With dynamic market conditions and increasing demand for innovative solutions, it has never been more important for us to identify further key regions where we can serve our customers best and establish a strong global presence. Becoming a regional expert is essential to delivering all-round packages of turnkey solutions and service that resonate with local markets and meet customer needs.

Strategic partnership with JKS Engineering in Malaysia

In this spirit, our Group has opened a new chapter in the Asia-Pacific region as our Ecoclean GmbH acquired a minority share in JKS Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian company specialized in parts cleaning, surface treatment and automation solutions. Since the partnership began in August 2024, Ecoclean has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its market presence and customer service capabilities in the region.

A key success of the collaboration is the local launch of the UCMBaseLine system tailored for the Malaysian and wider South Asian markets. Colleagues from ten nations recently gathered in Rheineck, Switzerland, for training on the system's core applications, where the JKS team demonstrated its expertise and local knowledge.

Ecoclean Czech offers new flexibility

Our subsidiary in Czech is expanding their production capacity to cope with the launch of a complete new EcoCcompact product family, that will be available in three different sizes. In 2023, we extended our production range at Ecoclean Czech and introduced the EcoCcompact L, a new member of the EcoCcompact family of single-chamber cleaning systems for industrial parts cleaning and preservation. By the end of 2024, the EcoCcompact XL follows. This expansion of our product line and the cross-location collaboration between our Ecoclean Center of Competence Filderstadt and the sister company in the Czech Republic is another step towards providing our customers with even greater choice and flexibility as well as cost-efficient solutions for their specific cleaning tasks.

Ecoclean Czech will also specialize even more in the manufacturing of automated conveyor systems for loading and unloading of our Group’s industrial parts cleaning machines. The specialized conveyor technologies manufactured in the Czech Republic to automate the process of loading and unloading – including transfer to the next process stage – will make the entire process around parts cleaning more cost efficient.

Strengthening our presence in Spain and Portugal

To meet the growing demand from Spanish and Portuguese customers, Ecoclean has expanded its sales team in Iberia. New colleagues at Ecoclean France, solely dedicated to this region, identify new local market needs, new applications and potential projects being developed in these markets. The new team not only has an in-depth knowledge of the Iberian market, but is also fluent in the region's languages, what allow us to respond even more quickly and effectively to customer inquiries and provide the latest in cleaning technology!

The demands of industrial cleaning have never been more diverse, with new products, complex part geometries, and varying materials and sizes. Ecoclean provides innovative, sustainable solutions for efficient, high-quality cleaning throughout the production chain – and it is the development and evolution of these innovations that have defined our 2024.

Modular solutions for tailored High Purity cleaning

The variety of High Purity cleaning tasks requires adaptable cleaning solutions and a flexible product range. As a full-range supplier we have the answer: innovative modular systems. Specifically the innovative modular batch cleaning systems EcoCvela for water-based cleaning and the EcoCstretch for cleaning with solvents or modified alcohol. Both can be equipped with various options and additional features to provide customized solutions for different component cleaning tasks.

Precision cleaning for the MedTech and Watch industries

In the medical and watch industries, the already high demands for cleanliness continue to increase. Ecoclean responds with advanced ultrasonic immersion systems for final cleaning and passivation. We have expanded our groundbreaking Pulsed Pressure Cleaning (PPC) technology: Understanding the unique challenges of the medical and watch industries, Ecoclean developed the Pulsed Pressure Passivation (PPP) process. We now offer a technology that applies a protective coating to surfaces, with pressure changes in the process chamber allowing the passivation to reach all cavities and holes. We have filed patent applications for the PPC and PPP cleaning and passivation processes developed by Ecoclean!

Pioneering smart technologies for sustainable industrial cleaning

Another innovation in our pipeline is Smart Drying technology. This feature, developed in collaboration between our two Centers of Competence, uses a humidity sensor for aqueous chamber systems to optimize drying times and aims to reduce energy consumption by approximately 10%. And when it comes to redefining the limits of industrial parts cleaning, our lab-on-a-chip technology also enables a green approach: The mobile, self-contained instrument determines the concentration of detergents by titration, what enables customers to obtain accurate information from each cleaning bath using a minimum of the extracted cleaning media.

Another breakthrough is the extension of our advanced Acoustic Performance Measurement (APM) solution to detect high-frequency ultrasound up to two megahertz for ultra-fine cleaning of sensitive surfaces. We not only provide and develop machines, but also comprehensively monitor their performance on a regular basis to keep improving. And the next step here is to bundle all these technologies in one monitoring software, and use artificial intelligence to make the use of the machines more efficient and the life of our customers more easy.

Green hydrogen, sustainably produced by electrolysis of water, is a key enabler of the energy transition. As the availability of hydrogen increases, this clean technology will become a viable alternative to fossil fuels, especially in the power and transportation sectors.

After three years of dedicated development, our EcoLyzer P200 went into series production this spring following the successful completion of test phases in the "EcoLyzerBW" project, which was funded in cooperation with the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research, Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) in Germany.

A partner in every step toward sustainability

Our EcoLyzer supports local green hydrogen production with a robust, low-maintenance electrolyzer available worldwide from Ecoclean. It can be scaled as a stand-alone unit or implemented as a turnkey system with capacities ranging from 1 to 20 MW, making it adaptable to different needs, from CO2-neutral mobility to renewable energy storage. By providing decentralized hydrogen solutions, we enable companies to achieve their sustainability goals.

And, of course, we stand by our customers as a trusted partner: Ecoclean is committed to supporting and advising our customers throughout the entire project lifecycle. As a system integrator, we offer expertise from technology consulting to implementation and operation of our EcoLyzer.

Knowledge sharing: electrolysis explained in a fun way

Our EcoLyzer is part of the new Hidden Object book by illustrator and publisher Bianca Brinner. For us as mechanical engineers, it was an unusual but therefore very special request to be part of this special project, which explains complex technology in an exciting and understandable way. Together with Andreas Brinner, a former employee of the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW), the illustrator and publisher developed a hidden object book that explains how hydrogen is produced and used - taking our EcoLyzer as an example.

The book, which was officially launched at the International Frankfurt Book Fair in October 2024, is designed to help young and old alike better understand the topic of hydrogen.

We are proud to be part of this important educational project.

In 2024, the SBS Ecoclean Group strengthened its commitment to local markets in line with our core ambitions: adapting to market changes, meeting customer needs, and providing solutions with close, reliable support. Together, we not only meet market needs at the local level. We anticipate them.

India: synergy for strength

In India, Ecoclean took a significant step by merging Mhitraa Engineering Equipments Pvt. Ltd. into Ecoclean Machines Pvt. Ltd., combining expertise and resources to serve customers more effectively and widely. In addition to batch cleaning, thanks to this merger, we now offer advanced robotic and conveyorized machines, such as the EcoCtram and EcoCrapid, allowing us to expand our product portfolio and offer new, precise solutions tailored to customer requirements. This strengthened offering - from Pune to PAN India - also includes comprehensive retooling services under Mhitraa Retooling, backed by a team highly skilled in batch cleaning, water and solvent cleaning, and robotic systems.

Furthermore, the newly inaugurated facility in Pune provides a larger production area, a state-of-the-art technology center, and a high-end laboratory with clean room conditions.

To further respond to local demands with local solutions, Ecoclean India has also set a dedicated focus on the MedTech and Optics sectors. And the first results are visible - with the first local order from the MedTech industry for general implant cleaning, our subsidiary in India is responding to regional demand with specialized solutions and expertise. Ecoclean India is also actively exploring local opportunities in the Optics segment, ensuring that our advanced cleaning technologies and industry-specific knowledge meet the evolving needs of the Indian market.

China: implementing VOC technology

In China, our R&D team in Shanghai is pioneering new ways to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through an innovative after-treatment technology. Developed in collaboration with our Center of Competence in Filderstadt, Germany, this solution employs VUV (vacuum ultraviolet) lamps in a reaction chamber to expose exhaust air to UV radiation, achieving partial or total degradation of VOCs. This technology complements existing VOC-compliant systems and is a promising step toward a smaller environmental footprint. With a patent application underway, this innovation demonstrates our commitment to sustainable technologies that benefit both customers and the environment.

In 2024, Ecoclean focused on establishing new partnerships and expanding its product portfolio to meet the precise needs of the U.S. market. In the MedTech industry, we laid the cornerstone for the MedTech Clean&Pack Solutions by Ecoclean and EnPak - a new MedTech Cleaning Solutions center, following our clear commitment to provide state-of-the-art machines and solutions to major manufacturers, as well as to enlarge the logistic chains for specialized MedTech suppliers with contract cleaning services. Additionally, with an expanded product line around our EcoCcompact, we will offer a flexible, emission-free cleaning system in three sizes to cover the need for a high-end and cost-effective solution.

Strategic Partnership in Warsaw, Indiana

In the heart of the U.S. MedTech sector, close to medical device manufacturers, Ecoclean has formed a key partnership with EnPak LLC in Warsaw, Indiana - a prime location for MedTech manufacturing. At EnPak's 11,000-square-foot facility, we are building the MedTech Clean&Pack Solutions by Ecoclean and EnPak that will open in early 2025. The center will be equipped with a precleaning single chamber using vacuum technology. For the final cleaning we use our ultrasonic multistage cleaning System – UCMSmartLine. The EnPak partnership will allow us to offer additional packaging, inspection, inventory management, order fulfillment and validation services - all in compliance with FDA and MDR regulations.

This MedTech Clean&Pack Solutions by Ecoclean and EnPak in Warsaw will serve leading medical device manufacturers, as well as companies that support these OEMs with specialized components or services.

Contract Cleaning for Medical Device Manufacturers

In addition to MedTech Cleaning Solutions, and because we are aware of our customers' local needs and concerns, we will also offer contract cleaning at this new facility in Warsaw. Contract cleaning is an attractive option for companies that produce only occasionally or in small batches. In addition, contract cleaning offers a high degree of flexibility as manufacturers can quickly and easily adjust their production volumes to meet fluctuating demand. This is another step in Ecoclean's turnkey solutions to support major manufacturers and companies at every level of the supply chain. And with EnPak by our side, the future is bright!

The new EcoCcompact family

The new EcoCcompact family expands our product range and is designed to cover the demand for high-end systems and cost-effective solutions for customers. The EcoCcompact machines - manufactured by Ecoclean Czech in Oslavany - are available in three sizes and address a market need for zero-emission operation while meeting all EPA requirements.  

The EcoCcompact L and XL offer larger batch sizes, increased oil capacity, and robust performance without oversizing. While the L model doubles basket volume and batch weight capacity, the XL model incorporates higher distillation and ultrasonic power, making it an adaptable, cost-effective alternative to other systems on the market.