Spotless looks to clean up in WA with Arrix union

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

The move will expand Spotless' footprint in the state, where it currently provides services for 42 sites.

Arrix currently serves about 200 sites, mostly government buildings and retail and shopping centre clients.

Arrix managing director Mark Berry told WA Business News the union of both companies 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."

Mr Berry declined to comment on details of the transaction between Arrix and Spotless, only saying that both companies came together through a mutual contact.

Mr Berry and his sister established Arrix about 25 years ago.

The company has also established a cleaning service in Thailand.

In a statement, Spotless said it would benefit from Arrix's established client base, infrastructure and marketing drive in WA, while Arrix would 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, which 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 will move into Arrix's headquarters in Osborne Park.

Spotless said it intended 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.