CWS is a brand of CWS-boco International GmbH and its subsidiaries. The group currently employs around 10,600 people in 16 countries. In 2019, the company generated a turnover of €1,188 million. CWS-boco International GmbH and its subsidiaries are wholly owned by Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH.
Key economic figures
- Turnover (€ million) 1.1
- Locations in 16 countries
Key ecological figures
- Energy consumption (GJ) 936,264
- Water consumption (m3) 1,298,479
- Detergent consumption (t) 3,033
- CO2 emissions (scope 1–3; t) 52,593
Key social figures
- Employees (reporting countries) 11,000
Success Story CWS
Since April 2019, the system provider has been offering its services under the joint umbrella brand CWS. Since then, the company stands for a common vision with six service areas: to contribute to a healthier and safer tomorrow. For example, CWS offers solutions for washrooms and mats in the Hygiene division and for workwear, cleanroom, health and care in the Workwear division. For Germany, the new business area CWS Fire Safety is added, which offers customers fire protection solutions.
CWS' aim is to set new standards. With innovative, sustainable and digital rental solutions, the company provides more health, safety and protection for customers and their employees. Holistic hygiene solutions can limit the transmission of infections and reduce disease rates. Regularly checked protective clothing can prevent accidents at work and thus contribute to safety at the workplace, as do fire protection solutions.
Acquisitions strengthen business
Thus, CWS achieved important milestones in fiscal year 2019. In addition to the acquisition of German fire protection companies to establish CWS Fire Safety, CWS strengthened its core business in the Benelux market by acquiring the washroom hygiene specialist Vendor. In the cleanroom growth market, CWS made two strategic acquisitions in 2019, thereby driving forward the expansion of its services.
In addition, CWS increased its strategic investment in the mobile laundry Jonny Fresh to 16 per cent and took over the mat business of Textile Mietdienste Hiller.
Revenue increased
CWS' revenue in 2019 was EUR 1,188 million, up 4 per cent year on year. Revenue also grew organically – i.e., adjusted for acquisitions and currency translation effects – by 3 per cent as compared to the same period of the previous year.
In the course of this, CWS increased revenue in both divisions. The Hygiene division achieved growth of 3 per cent, while revenue in the Workwear division rose by 2 per cent compared to the same period of the previous year. In Germany in particular, the Hygiene division recorded a strong increase in revenue, while the Workwear division grew especially due to above-average growth in Eastern Europe and in the areas of cleanroom and healthcare.
Operating profit up by 11 per cent
CWS enhanced its operating profit significantly from EUR 140 million in 2018 to EUR 155 million in the year under review. This represents an 11 per cent increase in operating profit compared to 2018.