MITIE and Technical Concepts join forces to eliminate odours
December 1st 2004

MITIE needed a solution to the problem of odours in washrooms.After trying a number of different methods,Technical Concepts’Neutralle proved an effective solution

Washroom odours are a significant challenge for most facility management companies at one time or another.The growth of bacteria that occurs out of sight in drains and pipes creates a highly unpleasant odour that is both offensive to smell and counteracts any perception that the washroom is clean.

MITIE faced this challenge at one of its largest multi-service national contracts, a blue chip engineering and manufacturing company with multiple sites around the UK. Faced with repeated and persistent bad odours, MITIE used tactics that proved to be expensive and ultimately ineffective. Air fresheners, drain unblocker, disinfectant, bleach and regular rodding out provided temporary relief but the odours kept coming back. MITIE recognised they needed a solution that would not only solve the odour problem, but also reduce the rising cost of labour and cleaning materials.The client, meanwhile,was demanding washroom standards that matched its overall brand image of top-ofthe- range quality and an improved washroom ambience.

Mel Richardson of MITIE told us, The solution came in the form of Technical Concepts’Neutralle Automatic Hygiene Systems the AutoJanitor and AutoSanitizer. Initially over 300 units have been placed in four UK manufacturing sites and the organisation’s Head Office where they have achieved amazing results across the board. Neutralle Bio formulations have broken down the uric scale and other organic build-up that previously would have caused blockages and bad odours.

Neutralle Cleaner & Deodoriser formulation has kept surfaces clean and well maintained automatically, 24-hours a day.

With the cause of the odour removed the NEUTRALLE Microburst 3000 automatic air care system has effectively dealt with the ‘unavoidable’odours and created a fresh, fragrant environment.

Following the success of the initial phase,Technical Concepts and MITIE are in discussions to extend the scope of the project with potentially up to 3000 units being installed in all sites across the UK.

Technical Concepts acquires Buffalo sanitary bins Technical Concepts International has acquired the Buffalo feminine hygiene bin and baby-change business from U-Group, in a strategic move to grow the UK Washroom Service market in the UK and Europe.

David Horsfield,managing director of U-Group told us, The U-Group business has seen substantial growth over the past two years across all market sectors, including washroom hygiene.However our core business is with the catering/licensed trade and business-to-business mail order sectors and so we are now channelling our resources into supplying and growing these markets.TC was the ideal candidate to sell on the feminine hygiene and baby-change business TC’s managing director Bill Yemc went on to explain: The two businesses mirror one another. Both are long-established business, well-known throughout the UK washroom industry with excellent reputations for service and supply. Our products have been continually developed in line with market needs and have earned the reputation of being the best in their categories.Technical Concepts will be bringing its innovative approach to market and product development to enhance the features of the already popular range of bins and to ensure they continue to meet the demands of today’s customers, both now and in the future.

Commenting further on the strategy behind the acquisition,Yemc told us Technical Concepts will be channelling its resources into supporting Washroom Service Companies that want to retain their independence and grow their business in an increasingly competitive market.

The acquisition sees market-leading Buffalo feminine hygiene units, nappy disposal units and a baby change station being added to the Neutralle range of automated hygiene and air care products and is in line with TC’s strategy to grow the service market by continuing to supply innovative, top quality products that perform reliably, supported in the field by training and expert technical back-up.

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