Guenther Bakeries Choose Axis

Axis Cleaning and Support Services has been appointed by Guenther Bakeries UK Ltd to provide specialised food hygiene, cleaning and laundry services, to its main Manchester-based factory.

Jim McDade, Head of Technical Services for Guenther Bakeries UK, said that the company previously sourced its cleaning and hygiene provision in-house. He said: “We wanted to move forward at pace and ensure that we had the appropriate resource to utilise the most advanced infrastructures, methodology and technology. The Bakery sector is a fast-moving, niche industry, and I felt the company could benefit from the experience of an external provider, to help us stay ahead of customer expectations.”

In its SLA with Guenther, Axis Cleaning and Support Services provides food hygiene expertise and cleaning services, including the cleaning of all equipment, machinery, conveyors, walls, ceilings and surfaces, as well the management of the hygiene department and laundry services. Responsibilities also include full food safety and regulatory compliance and the provision of due diligence.

Jim added that Axis employees impressed him from the start with their grasp of what was required. He continued: “Originally there were three suppliers in the tender process, but only one stood out. Axis Cleaning and Support Services’ knowledge of the finer detail of our audit requirements – including the American Institute of Baking (AIB) food safety audits – was a particular advantage, as was the training, experience and day-to-day management expertise it could offer.”

Axis transferred all existing Guenther cleaning and hygiene staff across to the company under TUPE, following a process of consultation with the union and with the long-standing Guenther employees. “The attraction and key driver for out-sourcing was increased efficiency and flexibility around production shutdown and cleaning windows,” explained Jim. “The vision is that Axis will be able to better optimise current and additional personnel to fit around the business needs.”

Stuart Buswell, Managing Director of Axis Cleaning and Support services, added that his company’s experience in the highly specialised food services industry is delivering real competitive advantage. He said: “The industry is defined by the most exacting health and safety and hygiene regulations and we have the knowledge, experience and expertise to assist Guenther in furthering the efficiencies with which it ensures its compliance.”