The WKS Group is a privately held, leading local supplier of industrial gases with six companies and 195 employees, operating in Singapore and southern Malaysia. This strategic acquisition represents a significant step into Southeast Asia's largest industrial gas market and opens up new growth opportunities and synergies across the region.
The WKS Group has a high level of local brand recognition and a diversified business portfolio, including filling stations for bottled gases, plants for the production of dissolved acetylene, as well as a distribution network for welding technology and consumables, gas depots and specialized services for the marine and offshore industry.
Wipco Industrial Sdn Bhd is a privately held industrial gases company, established in 2000 and headquartered in Ipoh, Perak, with operations in the northern part of the Malaysian peninsula. The company operates a gas cylinder filling station and a modern, PLC-controlled dissolved acetylene production plant. With an established customer base in the manufacturing, semiconductor, and electronics sectors, Wipco Messer offers an immediate operational platform in one of Malaysia's most dynamic industrial centers – Penang, home to the world's leading semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing ecosystem.
Kobewel Kogyo Gases Sdn Bhd is a privately held bottled gas company founded in 2007, operating a modern facility in Sepang, Selangor. The company serves a broadly diversified industrial clientele with a high proportion of direct end-customer relationships. The signing of the binding agreement to acquire Kobewel strengthens Messer's position in the Central Region and enables the strategic consolidation of its existing activities in Kuala Lumpur with the Sepang site into a single, more efficient hub.
Unlocking synergies and strengthening local expertise
The acquisitions of WKS Group, Wipco, and Kobewel align with Messer's strategic vision to expand its presence in Southeast Asia and capitalize on the strong growth potential of the industrial gas markets in Singapore and Malaysia. The excellent local reputation and established customer relationships of these companies strengthen Messer's ability to provide tailored solutions for industries such as electronics, medical, and the marine and offshore sectors.
The addition of WKS Group's expertise in welding technology and marine services further expands Messer's service portfolio and enables comprehensive support for changing customer requirements.
A commitment to excellence
“This acquisition represents a milestone on our path to becoming a leading supplier in the Southeast Asian industrial gases market,” said CEO Peter Mohnen. “By combining the local expertise of WKS Group, Wipco and Kobewel with our global capabilities, we are ideally positioned to offer innovative solutions and drive sustainable growth in Singapore, Malaysia and beyond.”
For more information visit: Messer Group Newsroom
