SSE Rising to Challenge of Change
Manufacturing Ireland Magazine Feature –
Specialised Sterile Environments (SSE) is a client focused, quality oriented team of professionals delivering a gilt-edged contract cleaning service, making them industry leaders in all they do.
“We have recorded significant growth in the last two years, but no one is recession proof. We have listened to our customers and adjusted accordingly,” said Mary Connell, Managing Director.
SSE offers a high –quality service, cost effective contract cleaning / facilities management solutions provider unmatched in the industry. Located in Mervue Business Park, Galway and was set up in December 2003 by Mary Connell.
Mary spotted a gap in the market for specialised cleaning in the medical device sector and devised a business plan to fill it. SSE obtained its ISO 9001 approval in Jan 2004 and since then it has expanded, branched out and flourished. Today SSE employs over100 people.
Over the last number of years it has expand its reach beyond the Galway area, whereby nearly 50 per cent of current contracts are now in areas such as Dublin, Sligo, Waterford, Limerick, the Midwest, and Midlands.
SSE has evolved and adapted to the industries around them. Initially set up to service Medical Device companies, SSE now delivers solutions to Electronic Manufactures, Pharmaceutical Companies, the Gaming Industry, and Static Office solutions. Apart from cleanroom services SSE offers a full Facilities Management portfolio, from Pest Control, Washroom Consumables, Cleanroom Consumables, Sub-Contract Landscaping, Facility Cleaning and much more.
The SSE team under the guidance of Mary Connell developed a Cleanroom Technology Training Programme – ‘Contamination Control Practices within the Cleanroom’.
In October 2009 this training programme received accreditation from the International Cleanroom Educational Board (ICEB) and is the only certified programme of its type in Ireland and the UK.
Speaking about the programme, SSE Sales Manager Sean McGlynn said, “The programme provides a thorough understanding of the impact of contamination within the Cleanroom environment. Research shows humans bring 90% of all contaminants into a cleanroom. The programme instils a fundamental awareness in personnel of how their routine and behaviour affects cleanrooms.”
He continued, “The ISO 9001/ 2008 obtained by SSE means we have obtained the highest standards necessary for these industries. We strive to adhere to the most recent developments required by various organisations such as the Irish Medical Board (IMB) and Federal Drugs Authority (FDA).
Changing with the Challenge
The industries in which SSE focused its initial business, Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals, is one of the few sectors of industry untouched by the current downturn.
“We have recorded significant growth in the last two years, but no one is recession proof, said Mary. We have listened to our customers and adjusted accordingly. We have had to make significant reductions, but have never lost a contract to a competitor in that time.”
Investment Plans
“Last year we increased staff numbers by 25%. That came about by investment and further expansion.”
“This year (2012) we are targeting growth nationwide and intend creating further jobs in areas such as Sales Staff and Operators,” explained Sean.
 |
 |
 |