At a North Carolina EV battery plant, cleanliness isn’t just a standard—it’s a necessity. The advanced technology used in EV battery production requires pristine environments to ensure precision and avoid contamination. But achieving such standards proved to be a significant challenge for one of the plant’s subcontractors.
The subcontractor specializes in installing complex manufacturing equipment, from rigging and mounting machinery to connecting utilities like air, water, and gas. While their expertise lies in heavy industrial work, maintaining the ultra-clean conditions required in cleanrooms was a different story. Their contract with the plant included maintaining their work areas, but the contractor’s efforts fell short.
The plant managers grew frustrated with the subcontractor’s inability to maintain their designated areas. Dust, debris, and residues were reported, creating risks for sensitive equipment. “The plant managers were handing them their butts every day,” said MPW Project Manager Carson O’Connor. “They just didn’t have the experience or the technical know-how to handle cleanroom-level maintenance.”
The cleanroom environment at the EV battery plant demands meticulous attention to detail. While the subcontractor’s workers excelled at installing equipment, they weren’t prepared to manage the precision cleaning required for tools like laser alignment systems and other micro machinery. As the plant managers grew increasingly dissatisfied, the subcontractor needed a solution—fast.
MPW was already on-site, responsible for maintaining the overall cleanliness of the plant’s common areas and cleanrooms. Their expertise in creating contamination-free environments had earned them the plant managers’ trust. Project Manager DeAndre Handsome had established strong relationships with engineers and contractors. Noticing the stark difference between MPW’s results and their own, the subcontractor began conversations with Handsome.
“DeAndre saw the opportunity and told them, ‘Give it to me. I’ll do it for you,’” O’Connor said. With the plant managers’ approval, MPW took over the cleaning responsibilities for the subcontractor’s work areas.
Handsome worked with O’Connor to create a seamless transition. MPW submitted a $300,000 proposal to the subcontractor for three months of cleaning services, which included adding seven team members and supplying critical tools like booties, tacky mats, and gloves. “DeAndre didn’t just take over the cleaning—he transformed the process,” O’Connor said.
The results were immediate. MPW’s cleaning practices ensured the areas met the plant managers’ stringent standards. The plant’s engineers praised the team, with one calling MPW “one of the best contractors we’ve had.”
Handsome’s leadership played a pivotal role in the project’s success. Under his guidance, MPW’s team not only cleaned the areas but also trained new employees to understand the importance of cleanroom standards. “The hardest part is getting new people up to speed,” Handsome said. “Once everything is running smoothly, it gets easier.”
Despite long hours and tight deadlines, Handsome and his team deliver consistently excellent results, solidifying MPW’s reputation at the plant.
The partnership between MPW and the subcontractor highlights the importance of expertise and adaptability in today’s industrial landscape. Reflecting on Handsome’s contributions, O’Connor said, “He’s shown what’s possible when you take ownership of your work and embrace new challenges. He’s set a new standard, not just for MPW, but for what our clients can expect.”
As the plant expands its EV battery operations, MPW and Handsome are well-positioned to support the plant’s future cleanroom requirements. From solving a subcontractor’s challenges to becoming a trusted partner, Handsome and MPW’s journey at the plant underscores the power of expertise and innovation.