Alliance Laundry Invests Over USD $4.5M To Expand Thailand Factory, Driving Innovation To Meet Asia Pacific Market Growth
Alliance Laundry Systems (ALS) has announced an investment of over USD 4.5 million to expand its factory in Thailand. The company projects growth in the Asia-Pacific laundromat market, driven by a shift in consumer behavior toward increased use of laundry services.
According to the company's press release, this expansion aims to develop modern innovations that cater to the needs of both investors and consumers while enhancing regional business operations in line with the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
ALS recently celebrated its 5th anniversary in Thailand with the event, 'Wealth Investment 2024: Wealth Transfer,' centered around the concept of ESG Sustainability. The company also launched new Combo machines that wash and dry in one unit, featuring a touchscreen with a new aesthetic design, and available in the 13 kg and 24 kg sizes.
Additionally, ALS introduced new industrial washing and drying machines under its Primus and Ipso brands, aiming to increase market share and reinforce the company's position as a global leader in industrial laundry solutions.
Benjamin Dobbs from ALS noted that the Asia-Pacific region, including countries like Australia and New Zealand, is showing significant growth potential for laundromats as investors recognise business opportunities.
The company reports positive shifts in consumer behavior, such as increased use of convenient laundry services, are evident even in Thailand, where consumers favour laundromats for their convenience and time-saving benefits. Consequently, Thai entrepreneurs are reportedly also expanding their stores and increasing the number of machines.
Dobbs affirmed:
In 2025, we anticipates continued growth in the overall laundry market, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. We are targeting total sales in the APAC market to reach 4 billion baht in 2024. The company plans to enter new markets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines. To support ALS's growth, we are investing over USD 4.5 million to expand a new laboratory at our factory in Thailand. This expansion will enhance our capabilities in developing innovative products and services that meet customer needs. Despite challenges from counterfeit products, ALS’s 116 years of experience ensure that consumers can trust the quality of our products.
Sukree Kirai, Sales Director for Southeast Asia at Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, stated that ALS has achieved significant success in Thailand. Currently, there are approximately 3,489 laundromats nationwide using ALS machines, with an expected increase of 9 per cent by the end of 2024. ALS holds a 70 per cent market share among the 5,007 laundromats, within a total market value of around THB 13.5 billion.
“The current rainy season has made air-drying clothes at home challenging, leading to an increase in laundromat usage,” noted Kira.
He further categorised customers into three groups:
- Regular customers, who account for around 65 per cent of the total 1.85 million users, and who have registered as members to receive promotions – this group rarely returns to using home washing machines.
- Occasional users, making up about 30 per cent of total users.
- And new customers, constituting around 3 to 5 per cent.
Kirai added that in neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Singapore, laundromats have become an essential part of daily life, much like convenience stores, as people recognise their role in making life easier and more convenient.
“On the occasion of ALS Thailand's 5th anniversary, the company hosted the 'Wealth Investment 2024: Wealth Transfer' event under the concept of ESG Sustainability. Experts with hands-on experience shared insights on business operations, management, and future directions. Currently, ALS has 13 distributors in Thailand representing four brands: Speed Queen (4 distributors), Huebsch (1 distributor), Ipso (2 distributors), and Primus (2 distributors), along with 4 distributors in the OPL (On-Premise Laundry) sector serving hotels, hospitals, and large-scale laundries. Additionally, the company’s new Touch Screen - Aesthetic Design, under the Primus and Ipso brands, will be available this quarter," shared Kirai.
Pavel Mino, Product Manager at Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, added that ALS continues to advance in innovation and technology with the launch of its new Combo machines, which he said are designed for efficiency, completing both washing and drying in just one hour, without the need to transfer clothes between machines. Key features of the machine include water, electricity, and gas savings, which Mino believes make them superior to competitors in the same category.
“The machines are crafted from premium materials, with a front panel made of stainless steel and a 7-inch touchscreen that supports up to 34 languages, offering an easy-to-use interface. This model represents ALS's most advanced innovation to date, with compact and energy-efficient features that address both space and energy-saving needs,” he added
Dobbs concluded that this year, in addition to expanding our factory in Thailand and launching new products, ALS is also prioritising environmental and social responsibility.
“At our factory, we have installed solar rooftops that generate up to 40 per cent of our electricity from solar energy. We have also transitioned to using electric vehicles (EVs) and installed EV charging stations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. We also plan to install a water recycling system to support operations in our laboratory,” he said.
This press release was supplied.