, positioning its products as alternatives to traditional paper towel systems.

Corporate History and Structure

Founded as a family-owned enterprise, Excel Dryer's organizational structure and corporate culture are deeply influenced by this heritage, which emphasizes long-term strategic planning, direct involvement in manufacturing processes, and a commitment to domestic production [14]. The decision to base its headquarters and manufacturing in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, situates the company within a regional industrial ecosystem and reflects a commitment to maintaining control over production quality and supply chain logistics [14]. This structure has allowed the company to pursue innovation in hand dryer technology while retaining agility in its response to market demands and environmental regulations. The family-owned model is frequently cited in corporate communications as foundational to its approach to product durability, customer service, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Technological Innovation and Product Development

The company's primary claim to technological distinction lies in its development and refinement of high-speed, touchless hand dryers. These devices utilize high-velocity air streams, typically generated by specialized motors and impellers, to shear water from users' hands in a matter of seconds, a significant reduction compared to conventional warm-air hand dryers. The touchless operation is enabled by infrared sensors that detect user presence, initiating and terminating the drying cycle automatically to minimize physical contact with the appliance and potential cross-contamination. Excel Dryer's engineering efforts concentrate on optimizing the aerodynamic profile of the air path, the efficiency of the heating element (if present), and the reliability of the sensor system. Key performance metrics for these dryers include:

  • Dry time, often advertised as between 8 to 15 seconds for complete drying
  • Air velocity, measured in feet per minute or meters per second at the nozzle
  • Energy consumption per dry, measured in watt-hours or kilowatt-hours
  • Sound level output, measured in decibels (dBA) at a specified distance

The company's product line has evolved to include models with varying form factors, mounting options (including wall-mounted and sink-mounted units), and feature sets tailored to different commercial environments such as healthcare facilities, airports, stadiums, and office buildings.

Environmental Impact and Lifecycle Analysis

A cornerstone of Excel Dryer's corporate and product narrative is its commitment to environmental transparency and the quantification of its products' ecological footprint. The company has undertaken significant efforts to document the environmental impact of its hand dryers across their entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to use-phase energy consumption and end-of-life disposal or recycling. In a landmark move for the industry, Excel Dryer published the first global Product Category Rule (PCR) for hand dryers [13]. A PCR is a standardized set of rules, requirements, and guidelines for developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for a specific product category. By establishing this PCR, the company created a consistent, verifiable framework that allows for the comparative assessment of the environmental performance of different hand dryer models. Building upon this PCR, Excel Dryer has produced independently verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its products [13]. An EPD is a comprehensive, internationally recognized report that details a product's environmental impact based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). These impacts are typically quantified using metrics such as:

  • Global Warming Potential (GWP), measured in kilograms of CO₂ equivalent (kg CO₂-eq)
  • Acidification Potential, measured in kilograms of SO₂ equivalent (kg SO₂-eq)
  • Eutrophication Potential, measured in kilograms of phosphate equivalent (kg PO₄-eq)
  • Ozone Depletion Potential, measured in kilograms of CFC-11 equivalent (kg CFC-11-eq)
  • Primary Energy Demand, measured in megajoules (MJ)

The EPDs provide specifiers and facility managers with audited data to support sustainable design and procurement decisions. Furthermore, the company has supplemented its environmental documentation with Health Product Declarations (HPDs) [13]. An HPD is a standardized report that discloses a product's ingredients and their associated health hazards, contributing to material transparency and supporting projects pursuing certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Building Standard.

Comparative Environmental Claims

The environmental data generated through the LCA process and presented in the EPDs forms the basis for Excel Dryer's comparative claims regarding the ecological benefits of its high-speed hand dryers versus other drying methods. The company asserts that its most efficient models can reduce the carbon footprint associated with hand drying by up to 70% when compared to the use of 100% recycled paper towels [13]. This calculation is derived from a cradle-to-grave LCA that accounts for the full lifecycle impacts of both systems. For paper towels, this includes:

  • Raw material sourcing (recycled paper pulp)
  • Manufacturing processes (pulping, drying, rolling, cutting)
  • Transportation and distribution
  • Waste generation and end-of-life treatment (landfilling, composting, or recycling)
  • Ancillary impacts from towel dispensers, maintenance, and waste bin liners

For the hand dryer, the LCA includes:

  • Material extraction and component manufacturing (metals, plastics, electronics)
  • Assembly and production
  • Distribution
  • Use-phase electricity consumption over a defined lifespan
  • End-of-life recycling or disposal

The claimed 70% reduction in carbon footprint hinges on the significant impact of the continuous manufacturing, transportation, and waste disposal associated with paper towels, contrasted with the primarily use-phase electricity consumption of an energy-efficient hand dryer [13]. The validity of such comparisons depends heavily on the specific assumptions of the LCA, including the dryer's energy efficiency, the local grid's carbon intensity, the number of uses per day, the product's operational lifespan, and the waste management practices for paper towels. By publishing verified EPDs, Excel Dryer provides the underlying data that allows stakeholders to evaluate these claims within the context of their specific projects and regional environmental factors.

History

Founding and Early Market Context

Excel Dryer was founded as a family-owned enterprise, establishing its headquarters in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. The company emerged within a broader American manufacturing landscape that included other significant private firms, such as Applegate, which held the position of the largest privately owned cellulose insulation manufacturer globally and supplied high-performance insulation products worldwide [16]. This period was characterized by a growing emphasis on industrial efficiency and product specialization within the building materials and commercial fixtures sectors. The initial focus of Excel Dryer was on the commercial hand dryer market, a niche that presented substantial growth potential given the vast number of public and commercial restroom facilities across the United States and internationally.

Strategic Vision and Workplace Philosophy

From its inception, the company's leadership cultivated a distinct corporate philosophy centered on principled innovation and sustainable operation. This internal culture was not merely aspirational but was actively integrated into the company's own infrastructure and daily practices. Excel Dryer positioned itself as an exemplar within the manufacturing sector, operating on the conviction that a clear vision coupled with a commitment to innovation could render the creation of a beautiful, healthy, and sustainable workplace not only possible but achievable [15]. This foundational belief in leading by example informed both product development goals and corporate governance, setting a precedent for operational transparency that would later extend to its product lifecycle disclosures. The company's approach demonstrated that environmental and health considerations could be core to a business model rather than peripheral additions, a principle that aligned with broader movements in green building and responsible manufacturing [15][16].

Industry Evolution and Competitive Landscape

The commercial hand dryer market underwent significant transformation in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, driven by technological advancements and increasing environmental awareness. Excel Dryer navigated this evolving landscape alongside competitors and a specialized distribution network. A notable figure in this ecosystem was George Campbell, a former Dyson employee who founded NetDryers, a Chicago-based company. Campbell's enterprise adopted a multi-brand distribution model, selling hand dryers from various manufacturers, which illustrated the competitive and fragmented nature of the market. This period saw a shift from traditional warm-air dryers to newer, high-speed models, with manufacturers competing on claims of drying speed, energy efficiency, and hygiene. The presence of distributors like NetDryers, which offered products from all major brands, underscored the importance of performance specifications and third-party validation in influencing purchasing decisions for facility managers and specifiers.

Pioneering Transparency and Lifecycle Accountability

In a significant departure from standard industry practice, Excel Dryer initiated a comprehensive program for product transparency, moving beyond marketing claims to seek independent, verifiable validation. Building on the concept of corporate responsibility discussed in its workplace philosophy, the company extended this ethos to its products. This effort culminated in the publication of independently verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) for its hand dryers. These documents provided quantified, science-based data on environmental impacts across the product's lifecycle and disclosed material ingredients for health assessments, respectively. By securing these declarations, Excel Dryer provided architects, designers, and building owners with critical data to support sustainability certification programs like LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge, thereby aligning its products with the rigorous demands of contemporary green building standards [15].

Recognition and Market Position Consolidation

The company's strategic initiatives in product innovation and corporate transparency garnered external recognition, reinforcing its market position. Industry accolades, such as being named a double honoree in notable business awards, highlighted Excel Dryer's impact and leadership within the manufacturing sector. These recognitions often cited the company's integration of sustainable practices, innovative product design, and contributions to advancing industry standards. Furthermore, the company actively contributed to industry discourse, with its leadership and milestones frequently featured in trade publications and news articles, which served to validate its approach and amplify its influence on market trends toward greater efficiency and sustainability in commercial restroom solutions.

Commitment to Independent Verification and Performance Metrics

A cornerstone of Excel Dryer's historical development has been its reliance on objective, third-party testing to substantiate product performance claims. This commitment is exemplified by its engagement with independent laboratories like LMS Technologies to conduct rigorous performance evaluations. For instance, testing performed by LMS Technologies in May 2023 provided empirical data on the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the company's hand dryer models. This practice of seeking external validation for key performance indicators, such as drying speed and energy consumption, distinguished the company's methodology from one based solely on internal data or unverified assertions. It established a precedent for accountability, ensuring that the technical specifications presented to consumers and professionals were reproducible and met established testing protocols, thereby fostering trust and credibility in a competitive marketplace.

Enduring Legacy and Industry Influence

The historical trajectory of Excel Dryer reflects a consistent pattern of aligning corporate strategy with evolving priorities in environmental stewardship and building science. From its roots as a family-owned manufacturer, the company evolved into an influential voice advocating for greater transparency and lifecycle accountability in the commercial fixtures industry. Its early adoption of a holistic vision for a sustainable workplace provided a tangible model for its subsequent push for product-level declarations [15]. By championing verified EPDs and HPDs and promoting the adoption of a Product Category Rule, Excel Dryer played a pivotal role in shifting industry norms, encouraging competitors and suppliers alike to consider the full environmental and health implications of their products. This legacy positions the company not merely as a manufacturer of hand dryers, but as a contributor to the broader framework of sustainable manufacturing and green building practices [16].

The company has established itself as a significant entity in the commercial restroom equipment sector through a combination of product innovation, a commitment to domestic manufacturing, and industry leadership in environmental transparency.

Corporate Structure and Manufacturing Philosophy

As a family-owned enterprise, Excel Dryer maintains a distinct operational philosophy focused on long-term investment and vertical integration. This approach is exemplified by its strategic manufacturing decisions. The company operates a production facility in Tennessee, which has been central to its initiative to relocate its entire manufacturing supply chain to the United States [5]. This facility is actively moving operations previously conducted in China back to the U.S., a process aimed at creating a fully domestic production line for its hand dryers [5]. This commitment to American manufacturing not only influences its corporate identity but also impacts its supply chain resilience and market positioning.

Product Portfolio and Technical Specifications

The company's product line is built around the core technology of high-speed, touchless drying. Its flagship models, such as the XLERATOR® and ThinAir® dryers, are engineered for efficiency and user experience. Technical performance is a key differentiator; for instance, independent testing conducted in May 2023 by LMS Technologies provides verified data on dry time and energy use [1]. Specific operational parameters are published for consumer reference. The ThinAir® model, for example, operates at 950 watts with heat engaged but consumes only 300 watts when the heating element is turned off, offering facilities a way to reduce energy consumption based on climate or preference [18]. Furthermore, user control is integrated into the design, with models featuring adjustable heat settings that allow administrators to select High, Medium, Low, or Off modes to balance comfort with energy savings [6]. Beyond standalone dryers, Excel Dryer has expanded into integrated washroom systems. The D|13 Sink System represents a holistic approach to restroom design by combining the hand washing and drying stations. This system synchronizes the process by incorporating a soap dispenser, faucet, and a high-efficiency hand dryer directly onto a single sink basin, aiming to improve hygiene by containing the entire process at one location and potentially reducing water and cleaning maintenance through consolidated plumbing [3].

Market Position and Distribution

The commercial hand dryer market is competitive and includes various distribution models. Excel Dryer's products are sold through a network of distributors and representatives. The market landscape includes entities like NetDryers, a Chicago-based company run by George Campbell, a former Dyson employee, which sells hand dryers from multiple manufacturers, indicating a competitive but multi-brand distribution channel [2]. This suggests that end-users, such as facility managers and architects, often procure equipment through intermediaries who evaluate products based on specific project criteria like cost, performance, and sustainability credentials.

Environmental and Health Transparency Leadership

Building on the industry-first Product Category Rule (PCR) mentioned previously, Excel Dryer has utilized this framework to generate independently verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) for its products [14]. EPDs provide a standardized, lifecycle assessment-based report on a product's environmental impact, such as global warming potential and resource consumption. HPDs disclose the material ingredients of a product and their associated health hazards. By publishing these declarations, the company supports transparency efforts in the building and construction industry, allowing specifiers and building owners to make informed comparisons regarding the environmental and health attributes of hand dryers versus paper towels or other drying methods. This move aligns with growing demand for documented product sustainability in green building certification programs like LEED and WELL.

Economic and Operational Considerations for End-Users

The adoption of high-speed hand dryers is frequently evaluated through a total-cost-of-ownership lens, factoring in upfront purchase, installation, energy consumption, and long-term maintenance against the recurring cost of paper towels, labor for refilling, and waste removal. Excel Dryer provides case study analyses to illustrate potential savings. One such cost-saving case study, documented in a 2022 report, outlines the financial calculations for a facility transitioning from paper towels to their high-speed dryers, considering variables like reduction in purchase costs for towels, lowered waste hauling fees, and decreased labor for restocking and cleaning [17]. These analyses are central to the value proposition for commercial and institutional facilities managing large numbers of restrooms.

Industry Recognition and Corporate Standing

The company's initiatives in manufacturing and sustainability have garnered industry attention. It has been recognized as a "double honoree" in relevant trade publications, acknowledging its achievements as both a manufacturer and an employer, which contributes to its professional standing within the sector [14]. This recognition underscores its role not only as an equipment producer but also as a stakeholder in broader manufacturing and business communities. In summary, Excel Dryer operates as a specialized manufacturer whose business encompasses product engineering, domestic production, and active participation in shaping industry standards for environmental transparency. Its activities range from detailed technical design and integrated system development to macroeconomic analysis of customer savings and advocacy for supply chain reshoring.

Significance

Excel Dryer's significance within the commercial hygiene and building products industry extends beyond its role as a manufacturer of high-speed hand dryers. The company has influenced market standards, advanced corporate responsibility practices, and demonstrated a model of modern, values-driven American manufacturing. Its impact can be assessed through its contributions to environmental transparency, operational philosophy, and market education.

Pioneering Environmental Transparency and Lifecycle Accountability

Building on the concept of the Product Category Rule (PCR) discussed above, Excel Dryer's commitment to environmental transparency is substantiated by comprehensive, independently verified documentation. The company conducted a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for its XLERATOR hand dryer, analyzing environmental impacts from raw material extraction and manufacturing through to use, maintenance, and end-of-life disposal [22]. This data forms the basis for its Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which provide quantifiable environmental impact data in a standardized format for specifiers and facility managers [22]. Complementing this, the company also publishes Health Product Declarations (HPDs), which disclose material ingredients and potential human health effects, supporting informed decision-making for projects pursuing green building certifications like LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge [22]. This suite of documentation establishes a benchmark for product-level accountability, moving claims of sustainability from marketing statements to verified, comparative data.

Redefining Manufacturing Philosophy and Operational Efficiency

The company's operational approach integrates advanced automation with a stated commitment to its workforce. As noted in corporate communications, Excel Dryer has implemented robotics in assembly and shipping processes, specifically targeting tasks characterized as difficult or monotonous, such as component assembly and pallet stacking [Source Materials]. This strategic deployment is framed not as a labor replacement but as a method to augment human workers and improve ergonomics [Source Materials]. This philosophy reflects a modern interpretation of family-owned manufacturing that balances technological adoption with employee welfare. Furthermore, the company's design focus on installation and maintenance efficiency contributes to its significance. For instance, the ThinAir model is noted for being easier to install than other hand dryers, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership for facilities [4]. Product specifications, such as the precise bowl measurements required for the sink-mounted XLERATORsync®, are provided to ensure correct and efficient installation, reducing labor time and potential errors [13].

Quantifiable Energy Efficiency and Performance Benchmarking

While the company's development of high-speed drying technology was covered previously, the specific performance metrics of its product lines establish industry benchmarks. The XLERATOR, as the original patented high-speed model, is documented to dry hands completely in 8 seconds using unheated air [Source Materials]. This performance is contrasted with conventional hand dryers, which the company states the XLERATOR outperforms while using 80% less energy [19]. This efficiency claim is extended across other models; the ThinAir hand dryer is also marketed as using 80% less energy than conventional hand dryers [18]. These specific, repeated efficiency figures serve as key performance indicators that have shaped buyer expectations and competitor responses in the commercial hand dryer market.

Fostering Market Education and Shifting Perceptions

A significant aspect of Excel Dryer's influence lies in its active role in educating the market on the total cost of ownership and environmental impact of hand-drying solutions. By publishing detailed technical sheets and lifecycle data, the company provides the tools for facility managers to conduct comparative analyses between hand dryers and paper towels [21][22]. The assertion that its most efficient models can reduce the carbon footprint of hand drying by up to 70% compared to 100% recycled paper towels, as mentioned earlier, is a central tenet of this educational effort. This shifts the procurement conversation from a simple upfront purchase price to a long-term analysis of energy, maintenance, waste disposal, and supply chain costs. The company's identification of a vast addressable market—well over 25 million bathrooms in the U.S. alone representing potential installations—underscores the scale of the behavioral and economic shift it advocates [Source Materials].

Integration of Corporate Social Responsibility and Customization

Excel Dryer integrates social responsibility directly into its product offerings, moving beyond philanthropic donations. The company provides the most cover customization options in the industry, which includes its "Soldier On" hand dryer covers [Source Materials]. These custom covers allow facilities to visibly demonstrate support for veterans while a portion of the proceeds is directed to related causes [Source Materials]. This program exemplifies a model where a standard commercial product becomes a vehicle for awareness and fundraising, embedding social value into the built environment. This approach to customization extends to aesthetic and branding needs, allowing architects and designers to specify hand dryers that align with a facility's design theme or corporate identity.

The company's market position is underpinned by a robust intellectual property portfolio, which includes fundamental patents for hand dryer technology. One such patent, US6038786(A), is part of a worldwide patent family and has been subject to litigation, indicating its critical and potentially broad claims regarding hand dryer design and function [20]. This legal activity highlights the foundational nature of the company's innovations and its active defense of its intellectual property, which in turn has shaped the competitive landscape and technological development paths within the industry. In summary, Excel Dryer's significance is multifaceted. It has pioneered rigorous environmental reporting for its product category, advocated for a total-cost-of-ownership perspective, modeled a human-centric approach to manufacturing automation, and leveraged its product platform for social impact. The company's work in establishing PCRs, EPDs, and HPDs provides a template for product transparency, while its focus on quantifiable energy savings and installation efficiency provides practical tools for sustainable facility management. Through these combined efforts, the company has played a substantive role in transforming the commercial hand dryer from a utilitarian appliance into a component of strategic building operations and environmental stewardship.

Applications and Uses

The hand dryers manufactured by Excel Dryer are engineered for deployment in high-traffic public and commercial facilities where hygiene, operational cost, and sustainability are primary concerns. Their applications span diverse sectors, leveraging the core technological advantages of high-speed drying and energy efficiency to address specific institutional needs.

Commercial and Institutional Hygiene Solutions

A primary application for Excel Dryer products is within public restrooms in commercial and institutional settings. The company's hand dryers, including the XLERATOR and ThinAir models, are designed to provide a touch-free, sanitary hand-drying experience. This addresses hygiene concerns associated with alternative methods; for instance, one study cited by the company found that "a large community of cultural bacteria, including toxin producers, can be isolated from unused paper towels" [19]. By eliminating the need for physical contact with a lever or button (through automatic sensors) and removing paper waste from the environment, these dryers are positioned as a solution for reducing cross-contamination points. The slimmer profile of certain models, such as the ThinAir, is specifically engineered to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards for protrusion from walls, making them suitable for installation in accessible restrooms across public facilities [7].

Economic and Environmental Impact Analysis

The adoption of Excel Dryer's high-speed hand dryers is frequently justified through detailed economic and environmental return-on-investment calculations targeted at facility managers and sustainability officers. The company provides comparative data asserting significant operational savings. One analysis claims the XLERATOR model "reduces costs by a massive 95 percent in comparison to using traditional paper towels" [8]. This cost reduction is attributed to the elimination of recurring expenditures on paper towel procurement, storage, distribution, and waste disposal. From an environmental perspective, the same source claims the product provides "up to a 94 percent reduction in carbon footprint versus paper towels" [8]. These figures are integral to the product's value proposition for organizations with formal sustainability goals or seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification points. The company's development of the first global Product Category Rule (PCR) for hand dryers provides a standardized methodology for conducting these environmental impact assessments, as "a PCR is a set of rules, requirements, and guidelines following internationally established standards that make it easier to consistently evaluate products’ environmental impacts" [10].

Customization for Branding and Advocacy

Beyond their functional role, Excel Dryer products offer a platform for organizational branding and advocacy through extensive customization options. The company promotes that it offers "the most cover customization options in the industry" [Source: Key Points]. This allows facilities to integrate their logos, colors, or specific messaging directly onto the hand dryer's exterior cover, transforming a utilitarian object into a branded touchpoint. A notable specialized application is the "Soldier On" hand dryer cover program. These custom covers are installed to show support for veterans while helping to raise money for related causes [Source: Key Points]. This application demonstrates a use case where the product's physical presence serves a dual purpose: performing its primary function while also acting as a vehicle for corporate social responsibility initiatives and public awareness campaigns.

Integration in American Manufacturing and Government Facilities

The company emphasizes the application of its products within contexts that prioritize domestic manufacturing and supply chain reliability. Excel Dryer holds a Made in USA Certification® and actively promotes the retention of manufacturing jobs within the United States [9]. This aspect of their operation makes their products particularly applicable for procurement by federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as private institutions with "Buy American" policies. The company notes that government entities utilize their products "to meet their own standards for quality, reliability, and sustainability" [12]. The integration of automation and robotics within their manufacturing process, as referenced in company statements, is framed not as a replacement for labor but as an augmentation for "jobs that are particularly difficult or monotonous, such as assembling certain components or stacking pallets" [Source: Key Points]. This manufacturing approach supports the product's application in projects where the provenance and ethical standards of production are contractually or ethically mandated.

Performance Specifications and Facility Suitability

The specific performance characteristics of different models dictate their suitability for various applications. The flagship XLERATOR is marketed for its speed, with the original model drying hands in approximately 8 seconds, a claim foundational to the high-speed dryer category [Source: Key Points]. Other models, like the ThinAir, offer a balance of performance and form factor, drying hands "in 14 seconds using 950 watts or less" [7]. These technical specifications inform facility decisions based on restroom traffic patterns, energy budgets, and space constraints. High-volume venues like airports, stadiums, and convention centers may prioritize maximum drying speed to reduce queue times, while offices or schools might prioritize lower wattage and ADA-compliant design. The underlying patented technology, referenced in patent document US6038786A which details a hand dryer with a heater disposed in an air duct, enables this range of performance from a core mechanical design [20]. In summary, the applications of Excel Dryer products extend from basic sanitary utility in public restrooms to serving as calculated tools for cost reduction, sustainability reporting, brand communication, and compliant procurement. Their use is supported by quantified claims of performance against alternatives and is adaptable to specific institutional requirements through physical customization and model selection.

References

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  2. [2]How One Company Reinvented The Hand Dryerhttps://www.npr.org/2013/02/04/171090394/how-one-company-reinvented-the-hand-dryer
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  9. [9]Honoring Our Heroes on Veterans Dayhttps://www.exceldryer.com/blog/honoring-our-heroes-on-veterans-day/
  10. [10]Made in USA – American-Made Hand Dryers by Excel Dryerhttps://www.exceldryer.com/blog/made-in-usa-hand-dryers/
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  13. [13]XLERATORsync® Hand Dryer, the Elegant Sink Mounted Hand Dryerhttps://www.exceldryer.com/product/xleratorsync/
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