Facility Focus

Energy Usage in Automotive Plants with Mark Walter | Systems, Operations & Industrial Infrastructure

In this episode of the Facility Focus Podcast, I sit down with Mark Walter, Project Manager at Leidos Engineering, to break down how energy is used inside large automotive plants and what it takes to manage major infrastructure and efficiency projects in modern manufacturing facilities. We cover automotive paint shops, steam systems, HVAC infrastructure, energy audits, solar power, battery storage, operational waste, and the realities of executing projects inside facilities where uptime is critical. This is a must-listen for facility managers, building engineers, energy professionals, and contractors looking to better understand industrial operations, energy efficiency, and the future of facility infrastructure.   In this episode, we cover: 00:00 – Henry Ford & The Origins of Modern Manufacturing 00:57 – Intro to Automotive Plant Energy Projects 03:42 – Eliminating Steam Systems in Old Factories 05:24 – Where Automotive Plants Use the Most Energy 08:00 – Hidden Operational Energy Waste 09:15 – ROI on Energy Efficiency Projects 15:05 – What an Energy Audit Looks Like 18:33 – Commissioning & Running Buildings Efficiently 20:25 – Protecting Production During Facility Projects 24:23 – Contractors vs In-House Facility Teams 27:36 – Solar Power, Battery Storage & Rivian 30:21 – Electric Vehicles & The Future of the Grid 32:45 – How Facilities Collect & Use Operational Data 36:18 – Budgeting for Energy Projects 41:23 – Automotive Plant Culture & Vehicle Loyalty 43:24 – Favorite Energy Project Completed 46:55 – What Henry Ford Would Think Today   About the Guest: Mark Walter is a Project Manager at Leidos with a background in engineering, sustainability, and large-scale energy projects for the automotive industry. His work focuses on helping industrial facilities modernize infrastructure, improve efficiency, and execute complex projects without disrupting production.   Presented by: New Standard Cleaning New Standard Cleaning provides commercial cleaning services throughout Chicagoland and serves a variety of industries. They are committed to delivering consistent results and building strong partnerships across every account. www.newstandardcleaning.com [http://www.newstandardcleaning.com]   Connect with us: Facility Focus Podcast LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/facility-focus-podcast

Floor Coatings Explained with Kevin Richardson | VCT, LVT, Tile & Long-Term Maintenance

In this episode of the Facility Focus Podcast, I sit down with Kevin Richardson, Technical Director at NeverStrip Floor Coatings, to break down commercial floor types and how facilities can rethink long-term maintenance. We cover VCT, LVT, tile, concrete, and rubber flooring, along with the traditional strip-and-wax cycle and why many facilities are moving toward more sustainable, lower-maintenance solutions. This is a must-listen for facility managers, building engineers, and janitorial contractors looking to improve floor performance, reduce labor, and extend asset life. In this episode, we cover: · The most common commercial floor types (VCT, LVT, tile, concrete, rubber) · Why the traditional strip-and-wax model is breaking down · How modern floor coatings reduce labor and long-term costs · Daily and periodic maintenance best practices (flat mop vs string mop, auto scrubbers, pads) · How to calculate ROI on floor coating systems · Common mistakes in floor care programs · Tile and grout restoration and sealing systems · How coatings improve cleanability, durability, and appearance · Sustainability benefits including reduced water and chemical usage · PFAS concerns in traditional floor finishes About the Guest Kevin Richardson is the Technical Director at NeverStrip Floor Coatings. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in carpet cleaning, restoration, and floor care, Kevin now works with contractors and facilities to implement modern coating systems that improve durability, reduce maintenance, and simplify cleaning operations. Presented by: New Standard Cleaning New Standard Cleaning provides commercial janitorial services to the Chicagoland area, specializing in after-hours cleaning programs for facilities across a wide range of industries. Their mission is to safeguard health and elevate the image of every space through customized cleaning programs and consistent service. Learn more: www.newstandardcleaning.com [http://www.newstandardcleaning.com] Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/facility-focus-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/facility-focus-podcast]

Robotic Floor Cleaning Explained with Keith Garratt | AI, Automation & Facility Efficiency

In this episode of the Facility Focus Podcast, I sit down with Keith Garratt, Business Development Director at Pudu Robotics, to break down how robotic floor cleaning is changing the way facilities operate. We cover autonomous floor scrubbers, AI-powered cleaning and how robotics are being used to improve consistency, reduce labor challenges and increase efficiency across modern facilities. This is the kind of technology facility managers are aware of but many don't yet understand how to implement or add it to their program. If you’re responsible for building operations, janitorial programs, or managing cleaning teams, this episode will give you a practical understanding of how robotics could fit into your facility. In this episode, we cover: * How robotic floor cleaning machines actually work * The role of AI in autonomous cleaning * Where robotics make sense (and where they don’t) * Labor challenges and how automation helps solve them * Cost vs. ROI of robotic cleaning equipment * How to integrate robots into an existing janitorial program * The future of cleaning in large facilities About the Guest Keith Garratt is the Business Development Director at Pudu Robotics, a global leader in service robotics. Keith works with operations professionals to implement autonomous cleaning solutions that improve efficiency, consistency and operational performance. Presented by: New Standard Cleaning NSC provides commercial cleaning services to Chicagoland and serves a variety of industries. They are committed to delivering consistent service and building strong partnerships across every account.  Learn more: www.newstandardcleaning.com [http://www.newstandardcleaning.com] Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/facility-focus-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/facility-focus-podcast]

Water Treatment Explained with Steve Maring | Cooling Towers, Boilers & Wastewater

In this episode of the Facility Focus Podcast, I sit down with Steve Maring, a water treatment consultant with Kroff Chemical, to break down the complexities of water treatment across different types of facilities. We cover cooling towers, boilers, closed loop systems and wastewater. We discuss scale, corrosion, bacteria and system failures. The kind of stuff every facility manager deals with but rarely gets explained this clearly. If you’re responsible for building operations, maintenance, or working in the field, this episode will give you a practical understanding of how water impacts your facility every day. In this episode, we cover: * How cooling towers actually work * The biggest issues with boilers and water quality * Scale, corrosion, and bacteria explained simply * What happens when systems are neglected * Wastewater treatment and compliance challenges * How water treatment impacts cost and efficiency About the Guest: Steve Maring is a water treatment consultant with Kroff Chemical based in Western Michigan. Steve works with commercial and industrial facilities to solve water-related challenges across HVAC systems and wastewater. His experience ranges from sky scrapers to poultry facilities! Presented by: New Standard Cleaning NSC provides commercial cleaning services to Chicagoland and serves a variety industries. They are committed to delivering consistent and building strong partnerships across every account. Visit them at www.newstandardcleaning.com for more information. Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/facility-focus-podcast