Accrington-based System Hygiene has celebrated 35 years in business by agreeing a deal to merge with another cleaning and nursing company.
The janitorial specialists will take charge of Swiftkleen, based in Leyland, with all eight staff relocating to its main offices in Altham Business Park, Altham, Accrington.
Employees and customers were informed of the move before it was officially completed on February 28.
Robin Huddleston, Managing Director of System Hygiene, said: “This acquisition is a huge win for our customers.
“We’ll draw from Swiftkleen’s deep knowledge in the industrial and commercial marketplace and well-connected team as well as their incredible customer base, to launch exciting new services and develop our online sales channels.
“They have a strong presence online through eBay and Amazon, and that is part of the business that we are keen to grow.”
Robin added: “Although we enjoyed year-on-year growth and a loyal customer base that has spread from our Lancashire roots into Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Cumbria, we decided to be proactive.
“We sought a merger with another supplier.
“We believe that not only will it complement our day-to-day business, but more excitingly, a larger organisation will allow us to provide a wider variety of services and greater depth to our offering.”
Swiftkleen has been a leading supplier of specialist cleaning, nursing and workwear products since it began trading in 1990.
David Hogan, who runs the company with his wife Julie, said the merger secured long-term investment for the firm, currently based at Centurion Way Industrial Estate.
Julie said: “This is a unique opportunity to bring two passionate companies together with a shared vision of delivering excellent customer service, environmentally-responsible products and innovative hygiene services to all our customers.
“I look forward to working together with System Hygiene to bring industry-leading solutions and support to our customers.”
Julie added: “With a turnover in excess of £5m, System Hygiene also offers the financial stability and long-term investment opportunity our customers will benefit from.
“The most exciting thing will be the many new services and areas of expertise the new company will provide in the future.
“This includes a move into hygiene services, extending the customer service team, modernising the transport fleet and improving advice-related activity with an experienced team of regional and national account managers.”
The merger will increase the services provided by System Hygiene, which includes commercial laundry, kitchen and washroom hygiene services in both the public and commercial services.
The company currently supplies more than 7,000 lines of janitorial, cleaning and safety products to its customers.
The merger will increase the number of staff working at System Hygiene to more than 60.
