Alliance Laundry Systems
American laundry equipment manufacturer specializing in commercial and residential washers and dryers.
Company Type
private
Founded
1908
Headquarters
Ripon, Wisconsin, USA
About Alliance Laundry Systems
Who owns Alliance Laundry Systems?
Alliance Laundry Systems is owned by BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based merchant bank and private equity firm that acquired the company in 2018. The company is not publicly traded.
Alliance Laundry Systems is owned by BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based merchant bank and private equity firm that acquired the company in 2018. The company is not publicly traded.
What brands does Alliance Laundry Systems own?
Alliance Laundry Systems owns Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, Primus, and IPSO, among other laundry equipment brands.
Alliance Laundry Systems owns Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, Primus, and IPSO, among other laundry equipment brands.
Is Alliance Laundry Systems publicly traded?
No, Alliance Laundry Systems is privately owned by BDT Capital Partners and is not publicly traded.
No, Alliance Laundry Systems is privately owned by BDT Capital Partners and is not publicly traded.
When was Alliance Laundry Systems founded?
Alliance Laundry Systems was founded in 1908 in Ripon, Wisconsin, giving it more than 115 years of laundry equipment manufacturing history.
Alliance Laundry Systems was founded in 1908 in Ripon, Wisconsin, giving it more than 115 years of laundry equipment manufacturing history.
What is Speed Queen?
Speed Queen is Alliance Laundry Systems' flagship brand, known for heavy-duty commercial and residential laundry equipment. Speed Queen is particularly well-regarded for its durable residential washers and dryers, which the company markets as lasting 25 years.
Speed Queen is Alliance Laundry Systems' flagship brand, known for heavy-duty commercial and residential laundry equipment. Speed Queen is particularly well-regarded for its durable residential washers and dryers, which the company markets as lasting 25 years.
History of Alliance Laundry Systems
Alliance Laundry Systems traces its origins to 1908 in Ripon, Wisconsin, where the company was established as a manufacturer of laundry equipment. The Ripon, Wisconsin area has a long history of laundry equipment manufacturing, and Alliance Laundry Systems has been a central part of that heritage.
The company grew through the 20th century, developing expertise in commercial laundry equipment for laundromats, hotels, hospitals, and other institutional customers. The company built a reputation for durable, high-quality equipment designed for heavy commercial use.
Alliance Laundry Systems expanded its brand portfolio through acquisitions:
- **Speed Queen:** Speed Queen is one of the most recognized names in laundry equipment, known for its heavy-duty residential and commercial washers and dryers. Speed Queen has been part of Alliance Laundry Systems' portfolio for decades.
- **UniMac:** A commercial laundry brand focused on on-premises laundry (OPL) applications for hotels, hospitals, and other institutional customers.
- **Huebsch:** A commercial laundry brand with a long history in the coin-operated laundry (laundromat) market.
- **Primus:** A European commercial laundry brand acquired to expand Alliance's international presence.
- **IPSO:** Another European commercial laundry brand.
Bain Capital acquired Alliance Laundry Systems in 2005, providing capital for growth and expansion. CPPIB (Canada Pension Plan Investment Board) acquired the company in 2012. BDT Capital Partners acquired Alliance Laundry Systems in 2018 and remains the current owner.
Under BDT Capital Partners' ownership, Alliance Laundry Systems has continued to invest in product development, manufacturing capabilities, and international expansion. The company has expanded its connected laundry technology, allowing commercial operators to monitor and manage their equipment remotely.
Brands Owned by Alliance Laundry Systems
Alliance Laundry Systems owns 1 brand in our database.
Alliance Laundry Systems Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +World's largest manufacturer of commercial laundry equipment
- +Multi-brand portfolio (Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, Primus, IPSO) serves multiple market segments
- +Speed Queen brand has strong consumer loyalty in the residential market
- +More than 115 years of manufacturing expertise in Ripon, Wisconsin
- +BDT Capital Partners' long-term ownership approach supports strategic investment
Considerations
- -Private equity ownership creates eventual exit pressure
- -Commercial laundry market is cyclical and sensitive to hospitality and healthcare spending
- -Competition from large appliance manufacturers (Electrolux, LG, Samsung) in residential market
- -Energy efficiency regulations require ongoing product development investment
- -Not publicly traded, limiting transparency about financial performance
Frequently Asked Questions About Alliance Laundry Systems
Who owns Alliance Laundry Systems?
Alliance Laundry Systems is owned by BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based merchant bank and private equity firm that acquired the company in 2018. The company is not publicly traded.
What brands does Alliance Laundry Systems own?
Alliance Laundry Systems owns Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, Primus, and IPSO, among other laundry equipment brands.
Is Alliance Laundry Systems publicly traded?
No, Alliance Laundry Systems is privately owned by BDT Capital Partners and is not publicly traded.
When was Alliance Laundry Systems founded?
Alliance Laundry Systems was founded in 1908 in Ripon, Wisconsin, giving it more than 115 years of laundry equipment manufacturing history.
What is Speed Queen?
Speed Queen is Alliance Laundry Systems' flagship brand, known for heavy-duty commercial and residential laundry equipment. Speed Queen is particularly well-regarded for its durable residential washers and dryers, which the company markets as lasting 25 years.
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