Arrix, Spotless join cleaning forces

One of the state's largest suppliers of commercial cleaning services, Arrix, has agreed to join national facilities manager Spotless Group.

Arrix managing director Mark Berry told WA Business News the union was the next step in the family business' growth phase.

"We had to look where the next growth phase was for us," he said.

"With WA getting a higher national profile there is a move towards more national contracts rather than state-based contracts.

"So we have to have an ability to interface with those national contracts and the way to do that is to hold hands with a national organisation like Spotless."

In a statement, Spotless said it will benefit from Arrix's established client base, infrastructure and marketing drive in WA while Arrix will have greater opportunity to leverage off the Spotless national client base.

"Additionally, by joining Spotless Group, Arrix will have the support of a leading multi-service company to take advantage of the move to more integrated service provision contracts," Spotless said.

Arrix, established 25 years ago and has a turnover of $20 million a year, employs 500 people who have been offered ongoing, secure employment.

Mr Berry added that Arrix is looking to increase the number of employees following the amalgamation of the two companies.

Spotless employs around 30,000 people nationally and has 13 major customers at 42 sites across the state.

Arrix provides services for around 200 sites in WA.

Spotless said it intends to retain the Arrix brand and Mr Berry will continue to manage the company's cleaning operations.

All of Arrix's contracts will continue to operate as normal.

The announcement is below:

In a joint statement, Spotless and Arrix announced plans for the highly regarded Western Australian based Arrix
cleaning business to join Spotless.

The move will see Spotless expand its coverage into Western Australia's growing economy, and at the same time, provide Arrix with access to a wider client base.

The joining of the Arrix commercial cleaning business and the existing multi-service capability of Spotless will bring
growth opportunities with the full range of property services now being available to clients throughout the length
and breadth of the State.

Arrix is one of the largest suppliers of commercial cleaning services in Western Australia. It contracts to most State
Government Agencies with major services in education and transport facilities. Commercially, the company also
has a substantial customer base of retail and shopping centre clients along with major clients in the growing South
Western region of Western Australia.

Spotless will benefit from Arrix's well established client base, infrastructure and marketing drive whilst Arrix will
have greater opportunity to leverage off the Spotless national client base. Additionally, by joining Spotless Group,
Arrix will have the support of a leading multi-service company to take advantage of the move to more integrated
service provision contracts.

Jo Farnik, CEO Spotless Group, said "This plan makes good business sense and will significantly bolster the
Spotless cleaning footprint in the WA region. We are looking forward to working with the highly motivated and well
respected Arrix management team".

Spotless plans to retain the highly regarded Arrix brand and its Managing Director, Mark Berry, will continue to lead
Arrix cleaning operations for Spotless. All Arrix contracts will continue to operate as normal, with the same account
management and service standards. Additionally, the 500 strong Arrix team will be offered ongoing secure
employment.

"We see this as the next great step for the Arrix team. Importantly, this move will now give Arrix greater opportunity
in meeting the needs of national clients, where, traditionally, local suppliers have been disadvantaged," said Berry.
Spotless's cleaning division currently supports 13 major customers at 42 sites across Western Australia including
stadia, education facilities and retail outlets.