Elis enters Malaysia with acquisition of Wonway

KUALA LUMPUR: France-based cleanroom services firm Elis has acquired a 100% stake in Wonway Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, marking its entry into Malaysia.

The international multi-service provider for cleanroom, workwear, hygiene, and facility services solutions has a presence in Europe, Latin America, and now Asia. The Elis Group operates globally across 30 countries, with over 55,000 employees and a revenue of €4.3bil in 2023.

“With the acquisition of Wonway, ELIS continues its growth strategy and expands its network to the Asian continent.

“By adding Wonway to the Elis Cleanroom Group, we meet the demands of our international customer portfolio of being present in APAC and fosters the ELIS strategy of being a global cleanroom services provider of reusable and launderable cleanroom products,” it said in a statement.

Founded in 1984 by the Chong brothers, Wonway provides reusable garment services for cleanrooms, primarily serving international groups in the semiconductor, medical device, and chemical industries.

“Wonway is able to address the entire Malaysian territory thanks to three specialised cleanroom laundries located strategically in Selangor, Penang and Melaka,” it said.

In 2023, Wonway delivered revenue close to RM29mil, with an earnings before interest and taxes margin of circa 15%. The acquisition will be consolidated from July 1, 2024.