At our facility in Hemel Hempstead, maintaining a consistently high standard of cleanliness and operational hygiene is central to our brand. As the UK’s leading vitamin manufacturer, known for pioneering research and innovation in health supplements, our environment must reflect the exceptional quality we strive for in every product. One of our largest warehouse units—used for bulk storage and logistical processing—was recently showing signs that it required attention, specifically within its internal roof structures and high-level fittings. We recognised that we needed a comprehensive, professional solution to address the growing issue of dust, dirt, and general grime accumulating at height.
Before we brought in a professional team, our internal operations team had noticed a decline in overall air quality and a growing presence of airborne particles. While general cleaning procedures were in place, the sheer scale and height of the facility meant certain areas were virtually inaccessible during standard routines. Over time, dust had settled on steel supports, high-level ducting, cable trays and lighting units, becoming compacted and discoloured. These contaminants, though largely out of sight, were beginning to pose a silent threat to our storage conditions and production efficiency.
The problem stemmed from the nature of the building itself—a busy warehouse with frequent vehicle movement, external air flow through shutter doors, and ongoing packaging activities, all of which contributed to airborne particulates. Add to that the natural rise of warm air to the ceiling space, and it became a perfect catchment zone for dust build-up. In a facility where thousands of products are stored, sorted and dispatched daily, any contamination—even indirect—can have serious consequences for both product quality and audit readiness.
As the build-up increased, it started to impact the wider environment. Staff began reporting more frequent irritation and allergic responses during shifts. The HVAC system, which had to work harder to circulate clean air, was showing signs of stress, and visual inspections revealed layers of grime in key overhead areas. We knew that the longer we waited, the more difficult and expensive the remediation would become. There was a very real risk of non-compliance with our GMP obligations, as well as an elevated chance of falling short during external audits. A failure to act could also mean reduced lifespan of infrastructure, risk of contamination, or—even worse—a forced temporary halt in operations.
Failing to solve this problem in time would have carried high opportunity costs. Downtime during busy periods would have meant delayed fulfilments, damaged relationships with retailers and distributors, and potential financial penalties. The longer dust was allowed to build up, the more likely it was to spread and affect packaging lines, increasing the risk of product rejection or rework. In the health and wellness sector, consumer trust is everything—and allowing standards to slip would have threatened years of brand building.
Having worked previously with ACC Commercial Cleaning, we contacted their team to assess the situation and provide a tailored solution. They visited our Hemel Hempstead site promptly and carried out a full inspection, recommending a comprehensive programme of Internal High Level Cleaning of Warehouses, designed specifically to eliminate the dust and debris from all elevated surfaces without disrupting our operation.
Their promise was clear: they would safely and thoroughly clean all high-level areas using trained, IPAF-certified technicians and specialist access equipment, ensuring full compliance with health and safety legislation. The cleaning plan included all overhead beams, ducting, pipework, lighting, and cable trays, with minimal impact on our working hours. All work would be carried out under strict safety controls, and we would receive full photographic evidence of the process for our internal quality management systems.
The plan was executed with precision. Over the course of several days, ACC’s team deployed mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), high-powered vacuums, and specialist anti-static tools to carry out the Internal High Level Cleaning of Warehouses without disturbing stored stock or ongoing operations. Their professionalism and attention to detail were evident at every stage, with full risk assessments and method statements provided upfront. The team worked efficiently and respectfully, coordinating with our onsite health and safety team to maintain smooth access and safe conditions.
The results were immediate and impressive. We saw a substantial improvement in air clarity, a reduction in dust levels throughout the warehouse, and far greater visibility on lighting systems. Ventilation ducts began functioning more efficiently, and our HVAC system returned to normal performance levels. Just as importantly, staff noted a fresher working environment and improved overall morale.
From a compliance perspective, the benefits were equally significant. The cleaning effort supported our adherence to strict GMP standards and made us more confident for upcoming audits. It also helped to protect the long-term value of our infrastructure by removing grime that, if left untreated, could corrode surfaces or lead to future structural concerns. Thanks to ACC’s Internal High Level Cleaning of Warehouses, we now have a much clearer maintenance baseline and have incorporated high-level inspections into our ongoing operational reviews.
Here are the key benefits we’ve gained through this project:
- Improved air quality and a cleaner overall working environment
- Reduced strain on HVAC and ventilation systems
- Elimination of potential sources of contamination
- Strengthened GMP and audit readiness
- Protected long-term structural integrity of the warehouse
- Higher staff morale and better working conditions
Looking back, the decision to partner with ACC Commercial Cleaning was absolutely the right one. Their knowledge of industrial environments, their proactive safety-first approach, and their ability to tailor solutions to sensitive environments like ours made all the difference. We would strongly recommend their services to any manufacturer or distribution centre facing similar issues with dust, debris or grime at height.
In our view, Internal High Level Cleaning of Warehouses should never be seen as an optional extra—it’s a necessary safeguard for any business serious about operational integrity, product protection and compliance. At our Hemel Hempstead site, we’re proud to uphold the highest standards in everything we do, and ACC has played a vital role in helping us meet and maintain those standards.
