Representatives of Alliance Laundry Systems.

Alliance Laundry invests over US$4.5 million to expand Thailand factory, driving innovation to meet Asia-Pacific market growth

Alliance Laundry Systems (ALS) has announced an investment of over US$4.5 million to expand its factory in Thailand, driven by a shift in consumer behaviour towards increased use of laundry services.
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 our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
We recently celebrated our 5th anniversary in Thailand with the event ‘Wealth Investment 2024: Wealth Transfer’, centered around the concept of ESG Sustainability.

Managing Director APAC, Mr Benjamin Leo Dobbs.

During the event, ALS launched new Combo machines that wash and dry in one unit, available in 13kg and 24kg sizes, featuring a touch screen with a new aesthetic design.
Additionally, we introduced new industrial washing and drying machines under our Primus and Ipso brands, aiming to increase market share and reinforce our position as the global leader in industrial laundry solutions.
It has been 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.
Positive shifts in consumer behaviour, such as increased use of convenient laundry services, are evident even in Thailand, where consumers are favouring laundromats for their convenience and time-saving benefits. Consequently, Thai entrepreneurs are expanding their stores and increasing the number of machines.
“And in 2025, we anticipate 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 US$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,” Managing Director APAC, Mr Benjamin Leo Dobbs, said.
Mr Sugree 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 percent by the end of 2024.
ALS holds a 70 percent market share among the 5,007 laundromats, within a total market value of around 13.5 billion Thai baht. This success is largely due to the unique customer experience provided by ALS machines.
The current rainy season has made air-drying clothes at home challenging, leading to an increase in laundromat usage.
Customers can be categorised into three groups: regular customers, who account for around 65 percent of the total 1.85 million users and have registered as members to receive promotions. This group rarely returns to using home washing machines. Occasional users make up about 30 percent, while new customers constitute around 3 percent to 5 percent.
“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,” Mr Sukree Kirai added.
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, our new Touch Screen - Aesthetic Design, under the Primus and Ipso brands, will be available this quarter,” Sukree Kirai said.
Mr Pavel Mino, Product Manager at Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, added “ALS continues to advance in innovation and technology with the launch of our new Combo machines, available in two sizes: 13kg and 24kg.”
These machines are designed for efficiency, completing both washing and drying in just one hour, without the need to transfer clothes between machines.
The key features include water, electricity, and gas savings, making 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 touch screen 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.
Mr Benjamin Dobbs concluded “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 percent 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. Additionally, we have plans to install a water recycling system to support operations in our laboratory.”

By Advertorial Desk  
 (Latest Update August 30, 2024)