When it comes to professional cleaning, certain niche markets demand not only specific skills but also a deep understanding of the industry’s unique challenges and requirements. Dean Lancaster’s story of founding Advanced Cleaning Services (ACS) and becoming the CEO highlights the important role that deep industry knowledge plays.
Read more to discover how Dean’s journey shaped ACS into a leader in providing specialized cleaning services that cater specifically to the unique needs of the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
It all started with an AIB audit.
Over 30 years ago, Dean Lancaster, CEO of Advanced Cleaning Services, had studied food technology and had just transitioned from academia to starting his first job in the food manufacturing sector. His employer at the time, was a prominent player in the food industry, and had to undergo what is known as an AIB audit. Initially confident in their factory’s conditions, the company soon realized the complexities of the AIB audit’s cleaning requirements when it failed its first audit. This revelation came despite outsourcing their cleaning needs to a local provider who assured expertise and safety. A subsequent audit revealed a regression in standards, highlighting a critical need for specialized cleaning services in the food industry.This sparked Dean Lancaster’s interest in professional cleaning and the gap within this field.
A Family Legacy with a Twist
Determined to address this gap, Dean turned to his father, a veteran in the cleaning industry at the time. His father’s company wasn’t specialized in the food sector, but it provided a strong foundation in general cleaning practices. With his father already established in the cleaning industry, he saw an opportunity to join forces. However, embracing his father’s ethos of self-reliance, he decided to strike out on his own. Dean resigned from his job and purchased a struggling cleaning company. This company, which would later be rebranded as Advanced Cleaning Services, became his canvas to innovate and specialize.
Innovation through Necessity
“The early days were interesting,” notes Dean. “The company took on contracts wherever possible, including cleaning a local shopping center. I was working 18 hour shifts, I would work day shift at the shopping center, and then I would go work in the factory. I physically cleaned the factory myself with my team. Although it was really hard work, I got a full understanding of what this business was about. It was a baptism by fire, but it was the most amazing journey.” notes Dean. This hands-on experience was crucial, not just in building the business, but in understanding the intricate needs of food safety cleaning.
Dean, a qualified food technologist himself, was driven by the complex requirements of the food industry and began to explore technological solutions to further enhance cleaning efficiency and compliance. He was inspired by a security guard’s use of scanning technology for check-ins and wondered if a similar system could revolutionize cleaning services in food manufacturing plants. This curiosity led to the development of a barcode-based system where each cleaning area in a factory was tagged and monitored. This innovation, known today as “I-Clean” ensures rigorous standards and accountability, dramatically improving audit performances.
Focused Excellence
As the company grew, Dean made a strategic decision to focus solely on the food industry. This specialization allowed ACS to channel all its resources into mastering one of the most demanding environments for cleaning. This focus on specialization not only set ACS apart from competitors but also attracted top-tier food manufacturers who required impeccable standards for their operations.
The Legacy of a Vision
Starting from humble beginnings over 25 years ago, Advanced Cleaning Services has grown from a small team of 30 to a robust workforce of over 2,000 employees, serving not just South Africa but also expanding its operations into neighbouring countries, Eswatini and Mozambique. The barcode system that started as a simple idea has now become a cornerstone of ACS solution, ensuring pro active cleaning processes with cloud-based reports that can be accessed from any location. Contact us to learn more on how we can assist your food and beverage manufacturing plant.
