A CLEANING firm is mopping up after doubling its workforce in the last 12 months and completing a string of 12-week industrial cleaning contracts worth up to £70,000 each.
MJF Cleaning, based in Darlington, is currently undergoing a period of rapid expansion as demand soars for its specialist commercial, industrial and construction cleaning services.
Among the company’s developing stable of clients is Bowmer and Kirkland Construction, which awarded MJF the specialist high level structural steel cleaning package, at the Football Association’s new sports facility, St George’s Park, in the Midlands.
MJF has also recently completed a three-month cleaning package for BAE Systems at their new production facility in Washington, Tyne and Wear, as well as a lengthy stint at the five-star Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington.
Other prestigious clients include Shepherd Construction, Tolent Construction, Esh Group and Morgan Sindall.
The firm has upped its workforce in accordance with demand from 60 full and part-time staff to 120 after buying larger warehouse and office space in Darlington for £70,000 in the New Year.
Managing director Martin Ferguson says the company has come a long way since its humble beginnings six years ago.
“It was just a tiny window cleaning business when we launched in 2006 but it has snowballed ever since,” he said. “Our services now include commercial, window cleaning, industrial and construction but it is the large construction contracts that have really done well for us in the last 12 months.
“When a construction company finishes a new-build they have to allow for a major clean before handing it over to the client.
“These contracts can be anything from a few days up to 12 weeks.
“We’re working with Narec on a big wind turbine testing facility in Blyth and we’re also looking to draw up contracts with Teesside and Sunderland universities in September.
“At the moment, we’re looking to turn over approximately £1m this year but we want to double that the following year.
“If our turnover doubles then so too will our workforce and we will be recruiting another 80 to 100 staff.”
To support the influx of new staff, contracts and clients, the company has also recently introduced new business development director Barry Sleightholme, industrial contracts manager Malcolm Simmons and HR manager Sarah Whelan to its team, with hopes that they will help to drive the firm forward over the next few years.
Looking forward, the company is gearing up to expand its services across the UK – a strategy which will be supported by a new, improved website and social media presence.
Ferguson said: “We’ve invested heavily in the business’s infrastructure, including staffing and new premises and we expect to invest again over the next year.”
