Elis Ireland, which serves large-scale users of linens such as hotels and hospitals, has continued to acquire businesses across Ireland
Planning documents, seen by the Sunday Independent, were submitted in late February seeking to develop the facility at Boyne Village Business Park. It would involve the construction of a large, two-storey industrial laundry processing and distribution facility warehouse.
Joanne D’Arcy, CEO of Elis Ireland, said the business was progressing plans for its new laundry facility, representing an investment of “upwards of €30m”.
In Ireland, Elis Textile Services grew revenue to €68.2m in 2023, up 41pc. Photo: Stock image/Getty
“This will further support the growth of our business and the ongoing modernisation of our laundry and textile rental operations,” she said. “Subject to the planning process, the proposed facility is expected to create in excess of 200 jobs in the area across a range of operational, technical and support roles.
“The development will strengthen our capacity to support customers across a number of sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing and other commercial industries that rely on consistent, high-quality laundry and textile rental services.”
Paris-listed Elis is one of Europe’s largest commercial laundry and textile rental (including uniforms and linens) businesses, serving large-scale users of linens such as hotels and hospitals across various markets. The group recorded revenue of almost €4.8bn last year, up around 5pc. It has a market capitalisation of over €5.8bn.
Elis expanded into the British and Irish markets on the back of several acquisitions.
In 2017, it acquired its UK rival, Berendsen, for £2.2bn. The business had a presence in Ireland.
Last year, Elis agreed a deal to acquire the Mayo-based OCL Laundry Services.
The following year, Elis acquired Tallaght-based Kings Laundry, a major linen supplier to hotels in Ireland. Based on Kings’ financial results at the time, the Irish Times estimated the deal would have been worth between €22.5m and €36m.
The Kings’ acquisition by Elis was one of a number to have taken place in the sector at the time.
Rival Celtic Linen exited examinership in December 2016 after it secured an investment from private equity firm Causeway Capital. In early 2018, it acquired Millbrook Linen. That deal created a €20m entity.
Elis has continued to acquire businesses in Ireland, including recently.
Last year, it agreed a deal to acquire the Mayo-based OCL Laundry Services. The deal required CCPC approval and it is currently being examined.
Based in Ballinrobe, OCL Laundry Services was established in 2000 by outgoing owner Alan O’Connor. The company primarily provides commercial laundry services to the hospitality industry. It employed around 150 people at the time of the deal.
In 2023 its textile services branch recorded a profit of €5.5m for the year up 41pc
OCL more than tripled its annual profits in the 12 months to the end of February 2024, bringing in nearly €2.2m compared to €664,400 the previous year.
In Ireland, Elis Textile Services grew revenue to €68.2m in 2023, up 41pc. It recorded a profit of €5.5m for the year, with shareholders’ funds sitting at over €42.5m.
The Irish company more than doubled the average number of people it employed in Ireland over 2023, with 1,201 staff. This compared to 557 the previous year.
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