Softbank Robotics EMEA has signed a strategic partnership with Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies (BCHS), part of Bunzl plc, a fast-growing international distribution and outsourcing group.
Under the agreement, BCHS will now offer Whiz, Europe’s first industrial cobotic vacuum sweeper, to their FM and cleaning clients.
By implementing Whiz into their cleaning operations, BCHS can help clients continue to significantly improve cleaning performance and drive efficiencies. Importantly, BCHS can demonstrate innovation and deliver the new approaches clients need in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
David Cousins, Managing Director of BCHS, said: “We see huge potential for Whiz to make a real difference to our clients by increasing cleaning performance and helping to meet heightened expectations around hygiene as a result of COVID-19. Whiz will enable our customers to meet and exceed service level agreements, through greater levels of consistency and improvements in operational efficiency and agility.”
Whiz is a simple to use and reliable self-driving cleaning solution, designed for vacuuming. It works alongside cleaning teams, taking over repetitive, heavy-duty vacuuming of large areas of flooring, and freeing up workers to focus on high value tasks which make a real difference to service delivery and client satisfaction. It can clean up to 500m² per hour and cover 1500m² on a single charge.
Softbank Robotics EMEA has signed a number of partnerships as demand for Whiz grows. The company says that Whiz is the world’s number one professional autonomous cleaning robot, based on sales, with more than 16,000 units now in operation globally.
Nils J.van der Zijl, VP Sales and Marketing at Softbank Robotics EMEA, said: “We always look to work with forward-thinking cleaning solutions providers that are committed to delivering innovation and business value to their clients – and to helping them navigate these extremely challenging times. BCHS, being the UK’s leading cleaning and hygiene supplier, are exactly that and we’re excited to be working with their talented and experienced teams.
“We’re seeing a real surge in demand for Whiz amongst FM providers and cleaning clients across the whole region as the pandemic continues to disrupt economies and businesses. Contractors and facility management teams are facing huge pressure to deliver improved cleaning performance and consistency, to ensure buildings are safe and hygienic, and to encourage people back to work, as and when lockdown restrictions are eased. Whiz has a big part to play in this, freeing up cleaning staff to focus on high-traffic, high-touch areas, and picking up the slack when team members are absent.”
