School Lowers Labor Cost by 28% & Materials by 12% With New Floor Cleaner

Executive Summary

South Newton High School had the same problem many schools suffer from – outdated floor care technology. For over 30 years, South Newton High School scrubbed and re-coated their floors, leaving them yellow, dark, and dull. In 2014, South Newton High School tasked FlexPAC with creating a cost effective floor care system that would reduce labor and materials, while enhancing the look of their floors. FlexPAC’s solution provided South Newton High School with not only shiny clean floors but a solution that gave them a 21% cost savings.

Challenges

The discoloration of the floors was accompanied by the challenge that staffing had been reduced over time, so the solution FlexPAC had to come up with had a unique demand – not require additional labor. In conclusion, there were three main problems:

1. Limited resources

2. Removal of the 30+ year of finish

3. Finding the right floor care system that would allow more time for other needed summer cleaning

The final concern for the school was they were anxious about changing the process they have done for over 30 years.

FlexPAC’s Process

FlexPAC decided to do a time study of three different procedures for a side-by-side comparison of each solution. The three procedures involved different products that FlexPAC offers.

After deciding on a procedure, there was also the challenge of removing the 30 coats of floor finish that had accumulated. The fastest removal of the buildup was done with FlexPAC’s own emPAC “Strip Fast” along with Mal-Grit HD brushes and weighted industrial floor scrappers.

Results, Return on Investment, and Future Plans

After implementing our solution, South Newton High School decreased labor costs by 28% and material cost by 12%. Larry Whaley, Head of Custodial Operations with 40 years of experience, said, “I was concerned at first with the upfront cost of labor and materials, but after the system has been in place for six months, the benefits pile up.” He also said, “I’m so impressed with what little we have to do to maintain the clear reflective look.”  The school has even started using other emPAC products in their classrooms and cafeteria. The floor withstood a remodeling, in which the shine and durability passed a tough test, and it even made it through the winter months, where the floor was still clear and reflective afterward. Future cost savings are imminent due to all the labor and material costs FlexPAC was able to save them.