Orapi-Group

We are beginning a new phase in our history.

Despite a difficult 2012, the ORAPI Group has grown stronger and greater than ever. It has become a leader in the commercial cleaning sector in France.

A year of strong growth
We have continued to assimilate the TOP HYGIENE and PHEM acquisitions into our organization. We have launched the construction of our logistics building (+22,000 m2, SEVESO level 1) in the Lyon Saint-Vulbas industrial estate. This building will be operational in September 2013. It will house our entire French inventory (almost 20,000 pallets) for quick distribution to our European clients.

In June, we acquired the ARGOS group, a specialist in the distribution of commercial cleaning products in France, with branches and logistics centres spread throughout the country. ARGOS has been distributing its own brand for more than 30 years and is the perfect addition to the ORAPI Group. At the same time, ARGOS is able to supply its own clients with products made in its own factories.

We are focused on strategy and creating value
In the beginning, the ORAPI Group was specialised in advanced technical products for industrial care, maintenance and processes. About fifteen years ago, the group had to shift towards other sources of growth, due to the de-industrialization of the primary countries where the Group operated, especially France.

This change led the Group towards different sectors and different clients, namely services, local authorities and governments. With this in mind, the Group made more than 30 acquisitions in the commercial cleaning sector. Today, this activity represents 80% of turnover, and ORAPI has become one of the major French-owned players in this sector.

Our business model is unique. We have developed full vertical integration from research and development to production and even distribution. We work in several niche markets with specific brands that protect our clients in their commercial activities. Our sales teams receive highly specialised, technical training that allows them to be real experts for their clients and distributors.

An exciting mission that inspires innovation and meaning
Our teams listen to our clients and change together with them. This makes us even more competitive because we can adapt to any restrictions and to competition. We are constantly evolving. After starting out as sellers, we have become true advisers for our clients. We help them optimise their costs and save money, while providing them with application systems that have been researched, developed and inspected by our technicians.
ORAPI needs the trust and loyalty of its clients to grow in a reliable partnership that benefits both parties. In this way, we can protect and develop our workforce within the Group.. This has enabled the Group to secure a number of markets both in France and worldwide in 2012:
- In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the company Emirates turned to us in July 2012 to carry out the application and management of products for its dishwashers (180,000 meals a day). ORAPI Middle East has now been established together with a local partner.
- In Nigeria we created ORAPI CPL in collaboration with a Nigerian company to provide healthcare disinfection products to more than 800 hospitals.
- Argos also won a very large contract for care homes with KORIAN, a leader in France in this sector.

A highly motivated team
With such excellent results, we have every confidence in our ability to develop strong, long-lasting growth. We also want this growth to be responsible and community-minded. In a world faced with increasing challenges (related to the climate, the environment, and society), a great deal is expected of corporations. But this is not a burden; it’s actually a constructive source of inspiration, creativity and competitiveness.

In 2013, we will continue to develop with intelligence, rigour and, above all, boundless energy in all the countries where we operate. We are considering all opportunities for development because we are convinced that in this ever-changing world, we can form great relationships with successful companies.I would like to thank all my colleagues who work hard each day to help our Group to thrive and be strong. I congratulate them on their work, their skill and their commitment.The Management and the Directors need each and every one of you to lead us towards success.

Thank you to all our clients and partners for your trust.

Guy Chifflot
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ORAPI