Our History

In 1902, a family-operated chemical company moved from Ohio to Syracuse, New York. Dubbed the ‘Salt City’, it was a global hub for soda ash production, essential for soap manufacturing.

In 1915, they launched a new laundry and dry-cleaning machinery business called “the Prosperity Co.”

In 1946, G.A. Braun Inc. was founded as an offshoot of Prosperity. It started as a simple sales office for laundry equipment.

In 1956, G.A. Braun Inc. began manufacturing its own line of laundry machinery. The Unit Wash, the first Braun washer/extractor, was introduced.

With a focus on innovation, Braun added electromechanical controls and automatic chemical injection to its washers in the late 1950s.

In the 1960s, a breakthrough design marked the launch of suspension-mounted machines.

Braun pioneered the Pass-Thru Medicare machine, separating clean and dirty areas to prevent infections and airborne pathogens.

Braun introduced a top/side loading machine with doors optimized for gravity-assisted loading and unloading.

Through an acquisition in the 1970s, Braun added finishing equipment to its machinery lineup. 

Braun pioneered the incorporation of microprocessor controls in its washer/extractors.

In the 1980s, Braun introduced WASHNET NT, the first computer-controlled laundry program.

In the late 1980s, Braun purchased the Norman Dryer line – marking the start of manufacturing all its own dryers.

Braun is the first laundry equipment company to develop control software running on a Microsoft® Windows System.

Braun introduces several additional new products including the PT (pass-thru) series dryer line.

Braun introduces the narrowest open pocket washer/extractors on the market, offering increased washing capacity with less floor space.

Braun introduced its Certified Remanufactured Program – reviving machines after 20+ years of service, rebuilt to current specifications with a new equipment warranty.

In 2015, G.A. Braun Inc. expands, adding 155,000 square feet to its manufacturing facility.

Braun made renewed commitment to research and development, leading to 22 new or enhanced products released to the market, resulting in 4 new patent pending market solutions. 

Learn more about our most recent product lines here.

In December 2025, G.A. Braun Inc. became part of the JENSEN-GROUP through its acquisition by JENSEN North America. Operating as JENSEN Braun LLC, Braun continues as a distinct brand—building the same durable, American-made equipment—while co-existing alongside JENSEN to strengthen manufacturing, innovation, and customer support across North America.