Businesses in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and Kentucky have enjoyed our linen and uniform service for decades. Now, Tipton Linen has reached the important milestone of 75 years of reliable products and services. On our 75th anniversary, we at Tipton Linen would like to look back on our journey to becoming a leading name in the industry.

Tipton’s Early Days

In May of 1948, Bill and Pat Tipton, as well as Grace and Al Cottle, founded Whiteline Laundry. Back then, we only had two wooden washers and a 24-horsepower coal boiler. Our original client was Gene Chicon, owner of Cape Towel Services, who needed a new facility to clean his towels. We started humbly and grew into the leading provider of linen services we are today over many decades.  

Our Journey

After 2 years of successful business, the Tiptons bought out the Cottles’ portion of Whiteline Laundry in 1950 and formed a corporation with businessman D.L. Harrison. In 1954, we purchased Rigdon’s Laundry and took on their more recognizable name and facility on North Sprigg. The next year, Bill Tipton decided the business should include linen rental and dry cleaning after our oldest partner, Cape Towel Services, was purchased by another company.  Eventually, Bill Tipton bought out Harrison’s stake in the company, moved to our current location in Cape Girardeau, and we were renamed Tipton Dry Cleaning & Linen Services. In 1985, we sold our dry-cleaning business and phased out of retail laundry to focus on commercial linen service.  

Where We Stand Today

Now, we are known as Tipton Textile Rental, Inc. We are a third-generation family-owned business led by owners Tom Tipton and Annie Tipton Chambers, president and vice president, respectively. Don Harper, who bears no relation to his predecessor of the same name, is general manager. We have grown through acquisitions, plant expansions, and the hard work of our expert team.

Tipton provides high-quality, local linen and uniform service to businesses in a variety of industries including healthcare and food service. We have grown our service area beyond Cape Girardeau to include the Greater St. Louis Area as well as large swaths of rural Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Arkansas. Now, on our 75th anniversary, we celebrate our journey and look to the future as we continue to grow.  

Celebrate Tipton Linen’s 75th Anniversary With Us!

For 75 years, Tipton Linen has loyally served area businesses that need linen and uniforms. We have come a long way and are proud to partner with businesses in our local communities in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Arkansas. If you want to learn more about Tipton Linen, our history, or our products and services, reach out to us today! Call us at 1-800-533-5670 to speak with a member of our team who will answer any questions you may have. Additionally, you can contact us here for a free quote on service.