Photo courtesy of Mario Alberto, www.sxc.hu/photo/344910

According to an online survey conducted for Tornado Industries, 67 percent of respondents, a clear majority, agree with the following statement, ‘we are stripping and refinishing floors less frequently today than we were five years ago’.

The survey involved more than 60 building service contractors (BSCs), who answered a variety of questions regarding floor care issues and trends.

“For both environmental and cost reasons, end-customers are delaying refinishing cycles or not refinishing their floors at all,” says Michael Schaffer, president of Tornado Industries.

However, according to the respondents, delaying or not refinishing floors may actually cause more work and ultimately additional costs for end-customers in the long-run as 94 percent agreed with the statement that ‘a floor that does not have finish on it is harder to maintain’.

Other questions included in the survey focused on floor care machines with nearly 61 percent of the respondents reported having used or are currently using conventional rotary-pad floor machines when maintaining floors. Meanwhile 39 percent have used or use cylindrical brush floor machines.

“I would not be surprised if these figures would be reversed or more 50/50 if this had been asked [of BSCs] in Europe,” says Schaffer. “Probably, because they are working on older, more porous floors, cylindrical brush technology is more popular in Europe and other parts of the world than here in the US.”

Respondents also cited ‘splatter on walls or surrounding surfaces’ as a common problem when performing floor care tasks. However, the survey found that this is less of a problem when using cylindrical brush technology.

Finally, when asked which type of machine — rotary-pad or cylindrical — respondents thought is more environmentally friendly, meaning it uses less chemical and water, results were about evenly divided.

However, studies by the American Institute of Cleaning Sciences (AICS) indicate cylindrical brush floor machines typically require less water and chemical compared to a rotary-pad system.

www.tornadovac.com, www.aics.com

UGL CEO Richard Leupen

UGL Services, which represents about a quarter of the UGL Group’s total business, recorded a first half 2012 revenue increase of just 2 percent to $677.8 million while delivering EBIT of $34.4 million.

Excluding DTZ, UGL Services’ revenue growth was flat relative to the previous corresponding period, largely the result of subdued macroeconomic conditions in the US impacting transaction volumes as well as adverse foreign exchange movements during the period.

UGL successfully completed the acquisition of all the trading operations of global real estate services company, DTZ during December 2011. It was then said that the acquisition would transform UGL’s property services business into one of the world’s largest, integrated end-to-end providers of property services, operating across all key geographic regions.

‘We continue to monitor the economic recovery in the US and remain cautious on the outlook for performance in the second half of the financial year,’ stated the company.

It added, ‘Strong momentum continues to be generated by the Asia Pacific region, with a number of new projects being successfully secured during the half year period. The earnings contribution from DTZ for the half year period was neutral.

‘Globally, tendering levels remain robust for property services and as the integration of DTZ progresses, the business will be uniquely positioned to participate in these opportunities by leveraging the global footprint and integrated end-to-end service offering created by the combined platform.’

www.ugllimited.com

Spotless Group CEO Josef Farnik

“Spotless is experiencing sustained demand for outsourcing in key sectors and the Facility Services business delivered a strong financial result. There were lower mobilisation and start-up costs incurred during the period and the demand for the integrated services offering grew,” stated Spotless CEO Josef Farnik when delivering the company’s half year to December report.

Spotless’ Australia/New Zealand Facility Services revenue, prior to pass-through revenue, rose 6.9 percent to $1,218.4 million, reflecting the impact of new contracts secured during the last 12 months, net of contract losses and major event activity during the half. Since the end of FY11, ANZ Facility Services has secured a number of new contracts with clients including NZ Defence, Olympic Dam, QGC Pty Limited and ERA.

Earnings growth was dampened by higher transitional IT costs as part of the Business and IT Platform project as well as soft demand for discretionary cleaning, maintenance and laundry services within the Group’s portfolio of existing contracts. Lower demand included reduced scope of activity within a number of existing contracts and several contract losses directly attributed to challenging economic conditions.

These impacts are offset by lower costs during the half ($1.2 million during the period, compared with $3.7 million in the pcp). Start-up costs incurred in the prior comparative period in Laundry Services were not repeated.

With one exception, contracts secured and mobilised in the prior corresponding period performed well and continue to mature in profitability. Early in the second half of FY12 Spotless exited one underperforming Managed Services contract by mutual agreement with the client.

By sector, strong performances were achieved (against revenue prior to the comparative period) in the Leisure; Sports and Entertainment (+13%); Health (+11%); Commerce and Industry (+10%); and Public Housing sectors (+8%).

Resources sector revenue rose by 93 percent, reflecting the maturation and full period impact of contracts won in the prior period as well as contracts secured during the half. The Resources sector now accounts for 10 percent of revenue prior to pass-through revenue, up from 5 percent in the prior comparative period.

At 31 December 2011 the Managed Services forward revenue order book stood at $11.2 billion, in line with 30 June 2011. Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) represent about two thirds of the order book.

ANZ Facility Services EBIT, prior to corporate administration costs, rose 7.3 percent to $48.7 million.

International Services

International Services comprises Spotless’ Facility Services operations outside of Australia and New Zealand.

Revenue of $34.7 million was 16.1 percent above the prior comparative period. Revenue growth was largely due to:
• The London Olympic Games 2012 contract work generating income during the planning and preparatory stage. This includes event management test events;
• Maintenance cleaning work in London Olympic park; and
• EMC catering revenue (acquired in the pcp).

First half FY12 EBIT of -$0.5 million was a significant improvement on the prior period of -$2.4 million, which contained $1.8 million in start-up costs. Ongoing profitability reflects an overhead structure calibrated to deliver the London Olympics contract in the second half of FY12 and first half of FY13, in addition to future organic growth. A positive earnings contribution from the London Olympics contract during the period was offset by several contract losses.

Further, while Spotless considers the United States to be an attractive market, management is refocusing US operations on the Leisure, Sports and Entertainment Sector, comprising convention centres, sporting venues and events. Consistent with this, Spotless will exit from a number of US retail sector cleaning contracts. This exit will materially improve ongoing profitability. Following this restructure the International Services business will be largely focused on the UK Leisure, Sports and Entertainment sector.

To read the complete Spotless group financial report, go to www.spotless.com

Under the MOU, each organisation’s senior executive leadership will keep the other aware of applicable functions and activities related to natural disaster mitigation measures, indoor environmental issues and other issues of shared interest to increase cooperation and coordination between the organisations.

‘This shared knowledge will help RIA members and Clean Trust registrants provide leadership and promote best practices through advocacy, standards and professional qualifications,’ said last week’s joint announcement.

“RIA is very pleased that our organisations have entered into this agreement,” said RIA president Frank Headen. “The spirit of cooperation is already evident between our organisations and the recent changes at The Clean Trust will benefit everyone involved in the restoration, cleaning and inspection industry. RIA looks forward to working with The Clean Trust on a number of initiatives that will only serve to strengthen the industry.”

In addition, The Clean Trust and RIA will support and promote each other’s public awareness and education efforts. The organisations will meet annually to evaluate the progress and implementation of the MOU.

“With The Clean Trust’s certification programs and standard setting capabilities, we are in a position to assist allied industry associations, like RIA,” said Darrell Paulson, The Clean Trust chairman.

“Collaboration with others in the industry will continue to propel our mission to further advance the industry and provide the best value available to all stakeholders.”

www.restorationindustry.org

“The organising committee’s mission has been accomplished with some 4,000 professional visitors attending (specifically 3,959), which is the figure that the organising committee proposed,” stated Reed Exhibitions Iberia’s deputy director Alberto Alonso.

Alonso highlighted ‘the quality’ of the visitors and emphasised that despite today’s economic climate, “everyone that has considered the possibility of travelling and coming toValenciato see the varied and absolutely representative supply from the whole professional cleaning and hygiene sector on show here.”

Toni D’Andrea, Afidamp Servizi managing director, co-organiser of the event, observed that Hygienalia+Pulire took place in an extremely difficult period for the domestic professional cleaning market – a segment that registered in 2011 a 13 percent decrease in sales against 2010 and a progressive contraction that has witnessed sales drop by 32 percent since 2007.

D’Andrea pointed out that the venue change  from MadridtoValencia resulted in a higher proportion of visitors from that region of Spain and less from the Madrid area.

“I believe it will take two editions to consolidate the good results of this year and decree Hygienalia+Pulire as the only B2B tradeshow of the sector in the Iberian Peninsula,” said D’Andrea.

Hygienalia+Pulire boasted the participation of 138 exhibitors, of which 30 percent came from abroad.

The Hygienalia+Pulire trade fair coordinator Leila Mansouri was optimistic about the next Hygienalia+Pulire event and was confident of accomplishing an ‘even more complete’ show.

She added that, “we have done the hardest part, launching this trade fair and opening its doors to the public.”

Mansouri felt satisfied with the number of visitors in terms of their quality and number. The array of products and services on show “was interesting, which means that visitors want to return to the second edition.”

www.hygienalia-pulire.com

Image by Kriss Szkurlatowski, www.12frames.eu

A just debuted executive overview, backed by peer-reviewed research, highlights the health benefits of carpeting. It shows carpet serves as a filter to reduce allergens and improve indoor air quality.

Published at the recently held International Conferences on Indoor Air and Climate (ISIAQ), the full-colour overview delivered by Racine Industries showcases studies which reveal that carpeting maintained using Racine’s dry extraction system improves indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduces the number of airborne particulates and allergens.

“Consumers have long recognised the comfort and noise-reducing qualities of carpet, but rarely is carpet recognised for its health benefits,” said Fritz Rench, CEO, Racine Industries.

“Our executive overview details years of research showing that carpet, when effectively maintained, can actually improve the IAQ in a facility. This can have tremendous benefits to building occupants – from improving learning conditions in schools to making it easier for patients to breathe in hospitals.”

According to the company’s press statement, ‘the executive overview highlights several published and newly released field studies examining the use of carpet versus hard flooring material and the impact of an ongoing maintenance program on the reduction of allergens and dust mites.

‘The research convincingly shows that while normal vacuuming removes some of the mite allergens from the carpet, carpet that receives ongoing deep cleaning using a dry extraction system such as HOST’s system thoroughly removes dust mites and allergens from deep in the carpet.’

“All indoor spaces contain contaminates like dust and dirt,” noted Rench. “Research confirms that hard floors make it much easier for these particulates to redistribute into the indoor air where carpet acts like a filter, securing the particulates. Much like you would change the air filter in your car or furnace, you simply need to clean your carpet to remove the particulates.”

One study included in the executive overview and published at ISIAQ highlights research gathered throughout nine years in 166 homes and 16 schools. The research found that carpet cleaning removed about 75 to 99 percent of the dust mite, cat and mould allergens from the carpet.

In another study, conducted throughout 10 schools over a three-year period in six states, carpet cleaning with the dry extraction system reduced levels of carpet dust by more than 90 percent. In addition, in 13 of the classrooms tested, carpet cleaning reduced the spore load by 99 percent.

www.hostdry.com

Operations manager Gerard Bennett with one of TJS cleaners, Amy Han

By Lorraine Day

TJS Cleaning Services was appointed to clean one of the most advanced aquatic centres in the southern hemisphere – the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre in the southern Adelaide suburb of Marion. The facility, owned by the South Australian Government, covers a site of more than 10,000 square metres, and is managed by the YMCA.

Included in the complex is a 50 metre competition pool, a 55 metre water polo/diving pool, plus 1,000 square metres of leisure water including play equipment and water slides, a learn-to-swim pool and toddlers’ pool. There is also seating for 4,500 people, a comprehensive health and fitness room with the latest cardio and resistance training equipment, sauna, crèche and café, as well as a dedicated training room for elite swimmers and divers.

TJS Cleaning Services’ operations manager, Gerard Bennett has swapped his passion of cleaning up opponents on the football field for a passion in ensuring a high standard of facility cleaning. A former Sydney Swans and Southern Adelaide Panthers player, three years ago Bennett relinquished his football career to concentrate on managing the Adelaide arm of TJS.
 
According to Bennett, the biggest challenge at the SA Aquatic Centre is cleaning during a major event. “The Australian Age Swimming Championships were held the week before the centre officially opened, and the first week the centre opened to the public was school holidays,” he said, “and it was mayhem!”

“We were involved in the initial phase of taking over from the builders, which enabled us to define the scope of the work, and determine when we could do day cleaning, before submitting our tender,” he goes on. “We already had the contract for the Elizabeth Aquadome, so we had an established relationship with YMCA.”

“Because it is a government building there is a lot of scrutiny so we want to achieve the highest standard,” Bennett said. “The centre is new, and everyone wants it to look new.”

Night cleaning involves four or five people for 15 to 20 hours while there are two day cleaning staff overlapping between 10am and 7pm. The centre is open daily from 5am to 10pm.

Because the tiles around the pool, locker room corridors and change rooms are non-slip design, they are high pressure cleaned once a week, which involves an extra six hours and two people. A recently installed hot water system has made this task a lot easier.

While the Aquatic Centre staff take care of cleaning the machines in the gym/fitness area, TJS staff cleans the glass and floors, as well as the change rooms, entrance foyer, office areas and cafe floors. The floors in the foyer, café and office areas have carpet tiles.

Bennett said the most challenging aspect of cleaning at the SA Aquatic Centre is maintaining the high standard in the change rooms and the tiled surface areas, especially during events, when there are about 4000 people in the grandstand, plus the athletes.

“When an event is on, we have a couple of cleaners check out the site before anyone comes in,” he explains. “Then, during the event, we have four day cleaners continually monitoring the grandstand, toilets and change rooms. Also, between the morning and afternoon event heats, we do a full clean, so that basically everything is cleaned twice a day.”

SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre has also secured a number of national and international events including the 2011 Australian Short Course Swimming Championships, the 2012 World Life Saving Championships and the 2012 World Junior Diving Championships.

SA Aquatic’s facility and asset manager, Gordon Friend, formerly from the Adelaide Aquatic Centre in North Adelaide, said the new Marion centre covers a huge area and maintaining the tiles on the pool deck is a major challenge.”We are more than happy with TJS,” he said. “If we notice anything that needs attention, they take care of it immediately; they are very responsive. As the interim cleaners, they cover all aspects of cleaning and waste disposal, including recycling. They’re doing a great job.”

Friend said there has been an additional challenge because of the air conditioning causing some environmental problems and surface deterioration. “It is usual to have some teething problems with a new building,” he said, “but this is being rectified.”

According to Friend, a two year cleaning contract for the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre will shortly be put out to public tender.

Based in Sydney, TJS Cleaning Services began operating in Adelaide six years ago now, and cleans more than 80 sites in South Australia, many of them gyms and fitness centres. There are two managers employed in South Australia, an administration officer and more than 200 cleaning staff.

“We like to give clients the option to be as environmentally aware as possible,” Bennett said. “However, not all products work as well in high traffic areas. We take precautions not to cross-contaminate and ensure we comply with all OH&S requirements regarding chemicals and safe operation of equipment. We also support recycling wherever possible.”

“It is important to look after staff and give them the right environment to work in, so they enjoy the relationship,” Bennett reveals.”Having a football background I think stands me in good stead to be a team player; to be able to listen to the staff.”

“Also, it is important to be responsive to short-term requests, whether it’s from the biggest or smallest client. It is great when we hear praise for our staff. There is no better advertising than word of mouth.” Bennett continues. “We don’t turn a blind eye to criticism. We are the same as the people who work for us, and are prepared to listen to them – we’re all on the same team.

“Both our senior managers have had their own cleaning businesses and understand the industry and what’s needed to achieve good outcomes.
It is important to communicate and use their experience and knowledge to give clients better service.”

www.tjscleaning.com.au

From left, David Sholson (Hydro Tek), Damon Franklin (All Areas Sweeping & Scrubbing) and Warwick Lorenz (API)

Environmental protection authorities in developed countries are becoming increasingly vigilant in combating the illegal dumping of waste water into stormwater drains. More than ever, service providers need to equip themselves with appropriate clean and capture systems.

 That was the message imparted by visiting Hydro Tek export director David Sholson when he addressed Australian Pump Industries’ (API) ‘Clean & Green’ seminar, held mid-February at the Crowne Plaza, Baulkham Hills (Sydney).

A strong attendance of BSC executives and high pressure washer contractors were educated on the EPA’s POEO Act 1997 and an ‘affordable’ solution that comprises a portable steam cleaner with integrated vacuum recovery system, which features a seven stage filtration process.

In essence, it cleans, captures waste water , filters and recycles the water, and uses it again. Sholson explained that his company, in the US, has been very successful in marketing ‘mobile recovery systems’ , some of which have 1500 litre water tanks and allow ongoing – shift long – recycling and re-using of that water. They deliver very significant productivity gains.

www.aussiepumps.com.au; www.hydrotek.us

Let’s face it, time is money.  The faster you work, the more profitable your business becomes.
With the new lightweight Cyndan backpack vacuum cleaner you will power through your work even in the trickiest of areas.

Designed for both comfort and speed, this economical machine is as powerful as it is lightweight.  Its 1400W motor and strong barrel design ensure reliability and means it is up to even the toughest cleaning tasks. With its low noise output it is among the quietest units of its type on the market and its hospital grade filtration makes it one of the safest to operate.

Available in two models:
1. The economy model BPVC2C constructed from robust plastic.
2. The deluxe model BPVC2A constructed from high tensile, crash-proof aluminium.
Both models come with a full set of accessories and the 38mm head diameter is suitable for all commercial vacuum cleaner heads..

With a variety of commercial and industrial cleaning applications, it can be used for everything from hard to reach areas to large scale applications which require added mobility. Ideal for vacuum cleaning in tight areas such as theatres, cinemas, hotels, casinos, restaurants, office buildings, residential cleaning companies, warehouses, ships, coaches, aircrafts, and much more… It also makes cleaning staircases, ladders and scaffolding a breeze.

Available in March 2012 don’t miss this opportunity to secure yours.

Click here to find out more

Bruce Smith, national manager of business development for ISS in its leisure and entertainment sector

ISS Facility Services has won a contract to deliver event and general cleaning services to Dairy Farmers Stadium in Queensland for the next two years

The contract will build on ISS’ existing stadium cleaning contracts, which include Brisbane Cricket Ground (The Gabba), the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and AAMI Stadium (Adelaide).

Dairy Farmers Stadium has a capacity of 26,500 and is home to the North Queensland Cowboys, NRL team. It is a part of Stadiums Queensland, an organisation which manages, operates and promotes the use of major sporting and entertainment facilities on behalf of the Queensland Government.

“This is ISS’ second contract with Stadiums Queensland,” said Bruce Smith, national manager of business development for ISS in its leisure and entertainment sector. “We will certainly be looking to apply the experience and learnings attained at other venues in our work at Dairy Farmers Stadium. We have a strong local presence in Townsville with the airport and City Council contracts. We look forward to working with Dairy Farmers Stadium and the North Queensland Cowboys to ensure a clean and safe environment, and helping to provide the best possible match day experience for patrons.”

As detailed in the press release, ‘the ISS management team has worked hard to understand the unique nature of the site and the issues faced, in order to provide the most effective solution. ISS will commence services for the contract at Dairy Farmers Stadium from the end of February 2012.’

www.au.issworld.com