Sanitation Chemicals and Systems
Does anyone have a recommendation for a supplier of effective sanitation chemicals that provides good support from a food safety standpoint and is reasonably priced?
I can only speak to ECOLAB, AFCO, and Chemco. I've not dealt with any other suppliers.
ECOLAB = largest supplier. Pricing isn't cheap, but they have extensive resources and any kind of chemical you would need for any type of application. Customer service overall isn't that great since there is a lot of bureaucracy to deal with.
AFCO = medium supplier. Pricing is more competitive than ECOLAB and you seem to get better customer service because of the smaller size.
Chemco = medium to smaller supplier. Pricing is competitive, and customer service is great. They also have capability to install chemical handling equipment in your facility.
There's also Diversey, but I've got zero experience with them.
Diversey is right up there with Ecolab, but I'm personally not a big fan of either
We have acids and sodium hydroxide on site----when i joined the company I asked why they were stored side by side (toxic cloud could form if both mixed with very slim chance of instant death) oh, they said our Diversey rep never said anything.............I asked the rep, well ya, I guess you raise a good point! Seriously fella, it's your one job
The big guys are great at cutting deals based on volume-the little guy pays the difference though
I've had the best luck, price and support, when using much smaller companies. Generally speaking a quat is a quat and PAA is PAA, so assuming similar concentrations, the chemical itself won't be the deciding factor
Diversey is right up there with Ecolab, but I'm personally not a big fan of either
We have acids and sodium hydroxide on site----when i joined the company I asked why they were stored side by side (toxic cloud could form if both mixed with very slim chance of instant death) oh, they said our Diversey rep never said anything.............I asked the rep, well ya, I guess you raise a good point! Seriously fella, it's your one job
The big guys are great at cutting deals based on volume-the little guy pays the difference though
I've had the best luck, price and support, when using much smaller companies. Generally speaking a quat is a quat and PAA is PAA, so assuming similar concentrations, the chemical itself won't be the deciding factor
You mean sodium hypochlorite? Sodium hydroxide and acids (most types) will effectively neutralize one another, but produce a lot of heat in the process...maybe boil depending on the quantities mixed.
Yes I do mean hypochlorite, not enough coffee yet this morning
https://www.mcgill.c...city/art-mixing
I was astounded that Diversey never thought to mention it............it's now in our emergency plan and we've adjusted our chem cage. At my previous employer, we didn't even keep them in the same room, never mind the same cage
I have used Diversey, Ecolab and AFCO throughout my career.
I am currently using AFCO at my facility. Chemicals are chemicals. It's the customer service that you are paying for and AFCO has great customer service.
They can do it all.
Leo
like pest control, it is sometimes dependent on the technician assigned.
I have used ecolab. In the past they seemed to only wanted to spend time with the largest customers. i was buying a truck load a week and seemed like i had no priority at times. I know they are / trying to improve this. I know many smaller / mid companies using them now that are very happy.
RMC - I have used them and they did a decent job in support.
Hydrite - used then also ok. Very small plant so not much support was expected or given.
Afco/Zep - never used them. but i listened to a sales pitch and was pretty impressed.
shepard bros - used, didnt like.
I would say make sure your expectations are clear and included in writing / contract. Example -SSOP writing, frequency of visits, titrations, validations, equipment allowances, training, etc.
I have only used AlphaChemical and Zep
Zep was horrible, at least in my area. Alpha is smaller but field techs conduct training as needed and monthly titrations/equipment service. Service has always been on point for me.
I would recommend Hydrite Chemical. Great technical support and they have a training program for customers that is thorough and goes over chemistry, types of chemicals, etc. I've been using them for 7 years in 2 different states and the account managers have been always good.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a supplier of effective sanitation chemicals that provides good support from a food safety standpoint and is reasonably priced?
IMEX one can reject 75% of perpetual offers based on two initial requests - "Please supply yr Product Specification and Evidence for safe usage in a food manufacturing facility.
This is why IMEX many people stick with the "Big Boys".