First in facilities management

"We wanted to create a comprehensive cleanroom package built on core areas of expertise," chief executive of Countdown Malcolm Colclough explains. "That way we could provide best-in-class products and service, but drive down costs for our customers, which is key." The development of a total facilities management service was the next logical step for the company. The new service extends as widely as the customer requires and responsibility can be taken across an entire operation. With a site manager based at customer premises, it is possible to ensure that all necessary controls are in place to satisfy production needs, identify areas for cost savings and introduce latest products and technologies to meet customer demands for improved efficiency. Underpinning the facilities management offering is Countdown's nationwide network of strategically located, purpose-built decontamination facilities and an extended fleet of dedicated delivery vehicles, enabling the company to provide a reliable, rapid turnaround service for cleanroom laundry and consumable supplies from a local base.

Meeting the standards All of the facilities are accredited with ISO 9001:2000 quality standard and carry out decontamination to ASTM F51-68 Class A. Each offers a flexible service to its customers, spanning garment provision, garment decontamination and supply of consumables from one of the most comprehensive ranges in the market. Routine microbiological monitoring can be built into a customer's package of cleanroom services, from contact and settle plates to bio-burden testing and finger dab testing of cleanroom operators. The company uses bar-code technology, developed in-house. This is an integral part of the total process, providing comprehensive management data, contributing to batch traceability and enabling customers to plan for future garment investment. Using this technology, there are significant cost-savings and increased operational efficiency. "It is our absolute flexibility that allows us to react quickly to emergencies and special needs," says Colclough. "Our support systems enable production to continue with minimum disruption in the event of unforeseen problems at customer sites, for example cleanroom evacuation." The team on-site at customer premises is in constant real-time communication with the local processing facility via an online link, ensuring that any changes required are implemented fast and efficiently. This is part of their routine responsibility for controlling the customer's entire garment handling system across customer site/s, from receiving incoming garments from the local decontamination facility and ensuring they are placed into correctly designated areas for employees or visitors, to identification of required repairs before return for processing. Facilities management is about providing a total service, however, not just garment handling. Therefore a comprehensive range of consumable products is provided and where required manages on site cleaning of cleanroom areas at customer premises. Wearer surgeries are held to discuss and agree all aspects of the service with customers for smooth and trouble-free supply. For example, delivery requirements are pre-defined, whether weekly, daily or anything in between. Garment packaging configurations are also established to improve efficiency by reducing administration time at customers' premises. "Our role is to help identify cost-saving opportunities on an ongoing basis by adopting a strategy of continuous improvement," Malcolm Colclough states. "In a nutshell, that's why an increasing number of customers are changing to this facilities management model."

One-stop-shop Countdown has been able to develop its facilities management model working alongside well-established and recognised strategic partners to offer customers a one-stop-shop for a wide range of consumable supplies. The company is also introducing several new fabric products early next year. Typical areas for facilities management include sterile and aseptic processing, medical device production, ESD production, preparation and support areas and food processing areas requiring cleanroom standards. Accordingly, customers range from world-leading manufacturers of pharmaceutical products to companies operating in life sciences, medical devices, semi-conductor and electronics industries. "Most of our customers have enjoyed a relationship with us over many years," Colclough concludes. "They depend on us to understand their business, identify their requirements and where appropriate, manage change on their behalf."