FACTORY & CONTRACT CLEANING
Westmill Foods - Manchester, M17
Client's Challenge
Westmill Foods identified significant challenges within their existing factory cleaning and hygiene processes at their Trafford Park manufacturing facility.
The absence of formalised cleaning procedures, limited operative training, and the use of multiple cross-use cleaning products led to inefficiencies, duplicated effort, increased costs, and inconsistent hygiene standards. Within a live food production environment, these issues presented compliance risks and operational inefficiencies.
Westmill Foods required a specialist contractor capable of reviewing, restructuring, and improving factory and contract cleaning processes while maintaining uninterrupted production and meeting strict food hygiene and compliance standards.
Assessment & Planning
APT ICC carried out a comprehensive site survey and process review in collaboration with Westmill Foods’ engineering, hygiene, and safety teams.
The assessment focused on evaluating existing cleaning methods, chemical usage, COSHH controls, equipment suitability, and operative understanding. Inefficiencies and compliance gaps were identified, alongside opportunities to streamline processes and reduce costs.
Based on this review, APT ICC developed a tailored factory cleaning improvement plan designed to be practical, compliant, and measurable, with minimal impact on live production.
Methodology
The factory cleaning improvement programme was delivered using a structured, phased approach:
1. Review and standardisation of factory and contract cleaning procedures.
2. Rationalisation of cleaning products to reduce duplication and cross-use.
3. Site trials to validate cleaning performance within food production areas.
4. Bactericidal testing carried out by the client’s hygienist to confirm effectiveness and compliance.
5. Training and guidance provided to operatives on correct methods, dosing, and safe use.
6. Issuance of a detailed procedural report outlining best-practice cleaning methods and controls.
This methodology delivered improved consistency, compliance, and efficiency across the site.
Site Access & Logistics
Equipment
• Standard factory cleaning and application equipment
Chemicals
• UltraClean MB – Food-safe, environmentally responsible cleaner
All products supplied by APT Commercial Chemicals
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The Results
• Improved hygiene and cleaning standards across the facility
• Reduced cleaning time and elimination of double handling
• Fewer chemicals on site and improved COSHH control
• Lower cleaning and consumable costs
• Reduced waste and environmental impact
• Improved staff confidence, training, and morale
• Safer, more controlled cleaning processes
The revised programme delivered immediate and measurable improvements in
compliance, efficiency, and cost control.
