Cleaning partnership pays dividends

Managing Director Robert Duncan purchased the business in September 2012. Trading for over 36 years, the company already had a strong trading base across the East and West Midlands.

A second depot is currently being built at junction 25 on the M1. The new premises will see service extended into Nottingham, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.

The fast growing company provides sales, hire and service of both materials handling equipment and floor care cleaning machines. It also supports Nilfisk nationally with hire stock as necessary and provides service for other manufacturer’s equipment.

Robert Duncan spotted a gap in the market to provide cleaning equipment to clients using the same financial calculations as materials handling products. Casual hire was common place but instead of short term hire at higher rates, Robert proposed 3 to 5 year long term hire rates to the same client base. This meant that a customer had the advantage of a permanently-sited machine for much lower weekly rates and a constantly clean floor. Floor cleaning equipment could then be serviced in line with materials handling stock and logistics was much reduced. 

The combination of improved product range, excellent service and long term hire options have proved a huge success. Robert Duncan, MD, commented on the developments within the company; ‘Being new to the business I could not understand why on off casual cleaning hire was prevalent. It makes sense to have a machine on the premises ready for use whenever it is needed. I am delighted to say that the long term hire options have proved a hit and are contributing towards our significant growth.’

‘Nilfisk provide us with excellent quality machines and offer good lead times for both new equipment and spare parts. The equipment is very reliable and easy to service. We have an exclusive agreement with Nilfisk and a first class working relationship. We were not floor cleaning experts, but they are, we get daily support in all areas including joint client surveys and demonstrations.’

The current hire fleet includes the award winning hybrid ride on sweeper-scrubber the CS7000 that is said to provide for a fuel saving of up to 30%. The unit is available in three models: The LPG-Hybrid and ePower Battery versions are designed for indoor use whilst the Diesel-Hybrid engine driven machine is for outdoors. All are designed to reduce the cost of operation, labour and maintenance. Fuel economy is impressive and new productivity standards have been set at 7756 actual square metres per hour.

The CS7000 has a hot water scrubbing facility which provides efficient cleaning particularly in oily or food spill environments. Water is heated on board to 55° and can be used with or without concentrated chemical as required.

Another popular model is the BR1100 ride on scrubber dryer. Interchangeable scrub decks provide for a cleaning width of 1000 or 1300mm, both cylindrical brush and disc versions are available.