1901

ISS is founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, under the name “Kjøbenhavn Frederiksberg Nattevagt”. Founded by a drapery wholesaler, the business was managed out of a living room and employed night watchmen to patrol the city’s back streets. Eventually coming under the control of C. L. David, a lawyer and businessman, ISS expanded into cleaning services

1940’s

The German occupation of Denmark proved to be one of the greatest challenges that ISS would ever face. In addition to the hardships World War 2, ISS also had its offices commandeered by German officers. However, the company was able to grow its messenger and window cleaning services

1950’s

The private sector grew rapidly following World War 2, and the need for services gave ISS an opportunity to expand. Scandinavia, Switzerland and Germany each had ISS offices for the first time.

1970’s

After adjusting to the world-wide problems of the 1973 oil crisis, ISS focused on incorporating the move for Women’s Liberation.The company took numerous measures to meet this social change, and adjusted its social ethics appropriately

1980’s and 1990’s

Although ISS had become one of the world’s largest service  providers, the services industry had become increasingly competitive. ISS met this challenge by expansion and innovation, providing a far-reaching yet individually tailored range of services for an ever-growing list of global customers.

2000 and onwards

Having realised the potential synergies and benefits for customers, ISS has adopted an exciting new program of providing integrated facility services. By sourcing all services needs through a single supplier, efficiencies and effectiveness can be better leveraged and developed.

ISS Australia

2002              ISS entered the Australian marketplace in 2002 with the 
                 purchase of pest control and hygiene services company 
                 WA Flick & Co Pty Ltd.

2004          100% acquisition of Kirwan Support Services Pty Ltd in 2004,
                 providers of cleaning, landscaping, maintenance and paint 
                 shop services

2005             Acquired 49% of Tempo Services Ltd, a large facility services
                 company with national operations providing cleaning, security,
                 grounds, catering, planned and preventative maintenance service

2006          100% acquisition of Tempo Services Ltd

2008          100% acquisition of Topic Caterers