The counterparty is BinLadin Group, a construction company based in Jeddah, with subsidiaries and outstanding references across the Middle East.

The BinLadin Group has ordered 60 Combi 2000 type industrial washing machines from Lapauw.

The machines are designated for a new compound to be built for pilgrims on their way to Makkah.

“This is the largest contract that has ever been signed in our sector,” said Philippe D’heygere on behalf of Lapauw International.

This commercial deal was preceded by nine months of negotiations through Lapauw’s sales office in Dubai.

The 60 industrial washing machines will have to be delivered by the end of this year.

The Saudi contract has a counter value of three million euros (or $4 million) and therefore immediately accounts for one-sixth of the annual turnover.

Lapauw International, formerly a family business founded in 1945, was sold to Philippe D’heygere (formerly of Stow International) in the third generation of the company.