WETTEREN, Belgium — Industrial laundry equipment manufacturer JENSEN-GROUP, headquartered here with a subsidiary in the United States, reports it has acquired full ownership of Danish robotics specialist Inawtec ApS from CMA-Holding Odense ApS.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The JENSEN-GROUP acquired a 30% stake in Inwatec in 2018 and an additional 40% in 2021, following a shared vision of how robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) could transform industrial laundry operations. 

Since then, the two companies have worked closely together to develop and introduce new technologies to the global laundry market.

JENSEN-GROUP says that over the past eight years, the two companies have brought technologies into industrial laundries that were still considered futuristic when the partnership began.

The combination of Inwatec’s technology expertise and entrepreneurial spirit with JENSEN-GROUP’s laundry knowledge, engineering capabilities, global sales and service network, and close customer relationships has helped accelerate the adoption of robotics and AI across the industry, according to the company.

Moving from 70% to full ownership is a natural next step in this long-standing cooperation and a clear commitment to further investment in automation, robotics, software, and AI, says JENSEN-GROUP.

“Eight years ago, we shared the conviction that robotics and artificial intelligence would fundamentally change our industry,” says Jesper Munch Jensen, CEO of the JENSEN-GROUP. “Together with the Inwatec team, we have turned many of these ideas into solutions that are operating successfully in laundries today. 

“Acquiring the remaining shares is a strong signal that we believe in this direction and want to accelerate it further.”

Founded in 2009 and based in Odense, Denmark, Inwatec has built a reputation for challenging traditional processes and developing highly automated solutions for industrial laundries. Its team, known as the #laundrynerds, will continue to play an important role in JENSEN-GROUP’s innovation activities.

For customers and partners, the transaction represents continuity combined with a clear long-term commitment. The JENSEN-GROUP will continue to integrate automation, robotics, and AI throughout the laundry process to help customers increase productivity, improve working conditions, and operate more efficiently.

“Inwatec and the JENSEN-GROUP have already been one team for many years,” adds Mads Andresen, founder of Inwatec and chief innovation officer (CIO) as well as COO Europe of the JENSEN-GROUP. “Together, we have been able to move from ambitious ideas to industrial solutions that make a real difference for laundries. 

“Full ownership gives us an even stronger foundation to continue developing the technologies that will shape the laundry of the future.”