Hughes Electrical has set its sights on becoming a leading player in the UK’s commercial laundry market, following the completion of its biggest ever acquisition.
Hughes acquired Newbury-based Armstrong Commercial Laundry Systems for an undisclosed sum. The company also operates in Scotland, has an annual turnover of £6.5m and 45 employees, and is a UK distributor for American company Alliance Laundry Systems.
Armstrong has a significant ‘route operation’ with coin-operated laundry machines in more than 100 locations, while its industrial arm supplies commercial laundries and has a thriving spare parts business. Hughes’ commercial arm, launched in 2012, serves the care, hospitality, tourism and educational sectors by supplying, installing, servicing and repairing a range of specialist machines from the Miele Professional range.
Robert Hughes, Hughes’ Managing Director, said: “We are delighted with the deal which we see as a merger of two likeminded, well established family businesses who share the same values.”
Following the merger, Armstrong will not only remain in Newbury and Glasgow, but also increase in size while absorbing Hughes’ commercial arm and staff members. Part of the business will be rebranded as Hughes Pro and look after servicing, repair and product supply to customers. There are also plans to open Hughes trade counters in Armstrong’s Newbury and Glasgow locations.
