LVS ASCOT IS A NON-SELECTIVE, CO-EDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL WITH MORE THAN 800 PUPILS AGED 4-18.
Sodexo runs many of the school’s essential services including catering, cleaning and commercial lettings. Jim Gavin is Sodexo Group Manager at LVS and he explains why the school chose a MEIKO M-iQ dishwashing system.
“Our previous dishwashing machine had not performed to expectations. It was replaced after just over seven years’ service because we were forever having reliability problems.
“Spare parts were expensive and sometimes very slow to arrive. We waited a week once for a part, which meant using disposables for our catering. I have to say that the situation became so bad in terms of reliability and obtaining spares that we kept a stock of disposables, to be ready.” LVS Ascot held a tender exercise to evaluate “what was going to be the best offer,” continues Jim Gavin.
“We found the whole experience of dealing with MEIKO to be very good."
“Their Regional Sales Manager Martin Pinder was attentive from the outset and gave us excellent advice. He suggested, for example, that we should use a longer-length machine to assist with the drying of trays and crockery. As part of the tender process, we went to a number of Sodexo caterers to canvas their views on the dishwashing suppliers; MEIKO came out best."
“Sodexo’s team at Eton School in particular gave MEIKO an excellent reference, particularly in terms of the after sales support.”
Installation of the new dishwashing system was scheduled over the Easter two-week break. Works included the removal of the old dishwashing system and the laying of a new floor surface in the kitchen and the dishwash area, which necessitated the temporary removal of all cooking equipment as well.
“We needed assurance that the project would be finished by MEIKO on time,” says Jim Gavin. “Martin and the project management team from MEIKO showed great attention to detail and worked in tune with the other contractors on site. The project started on 26th March and finished on time on 6th April. I have found the experience of dealing with MEIKO to be customer focussed. MEIKO are very helpful and I have every confidence in the relationship going forward."
MEIKO’s dishwashing system was supplied complete with a five-year parts and labour warranty, including planned maintenance and urgent breakdown support. “That was the belt and braces to the exercise,” adds Jim Gavin, “We paid one price and will have no grief for five years.”
