Case Studies
Resorts Casino
• Problem:
Resorts Casino's hotel department was having a difficult time. Its vacuum cleaners were worn out and constantly breaking down resulting in downtime and delays. The equipment frustrations were taking a toll on the housekeeping staff's morale.
• How we solved it:
We introduced 20 durable, commercial grade vacuums. We assigned one to each cleaning team, and trained the staff in proper use and some helpful dos and don'ts. We also designed a custom preventive maintenance program for the new equipment. Twice a month technicians inspect and service each vacuum on site to ensure its peak performance.
• Result:
"I'm a fanatic about service," said Elnora Love, Housekeeping Manager. "It's really important to me that people stand behind their products, and they definitely do. Four months after starting the program, there have been no breakdowns and my staff is so much happier."
ServiceMaster
• Problem:
Because ServiceMaster often hires new employees, training them to use chemicals and equipment properly was a challenge. New hires needed instruction on how to use products and equipment most efficiently to minimize waste and equipment damage.
• How we solved it:
We provide free training on green cleaning and proper equipment use to ServiceMaster employees every two months. Additional training is provided as needed.
• Result:
"This training has been great," said Vincent Lee, owner of the ServiceMaster franchise. "Our employees really pay attention when our Memphis Chemical representative demonstrates a green cleaning process or a piece of equipment. We're moving towards a day of training every month. I anticipate that it's going to be very beneficial by reducing repairs and chemical waste."
Methodist Healthcare
Saving chemicals with dispensing
• Problem:
The chemical dispensing systems at Methodist Healthcare dominated the supply areas with bulky five gallon jugs. The containers were so heavy many employees didn't have the strength to change them. The lack of user friendliness resulted in people mixing chemicals without the dispenser and costly waste.
• How we solved it:
We replaced the dispensing systems with a new one that used quart containers. Everyone was able to replace the containers. Plus, the new system required much less room, freeing up space for other supplies. Because the system was more user-friendly, the cleaning staff used it consistently and wasted less.
• Result:
"After Memphis Chemical & Janitorial Supply switched us to this new system, I don't have to hear any more excuses about 'we need a strong man,'" said Cedric Bryson, Environmental Services Director for Methodist Healthcare. "Every employee can replace the chemicals and mix them properly. This new system is saving us money, frustration and room in our supply areas. It's just one more way Memphis Chemical & Janitorial Supply had been a great partner for us."
Methodist Healthcare
Reducing cross-contamination
• Problem:
Stopping the spread of infection is critical at Methodist Healthcare. When cleaning crews cleaned one patient's room and then another, there was a risk of cross-contamination with a cleaning process that could potentially spread germs.
• How we solved it:
We replaced the traditional mops and buckets with microfiber mopping systems. Each room's floor is cleaned with a microfiber mop head. When the room is finished the user removes the mop head and puts on a new mop head for the next room. The used mop heads are cleaned for reuse.
• Result:
"The microfiber mopping system is one of several great ideas we've gotten from Memphis Chemical & Janitorial Supply," said Cedric Bryson, Environmental Services Director for Methodist Healthcare. "We've helped reduce the risk of cross contamination, and the microfiber mop heads clean better than traditional ones. Also they weigh much less, so they are easier to use and we have fewer employee complaints."
Service Management Systems (SMS)
• Problem:
One of Service Management Systems' (SMS) most important clients is the Memphis International Airport. SMS has the contract for the airport's cleaning and janitorial needs. To keep up with the demand for supplies SMS relies on Memphis Chemical & Janitorial Supply, Inc. When SMS purchased hands free soap dispensers for the restrooms, there was no message on the new equipment that it was hands free. Airport restroom users repeatedly damaged the dispensers and wasted the contents because they didn't understand how they worked.
• How we solved it:
We contacted the manufacturer to brainstorm how to solve the problem. Then we worked with the manufacturer to develop a message to add to the dispensers to say they are hands free and how to operate them. Damage to the dispensers and waste of soap decreased dramatically.
• Result:
"Once people understood how the dispensers worked we no longer had problems with damage or wasted soap," said Daniel Longstreath, SMS's project manager for the airport. "This is just one example of the many ways Memphis Chemical helps us deliver better service to our clients. The president of their company has personally brought me supplies I needed during the weekend. They've opened their warehouse during off hours to make sure I have what I need. I'm really spoiled by the service. They make me feel like I'm their only customer even thought I know I'm not."
Ronald McDonald House
• Problem:
When children are ill and receiving care, they and their families stay at the Ronald McDonald House. The illnesses these children have, and sometimes the treatments they undergo, weaken their immune systems. This means any bacteria can be an issue of life and death. So it's essential that the cleaning products are effective. Because of the weakened physical state of the children, the cleaning chemicals must also be gentle.
• How we solved it:
We introduced green products into the facility's cleaning program that we knew were effective and gentle. These products included a neutral disinfectant cleaner, an all-purpose cleaner and a glass cleaner.
• Result:
This switch improved air quality, made the facility healthier for families, visitors, volunteers and staff, and minimized exposure to harsh chemicals. "This change to green products improves moral and peace of mind for the families especially when the children's immune systems are low," said Glenda Myers, Operations Administrative Assistant with Ronald McDonald House in Memphis. "This was another great idea we got from Memphis Chemical & Janitorial Supply. We were also able to reduce our chemical costs, which means we can do more for families. We have also gone green on our light bulbs."
