USM Launches National Strategy While Continuing to Invest in Innovation and Future Growth

Wednesday, 15 July 2009

NORRISTOWN, PA—USM, formerly US Maintenance, a national leader in facilities maintenance and management services, announced today a corporate restructuring strategy that will integrate operations and systems, including a centralized service center for maximized account service and work order management. The future organization structure will include client-focused account management teams, responsible for development of integrated client relationships and accountable for ensuring all exterior and interior maintenance services are delivered to exceed expectations. In addition to the service center, the company will also establish centers of excellence in Self Perform and Field Quality Control. USM has developed a phased approach to this implementation and has a comprehensive plan that covers the next 12-18 months. Phase 1 of this plan includes the centralization of office-based functions and should be completed over the next 3-4 months.

This change follows several important acquisitions over the past few years -- the first of US Maintenance by industry titan, Transfield Services in July 2006. A global operations and asset management company headquartered in Australia, Transfield Services also acquired U.S. companies Whelan’s International and Horizon National Contract Services in December 2007. “The implementation of this plan will better enable USM to provide services across the facility management spectrum: from task and transactional based maintenance to knowledge and process based integrated solutions,” stated George Spink, Chief Executive Officer, USM.

In addition to the development of their centers of excellence, USM will make a significant investment in facilities maintenance subject matter experts, such as providing additional training for their field and area managers in addition to its current partnership with Planalytics Inc. a global source of Business Weather Intelligence® and The Aberdeen Group, a leading provider of fact-based research and market intelligence.

"At USM we have always been committed to investing in the future while squarely facing the challenges of today," said Spink. “These partnerships and new initiatives respond to a maturing facilities market that requires more from their facilities management providers while also giving us the ability to streamline processes across the entire company. We strongly feel these changes will also position USM for continued success in 2009 and beyond."

Plans announced by the company to improve its structure include:

The integration of USM’s operations and systems
The consolidation of Ventura, CA and Ronkonkoma, NY office-based functions to USM headquarters at their Norristown, PA facility
Enhancement of account management systems
Development of consistent work procedures in all areas of the organization

Primary client benefits will include:

Improved consistency in service delivery
Improved response times
Single point of accountability (account team leader)
Increased access to subject matter experts
Increased visibility on their facilities maintenance and management spending
Developing and implementing the most cost-effective and efficient facilities strategy for their organizations

“These initiatives will be implemented in a manner designed to ensure continued responsiveness to the needs of all clients and strong support to company employees,” adds Spink. “Additionally, this strategy will strongly position USM for future growth in an evolving market, allowing the company to stay ahead of the curve and enable its clients to achieve a true competitive advantage when it comes to overall customer experience.”

Media Enquiries

Deb Yorkman
Director, Marketing and Communications
Ph (610) 313-2839
comms@usmservices.com

USM specializes in providing non-core, mission critical facilities maintenance and management services to large organizations with geographically dispersed properties in various industries such as retail, restaurants, banking, telecommunications and others with multi-location business operations.

Regardless of the type of service - whether it’s electrical, HVAC, Repair and Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow & Ice Management, or Janitorial and Floor Care - USM takes a unique, total supply chain management approach to delivering the outcomes that their clients desire.