Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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Working safely while meeting demand during pandemic
Matrix Cleaning Systems, leading UK steam cleaning machine manufacturer, has - like many other suppliers - had to make many changes to the way it maintains production to meet the global demand for its key products.
“The demand for steam cleaning machine technology has increased dramatically,” notes Matrix managing director, Bob Pownall. “Not only has there been huge demand here in the UK, but demand from overseas has also increased enormously.
“Matrix has increased production capability and staff production levels have doubled (100% increase) using local company Perfect Recruitment to find the best-qualified staff to join our team.
“To work safely and quickly to meet all production deadlines has been a challenge in more ways than one; a factory one-way system has been implemented to enforce social distancing, and longer factory working hours were put in place to achieve greater production volumes each day. The factory canteen was deep cleaned to the highest standard to enable staff to use it but only three staff are permitted to do so at any one time, with sanitising taking place before and after each sitting.
“Then we had the additional pressure and challenge with our components suppliers; many of these are from mainland Europe and their factories were in lockdown. Our purchasing department has worked tirelessly with our partners to ensure that the supply of components never stopped… We can safely say that those troubled times are over and all supply routes are working well with no shortage of stock.
“Training and support has had to be carried out by offering virtual machine training courses using video and Zoom meetings, with up to 100 staff taking part in some cases. It has been difficult to go on site and carry out machine demonstrations, but through Matrix EOS, (Education of Steam) this has been possible through video demonstration.
“The future is looking very good; the UK market is going from strength to strength with increased demand from all sectors and particularly so from the care home and hospitality sectors.
“International business and interest has increased considerably for Matrix steam machines, which are now being supplied to many countries. In 2021, the American market will provide the background to the next chapter in the Matrix success story.”
T: +44 (0)1772 431906
E: [email protected]
W: www.matrixcleaningsystems.co.uk
1st October 2020