South Essex's oldest family-owned business is to be sold off with the loss of 55 jobs.
The sale of Rental Supply, known as the Albany Laundry, will mean it has left family control for the first time in almost a century.
The business in Eastwood Boulevard, Westcliff, is being bought by Johnsons Apparelmaster. It has been run by the Burton family uninterrupted since it was founded in 1909.
The decision to sell the laundry linen and workwear rental side of the business was taken by fourth generation owner Mike Burton.
He said: "The business was not on the market but we were approached in the middle of a business review by Johnsons, who made a fair offer. The offer fitted in with our new business plan.
"Although I have regrets, this was commercially the right decision, and right for those who are going forward with the company."
Albany Laundry employs around 90 people.
The new owners will guarantee 35 jobs in the delivery and co-ordination sectors, while redundancies will be concentrated in the production department.
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