Overview
This robotics developer is a British private limited company pioneering the development of a next-generation universal robotic system for minimal access surgery. Their 55,000 sq. ft. headquarters on the outskirts of Cambridge is the central hub for their operations, supporting their growth across four continents. This facility houses substantial UK-based manufacturing capabilities to meet global commercial needs.
- In addition to their headquarters, this robotics developer has recently established a large-scale manufacturing facility in Ely, Cambridgeshire.
- This new site, covering 75,832 sq. ft. (7,044.8 sq. m.), is designed to accommodate over 200 colleagues in roles spanning production, quality, manufacturing engineering, supply, operations, and logistics.
- The facility is essential for scaling up manufacturing processes to meet the increasing global demand for their surgical robotic system.
- At TCFM, we provide comprehensive cleaning services for all areas of this robotics developer’s facilities, including both their main headquarters and their manufacturing site.
- Sector: Manufacturing
- Service: Cleaning
- Locations: Ely and Cambridge
Services we Deliver
- General Cleaning.
- Sanitation Services.
- Office Cleaning.
- Production Manufacturing Daily Cleaning.
- Deep Cleans and High-Level Cleans in Production Areas.
- Periodic Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.
- Solar Panels and Gulley Cleaning.
- Waste Management
- Electronic and Bio Lab Daily Cleaning.
- Communal and meeting room cleaning.
- Pest control.
- Waste Management.
- Glass cleaning.
- Cladding cleaning.
- Lab cleaning.
Challenges and Resolutions
- Lab Cleaning at the R&D Site
- One of the challenges at their R&D site is the complexity of cleaning the various specialised laboratories.
- Each lab is dedicated to different aspects of research and development, ranging from biological studies to advanced engineering.
- This diversity means that each lab comes with its own unique set of requirements, safety protocols, and cleaning standards and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety is critical.
- To address this, TCFM has implemented a detailed approach, with specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments for each lab.
- These documents are regularly updated to ensure that our cleaning practices remain aligned with the latest safety standards and operational requirements.
- Our colleagues receive specific training on the correct cleaning methods for each area, ensuring they understand the unique protocols.
- This training includes learning the appropriate cleaning techniques for sensitive equipment, handling hazardous materials safely, and adhering to strict contamination control measures. They also wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to safely handle tasks in sensitive environments.
- Waste Management
- Given the nature of the research conducted at the R&D site, the types of waste can often be hazardous chemical and biological waste.
- This requires careful management and disposal to ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations.
- TCFM handles the disposal of this waste on a quarterly basis, ensuring that all materials are collected, stored, and transported in accordance with strict safety protocols.
- The waste is then taken to specialised facilities for incineration, safely neutralising any harmful substances, preventing potential contamination or environmental harm.
- TCFM have implemented a waste management process that has a positive environmental impact, economic savings, creates a cleaner and safer work environment and enhances this robotics developer’s reputation by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
- We have a colour coding system in place to ensure waste travels along the correct waste stream.
- Our colleagues are trained to be responsible for ensuring waste is placed in the correct bins, cardboard is broken down to ensure maximum use of space in bins, and all dry mixed recycling is free from contaminants.
- Process Controls
- To maintain and monitor the cleanliness standards, we have implemented robust process controls, including:
- Collation and Reporting: These records are compiled at the end of each month and reviewed by quality and production stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in our cleaning processes.
- Sign-Offs: Daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning activities are documented and signed off to ensure compliance with cleanliness standards.
- Health and Safety Protocols
- Each lab requires strict health and safety measures. We have developed detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for every lab environment, tailored to the specific requirements of each area.
- Our colleagues receive specialised training to ensure they understand and adhere to these protocols.
- Use of Specialised Materials and Chemicals:
- To control static build-up and maintain cleanliness, we use a variety of specialised materials and chemicals:
- Killstat: Cleaning chemicals specifically designed for the EPA areas. It creates a barrier between the floor and individuals, offering effective cleaning while providing long-term static control.
- Specialised Flat Mop: Prevents static charge build-up, ensuring that the cleaning process does not contribute to electrostatic discharge.
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control
- In the EPA areas, where static electricity could pose risks, we implement rigorous controls to prevent electrostatic discharge.
- Colleagues must be checked for proper grounding before entering these areas.
- They are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including clothing and shoes with earthing straps.
- These straps are used to ensure they are properly earthed, minimising the risk of electrical shocks and preventing potential damage to sensitive equipment.
- Recruitment Challenges:
- We recruited all colleagues from scratch for both sites. During the initial phase of the contract, support from our other local sites allowed us to remain flexible until we achieved full recruitment.
- All colleagues working in the Bio labs were required to have hepatitis vaccinations.
- We provided comprehensive training based on the SOPs for the EPA areas to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
Goals and Outcomes
- The primary goal for TCFM in supporting this robotics developer is to enhance the workplace experience through cleanliness across both their headquarters and the manufacturing site.
- As the Ely site also welcomes visitors and clients it is vital that we consistently maintain a high standard of cleanliness to support a productive and welcoming environment.
- Housekeeping Operations
- Each site is staffed with a daytime Housekeeper and five cleaning colleagues.
- The Housekeeper is present from midday until 8 PM, ensuring that all areas remain fresh and welcoming throughout the day.
- Responsibilities include:
- Replenishing Supplies: The Housekeeper is responsible for restocking fruit, tea, coffee, and milk, contributing to a pleasant and well-maintained break area for colleagues and visitors. They are also tasked with monitoring all consumables and provide feedback when orders are needed.
- Maintaining Freshness: Regular upkeep of common areas to ensure they are always clean and inviting, particularly important at the Ely site where client presence requires a high standard of presentation.
- We operate daily from 7 AM to 8 PM, with a dedicated Housekeeper present from 7 AM to 1 PM, followed by a Team Leader who supervises four cleaning colleagues from 1 PM to 8 PM.
- The TCFM Housekeeper plays a crucial role in maintaining and refreshing areas throughout the day, while also supporting facility management tasks as required.
- They have integrated with the local team, fostering a strong “one team” ethos. This collaboration has created an environment where everyone contributes to the shared success of the facility.
- Our commitment to training ensures that all TCFM colleagues are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their roles.
- We also provide additional training as needed to meet their evolving demands.
- This approach has fostered a sense of stability and continuity, with three of our colleagues having been with them since the start of the contract.
- Creating a Great Workplace Experience
- From the outset of our partnership, they aimed to create an exceptional workplace experience for their colleagues.
- We started our services with a builders’ entry clean, ensuring the space was spotless from the start.
- Our Housekeeper is central to this goal, contributing to a positive and welcoming environment by maintaining cleanliness throughout the day.
- Supporting the Entire FM Delivery
- The second goal was to provide comprehensive support for their facility management needs.
- Beyond regular cleaning services, the Housekeeper assists with additional tasks, such as moving audiovisual equipment between the auditorium and other rooms.
- These extra efforts ensure that all facility operations run smoothly, and our team remains ready to assist with any tasks that can be performed safely.
Innovations and Additional Services
- TCFM Standard Innovation
- Producing a full audit trail with robust vetting and right to work checks that cannot be overridden to provide an additional layer of security.
- Improved reporting and accountability with joint sign offs and clear next steps.
- A geofenced application that ensures the correct colleague is in the correct place at the correct time.
- Improved reporting with clear lines of accountability for resolution and trend monitoring for proactive adjustments and corrective action.
- Provides improved quality of training and service delivery.
- Live MI Dashboard and Reporting – Utilising our Business Intelligence Portal.
- Fully digitised, paperless systems reduce environmental impact whilst promoting transparency and trust.
- Highlights
- For both sites, TCFM has:
- Digital Auditing: Previous supplier for the Headquarters did not have a digital auditing process. We implemented a monthly auditing process at both sites using our digital auditing tool, Winaim, to ensure thorough and efficient monitoring of cleaning standards.
- Maintenance Logging and Reporting: Established a system for logging and reporting maintenance issues to address any problems promptly. All stakeholders have access to these reports through Sisense.
- Cost Savings: Reduced headcount at one site to add value, resulting in annual savings of approximately £17k.
- One Team Ethos: The housekeeper has fully integrated with the local team, embracing the ‘one team’ ethos alongside colleagues, three of whom have been with the contract since its inception.
- Additional Services Delivered
- In addition to our regular services, TCFM has successfully completed a number of ad-hoc tasks including:
- Builder Cleans: Conducted builder cleans for the new Ely site upon its opening
- External Ad Hoc Cleans: Performed a range of external ad hoc services, including solar panel and roof gutter cleans at the Ely site.
- Builders’ Entry Clean
- Roof Clean
- Drain Cleans