At a glance

The Clean Space has secured a two-year contract to provide cleaning services at SMC Corporation (UK) Ltd's headquarters in Milton Keynes. The contract includes daily cleaning and enhanced compliance processes, following a competitive tender process. This partnership aims to improve service consistency and transparency across SMC's varied facilities.

Specialist commercial cleaning company, The Clean Space, has secured a two-year contract with SMC Corporation (UK) Ltd, the UK arm of SMC Corporation, a world leader in pneumatic automation technologies.

The contract, which starts in July, covers SMC’s 14-acre UK headquarters site in Milton Keynes, including warehousing, offices, meeting rooms, canteens, showrooms, electronic testing areas and research and development facilities.

The appointment follows a competitive tender process, with The Clean Space selected to deliver a more structured and transparent cleaning service across the complex site. SMC had worked with its previous cleaning contractor for more than 10 years.

Under the agreement, The Clean Space will provide daily cleaning and associated soft services. The contract will be supported by a team of 6 cleaning operatives and Supervisor.

Ahead of mobilisation, The Clean Space carried out a detailed site audit to assess the specific requirements of the working environment. This led to a full review of the existing cleaning regimes, designed to improve consistency, compliance and productivity across the estate.

The Clean Space is also introducing upgraded cleaning equipment, including a ride-on scrubber dryer to support warehouse cleaning, alongside the Dryft floor cleaning machine, winner of the Interclean Innovation Award 2026 in Amsterdam.

The contract will include improved management reporting, greater visibility of cleaning hours and enhanced compliance processes, including access to COSHH information and site manuals via QR codes.

Wes Smith, Sales and Marketing Director at The Clean Space, said: “SMC’s headquarters is a varied environment, spanning manufacturing, warehousing, office and customer-facing areas, so consistency and flexibility are both critical.

“Our focus is on delivering a well-managed service that supports the day-to-day operation of the site, while giving SMC greater visibility, stronger compliance and a more proactive approach to cleaning.”

The appointment further strengthens The Clean Space’s experience in commercial, industrial and technical environments, where hygiene, compliance and service visibility are critical.

Editorial insight

This contract win represents a notable client addition for The Clean Space, reflecting ongoing demand for structured facilities management in complex, multi-use environments. While the announcement is primarily of operational significance, it highlights the value placed by large manufacturers such as SMC Corporation (UK) Ltd on transparency, compliance, and tailored service delivery in their support contracts.

For facilities managers and procurement teams, the move towards more visible and accountable cleaning regimes is increasingly common, particularly in sectors where manufacturing, logistics, and R&D functions share a single site. The inclusion of enhanced reporting, compliance tools, and upgraded equipment suggests an emphasis on measurable service standards, which is becoming a standard expectation in competitive tenders for large-scale sites.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Industry trend

Competitive Tendering in the Cleaning Industry: A Case Study

The Clean Space's success in winning the SMC Corporation contract through a competitive tender process sheds light on the growing importance of transparency and structured service offerings in the cleaning industry. This case study could provide insights into the competitive landscape and the evolving expectations of corporate clients.

Target audience business and industry analysts Story potential 5/10 Jobs/employment

Impact of Contract Change on Local Employment in Milton Keynes

The contract awarded to The Clean Space for the SMC Corporation's UK headquarters in Milton Keynes could affect local employment dynamics, as the company takes over from a long-term contractor. This shift may impact the local labour market, with potential changes in job opportunities for cleaning staff in the area.

Target audience local journalists, employment and labour reporters Story potential 7/10